Wind Beneath My Wings

Servanthood

2012-01-05T10:06:00.006-05:00

Welcome 2012.....

Looking back, its been a year or more since I last blogged on here. I had mentioned to my three or four blogging follower/fans/friends on Facebook that I would start back to blogging this year. Or at least that I wanted to. I knew that if I didn't get in one post, that I would procrastinate, get lazy and then the blogging would fall further and further down on my "to do" list. So here I am...

Are you ready to tackle on 2012? I am.

I don't know about you but 2011 was extremely busy for me. Lets see, at the beginning of the year my daughter at tubes placed in her ears. We since then purchased a house, renting the other house and moved. Moving is never fun and always brings many stresses, but I can say now that its done and over with it. Whew! I was hospitalized twice, once for gallbladder removal and the other was from a flare up. A Chron's flare up. Yes, I was also diagnosed with Chron's disease this past summer of 2011. As if that wasn't enough, my son had a really bad experience at being bullied by kids 5 years older than him from his school hockey team. Hunter at the time 10 years old, a 5th grader was given special permission to play up on the middle school hockey team because he was the only 5th grader student that plays hockey at his private school. My son isn't one to backdown easily, and I instill in him to protect kids that are being bullied and to never bully anyone himself. He is popular among his peers, and the teachers and parents rave about how sweet, charming and caring he is. And he is all of that. I was angry, shocked and frankly pissed off when I learned that my son was the one being bullied for almost 2 months. He didn't say anything about it for so long. But I could tell things where on his mind just by comments he would make here and there. Finally, he had enough and he was starting to feel angry and scared. I finally spent a night laying in the dark of his room next to him in bed, listening to him for an hour tell me things he was embarrassed by, upset by and afraid of that he was experiencing alone by four high school kids on his hockey team. Lets just say that I didn't sleep at all that night. My heart was on fire and burning for my son. It was not minor teasing or getting picked on by older boys in the locker room. It was full on hazing, harassing, bulling and in my opinion criminal. Ill save the details for now.

I did however address the situation first thing in the morning. His father and I put together a letter of the details we knew to the headmaster of the school. The boys were questioned, nothing was denied, and a few days later a parent/staff was called to meet and the middle school hockey team was discontinued for the year. Not that all students were being punished, this was my first thought too. It basically came down to the the boys were probably being suspended or taken off the team and it left the team short of players to continue. I was thankful how serious the school took the situation, how they handled it and how quick it was resolved. Although, I was a bit shocked and disappointed to learn through Hunters father and my husband, whom attended the meeting because I was hospitalized my second time that same day. That the parents of the boys were not apologetic, nor did they have any remorse or empathy. They were simply upset that their sons wheren't getting to play hockey for the rest of the season vs their behavior towards a child that was 5 years younger than they. What's wrong with parents these days? Not to forget to mention, we also learned that there were other things that occurred to my son that my son hadn't mentioned to me. So upsetting! So my son lost his hockey team and had to start on a new team in the middle of the season outside of his school. That is a lot for anyone to take on, especially a 10 year old boy.

As if that wasn't enough, I also had surgery on both my feet recently. It was a long planned surgery of bunion removal on my feet that was supposed to have been done over the summer. It was pushed back when I became ill and landed in ICU at the hospital for 9 days. What a horrible experience (and scary) that situation was. I am thankful its behind me in 2011.

I told you I was ready for 2012.

I am ready to take on a new healthier year. A physically healthier year for my daughter and I. An emotionally, mentally and physically healthier year for my son. I am still very thankful for 2011 as there were way more blessings and things to be grateful than all the negatives I listed here. WIth that being said, this is what I have in mind for 2012.

No, its not a new year resolution or anything like that. I've decided that I don't "do" resolutions, only to fail them in the first few days or weeks. Instead, I make a resolution just about every day. Why everyday? Because I will make plans or strive for goals but I know I will ultimately slip and break them from time to time. When I do fail along the way, I don't feel that all those days, weeks or months passed have been a complete waste now. It makes it way too easy to quit this way. Making daily resolutions, I don't lose anything and I simply start over right then and there or the next day. Which ever the situation allows me. Example: Make a resolution to be more patient. You probably lose your patience in three days. You try again and you mess up again. Then again and again over the course of the year. Before you know it, you tell yourself you messed up too many times that you give up and quit trying all together. My example is this. Simply make a resolution today that you will be more patient and see how it goes. If goes well, great. Next day the same thing. And so on and so on.... but if you mess up here and there.... just mark it off that TODAY'S resolution was a squash and make a new one right then and there.

My start for today, yesterday and tomorrow is simply 'Servanthood'.

I want to serve people more. I want to find myself more like Jesus and serve others without feeling I need something in return. That's hard for us 'all about me' humans. We too often find ourselves upset and frustrated that we aren't receiving the kind of treatment, efforts, appreciation, energy or loyalty from those that we are giving all those things to. And then it becomes about us and not what we are doing for others and it robs us of the joy that could be in these moments. I have had a couple of friends on Facebook comment on their status updates experiencing moments of frustration. Feeling being taken advantage of, or let down or unappreciated of their works, their efforts given. If we try to look at ourselves as servants and not as "friends doing friends favors".....we will slowly start being content and happy just doing, without needing or wanting those "unspoken rules and wishes" we have of being treated the same way in return.

The GOLDEN RULE - "treat others how you WANT to be treat!" That doesn't say, treat people the way you want them to treat you and then expect them to treat you that way. You will almost ALWAYS be disappointed. People will fail you. They are humans. Its not personal. It's simply they are sinners as you and I and their hearts are also focused on themselves. Its natural and the human heart by nature. Treat others how you want to be treated is the golden rule, but simply treat others Christ like and simply do so for the GLORY OF GOD!!!

Be a servant to anyone that you come in contact with simply because you choose to and for the Glory of God. If you can practice doing this, and believe me it takes practice, prayer, God given strength and effort. Then you will see a little at a time that you are not feeling so let down as much. And on the days you do feel let down or frustrated, you will move passed it sooner and not hold on to and linger on the matter. Simply remind yourself you are a servant. Ask yourself what is is you are wanting in that moment that's making you feel disappointed or let down by someone. You will quickly see that it all comes down to the "ME SYNDROME" again. "I'm not getting..... I don't feel.....I just wish......". Stop and remind yourself who it is that you are doing everything that you are doing for... to GLORIFY GOD! And then count all your blessings from HIM and you soon feel humbled because you realize God has been MORE merciful, graceful and abundantly giving to you than you have toward that person that's letting you down. God doesn't have to be servant like to us, but his whole life has been about servanthood. And he lived the perfect life.

Read this little message I read today in my devotional. I thought it was perfect and very fitting for my first post of the new 2012 year.

Happy New Year!

Letters to God

2010-09-20T00:14:00.002-04:00

This weekend we rented the movie "Letters to God." Its based on a true story about a boy with cancer that writes letters to God, but some how they end up in the hands of those all around him, touching everyone in some way that come in contact with one of his letters. It became his legacy and now so many write their own letters to God.

I actually liked the idea too. Sometimes I feel like I am in constant random conversation with God. A little here and a little there. A pray here and a prayer there. Sometimes I feel so unworthy of even being allowed to talk with or pray to God, because I feel so unstable in my concentration. I feel like I can't stay focused for more than a few seconds before my mind starts wondering off onto to something else. Often times I fall asleep in my bedtime prayers, and often times I wake up in the middle of the night to check on kids, use the restroom and find myself half asleep but still talking with God, or simply just telling him that I love Him.

I have wanted to write on here so many times and then I don't. Its kind of weird how on random nights, even like this one tonight, I will all of the sudden feel the deep desire to write. Sometimes I think its God wanting to me write. After all who am I do believe that my blogs are all about me, all about my family? In fact, I am learning that a lot of the times, my blog post can often be all about YOU or YOU and even YOU, you quiet ones that never comment. I often sit back and wonder about those that read my blog. Why do they read my blog? Do I really inspire people? Do people really enjoy reading? I don't know, and in truth maybe I don't even need to know. Maybe I just need to allow God to speak through me, in my words on here and let this be about HIM. About HIS glory. His grace. His unending love.

Sure sometimes it will be about my kids. My emotions. My life. My ups or downs. After all it is my blog. That's just the fun extra stuff. Stuff that I get to look over and back on and just smile and be that more thankful for the ever so many blessings that have circle my life through the years.

Tonight, I want to write my first letter to God. I have no idea what will come out in my letter for this isn't planned. All I know is that I felt the desire to write to God tonight and I thought I would start writing my own letters to God here on my blog from time to time when I want, and will share them with all of you at the same time. So here it goes.

Dear God,

Tonight while laying in bed I was thinking of so many things. Then I suddenly was reminded that I wanted to write a letter to you. Part of me wonders why, but the other part is a way of me putting down in writing like a journal of my walk with you here on earth. Part of me thinks that it will be my way of really staying focused on what I want to say to you without falling asleep, getting distracted or not being 100% available to you when I am praying or talking with you. I am really bad about taking out those few minutes a day to have quiet time with you. I am sorry for that and hope to not always be like this.

As you know, I have been pretty disappointed in myself lately with how little I serve for you. I asked myself tonight how does one find the balance? How does a young family like us, with no family or help here in Florida make it all happen? Giving time to our kids at the end of each day, our work, our friends, our marriage, our church and schedules. How do we find time and balance to also give time to ourselves and in ministry some place. Are we were we are to be, or are we disappointing you by not serving?

Actually, I can't recall the last time I have had the chance to talk about You to a total stranger. I can't recall the last time I have had the chance to share my story(s) with someone else. I miss that. Hmmm... maybe another reason you blessed me with the love for writing and my blog? But still is that enough? Lord, I want to make you proud. Just like I am always in such a panic to find myself a career that I can be great at and love. I want to feel needed. I want to find my place in this world. I want to feel appreciated, and admired and like I have something to offer. Part of that struggle I have with just being content. Slowing down and enjoying exactly where I am now and today, a young mom, with young children and just focus on my family. Instead, I feel I need to promote myself, grab all the jobs and work I can get modeling/tv, because if I don't this world and that career will soon keep going and leave me behind. Part of me fears of what I will be once it does leave me behind. Will I feel like a failure? Will I all of the sudden feel unimportant or admired by others? I want to feel successful. So why am I struggling so hard to find what your plan for me is? I often say I am a "jack of all trades, but a master of none." I feel like you have blessed me to be so rounded and able to do so many things, and you have and I am. However, I can't seem to just stick to one, commit to one and really do something with it. I almost feel afraid to. Afraid to be a failure at it. Afraid it won't be the right one and I eventually won't feel fulfilled or passionate about it. So many things. I often just keep saying "pray about it, pray about it." So this is part of my prayer. I want to serve you. I want you to use the talents and gifts you have wired in my since before I was born and I want to find my place in your plan. I ask that you please slow me down. Allow me to be okay where I am today, and not in such a rush. Let me enjoy my kids while they are young, instead of being so selfish and wanting to find something about myself or for myself. Show me how to make changes so I don't feel so lonely all the time, or in need of attention. Show me how to find that balance in serving my family, and others for You.

Thank you for this weekend, it was nice and relaxing. Thank you for that little girl that's sleeping so soundly in her bed right now. I loved bringing her in bed with me last night to snuggle, even though I did kick her back out at 3 AM to her own bed, just so I could get some solid sleep. Lord, she is something else. The apple of my eye. She brings me so much joy I could cry thinking about it now. Grow me into the women SHE NEEDS IN HER LIFE. Let me not fail her as her mother. Let me enjoy her today in the moment. Guide me and wrap your arms around us both, so that our bond could never be broken or weakened, but could only grow stronger.

I missed not seeing my little boys hockey games this weekend. Another balance I find really hard sometimes. I have though realized it does seem to be getting easier as he gets older. I know he is in good hands when he is with his dad. I am glad how balance he seems to be despite his family is in two big pieces. He so smart. I see him growing up right before my very eyes. He loves to talk. So I need to ask you Lord to please slow my mind down again, so I can give him focus when he wants my attention too. I don't want to be physically here and mentally some place else, because then Ill miss the good stuff, even some of the important things. Let me show more interest in his "boy" things. Let me enjoy his questions and wonder. He is such a good boy, and is my first love. Sometimes when I go in and kiss him while he sleeps, I imagine that little boy that I miss so much laying there. I remember when it was just the two of us. And although I am oh so thankful for where this family is today, I miss those alone moments with him when it was the just the two of us. Please help me to find that balance there too. Make time for just us two. I miss that little boy and moments like when I allowed him to ride in the front seat just to drive in circles around the parking lot. He would look up at me with those blue eyes, big smile and hold my hand as the happiest little boy on the planet in that moment. Gosh, he is already talking about colleges and careers. Its pretty scary and yet exciting at the same time. Please subside my fears of the possibility that I may not be around for those moments in my children's life. I know its not healthy to worry about tomorrow, when today holds so much of its own right now. Please help me to just hold on to YOU for everything. No matter what Your plan is for any of us, you have us all in your hands.

Thank you for my husband. Sometimes I'm afraid to be thankful because we have been through so much. Afraid that the moment I give praise or thanks, something goes wrong. The devil attacks. We have been through a lot of hurt with each other. Most don't even know that we've been separated (again) for the last several months, except these last two months, until now. Lord, I am thankful that he is still here in my life. That my family is still together. I love that we continue to fight FOR this marriage, even when it is so so hard. Thank you for putting that spirit in him to not walk away, as you have me. I ask that you please continue to work in us, and our marriage. I ask that you continue to protect and guard this marriage, that will ultimately guard and protect this family. This unit. This team. I ask that you allow us to be different. Use us as an example to show the world that family and marriage, is still, in this world and in our today, A GREAT THING!!! I see so much sadness around me. So many hurting hearts and broken families. I beg you to please not give up on us, and use us to be the image of what you intended family to be.

Tomorrow brings a new day. I look forward to what I can do to make you smile. I know I will let you know down a lot. So I ask for you to please renew my heart and spirit each day, or in each moment. Let me look different to others, so they will wonder, and then maybe I can share with them my stories of how you have changed my life around (a few times), and continue to love me and design me for your purpose.

Last but not least, I want to pray for those reading this blog post slash letter. I pray that whatever they are going through that they bring it to you. I also pray for my mom and family. I know how painful the loss of my grandmother has been on my mom. I am so proud of my mom. Thank you for her. She is such a beautiful women with so much strength. Not only is she my mother, she is my friend, my sister and one of my many soul-mates that am honored to know and have in my life.

One last thing, I also want to pray for my kitty Shilo. Please help me to better know what I can or need to do for him. Please let me know if he is hurting too much. The thought of losing him is almost too much, so am going to need you to provide me the strength that he will need from me.

I pray for all the children in the world sick, hurting, lonely, homeless, parent-less, scared, hungry, cold, neglected, abused, unloved, unwanted and simply sad and confused, because they don't deserve any of it. If I can be of any help in this world for your children Lord, please please use me. You know that is where my heart is. I look forward to my meeting at Joe DiMaggio's children's hospital this week, and what possibilities may come from this meeting.

Goodnight and I love you.

Misty

Settle for a Slow Down

2010-09-10T00:25:00.002-04:00

Its official. School is back in session full swing. Although, I must say it has been a much easier transition than I had imagined. The whole getting up so early, making breakfast and lunches sounded (and still does) so painful. I think we have done a pretty smooth job around here as a family making it happen. We haven't been late to school once. We have not forgotten anything left at home. I haven't (yet) gotten lazy and said "oh just buy your lunch today." So that's a good start if you ask me.

We have though kept things really busy. Hunter has lost a tooth each week of school to this point (two weeks = two teeth). And only my child that hates to brush his teeth would come up with this as a positive for losing his teeth...

"Mom, the best part about losing a tooth is that I don't have to brush in that spot anymore." Go figure.

Tonight, I uploaded calendars into my iCal, in which then will automatically sync with my iPhone. Thanks to MobileME. Its multiple calendars. We have a calendar for school holidays. A calendar for weekend rotations with his dad. A calendar for his hockey practices, games and tournaments. A calendar for what is for breakfast, lunch and dinner. A calendar for what chores need to be done on which days... so on and so on.

Its good to be organized. In fact, I NEED IT and like it. I can't live life without having 'my list'. I have done list for the last 15 years or so of my life. It keeps me together and sane.

What I have noticed over the last several weeks, which means summer included, is this. I am going too fast. I am putting things on my 'to do list' and I am doing too much, too fast. I feel like I can't and will never get caught up, so I then try to cram more and more in each day. As to which the moment I clear off two things on my to-do-list, I add five more new things. You know how that goes.

I look and I ask myself, "why do I do this to myself?" It can't really be healthy. Am I doing it to stay busy so I don't go off the deep end of loneliness, being home all the time with my baby girl and feeling like I am stuck the 'ground hog day' movie every single day of my life?

I have found that although I am busy, I am then also less here. HERE, as in here with my love ones. HERE with my kids. HERE with my husband. HERE with myself. I feel like my mind is in a constant state of what else needs to get done.

I find myself struggling to stop and take a moment to myself. Its like I almost feel pressured or guilty if I allow myself a moment of down time or quiet alone time. I can't sit down or slow down, I have to get a,b and c done before this time. And if I get those done, then I can do x,y and z by this time. Then eventually once I get all my things on my list done, THEN I'll have time to myself and for my kids.

Before I know it, my kids are home and I am starting to feel aggravated and on edge. For what? I don't know, I just feel it. They are asking me for stuff. Distracting me. Whatever it is that kids do.

Well, if I truly think about it, its because I am not HERE. I am off OUT THERE in my "busy bee" thoughts, my to-do-list, my whatever it may be ..... and I am missing out on what's right here in front of me. Time with my children who want my attention. So that's why my youngest is acting out. I do things with her all the time. I feed her, bath her, dress her and take her to the park. But when is the last time I just sat right there on the floor and played with her? My son who can (and does) talk and talk and talk.... to the point that I sound him out and get back to my own thoughts. Again, I am missing out on these moments when he wants to talk to me. As one day he may not want to talk so much to me. I am not HERE with him. I am OUT THERE.

I find myself day dreaming. Feeling of constant discontentment. Anxious. Restless. Yet tired and overwhelmed. Lonely, yet busy.

I stop and ask God to please slow me down, and place contentment in my heart. Take away my selfishness and replace it with thankfulness. Take away my short temper and replace it with joy and patience. To be at peace with my life where it is today and HERE. I focus way too much on what I want to be doing or be in the future, when in truth (in fact to be frank) my future isn't guaranteed to me. I don't know how much time I have left in this flesh, or with my children. I am on borrowed time.

So I just want to write tonight to remind myself that I need to stop being in a rush. Stop being so busy. Stop being so grouchy. Stop being so displeased. Stop being so anxious. Stop being so frustrated. Stop being so impatient. Stop being .......

And SETTLE FOR A SLOW DOWN!

Tonight, I watched the memorial service of a beautiful five year old little girl. She was smart, witty and funny. She was athletic, loved to dance and do gymnastics. They found out she had brain cancer, and with in 10 weeks of her diagnostics, she died after a hard fight. She left behind a hurting mommy, daddy and big brother. I watched videos of her, and boy did she and her brother love each other. They thought everything was fine. There life was active and busy as everyone else's.

