Wordless Wednesday: Girl's Day

I bet you were starting to think I forgot, huh? Nope, just a busy day. Tuesday I had a girls day with two of my favorite girls. Enjoy the pictures from our nature walk, and pool time!

Top Ten: Things I Learned While Watching The Bachelorette Last Night

There aren’t many things about me that scream girly. I hate shopping. You won’t find me standing in line to get manicures or pedicures. I rarely wear makeup and don’t spend hours on my hair.  In fact I am often told I’m more like one of the guys, except I have boobs (can you tell it’s guys who say that). However, today’s top ten list will reveal one of the things about me, that is definitely a girly thing. On Monday nights you can almost always find me watching The Bachelorette, and if I am not watching it, you can guarantee it is recording. I don’t know what it is about The Bachelor/ Bachelorette shows, but I have been drawn in from the beginning.  I know that very few couples make it out of the show intact, but very few couples in regular life make it out intact either.  I know the situation surrounding the show is completely unrealistic, and yet I still watch. I find myself caring for the people on the show, and invested in what happens to them.  So although it might be silly and my boyfriend teases me mercilessly about it, I will continue to watch the show, and I will enjoy it!

Des and the Final 3:

 

Without further ado I give you 10 things I learned while watching The Bachelorette last night.

  
 1. Lying in the sand kissing is a must on every season of The Bachelorette, and hot tubs seem to be a staple on every date!


2. Watching the show and following twitter at the same time definitely enhances the experience.  Many of the people from this season of the show, as well as many people from past seasons tweet along, and are definitely amusing to follow.

3. People always end up in the fantasy suite. They may say it’s just to talk or spend more time together, but none the less, they end up there. The fantasy suite has also shown that listening to people make-out is way grosser than one would think.

4. Poetry is enjoyable to write, possibly even to read, but listening to it every week on a show is BORING!

5. Guys hate the show because they are jealous of all the fancy dates and how easy the guys on the show have it. Okay so maybe they aren’t jealous, but it would totally make sense if that were the case.

6. Chris Harrison really makes the show. His interaction with everyone on the show is priceless.  He really should be The Bachelor himself one season. He could have J.P. come back and host. It would be fabulous.

7. It is totally normal to be unsure about marriage after dating someone for less than 2 months, especially if they are dating other people. However, if you express these feelings on a reality show you will gain lots of haters.

8. While guys being unsure about their feelings brings out haters, Des making out with multiple guys although claiming to know Brooks is the one, doesn’t even leave viewers batting an eye.

9. People are either really proud of Brooks for admitting his feelings, or hate him for waiting so long to let Des know. Very few people have commented on the fact that what Brooks did to Des is the same thing she is doing to the other two guys (Chris and Drew).  

10. Even as predictable as this show may be, people are always going to watch. There is just something about it that draws people in.

So now that you have heard about the television show that makes it onto my guilty pleasures list leave me a comment and let me know some of yours. After leaving a comment hop on over to Many Little Blessings and checkout some of the other blogs participating in Top Ten Tuesday! 

Just Write

As I sat down to begin writing today, I realized I had no clue what I was actually going to write about. I walked away from it several times. I debated skipping today. I looked at things for inspiration, but still nothing. That's when I remembered my children's literature teacher. She used children's picture books to teach different lessons about writing. Her first rule was, "destroy the power of the white." At first that is a very shocking statement, and made most of us in the class worry. However, it was quoted from a book about a young boy who wouldn't start painting because he didn't know exactly what he wanted to paint. I wish I could remember the name of the book, but it really is escaping me. The boy went to a famous artist and he threw paint on the child's canvas. At first the child was devastated, but then the man told him he needed to destroy the power of the white and get started. He explained that staring at a blank canvas is much more intimidating than looking at one that already has something on it. Our teacher explained that she used this lesson with her middle school students daily. Everyday in class they had to write something, anything! If they couldn't think of something on topic they could write something random, then when they came up with an idea they would skip a couple lines and start on topic. At first I really didn't understand the importance of this. I didn't see how it could make a difference. However, after trying it several times when I was struggling to get started I found that it really does work. If you just start writing you will come up with something to write about. Many times I have been shocked by where this activity has led me in my writing, but never have I walked away disappointed. Even if I don't write something great I am not frustrated with myself for not writing at all.

