Monday, June 30, 2014

smiles and laughter

I choose to see the good. Actually, I purposely seek out the good. I don't always find it, but I try. 

You know why? Because always seeing the negative would drive me crazy. There would be no reason to smile and no reason to laugh. And smiling and laughing are very important aspects to my life.

There are times in life where I get down. I get in a funk. And you know what? It'd be easy for me to stay there. But I don't. I pull myself together, look for something to smile about and get on with life. That funk might stick around a while, but not as long as if I had succumbed completely to it.  Besides, the more I look for the good, the easier it becomes to find it.

(Little sidebar here: people with clinical depression are in a whole other world than the world I'm talking about - not trying to compare.)

So when I get around people who fail to see the good, I struggle. It has been years since I have been able to relate. I wouldn't survive this life if I did not see hope in every situation. 

Maybe you're thinking that it's easy for me to have this perspective, my life is all honky-dory. I assure you, it's not. I've got my own laundry list of negatives to dwell on. But I choose not to dwell there.  

I know sometimes life stinks, but I believe if you look hard enough, God will reveal a little glimmer of hope. 

KC 

Proverbs 17:22  A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.





 

Sunday, June 29, 2014

happy saturday

Augh! I missed Friday! Probably because I've been out of town and have had to remind myself each of what day it is. You ever have that when you go on vacation? Or are out of your normal routine? Oh well. We'll go with happy Saturday instead.

Here's a dozen happy things from this week:

1. Music. Ok, that's probably getting old for you all, but I spent a number of hours on a few planes this week and my music kept me sane!  I didn't groove too much on the plane. Kept my moves to a minimum. I'm sure everyone on the plane was grateful.
2. Fellowship: I was at a Christian woman's conference and was so blessed to be around like-minded women.
3. Mini Cooper. I can't say enough about how much fun I had driving that little car. Considering it was my first time renting a car, I was not disappointed.
4. My childrens' voices. They sound so sweet over the phone!
5. Loaded waffle fries, smothered in all kinds of unhealthy things. Mmmm. Yum.
6. Catching up with an old friend (she's not old, we've just been friends a long old time) and watching our kids play together.
7. Making new friends. 
8. Smiles. And smiling back! Instant connection.
9. Having a hard-working hubby. In a world when many employees try to get away with the minimum, I have a man who puts forth his best effort at his job and goes above and beyond even when he doesn't want to. That makes me a proud wife.
10. Grandmas - my mom has such a neat relationship with my kids. I am blessed. My kids are blessed. 
11. Naps. I took one this week and it was fantastic. Just awesome. I recommend it.
12. New shoes. I ain't gonna lie: I love shoes and a new pair makes me giddy!

Happy Saturday! Or maybe Sunday by the time you read this...

KC

Friday, June 27, 2014

glory out of a mess

I'm a mess. Full of imperfections. I fall short all the time. This heart of mine isn't white. There are spots all over it. My decisions, my choices are not always made with the best intentions. I'm selfish. I'm weak. I don't always listen to His promptings. I fall into temptation. (Goodness, it's no fun to list your own short comings so I'm going to go ahead and stop right there!)

But. All that doesn't matter when it comes to God. He's going to use me despite my garbage. I gave my gifts to Him so He can take them and use them for what He wants. Because if I try to take those gifts and make them something great, as you can see from the previous paragraph, I'm going to fail. 

So if you ever see anything wonderful come from me, it is not of me. It is of God. Let me use this blog as an example. (I've told this story to a few of you so I'm sorry if you've already heard it). 

Most times when I write my blog, I am exhausted, probably because I wait to write it until it is super late at night. There are times when I fall asleep in the middle of writing it. I wake up, shake my head, and finish writing it. Then I proofread it with my eyes slowly drooping with very long blinks (which is why there are so many little errors). I try to come up with a strong finishing line to each blog. And then I try to make my brain function enough to create an appropriate short title and a catchy tag line for when I post it on Facebook and Twitter. 

When I wake up in the morning, sometimes I don't even remember what I have written the night before. I have to go back and read it to refresh my memory. And when I read it, sometimes I am amazed at how well everything came together in the midst of my exhaustion. When that happens, that is when I know I had little to nothing to do with it - it was all God.

