Grace and Peace

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

You know me. I'm the anxious one. I'm the one who constantly worries and has a list longer than long of 'what ifs'. I create my own stress. I tend to make a mental list of the negative things that 'could' happen rather than focusing on all of the positive things that surround me. I know this about me and I have struggled with it as long as I can remember.

I'm ready to make a change. I think I've made small progress here and there, but I need to make bigger change. I've struggled with worry, stress and indecisiveness for a long time...and I think a little bit of that comes from the way my mind is wired. I consider myself a very blessed individual, but I allow my thoughts to wander to the unknown, the questions, the decisions that haven't been made.

This week was monumental for me. I made a tough decision...but looking back on the day, it wasn't a tough decision at all. I made it tough because I didn't listen to what my heart said, I didn't pay attention to the signs that my prayers were being answered or that my path was being paved...I didn't have faith. Wow...what a big statement!! And yet sometimes I think we all find ourselves, whether it be during our most difficult times or just the minute choices of the day, stuck in a whirlwind of all kinds of madness: what if something bad happens, what will people think of me, I need to do what everyone else is doing. We should look to our faith and surround ouselves with the people who love us. (Thank you so much to my hubby, my dad, and my awesome friends for your advice, encouragment and support!!)

I had enrolled G in preschool, but I struggled all summer long - I knew she should be home with me...she's 2!! I attended orientation and completely lost it. I'm not ready, she's still so young, we are connected on a level that can't be put on paper, I don't want to miss anything, etc. The thoughts were constantly there and yet I tried to ignore them in an effort to conform to the 'Flower Mound norm'. Yesterday, I gave it to God and I was assured that my path is far from what's considered normal around here. Grace and I are so blessed to have this time together and I don't want to look back for a second and regret giving any of it away...not even 8 hours a week.

I owe a lot to my children. They have grounded me. They give me strength. They force me to make decisions based on solidity. They drive me. I do have weakness when it comes to anxiety and stress, but they give me reasons to work at it...yes, motherhood suits me just fine - and there's nothing like a little Grace and Peace!!

I don't get an overwhelming sense of peace and contentment very often (another idiosyncrasy that has been lended to me by the 'worried walrus'), but man do I have it today!! My baby doesn't have to go to preschool! I look forward to this year...it will be filled with the simple things that make having a 2 year-old daughter so special...holding hands, playing kitchen, watching butterflies, sharing makeup, ballet, giggling...the list goes on. I will be her teacher. We will continue to socialize and learn shapes, colors and numbers as we watch the world around us...together!!

"You are worried about seeing her spend her early years doing nothing. What! Is it nothing to be happy? Nothing to skip, play and run all day long? Never in her life will she be so busy again." Jean-Jacques Rousseau, 1762

I love you my little one!!

I'm playing for the GOLD!!!

I love Michael Phelps and I've been routing for him every opportunity I get. Mike and I stayed up until midnight several times just to watch him swim!! I love the olympic games and I think he is beyond awesome!! But here's my deal...I think motherhood should be right up there with olympic sports!! I mean seriously, the whole world has come to a halt to watch as men and women bring in the medals, beating their bodies up for first place!!

I'm playing for the GOLD too! I want to be the best mother I can for Mason and Gracie! I practice hard!! I know sometimes you feel like you want to quit the sport (like that's even an option...haha!). I know you may feel like your hard work is not noticed. I know that you are exhausted at the end of the day. I know that after you've put your children to bed at night, you sometimes feel like you've just finished the New York City Marathon!! I know these things because I feel them too!

So, here's to all of my mommy friends...I appreciate you for your hard work and dedication! I notice your efforts and I think all of you are champions!! Our jobs are tough ones...keep your eye on the prize - because at the end of our big race, we will have something much bigger and better than a gold medal!!

The Greatest Show on Earth!

We had so much fun today at the circus. I was completely giddy as I watched the amazement in my children's eyes!! They LOVED it!!!

A Step Back-N-Time

I know people must have thought I was a tourist, crazy mom or just a big freak! I took so many pictures at the barber shop today!!

Thanks to a couple of friendly neighbors, we found the BEST barber shop around...and it's right around the corner from our house!!

I have been trying to find a good place to get Mason's hair cut and haven't had much luck. Today, he got the best haircut he's ever had. Back-N-Time Antique Barber Shop is just that - we took a step back in time for sure...they had old fashioned EVERYTHING!! And I loved it!! Mason had a blast in the old chair. I asked him if he wanted to get his flip flops shined and he looked at me like I was crazy!!

http://www.back-n-time.com/

The world needs more Sheryls!!!

OK, so here's the deal...I went to Walgreen's to pick up a prescription and some Zyrtec. I stopped by the 'beauty counter' and saw the cute elderly woman who helped me with some face soap the last time I was in there. She had given me a coupon for the soap and I just thought it was a coupon from Walgreen's. Yesterday, she gave me another coupon for some chap stick that I picked up and then proceeded to dig in a huge box. She reminded me of Mary Poppins...you know, when Mary dives head first into her big bag??? She pulled out a $4 coupon for Zyrtec and said, "I knew I had one in there!!" Then it became quite obvious that she took her coupons very seriously. After asking several questions (I always seem to make friends with cashiers!!), it turns out that Sheryl buys 7 newspapers every weekend and she just clips and clips...and clips coupons - all for the sake of customers/strangers!!! Can you believe it???? She saved me $6 and it was all out of the kindness in her heart. I really got choked up!!!

In our fast-paced world that's filled with much negativity and hatred - it's nice to run into someone like Sheryl!! She was a great reminder that the little things count and they can really make a difference in the lives of the people around you!!

The point of this story: the world needs more Sheryls!!!

Sheryl: You probably won't ever read this (ok, so there's really no way you will ever read this!), but I hope you know that you made a difference in my life today. Your kindness touched my heart and in some small way, I'm sure I am a better person for meeting you!!