I cried and laughed watching her memorial service while listening to the stories of this little girls big personality. And tonight she reminded me instead of just talking about slowing down.... I still have TIME to act on that slow down.

So tomorrow when Morgan messes up the beds after I have made them up. I won't get mad, instead I'll be thankful she is here to mess them up. I still have time.

Instead of yelling at Morgan over and over again to stay out of my shoes in the closet. I will smile and be thankful she is here to walk in them.

Instead of thinking of all my "to do's" on my list. I will simply ask Morgan "WHAT SHE WANTS TO DO!" And actually DO IT!

When my son gets home from school instead of half listening to his chatting self, while half thinking of what I want to get to next, or silently wishing he would just not talk for while. I am going to be thankful he can speak and I'll actually listen to him with my full attention. I want to memorize the sound of his voice. I want to trace his entire face with my eyes and know all the details of him and be thankful he is mine.

Basically what I am saying is this.... I WANT, NEED and AM READY -- TO

SETTLE FOR A SLOW DOWN.

Private Blog

2010-08-20T23:09:00.001-04:00

I don't know how you guys do it, but it almost always gets me motivated to get on here and write a post. Trust me, I am always thinking of post to write. However, a thought is pretty much as far as it will get these days. That for your benefit could be a good thing.

I have been getting more and more emails lately asking why I went private, or if I still plan to blog and can I send you an invite. I thought I would fill you guys in with some answers.

1. Private - I recently decided for a couple of reasons to go privately. However, the biggest reason of this choice has been more of a professional reason. I am considered a public figure. I work in the public. I am on TV and that is where I would like to grow in my professional career, TV/HOSTING.

After giving it much thought, I took the position that for now, while I am still a C-level actress trying to not only get my foot in the door, but keep it there, I decided it wasn't best 'professionally' to expose myself or my family, or share so much of my personal thoughts openly I was.

The argument I had with this for so long is that, I love to blog. It gives me the chance to witness, talks about my God and make friends. I love reading other blogs, praying for others and feeling connected in that way.

I want to be able to be a public figure and speak proudly and openly about my faith. However, its a little hard to so when you are trying to "get it." I will not allow my career or my status or the "industries" opinion on people with faith shut me up, but I will try to walk this fine line of when it will be a little safer to open back up more freely again.

In the meantime, going private has allowed me to take some time off, without the pressure that I need to keep up and most as often. Its allowed me to enjoy my summer with my family, focus on my marriage and learn how to get a little more of a healthier balance in my life.

2. With that being said, YES, I do plan blogging again and continuing to blog. In fact, I want to point my career in a little different direction. I am having new head shots done this year. I am having my website totally revamped and redone. I am really exited. Its going to look up to date and fresh. With that, I plan on adding a public blog section on that. That blog will be more about the work industry of what I do. Sort of let my fans and friends get the inside scoop of what I am doing as I am doing it. Sort of like the ti-bit's I post on Facebook, but this way I can go into more detail and really bring you guys along.

3. How do you get an invite and how can those not able to read my blog now, know they can get invited? Its just going to be exactly how most of you have gotten the invite. By emailing me and requesting an invite. I don't need a huge following on here. This blog is going to be real, raw, honest, inspirational, funny, my diary, my kids journals and simply MY SPACE! One day it may be a letter to my kids, or a story that I wanted to keep.

So, if you have requested your invite, you are probably reading this post now. THANK YOU and WELCOME. I am honored to know that some how you have felt linked or connected or inspired or interested in things I have to share or say.

Oh, and feel free to spread the word. I'll be a little guarded as to whom I invite. I am not going to approve anyone and everyone that sends me their email address asking for an invite. I want to keep this blog a little more intimate and feeling like a "small group" at a large function. As mega churches like to say, "as we grow, we still want to feel small." If you want to come in, then step out and say hello. Introduce yourself and let me get to know a little about you too. I have had more people in the last couple of months that have come out to say hello that have never commented on my blog in the two years I have had it. That's crazy. I have very much appreciated those of you that have taken the courage to step out and say hi to me.

Ill keep you posted on the new website and blog there so you can join in and show some support and love there.

Now, enough about that.

Lets talk about life.

Summer. WOW, is all I can say. Summer seriously flew by this year. Yet, it felt just enough to allow me to be refreshed and ready to get going on the school year.

I can't believe my little man is going to the forth grade, and my baby girl is two-years old. Does time continue to go by faster and faster, or will it slow back down? I am trying to figure out if its just us now, or if this is something to be expected. Anyone want to share?

The hubby and I have been house hunting over the last couple of months. Totally stressful. You know, its starts out fun and all, then as you start realizing you can't afford all the homes that slip into your sight that you fall in love with, you start feeling stressed and pressured to move out of your budget a little more, extend a little more and we realize that is probably why there are so many people in debt. Its SO hard to not get emotional about a home you love, or tell yourself you could move in it as is, which will be the same amount of work you would put into a home that isn't all done up that you would want to do work in eventually. Take a deep breath, that was a long-winded and long run-on sentence. You know what I mean? Lets not forget to mention that people that are on the selling end are in denial, still thinking they can price their home way above the market price. Sadly, but true, there are some people out there that will buy into that trap and buy the homes, which in return ruins it for the other buyers, because then these sellers and realtors take that and run with it, trying to convince the buyers the market is going back up and try to pressure you into a price that is not in an honest ballpark for that home. We are just going to pray about it and know that we are fortunate enough to even have this opportunity to be looking to purchase a new home. We are blessed to both still be working. It will work out the way its meant to work out. In the meantime, I am going to just stay focused on whats here in front of me today, like my healthy kids, my marriage building up (again) and my career having the opportunity to grow.

Hockey season is starting back up. Tomorrow we have the first scrimmage of the season. This year my little big man will experience his first season of check-hockey. Hunter is very excited about that. We are off to Disney on Sunday (just Hunter and I) along with his grandmother. Its sort of like a makeup trip from our Disney trip last spring break that was totally ruined by rain storms. Its going to be hot, but its our last little get away before the hectic schedules of hockey and school really kick in. I look forward to spending some alone time with my 4th GRADER!!!!

Well... I could keep going and going, as I have much to catch you all up on, but instead I need to get in bed, for I have an early wake up time for hockey.

I hope you and yours enjoyed your summer and things are going well in your life. Thanks for checking in on mine.

Goodnight.

When I get where I am going.

2010-07-29T10:50:00.000-04:00

When I get where I'm going

On the far side of the sky

The first thing that I'm gonna do

Is spread my wings and fly

I'm gonna land beside a lion

And run my fingers through his mane

Or I might find out what it's like

To ride a drop of rain

Yeah when I get where I'm going

There'll be only happy tears

I will shed the sins and struggles

I have carried all these years

And I'll leave my heart wide open

I will love and have no fear

Yeah when I get where I'm going

Don't cry for me down here

I'm gonna walk with my grand daddy

And he'll match me step for step

And I'll tell him how I missed him

Every minute since he left

Then I'll hug his neck

So much pain and so much darkness

In this world we stumble through

All these questions I can't answer

So much work to do

But when I get where I'm going

And I see my maker's face

I'll stand forever in the light

Of his amazing grace

Yeah when I get where I'm going

There'll be only happy tears

Hallelujah

I will love and have no fear

When I get where I'm going

Yeah when I get where I'm going

By: Brad Paisley

Just feeling these words today. I am well.

I'm not sure.

2010-06-13T23:10:00.001-04:00

I know its been a long while since I last said hello or wrote on here. To be honest, I have been so busy. Summers are really busy for me, as I do most of my travels then, kids are home and life gets in a different groove than that of the school year.

I have received several emails from readers and friends checking in on me, praying for me and asking if I would be back anytime soon to blog again. The answer to that is ...

I'm not sure!

I don't feel fully ready to say good-bye to blogging, but part of me feels that I also don't feel the 'urge' or the desire to blog as much. Don't get me wrong, I love to blog. I do. I do. I just feel that I need a little break. So maybe this is all this is, a break. Maybe more.

I'm not sure.

Tonight, I had no plans of writing on here. However, I sat down and browsed a couple of other blogs to get the latest on others and here I am. I figured the least I could do is write and tell you that I am well. I know some of my last post prior to having taking a hiatus this long, brought some concerns and questions. I apologize for that.

I have been going through some trials and storms over the last several months, and still going through them. I am keeping my head up about things and just relying on God. What else can I do, right? I won't load down on you tonight with my laundry list of personal problems. I just thank you for your support, friendship and prayers.

Speaking of travels, I recently traveled to Bahamas a week and half ago. I filmed an episode of my old travel show I used to host 'Get Out.' I went to the beautiful Paradise Island to swim with stingrays, sharks and visit little islands surrounded with amazing blue waters. It was a blast. My show should air in about 3-4 weeks on HD Net, so if you watch or follow the show check it out. I am sad to say that 'Get Out' (well HD Net I should say) has turned a little 'unrated' it seems with Get Out, and so I won't be doing many of the shows in the future probably. Lindsay also has left as the host of the show. As unfortunate as that is (the show going in that direction) it was and has been an amazing experience all around. As long as I am not asked to do anything unrated, I won't mind guest appearing time to time to have some fun and adventure.

Speaking of shows, I have recently auditioned to co-shot a new show, totally different from Get Out/ travel stuff. I was called back for a second audition and I feel like I nailed it. However, as anyone knows how this business goes, you never know. I really think it would be an amazing gig to land and it would be something totally fitting for me. If you would maybe add me on your prayer list that maybe this is in the plan (His plan) for me to land this new hosting position. Thanks.

I was just in NYC this past weekend. A little play and a little work. I have yet to have a bad experience in NYC. I love that city. I enjoyed visiting my dear friend Blair, and walking her dog Bella A LOT! LOL. We took it easy and just enjoyed walks, dining out, a movie, girl talk and the parks. I wish I could have stayed longer, but as I mentioned before I travel in the summer and so I am leaving in two days to Jackson Hole for a Baniewicz Family vacation. Although, its summer and I am ready for the warm weather, we are headed to some pretty chilly to cold weather this week, and possible rain. I don't mind it too much as the activity list planned for this trip looks amazing. Check it out...

White water rafting down Snake River
A Dusk Safari
Eight mile bike ride
Horse Bike Riding
A ski lift to top of mountains to get a birds eye view of Gods beautiful creation
A sky gazing evening
A chuck-wagon ride into the forest for a dinner and entertainment by cowboys
Massages
Pool, tennis, ready, board games, art time and fishing on the down time.

Thats just a few of the things on our action packed list. I look forward to seeing the kids enjoy and explore it all the most.

I'll be around for the first two weeks of July, then I'll be heading to Arizona to shoot with Kawasaki Jet Ski client again. I look forward to that as I get to visit my brother and his family while there. Ill take Morgan with me and my parents will drive up from Texas too, so I'll get to see them as well. In between all of this, Ill be in Boston for a weekend and then Cape Code for a weekend. Spend some time with my girl Lindsay and my boo while he is visiting his dad.

So there you go. :)

I do still have one more book to giveaway of Plan B. I hope to do that when I get back during that two week no travel period. If the hosting gig is in my future, Ill start working and filming for that show just in the nick of time after all my travels. I promise to keep you posted on the outcome. I actually hope to have a new blog to add along with a new hosting job. Please pray.

And I know its a bad no-no to post with out adding pictures, but I have been posting so much on Facebook that all my photos are there. I encourage you to find me there so you can always have the latest scoop. Just click on the Facebook link to the left of my blog and it will take you directly to my page. I am in the works of an online campaign too, that will be mostly done on Facebook and Twitter, so if you have one please find me and follow me.

Okay-okay... so I really couldn't walk away without at least leaving you with one photo.

Morgan had her two-year check up a couple of weeks ago. The doctor heard her murmur again. The murmur that was gone once the heart defect healed up and closed up a year ago. As we were told, the possibility of it returning has become our reality. She does have a heart murmur. It is innocent. The pediatric heart doctor said that "she has two strings in a diagonal in the corner of one of the walls her heart. Basically like guitar strings. And said she has a musical heart."

I laughed and said "well she does love to sing and dance thats for sure." He looked over at Morgan whom was happily sucking on her reward lollipop and asked "do you like to sing?" Morgan with a proud and loud response said "YEAH!!!!!" And without a beat began to sing "Jesus Loves Me" to him. We both laughed, she loved the attention and off we went to finish out our day.

No mother likes to hear that the heart of your very child has something different going on than "normal." And although the murmur is innocent and "normal" so to speak, I do feel at total peace about it. I said to God on the drive to her heart specialist appointment, "Lord, I have given my trust and my daughter over to you, as she is yours to begin with. If their is anything going on with her heart, You already know about it. I am given the gift of protecting it, guiding it and loving it. So I'll leave the rest of the plans of her heart in Your hands." And that I will.

So, when will I be back to blog again?

I'm not sure.

Plan B (WINNER!) and stuff....

2010-04-16T23:36:00.003-04:00

Congratulations to.......

I hope you enjoy it.

Not to worry. I have ONE MORE BOOK to giveaway. I am just thinking how I want to do this next giveaway. Something creative and different than this last one. Stay tuned.

I was outside and captured this little guy soaking up some sun the other day. I thought it looked cool enough to post here, just because I can!

Also, if you haven't been paying attention to my tweets or following me on Facebook (click button to left of blog post, since the new link setup they have here on blogger STINKS!), you missed out that I participated in a Model Beach Volleyball Tournament last weekend.

As captain of the Green Agency, I would like to brag on my team a little. We went in strong, ended the first day in the top seed bracket. On Sunday, we lost a couple of guys and ended up with more losses than wins, eliminating us from the final rounds. Although pretty bummed we lost the following.....

Bragging rights for our modeling agency
A trophy to have our agency name graved on it to pass it on next year
A FREE trip for the entire team to a Nikki Beach resort somewhere tropical (besides Florida)

We did have an amazing time. I made some new friends, got a really painful sunburn and took some pretty cool pictures. You can click HERE (again since the link setup isn't working here on blog, copy and paste link below in new browser to check out the photos!!!!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=171949&id=540996999&l=8e3909e5fd

I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend!!!!

Congrats again to Heather Matherne!!!

(Just message me on Facebook your mailing address and I will get that book on its way to you!!!

8:16 AM....

2010-04-14T08:16:00.001-04:00

..... on April 14, 2008.

The moment you enter into this world and into my life forever and always.

The day I saw my little girls face, heard her cry and touched her skin.
The very day that made my life that much better and richer.
The day I would start a journey of learning more about myself as a girl, through loving my daughter.
The day I realized I still had room in my heart to love that much more.
The day I became a mom of a little boy and a little girl.

Dear Morgan,

Today, you turn two sweet butterfly. I can hardly believe it myself. As you lay sleeping so sweetly in your crib. I sneak in to grab one last look at you before writing this post. You are curled up on your side, with your hands on each side of your face. You are truly precious and so peaceful when you sleep. Sometimes I go in and just softly stroke your hair, just because I want to touch you one last time before I fall asleep. Sometimes after I pray with you, I will go back in and pray over you while you sleep. You have brought so much joy in this family. You are so full of life, personality and laughter. You are outgoing, so friendly and you make friends wherever you go.

You love, love, love to talk. Its insane how much you can go on and on and on, talking in your own language. Funny thing is, I understand a lot of it. I have you on video camera talking on the phone and I can't wait to show you when you are older. You are so big. Your hair has grown like crazy over the last year. Its beautiful too. The perfect shade of sandy beach blond, so soft and the cutest curls at the end. I love when the wind blows it in your face and you take both hands at the same time, cover your entire face up with your hands and push the hair back out of your face.

You love playing, singing and DANCING most. You love your brother and really love to make him laugh. You vocabulary is amazing. It amazes me how much you can understand at only two years old. I still can't believe I just said "two-years-old!" Where has the time gone?

My sweet little girl. You are simply beautiful. I know we are celebrating your special 2nd birthday, but inside I am celebrating all over again the gift that God placed in my life, when he breathed life into. I will say this any chance I get "I am so honored to have been chosen to be your mother." WOW! What an honor that is. God has chosen you, and HE has a plan for your life....and yet HE chose ME, with all my baggage, my flaws and my imperfections as a human being, to me YOUR mother.

Sometimes I can imagine you grown up already, and looking into those blue eyes and just talking about life and memories. You are a special little girl.

You are obsessed with shoes. And I am not kidding. You wake up and the first thing you want is to pick out a pair of shoes to put on. You have a pile of "play" shoes, in which you rotate through them all day long, if it be rain boots, cowgirl boots, high heels, flip flops, moms 'big shoes' or sneakers. You love being girly. You love wearing dresses, letting my blow dry your hair and paint your 'pretties' finger nails.

I remember the first time you said "I wuv you"... you were getting reading to go some where with daddy. I was putting you in the car seat and out of nowhere, all on your own, you say "I wuv you." It took both your dad and I by such surprise. It totally melted my heart. I still get butterflies in my tummy thinking about that very moment. You wake up and you say "good morning" with a smile.

You are also really figuring out how to do the full body tantrums. You are surely a strong child and with a feisty personality. Right now it can be a challenge because there is no negotiating when you go into a full blown tantrum, but I know if we direct it in the right direction all that strength you show, we will make a strong women out of you.

You love watching Dora, Elmo, Scooby-Doo and Wizard of Oz. You say "Oz" when you want to watch Wizard of Oz, and you say "Da Da Da Dora" when you want to watch Dora. And 'da da da Dora" is the theme song that you sing off. You love books. You love to be outside. You love to look at and touch every tree you see. YOu give them hugs and look to see if you can find a bug on each tree. It takes a long time to make it around the block on our walks for that very reason. You love chasing the ducks out of the back yard. You love to play with balls.

Baby girl... there is so much I want to write down and not forget about you at this sweet age of two years old. You are my best girl, my love bug, my princess, my rainbow, my garden, my sweet butterfly.

Happy Birthday My Love.

Plan B (Nashville Part III)

2010-04-08T10:45:00.004-04:00

Sometimes life takes us for a surprising turn. Something you never saw coming. Something completely out of your control and comfort zone. Something scary, heartbreaking and even sad. You don't know where to turn. You can't seem to gather your thoughts. You ask God "why me? What did I do to deserve this?"

You may even express what a good person you are, and all the good deeds you do for others. How you love people with all you have. You give, you pray and you love unselfishly. Yet, still things turn dark and your world is broken. Dreams are shattered. Fears begin to sneak in and attack your every thought. You feel panic approaching behind you at any second. You freeze. You almost forget to breath.

People will say they'll pray for you, but that doesn't give you any answers, or any direction to start heading in while you are still stunned by all the pieces of your life you see scattered on the floor around you.

This wasn't your plan.

So who's plan is it?

The enemy?

God?

What happens when God doesn't show up the way "you" thought HE would?

As I have mentioned on my blog a few times, Pete Wilson, has written a book just about that titled PLAN B. He is a pastor in Nashville and his first book "Plan B" is here.

Pete Wilson

Author of Plan B

I have been in touch with him over the last several weeks and its been confirmed that I have the privilege to have a giveaway here of TWO of his books.

Wait... there is more. Although, not yet confirmed, I am pretty certain I can talk Pete into shipping out two 'signed' copies of this book.

