Christmas & Decorations

For those of you who have requested a blog update & pictures of how I decorate for Christmas, your requests have been heard! I managed to find my camera and take pictures during a momentary reprieve from laundry, packing, cleaning, playdates, christmas shopping ... and facebooking :)

We are looking forward to spending Christmas in Oregon with David's family.  This will be the first Christmas without his dad (John passed away in January).  While it will be bittersweet, I am thankful that the family is able to go through this together.  It has been on my mind lately and I confess that I am nervous about how it all will all go.  I am not a big fan of crying in front of others and my tendency is to make a joke, or bring up the good memories, try to get people to laugh.  When you think of us this Christmas, please pray that we remember the joy and laughter that John has brought to our lives (and also pray that I handle the situation the right way).  While this will be a sad time, it will also be a joyful time thanks to the littlest Thompsons, Jordan (21 months) & Winter (7 months).  The sweet sound of a child's laughter, the small hands that hold yours, the hugs that they give - they are like a balm to those who are dealing with grief.

Onward and upward, to infinity and beyond, to go where no man has gone before.  In other words, here are the long awaited Christmas decoration pictures!

When I Grow Up ...

How many times as a child were you asked what you wanted to be when you grew up? It is a common question and children have no shortage of answers.  Fireman, veterinarian, teacher, policeman and so forth.  Someone asked me this question recently.  It was said in a joking manner, but I admit it made me stop and think.  

What do I want to be when I grow up?  Think think think ....

Wait a minute,  I am a grown up!

Want to know a secret? There are days I do not feel grown up.  Some days the five year old in me (the bossy know it all spoiled bratty five year old) stomps her foot and declares "I don't wanna grow up!".  This tends to happen the most when bills have to be paid :)

Then I start singing the song from Peter Pan:

I won't grow up,
I don't want to wear a tie.
Or a serious expression
In the middle of July.
And if it means I must prepare
To shoulder burdens with a worried air,
I'll never grow up, never grow up, never grow up
Not me,
Not I,
Not me!
So there!

So there indeed.

I think all of us have some idea of what 'grown up' is.  At what point do you feel you are 'grown up'? Is it in your late 20's when you are married and raising a child? Is it when you are in the corporate world climbing the proverbial ladder? Is it when you have an AA, a BA, a Masters, a PhD? Is it when you teach grades 5-12? Is it when you have the career you've always wanted, the one you've worked your butt off for?  Is it the age or the life experience?

For me, I think I will feel 'grown up' when I become Suzy Homemaker.  When I cook wonderfully healthy meals, refuse to go out and eat fast food, stop buying sweets, have mastered the household budget, the laundry is always done, the beds are always made, the table is always clean, the floor is always shiny and crumb-free, toys/books are put away neatly, and I have wonderful whimsical decorations for every season.  Someday ... someday I'll be a grown up :)

5 Years

Five years ago I said "I do" to a wonderful man.  Five years ago I married my best friend. Five years ago I was 22 years old.  Five years ago I had been out of college for six months.  Five years ago I had been working for a month.  Five years ago the man I was marrying had just gotten cleared to be a substitue teacher.   Five years ago we had moved into my aunt and uncle's guest house.  Five years ago started out with big hopes and dreams. Five years ago today is one of my favorite memories.  

Five years later, my hopes and dreams have come true.  We live in a house where I am beyond blessed to be a stay at home mom to our energetic & charming 1 1/2 year old boy.  My husband is in his fourth year of teaching & loves what he does.  In five years, I have learned to cook and can make something other than spaghetti (!!).  I am more in love with my husband today than I was when I married him.  Five years later, we are closer & more in tune with each other.  We have learned communication skills, read Men are From Mars, Women are From Venus,  and learned what our love languages are.  We are learning how to be parents, which creates a whole new ballgame. 

In five years, we have been amazed again and again by God's faithfulness and His constant provision.  How great is our God! I look back on our first five years of marriage and it brings a smile to my face.  I cannot wait to see what the next five years hold in store for us! 

Positive, Gratitude, and Grateful

There are days when I find myself running empty.  Everyone has struggles, days of frustration, anxiety & feeling overwhelmed.  Somehow these days seem more often now that I have a toddler running amuck :) 

Over the past week, I feel that God has been telling me to be thankful & look at the positives.  He has done this through a book - Calm My Anxious Heart, a blog post - Just McGee, and a Facebook post titled Grateful Monday.  It took those three things to catch my attention, but they certainly did the trick. 

