Four and Three And Two and One (whatup) and when I'm on the mic, this sucker's done.
OK, sorry, I couldn't resist. If you have no idea what I just wrote I forgive you. If you are however married to me or your name is Christin you know exactly what that is and you love it. And I love you.
On to the real point of this post (is there one?) oh yes. So I have a new style now in the mornings. It starts with my alarm on my watch going off at 5:20 a.m. I've learned that the best thing is to put it a few feet away on my chest of drawers so I have to get up to turn it off. Or I could let it beep but Ryan might kill me. So I get up and turn it off. Plod into the bathroom and then into the kitchen where my coffee is brewed and waiting for me. And then the day begins. And you know what . . . its great. Today was only my third day of getting up early and I'm praying I maintain the motivation to keep with this schedule because, for me, it is revolutionary. I turn my living room lights on brightly overhead to give a further jolt to my sense and then I snuggle into my favorite chair for time of prayer and bible reading. Something that I've always struggled to make a priority! Even though I know I desperately needed it I was determined to find some way other than first thing in the morning. And, you know what, for me it just did not work. Ever.
After that precious time I move on to my next task which on a non school day is usually a chore like folding the laundry. On a school day I use that time to get showered and dressed before the kids wake up. Then I have the time to greet my children, make my husbands lunch, make everyone breakfast and, in general, start out our day on the right foot.
What initially seemed like an enormous sacrifice to me has turned out to be the biggest blessing I could have asked for. I'm excited about this new style of mine and thankful for the wise insight that brought me here. NEver in a million years would I have come up with this idea on my own - but through the Girl Talk blog (girltalk.blog.com) I found their awesome idea of the 5 am club and decided to create my own 5:20 club. While I'm still the only member I feel encouraged to know that these women are out there doing the same thing and seeing the fruits and rewards.
In closing I feel the need to make one thing really clear . . . I am not at all trying to toot my horn. I know this style is from the Lord and its only through Him that I've even managed to get up these past three days at all! I'm in awe of His provision and goodness to me in my feeble attempts at obedience. So please, don't for one second think anything more of me than that I am His servant and He is blessing me abundantly. The reason I do share is because I'm excited and I want to share the good works He is doing. And to encourage all my fellow Sisters out there.
B-E-A-S-T-I-E (whatup Mike D) oh yeah that's me.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Lacey's Recommendations
I have a number of recommendations that I've wanted to post for a while. As my blog continues to evolve I've decided to try and add in my thoughts on places I like, love and those that I pledge my undying dedication to. I know you are all out their just waiting desperately to hear what I think so I've decided to meet the needs of my clamoring fan base.
So let's start out with my feet :) Back in December when I was recovering from my tonsillectomy (did ya hear I had my tonsils out? did I mention that it hurt?) I wanted a little pampering and what better place to start that my toes. I headed to the new Foxy Nails in the Shoppes at Willow Chase (sorry you non Clarksville residents) to give it a try on Troy's recommendation. What followed was an absolutely fantastic pedicure. Halfway through I was sure I was getting the more expensive spa pedicure even though I hadn't asked for it but decided to let it go. And then when it came time to pay I was only charged $25 . . . SO the only logical conclusion is that their regular ol' pedicure is so fabulous it'll make you feel like you are getting the superstar treatment. Its all nice and new with a big plasma TV that was showing something nice and relaxing. The lighting is dim and soothing. The nail technicians were very friendly without being too talkative. Only thing that could have made the experience better was a beverage. Just a note in case the Foxy folks are checking out my blog. So ladies (guys too) if you haven't been to Foxy get yo-self over there. You'll be glad you did.
The other evening I cracked the carafe on our coffee pot which has left us in a coffee famine the past few days. So we've been running up to the new Blue Notes Cafe here in Sango for some morning Joe. I can't say enough how thrilled I am with this new addition to our area. The coffee is delish, the folks their are SO friendly, the menu looks absolutely yummy and they even have live music in the evenings. PLEASE go and visit these guys. Buy something. Buy lots of somethings. Treat yourself to a sandwich and some Wi-Fi, write out your New Years goals while sipping a latte, relax with an appetizer and some music. Let's support these guys. I'd hate to see a wonderful business like this not make it. I'm going back very soon for a more substantial purchase. I mean, its the least I can do :)
And finally, I dragged my family back to Jump Zone (somewhat with my tail between my legs) to use the free passes we were gifted after my less than positive review. What can I say - we had a great time. The kids love the inflatables there, they have a new baby area that is great for Reid, the snacks are well priced with a great selection . . . it was good. Ryan said "this place is really cool" . . . and I looked at him with ice in my eyes and said "traitor". But, he was right. It is cool. And I forgive them - ha. The only negative was when I noticed the manager and "rule boy" having a hushed conversation while looking knowingly in my direction. I was spotted. I knew they'd been waiting for me to come back. Well, I went. It was good. Now stop talking about me. Oh, one final note - please install some coat hooks over the shoe area. During the winter this is a MUST.