I'll reconfirm that once I get actual confirmation. Not sure if Pete will actually have the books in hand himself and ship them to the winners, or if it will be done through publishers. I am working on that.

Either way... you have a chance to WIN a FREE copy of his book "PLAN B."

Since this is a gift from someone else that I get to giveaway, there is going to be some effort needed (a little) on your end.

We are wanting to help promote this book. Someone out there is in need of this book in their life. Maybe you, someone you know or someone you are totally unaware of but is either a friend of yours, follows you on Twitter, Facebook or your Blog. While you try to win your own free copy of this book, lets get the word out there for others who may also really need to read this book.

I also am getting a copy and can't wait to read it. So here is what I am asking of you to spread the word and increase your chance of winning your own FREE BOOK.

Leave a comment here at the end of this post letting me know you want to win
Friend me on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Tweet about this giveaway and book
Post about it on your own Facebook profile
Blog about it
Post about my blog and this giveaway on your own blog (5 extra points)
Mention my blog on any of the three locations (Facebook, Twitter, Your Blog)

{Copy and paste this link in your Twitter, Facebook and Blog post} (http://www.mistyrice.me/)

When you leave your comment let me know what out of the list above you have done. For each item you can check off above, you get a point. That means for each point you get, that is the number of times your name will go into the drawing for the giveaway.

The first giveaway will end next Thursday (April 15th) at midnight. I'll announce the winner sometime by the weekend. That gives you a full week to get the word out about this book and blog about it. If you tweet multiple times, or mention it in your status MY BLOG (www.mistyrice.me) and the GIVEAWAY during this week, leave me another comment so I can check it out and add that to your count.

{Copy and paste this link in your Twitter, Facebook and Blog post} (http://www.mistyrice.me/)

Sound like fun? I think so. I am super excited about this giveaway.

So go out and spread the word.

Also, although I couldn't resize this video to fit my blog post, I wanted to share it anyways for those that have not had the chance to see it.

Here is the video promo of the book "PLAN B" that I filmed on my visit to Nashville.

There you have it (Part I, Part II and Part III) of my trip to Nashville. A pretty exciting trip all done in a 24 hour period. Crazy right?

God is so amazing that way.

Have a blessed day.

**For those that don't want to wait or participate in the drawing and rather just purchase your own book, I have given you the link right here to do so.

Plan B (Nashville Part II)

2010-04-01T14:13:00.008-04:00

Yes, I know this is really, really, really..... REALLY OVERDUE.

However, my life shortly after that made that trip to Nashville, took an unexpected turn of it's own, and I am currently dealing with my real life "Plan B."

Remember this post? I traveled to Nashville to film a video promo for Pete Wilson's book 'Plan B'?

You will have to check out THAT post for photos and video from the filming shoot if you missed it.

Do you remember me also saying that I had negotiated Pete a little 'trade out' for my travels to Nashville?

Do you also remember me saying that I would write another post with those details?

Well, lucky you... this is that post today. *smiling* Its seems like months ago, but this was only February.

By the way, are all of you ready for Easter this weekend? I am finding it harder and harder to prep for anything ahead of time like I used to do so well. I am becoming more and more of procrastinator and I don't like to say that out loud. I don't considered myself to be one to procrastinate at all. I am a go getter and doer. Until these last couple of years now having two children, schedules and travels to keep up with, I now seem to plan for holidays, birthdays and special occasions at the last minute.

My point is...... I am going shopping this evening after Morgans nap for the "Easter Bunny."

Nashville Part II.

Once upon time......

Just kidding!

Two-years ago this month, I was a pretty BIG pregnant ~~girl~~ women, ready to burst. My dear BFF told me of another pregnant women and of her blog. We (the blogger and myself) had the same exact due dates of April 14th. Both of us were also carrying daughters. I thought how fun and exciting, and I couldn't wait to get online to check out her blog.

Unfortunately, my BFF being the best of friends she is, would not allow me to view this bloggers website until AFTER I had given birth to my own daughter. That of course, for me, is NOT cool. I went into asking question after question, for I wanted the details and to know WHY? I don't like being in suspense at all.

She would not share no matter how many times I bugged her about it.

On April 14, 2008 at 8:16 AM I gave birth to my healthy beautiful daughter ~~MacKenzie~~ Morgan Paige. It was a beautiful spring day in Florida. I remember it well.

About a week or so after going home with my new bundle of joy, my BFF finally gave me the link to that blog.

I remember getting the kids down for bed, husband in bed and I was sitting up on the couch alone with my laptop reading her blog. Tears begin to fall, my heart ached and broke for what I was reading.

Her story touched me so deeply, and I instantly grew a bond with her forever.

A lot of us being in the same blogging circle know her well and her daughter's story.

Her beautiful daughter Audrey Caroline, was diagnosed with a heart defect and wasn't expected to make it to birth. A week before her due date, her mother was scheduled for a c-section to deliver her little girl. On April 7th, Audrey Caroline was born, and she lived for 2 1/2 hours. Her mother was able to hold her, hear her little heart beat, kiss her, feel her breath and see her eyes. After 2 1/2 hours in her mothers arms, and her sisters sitting on the bed around her and their mother, she quietly slipped away and into the opened arms of Jesus, her Heavenly Father.

I cry as I type this, thinking about her story. I remember how I felt the first time I read her story and two years later I still feel that way.

April of 2008... two mothers due on April 14th. Two mothers gave birth to their daughters. Only one mother went home with her arms full, and the other went home broken hearted and with empty arms.

Something about that seems so unfair. Even though I am the mom with the full arms.... it still feels unfair.

April 2008, one angel God chose to stay for His purpose, and one chosen to return early for HIS purpose. Little Audrey Caroline has touched so many lives in her months in her mothers womb and her brief 2 1/2 hours here on earth. I only hope and pray that I can reach that many lives and share the story of my Savior as that little redhead beauty has. I hope that I am able to raise my daughter in a way that is pleasing to Jesus. That she becomes a so filled with her own love for Jesus, that she'll be used by her creator to tell a beautiful story that was written by Him.

A year went by and here we are with another passing year. Has it already been two-years? Two years since my little princess was born, and two years since her little princess took her last breath? A part of me is sad in many ways. Sad because my little girl is growing up so quickly, and very sad to see that my new friend isn't getting to celebrate the birthday of her little girl once again. Instead, its another hard milestone to face.

I read her blog (every post) and I always admire her beauty, her strength and even her humor. I had hoped to meet her one day, and always imagined what that greeting would be like. I imagined us both just meeting eye-to-eye, face-to-face with an instant bond, huge hugs and tears down both of our face. I simply just wanted to hug her. Not that she necessarily would want to hug me back the same.

Never did I know this day would actually come, and I would have the chance to meet her.

Then Nashville and Plan B came into the picture.

I am sure most of you know who I am talking about.... and with out further waiting. I asked Pete if he would have any pull with setting it up so that I could meet my sister in Christ, Angie Smith.

Not only did Pete know Angie well, she also attends his church where he is the pastor. He wrote me back with wonderful news and a few more surprises.

1) Yes, that he was able to set it up so that I can meet Angie.

Angie, also knew of me, as we had been in communication through the blogging world, and as well she new my BFF and a couple of others from my church. Small world, right?

To my surprise she told Pete she knew who I was and was just as excited to meet me.

As if that wasn't exiting enough, Pete also told me that her husband Todd Smith, who is a singer in the band Selah, whom was supposed to be out of town, is now in town, and will also be joining in that greeting. He made dinner reservation for his wife Brandi, (whom I call a friend of mine now) himself, me, Angie and Todd Smith.

2) I then get another email a few days later saying that one of Angies BFF's, and also blogger/mommy, Jessica Turner. Whom I also follow and know through blogging. That her and her husband, Matthew Turner, also wanted to join us for dinner.

WOW!!!!

What an unexpected, joyful, wonderful and amazing surprise for me.

I arrived in Nashville. I filmed the video. The book will be released in one month now.

Then evening falls and its time for dinner.

Yet, I am given another surprise.

Angie and her entire family are meeting us at The Wilson's home, so her little girls can hangout with their little boys (3 girls and 3 boys, by the way).

Its time.

They arrive, the doorbell rings and my heart beats with excitement and I must admit, I'm a little nervous. I didn't want to play out my original imagined greeting there in the house in front of all the kids and other adults. So I gathered my composer, I walked around the corner and I see three beautiful little girls walk through the door and one of the most beautiful women (inside and out) that I have ever met. We both smiled, hugged and smiled again. I am quickly introduced to her daughters, Ellie, Abby and Kate, and her husband Todd.

They are everything you would expect them to be in person, and much more. What a lovely, God centered and God loving family.

We finally get the kids settled in with the sitter and we load up in Pete and Brandi's car. The cold air so crisp and fresh.

You would have thought we've all been friends for years during that drive to dinner. We were talking and laughing, telling story after story. It was a very humbling and rewarding moment.

Once we arrived at our dinner place, Bri Bistro Italiano (need I say more?). We are quickly greeted by Jessica and Matthew.

Okay, I seriously started to wonder if everyone in Nashville were as nice as these folks I am having the pleasure to eat dinner with tonight. Jessica gave me a hug, I shook Matthew's hand and instantly became friends.

Jessica is one smart cookie. This girl is fun, and loves to share in on good deals. Such a great personality and big heart for moms. Matthew, a doting dad, and a blogger himself. I need to find his blog again. They are new parents to a little boy, and both just love him and God so much. Such a pleasure to have met them.

As we are seated around our dinner table, the conversations all quickly begin, the food is being ordered and laughter fills the room. At one point I remember fading off into my own thoughts for a second, while looking where I was sitting. I was sitting with some amazing people. I felt that God was up to something but I wasn't sure what exactly. All I know is that in that moment, everything was right. I felt blessed.

At another moment, I remember sitting there thinking about Angie as she sat there next to me, telling many of her funny stories. And she had lots of funny stories. As she was talking, I remember thinking of Audrey. Thinking "this beautiful mother next to me, lost her child." I quickly had to break my thoughts or I would have just lost it right then and there. I honestly just can not imagine that kind of loss or pain.

However, I remember thinking that I had not mentioned Audrey at all. I didn't want to be the one to bring up something so fragile and painful. I also didn't want to be just another one of those that didn't bring it up, like it was the forbidden fruit to talk about, or to have her feel that she wasn't able to talk about her daughter with me. When I saw the door open for a moment to ask her, I gently tapped her arm and said "I think about Audrey often." She smiled, her eyes so gentle and you could tell how much joy it brought to her just to have heard the name Audrey. As we talked for a moment, we also got to talking about her current pregnancy. What a beautiful pregnant lady she makes. She had the "glow" although before dinner that evening she wasn't feeling all that well. This pregnancy has made her tired. She is expecting another daughter and soon she will be the mother of five princesses.

Ahhhh.... what a night. What a trip.

I still sit here all wide eyed and amazed, how God shows us HIS love, beauty and grace every single day. I often wonder how often does God try to say hello to me in some subtle way that I miss every day, or take for granted?

Because of conflict in schedule of work and travels, I wasn't going to make that trip to Nashville. Someone else would have filled in my spot. Instead, God said "no, this is YOUR trip Misty. I have some special people for you to meet."

And that I did.

And as if that wasn't exciting enough..... I have MORE SURPRISES to come (Nashville Part III). You are going to like this.

Look out for that post to come very soon. Not like in a couple of months soon, but in like a day or two soon. Its so exciting that I can't wait to write the post and publish it already.

I hope you and yours has a very blessed Easter holiday.

18 days....

2010-03-26T06:00:00.001-04:00

and my butterfly will be two years old. I can't believe it. Sniff. Sniff.

contagious

2010-03-25T11:00:00.003-04:00

Dictionary entry overview: What does contagious mean?

• CONTAGIOUS (adjective) The adjective CONTAGIOUS has 2 senses:

1. easily diffused or spread as from one person to another 2. (of disease) capable of being transmitted by infection

Familiarity information: CONTAGIOUS used as an adjective is rare.

Dictionary entry details

• CONTAGIOUS (adjective)

Meaning:

Easily diffused or spread as from one person to another

Context example:

a contagious grin

Similar:

infectious (easily spread)

When we think of the word 'contagious' we normally think of something bad. It typically says to our brain "stay away" and "don't come in contact".

Today we are going to think of 'contagious' as something wonderful and tell your brains to "catch it" and to "try and get it."

My example for today is my neighborhood crossing guard.

I don't know his name. I have never had a conversation with him (until this morning), becuase with his kind of words, there is no need for more sometimes.

I have wanted to take his picture to show as an example many times, but didn't want him to think I was weird or anything. Instead, I looked online and found other photos of cross-guards to use in this post. However, I just had to get HIS photo, because I want to give you a face of the man that I am talking about.

This morning on my way to take Hunter to school, I rolled down my window and said hello, and asked if I could take his photo. In which he joyfully smiled. It gave me the opportunity to A) say hello to this friendly stranger I see every day and B) use this as an example to not only myself, but to my son.

The conversation went like this:

Me: Honey, you see this guard here on the right?

Hunter: Yea.

Me: Watch him when I pull up, he will be smiling.

Hunter: How do you know?

Me: Because, he smiles every day, haven't you noticed?

Hunter: (Looking with curiosity out of the window)

Me: See, he is smiling as he always is.

(I pull up to the stop sign and roll down my window)

Me: (to cross-guard): Good morning. I was just telling my son about your contagious smile.

Crossguard: Good morning (with a hand reaching to his hat, as he nods his head in a delightful greating).

Me: Do you mind if I take your picture and use you as an example?

Crossguard: I just hope there isn't anything in my teeth. (smiling)

Me: Thank you and have a wonderful day.

Me: Did you know that by choice that gentleman chooses to smile every day? Noone knows what his week has been like, or if he had a bad morning or if his life isn't all fun and joy right now. Because even if it was, he makes the choice to smile and be happy and thankful with his life today, and now.

He could choose to just stand there, be grumpy and not smile or look anyone in the eye. But he chooses other wise.
Just like you chose to express attitude this morning over something small. You need to learn to make better choices in the type of attitude you want to express and show to those around you.
I want you, buddy, to practice being positive and contagious, and see how many people you can make smile and feel good in your day.
Then, I gave him an example for him to use at school today.
There is a young girl in his class that for whatever reason will do things that are gross, out of dares of her classmates, just to get the attention from them. Her recent stunt, licking the classroom floor with her tongue. They all laughed at her and say how gross she is. Although, she laughs with them and doesn't seem to mind it, I think later it could, or maybe already is when she is by herself and not having to put up the "front" to her classmates.
Me: (continuing) Hunter, if they try to dare her to do something today, or she is even asking for a dare. Its all because she just wants attention. Why don't you surprise her, stand up for her and say something like "Julie (name change for her privacy), I think you are funny without having to do anything gross. You don't have to do gross stuff to make me laugh."
Maybe those little words by one person can change the way she feels about herself and how she feels she needs to behave to get the wrong kind of attention.
Now, if only we 'adults' can have that same kind of class. Well, we can, but most of us choose not to.
I always laugh and say that we are just a bunch of over grown kids ourselves, some never willing to just grow up and be mature.
So, today I encourage YOU to make a choice and choose to be CONTAGIOUS. Be contagious in our body launguage, your facial expressions, your tone and your words. Choose to smile today and pass the contagiouness on. Make someone else smile today.
Today, I ask, who can I bless today? How can I be contagious? How can I choose to make a positive choice over a negative choice? Yesterday, I had a choice in my life, in a very important area of my life. I chose to do make the contagious and positive choice, and boy am I thankful I did.
Because, at the end of the day, I too was blessed. My family was blessed. And it simply felt nice to put a smile on someone else faces and bless that person even more.
Try it, I dare you. Go out and be contagious!
Oh, and while I am at it, say hello to your cross-guards. He/she may not be as happy and smiley as mine, but maybe your hello can make them smile at that very moment! Make their day. Appreciate your cross-guards. Even if you can't stop, roll down your window and smile, honk your horn and give them a big smile and wave.
You can say a lot without words, just like this fella in this photo does everyday!!!

paper

2010-03-21T21:33:00.009-04:00

I hope everyone had a warm and sunny weekend like we did here in South Florida. Oh, ooops, where are my manners. Sorry my TEXAS friends and family, just had to rub it in a little.

Seriously, nine inches of snow in TEXAS, in March?? Whoa!

My mom sent me this little video via text message of her snow filled yard she woke up to this morning. I never had snow like that as a kid that I can remember in Texas.

Well, it was indeed very beautiful here this weekend. I ended up spending Saturday afternoon at the baseball field watching my little man play an awesome game. The ending was such a fun one to watch. Then I got home and went to the pool for a couple of hours. I met this really beautiful young 22-year-old college girl. I asked her if I can take the chair next to her and the conversation quickly began with no pause. She was studying finances and already has been offered a job in Manhattan come 2011. We talked about life, boyfriends, careers, marriage, the future, children and so much more. I often found myself admiring her long beautiful blonde hair and her youthful tall (5'10") figure and full lips with beautiful teeth. Part of me wanted to envy her and throw myself a pitty party of feeling so old. After all we were 10 years apart.

But as we sat there chatting and getting along so well, the age gap disappeared. She really had her head on strong, and suddenly I didn't feel so old sitting next to her. I just felt like a girl chatting with a another girl. After all that is what we really are, just two girls sitting there chatting.

There were so many things from Beth Moores book coming to mind as I sat there and spoke with her. I took that very opportunity to share some of the book with her and hopefully sent her on her way feeling a little more secure at 22 years old, as I am trying to be at 32 years old. It was refreshing to be outside and hear someone of her age to be so mature.

But lets not talk about the two hour ~~sunburn~~ suntan on one side of my body and face I walked away with. I guess, if you see another blonde girl with the opposite side of her body sunburned as well, you will know who my acquaintance was. *giggle*

So, a guy sent me a letter this morning that he wrote and gave to his pastor and wife. He and his wife were struggling of their 23 year marriage. He wanted a divorce. He didn't share details with me, but he said he had been reading my post and that God placed it on his heart to share with me. I asked him if I could share his letter with everyone here on my blog.

He replied: YES, You may use it!! For I think that ALL MEN should hear this!!!

Here is what he wrote to his wife and shared with his pastor:

Hello,

First, let me thank you for allowing me to stand up today! I wanted to say more about the Paper, Sorry for not giving you one!!

God has brought a SIMPLE piece of paper in my life to see what I have!! PLEASE, Let me tell you the story??

I was getting ready to write something on a PLAIN piece of paper one day and I was told to stop! It was like someone telling me to just look. I looked at the paper over and over, then I heard "turn it over." When I did, it was the same as the other side. "Now, look back at the other side with a magnifying glass. Do you see the imperfections?" Yes!

This piece of paper is like US! On the outside we look pure, but if you look closer you can see that we are not. Is ALL paper the same? NO! Like us we are ALL different on the INSIDE.

While looking at the paper, I noticed how delicate it was, like a woman's heart. Then... I was to tear it. It tore easy, like a woman's heart does. And then I wrote something on the paper then erased it. Is it really ALL gone? NO... some of it still remains. Does it ever go away? We would hope, but it does not.