In the book, the author challenges us to list the positives and negatives in our lives.  What a great way to really sit back and look at the blessings that God has given me.  I am beyond thankful that my positives always outweigh my negatives! In the blog, the author made a gratitude list on a day that had her bogged down.  As I read through her list, I found myself mentally altering the list to things I am grateful for.  It's a great idea to sit down and write a gratitude list when you feel as if life just is not going your way.  As for the Facebook post, Grateful Monday, it made me think about what I was thankful for on that particular monday.  

This blog would not be complete without my listing the positives in my life & what I am thankful for! 

1. The knowledge that I am a daughter in the Kingdom of God - a God who is full of loving kindess, mercy, compassion & forgiveness.  A God who knows the plans He has laid for me and whose timing is far more perfect than the timeline I want for my life. 

2. My husband - a man who is my best friend and makes me laugh like no other.  A man who is a wonderful father to our son.  A man who is a hard worker & provides for his family. 

3. My son - I love watching him learn and grow.  He makes my heart melt when he smiles at me,  even when he's in trouble and he is doing his darndest to get me to crack.   (ok I can't resist posting a picture - this is a favorite of mine, and an example of that sweet smile!)

4. My family & friends - the people that know me, love me,  support me and encourage me.  They add so much to my life. 

5. Being a stay-at- home mom - in this economy, it is a true blessing indeed to be able to stay home with my son.  When I do need to make a little extra money, I babysit for 3 great kids & I get to bring my boy with me! 

These are only some of the things I am thankful for! When you take a moment on those 'empty' days, what are you thankful for?

High Five

I am all about high fives.  I like encouragement as much as the next person but I am not a fan of big long hugs and "you are fantastic/great/wonderful!" with enthusiastic clapping.  I think that gene is missing in me.  You will not catch me clapping and telling my munchkin that he did "such a good job! Oh Mommy is so proud of you! You're so smart!".  Keep in mind, I am not knocking this form of encouragement.  It is just not what I do.  Give me a high five and a grin any day.  


When the munchkin throws his trash away, puts a toy back (on the rare occasions that happens), or returns any item that he took from the kitchen, he knows what's coming - yep, a high five.  He automatically raises his hand as he passes by me on his way to more exciting things than high fiving his mom.  I  am pretty sure he did an eye roll the other day.  


I even give high fives to the first grader I babysit when I help him with his homework.  His older sisters are way too cool for high fives, but it does not stop me! Through the big sighs and "you're so lame", they high five me back.  I like to think they secretly love it.  There's just something fun about high fives.   


Go on ... you know you want to do it - give someone a high five & a grin! It's like a warm fuzzy.  

Toddlerisms

I was talking to my mother in law yesterday and updating her on the latest with the munchkin. She thought it was humorous, I realized that I also thought it was humorous (most of the time), thus decided to share it with you all.   Laugh along :) 


The munchkin is almost 19 months and boy is he fast (as fast as an almost 19 month old can be).  My little boy is not a fan of diaper changes - how dare I lay him down on the floor and keep him from running around, leaving toys everywhere?! I have learned that if I say "Munchkin, I need to change your diaper", he decides it's time to flee.  This usually ensues in my chasing him around the house, which he thinks is great fun and laughs with glee until I catch him.  He then proceeds to throws a fit once I catch him.  The best way to keep him happy is to sing to him, which usually comprises of Alice the Camel who goes from five humps to none, then turns into a horse.  (It's a good lesson - by the time Alice turns into a horse, his diaper is changed and he's off again!).


With this wonderful bipolar weather and the munchkin playing with more kids, he has developed a cold.  No problem.  It's life.  The only issue with a cold is a runny nose.  As soon as the munchkin sees me grab a tissue, guess what? He flees, yet again.  I cringe.  I chase, yet again.  If you hear my child fussing and crying, and see me holding him in a headlock, it's okay.  I am just wiping his nose.   I have also learned a valuable lesson:  do not wipe nose when mouth is full of cheerios.  It results in wet gummy cheerios all over the floor.  