And there you have it folks. Enjoy.
So let's start out with my feet :) Back in December when I was recovering from my tonsillectomy (did ya hear I had my tonsils out? did I mention that it hurt?) I wanted a little pampering and what better place to start that my toes. I headed to the new Foxy Nails in the Shoppes at Willow Chase (sorry you non Clarksville residents) to give it a try on Troy's recommendation. What followed was an absolutely fantastic pedicure. Halfway through I was sure I was getting the more expensive spa pedicure even though I hadn't asked for it but decided to let it go. And then when it came time to pay I was only charged $25 . . . SO the only logical conclusion is that their regular ol' pedicure is so fabulous it'll make you feel like you are getting the superstar treatment. Its all nice and new with a big plasma TV that was showing something nice and relaxing. The lighting is dim and soothing. The nail technicians were very friendly without being too talkative. Only thing that could have made the experience better was a beverage. Just a note in case the Foxy folks are checking out my blog. So ladies (guys too) if you haven't been to Foxy get yo-self over there. You'll be glad you did.
The other evening I cracked the carafe on our coffee pot which has left us in a coffee famine the past few days. So we've been running up to the new Blue Notes Cafe here in Sango for some morning Joe. I can't say enough how thrilled I am with this new addition to our area. The coffee is delish, the folks their are SO friendly, the menu looks absolutely yummy and they even have live music in the evenings. PLEASE go and visit these guys. Buy something. Buy lots of somethings. Treat yourself to a sandwich and some Wi-Fi, write out your New Years goals while sipping a latte, relax with an appetizer and some music. Let's support these guys. I'd hate to see a wonderful business like this not make it. I'm going back very soon for a more substantial purchase. I mean, its the least I can do :)
And finally, I dragged my family back to Jump Zone (somewhat with my tail between my legs) to use the free passes we were gifted after my less than positive review. What can I say - we had a great time. The kids love the inflatables there, they have a new baby area that is great for Reid, the snacks are well priced with a great selection . . . it was good. Ryan said "this place is really cool" . . . and I looked at him with ice in my eyes and said "traitor". But, he was right. It is cool. And I forgive them - ha. The only negative was when I noticed the manager and "rule boy" having a hushed conversation while looking knowingly in my direction. I was spotted. I knew they'd been waiting for me to come back. Well, I went. It was good. Now stop talking about me. Oh, one final note - please install some coat hooks over the shoe area. During the winter this is a MUST.
And there you have it folks. Enjoy.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Reliving the Christmas Glory
So as the first real week of the new year sets in I'm going to take some time and look back over some of the wonderful things I was gifted over Christmas. Far and away the best gift was having my little family of five altogether . . . but yada, yada, let's get on to the good stuff.
Chyloe & co. gave me this awesome purse. Isn't it so fun?
My mother-in-law Belinda gave me two of these amazing windows from her shop. I am going to put pictures in the panes and then hang them. One is going over Ainsley's bed.
And then my parents are always happy to meet my cooking needs. I desperately needed an instant read thermometer that reads a wide variety of temps. I already made some yummy french bread with its help. And then these adorable little pinch bowls. And finally the pot clip. I mean isn't that thing ingenious!!!!!!!!!
Chyloe & co. gave me this awesome purse. Isn't it so fun?
My mother-in-law Belinda gave me two of these amazing windows from her shop. I am going to put pictures in the panes and then hang them. One is going over Ainsley's bed.
And then my parents are always happy to meet my cooking needs. I desperately needed an instant read thermometer that reads a wide variety of temps. I already made some yummy french bread with its help. And then these adorable little pinch bowls. And finally the pot clip. I mean isn't that thing ingenious!!!!!!!!!'
And finally look at this gorgeous trench coat I got - Its seems more like a pea coat to me in soft wool but Gap calls it a trench. It was a Chyloe find. I always need to go shopping with her.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Honey's Handiwork
So the next few posts are going to be designed to make you green with envy at all the wonderful things I got for my birthday, Christmas and on our shopping extravaganzas in Tampa and Columbus! But my first post has to start with some of my most special things handmade by my mom (Honey).
And to atone for the summer dress fiasco Ainsley went crazy for her newest Honey-made couture. The bow and tights were also from Honey and altogether it is just one of the cutest darn outfits I've ever seen. She wore it for her 3rd birthday party and looked adorable.