I can tell you that about 2 months ago "I" was ready to give up on our marriage! I had had enough!! This is when all this paper thing came about! I was asked to look at both sides of the paper........ They look the same to me, so WHY? I was asked "do you think that the grass is greener on the other side?" I had to stop there, take a long look at myself! WOW.... Its not! Its the exact same!

My wife, she asked of 3 things of me that is dear to her heart. I really had a set back, because "I" wasn't giving that to her. I was starting to see were this was going! I was scared!

I have made a commitmeant to look at my marriage a different way than I was looking at it. Now, I see my bride like I saw her almost 23 years ago! I have a lot of work to do and I intend not to stop! In other words, I will finish what I started!

Wow. Right?

I know. He told me he could tell I was a very Godly Women and to stay that way. That he had once turned away from God, angry at him for things physically happening to him over the last few years. He asked if I would just pray for him and he would pray for me the same.

Most of my readers are female. Occasionally, I will get a brave male reader to step out and say hi, or comment about a post I have written. One male reader once said that although my blog is predominately geared towards women, that the way I write, is refreshing and interesting. He liked hearing things from a 'womens' perspective.

So, maybe tonight, this letter was placed on this guys heart to share with me, because there is someone out there that maybe needs to read it also. And since he doesn't have a blog to share it on...... its being shared here.

I think it is important for all of us to simply take the time and be aware of how we communicate with one another. Too often people forget to use their "sensitivity chip" that we all have programed in us. We get too caught up in our own thoughts, words and feelings that we forget about how we could be making the person around us feel.

I have been guilty of this SO MANY TIMES. I have also been victim of it SO MANY TIMES.

Although, that letter was written to his wife. It can be used as an expression for all of us as human beings. We are all fragile. We are all the same, but different in many ways too.

I love visuals and I will never look at a piece of paper the same. I want to take this myself and practice being more sensitive to those I come in contact with. Be more aware of my words, my facial expressions and let them know I am there.

This goes for our kids too.

Way too often adults (parents) are so caught up with being parents, that they forget they're children, and are just as fragile. I see it a lot in the sports active parents/kids. Parents often forget how easily their words can hurt a child. Words that will stick with that child for a long time, and may never fully be erased from their memory or hearts.

We all demand respect. Everyone deserves respect. Your husbands, your wives and your children. So the next time you feel like being selfish and just spewing out your words.... think of the delicacy of the person you are looking at and think "PAPER."

b.e.a.u.t.i.f.u.l.

2010-03-20T22:13:00.008-04:00

Mirror....Mirror... On The Wall.

Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror. James 1:23

This is how I want to feel to those that mean the most to me.

I want to be beautiful
Make you stand in awe
Look inside my heart,
and be amazed
I want to hear you say
Who I am is quite enough
Just want to be worthy of love
And beautiful

This is how I feel when I stand up against the world.

Sometimes I wish I was someone other than me
Fighting to make the mirror happy
Trying to find whatever is missing
Won't you help me back to glory

But this is what I feel when I remember the one who created me, and has written out my life and its purpose, before I took my first breath.

You make me beautiful
You make me stand in awe
You step inside my heart, and I am amazed
I love to hear You say
Who I am is quite enough
You make me worthy of love and beautiful

(Lyrics By: Bethany Dillon)

Do you feel beautiful today?

I do.

But not all the time.

I would probably say, not a lot of the time.

Why?

Because when you are going through such hurting times, or you feel so uncertain, confused and even lost in your ways, or the direction you should be going. Its hard to feel safe, or right and at peace. Instead, you feel lonely, unloved, insecure and unattractive.

A young reader sent me this scripture the other night and it hit home with me. I thought I would share it with you all.

God said "But I'll take the hand of those who don't know the way, who can't see where they're going. I'll be a personal guide to them, directing them through unknown country. I'll be right there to show them what roads to take, make sure they don't fall into the ditch. These are things I'll be doing for them- Sticking with them, not leaving them for a minute" Isaiah 42:16 MSG.

Tonight, I sit in my home alone. In a quiet house. The only sound I hear is the clicking of my keyboard and the dead ringing of silence in my ear when I pause. Well, and that strange knocking sound my refrigerator just made. Sheesh... I am trying to have moment here and satan uses the refrigerator to distract me.

And here! (you will know what I mean by that by the end of this post!)

Too often I feel so unloved. Too often I feel so unattractive. And when I start to feel that way and ask myself "why am I feeling this way?" I am quickly reminded who it is that am putting myself up against. The world? People that don't love me as much as I wished they did?

But when I turn to the right person.... the one that calls me "mine".... at that moment I get a glimpse of the beauty I know that HE sees in me.

And I feel beautiful. And loved.

Tonight, I want to say a prayer for anyone that isn't feeling so beautiful today, or that loved. I want to remind you (and myself) that we are loved. We are beautiful. Look in GOD's mirror, not the worlds. Look to His word and obey it and trust it. Don't fall into the insecurity traps that satan sets up all around us.

Have you ever watched the movie "Over the Hedge?"

In brief its about wild animals that meet the suburban life... and at one point the humans set up traps to catch and kill the wild life entering their yard. As the wild life make out their plans to invade, they show a map were all the human traps are set up all around the outside of the home.... and basically there was a trap...

here.

and here.

here.

and here and here and here and here....

AND HERE!

In every direction you turn.

Satan has set up so many traps all around us, just waiting for us to hit one and fall. Fall flat on our face. To feel alone. To feel unsafe. To feel abandoned. To feel unloved. And ugly.

And again God said:

"But I'll take the hand of those who don't know the way, who can't see where they're going. I'll be a personal guide to them, directing them through unknown country. I'll be right there to show them what roads to take, make sure they don't fall into the ditch. These are things I'll be doing for them- Sticking with them, not leaving them for a minute" Isaiah 42:16 MSG.

No such thing

2010-03-16T09:48:00.008-04:00

as perfect people.

I owe everyone an apology. As I said in my last post, I have never fasted before. Ever. With having never fasted before, I also didn't know that when you do choose to fast, you are not supposed to tell others, or share it or 'boast' about it.

I wasn't boasting about it on my blog. My heart is not of that nature. I was simply giving everyone the explanation why I wouldn't be on my blog, Facebook or Twitter, so when you didn't receive a reply from me, you knew it was because I was away.

I apologize for not knowing the scripture more on this, but now I do and I have learned.

Thank you all for the prayers, emails, comments and support. Sometimes you can feel so alone in this world, right? Thank God for not letting us actually BE alone in this world.

I am back, and boy did I have an interesting week. I am pretty tired today, as I had a pretty rough night last night.

I continue to need your prayers. I really do.

I'll share when the time is right, but don't worry, GOD knows exactly what I am dealing with. He knows my hurts, my fears and my hearts plea.

I do need a miracle.

God may have decided to close that door for me, and that's okay. I am still blessed and I still believe with all my heart and soul that He has GREATER things ahead for me. I have to keep my head up and my strength up for that.

This morning I ended up over sleeping an hour and my son was late to school. Although, he didn't seem to mind. I was that exhausted after my day and evening yesterday. I woke up this morning feeling like I have been hit with a ton of bricks, and the bricks are all just sticking to me like this huge massive weight as I walk around. Ugh.

But this morning while making up the beds I heard this song come on 'Perfect People' and it caught my ear and I know God was saying hello to me and reminding me that 'there are no such thing as perfect people" and that I am free from trying to find away to be perfect. I am free of trying to be the perfect wife. I will never be. I am free from trying to be the perfect mother. I will never be. I am free from being the perfect women. I will never be.

But I am "fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalms 139:14

Never let them see you when you're breaking

And never let them see you when you fall

That's how we live

And that's how we try

Tell the world you've got it all together

And never let them see what's underneath

We cover it up with a crooked smile

But it only lasts for a little while

There's no such thing as perfect people

There's no such thing as a perfect life

So come as you are, broken and scarred

Lift up your heart and be amazed

And be changed by a perfect God, yeah

Suddenly it's like a weight is lifted

When you hear the words that you are loved

He knows where you are and where you've been

And you never have to go there again, no

There's no such thing as perfect people

And there's no such thing as a perfect life

So come as you are, broken and scarred

Lift up your heart and be amazed

And be changed by a perfect God

Who lived and died to give new life

To heal our imperfections

So look up and see love

And let grace be enough, oh

There's no such thing as perfect people, yeah

There's no such thing as a perfect life

So come as you are, broken and scarred

Lift up your heart and be amazed

And be changed by a perfect God

By a perfect God, yeah

By a perfect God

Be changed by a perfect God

Be changed

You know how often in life when it rains..... it POURS!

Well our trip to Disney was no exception.

This gives you a little idea of what my trip to Disney World was like with the kids. I'll post more pics and more upbeat post here soon. I haven't fully gone off the deep end. I am trying to keep my spirits focused on God and the bigger picture, although right now, in the midst of the storms.... I feel like I could die. And a part of me has.

Greater Things.

2010-03-07T21:21:00.007-05:00

As things are continuing to change in my life, I see Greater Things ahead of me. Through all the heartache, the doubts, the questions, the whys.... I still praise and give thanks. I still see visions of greater things that God has planned in my life.

When I feel like everything just seems so messed up and so confusing, maybe even wrong... I stop and I trust in Him, and then I see GREATER THINGS.

Tonight my church has put a challenge out for us to fast this week for seven days. I have never fasted in my entire life. I know some people fast a day, some fast for a few days and some have even fasted for longer. Our challenge is seven days. It can be a 'modern' fasting I guess as a way to look at it. We have options to choose from in our form of fasting. It has to be something that really consumes a lot of our time, thoughts and energy (TV, cell phones, food, sweets, social networks, etc.) that would really provide you a challenge to commit to for seven days. This way, every time you are tempted to break your fasting and do whatever it is you gave up for the week, you will be reminded to stop and pray. The old traditional way of fasting, which also was an option to choose from, is going with out food. This way when your stomach growls of hunger you would stop and pray through that hunger pain. You didn't have to fast for the entire seven days without food, but you had choices of giving up certain foods items or number of meals for the day. I personally can't do that for seven days, with my metabolism, current body weight and the stress I am currently under, it would not be healthy for me to do that. Instead, I have chosen to fast on social network sites (blogs, twitter and facebook).

For me that will be (as silly as this sounds) pretty hard. Being alone most of my days other than with the kids, these social network sites are my adult play and interaction into the real world when home all day alone. I realize I visit them many times a day and for that, I realize that would be a huge portion of my day to give in prayer.

All the other fasting options I really don't give much time to as is, so for me to fast on those items, it wouldn't really open more time for prayer during my day (sweets, TV watching, eating meats, etc.) Out of the list, social network sites, I realize, would be the most tempting for me. Therefor, would be the one thing that would give me more reminders and discipline to stop and pray throughout the days.

So here I go.

Thankfully its spring break this week for Hunter and so Ill have both kids home with me to keep me from feeling isolated, lonely and becoming depressed. HA! Then I come back in a week crazy and ready for a different kind of fasting... LOL.

With that, I would like to end by saying a prayer for all of you and ask that you say a prayer for me, and I will be back in a week.

Dear Heavenly Father,

I want to take this time to give thanks in this new day. Thank you for the loving people you have placed in my life to protect me, love me, support me and encourage me. Lord, thank you for the difficult people you place in my path to challenge me to love only the way you could love, even when someone is unloveable. Thank you for my two beautiful children and their unconditional love for me. I am blessed.

Lord, I want to take this weeks fasting challenge to heart. I want to challenge myself to pray without so many distractions in my way. As I start this week with this challenge, I would like to start tonight by praying for my social networking friends, real life friends and family. Even the friends I have never met in person, but have come to appreciate and care for through blogs, Facebook and Twitter. I pray that their week is filled with blessings and joy. I pray for those that are struggling. I pray for those that are hurting, sick and even lost. I just want to say thank you for these friends that through these social networks have become a part of my life. I hope to meet them face to face one day and give them all a real Jesus kind of love - hug. Thank you for my church, Lord, and all the things you are doing with it.

Lord, although I am journeying through some difficult choices and times in my life right now, I thank you for the strength, the peace and the support you have placed in my life. I know this kind of strength and peace could only come from You, Lord. Please forgive me of my sins, and where I fail you and fail those you place in my life to love and protect. Please help me to be quick to listen and slow to anger with those that I feel hurt me. Let me love them like You love them, no matter what. Please provide me with the right amount of patients with my children this week. Let not my personal stresses to be taken out on them. Lord, place people in my path daily and show me how I can be, and allow me to be a blessing in their lives.

Lord, use me. I give You all that I am. I open up all my secrets, my hurts, my issues and my heart. I lay it all out to you Lord, as you know them anyways. I ask that you take all the good and all the bad in my life and use it to Glorify you and to full fill the purpose you have in my life. I want to leave this world known as a God fearing women, with a legacy with your name all over it. Lord, with saying those words, even writing them for the public to read. I ask that you give me the extra courage I need to get up and out of my comfort zone and step out and start being courageous and serving You, by serving others. Let me get out of "Misty's" selfish world, and let me serve and focus on others in need. Lord, I don't know what plans you have for me or where I will end up. I ask that you circumcise my ears and my heart, so I can hear you speak to me, and put my hands and feet into action. Where do I start?

Please remove all my fears and all the intimidations that hold me back, if this is the direction you want me to go. I want to go on missionary trips, Lord, and provide my hands and heart to the poor. I want to work with sick children. I want to encourage girls and mothers. There is so much I know I can do, but I always make excuses to hold myself back. Please remove all my fears and insecurities so I can show up and serve YOU. I want to be broken and exposed to life outside of my little world that I feel is so rough right now. Use me Lord. Use me for Greater Things... in Your name.

Amen.

I pray that you all have a blessed week....... and I'll be back in a week. Maybe.

Just kidding... I'll be back.

In the meantime, I am really behind on uploading pictures on my camera. Ill have plenty when I return of the kids so tonight I'll leave you with these two handsome men to admire. The first two men in my life once I left the nest. These boys are going on 14 years old (human years). They are my little sweet old men now.

Shilo

Milo

remembering Cora Paige - Birthday.

2010-03-05T13:07:00.004-05:00

A year ago I posted this article on my blog.

I want to take a minute out of my day that is crazy and hectic, that I want to run away from it. I want to stop and again be forever thankful and grateful. As this family (as well as many families out there) who are celebrating a birthday of their little girl that is no longer with them here on earth. She would have been two-years-old today.

My heart aches just as it did a year ago today for this family. Its so close to home, as my little girl will be two (God willing) in April. Cora and Morgan also share the same middle name 'Paige'. I get to see my little girl who has been sick all week sleeping in her crib today. While this family, alone with their newest addition, little Levi (Cora's baby brother) try to find the strength to get through another day without their little sunshine.

Happy Birthday Cora Paige.

You can visit The Macs here and leave a little comment of love and support. Their little one is not forgotten.

Cora Paige

knock-knock....who's there?

2010-03-04T22:44:00.006-05:00

Its ME, Misty.... did you think I went away for good?

Where to begin?

I have things I want and wish to write every day. I tell myself I will do it later, or Ill do it tonight. By the end of my days lately I have been so overwhelmed with exhaustion that I can barely tidy up the house before I go to bed. My head is so full of noise, thoughts and emotions, its so hard to just stop and have a moment of silence.

I am here though.

I have traveled the last week. I went to Vermont for another three day photo shoot with PajamaGram. I am thankful the for job, the amazing clients, hair/makeup and photographer friends I have made out there. It was freezing cold and snowing tons the first day I got there. The week was filled with long days (8-9 hours straight of standing and posing) and quiet reading time in my hotel. Not that glamours to say the least, but still very humbled and thankful. One night I was able to get out with a couple of friends and watch 'Dear John.' It was cute, but it was not the Notebook and it was much more a high school, young love kind of movie. Both actors are very attractive so that helped. HA!

Here is the Valentines catalog cover. Gotta love those um, extensions!!! Sheesh! I went from this cover, to the 'mama' look for the Mother's Day catalog. That's the next one I'll be in.

By the way, have you all heard of all the rave about PajamaJeans? I mean seriously, it has exploded and they are selling out so fast they can't keep up. They are coming up with all new designs and styles for these hot new items. You really must check them out!!! Here is a little sneak peak of the Mother's Day Catalog PajamaJean shot I did.

This week my little girl has been running high fevers every day. If you follow me on Twitter or Facebook you already know that. I took her to the doctor yesterday, but since she just finished two antibiotics for this pesty cough, they didn't want to place her right back on another one. So here we are keeping her fever monitored and waiting it out a few more days to see if she is able to fight it off on her on before going back to the doctors.

This week also brings some refreshing changes, as hockey season just ended and baseball for my big man begins. Tonight he had his first scrimmage and he was the starting pitcher. Although, I missed the game being home with baby girl, his dad kept me up to date. Hunter had a rough first game with his pitching, but made some grate plays in the field. I told his dad he was nine, its freezing out and to cut him some slack. LOL!

Speaking of COLD... I am over it. That's all I wanted to say about that.

There is so many things I want to write about. So many things I want to do. Why does it have to be so hard to just 'get moving' on any one of the many things on your list?

Oh got a question for all of you....

This is random and out of the blue, but tonight while out getting groceries I began to wonder what other families spend on groceries? What is the average amount you spend a week on groceries? How do you do your grocery budget?

Do you shop once a week?

Shop as you need?

Run to grocery story a few times a week?

Do you even have a budget for grocery spending?

I am curious to know, because I feel like I spend so much on groceries. Am I? Or is what I am spending pretty normal as other families with kids?

Well, its about 11:00 PM and I don't like to stay up past 10:00 PM if I can help it. I'm hoping Ill be able to post more here and get back into the groove. I have things to update everyone on anyways. Spring break begins tomorrow, so I am really looking forward to just doing fun things with the kids, IMAX and Disney.

For now.....

I am going to go and read the very last chapter of my book "So Long Insecurities, You Have Been A Bad Friend to Us" by Beth Moore.

I can't remember the last time I started and actually finished a book. I have really enjoyed reading this book and can't wait to share more about it. But... I must finish it first myself.

i want a front porch.

2010-02-18T17:57:00.005-05:00

Today I have been thinking. Considering I had absolutely, as in zero, none ... sleep last night, thinking probably wouldn't be the best thing for me.

I took baby girl to the doctor on Monday about her cough. Its this deep (bark) like cough and she has had it for a few weeks now, and its not wanting to get better. The doctor on call Monday so quickly and so laid back tells me he thinks it could be allergies. Sure that makes sense. Allergies run in her family and so does the history of asthma, so its believable.

He says she looks adorable and sounds fantastic. Her lungs sound clear-clear and her ENT look great. "Ill have you give her Zyrtec for two weeks and see if that changes anything" he says. She gives him a high five and $25 dollars we are out the door feeling thankful there isn't anything more to worry about, we can take on a little allergy annoyance.

First two nights I didn't really see any improvment or changes, other than her nose is now starting to run, which I expressed that to the doctor with our last experience with allergy medicine. Its supposed to the do the opposite and dry her up and that would in return hopefully stop the nasal dripping, supposedly causing her to cough to begin with. I assume we need to wait it out a few days and let the allergy stuff get to work.