I have decided to look at all this chasing around in a positive note -- it's exercise! 

Reflection

I enjoyed doing the 30 day blog, or as one friend called it, the-blog-a-day-diet :) After writing for 30 days, I found myself wondering what to write next.  Thank you to everyone who gave me ideas on what to write.  I wish I were creative enough to come up with blog topics on my own, but after wracking my brain for the past three days, it's not happening! I think it's much more interesting to hear what someone has to say on a particular topic than just mindless rambling, which is exactly what would happen if I were left to come up with stuff on my own.  Yep ... just rambling ... on and on and on ... oh wait, what am I supposed to be writing about?  

Some days I am sure I'll write about raising a toddler, the fact that I am becoming a blog-a-holic, my attempts to cook new meals (most of them will probably be ... interesting), and other randomness.  Between the topics people gave me, this helpful little site, and my life, this blog should be fairly interesting :) 

So bookmark this page and check in often to see what I have to say!  It may be daily, it may be a couple days a week, I do not know.  I'm just going with the flow.  Heeeey, a rhyme! (Now my true dorky side shall come out - I apologize in advance).

Day 30: 5 Of My Pet Peeves Are ...

5. Slow drivers in a fast lane who refuse to pull into the next lane so you can pass them.  It's inconsiderate.  (I never would have known this if I did not marry a man who is from Oregon, where the drivers there are considerate and will move into another lane so you can pass).  


4.  My child waking up right when I'm about to go to bed


3.  Drivers on their cell phones -  I cringe when I see it, especially when they are not paying much attention to driving.  


2.  Salespeople who are asking you every 2 seconds if they can help you with something.  I like to browse & wander through the store - I will find you if I need your help, thank you.  


1.  People who continuously push the "walk" button at a crosswalk.  I mentally slap their hands away from it.  

Day 29: Keepsakes Photo

March 10, 2009

Dear Lord, it's such a hectic day 

With little time to stop and pray 

For life's been anything but calm 

Since You called on me to be a mom 

Running errands, matching socks 

Building dreams with building blocks 

Cooking, cleaning, and finding shoes 

And other stuff that children lose 

Fitting lids on bottled bugs 

Wiping tears and giving hugs 

A stack of last weeks mail to read 

So where's the quiet time I need? 

Yet when I steal a minute, Lord 

Just at the sink or ironing board 

To ask the blessings of Your grace 

I see then, in my small one's face 

That you have blessed me 

All the while 

And I stop to kiss 

That precious smile

July 2010

Day 28: The Last Piece of Art I Made

Coloring with my munchkin

Day 27: Beautiful Things

A child's laughter.  

A pink rose.  

Spending time with family & friends.  

Summertime in Oregon.

Clear blue skies & the ocean.

Day 26: If I Had 15 Minutes to Evacuate My Home Before It Was Destroyed, What 10 Things Would I Bring (not including pets or people)

1. My hearing aids

2. My wedding & engagement rings

3. Laptop 

4. Wallet

5. Bible

6. iPhone

7. Library books so I don't have to pay overdue fines

8. Rubber band to put my hair into a ponytail

9. One of my munchkin's blankets

10. Netflix so I can mail it back and get the next disc from whatever tv show I'm watching

Day 25: The Nicest Thing Anyone Has Ever Done For Me

David asked me to marry him! It's so nice to know someone likes you, maybe even loves you enough, to marry you! haha - no, that's not it.  

To be honest, there is not any particular scenario that grabs the title of "The Nicest Thing Anyone Has Ever Done For Me".  I have been blessed with wonderful people in my life, and they have all done nice things for me.  When I was sick in high school and my best friend made me a care package, that was the nicest thing.  When I was in college and people offered to take notes for me because it was hard to follow along with the professor, that was the nicest thing.  When my mom comes over to watch Jordan because I have a migraine, that's the nicest thing.  When David watches Jordan in the morning and I get to sleep in, that's the nicest thing.  When a friend e-mails/texts me and wants to know how I am doing, that's the nicest thing.  When my grandma tells me that she prays for me every day, that's the nicest thing.  When my brother and sister in law babysit, that's the nicest thing.  When my munchkin comes running to me with a big grin on his face for a hug, that's the nicest thing. When I go out to meet new moms and they welcome me, that's the nicest thing.  When people comment on my blog, that's the nicest thing. When I make people laugh, that's the nicest thing (it's nice to have people think you are funny!). 

