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.

Day 5: Thoughts on Growing Old

When I think about growing old, I thank my lucky stars for the genes I have.  The women on both sides of my family do not look their age.  While I may complain now that people think I am younger than I am, I know that one day I will be so thankful for that.  You may call this vanity, I call it self-awareness :) 

Another thing about growing old is being with my family.  I have always been family oriented, so you can bet that as I get older and my children get older and have children of their own, I want to be surrounded by them.  You won't find me knitting afghans or baking pies.  That's not the type of person I am.  You will find me laughing with those I love, listening to stories, telling my own crazy stories that will probably be made up, and generally being thankful for the life I have lived and the blessings I have.  


One last thought on growing old: I will not have to worry about losing my hearing! :D

Day 4: My Best Friend

For those of you who know me well, you know that I am not the biggest fan of the term 'best friend'.  I think it is thrown around too lightly and so I reserve it for when I truly feel that someone is my best friend.  So, imagine my surprise when I'm walking around campus one day with this guy and I blurt out "you're my best friend".  Instantly I wish I could take it back - did I just say that? Why did I say that? What if he doesn't consider me his best friend?  After a pause and a bewildered look on his face, this guy answers, "you're my best friend too".  ... ok.  So it's established, we are best friends.  Why was this so important?

My mother always told me that the man I marry should be my best friend.  I'm so thankful I took that to heart because it was one of the best pieces of advice she's ever given me.  I married my best friend. David is the one that I talk to about everything.  He is the one that can take one look at me and know if I need a hug or a laugh.  He knows my strengths and my weaknesses & he compliments them with his own.  I could go on and on, but I won't :) For now, I will just say that I am beyond blessed to be married to my best friend.     

Day 3: Generalizations are ...

used so frequently that many do not even notice they are using generalizations.  For instance, think of how many times you or someone else has said "in general" during a conversation when referring to a certain subject.  "Men in general", "women in general".  You are taking one person or one example and tossing them in the pot with a hundred others just because of the sex, race, education or any other area.  Case in point:  My son is almost 18 months and it seems like he is entering the "terrible twos". Right there is a generalization - the terrible twos.  In the second year, children are learning to become autonomous and this means testing the boundaries to see what they can and cannot do.  This may result in frustration (for both parents and child!) and what happens? "Oh it's the terrible twos, they all go through it".  What if my child goes through this at the age of three? Would it still be the "terrible twos"?  

I do not think that generalizations are necessarily negative.  However, they can be construed in a negative way depending on the subject.  Thus, we must all try to be careful of using generalizations and how we use them.  In talking to a friend about generalizations, I like what she said:

"there is a reason people make generalizations too, because most the time they are true about that group of people but not fair to assume that everyone in that group will ALWAYS be that way"

So here's hoping that my child will not actually contribute towards the generalization of the "terrible twos" :) 

Day 2: A photo of something I do to keep cool in the Summer months

Gone are the days of lounging around on a raft in the pool reading a book and drifting the afternoon away! Hello afternoons of slathering the munchkin in sunscreen and sitting out on the patio in the backyard while he plays "around" the sprinkler.  I traded my swim suit for a tank top, shorts and pony tail.  Of course, it's also fun to run through the sprinklers to cool off as well :)   

Day 1: My Favorite Poem Is ...

When I saw what I had to write for my first day of blogging, I was dismayed.  My favorite poem? Poetry? I am an avid reader, but poetry was not something I read.   Haiku, Free verse, Iambic pentameter, Limerick, Narrative, Rhyme - those were things that I learned in school.  My apologies for not enjoying a poem when I am asked to dissect it and write a paper about what style the poem was written in.  Good grief, I am going to have to skip the first blog!

On a whim I decided to look up a favorite book of mine from childhood.  Imagine my surprise when I found it that it was considered - wait for it - poetry! A wave of relief came over me.  Alright, I can do this.  The first hurdle is crossed.  Without further ado, I give you, my favorite poem.  (I should warn you, it's a little lengthy!)

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

Once there was a tree....
and she loved a little boy.
And everyday the boy would come
and he would gather her leaves
and make them into crowns
and play king of the forest.
He would climb up her trunk
and swing from her branches
and eat apples.
And they would play hide-and-go-seek.
And when he was tired,
he would sleep in her shade.
And the boy loved the tree....
very much.
And the tree was happy.
But time went by.
And the boy grew older.
And the tree was often alone.
Then one day the boy came to the tree
and the tree said, "Come, Boy, come and
climb up my trunk and swing from my
branches and eat apples and play in my
shade and be happy."
"I am too big to climb and play" said
the boy.
"I want to buy things and have fun.
I want some money?"
"I'm sorry," said the tree, "but I
have no money.
I have only leaves and apples.
Take my apples, Boy, and sell them in
the city. Then you will have money and
you will be happy."
And so the boy climbed up the
tree and gathered her apples
and carried them away.
And the tree was happy.
But the boy stayed away for a long time....
and the tree was sad.
And then one day the boy came back
and the tree shook with joy
and she said, "Come, Boy, climb up my trunk
and swing from my branches and be happy."
"I am too busy to climb trees," said the boy.
"I want a house to keep me warm," he said.
"I want a wife and I want children,
and so I need a house.
Can you give me a house ?"
" I have no house," said the tree.
"The forest is my house,
but you may cut off
my branches and build a
house. Then you will be happy."

And so the boy cut off her branches
and carried them away
to build his house.
And the tree was happy.
But the boy stayed away for a long time.
And when he came back,
the tree was so happy
she could hardly speak.
"Come, Boy," she whispered,
"come and play."
"I am too old and sad to play,"
said the boy.
"I want a boat that will
take me far away from here.
Can you give me a boat?"
"Cut down my trunk
and make a boat," said the tree.
"Then you can sail away...
and be happy."
And so the boy cut down her trunk
and made a boat and sailed away.
And the tree was happy
... but not really.

And after a long time
the boy came back again.
"I am sorry, Boy,"
said the tree," but I have nothing
left to give you -
My apples are gone."
"My teeth are too weak
for apples," said the boy.
"My branches are gone,"
said the tree. " You
cannot swing on them - "
"I am too old to swing
on branches," said the boy.
"My trunk is gone, " said the tree.
"You cannot climb - "
"I am too tired to climb" said the boy.
"I am sorry," sighed the tree.
"I wish that I could give you something....
but I have nothing left.
I am just an old stump.
I am sorry...."
"I don't need very much now," said the boy.
"just a quiet place to sit and rest.
I am very tired."
"Well," said the tree, straightening
herself up as much as she could,
"well, an old stump is good for sitting and resting
Come, Boy, sit down. Sit down and rest."
And the boy did.
And the tree was happy.