Well, lets just say that didn't happen. As my baby girl was up all night last night. I am talking about on the hour of every hour, either me rocking her, her fussing and coughing none stop, to me bringing her in my bed, while I sit up against the headboard and try to let her sleep propped up on my chest. Every 15 seconds this annoying deep cough blares in my ears like a fire alarm in the middle of the night. I wanted to cry. I was frustrated and felt helpless for her. I was exhausted and one that must have sleep to function.

I am pretty cautious when it comes to giving me kids meds of any kind and especially cautious when mixing meds. I was afraid to give her anything more since I already have given her the allergy stuff before bed. Finally, around 3:30 AM I felt I had to give her something and I felt that enough hours had gone by that I could be safe with giving her Deslym for her cough. I give it to her and she is able to sleep for two hours, but not totally cough free. We were so tired, that I even allowed Hunter to sleep in an additional hour before waking him up for school.

He had a math test today and I figured I would let him be an hour late to school, in order to get a little more sleep and be ready for his test. So that is what we did.

Today I called up my friend and Morgan's actual doctor to get a second opinion, and instantly on the phone is hears Morgan next to me coughing away. He agreed with me that this didn't sound like an allergy cough, for its too agressive and deep sounding to be. I take her back in to the doctors office, he again confirms though that she is really clear in the lungs and her ENT look fantastic. All praises.

However, he gives me two prescriptions to help knock this stubborn cough out of my little girl.

Hoping tonight is a much better night for sleeping for all of us.

Oh back to my origional thoughts. Bare with me, I am still going with no sleep. I am sitting in my car at Hunters baseball practice typing this.

While driving Morgan down to the Plantation office where our doctor was working today, I had time to think while Morgan was engaged in her Curious George movie in the backseat.

I started to think about how I envision my life one day. I started to think about places I would one day love to live. The kind of people I would love to have around me and the kids my kids could be friends with.

I kept visioning a house with a front porch. We don't have many homes here in South Florida (newer homes anyways) that have front porches built on. You only have a sidewalk that leads to your front door. I realize that it fits our culture these days here. Its hard to find any neighbors to be social with or lets kids run back and forth to each others homes to play. In fact there are no kids in my direct neighborhood that Hunter plays with. We will be outside by ourselves playing street hockey or hoops, or we have to drive to another neighborhood to meet with some friends to play.

I remember growing up with not much money, no fancy homes, but everyone had a front porch. And on those front porches you see the adults hanging out, while all the kids run around playing or riding bikes. It was always active and there was always someone there to hang out with you.

I find it sad that I don't have a front porch here. I don't have a place to sit and welcome my neighbors and their kids. My kids aren't growing up with the experience of backyards, neighborhood buddies and those kinds of memories that I look back on and smile upon.

I want a front porch.

I want a house in a friendly family filled neighborhood. I want to have BBQ's, playdates, bored Saturday nights gathering, chats, conversations, celebrations, tears and memories on my front porch.

Do you have a front porch?

How is your neighborhood? Is it full of life and kids running to each other homes? Is it with warm and welcoming neighbors? I can barely tell you the name of 3 of my neighbors. I do not know my neighbors directly to the left, right or in front of me either. I have seen them before. I have waved and said hi, but that's as far as it goes. Everyone is busy with their own lives, agendas and families.

But this life is about sharing all of that.

Sometimes I wonder if that takes it toll on families these days? Would that play any role in marriages and homes breaking apart, because they become so isolated with just themselves. No other families to casually be social with at any given moment. Instead, you have to plan it out and hope that it doesn't get postponed or canceled due to one of the kids being sick or having a sports event to attend.

You don't have anyone to call up and say "please give me an hour and take your kids for you" or you do the same. You don't have kids anxiously waiting to knock on your door after dinner so they can play with your kids. No one to say "hey walk down and come eat tacos with us tonight." All the things I remember growing up and enjoyed.

We always had friends and people to share life with. Our door was always opened, not always having it locked and curtains down so no one can see inside your home. Heck, even if your dog was missing, all you had to do is call down the street and know that your dog was getting a belly rub by the kids down the block, and he'd come running back at the sound of your whistle.

I find myself so lonely sometimes, it hurts.

I had a dream. A vision. An idea of what I wanted in my family life of my own. And I just find myself feeling so stuck sometimes, and constantly left to day dream of having my very own front porch.

Life is so different here in this part of Florida. Maybe one day Ill find a little happy place out here and I can give my kids a little bit of their own front porch to take with them and share with their own kids. Until then, Ill just enjoy the view within.

Speaking of front porches.... let me bring you a little country too. I love this song.

The only ground I ever owned was sticking to my shoes

Now I look at my front porch and this panoramic view

I can sit and watch the fields fill up

With rays of glowing sun

Or watch the moon lay on the fences

Like that's where it was hung

My blessings are in front of me

It's not about the land

I'll never beat the view

From my front porch looking in

There's a carrot top who can barely walk

With a sippy cup of milk

A little blue eyed blonde with shoes on wrong

'Cause she likes to dress herself

And the most beautiful girl holding both of them

And the view I love the most

Is my front porch looking in, yeah

I've traveled here and everywhere

Following my job

I've seen the paintings from the air

Brushed by the hand of God

The mountains and the canyons reach from sea to shining sea

But I can't wait to get back home

To the one he made for me

It's anywhere I'll ever go and everywhere I've been

Nothing takes my breath away

Like my front porch looking in

There's a carrot top who can barely walk

With a sippy cup of milk

A little blue eyed blonde with shoes on wrong

'Cause she likes to dress herself

And the most beautiful girl holding both of them

Yeah the view I love the most

Is my front porch looking in

I see what beautiful is about

When I'm looking in

Not when I'm looking out

There's a carrot top who can barely walk

With a sippy cup of milk

A little blue eyed blonde with shoes on wrong

'Cause she likes to dress herself

And the most beautiful girl holding both of them

Yeah the view I love the most

Oh, the view I love the most

Is my front porch looking in

Yeah

Oh, there's a carrot top who can barely walk

(From my front porch looking in)

A little blue eyed blonde with shoes on wrong, yeah

And the most beautiful girl

(Beautiful girl

From my front porch looking in)

Holding both of them

Oh, yeah

dear sweet child of mine.....

2010-02-17T10:58:00.004-05:00

If I could put into words what I would want to say to you yesterday, today and tomorrow, it would be this:

WHAT I WOULD TELL YOU:

(If I knew what to say.)
You are a miracle.
And I have to love you this fiercely: So that you can feel it even after you leave for school, or even while you are asleep, or even after your childhood becomes a memory.
You’ll forget all this when you grow up. But it’s okay.
Being a mother means having your heart broken.
And it means loving and losing and falling apart and coming back together.
And it’s the best there is. And also, sometimes, the worst.
Sometimes you won’t have anyone to talk to.
Sometimes you’ll wonder if you’ve forgotten who you are.
But you must remember this: What you’re doing matters.
And you have to be brave with your life so that others can be brave with theirs.
The truth is, being a mother is a gift. Tenderness is a gift. Intimacy is a gift. And nurturing the good in this world is a nothing short of a privilege.
That’s why I have to love you this way. So I can give what I have to you. So that you can carry it in your body and pass it on.
I have watched you sleep. I’ve kissed you a million times. And I know something that you don’t, yet:
You are writing the story of your only life every single minute of every day.
And my greatest hope for you, sweet child, is that I can teach you how to write a good one.

I borrowed these words and video from this blog. But I mean every bit of it.

catching my breath

2010-02-16T18:35:00.003-05:00

Today I wrote a post just sort of vented and let it out. And then I hit 'save now' button.

All I do know is, as I speak to my son about the difference in 'changes' and 'hard times' .... I feel like I could explode and just shout it out to everyone what I am going through. But I don't and I can't.

I simply just tell myself to stop and catch my breath.

So I inhale.... (now you are inhaling too, I can hear you all the way over here.) *smiling*

I am going through both 'changes' and 'hard times' and my emotions are all over the place. One minute I feel strong and convinced I am and have done the right thing. The next ....

I stop and try to catch my breath.

Because the anxiety of it all can be so overwhelming, so frighting and just plain heart wrenching.

If I don't catch my breath, I feel like I could just crumble to the ground with my weak knees and mop the floor with all the tears that are just on the edge of bursting out of my eyes.

So I stop to catch my breath. Trying to keep myself together.

Thankfully my kids have kept me so busy lately that I can often go hours without thinking about these changes and hard times. It's those moments when I walk into the house after dropping them off at school or late at night when they are asleep, that I allow myself to think.

There are moments I feel so disappointed, depressed and uncertain. Its amazing the conversations that go on in your mind during times like these. Sometime I wonder if its satan having his own two-way conversation in my head. Toying with my every thought. Back and forth, back and forth. I just want to put a pillow over my head and drown out the sounds.

I stop and catch my breath.

Inhale.

There are moments I stop and I just allow myself to cry. Cry so hard that I have to stop and catch my breath.

I wipe my tears, I pick myself off the ground and have a small pep talk with myself. Well, I pray too, but my prayers keep drifting lately. As I begin to speak with God and or just pray, before I am finished my mind has already been interrupted and drifted off to something else. But I know God is here and he knows my thoughts and prayers. Thankfully he is the master of patience, or I would be in timeout all the time.

I catch my breath and then feel better and ready to keep marching forward.

These days I try to find balance in my these changes, and also peace. I am constantly thanking God. Although, I am heartbroken, disappointed and even confused. I know GOD does have a plan and a purpose for my life. I will never not believe that and I will never stop saying that, because I truly believe it.

I may be in a low right now, but when you are low, that only means there is going to be a high. Even if that high takes its sweet little time to appear. I know Ill appreciate it that much more.

Tonight was the first night of baseball practice. The weather is still really chilly. I like it that its keeping the bugs away and the air smells crisp and fresh. At the same time, I am over it and I just want the sun to be out and I want to feel the warmth on my face.

While rocking Morgan to sleep tonight, I had a vision of both my kids getting married. I stopped and wondered what life will be like then for them and their parents. Will we all be here? Will I be here? Will their dads be here? Will each of them be in each others wedding as a groomsmen or a bridesmaid?

With that moment of imaging my kids wedding .... I just squeezed my little girl, and realized I was holding my breath.

I had to remind myself that she is still only 22 months old as of Valentines Day and then...

I was able to catch my breath.

This is how I found Hunter and our cat Milo sleeping the other day. Head to head. Super sweet. And yes that is his yellow blanket (what's left of it anyways) that my sweet boy still sleeps with every night.

Inhale.

visual aid

2010-02-15T13:41:00.004-05:00

I am a big visual person. I love to see things, vision things and even imagine things. Especially when I am going through things in life that can often be difficult, disappointing and even right out heartbreaking.

Hunter had a pretty rough day yesterday with his dad. He and his dad are very strong-willed personalities. I often laugh and tell his dad to call Hunter "Jr." because they are very much the same in sports and their attitude.

After such a long day yesterday, I had Hunter take a nap. When he woke up and was rested we say sat down and just talked about things. Things that are on his mind, things he may be feeling but can't quiet put into words etc.

It was a great talk. I love talking with him.

I often try to help him see "big pictures" instead of focusing on the small stuff in the heat of the moment.

Last night as we were laying in bed, I was looking through my bible and he asked me what I was reading. I told him the verse I just read that very moment, along with a couple of others I thought he could use to hear.

As I finished my bible, I got up and went into the bathroom to shower. As I am walking he ask "mom, am I going through a hard time?"

I wanted to just squeeze him and kiss him, but I didn't think he would appreciate that in this moment of questioning.

I simply held back my smile and said "no honey, you aren't going through a hard time, you are going through changes." Then I gave him examples of what could be considered 'hard times' vs just some uneasy and even difficult changes in life.

He was please with the response and I got in the shower and we both went to bed.

I found these a few weeks ago. I have been meaning to order one for Hunter but haven't gotten to it as of yet.

I thought about sharing it with you.

I love to help my kids think about Jesus being in their every day lives. In the big things and in the small things. To also think to themselves in situations "what would Jesus do?" and when in moments of feeling nervous to vision Jesus standing right behind or beside them helping them with all they do.

Check out these things I found. You can get one for girls and for boys. I love it.

Here is the website to find more of these visual aids.

Jesus, Bring The Rain...No Matter What.

2010-02-12T09:33:00.005-05:00

.... as I continue to walk through the puddles in my life and once again ask for more prayers.

This song was playing in the background of a blog I have read for almost two years now. As I was reading, the words to this song over powered the thoughts going on in my head as I read her recent post.

And I felt....

Jesus wants me to stop and look to Him and be reminded.... HE IS LORD GOD ALMIGHTY.

So as I face the raindrops hitting me in my face.... I will continue to PRAISE HIS NAME. No matter what!

I can count a million times

People asking me how I

Can praise You with all that

I've gone through

The question just amazes me

Can circumstances possibly

Change who I forever am in You

Maybe since my life was changed

Long before these rainy days

It's never really ever crossed my mind

To turn my back on you, oh Lord

My only shelter from the storm

But instead I draw closer through these times

So I pray

Bring me joy, bring me peace

Bring the chance to be free

Bring me anything that brings

You glory And I know there'll

be days When this life brings me pain

But if that's what it takes to

praise You Jesus, bring the rain

I am yours regardless of the clouds that may

loom above because you are much greater than

my pain you who made a way for me suffering

your destiny so tell me whats a little rain

Holy, holy, holy

is the lord God almighty

I'm forever singing

everybody singing

Holy holy holy

you are holy

the love of a boy...

2010-02-08T09:55:00.004-05:00

Just to show you that kids aren't always unaware of things in this world. Hunter has questioned and cared much about the lives in Haiti.

He and his grandmother put their great minds together and this is what they came up with, in effort to raise some relief funds.

Hunter drew a picture of a puppy face, and his grandmother had them made into cards. He has been selling this custom made cards to folks for $2.50 a card.

How cool is that?

What a response everyone has had to these cards. Some have purchased them in bulks. His teachers at school, our friends and of course myself.

I couldn't be more proud of my beautiful boy.

I am not on here promoting to sell them. However, if you do feel you want to purchase any, you can contact me and we will make it happen. I just wanted to share with you the love of a boy, my boy!

He even signed them with his signature.

My FREE canvas arrived....

2010-02-07T10:26:00.004-05:00

and I love it.

Well, it arrived last week, but in the mix of getting ready for travels and attending to busy kiddos, I didn't get a chance to share it. I am still here in Colorado skiing. I'll share more with pics in another post on that. For now, I want to show off my beautiful 8x10 FREE photo canvas by Canvas People.

{Remember this photo? Morgan only two-weeks old filming Marley and Me}

and I can't get over how BIG Morgan is now at 21 month old.

I guess I could have put something cute on my child before taking these pictures, instead of her pj tank and diaper. But hey, this is real life stuff here. Oh, and that is her hospital bracelet she is wearing from our ER run last week too. She refuses to take it off. That will be a post of its own too, I promise.

She loved pointing at mommy and "baby" in the photo. It will be so neat when she understands that the "baby" is herself.

Thank you Canvas People for a wonderful FREE gift. I am grateful.

$100 Giveaway Winner!!!

2010-02-02T11:13:00.004-05:00

Sorry I didn't get this out yesterday. If you knew my plate right now, you would totally understand.

So before I pack up on an adventure to Winter Park, I wanted to say congratulations to Breanna from ....

She was selected randomly by Random.Org.

And its your lucky day x3!!!

For the next 2-DAYS Pajamagram is also giving FREE peronslization to your pj's, plus FREE gift packaging for every order!!!

Not only did you win $100 worth of FREE stuff, you get FREE personaliztion and FREE gift wrapping. That's 3 HUGE WINS in one day!

How to get FREE Personalization:
1. Order any personalizeable PJ by 2/3/10.
2. Use code PGPZALUV at checkout.
3. A maximum discount of $9.95 will be applied to your entire order at checkout.

FREE Gift Packaging with Every Order:
All women's pajamas delivered with FREE: • Periwinkle or pink organza hatbox • Lavender bath confetti • Do not disturb sign • Personalized gift card

Congratulations girl!!!

Don't forget you can order your Hoodie-Footie or PajamaJeans and be so hip like me. I love mine! And that's the truth!

So get busy shopping girl. I am leaving early in the morning for a ski trip. I will have my phone on me, so once you get your ordered picked out. I'll provide them with my special code and your goodies will be on their way.

Have a great day.

its been tough.

2010-01-31T14:55:00.006-05:00

I haven't abandoned the blogging world. In fact I think I enjoy writing so much I don't think I would ever abandon my "soap box". However, I have had many plates to balance over the last few weeks. I take that back, I have been balancing plates for a pretty long while now. I think over the last few months some where along the way I dropped a plate or two and it caused some major chaotic messes in my life.

I'm struggling with things, in all honesty. Without more detail than that.... I ask for you to pray for me and my family.

I will leave it at that.

Today after church my little girl threw the biggest fit I have seen of her yet. She is in a screaming phase. A VERY loud screaming phase and a "mine" phase. Everything is hers.

Today she wanted to ride in a friends car with the other kids as were were all headed to lunch together. She couldn't as she didn't have an extra car seat. I had to use every ounce in me that I could to get Morgan into her car seat. It took me probably a good two minutes or so to wrestle with her to get into the car seat. At first I was laughing and couldn't believe my very eyes. With in a moments time I stopped laughing and realized this isn't that funny anymore. I went from laughing, to annoyed to trying to take a deep breath to crying myself really fast. I gathered my composure and just continued to do what needed to be done in that very moment. Getting Morgan to calm down and in the car seat.

Finally, I got the snaps between her legs buckled and I begin to drive. She is jerking her body around, scream and crying as loud at her little voice and lungs would let her. I tried to void out her scream with some music, but the pierce of her scream just hit such nerves in my ears I couldn't help but cringe.

At the light I decided I would grab a little mini clip and video record her screaming the way she was. Is all of this really over wanting to ride in the other car my sweet girl?

I get to the place we were meeting at and I walk in, she begins to throw a fit again about her shoes bothering her. This girl and her shoes. I am telling you, I am in so much trouble and she isn't even two yet. I take the shoes off, she screams. I put the shoes on, she screams. Like many things in life, I can't win. As she begins to cry and scream inside the restaurant, I just looked at my friend standing in line waving at me, shook my head in a no motion and said I have to got home.

And I left.

My son stayed with her as he wanted to have a playdate with her son. He felt bad for mommy and decided he wanted to bring me a burrito for lunch anyway. So by the time I get home, Morgan screamed herself to sleep. I sat in my chair eating a cold sandwich in the quietness of my home and my little boy dropped of my burrito, that will now be tonight's dinner.

I love my children and my friends. I am blessed.

But these past two months of my life ..... its be tough.

Yet, this little girl of mine, no matter how many fits she throws or the tears she makes me shed. She also makes my life full, content and happy. I just smile looking at this little face of hers.

I love you baby girl.

but you promised.

2010-01-25T15:49:00.003-05:00

I am back from a long weekend in Toronto and boy is my 'blog post' list getting long. As I am constantly thinking of things I want to blog about. While I update pictures from the trip, unpack all this dirty laundry and get my ears unplugged from all the flying. I wanted to share this.

I am a fan of Rick Warren's. There are many that are not. That's okay. Rick Warren isn't for everyone, just as toasted peanut butter and jelly sandwiches aren't for everyone.

