3 simple joys.

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Here are 3 simple joys I've experienced lately...

Early morning emails from my dear Swiss pen pal, Monica. 

If you haven't heard about her, you should check out this post.  She is a gem!  This morning she sent this that made my day: "The Bailey family has a contagious smile, did you know that? It's one of your gifts to the world!"

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Walks with my girl and her baby doll, Molly. 

I can't help but smile while looking at this picture.  I love having a girl.

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Dallas weather in winter, spring, and fall. 

While most people are enjoying their summers outside, we're suffering in the sweltering 107 degrees.  But I have to say, Dallas makes up for it in winter, spring, and fall.  This "winter" we've had so many 60 & 70 degree days - the kind where your hair smells like the outdoors after you come inside for the day.  And your white toes are stained green from walking barefoot in the grass.

 

How to help our children appreciate God's creation.

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I wanted to share something special with you...I'm honored to be included as one of the guest bloggers on Club JellyTelly - a wonderful website with positive programming for kids.  They have a subscription-based service (kind of like Netflix but only $5/month) for unlimited viewing of all their shows.  My daughter and I especially like the new show "Come On Over" - it reminds me of the ones I loved growing up in the 80s - to me, it's like a cross between Fraggle Rock, Mister Rogers, and one of my alltime favorites - The Magic Garden.  (Oh, the beloved Paula and Carole!)

Anyway, my first post for Club JellyTelly is live - "How To Help Our Children Appreciate God's Creation".  I hope you enjoy it!

"And if God took such care creating the intricacies of a simple pinecone, a flower, a snowflake…how much more does He love and care for us, His very best work?"

{continue reading}

My one word for 2013.

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While laying in the grass on a wet towel on a breezy day at the pool this summer, I wrote the above words on a fresh page in my journal.  My mom was watching my daughter so I could have a few hours to myself, to stop, slow, think, breathe and be quiet.  On that fresh, unblemished journal page, these are the words that poured forth.

When I wrote them, there were still four whole months left in 2012, and I thought that "change" was the most important word of the two, as you see I scrawled it in all caps.  But through the last several months, I've come to learn that "EMBRACE" is the most important for me - the word that will hopefully define my life in 2013.

I love the idea of choosing one word to focus on throughout the year.  Several of my favorite bloggers (like Sarah & Amanda to name a few) have done the same, and it's inspired me to choose my "one word" for 2013.

Here are some of the dictionary's definitions of embrace:

  • to take or receive gladly or eagerly; accept willingly: to embrace an idea
  • to avail oneself of: to embrace an opportunity
  • to take in with the eye or the mind

Yup, all of those.  I'm in.  So here's what I'm thinking...

Now, where do I start?  Embracing who I really am is a big one.  You see, at age 35, I've just had a huge epiphany - I am a different than who I thought I was.  I have an entire post on this coming soon, so let's just say this: I'm still an introvert.  But after living in this skin for thirty-five years, it's like I'm meeting myself for the first time.

Yes, this year is about embracing.  I love the way blogger Sarah Bessey says it:
Let me be fearless about aging. Let me welcome each day, each year, as a friend and own them as a gift. Let me welcome the changes in my body and in my opinions.
And this goodness from Psalm 27:1 in The Message: 
Light, space, zest—
    that’s God!
So, with him on my side I’m fearless,
    afraid of no one and nothing.

 

A letter to you at two-and-a-half.

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Luci Belle,

It seems that you've changed overnight - chattering and joking and pretending more than ever.  I don't want to forget the details of these fleeting days with my toddler-who-is-becoming-a-little-girl.

So, here are some fun things I want to remember about you at age 2 1/2...