Of course, on the first day she wore this dress (along with her new snow boots - one can never be too prepared) her dress fell in the potty so I had to take it off. Ainsley insisted on walking around with her panties and tights around her knees for at least a good hour.
For my birthday she made me this purse - isn't it just incredible! The inside has my name monogrammed inside and included a personalized sunglass holder! The button on the front is an antique that belonged to my Great Grandma Helene for whom I'm named. I proudly carried this bag through all our recent trips and felt so cool and chic with it!
And to atone for the summer dress fiasco Ainsley went crazy for her newest Honey-made couture. The bow and tights were also from Honey and altogether it is just one of the cutest darn outfits I've ever seen. She wore it for her 3rd birthday party and looked adorable. Of course, on the first day she wore this dress (along with her new snow boots - one can never be too prepared) her dress fell in the potty so I had to take it off. Ainsley insisted on walking around with her panties and tights around her knees for at least a good hour.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Happy 3rd Birthday Ainsley
I need to put together a photo montage for Ainsley for two reasons. 1: She is so darn adorable it'd be a crime not to and 2: Her birthday is in December so she always gets the shaft in some ways that are just unavoidable.
But in the meantime I've decided to put together a little list of some of my favorite Ainsley moments from this past year.
1- Ainsley coming in BUCK naked from the backyard where she was playing with Jake. Despite the 40 degree weather. I asked Jake why Ainsley took her clothes off and he explained it was because she was trying to go swimming. Oh, and he clarified that it was also because she was having fun.
2 - During her school program in May Ainsley tried to crawl underneath the communion table up on stage. Her teacher pulled her back to say no and Ainsley slapped her across the face. Then she gave her a kiss. All within a 5 second timespan and all DURING the show.
3 - Ainsley was running around after her bath up in Ohio and cousin Reese said "Nonny, Ainsley is SO rowdy". He doesn't know the half of it.
4- Ainsley asking herself if she is ok whenever she falls down.
5 - Ainsley answering us as a baby jaguar (rrrreearhhh, rrreearhhh) whenever we ask if she is okay when she falls down (its a Diego thing).
6 - Ainsley asking me if "Ms. Chrichy (Chrissie) is coming today?" everytime I hang up from a call on my cell phone. I guess I talked to Chrissie once on my cell phone so now every call is her.
7 - Ainsley as Jake's personal parrot.
8 - Ainsley crying for Jake to sit in the wagon with her, or go to sleep with her or do whatever it is that she needs his comfort and protection.
9 - Ainsley being the most theatrical little pixie fairy I could ever have imagined!
10 - Ainsley covering herself head to toe in peanut butter after her tubes were put in.
11 - Singing, singing always singing.
12- Ainsley wandering around in her snow boots with her panties and tights around her knees - for at least an hour - before she would let me pull them up.
You are TRULY one in a million little girl!
Goodbye to 2008
Leave it to me to send out my Christmas cards with our blog address printed on the back so everyone could "keep up" with our goings-on . . . and then fail to post anything new for over 2 weeks. I'm sure any momentary surge I had in readership is now gone but I just figure that is the Lord keeping my ego in check. I've had lots of that lately so I think I'm appropriately humble as I begin the new year.
Its been a whirlwind few weeks. The week of the 7th of December I hosted three parties HERE at my house (yes, I'm serious) and we also trekked up to Kentucky for our Polar Express adventure. But wait, did I mention that Ryan was receiving and IV in our bedroom during party #3 for dehydration resulting from a day of combatives that sounds more like a day of pure hell? Then my parents arrived 24 hours before Ryan and I flew out for our respite in Tampa. We had to leave directly from Jake and Ainsley's school Christmas program which was priceless (seriously, those kids rocked the house - out of all the kids in there you could here J and A singing out at the top of their lungs . . . I was SO proud). Anyway, Tampa was awesome, relaxing, fun, shopping expedition all rolled in to one. We had a wonderful time in the sun while my parents suffered through an ice storm and illness here in TN.
We arrived back in Tennessee on Thursday evening, I spent all day Friday doing laundry and packing (oh and fitting in a dinner and fun with the Remick family which is always a priority) and then Saturday morning we were off to Columbus, Ohio. We had a truly fantastic week with Ryan's family up there, so much so that we kept extending our visit and ended up staying until the 28th instead of the 26th. The end was bittersweet as we said goodbye to Jared and his family. We probably won't see them again for about 2 more years and many tears flowed as this realization hit me. I just have to trust the Lord's plan and that He works all for good. Even when I'm not happy about it.