And that's what I'm talking about. I am a mess. I can't take any glory but I can direct it to the God who works through me despite my weakness and does great things. 

KC

unpacking baggage

Baggage. Everybody's got it. Especially women. It starts when your memories begin to form. It's as if you get a little suitcase to pull around behind you and as life happens to you, that suitcase starts to fill up.

I remembering being in 4th grade and having a terribly hurtful experience. It felt as if the whole class was trying to trick me into thinking that a popular boy actually liked me. I was shy and I was naive. I ended up being made out to be a fool. Baggage: I withdrew further into my shell, thinking no one liked me.

I was a thin gal in Jr. High and high school. I had knobby knees (well, I thought I did). I had no figure (unless you consider "stick" a body shape!)  I was bony. I dressed a bit like a tom boy. No reason to wear fitted clothing when there was nothing for it to fit on! I was constantly being called skinny. Baggage: unattractive. Who's going to like a girl who doesn't look like a girl? Which leads into the next one:

In high school, I don't recall a single guy expressing any interest in me until I was a senior. And even he had to convince me! And after dating him for 3 years (thinking I was going to marry him), he broke up with me amd never gave me a reason. To this day, I have guesses, but no reason as to why. Baggage: not worthy. I gave 3 years of my life to this person and I wasn't worthy for even an explanation.

In the past I've mentioned my years of piano lessons and recitals and even a few competitions. For my recitals I put hours of practice into 7, 8, even 12 page pieces that I would memorize. And after that much work, the pressure to perform perfectly was great. On the day of the performance, I would be sick to my stomach. I wouldn't eat anything, even if the performance wasn't until the afternoon! It was a day that I dreaded. Baggage: no desire to use my gift. For a long time, I did nothing with my gift of playing piano.

In high school, I experienced an anxiety disorder that elicited panic attacks and this plagued me for probably close to 7 years. If you've never experienced a panic attack, do not judge someone who has. It is extremely frightening and they generally have no control over when it happens. The disorder changed the way I lived my life. Essentially, I lived in fear of when it would happen and how in the world I would handle the next attack. Baggage: lack of control. I changed my lifestyle to compensate for the attacks. I missed out on so many opportunities because it was safer to say no than risk having an attack.

Each of these things seem small. One little thing to try and work through. But if you add them all up and stuff each one into a suitcase, that suitcase is going to exceed the 50 lb limit by far!  And that gets heavy. You gotta unpack that suitcase!

But as you pull each piece out of your baggage, God reveals how each has shaped you, for good or for bad. And then you decide: take the past and let it drag you down? Blame everyone else for who you have become? Or hand that baggage over to God and let Him sort it out. Because God is awesome at that: taking something ugly and making it beautiful. 

KC


Tuesday, June 24, 2014

giggles


Found some more funnies!

I hope you smile. 😊

This is my truth!!

All over my legs...

This is a great idea. My Supergirl cape currently hangs on my bedpost. (I want my kids to think I'm a super hero).
Seriously, though, folks - it is hard!

No kidding!!

Mooooooommmmm!!! Where are my shoes?
(Usually they are 5 feet away from him.)

Enjoy your Tuesday!

KC












Saturday, June 21, 2014

taking the non-guilty break

My to-do list is a mile or two long. Once I cross something off, I add two more things to the bottom of it. It's never-ending. I don't "leave" my job or take the weekend off from it. I'm not complaining. This whole Mom/housewife thing is rewarding and I don't really want to take time away from it. (Except once in a while...)

So today I took a Saturday. This morning I sat outside on the back patio and enjoyed the breeze on this warm (not hot) day. And then later in the afternoon, I did the same thing! I sat and did nothing.  Later I took the kids to the mall (we never go to the mall - it was actually enjoyable!)  When I got home, my hubby grilled hot dogs and we sat on the back patio for dinner on paper plates that I could throw away and not wash! My favorite. 

I chatted with a friend about how I hadn't done much all day and this friend simply told me, "Sometimes you gotta do that, you know?" And I thought: that is the truth. Every once in a while it's okay to give yourself a break from the to-do list. Because that list weighs a lot. And you know what else? That list is still going to be there the next day!