Oh, I guess I am hungry....and boy does a toasted peanut butter and jelly sandwich sound good right about now.

I often find myself in these kinds of traps....and I have to consistently remind myself to not fall into them. Its easier to get in, than to get out.

Here is what Rick Warren wrote today.

It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider his vows. Proverbs 20:25 (NIV)

Have you ever ...

... promised to deliver by a set date and later regretted it?
... volunteered for a job you had no idea would take so long?
... agreed to a deal that looked great but wasn't?
... accepted an invitation you wish you hadn't?

Eventually, we all learn by experience a basic law of life: It's always easier to get in than get out! The Bible says, "It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider his vows." (Proverbs 20:25, NIV)

There are three common commitment traps:

The Money Trap -- It's always easier to get into debt than out of debt! It's always easier to borrow than to pay it back.

The Partnership Trap -- It's always easier to get into a partnership, or a relationship, than to get out of one!

The Time Trap -- It's always easier to fill your schedule than to fulfill it! You can get so many irons in the fire that you put out the fire!

The solution: remember what the Bible says; don't make rash vows.

In other words, choose your commitments carefully; think before you speak; under-promise and over-deliver. With this, you'll build a reputation as a person of your word.

(Don't get trapped!)

A FREE gift for all of you {No strings attached!}

2010-01-18T17:45:00.004-05:00

Here is the deal.

CanvasPeople.com want to get a FREE 8x10 Photo Canvas in every home. Their only dream, is to spread their name by example of their own product. What better way to spread the word than to offer out a FREE 8x10 Photo Canvas to every home? There isn't.

A friend of mine already received her FREE photo canvas and loves it. I just placed my order in today, and am looking forward to it's arrival.

You feel left out now don't you?

Well, not anymore. Here is a personal gift certificate to YOU from ME, for FREE {no strings attached!}

Just click here and it will take you straight to the website for you are to upload your picture and place your order. The ONLY thing you have to cover for is shipping. Mine was only $14.00. Not bad. I know some of you will see them asking for a credit card number will freak out and turn away. DON'T DO THAT!

Be sure to pay attention to the size that your photo must be in order to get the best quality on the canvas. Have fun with it and treat yourself, a friend or a love one with this free gift.

Don't forget Valentines is around the corner! So take advantage of this huge offer. I'll share mine once is arrives and I plan on going back and ordering more.

Here is your FREE GIFT CERTIFICATE FROM ME! Enjoy!!!

the best and worst date ever.....

2010-01-15T00:38:00.003-05:00

Last week, Mark was called to a meeting at last minute out of town. Hunter was with his dad, leaving just the girls home alone together.

It ended up being such a fun peaceful time, just us girls. We ran errands together. We played, read books and made little videos. Anything that could be done in the home since it's been high 30's here in Sunny Florida for about two weeks now.

Finally, I decided I was in the mood to get out of the house and go on a dinner date with my baby girl.

Ruby Tuesday was the nearest thing to where we live that sounded good and child friendly. Off we went.

Get there it ends up being a half hour wait, so I thought about saying 'forget it' and head to subway instead.

But.... you know how it is when you get something in your mind that sounds good. Its hard to turn away and redirect yourself. I was in the mood for their Ruby Mini Burgers. I drove around the parking lot a couple of times really debating my options.

A) Do I wait with a toddler for that long and risk a chance of a possible melt down and a miserable dinner night with her?

B) Head to subway, walk around Wal-Mart and entertain ourselves.

Ruby Mini Burgers pulled the hardest and won.

We put our name on the list and found a place to let a toddler run around as much as possible until our name was called. Another couple came in with their 18 month older daughter Maggie. Morgan quickly made a friend and being the organized parents they were, brought snacks. Maggie was happy to share with Morgan. Thank you, Maggie.

The wait actually went by fast. We waited about 15 minutes. So that wasn't bad.

We were quickly seated to our booth, just me and my girl.

We already knew what we wanted and placed our order the moment our waitress came to the table. My thought was 'the quicker I order, the quicker it comes out and I get to eat before my daughter gets bored or tired, with a meltdown on top.'

So we ordered..... grilled cheese ~~buns~~ sandwich for Morgan. Don't even ask about that. I order my mini burgers.

It had to be the quickest and the easiest order in that entire room.

We wait....

We wait some more.....

Finally, I ask for something to hold Morgan over as she is starting to get a little bored.

They bring her a bowl of mashed potatoes, in which she really loved. While demanding she feed herself. Could they have given her a bigger spoon? The waitress obviously didn't have children.

That buys a few minutes.

We continue to wait....

Then, I break out the phone, and let her watch a little Wizard of Oz previews on YouTube. Are you surprised by her choice in Wizard of Oz. In which she now says "boz" for Oz.

"Mommy, Boz. Boz."

She is really into this saying "cheese" thing when she sees a camera. When she sees a camera now, she says "cheese" almost as if she thinks the camera is called "cheeeeese!" HA!

She picked up my cell phone and she put it up to her face and said "cheeeese!"

Finally, our waitress brings her 'grilled cheese buns' and tells me that they made mine wrong and so she is having them remade.

Ugh... how hard can it be to make mini burgers plain with just cheese??? Really?

Finally, she brings out my plate. Morgan and I say our prayer and as I touched my mini burgers, I realize they're COLD! Not even luke warm.

By this time I am really starting to lose my patients. Then the question arises:

A) Do I waste MORE time and WAIT even longer for another order?

B) Do I just take a bite and try to make the best of my cold burgers, although I was looking so forward to eating these darn things?

I took a bite.

Ewwww!!!!

I can not eat these cold like this.

I look around, my waitress isn't to be found. I asked the nearest waiter to please get me the manager.

Morgan's dish didn't look any better, but she was hungry enough to not care and was digging into her dish.

The manager arrived and I give her my complaint.

She apologizes and said she would comp my burgers and bring out a new hot plate.

The new ones arrive and sure enough they were hot. FINALLY! It only took three tries to bring out the second to easiest thing being made back in the kitchen, next to the grilled cheese for kids.

I haven't even mentioned.... the waitress, not once did she offer to refill my ice tea. I ended up waiting through three plates and eating my entire dinner before she finally swings by and asks if she can get be another tea.

By this time (something I would normally never do)....

I don't replay or look up at her. I give her 'annoyed' with my body language and nod my head 'yes, I'd like another glass, and how kind of you to think of it now that I am done with my food.'

She comes by and tells me the manager took care of the entire bill and to have a good night.

Good!!

Hey, I am all about paying for my dinners. I used to waitress, so I am also about leaving great tips. But this was the worst service. I can't recall in years the last time I have complained to a manager about the service or food.

I did (although, didn't feel it was deserved), leave her a tip. I felt bad about my entire meal being taken care of, so I left a tip that probably would have been less had I paid the actual bill.

Whatever!

I had a free hot dinner at the end of the night. It may have been the worst service I have received in a very long time. It however, was the BEST date I have with just me and my girl!!!

will they know me in heaven?

2010-01-14T05:00:00.003-05:00

Death is something that is all around us. Lately, I have felt that death is getting nearer to me in some way. I don't know in which way, but in some way. Maybe its that little bit of 'fear' that sneaks in me of losing something or someone so dear and near to me, like my children.

I read daily blogs and stories of families that are living among us with their hearts broken and dealing with the unimaginable pain of the loss of a child.

I have compassion. I have prayed so may times in my life for God to make me more like Him. To let me love, feel and care for others just has He would love, feel and care. He, I believe, has answered those prayers. When I read a story, or see first hand someone dealing with pain or the loss of a loved one. I don't just witness the situation and then go about my busy life. I feel the situation with them. My emotions will take my mind to 'that' place, and it will allow me to place myself in the shoes of another, getting a glimpse of what they must be experiencing.

With being able to take myself there emotionally, I feel it then gives me the ability to pray for these people in ways that some wouldn't think to pray for them.

I don't know.

I can't fully explain what I am trying to say. All I know is that I feel different. I feel like I have walked so many lives of other people. I have found myself awake in the middle of the night, with that feeling a panic, as a parent that just lost a child would feel. I have felt my heart race. I have felt my chest struggle to breath. I have felt so much pain just by other's painful experiences in life.

The other night I laid in bed. I had my eye mask on and Mark was next to me reading his book. He probably thought I was fast asleep, as I laid there in deep thought. When out of my mouth I spoke these words....

Me: "do you believe we will know each other in heaven?"

Mark: (His response was a moment of silence. Probably confused by the question out of no where or wondering if I am talking in my sleep. )

Then he replied: "no, I don't think we will."

Me: begin to silently cry.

Me: begin to not breath because I am trying to not let him know I am crying under my eye mask.

Me: can't control it anymore and I begin to weep out loud, still with eye mask on over eyes.

Mark: "honey, what's wrong?"

Me: "I didn't like that answer." (my cry just got ridiculous now.)

Mark: "I'm sorry, I probably shouldn't have said that. I don't know the answers to that. I just think that we wouldn't know each other."

Me: "I don't like that answer."

Mark: "babe, what do I know? I could be wrong. Here let me look it up." (As he grabs his bible and start fumbling through the pages.)

Mark: "I just believe that our purpose when we get to heaven is to glorify God. Even if we don't know each other in heaven, it won't matter. You won't be sad about it. You will be thrilled to be in the presence of God. You wont' remember your life on earth."

Me: (not moving mask from face still.... wiping snot down my cheek.)

Mark: "reading some scripture...."

Me: (can't remember anything he read.)

Mark: "babe?"( as he continues to browse the bible.)

Me: finally getting a hold of myself a little "its okay, you can stop searching the bible."

Mark: "I don't think you will care not being married or knowing me in heaven....." (thinking I would be upset to not know him as my husband in heaven)

Me: (sort of getting annoyed now and a little cranky...expressed myself with a little deeper tone) "I don't care to be married to you in heaven!!!" (laughing now, but at the time, not so much.)

Mark: (his eyes opened wide and afraid to speak)

Me: "I just want my children to know that I am their mom in heaven. I just want to know my babies in heaven. Because if I don't know them in heaven, then it takes the joy of me being excited to go to heaven. I don't want to ever not know them or them not know or remember me. Why put all this effort into love, relationships and family if we can't even be together and know each other in heaven."

Mark: "I don't have the answers, honey."

Then I went to Nashville. Remember this post?

I spoke with Pete Wilson (a pastor friend in Nashville) about this topic with in the first hour of meeting him face to face. He said that he does believe we will know each other in heaven. He sent me several scriptures from the bible that he believes supports his thoughts about heaven.

Although, I will not post them all here. I am curious as to what you think about this topic? I know it can be a very sensitive topic. I know as a parent that has lost a child, this can be a very painful and scary topic. It is for me too.

I am excited to go to heaven. Its supposed to be this wonderful, joyful thing. The whole purpose of living out our purpose here on earth, so to live eternity in heaven. I never feared dying or going to heaven before. When I was young, single and with no children, I never feared at the thought of dying too soon.

Now that I have children, my heart is tied. My heart has two small people that look to me for their needs. Two little people that give me reason to wake up each day and breath. The two very beings that are gifts given to me (loaned even) by God here on earth.

So, the very thought of not knowing these gifts, these children in heaven or them not knowing me as their mother really struck a sensitive spot deep within my heart.

Although, I know there are no tears in heaven. What about those families that lost loved ones or a child way too soon? What about those parents that believe they will see their little baby again in heaven? Will they?

To not believe that would happen is almost unbearable to think of for me.

Why go through all this heartache, trial, pain and EMOTION, if you are not able to celebrate our imperfect lives here on earth, perfectly together in heaven? God speaks about restoring all things as it was meant to be on earth, in heaven. Pete (pastor friend) said "so that leaves me to also believe God means relationships and families will be restored perfectly in heaven as it was meant to be here on earth."

I like that answer better.

I have searched this question a little. I have found many scriptures and many opinions. I still don't know the answer and I think that I may never know until I am there.

Until then, I can only imagine and hope that my children will know me in heaven.

What do you think?

Will my children know me in heaven?

Will they know me as their mother?

Will we greet each other and worship Jesus together?

Will parents get to see their babies and hold them again in heaven?

Will I know YOU in heaven?

Will we sit at the feet of Jesus like children ourselves? His children?

Your thoughts?

hey dad....

2010-01-13T09:25:00.007-05:00

Since you live so far away. Or would that be, since I live so far away?

Anyways, I sent you a birthday card ~~(late)~~ which should arrive any day now via snail-mail.

This year I didn't get you your annual photo mug of the kids or anything. Instead I got you something a little more exciting.

I wrote you this post here on my blog with a photo of us. See?

Whatcha think about it?

Do I make you proud, daddy?

And if I call you "daddy" does that make you feel a few years younger?

I want to make this a special day for you daddy even though we are so many miles away, so I am going to give you some advice.

1. Don't go out in the paddle boat today, daddy (still making you feel younger?). It's too cold and I don't want you to get sick. And well.... we also know what happened with your first experience in the paddle boat. :)

2. Don't hammer on anything today if possible. I don't want you to smash your finger. That would really hurt and its your birthday, so no boo boo's for you today.

3. Don't do anything to upset mom. Then she can't yell at you for it on your birthday.

See with all that great advice you are bound to have a fabulous birthday.

We all love you here in Florida.

Happy Birthday Dad and Grandpa!!!

Here to imagining a nice slice of cake to celebrate another year with you.

(And imagining how yummy it taste too!)

$100 giveaway

2010-01-11T20:05:00.013-05:00

As seen on TV, I recently worked for PajamaGram. I mostly modeled all their 2010 Valentine PJ's. Although, not all of which I modeled are not online just yet, but I will also be in the new catalog. You can order your free catalog from their website.

In addition to that I also filmed two commercials for PajamaGram, one for their famous Hoodie-Footie Snuggle Suit as seen here.

The other was for their new and very popular PajamaJeans as seen here .

I had such a great time working with a long time friend of mine Victor, who booked me on the jobs.

Not only did I have fun, I got to keep my very own Hoodie-Footie and PajamaJean. I love them.

The PajamaJean is especially my favorite, because they stick to as advertised. I wore mine for a 10 hour shoot, having taken them off and put them back on for different parts of the commercial to shoot. The jeans never once lost their shape on me. They did not loosen or get sloppy, nor did they wrinkle. They were soft and cozy on the inside, while looking like a styish pair of jeans on the outside.

*NOTE* I am in no way writing this post because I have been asked or getting anything in return for promoting this. I actually feel this is a fun topic, something that maybe would be of interest to you and a funny story that now involves YOU and a special giveaway!!!!

Funny story:

After I had modeled for the PajamaGram client, I had went online and signed myself up for the catalog so I could have a copy of my own work. Its often hard to see and get hard copies of your actual work when modeling, so when you get a chance to get it, you do.

Well, a few weeks went by and all of the sudden I received an email. The email said this.

Dear Misty Rice,

Recently you signed up to become a member of PajamaGram’s VIPj Email List. Each month we choose a new VIPj Member to receive a free PajamaGram and we're happy to inform you that you have been selected as this month’s winner.

As our lucky winner, you are invited to select up to $100 of PajamaGram products. You can have your PajamaGram shipped to you, or treat someone special to a special surprise by shipping it to them — it'll surely make their day! We can ship your PajamaGram anywhere within the Continental U.S.

All we need you to do is fill out the attached form and return it to us via a reply to this email or via fax at (802) 985-1382 (Attn: Laura Fitzgerald). As soon as we have received your completed form, we will send your PajamaGram on its way.

At first I thought it was some kind of spam mail or gig with strings attached. I sent the email to my friend Victor, and he confirmed with a giggle "that's funny and offical."

I have been chosen randomly to receive $100 free stuff from PajamaGram. This part of the company has no idea who I am or that I just recently modeled for them. All they did was place my name is a recent customer that signed up to receive catalogs for them and I won!

Pretty funny, right?

Sure it is, Misty! But what does that have to do with US?

Glad you asked.

You see, I decided that I would like to take my blog in a little different direction. I would like to start blogging and building my audience. I plan on blogging about my children, modeling and life in general, just as I do now. As well, as blog about anything and everything I can think of (sort of like I do now, too!). Ha!

Like my little soap box! (sort of like now!)

But I never tried to really grow an audience. I want to see if I can slowly but surely grow my audience and take my blog to the next level.

"So what does that have to do with us, we ask again?"

Well, my little blogging buddies, this is what it has to do with you.

You know that $100 gift card to be used at PajamaGram.com?

I am going to give it away to a lucky blogger. You will be able to shop online to your hearts desire (up to $100's, that is). You will then place your order with me via email. I will get your order shipped out to YOU!!! You can shop for yourself, your dog, your family or a friend. Whatever you like! You can even order yourself your very own Hoodie-Footie or PajamaJean and be cool like me! *giggle-giggle*

Awesome right?

"So what do we have to do? You know those strings attached?"

Well, yes, there is a little tiny string attached, but it's so tiny, its more like dental floss. Its easy. Don't you think $100 in free stuff is worth a little tiny effort on your end?

"Maybe, depends on what it is I guess."

That's the spirit!

All I am asking is that you following me here on my Blog and Twitter, and spread the word about me. I also have a Facebook account, you can jump on their as my friend too. If you have one of the three (facebook, twitter, blog), I ask that you give a little shout out to my blog (with link) and this post, on one of yours.

I am not going to do the whole "points" thing, as other blogs do. I find that to be a little annoying. Okay, I find it to be really annoying. Besides, I don't want to keep up with all of that.

I would just like to gain some new readers. Simple.

I will wait until Feb. 1st to draw my winner. This gives myself and you two weeks to help spread the word. While also announcing the winner 14-days before Valentines Day, just in case you want to order something for yourself or someone special in your life.

While I have your attention, I want to do a blog makeover. Does anyone have any creative ideas for a model/actress/mother and wife? I always love to hear other peoples creativity. Toss that out to me in the comment box too if you feel up for it.

Okay, I am done.

Start following me on the following:

1. Here on my Blog! (just hit follow me to left of my blog)

2. Twitter

3. Facebook

and

4. Leave me a comment here telling me were you are following.

Leaving a comment here on my blog is a must, so I can keep tabs. I will do my (random) drawing from the list of comments on this post February 1st.

If you do not have twitter, blog or facebook. No worries. Just leave a comment and I will still include you in the drawing. I am just asking my readers for some extra love by helping me spread the word.

PS: If any of you already have the PajamaJean or Hoodie-Footie, please share. I would love to hear some personal stories from you on what you think about them.

Be sure to follow me some place so you know when I announce the winner on Feb. 1st.

Thanks for spreading the word.

this spell I'm under

2010-01-11T05:00:00.002-05:00

This is my love song to my sweet Savior. When I heard this song on my iPhone iPod, the words of this song had such a whole new meaning like never before to me. I wasn't thinking of my husband. I wasn't thinking of my kids. I wasn't thinking romance. I instantly thought about my sweet Savior.

I often find myself to not be the best at witnessing to people. I want to by my actions. I want to share my life stories that I believe are my walking, living and breathing testimonies. Then I heard this song and I was like "wow, this is what I want people to know why I love my Jesus so much. I want them to know what it is about HIM that keeps me coming back for more. I want everyone to know what it is about this spell I am under."