  • You sing "happy birthday" to everyone and anyone, regardless of whether it's their birthday.  We actually had a real birthday party to attend on Saturday - a "dress-up" tea for your friend turning 3.  Before the party, we had to have a little talk because you grabbed your friend's present and said, "This is MY present.  I'm going to MY birthday party."  You chose your outfit for the party - a ballerina tutu and pink tights.  At the party, were the presents or cake your favorite?  Nope.  You were perfectly happy playing kitchen, hopping like a bunny down the sidewalk, and chasing after a round birthday balloon.  That evening before bed, I asked, "What's your favorite thing you did today?"  You smiled and acted like you were about to tell me a secret and whispered, "Berfday party."
  • Later in the day as we were passing a grouping of trees on our way to the park, you asked, "Mommy, is this a rainforest?"  We'll credit Dora and Diego for that one.
  • After the park, we were driving to a friend's house, and you declared, "I want an ice cream cone.  With chocolate chips."  I told you we didn't have cones, but maybe we could make ice cream later when we got home.  You replied, "Mommy, let's go to CONEY ISLAND!"  What?
  • When we got home from the park, you wanted to get out of your car seat and play in the front seat of the car (turned off of course).  After a lot of fresh air and sunshine, Mommy was in a good mood so I let you linger and play in the car instead of rushing you inside.  I sat on the front steps for a good 20 minutes as you explored the front seat, turning down the visors, examining your teeth in the mirror, playing with bobby pins in the console.  After awhile I sauntered over to check on you.  "Whatcha doing?  Ready to go inside?" I asked.  Without even looking up, you answered, "No, I'm fixing this right now," and continued "fixing" the mirror on the visor.
  • You love to yell, "WATCH ME!" and then do your latest "trick" for us.  Lately, that includes lining up your puzzle pieces or toys and counting them, "reading" a book out loud, or building a castle with wooden blocks.  Sometimes you'll say, "STOP!  You stay here.  Now, watch me," and then go jump off the couch or go down the slide by yourself at the park.  I love seeing you develop self-confidence!
  • A few nights ago, I pulled out an old issue of Mothering Magazine and found an article that said, if you really want to get a good laugh, ask your toddler how they came into the world.   So I asked you, "Luci Belle, do you remember how you were you born?"  Your answer: "Jesus."
  • You are very - shall we say - spirited!  It keeps me on my toes!  We're working on keeping eye contact when you need to listen to me or Daddy and trying to teach you to relax a bit when you're all riled up.  The other day, I was upset about something and you put your hand on my shoulder and said, "It's okay, Mommy.  Just relax."
  • A few days ago, I asked if you wanted to take a walk and you said very matter-of-factly, "No, not today.  To-mow-wow."  Well we did take that walk the next day, and what an outfit you chose...

Yes, you are quite the character, little one.  And such a delight.

I had the sobering realization the other day that right here, right now...we're creating your childhood.  This is it.  What a responsibility, yet what an opportunity for me to remember that I can do my best as your mom, but ultimately I have to open my hands and know I cannot control your life.   I've said it before, and I want you to know it: your mommy isn't perfect.  But I hope in my heart of hearts that your first memories are wonderful ones, that you know how much you're loved and celebrated and treasured for the unique person you are.

Love,

Mommy

Inspiration today: parenting edition.

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Image: shelovesmagazine.com

Here are some inspiring words that have been speaking to my weary mama heart lately...

“the most fearless thing we can do is keep showing up with love and grace and joy in our real, right-now lives.”

  • Brave moms raise brave kids - post by Jen Hatmaker.  This post kicked my butt - so many mixed emotions.  I wanted to hug every word in this post, and then punch it in the face.  It's such a challenge finding the fine balance between raising our kids to be brave, to not be afraid, teaching them to trust...while also protecting them as parents especially when they are little.

  • 25 ways to stay calm as a parent - huge soul exhale.  I'm not the only one who freaks when my kid drinks the bathwater?  I'm not the only mom who feels like she says "no" way too much?  Time to calm.  Down.  

“I’m adopting a ruthless anti-frantic policy. I’m done with frantic. The new baseline for me: will saying yes to this require me to live in a frantic way? 

I’m saying no more often than I’m saying yes. I’m asking hard questions about why I’ve kept myself so busy all these years. The space and silence I’m creating is sometimes beautiful and sometimes terrifying.”

Do ya see a theme here?  Thankful for inspirational women who encourage - the real ones in my everyday life and yes, even those online friends I've never met.

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Enjoy your day!