But I have to be honest: tomorrow is Sunday and I take every Sunday off!! Sundays are a gift that God gave for us to have as rest. To take a break and not feel guilty about it. If I have laundry waiting to be folded in the dryer, I don't feel bad about leaving it in there to be folded on Monday...gotta run the dryer again to get the wrinkles out, but that's okay. And the cereal crumbs all over the rug can stay there an extra day. Makes things a little crunchy beneath the feet... 

So this week, I did take the weekend off, and I am enjoying it. I gave myself the chance to breathe and not stress. Sure, Monday's going to be a full day but when I start back in on our crazy and busy life, I can handle it knowing that a break is coming. If not on Saturday, then guaranteed on Sunday.

KC

Friday, June 20, 2014

a dozen things of happiness

Happy Friday!

A dozen happy things about this week for me. What about you?!

1. Date night!!
2. A good zombie movie - I will admit to being a sucker for a good zombie movie...
3. Quality time with my niece at the piano.
3. Rediscovering just how good hard-boiled eggs are.
4. The pool. I love having a place to invite family, friends and such over during the summer. A place for community.
5. Laughter. We went to a movie tonight where everyone in the theater laughed. I loved it!
6. Small town feel - went to a neighboring city and ran into someone I knew. We had a good laugh walking into Target together. How often does that happen?
7. Watching God put everything in place for something amazing. He does that, you know. You might think it's coincidence. It's not.
8. Sleep!! Speaking of which, I've got 4 more to get through and then I am out! 😴
9. Honesty - I love when someone feels comfortable enough to speak honestly with me.
10. Good conversation.
11. A clean counter: I love having all the dishes done.
13. Quiet. At the end of the day, after the hustle and bustle, there is nothing like quiet. 

And on that note...bedtime. 💤

KC 

Thursday, June 19, 2014

ask

My husband taught me a valuable lesson a few years back.

I had an idea for a small business where I would sell items that were hand-crafted by talented women. I knew that I could make stuff for my little boutique but didn't know who else to ask. I was certain that anyone I asked would tell me, "no" simply because my idea was brand new and my business was not yet flourishing.

I sat and chatted with my husband for a while and he told me this: "Ask. What's the worst someone can say? No?" 

Truth! I went and asked a bunch of different ladies to participate and not a one of them told me "no" and I ended up having people seek me out to sell their items. Wow! 

I have taken that lesson with me and used it since that day. When I ask a favor of someone, I brace myself for the "no." I don't want to be too disappointed, after all. 

I've also realized that if you don't ask, then the answer is always going to be "no." And the funny thing is, more often than not, the answer ends up being "yes."


Me and Wayne Gretzky, thinking alike!!

But maybe this is a bit more scriptural:


KC



Wednesday, June 18, 2014

real conversations

I can be kind of a blunt person. Get me into a conversation with someone I want to get to know better or whom I find interesting, and I don't have a problem throwing out some in-depth questions.  Afterall, how can you get to know someone if you don't ask the deep questions. Sometimes I think it throws people off, but usually it opens the door for honest conversation. 

I used to really struggle with conversation. What do I talk about? Should I talk about me? Or maybe I'm not that interesting so maybe I shouldn't talk at all about myself. But what can I ask them? Are they bored? Is this awkward? I think it just became awkward...

But I realized that conversation creates relationships. Relationships are valuable. So why not take a risk, be confident, and start up a conversation? So, I started doing just that and let me tell you, I have met some interesting people just by smiling and saying "hi!" 

This is a quote I found that has rung true for some of the relationships that I have gained through honest conversation: 

Conversations like this expose the "realness" of people. And I like "real" people. 

So if my conversation makes you feel uncomfortable, please forgive me. I'm just trying to figure out why I like you so much!

KC

parenting: the truth


Raising kids is hard. It's the most difficult thing I've ever done...and I'm not even close to being finished. Well, honestly, you never get to be finished being a parent, but at some point the kids move out and that's close.

It's easy to focus on the negatives of being a parent. My kids never like what I make for dinner. They wreak havoc in a room I cleaned 15 minutes ago. They rob me of my sleep. They throw up on the carpet. They cry at the most inconvenient times. The boy makes annoying noises. The girl never brushes her hair...ever. They leave Legos on the floor and snack wrappers all over the house. One or the other has got their finger up their nose on a regular basis. They complain. They throw fits. They yell mean and nasty things at their mom! And they demand so much attention!!!