As you can see, 'the nicest thing' changes constantly.  My life is filled to the brim of people doing the nicest things. 

Day 24: Four-Five Relationships That Have Had The Greatest Impact On My Life

1. My parents.  

Being a first time parent is difficult.  It is even more difficult when your firstborn child has a handicap.  Being my parents could not have been easy, but they did a great job.  They taught me how to navigate life with a disability, and how love, laughter and a firm foundation in Christ helps through the difficult times.  

2. My maternal grandfather 

My grandad spoiled me with ice cream, gum, and A&W rootbeer.  He indulged me by playing card games and teaching me how to shuffle.  He put up with an energetic, chatty, and bossy little girl, and I am so very thankful :)  My grandad passed away when I was 11 years old, but I still hold those memories dear and treasure the relationship I had with him.  

3. My husband

David is my best friend, my soul mate, my match.  He loves me just as I am.  He has taught me what it means to love selflessly.  I would not be the woman I am today without David by my side.  (insert cheesy grin here)

4. My son

Patience.  Laughter.  Diaper blowouts. Spit up.  Food thrown on the floor.  Spilled milk.   Temper Tantrums.  Learning to say "no" several different ways.  Heart overflowing with love.  My life changed when I became a mother, & I've loved every minute (ok, not EVERY minute).  

Day 23: In The Next Year I'm Going To ...

see where God leads me! Where I am at in my life right now, all I can do is just follow. 

Jeremiah 29:11 (New International Version)

11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Day 22: Name Life Changing Books I've Read

1) The B-I-B-L-E
     Yes that's the book for me!
     I stand alone on the Word of God
     The B-I-B-L-E!


2) Calm My Anxious Heart - "When does a woman become an adult? Perhaps it's when she stops comparing her life to other women's.  When she stops waiting for "Mr. Right". When she stops wishing she'd married someone else or that her children were at an easier stage.  We grow up when we see our life and our role from God's perspective; when we thank God for the role He assigned us and being to see our cup as a gift instead of a cross; when each morning we ask, "God, how can I glorify You today in my given role?" 

Day 21: I Cannot Believe That I ...

wrote down the season premiere of Glee in my calendar & am looking forward to it tonight! I do not consider myself a Gleek, nor do I absolutely LOVE the show.  I started watching it because I enjoyed the singing and dancing, then continued to watch it as people on FB started 'raving' about it.  So there's my secret - I am following Glee more to keep up with what people are talking about than for my actual enjoyment.  It's what happened when American Idol started - I watched it because the ladies at work would talk about it the next day and I wanted to be in the loop.  I mean, really, think about it - how could I possibly know if the singers were good or bad? :) There was one time I thought a singer was good, only to look at my husband and see him cringing! Ah, good times.  

So for all you Gleeks out there, I will be watching the season premiere tonight with you, wondering if Finn & Rachel are able to come together in perfect harmony, what happens with Quinn's baby, and what new characters will be on the show.  Oh, and I read somewhere that Justin Timberlake might be appearing on Glee!! Okay ... maybe I am a Gleek ... 

Day 20: Things in Life That Sustain Me Emotionally

1. The knowledge that I am a daughter in the kingdom of God

*Switching to people, not things*

2. My husband (he makes me laugh!)

3. My son 

4. My parents 

5. My friends 

Day 19: The First Time I

got an A in math, the teacher did not put it up on the board.  :(


In my fifth grade class, the teacher displayed the students'  work at the end of the week, which mostly consisted of A's.  I was a good speller so getting an A in spelling did not mean much.  Yes, it was nice to have my spelling test displayed each week, but it was not that big a deal.  


Math, on the other hand ... ::groans:: Math was by far my worst subject.  Getting an A in math was not as easy as getting an A in spelling! So you can imagine how excited and proud I was for getting an A on a math test, only to have yet another easy spelling test put up on the board.  I was devastated.  I wanted the whole class to know that I, Stacy Speck (remember, I'm in fifth grade here), had finally gotten an A on a math test.  


This particular event ingrained itself into my memory.  I shall forever blame this on why I never got an A on a math test again! 