I have also learned to not erase or delete what I have already done. Even if I switch to a different topic, I don't delete the topic I started on. It might not be what I write about that day, but often it is an idea I can come back to at a later date. So starting a new page has been much more helpful to me, than erasing and starting over.

For me, writing everyday is also imperative. It is just like anything else, once you have established a routine it is easier to stick with it. If I write everyday I continue to write everyday. Skipping even a day or two makes it easier for me to skip even more days. With writing everyday it becomes a routine, part of my day and something I count on. Sometimes I write things I don't like. Sometimes I write things that others won't see.  However the lesson that has taught me is... I might not write something great everyday, but I do write everyday and that in and of itself is great.

Thanks for checking out today's blog. Leave me a comment and let me know what you do to move past your writer's block.

Remembering Our Angel Baby

Today, July 28th, we should be celebrating our babies first birthday. Instead it's a day we remember what we lost. We think of our angel baby frequently, but days like today are the hardest. Instead of writing much today I am going to share a few things with you that demonstrate my thoughts and feelings. 

I have come across many wonderful quotes, but there is one that always stands out in my mind.  "Dear Lord, I would have loved to hold my baby on my lap and tell them about you, but since I didn't get the chance, would you please hold them on your lap and tell them about me?" Someone else originally said it, but I have felt it many times. Mother's Day 2012 was an especially hard day for me. I was in Rolla and decided to go out to the cemetery. I visited the grave sites of many friends and family members. I stopped at Uncle Joe's grave and spoke to him for quite a while. Uncle Joe was Ashley's godfather. He married my Aunt about 9 or 10 years ago, and he was a wonderful man. That day this quote was on my mind and I know I needed to talk to him. I was feeling bad about my angel baby  spending Mother's Day without his mom, and that while we never got a chance to know him, he also never got the chance to know us. So I decided I needed to talk to Uncle Joe and make a deal. I would take over part of his Godfather duties and would teach Ashley as much as I could about God and the importance of being a good person, and he could talk to our angel baby about us and our family. This isn't something I discussed with anyone before or even after, but it definitely made me feel a bit better about things.

I understand that people don't know what to say after something like this happens. Honestly there aren't words that help. There are some that make things worse though. I found this article and want to pass it along  10 Things You Should Never Say To A Miscarriage Survivor.  I would love to say I haven't heard these things, but I have and some worse. The very worst is when people say things about it being for the best, or how I should feel like it's for the best. I know people have good intentions, but I will NEVER think the death of a baby is for the best. Although there may not be any right words, ignoring that it happened doesn't help either. My best advice is to be sensitive and caring, and if you don't know what to say simply saying "I don't know what to say" works just as well if not better. Trust me I don't know what to say either. 

With all of that said...Today instead of celebrating with our baby we are thinking of him fondly and hoping he knows just how much he is loved. Ashley wants to do something to celebrate his Birthday, and I am sure we will. Last year we did a balloon release, but I am not sure what we will do this year. She is adamant baby brother would want us to celebrate, so I am sure we will find a way to honor this day the best we can. 

Five on Friday Take 2

Early in the week I decided that my Five on Friday theme would be relate-able things seen on the internet. As soon as I decided on the theme I began collecting quotes and pictures that would make strong contributions to the blog. They could be things I found inspirational. Things that made me laugh, or just things I could relate to. I had no idea how many things I saved, but as I sat down to start writing I discovered I had saved 16 pictures.  That was narrowed down to 5 of my favorites, and the rest were saved for another day. I am a bit disappointed I won't be sharing them all with you today, but am thankful I saved each of them, as they have repeatedly put a smile on my face throughout the week. As far as you getting to see them I guess it's like they say "some things are worth the wait!" I hope you enjoy my five things. Leave me a comment and let me know what you stumbled across this week.