But, despite all the chaos that my children bring into my life, all the frustration and anger that has boiled out of me, all the weird and gross noises that come out of them, I am blessed.

I look around me every day and see what I am blessed with in my two children. Every negative thing that happens because of them is completely worth it.

My boy snuggles and kisses my cheek. My daughter tells me she loves me. On random days they will bring me breakfast in bed. They draw me pictures. They make me laugh. They beg to be tickled. They sing. I love to hear my children sing! They think of others and do special things for them. They greet their daddy when he walks in the door. They hug like nobody else. They grow up a little bit each day, becoming more mature and responsible. They love. 

They have taught me patience and selflessness. They have taught me that I can overcome my weaknesses so that I can be a better mom. They have taught me the pure pleasure of holding my child on my lap and just cuddling. They have taught me to have fun. They have taught me how to enjoy the simple things in life and how to simply enjoy my children. I love them with a love like no other. 

These kids, they don't know what they do to me! Although it might seem like they drive me crazy, they are making me into something beautiful and I am loving this whole thing called "Mom."




KC


Monday, June 16, 2014

humility (augh!)

Ever have one of those days when you feel at the top of your game? Dressed to the T. Every hair in place. Lookin good. You start to feel very confident...too confident. And then you trip over a crack in the sidewalk. 

Boom! Confidence shattered!! 

When I was in high school I went to a competition to play some classical piano piece that I had memorized. (Where those memorizing skills went, I have no idea...I think the kids stole them!)  I played flawlessly up on the stage. I came to the two last magnificent chords and...blanked!! I tried a couple chords but they were terrible. I glanced at my Mom (who was in the audience) to see if she was bringing my music but she hadn't gotten up yet. I quickly stood up, did some curtsy/bow thing and walked mortified off the stage. Mor. Ti. Fied.

My husband and I went to Target when our daughter was around 2 years old. We were going to buy her a little riding toy for the front yard. Something set her off and she started in on some gigantic crying fit. Yes. We were the family that everyone was staring at with the loud, spoiled brat in the store. We carried that stupid toy and annoying child to the register, paid and left. (Before we got to the register, a lady walked by and said encouragingly, "We've all been there!")

And this one, this one happened more times than I'd like to remember: getting my daughter into a car seat with a 5 point harness was like wrestling with a wild, screaming monkey. Arms and legs everywhere. Back arched, chest forward, sliding out of the seat. This child. 😩 I would shove one arm into her chest to push her back while I quickly wrangled an arm into a strap. (There may have been some pinching involved...but I'll admit nothing!) Once everything was buckled, I pulled that strap as tight as it needed, and slammed the truck door. This was usually in a parking lot, usually with an audience. 

I hate having to learn humility. 
It's embarrassing.
*sigh*

But as a Christian, it is such a valuable character trait to posess. 
Verse after verse shows us the importance of humility and being humble.

James 4:6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says, "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble."

Proverbs 18:12 Before destruction, the heart of a man is haughty, and before honor is humility.

Proverbs 22:4 By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life.


And how do we become humble? By being shown our faults and realizing that we are not perfect. 

And sometimes that realization comes through embaressing moments! 😳

KC



giggles


After a heavy post yesterday, I thought I might do a happier post today. 

I spend a sufficient amount of time on Pinterest, I don't mind admitting. It makes me smile. Here are a few funnies that I have found over the past week or so:

(Mornings are hard. This sounds like a good excuse...)

(This is so true in my house. If I clean one room, the kids come along and destroy it 15 minutes later - augh!)

(I don't mind admitting that I am weird once or twice in a while. It makes life interesting.)

(Every night, baby, every night!)

(Seriously, though. Can we vote to make this happen?)

(My favorite raw food.)

(If you don't get this one, I apologize because I won't explain it!)

(I'd say this is typical for me on a daily basis!)

I've got more where this came from but I've got dreams to follow. Off to bed!

KC





Saturday, June 14, 2014

pa

As I prepared to write this post this evening, I realized that I would be exposing some very honest emotions that I deal with on a regular basis. As I bare my heart, I hope that you all can read with a heart of understanding and compassion.