Day 18: If I could choose a different time period to live in, it would be ...

This one.  Right now.  I thought about time periods I liked, then researched them and decided I was happy right where I am. There are pros and cons to every time period, but it is a little hard to really choose a time period to live in when you only know your current time period.  

Day 17: Why Should I Forgive

"For the Bible tells me so"

Ephesians 4:31-32 (New International Version)

³¹Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. ³²Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you

C.S. Lewis wrote an essay on forgiveness that really made me re-evaluate not only my thoughts, but also my actions towards forgiveness.  My hope is that it stirs something in you as well.   Essay On Forgiveness

Day 16: What is the first thing that pops into my head when I think of my father?

Laughter.

Growing up, my dad has always been able to make me laugh.  He could make me laugh by telling a joke or just doing something silly (usually it was the latter).  Granted, those who know me know that it is extremely easy to make me laugh but I contribute that to my upbringing.  If I didn't grow up in a household where laughter abounded, I doubt it would be that easy to make me laugh.  Everytime I see my dad, whether it be twice a week or twice a month, you can bet at some point you'll hear me laughing.  I am so thankful and grateful for that because it was a trait that I looked for in a husband.  I wanted to marry someone who could make me laugh as much as my dad did.  So thank you Dad, for the laughter.  It has been fun (ny?) being your daughter! 

Day 15: Sisters

"Lord help the mister who comes between me and my sister.  And Lord helps the sister who comes between me and my man"

Sisters, Sisters by Irving Berlin

I admit it - I have no reason for posting that lyric other than it just popped into my head when I saw what today's post was about.  :)

Growing up, it was just me and my brother.  Now I have two wonderful sister in laws :) 

Kristen (married to my brother, Kevin)

Gwen (married to my brother-in-law, Ian)

 I ♡ these ladies.  They are intelligent, funny, God fearing women. I have been blessed!

Day 14: Current Fascination

Words with Friends.  Yep, that's my current fascination.  It's a scrabble-type game that you can play with your friends or with random opponents via your iPhone, iTouch or iPad.  Words with Friends is mentally challenging, competitive, and it's a quick easy way to play a game throughout the day without taking up a lot of time.  I am thoroughly enjoying this game, except when I lose! 

Day 13: Weird Is ...

my family.  I love my family, I love how weird my family is.  I love that my husband and my brother's wife fit in just fine because they are weird too.  When I was younger, we actually used to rank ourselves on weirdness.  At the top was either my dad or brother (it depended on the day), I was in the middle and my mom was on the bottom.  Since words cannot express how awesomely weird my family is, here are a few pictures :) 

Typical Stacy & Dad :) 

True love!

My brother & mom (a rare silly picture of my mom!)

Just a random act of weirdness! They did not plan it ahead of time

Believe it or not - we are usually weirder than this!

My little munchkin is weird too! (Okay, so maybe it was his mommy that did this) *3 months old

Day 12: My Favorite Season

I am ready for cooler weather but not the rain (unless I am home and have no plans to go out).  I am ready for that crisp bite in the air but with a little warmth from the sun.  I am ready to trade my flip flops for my uber cute comfy grey boots and my "California" trenchcoat (only occasionally, not all the time).  I am ready for it to be cold enough to truly enjoy a warm cup of caramel macchiato or peppermint white mocha.  I am ready for it to be cold enough to do delicious & hearty crock pot dinners.  I am ready for it to be cold enough for Trader Joe's to stock their pumpkin bread & muffin mix so I can make yummy pumpkin muffins.  I am ready for it to be cold enough to justify lighting my spiced pumpkin and cinnamon apple candles & making the house smell so inviting, warm and cozy.  


I am ready for FALL! :D

Day 11: Three Reasons to Get Out of Bed Tomorrow

If I had been able to post this yesterday, I would have given you three reasons immediately! Can I change it to "Three Reasons to Get Out of Bed Today"? Anybody? No? Who made up the rules for this anyways?! Okay okay, here you go, three reasons to get out of bed TOMORROW.


1) Psalm 118:24 - 'This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it'


2) My husband and I are trying out a new church (I guess the munchkin is too).  We have been searching for a church for five years (not consistently mind you) so I am praying and hoping that this one is the one that God has in mind for us.  To be honest, I am getting tired of feeling 'let down' by churches! 