So we pulled back into TN on Sunday night, I ran around like crazy on Monday planning Ainsley's third birthday party, ran around crazy on Tuesday throwing Ainsley's third birthday party and now I'm just trying to catch a breath.
Stay tuned. More to come. I've got bloggin' just itchin' to come out.
Its been a whirlwind few weeks. The week of the 7th of December I hosted three parties HERE at my house (yes, I'm serious) and we also trekked up to Kentucky for our Polar Express adventure. But wait, did I mention that Ryan was receiving and IV in our bedroom during party #3 for dehydration resulting from a day of combatives that sounds more like a day of pure hell? Then my parents arrived 24 hours before Ryan and I flew out for our respite in Tampa. We had to leave directly from Jake and Ainsley's school Christmas program which was priceless (seriously, those kids rocked the house - out of all the kids in there you could here J and A singing out at the top of their lungs . . . I was SO proud). Anyway, Tampa was awesome, relaxing, fun, shopping expedition all rolled in to one. We had a wonderful time in the sun while my parents suffered through an ice storm and illness here in TN.
We arrived back in Tennessee on Thursday evening, I spent all day Friday doing laundry and packing (oh and fitting in a dinner and fun with the Remick family which is always a priority) and then Saturday morning we were off to Columbus, Ohio. We had a truly fantastic week with Ryan's family up there, so much so that we kept extending our visit and ended up staying until the 28th instead of the 26th. The end was bittersweet as we said goodbye to Jared and his family. We probably won't see them again for about 2 more years and many tears flowed as this realization hit me. I just have to trust the Lord's plan and that He works all for good. Even when I'm not happy about it.
So we pulled back into TN on Sunday night, I ran around like crazy on Monday planning Ainsley's third birthday party, ran around crazy on Tuesday throwing Ainsley's third birthday party and now I'm just trying to catch a breath.
Stay tuned. More to come. I've got bloggin' just itchin' to come out.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
The Big 3-0
Yes, today is my 30th birthday. And its been a wonderful day. There has been no hair pulling or crying or tearing my clothing in mourning. I think that is probably because I couldn't feel more blessed by where my life is at the ripe old age of 30. I have a wonderful marriage built on the firm foundation of Jesus Christ, I have three fantastic kids and I have the best job in the world. I truly can't imagine doing anything that would leave me more fulfilled and happy than running my home, caring for my husband and raising my children. I'm blessed, blessed, blessed and I don't deserve a drippity-drop of it but God has chosen to so richly bless me nonetheless. So where else could I possibly be on my 30th birthday but joyful and content.
I think my 30th birthday is an appropriate time also to recognize the love of a mother. My mother to be exact. I remember having a conversation with my mother-in-law once where she was relating in the months after Ryan was first born being hit with the realization that her own mother had done all of the same things for her. And as I'm in the throes of motherhood and all the fatigue, worry, joy and stress that goes along with it I realized how incredibly blessed I am to have had a mother who did all these same things for me. Who cared for me when, by all accounts, I was an incredibly fussy and unhappy baby. But who soothed and loved me anyway. Who raised me up to be who I am today. Who instilled in me the love of Christ by always sharing openly with us the transformation that occured in her life the day she received Him as her Savior. And who is know caring for my brood so that Ryan and I can get away for a much needed bit of R&R to take care of our marriage and ourselves for just a few days. I know we'll feed off this rest for quite some time to come.
So hopefully you've enjoyed my time to reflect on where I am today and the woman who helped me get here. And hopefully she'll be encouraged enough to not be so discouraged by Jake's pee that manages to wind up just about everywhere but IN the potty.
I think my 30th birthday is an appropriate time also to recognize the love of a mother. My mother to be exact. I remember having a conversation with my mother-in-law once where she was relating in the months after Ryan was first born being hit with the realization that her own mother had done all of the same things for her. And as I'm in the throes of motherhood and all the fatigue, worry, joy and stress that goes along with it I realized how incredibly blessed I am to have had a mother who did all these same things for me. Who cared for me when, by all accounts, I was an incredibly fussy and unhappy baby. But who soothed and loved me anyway. Who raised me up to be who I am today. Who instilled in me the love of Christ by always sharing openly with us the transformation that occured in her life the day she received Him as her Savior. And who is know caring for my brood so that Ryan and I can get away for a much needed bit of R&R to take care of our marriage and ourselves for just a few days. I know we'll feed off this rest for quite some time to come.
So hopefully you've enjoyed my time to reflect on where I am today and the woman who helped me get here. And hopefully she'll be encouraged enough to not be so discouraged by Jake's pee that manages to wind up just about everywhere but IN the potty.
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