My Dad passed away 7 years ago after fighting cancer for 9 months. He was only 65. That was hard. Inexplicably difficult. But the emotions that followed were unexpected and just as difficult to sort through.

Here goes:

I envy my oldest brother. He got to spend more of his life with my dad. Thirteen years more. All my brothers had more years than I did. Their kids have memories with their grandpa. They have pictures with him. They have treasures he made for them. My daughter was 18 months when he died. My son was not born. Perhaps I shouldn't feel that envy, but my Dad was an awesome grandpa. And my kids never experienced that. I am bitter. Not towards my brothers. But just at how unfair life is.

When people are saddened by the loss of an elderly loved one, a grandparent or even a parent, I often fight feelings of frustration. 65. My dad was only 65 years old. Just old enough to retire, to do retirement stuff with my mom, to teach his grand kids neat things, to be there when we needed his advice. He never lived to a "ripe old age." It's not fair. 

My dad was neat. When I talk to friends I've made in the past 7 years, I tell them how much they would have liked him. "He was a real kick in the pants!" is what I tell them. When I talk to people who did know him, every person has fond memories. Everybody liked him. He made people smile all the time. That was his purpose in life. Seriously, people, you don't know what you've missed out on by never having met my dad. It's no wonder my mom misses him so much. 

I need my dad. I was his little girl. There is a void that no one can fill. There is no one like him. He was special. What we had was special. I miss him. 


When Father's Day comes around, I just want to focus on my husband and not think about my Pa. It hurts. It sucks. So I ignore it. I try not to confront it. Because when it comes to the surface, it aches.

So how's that for a happy Father's Day?! (Sorry!)

Let me go ahead and try to flip this for you.

The people you have in your life: value them. Love them. Appreciate them. Even if they are not perfect, find the good and appreciate that. Create memories, take pictures, do stuff together!

Most of you will read this tomorrow, on Father's Day. Go find your dad and spend time with him. Because he's here, now. 

KC

Friday, June 13, 2014

happy friday

So many good things about this week!

1. VBS - because it's great for the kids and maybe even better for the moms!
2. Full moon
3. Words spoken at just the right time, just when you needed to hear them the most.
4. Haircuts - my kids look even cuter now! I didn't think that was possible.
5. Hugs with friends
6. Frisbee. I had so much fun at my nephew's birthday party playing frisbee today!
7. Someone making me dinner - that is the best!!
8. Making brand new friends.
9. Discovering that you have the same sense of humor as someone: instant connection  - awesomeness.
10. Bringing back the word "rad" much to my niece's chagrin.

11. Pizza. Always, every time, pizza is good.
12. Music
KC

Thursday, June 12, 2014

a season for talent

When I was young(er), I used to perform on the piano for church and competitions. I had parents who sacrificed to pay for my lessons. I had great teachers who saw my potential and pushed me to excel. I was told that I had a gift and a special touch on the piano, so that must have been from God.

About 10 years ago a guy I once knew asked if I still performed on the piano. We had both played piano when we were young and he was still doing so. He was shocked and seemed almost disappointed when I told him that I wasn't performing but that I did teach piano lessons. I actually felt ashamed that I wasn't doing something bigger and better with my gift. 

(Considering how long ago that was and the clarity with which I remember his expression, it obviously made an impact on my life!)

Fast forward 10 years and here I am with an overfilled piano lesson schedule as well as a waiting list. I realized that teaching piano is just as valuable as performing. But I have also been given the opportunity to accompany a small singing group on a regular basis where my abilities have grown immensely. And the performances are touching lives. 

And it struck me just today (and now I can finally get over the expression of disappointment on that guy's face) that God gives us our gifts and He will decide how and when we are to use them. We go through different seasons in our lives. God is directing our paths and the opportunities to use our gifts. 

You have a gift or a talent that's sitting on the shelf? Don't let it get too dusty because you never know when God's going to want use for something bigger and better.  


KC



Tuesday, June 10, 2014

a wedded example

In this day and age, it's very difficult to find a good example of what marriage should be. I was fortunate in that my parents set that example for me for 40+ years. Today, June 10th, would have been their 50th wedding anniversary.