3) Spending time with my family 

Day 10: A Typical Sight Around The House

If you come over uninvited, you will find toys, an array of spoons/spatulas, and wii remotes throughout my home.  While this is a typical sight around here, you can bet I am not going to post a picture of my messy house on this blog! :) 

Here is a typical sight around the house that I love :) 

My energetic happy 18 month old little boy running around the house!

Day 9: A Typical Sunday As A Child

A typical Sunday for me as a child was spending the morning at church and spending the late afternoon/evening at my grandparents with my mom's family.  My grandfather made homemade spaghetti and spaghetti sauce (I do not know if he did that EVERY Sunday, but it happened often!).  To this day, the smell of homemade spaghetti sauce brings a smile to my face & memories of visting my grandparents. 

Day 8: Playing Favorites

This book I have read several times. It is a good read for those rainy days when you want to curl up on the couch with a cup of tea and the fire roaring.  

Since having my son, this is my favorite thing to do on Saturday mornings while my wonderful husband spends quality time with the munchkin.  It's a win-win situation :) 

When I'm having a bad day, listening to this group can always put me in a good mood.  Plus my ridiculous attempt to dance to the songs always makes my son laugh. 


I found this quote by Audrey Hepburn & I love it. 


Last but not least, my two most favorite guys! 

Day 7: Self Portrait

*this was taken after taking care of my little one throughout the night, thus why I look so tired and the munchkin is zoning out watching Playhouse Disney

Day 6: I Am Good At ...

writing.  


One year, for my mother's birthday, she asked my brother and I to use our talents for her gift.  My brother played a song and I wrote a story. At the time, I thought it was just a request to make me feel better about myself because I was pouting (as I so often did) that I was not musically inclined like my brother was and what in the world did I have to offer? Looking back, I realize that she saw something I did not.  I am a good writer.  I loved to write short stories and have been told that I should write a childrens book.  As I get older and more braver in sharing my writing, the feedback has been wonderful. 


I write a blog for my son, which is really fun to do, since I'm terrible at actually doing a first year baby calendar :) Thank you to all of those who have commented on Jordan's blog, how much you enjoy reading it, and how well I write it.  This 30-day blog has been fun to write as well - I am loving the challenge of stepping outside of my 'mommy' box and learning anew the person I am and my thoughts on things.  Again, thank you to those of you who have encouraged me in this blog and have expressed I am a good writer and you enjoy it.  It means so much to have that kind of affirmation, and I truly appreciate it! 


Here's an 'essay' I wrote on motherhood in May.  I hope you enjoy this one as well.  


I was watching the movie Motherhood yesterday and in the movie, the mom has a chance to submit an essay on what motherhood means to her. This got me thinking, especially as I watched Jordan and thought about what it meant to be his mother. What does motherhood mean to me? Keep in mind, that my life as a mother has only been in existence for 14 1/2 months :)

Motherhood is complex and full of emotions. Motherhood is something that you will never fully understand yet at the same time, you will embrace it completely without hesitation. The fears you had before your child was born is replaced by the fears you have as your child grows into their own. You learn to step back and watch as the child you love so dearly learns to do things on their own, even when it means watching them step off the curb and face plant onto the asphalt parking lot (true story, happened today). Motherhood is full of joy and laughter, tears and heartache. The tears in the beginning when you felt so overwhelmed and unsure of how to take care of this precious little one that is utterly dependent on you. The joy in being a mother, when others delight in your child. The laughter that bubbles over when your child laughs with you, for a child's laughter is the most beautiful sound. The heartache in knowing that no matter how much you try, you cannot always protect them from being hurt.

It's when a chubby little hand reaches for yours, in complete faith that you will guide them in the right way, and be by their side as they learn to navigate the world on their own.

Motherhood means days where you just want to get in the car, drive who knows where , turn the windows down and blast some music. Then there are days when your little one squeals in delight when they see you and comes running into your arms to give you a hug. The smile on their face makes up for the days of teething, sleepless nights, spilled cups on the floor, tripping on toys everywhere you step, and massively poopy diapers.

Motherhood is a journey - it's not easy but it is by far the most rewarding journey I've ever partaken in.