It's HIS LOVE!

It really just does something to me.

It really sends a shock right through me.

Its made me who I am today.

Whatever HE is doing, I just want HIM to do it all over again.

Here are the lyrics of Tim McGraw's song - Its Your Love. Really read the words in this song. It is exactly how I feel about God's love for me and HIS purpose for my life.

Let this be my testimony!!!

Yea yea

Dancin' in the dark middle of the night

Takin' your heart and holdin' it tight

Emotional touch touchin' my skin

And asking you to do what you've been doin' all over again

Oh it's a beautiful thing don't think I can keep it all in

I just gotta let you know what it is that won't let me go

It's your love

It just does something to me

It sends a shock right through me

I can't get enough

And if you wonder

About the spell I'm under

Oh it's your love

Better than I was, more than I am

And all of this happened by taking your hand

And who I am now is who I wanted to be

And now that we're together,

I'm stronger than ever

I'm happy and free

Oh it's a beautiful thing,

Don't think I can keep it all in

If you asked me why I've changed,

All I gotta do is say your sweet name

It's your love

It just does something to me

It sends a shock right through me

I can't get enough

And if you wonder

About the spell I'm under

Oh, it's your love

Baby, Oh oh, oh,

Oh it's a beautiful thing,

Don't think I can keep it all in

I just gotta let you konw what it is that won't let me go

It's your love

It just does something to me

It sends a shock right through me

I can't get enough

And if you wonder

About the spell I'm under,

Oh it's your love

It's your love, it's your love, it's your love

July 12, 2009

2010-01-10T05:00:00.001-05:00

Wow. I can not believe I never posted this. I found this in my "draft' list today. I wrote it up on July 17, 2009. For some reason, I only ended up saving it as a draft and never posted it. Its such a special post that I can't leave it sitting as a draft. It made me smile and tear up all over again reading through this today.

A day that I will put down in my memory bank to never be forgotten. The day my first born, my only son and first love made his public announcement in his faith and Savior.

He did it!!!

Hunter came to me and said that he said a prayer asking Jesus in his heart and to be his savior, and wanted to take the step and be baptized.

I of course was beyond thrilled. What magical words and a time in my sons life. I can't describe this feeling as his mother. Its just an emotional joy and brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it.

This weekend was yet another miraculous GOD WINK. Hunter was originally scheduled to go back to Cape Cod for his second half of the summer with his dad. I assumed that he would not be able to be baptized until after he got back from Cape Cod. However, I also didn't want too much time to pass between this moment and that moment.

As God would have it.

Hunters dad signed him up for a hockey camp here in Florida that he was attending all week. His father didn't realize the camp didn't end until Saturday, the same day he was to fly to the Cape.

His father sent me an email saying that if we wanted we could come in a day later so that Hunter could finish up his hockey camp. However, I could not afford the price in changing our flights.

God said "hang on a second" and He worked it out some more.

My church then called me up and asked if they could hire me as an actress to play a visual role in this weekends message for all seven (7) services. With the pay, it covered the cost to pay for the change in flights so that Hunter could finish his hockey camp, I could work as a visual in the message at church and Hunter could be baptized.

I was behind stage taking pictures of this special moment. I didn't think I was going to get emotional until the very moment he went under and came back up. The tears came rolling down my face. Of course, I had to hurry back and change in my wardrobe for the service I was going to be in, and clean up the mascara under my eyes.

To make things even more exciting, they needed two kids to be on stage during the services while a special song was being sung. They asked Hunter if he would do it and he was thrilled to. He had a blast and we got to spend the entire weekend together at church, working together, being a part of the message together and sharing his baptism together.

Enjoy the pictures of Hunter and I hope you and your families have a blessed weekend.

But first I feel I better explain something. If you don't follow my blog, then you will wonder why certain 'words' appear on the video at the end of Hunters baptism. Over the summer, our church did a series called "Worlds Largest Strip Club." It was all over the news and everything. Our church likes being bold and different. Anyways, the series was about stripping away things out of your life. Hunter happened to get Baptized during this series, and so the words "Worlds Largest Strip Club" appears on the wall right after his baptism. LOL!

The "you are special" plate!

My friend Lisa recorded it for me with her iPhone, while I was up with Hunter taking pictures.

see I told you....

2010-01-09T05:00:00.000-05:00

....she can read! :)

My Baby Can Read!

2010-01-08T05:00:00.001-05:00

Well sort of. She can read pictures and she knows the words she hears. We can go through an entire book of hidden pictures and ask her where something is. She will find it and point to it. She almost always gets it 100%, it sort of depends on her mood or her level of concentration at the time. However, she loves loves loves to read books. She is constantly ~~handing~~ throwing books at me or her daddy to read to her. She will sit there for however long you let her and just go through books.

A few months ago I got her these "MY BABY CAN READ" DVD's. I had heard about them and I thought it was so neat to see children at such young ages reading. Although, I didn't see myself actually pressing my child to read as it may appear some parents in the 'My Baby Can Read' commercial may have. I did however think that the DVD's would be fun for her to watch and she would learn at her own pace with the videos.

Let's just say that my girl LOVES watching her MBCR DVD's. She smiles every time she sees and hears the beginning of these videos when I turn them on. Each video is about 30 minutes long and she will sit and stay focused all the way through them.

She can't really read the words that flash on the screen or that I point to in the books. She is starting to make connections that 'things' have 'names' and those 'names/words' can be a picture or written.

The show the word this arrow slides underneath the word, showing the direction in which the child needs to learn to read the word in (left to right). As the arrow slides under the word, they say the word in both an adult and a young girls voice, showing how it may sound different by whom is saying the word. She will sit there and interact with the video and answer the questions, and do the actions in which the video instructs her to do.

Her vocabulary is growing more and more each day. Sometimes random words pop out of her mouth out of no where.

For example: On Christmas morning when she walked in to what Santa had left her. I got out my camera to take her picture. Out of no where this girl of mine SMILES and then to top it off she says "CHEESE" at the camera. First of all..... I didn't even know my girl could smile on demand like that, and I have never used the word "cheese" for her when trying to get her to smile for the camera. She must have learned it at school or at church, but out of nowhere she just did it on her own and shocked me.

She loves to walk around where ever we go and asks "that?" Meaning "what is that?" And I answer her and she tries her hardest to repeat, almost nailing all the words. She loves to say one of our cats name, "Milo". Its her first word with an "L" in it. Now recently she has started to say 'milk.'

I could go on and on with all her words...... but I then you wouldn't get anything else done today.

I thought I would share these pictures and let you in on this MBCR DVD's program. I am sure you have seen commercial for it. Now you can hear from someone that actually owns the set and hear my thoughts.

I think it is great. I love it. Morgan loves it. I don't force her. I don't do it hours on end. It says to do it twice a day. I just do it when I think she is in the mood for it. We don't really do the flash cards yet, because I think the picture finding in the book is the better form of flash car for her at this time. She loves to show off and find the pictures.

Have you ever tried anything out similar with your kids? I'd like to hear about it and see what creative things parents do with kids to help them learn.

I actually taped index cards up around the house when Hunter was her age so he could go around and read the word attached to the furniture. What about you?

My girls is a jabbering one. She seriously loves to talk and sing. She has intense conversation sometimes with me, and I know she knows what she is saying. I just try to keep up with the conversation. I love her little voice. I told daddy to listen carefully to her voice and to not forget it, for it will one day not sound like that.

A Day in the Life of Kate McRae {Praying!!!!}

2010-01-07T22:31:00.011-05:00

Today Kate had her MRI and the news was not what her prayer worriers or her family had hoped to have received. They are broken and scared for their little girl. The tumor is still very present, although shows signs of shrinking. They were hoping there would be none at all on her MRI today.

Sometimes pictures don't give you the real deal of emotions that a child or a family is experiencing through such hard times. I found this video of Kate titled "A Day in the life of Kate" and I watched it a couple of times with my little girl sitting on my lap. I started bawling, and Morgan turned her face to look up at me with such concern. All I could do was kiss her and tell her how much mommy loved her. Oh how thankful I am.

This video I feel gives you the REAL Kate. The Kate that is simply a little five year old girl. A sister to two siblings. A daughter to her parents. An owner of her new dog. She is going through something I wished no child should ever have to go through.

Right now the doctors and her parents have huge and delicate decisions to make on the behalf of this little girl battling an ugly monster called 'brain cancer.' The burden is heavy on their hearts tonight and they have asked for a prayer chain tonight on Kates behalf.

Will you join in and pray for Kate?

Pray for ALL the children. Children are special. They are gifts. They are innocent and fragile.

Please take the time to get to know "A Day in the Life of Kate."

Here is her CarePage if you would like to visit, keep track with updates or leave them a comment.

As you can see she has lost a ton of movement in her right leg and arm.
Here is Kate wishing everyone a Happy New Year. So lets pray for Kate to have a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Prayer request - Ms. Butterfly

2010-01-05T09:22:00.013-05:00

(Update Two) Wednesday 3:30 PM

Again, THANK YOU all for the out pour of emails, direct messages, facebook and phone calls.... most importantly for YOUR PRAYERS.

OK, so the latest as of today.

We woke up to a busy morning. It was a family adventure first thing this morning, as I had to drive Hunter to school and Mark to work. Mark's car is getting it's 150,000 miles services done. This car is holding up well for us. We, as of last month, are officially owners of both our cars. Mark finally sent in his last payment and the title is ready to be mailed. Now lets just hope that neither of the cars break down or have anything horrible happen to them. We love not having a monthly car payment and have decided no matter what, as much as possible, to be avoided, we will never purchase a car again that we can't pay cash for. Meaning we will never seek out to have a car payment again.

Anyways, after a family affair this morning with the girls dropping off the boys to their perspective places, we girls went home to get ready for our day. I decided to let Morgan skip her school today since I would have to pick her up early anyways for her appointment.

We came home, made up the beds, cleaned up dishes from breakfast and got dressed. Well, one of us did all of that anyways. While holding Morgan on my hip, looking in her closet for what shoes to put on her, she notices a 'dogga' (a.k.a. DOG) sitting in the closet. This dogga was given to me for her at my baby shower in Texas. She decided that was the chosen travel buddy for the day, along with her Dora the Explorer purse and gee (a.k.a. blanky).

We arrive at her appointment almost 20 minutes early so I could do the paper work. See, I am thinking ahead of the game here. When we walked in, the waiting room was empty. The ladies behind the desk where cooing over little adorable butterfly. Let's just say she didn't mind the attention at all. She must get that from her ~~daddy~~ mommy. Ahem.

To make a long story short and get to the point....

The room quickly filled up and she made lots of friends. Adult friends.

After 45 minutes of waiting, finally they call out "MORGAN".

The nurse so sweetly asked Morgan if she wanted to hold hands, and Morgan so sweetly accepted.

She introduces us to our new waiting room. Its like the game that all doctor offices play. Wait out in lobby, when its starts to press for a long waiting period in lobby, they then call you in the room, so you are distracted and you think your time has finally arrived. Nope, they just move you into the room and it then becomes a holding/waiting room there also.

Any parent knows that any small room for a toddler is asking for it, but I do my best to entertain her until she finally got bored, hungry and tired. Then a meltdown broke out. She was on the floor, rolling around, kicking her feet and even lost her shoes.

After a few minutes of that, she got herself together, was back up and into things again. The doctors must of heard all the commotion, because after 15 minutes of waiting in that room, the doctor finally came in.

This doctor is an ENT specialist (Ears, Nose and Throat). He seemed nice. I mean after all I had only known him for about 30 seconds. Can't you tell in 30 seconds if a person is nice or not? He was kind to Morgan and gentle, but he was also one of those doctors that was quick to make his observation and send you on your way. Sometimes that can be a good thing after waiting for almost an hour to be seen. However, sometimes it can also come across less sensitive, and make you feel more like you are in their way. It sets off a negative energy to the patient. At least that is how I can often feel in that situation. I don't want to ever be made to 'feel' that I am in any ones way.

See, I care about others that way. HA!

Needless to say, he 'believes' it to only be a swollen lymph node. Same thing we all, including the other two doctors that had seen Morgan. He also said that "a month" for it being there isn't long at all, that several months or years is a long time. Almost as if possibly to say that one month is overreacting. Or maybe I am overly concerned. Yet, I haven't said more than probably 10 words since he walked in the door. He did all the talking. I just sat, listened and shook my head as to say "okay."

Or maybe that was his way of trying make me feel better and less concerned? Who knows. People are interesting that way.

I honestly wasn't stressed at all being there, other than the fact that I was now getting tired and ready to get my cranky toddler home to bed. Other than that I was in good spirits.

The doctor continued to tell me that this lump is very mobile (his words), and no other signs or other swollen nodes were detected, which to even further indicate that there probably isn't anything to be concerned about right now.

GREAT!!!! I like hearing that. It's what I felt in my gut anyways, but of course wanted to the doctor (specialist) to give me affirmation. He said it should go away on its on, and to just keep an eye out on it. If it is still there in a few weeks to a month, come back in and see if any changes have been made to it.

At this time he didn't want to make any other opinions about it, because it is in such a delicate part of her beautiful face, lets not touch it until we absolutely have to.

GREAT!!! I prefer that also.

On the other hand..... there is a part of me that does wish that they would have at least viewed it with an ultrasound. I'm a visual person. I want to see what we are looking at under the scopes. Besides, wouldn't that give even more detail or clarification, as well as answers, more so that what you are feeling with your hand or seeing with the human eye?

However, that didn't happen and so I will continue to leave it up in God's hands. I even told Him that while secretly talking to Him while getting Morgan's shoes back on and things gathered to leave. Well actually I was thanking Him repetitively before that. I didn't want to even for a second seem as though I took any moment for granted, already knew the answers and didn't need to rely on Him. Instead, I could have had two outcomes in which both I solely relied on HIM for peace in.

I am grateful for the words that were spoken today.

Fifty dollars later, a tired girl eats her lunch and is off to dream land. I sit here writing this update, while my hubby is texting me to come pick him up so we can go get his car. Sorry, honey, I think you will have to wait until the sleeping princess rises from her nap.

Hmmmmm..... maybe I'll take a little nap too?

These photo's were all taken with the cell phone, so you know how that goes. At least it gives you a little visual candy to make you feel like a part of your journey today.

Thank you again and again for the love you show to Butterfly and my family in general. You all rock!!!

And don't you be worried either.... mama doctor here will keep her hands and eyes at close watch to this little stubborn LYMPH NODE. Should anything further come of it.....well, you know you will hear from me.

(Update One) Tuesday 6:15 PM

Morgan had her appointment today and yes the lump is still there. We saw one of the doctors on duty today and he is one I don't particularly have a relationship with. He has sent us on to see a pediatric surgeon to have an ultrasound done on it before we start poking her with needles etc.

However, I did call my friend whom is Morgan's pediatrician and instead we are going to see another specialist tomorrow at 11:30 AM.

THANK YOU ALL for the out pour of prayers via facebook, email and here. Makes one feel much supported and I did have such a sense of peace today. And I still do. Morgan did excellent as the doctor examined her all over the place today. She only got upset when he put the tongue thong in her mouth to view her throat area and inside of her mouth.

It also seems that my little growing toddler must have fell and bruised her two top teeth as they have a slight bruise tent to them recently. Oh the ever on going stuff with toddlers, right?

I'll keep you posted as I know. Keep the prayers coming.

(Original Post) Tuesday morning.

I know. I know.

I have been really bad with posting on here over the last week. However, it being the holiday break from school and Christmas, we have been really busy. If you follow me on Facebook or Twitter, you know that I went to Boston to watch my son almost get his first hat trick (that's shooting 3 goals in a game) and the Jr. Panther winning their 2nd Tournament Championship. I'll post more on that later with some pictures of my boo.

Then I traveled to Boca Grande Florida, which is an island I never new existed out there to photograph outside in Spring clothing, in 45 degree temps with a wind chill of about -20. Talk about not fun.... it was NOT FUN!!! But the client was great to work for and with, and we were able to get the job done.

Also, I mentioned a couple of weeks back that Morgan was fighting a sinus infection, along with her daddy and I. I also mentioned that I felt a lump inside her right cheek. The doctor took a look at the lump in our last visit about 15 days ago and believed it to be an infected gland due to her ear and sinus infection she was fighting. He gave her an antibiotic for 10 days and wanted to see her back to see if the lump was gone. If the lump was not gone, they were going to do further evaluation and run some blood test to get some answers as to what this lump is doing in my butterfly's cheek.

Of course, being the mom that I am, I google search 'lump' and 'bump' in your cheek. A very bad idea! As all that came up in response were images and sites about tumors and oral cancer. Very little about 'glands.'

No thanks! I don't even want to let my mind go there.

At the same time.... I let my mind go there a little bit, so I can try to be some what prepared should it be anything to be concerned about. If it turns out to be nothing to be concerned about, I will be that more relieved and grateful. I read every single day about children going through and dealing with all types of cancer and it breaks my heart.

Let's take my mind off of that for a minute (and yours) and focus back to some positive things.

The doctor felt good about the idea that the lump, which 15 days ago, was about the size of a grape, was moving around when pressed and messed with. Which lead him to believe that it was the gland in her cheek.

Today, the lump (I believe) has gone down some in size. Its about the size of a half grape I guess. It is still moving around. As I touch it every single day trying to measure its down sizing so I could make myself relax more about it, while clinging to faith that God has this under control no matter what. And HE does!

However, the lump is still there and I want to know why.

I am taking her back to the doctor today. From being at the hospital working with kids with cancer and reading blogs on the children I pray daily for with cancer. I have often read that it is extremely important to work fast on these things.

So, I am getting a move on it as we are around 15 days since the doctor last felt it and the lump that I am aware of, has been there about a month from the first time I noticed it.

My plan:

A. Writing this post to get you prayer worriers moving too. Will you please pray for my butterfly today? Pray the doctor doesn't get too concerned about it. However, even if the doctor doesn't seem too concerned, I will be requesting that the extra steps be taken and test be ran no matter what. Can't be too safe when it comes to things like this. Please pray that it really is a gland just taking a little longer to get rid of all the infection it was fighting inside her little body. Please pray that God give myself and the doctor the insight we need to make the best choices for this little girl. Please pray that my mind stay positive, calm while relying on Gods hands and plan for all of this. Please pray that no invasive surgeries will be needed on her little face to remove this lump. Please pray for anything you can think of that I may not be at this time that you feel on your heart to pray. The power of prayer is magical.

B. Enjoy this day alone with my girl. We are going to run errands, get groceries and just hang out. The holidays, the travels and my work over the last few weeks have kept me busy. Today, I plan nothing and look to every minute to spend with my Butterfly.

C. Trusting in God. Although, I have had so much on my mind these last few weeks. Some personal things, my mind seems so cluttered and busy. I have found myself lately boggled and unfocused during my prayers. In the middle of my prayers, my mind wonders about all that I am worried about and I forget to finish my prayer. That is why I need YOUR extra prayers for me and my family, as there are many changes as I mentioned in a post not long ago, still quickly approaching upon us that are weighing in on my worries.

D. Focusing on my family, this new day we are blessed to have, as each day is not promised to us. Focusing on an upcoming year. Focusing on relationships. Focusing on family and friends. Focusing on my God.