{one}

In January of 2012 I had a miscarriage. My daughter frequently refers to our angel baby as her baby brother, and prays about him continually. The baby's due date was July 28th. While our angel baby is never far from my mind, that is especially true around the baby's due date, and the day we lost him. I loved the baby from the moment I knew I was pregnant and that love will never fade.

{two}

I found this on pinterest this week and it reminds me so much of Ashley. Ashley is such a sweet and empathetic child. She wants the world to be a fair place, and frequently worries about the way others are treated. She is such a perceptive child, and is eager to create happiness wherever she goes. I love listening to her talk about heaven and have learned so much from her. I can definitely say she is more than just a daughter, she really is an angel.

{three}

I am blessed to not only have Ashley on my team, but to have Larry, and his daughter Stormie as well. When we are out and about it is common for the four of us to be holding hands, or at least holding hands in groups of two. When in groups of two it is not uncommon for the girls to yell "switch" as they change places, so everyone has turns holding everyone's hand. It also isn't uncommon for us to walk along as a group of four. I love these moments. I love our outings and all of our time together. I am blessed by the love between all of us, and I know as a team we are unstoppable.

{four}

I spend more time than I would like to admit trying to understand other people's actions. It is something that really bothers me, as I can't understand why people can do the things they do. After running across this earlier in the week it has made it easier for me to let that go. There are some things that I won't ever understand. People will do things I can't possibly comprehend, and people will act in ways I never would. I am never going to understand why that is or what makes them do these things, and I am slowly coming to grips with that. It is hard for me to believe that some people are just terrible people, but maybe it's the case. Either way I have to give up on trying to understand why they do things, and just understand that some of the things they do are simply terrible things.

{five}

Okay, enough with the serious stuff! This is something else I ran across on pinterest this week. As I discussed in an earlier post I have a fear of dead people not actually being dead. This is definitely along those lines. It has made me laugh over and over again.

 
Check out the other great blogs on the Five on Friday link up, and don't forget to leave me a comment about some of the great things you found online this week.

 

Thoughtful Thursday

Yesterday as I was browsing several blogs, I ran across a fun Disney blog. The blogs has all sorts of inspiring Disney quotes, crafts, pictures, etc. They were asking people to write a blog about a Disney movie or quote that was especially inspirational to you. As I thought about this for a while I realized there are many Disney movies and quotes that are inspirational, or that have been a fun part of my life. However, I needed to narrow it down to one. You would think with my love of Disney movies that might be a hard task, but really it wasn't. See although I love all the movies, there is one that is especially important. I can't say it's my favorite as I love so many, but it is one I love. That movie is Mary Poppins.

That might seem like an odd choice, but something I read explained it best "I didn't want Mary Poppins for my Nanny, I wanted to be Mary Poppins." I think I achieved that goal quite well. My family took to calling me Mary Poppins when I was still in elementary school. It came about because of my love of children and their love for me. When I would go outside I would frequently have a group of small children surrounding me. When I was at church it was common for a child nearby to hand me a toy and want me to play. While at the doctor children would crawl in my lap and want me to read them a story. Parents were often shocked and would apologize for the child, but my parents would say, "Don't worry it happens all the time." I don't know exactly why it would happen, but I definitely didn't mind. I love children, and believe there is so much you can learn from them. Children are such loving people. They treat others with kindness, and are usually completely honest, sometimes to a fault. They look at the world as an adventure, somewhere for them to enjoy, somewhere for them to learn.