I don't remember my parents ever raising their voice at one another. If they did argue, I don't remember it! My Dad constantly built my mom up, complimenting her and telling and showing her how beautiful she was. He was her rock, the calm in her storm, giving her peace. 

My parents were best friends. They had similar interests and took the time to appreciate their different hobbies. They had so many things they enjoyed doing together: camping, taking a drive, going to the coffee shop, visiting little towns, and viewing the countryside. They loved to play games, especially card games. They worked tirelessly on their yard with a large variety of plants and flowers. Mom liked to cook and Dad liked what she cooked! They both had a crafty side: dad would do the woodwork and Mom would paint it. They were well-matched because they worked at being so.

Dad and Mom made a decision early in their relationship to put God above anything else. God was what tied them together. They prayed about big decisions and researched the Word daily. Church was an integral part of their lives. This was the most important example they gave to their children.

My Dad passed 7 years ago, but this day is still so very special to my Mom as she remembers their relationship. She misses his hugs and his smile. She misses his company, his habits, his routines. She misses his corny jokes and ability to make pretty much anyone smile. She not only lost a husband, but a best friend who knew everything about her.

I love you, Mom.
I miss you, Dad.
Thank you for teaching me what marriage should be, 
KC


Monday, June 9, 2014

in my own skin

Sometimes it can be difficult to feel comfortable in my own skin when so many woman around me seem to fit their own skin better. They have better looking bodies, cars that are always clean (how is that even possible unless you forbid children to ride in it!), well-behaved children, nice homes, are more talented, have a perfect marriage, and can manage all the responsibilities of being a wife/mom/whatever without ever seeming stressed. 

I'm pretty sure it's all a bunch of malarkey. But the facade is hard to see past. And it makes me feel pretty lonely to think I might be the only imperfect wife/mom/whatever out there.

I like real. I like flaws. I like people who aren't perfect. I like to see scars. Because I have them: scars, flaws, imperfections. They are evident to me every single day. The laundry gets backed up. That funny vein is sticking out on my leg again (thank you, two children), my house wasn't clean when a friend dropped by and there were Cheerios on the seat in the truck where I asked my friend to sit. 

So friends, when you are around me, be real. Be flawed. Be honest. We are all striving to be something more, but it's okay to admit that we are not perfect. It makes it a little less lonely to be an imperfect wife/mom/whatever when I know that you are too. 

KC

Saturday, June 7, 2014

up

You ever been around someone who is so up that you always want to be around them? Always positive. Always looking for the good. Always trying to make you smile or laugh? I love being around people like that.

My Pa was that way. At a restaurant or a store, my dad was always trying to make those helping us smile. And he was always smiling. If he was chatting with his buddies, they were always laughing about something or another. Even in the worst situations, he brought humor. He was the best to be around. 

I want to be like him. I choose to be like him. I choose to smile, laugh, (try to) be funny, look for the good, and have a positive attitude. 


KC

friday's happiness dozen

A dozen things that make me happy on Friday:

1. Cardboard boxes for forts.
2. Toothpaste globs in the sinks - kids brushed their teeth!
3. Fun stuff in the mail.
4. Beach towels in the backyard - summer time is here!
5. Piano music!
6. My hubby's smile will always make me happy.
7. Having my niece back from college!!!
8. Having another niece graduate with honors from 8th grade.
9. Having yet another niece ask my kids to be a part of her wedding - so excited!!
10. Movies with girlfriends -no, we did not sneak candy in...
11. Funny stuff on Pinterest that I am always willing to share with my friends.
12. Caffeine

KC

 

Thursday, June 5, 2014

a grain of salt

 We had a family get together this evening for my niece's 8th grade graduation. We had a great time! The kids played well together. The adults laughed at jokes. (We filled up on good ol' hot dogs and hamburgers. 

I am blessed because I have a pretty awesome family. Not because we agree on everything. We don't. And not because we were all raised the same because we weren't. We have a lot opinions, some very strong. There is some stubbornness and strong wills. We really could have a recipe for disaster if we didn't have a couple of good things going for us.

First of all, we tend to take each other with a grain of salt. You ever take a bite of something and it's just not quite perfect? You add a dash of salt and it tastes so much better! Eggs. I can't eat them without a little bit of salt.