With that being said.....

I have some fun changes coming to my blog soon, with some fun surprises and giveaways. My blog may be going in a little bit of a different direction. All in which I am excited about and I hope you will be too. More on that later.

For now, look at this photo. My Butterfly 20 months old. Isn't she just beautiful? Wow. I can just stare and smile at her forever!

She is my girl. My angel. My Butterfly. My daughter. My gift. My joy. My heart.

Thank you for your prayers.

Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas to all of YOU!

2009-12-25T05:30:00.001-05:00

survive weekly and escape as much as possible

2009-12-24T12:43:00.007-05:00

Our pastor often speaks about things married couples should do to help keep their relationship intimate and alive. He has this little saying that goes something like "date weekly and depart quarterly."

I always thought that was brilliant. In our home it lasted maybe two months.

At first, I used to think that my husband didn't care enough about me if we didn't do our weekly date night.

I really would get upset about it and it reflected on our relationship. I thought, I 'deserved' better than that. I deserved to be loved and romanced, and taken on a date once a week. In fact, I recall a verse in the bible that speaks about husband to court their wives MORE than when you did while dating them.

That is how I envisioned my perfect marriage. A romantic husband that came up with all these romantic ideas and dates, courting me more during our marriage than when we were dating.

I quickly learned as anything else, all of that sounded so great in theory, but just isn't reality.

In reality its another story.

The dating your wife more during your marriage may be possible, um, the first months or years you do not have children.

Once children come into the picture everything about your marriage changes. Some really great things and some sort of sad things, but not anything that you just cant live without. And surely nothing bad enough that makes getting married or having children all not worth it.

Its just that.... different.

Change in other words.

First of all, it takes a village (in reality) to raise children. If you do not live near family, you don't have that village to help you and therefore, it can be really exhausting and really expensive to try and keep that "dating" lifestyle going.

I have found myself miserable on the very few date nights that my husband and have gone on over the last two years of our marriage since having little butterfly in our lives. I'm exhausted at the end of my days, and so the last thing I want to do is get dressed up for anything. Its expensive to hire sitters as is, so who can afford to hire a sitter a couple of hours earlier before the date, just so mom and dad can actually get showered and dressed in peace? Not us anyways.

Its almost as if the kids know we have plans and they instantly turn on this terror act. Morgan getting into anything and everything that is less than three feet tall. While I am sitting in the bathroom trying to apply mascara, I have a toddler fussing at me and yanking on my arm. Trust me, its not easy to apply mascara with a toddler pulling on your arm.

Then the next thing... she starts pulling and stretching out mommies thong. Pulling and pulling while taking a step back as if I'm her personal sling shot.

I am so over trying to entertain a toddler and trying to get myself ready at this point. As if that wasn't enough, I hate everything in my closet. To top it off, I thought I would curl my hair that was already straight, just so I could feel a little different. Who knows, maybe even feel a little sexy for once. I begin to curl my hair. I get half of it curled, to realize that I have no hair spray or styling spray. There is no way my curls are going to hold without any type of support spray.

At this point, I just wanted to cry, crawl in bed and dream of my younger single days for a moment when things were easy. The days where you could sleep, or take all afternoon deciding on your outfit for the evening. The days where you could leisurely take your time getting ready while talking on the phone with your girlfriends or jamming out to No Doubt. While possibly even admiring your own youthful figure. Those days that when you walked out of your place if on a date or out with the girls, you just had that attitude of "I look and feel good."

Then I wake back up to my reality of a screaming toddler that apparently really was just feeling crabby because she was sick with an ear infection and sinus infection, that I would later learn the next Monday at her doctors appointment.

I re-straighten the hair I just curled. However, lessoned learned. It is much harder to straighten hair you curled, than to curl the hair you just straightened? Go figure.

I am dressed.

The sitter is on her way.

Hubby then decided that since this was our first date since LAST February for our wedding anniversary, and we are all dressed up.... "lets get some pictures by the tree."

Um, okay...... make your choice will we have the nine year old or the 20 month old take the picture for us honey?

We went with the nine year old.

I could only force myself to try to get a nice photo twice.

The first one, as you can see, I look like a deer looking into an on coming car.

But hey its in focus.

The second one, as you can see, I actually forced on a smile. While having my fussy toddler reaching out at me to be held as it has gone the entire evening.

That picture is not in focus.

We may look dressed and ready to go out on our date for my birthday, but underneath it all, I just wanted to run away for the rest of the night.

I made it to the car and to our dinner reservation. It was a nice place. Great food. Mark and I actually had some great conversation, with very little talk of the kids. It was a nice date.

However, it ended up being an expensive dinner for two. About a hundred dollars more than a dinner for four (our family) the night before. On top of that you have the sitter cost.

After dinner it was so cold outside and the dress I was wearing just wasn't going to keep me warm, so we passed on our movie and called it a night. Sent the sitter home, got the kids in bed. I got on my computer for a bit, while hubby played video games online with his buddy.

Well, hubby and I did get reacquainted before all that, but I didn't think you cared for that info. Or the fact that our nine-year old interrupted us. We called it an intermission, while scrambling around to get dressed so I could answer his two minute knock at the door.

I thought I would leave that part out for you.

Although, there is a huge part of me that misses all those romantic dating years.

I also realize I am just as happy sitting at home with our little family saving that $300 date night, putting it aside for a get away with just the hubby and I every once in awhile instead.

Wouldn't you considered that a fair trade men?

Instead of having to come up with a "date" idea each week. Save that money and actually take your wife on a weekend getaway every 3 to 4 months.

Mark and I have decided we may be heading to Colorado with two other couples on a ski trip for about five nights in February. Now that is a date I look forward to. We have a friend that has a home we can stay in, we found some pretty reasonable flights. Hunter will go with his dad. We will connect in Dallas TX and drop Morgan off with my parents, so there is no extra childcare cost.

It will be so worth it and such a better way for hubby and I to really get away from all the stress of work, bills, child raising and really just connect as a husband and wife again.

I have changed that 'date weekly - depart quarterly' to 'survive weekly and escape as much as possible.'

I look forward to posting pictures from that trip that will replace these pictures from this night.

Happy Merry Christmas Eve everyone!

Plan B (Nashville Part I)

2009-12-23T10:54:00.015-05:00

Plan B is my reason for visiting Nashville TN.

There is a guy, his name is Pete Wilson. He is known as the "best pastor" in Nashville. Since he is the only pastor in Nashville that I know, I can't argue that rumor. He has a wife named Brandi. Brandi is known as the "best pastor wife" and since I have met her, I wouldn't doubt that she is the best pastors wife.

Both Pete and Brandi are two of the nicest people I have met.

Pete wrote a book 'Plan B' that is sold on Amazon. To help promote and give his readers a visual in what the book is about, he wanted a video promo of his book. Pete invited me out to play the visual role of that video.

When he emailed me, he asked me if I would be interested in helping make this video. He continued to explain that they couldn't pay me, but maybe I would pray about it and see if it was something I could give my time in and be a part of.

My first response to Pete via email was "No thank you, not interested."

That's all it said.

Can you imagine what his face or thoughts where reading that email? This guy doesn't know me at all. We have mutual friends in common in the pastor and pastor wives circle, but we have never personally met or been in communication prior to him stepping out and asking me to participate in this video.

I, of course, was totally kidding with him. I finally wrote the second email saying of course I would.

I didn't need to pray about it or think twice. I love giving my time to anything that involves my church or anything that is promoting Christianity and my God. I loved the idea about his book and thought it was a great thing to be apart of.

However, I did negotiate a little bit of a deal out of all of this for myself.

I guess you will just have to wait for that post.

Its fun stuff though so you will want to check back and see what I am talking about.

Well months went by since that conversation with Pete. This shoot wasn't supposed to take place until February of 2010. When all of the sudden during my busiest month of work and traveling with the modeling, Pete emails me to say that they really needed to shoot the video this month.

To make a long story short(er)....

After going back and forth a few text and emails, it appeared that it was not going to be possible for me to make my way out to Nashville due to conflicts in other commitments with work and travel.

However, God (being the master of all that he is) rearranged somethings in my schedule to make it possible. I am so thrilled that He did.

I made it to Nashville and was greeted by Pete at the airport. We stopped by Starbucks to kill a few minutes before heading over to the studio to begin filming. I don't drink coffee, but it was cold enough to enjoy a really hot cup of hot chocolate. Yum.

Soon after we headed to the studio to learn that the studios heater was not working, and it was like 20 degrees outside. Okay-okay, it was more in the 60's I guess, but for us Floridans that feels like below zero.

We begin filming while taking a few breaks in between to warm up by the oven in the kitchen.

No lie!

But we managed to get the video finished with (real) tears and (real) laughter along the way.

I can't wait to see the final product and read the book, Plan B.

In other news: Serious.Life Magazine & Me!

2009-12-23T09:19:00.013-05:00

Misty's Article
Misty's Photo Gallery

Most of you have heard of Serious.Life Magazine. Its pretty popular among all the bloggers out there.

I am so excited to say that I was personally invited by Brent Riggs, the owner and author of the magazine. We have become blogging friends over the last few months and he made me feel special by inviting me to write an article about digital photography.

This issue is all about digital photography. This magazine features some big time bloggers, and some professional photographers and as well as amateur photographers such as myself. Brent wanted to give digital photography advice to all his readers, no matter the skill level in which you are at.

What a brilliant idea.

I have a special article inside the magazine plus a small photo gallery to view. Please take a peek and see all the fun photography tips everyone is sharing in the magazine. Once you read this issue on digital photography you will be more motivated to go out and photograph some magical memories of your loved ones over this special Christmas holiday.

Enjoy!!

Go to:

Magazine Here

christmas (came) early

2009-12-22T13:54:00.006-05:00

He leaves this afternoon and heads to Cape Cod tomorrow with dad, so we thought we would let him do Christmas with us a little early.

Our family tradition that has come from Mark's childhood family tradition, is to read from the book of Luke on Christmas morning, about the birth of Jesus. The last few years we have let Hunter be the one to read the story from the bible and he will until his sister is old enough to rotate and read with him.

{Hunter reading to us the birth of Jesus}

This year Hunter requested a 'big boy' bible of his own. The one he has is for 'little boys' and so with the gift money from Nana Jan and Papa Mark Baniewicz, Mark was able to find this fabulous boys bible. If you have young boys, this is a must have boy bible. I absolutely love it.

For each book of the bible, it tells you who are the authors of writing that book and the purpose of that book in the bible. It really breaks things down for them to understand things, but its cool enough and laid out in an adult fashion that they are getting a very "grown up" book.

{His new boys bible}

{can be found on Amazon}

Then after unwrapping many 'Red Sox" things like a beanie cap, beach towel, backpack.....

He opened up his BIG Christmas gift of the year.

An autographed travel jersey that was actually worn during season of 2009 by Red Sox pitcher, Clay Buchholz.

{The actual jersey worn by Clay here....}

{...is now being worn by my 9-year-old son!!!}

Think he is happy?

My good friend and old roommate and her now husband, Clay Buchholz, went over and beyond to make this such a special Red Sox Christmas for this little guy. Lindsay lived with us when Hunter was about two-years-old. Just a little guy.

The message from Clay says:

Hunter,

This is a game-used jersey!

Thanks for being the biggest Sox fan!

Best Wishes!

Clay Buchholz #61

Remember this post and this post? See how fun it is during baseball season in our home?

{Morgan had to give it a twirl too!}

And to add a little more fun to it all. I put a lot of thought and heart into finding our families stockings. Did I want matching ones that looked all nice and pretty displayed for people to see? Or did I want to get stockings for each of our personalities that would be fun and make for great conversation pieces when people came into our home?

Exactly!!

I wanted something unique and something that you won't see in many homes!

A Red Sox and a Yankees Christmas stocking hanging side by side during the Christmas holidays!

By the way....

Clay and Lindsay are officially married as of November 14th, 2009. I was so bummed to miss the wedding, but it was a beautiful fairy-tale wedding for my girlfriend, Mrs. Lindsay Clubine Buchholz.

To see more photos, friend Lindsay on Facebook here. Also, Ill be posting all my Christmas photos on Facebook as well, so if you haven't already, come friend me here.

Dear Clay and Lindsay,

I can't put into words how thankful I am to the both of you for making this special Red Sox Christmas take place for (as Clay said it) the BIGGEST Red Sox fan!! He was so surprised and full of smiles while reading the message Clay wrote to him on the back. For you guys it was a special treat doing this for Hunter. For Hunter, it is something that he will be able to cherish and keep for the rest of his life..... even if you (Clay) get traded to some other team. To him (and a lot of us) you will always be a Red Sox player first.

Congratulations to you both again on your wedding. Thank you so much for a magical Christmas for a 9-year-old boy. Lindsay, you have gotten to watch him grow into this little man he is today. I can't wait to watch the same when you guys start growing a family of your own.

Merry Christmas to you guys.

And a Merry Christmas to all of YOU reading this here today.

God Bless!

so much holiday in this post

2009-12-22T11:48:00.003-05:00

**********

It looks like Christmas in this post!

a little taste of Christmas in Florida

2009-12-22T10:16:00.004-05:00

If we can't get Florida to feel like Christmas, we will just do our best to bring the Christmas feel to Florida.

You see, if you close all the blinds, turn on all the Christmas decorations in the home and listen to holiday music, while you fill the house with the smell of Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies and the sound of laughter of children running around. You can forget about the 75 degree temperature and rain outside here on this island people call the 'State of Florida' and have a little taste of Christmas in Florida.

It isn't the midwest where you walk outside to 20 inches of snow. Temperatures so cold your car won't start and your mouth looks like its an oven with smoke rushing out of it every time its opened.

It really is hard to get that 'Christmas feeling' here in South Florida. Especially if you are from the midwest or any place where its cold this time of year, or you even have snow.

I guess for those that are born and raised here in Florida, it really is Christmas to them. Its what they know.

I know differently, and so for that it makes it hard to get in the Christmas groove around here.

But we do our best......

{Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal - No Bake Cookies}

{our decorations for our bread house}

{for me, it was my first bread house ever}

{the FINAL product}.... so pretty. Hunter did a fabulous job.

(photo taken with cell phone: below)

{waiting for the bread house to set before decorating it}

night and day (part II)

2009-12-16T18:35:00.004-05:00

Remember this face? Did you read this post?

{old school}

Looks like a big difference to me. Agree?

{new school}

Morgan is really loving her new school. I mean LOVES it!

Each day she has school, we ask her when she wakes if she wants to go to school. Her response is always with a sleepy smile "kayyyy."

We eat, get dressed and pack her bag and head to school.

She walks in and greets all her friends with a smile and hugs the teacher.

Today I spent about an hour in her class with her and just watched the things they do, and boy are they busy.

Morgan was running around, smiling, laughing and playing with her friends. While her friends where more interested in mommy and mommy's camera.

Anyways, I am in the process of writing my letter to get it into the right hands regarding the other school. I just wanted to share with you the "happy" update of this story and hopefully I make it a happy ending for many other kids and parents once I get my letter out. Ill keep you posted.

To enjoy all the photos from her school today, click here.

oh yea

2009-12-16T14:49:00.009-05:00

Recently, I have found myself going in circles. I say often either in my head or out loud "I'm always going in circles." Its so true.

As a mother of one or multiple children, you know your work is never ending. There is always laundry to do. If there isn't, give it another 15 minutes and BAM! like magic dirty clothes appear in the laundry basket. There is always mouths to feed. Toys to clean up. Diapers to change. Pets to feed. Something to do.

I often find myself doing one of these:

I get up to go into the kitchen. Realize the cats are hungry, so I walk into the area where their food is to fill the bowls. Realize there is cat food on the floor around their bowls, so I walk to the garage to grab the broom and dust pan. In the hallway as I get the dust pan and broom I realize there is litter on the floor from the littler box and my day begins......

I begin sweeping up the litter.

I finish sweeping it up and go to empty the dust pan into the garbage can in the kitchen.

"OH YEA".... I forgot to sweep up the cat food.

"OH YEA" ... I forgot to feed the cats too.

Go to put the broom away and the dust pan...."OH YEA"..... I forgot about the load of clothes in the dryer.

Instead of taking clothes out, I hit "touch up" for another 13 minutes. Why 13? Well it wasn't quiet ten minutes as that seems too short, and not quiet 15 minutes as that probably isn't necessary for clothes that truly are ready to be taken out of dryer and be put away. I am just buying myself 13 minutes here.

"Oh yea.... I need to make up Hunters bed."

"Morgan, mommy will get your juice in a minute."

"Oh yea...... I need to make my bed up too."

"Morgan, do not color on the walls, that is for paper at the table only."

"Oh wait...let me wash these dishes first, I am tired of looking at them already."

"Morgan please do not do flips on the couch."

"Oh wait.... I forgot to do Hunters bed."

"Morgan please stop pulling the cats by their tails."

"Crap.... still didn't feed the cats."

"Morgan you ready for a snack?"

Finally I feed the cats.... It only took an hour and 23 minutes to feed the dang cats.

{If I don't hear any complaining then that means the cats and Morgan each got their own food and not the other way around.}

Some of you are laughing right now because it also exactly how you spend most of your time. Running around in circles saying "oh yea."

I feel like every little thought leads to another.....and then to that an action and before I know it, I feel like I have done so much, and its not even noon yet. Then I look around and it appears I haven't really done much at all.

But I am exhausted.

"Morgan, mommy said do not stand up in the chair."

It can make anyone feel a bit on the crazy side. Heck I may be on the crazy side already.

I feel that hustle bustle and my "oh yea's" have doubled during the month of December. Between all the work, traveling, new school for Morgan, changes in routine, holiday shopping and planning. I haven't had time to slow down to really enjoy this holiday season.

It's so different these days.

Instead of actually going out shopping for special unique and thoughtful gifts for those you love. Everyone is swapping checks or handing out gift cards. Part of it makes it easier, but then there is that part that takes away the fun. The excitement of seeing that person open up a gift and be surprised, and actually liking what YOU picked out for them. Often times you send money or a gift card and you never see or hear about what your money actually got that person.

That's not for me.

I enjoy Christmas shopping. I love gift giving. I love searching and thinking outside of the box to find something that the person I am giving to will love. I believe having to take the extra time to really put thought into a gift for someone, that means you also have to get to know them that much more. The gift cards and money is an easy way out. Its doesn't force you to think. It doesn't force you have to put thought into what that person is into. And it allows for the hustle bustle to go even faster.

So, I am taking myself back into history for a little bit here.

I didn't send out gift cards to anyone this year. I didn't send money this year. I actually took the time to see what each of my family members are into. What are their likes this year. What would really make them smile and surprise them that I knew them well enough to pick something that would rock their worlds.

I am determined to not let all this high tech, fast money and hustle bustle take away the one time of the year that I get to think of my friends and family, buying them gifts just to let them know how much they mean to me and make me smile for loving me back.

So today....

I told myself to slow it down.

When I did slow down....

I had a little fun.....check it out.

My tree.

{an all bow decorated tree - makes for a toddler friendly tree}

{I love my christmas tree bird}

{My two boys}

OH YEA..... I need to go take that load out of the dryer now!
"Morgan, mommy heard you the first time..... hang on."
Oh yea!!!

Happy Holidays!!!