As I was looking over some Mary Poppins quotes, this one really stuck out to me. Chasing your dreams is important. It is something people need to do. Your dreams might not always become a reality, but the act of chasing them is just as important as achieving them. This movie is a perfect example of following your dreams, using your imagination, and putting a little bit of fun into everything you do. Looking at a messy room may be overwhelming, it might not look like much fun, but if you put a little fun in it, you can quickly get the job done.

So as I think back over all the Disney movies I have watched I realize that Mary Poppins is still exactly who I want to be. I want to live my life the way she lived hers. I want to find the fun in every activity. I want to inspire others to reach for their dreams. I want to be the type of person that children, and all people really, love to be around. She might just be a character in a movie, but to me she is so much more. She is a perfect role model, and someone I admire. On the outside she looks like everyone else. She isn't a princess, and isn't loaded with money. It's what's on the inside that really makes her standout. Her insides are filled with kindness and happiness, and that shines through and makes her the wonderful person she is.

Now that I have told you about one of the Disney movies that inspires me, leave me a comment and let me know, what Disney movie inspires you!

Wordless Wednesday: Fun With Glasses

 

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Top Ten Summer Activities

Top Ten Summer Activities

 

Swimming

   I love swimming! Our place has a pool so we have been going as frequently as possible. With my neurologist wanting me to go everyday this is one of the few normal summer activities I can enjoy right now, which makes it that much more important and enjoyable.

Camping

   Camping has always been a part of my life. As a child we went camping frequently, and the summer before 6^th grade we even lived at a campground for an entire summer. We moved for my dad’s job, and were still looking for a house. So, 5 people, a dog, and a cat lived in a 29 foot camper for the summer. As a parent I am sure it was a nightmare, but as a child it was fantastic! 

Parks

   Going to the park with Ashley is always an enjoyable experience. We go throughout the year, but in the summer there are more options. There are free spraygrounds which are great. They have all sorts of water features and the girls love running around in them.There are some other parks where we can walk in the streams, look at the animals, or just enjoy playing on the equipment. No matter what type of park it is, parks are definitely a staple of our summers.

Walks

   Taking a walk is a perfect way to end an evening. Where we are living now, we can walk to stores and a couple different restaurants. Larry and I frequently go for walks on our alone nights, and Ashley and love walking to places as well. It’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors, and get some exercise. 

Drive In

 

   Before this summer I had never been to a drive in. However, after my car accident I was restricted from going to the movies. Then my doctor said I could go to the drive in because we can control the loudness, and it isn’t a dark room with flashing lights. So since getting that restriction lifted we have been many times. Larry and I have gone once on our own, but we typically take the girls with us. They love it because they can move around and for all of us it is much cheaper. 

Reading

   Reading is another one of my restrictions that is slowly being lifted. I wasn’t allowed to read at all, but now can for short periods. I love reading in the afternoons, or sitting on the glider on the porch during the evenings and reading a book. 

Vacation

   Although they might not all be elaborate vacations are usually a part of my summer. I especially love going on road trips. I like stopping at little places along the way, and just really enjoying my time without being on a set schedule.  

Peach Wine

   I love peach wine, especially from St. James winery. Although it is obviously good at all times, it is especially good during the summer. It has such a sweet light taste and just goes perfect with the warm weather. 

Barbecue

  I love grilling hamburgers and hotdogs, and anything else for that matter. Since we are in an apartment now we can’t do that here, but have done it several times this summer at my parents, and every time it is delicious! 

Festivals/ Carnivals/ Fairs 

   This is another thing I can’t enjoy this summer, but in general it is my very favorite part of the summer. For the 4^th of July we usually go to Rolla and enjoy their carnival. Here there is Downtown Days or Old Shawnee Days. In a couple weeks it will be time for the state fair. I love everything about them. I love the rides. I love the performances. I love the snacks, and the bustle of the people. Everything about it is perfect to me, and is a true sign of “home.” So although I can’t enjoy them this summer, it still tops my list as the best thing about the summer.