It's the same with my family. Not a one of us is perfect. We've each got our faults. But if you take us with a grain of salt, looking past our faults to see the good, it makes the relationship much more enjoyable. Instead of picking out the bad, we look for the good. 

And the most important reason we get along is our common ground of faith. God is the head of each household. When God is the head of the family, everything else becomes secondary. 

I like my family. They aren't perfect but neither am I.


KC

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

something is better than nothing

I was encouraging a fellow CrossFitter today. I could tell that the workout was killing her so we modified it and made it attainable. And as she finished up I reminded her that it wasn't how fast she was moving, it was that she was moving. Doing something is better than doing nothing! 

That's life for me.

I have a lot of goals for myself. Some written out, some in my busy little head. Some biggies and then some that would just make life easier. Some that are fun and some...not so much:
Someday I'd like to shoot a gun. Never done it but I think it'd be awesome. 
Go to Canada for a family reunion on my husband's side (this summer, baby!)
Eat Thai food. I hope I don't regret that one...
Keep the truck clean (might have to get rid of the children to make that happen).
Clean the windows on the house. Fingerprints are cute, but only for so long.
Cook healthier meals (so probably less Mac-n-cheese).
Keep the house tidy. *sigh*
Stop letting the gas tank get to Empty before filling it up.

This is another list that goes on and on. There is always something that needs to be done. Something that needs to be improved upon. It can be downright depressing to think about how many different areas of my life need work. 

But, I am trying. I might not be progressing as quickly as I'd like with some of my goals, but I am moving toward them. Doing something is better than doing nothing. 
I like this little phrase that I discovered on Pinterest. It's a good reminder. We are not perfect and never will be. And God is not asking us to be. 

But progress is a good goal.

KC

Monday, June 2, 2014

the heavy night

Looking ahead at the week before me, I'm honestly not sure there are enough minutes in each day to accomplish what I need to do. Life just got real busy. And stressful. And although I like busy, I don't like stressful. 

So I sit here on my couch this evening, it's weighing heavy. My heart just feels heavy. I could easily succumb to it and sink into a funk. But the thing about funks is this: once you get in one, it's hard to get out of one. Part of me just wants to go to the pantry and shovel in as many M & Ms as I can find! Chocolate is always a good go-to. But my will power stepped up and didn't let me. (Although I am curious as to where my will power was last night as I sat in the pantry finishing off a bag of Funyuns. Hmmmm....) 

But as I sat here, God gave me a little gift. It is a little reminder of something my Mom taught me: Don't dwell on it tonight. Emotions are always high at night. Wait till morning and things will seem better. I've always kept that tucked in my heart. I try not to make any major decisions at night, but wait till morning when things are always brighter and clearer.

There's a scripture that, every time I hear it, I think of my heavy nights and it gives me hope:
Now perhaps there are more devastating situations that this scripture can apply to, but I like to think that God made it for any level of "heavy."

Can't wait for the morning!

KC

my reflection

My house is a little cluttered. There are vintage suitcases here and there. Pieces of furniture that I have painted in pretty much every room. There are unique things decorating my house that, believe it or not, I found on the side of the road. Family pictures, unique artwork from friends and thrift stores and garage sales, signs with scripture, and wreaths. 

For the most part, it's tidy around here, downstairs, anyway. Upstairs has a little more of an "enter at your own risk" feel mostly because the kids rooms are up there and so are all my crafting supplies, which, for some reason they really struggle to stay organized. 

If it were up to my husband, things might be a little different. But he is so gracious and overlooks our clutter because he loves us and respects that we are all built a little differently when it comes to organization. 

But I made an interesting realization today. When I look around my home, I don't see expensive items or things that need to stay perfect. Because that's not who I am. I love the unique, the vintage, the worn in and well loved. I love people with stories to tell, with a rich history. I want an interesting history. I don't need a life that "matches" from beginning to end - I like adventures and taking chances and learning new things. I like to be busy and sometimes get messy. 

My house is a reflection of me: imperfect, but it all still works together. 

I used to think it stunk to not have the latest and greatest. But nowadays, I like what I see. I see me and the people I love reflected back at me. 

I guess God's making a little progress in the contentment part of my heart! (But just a little - I have a long ways to go!)

KC