Mommin' this Mess

What are you reading this summer?  I would love to know.  I wanted put out a quick post to share my summer reading list.  I only have 3 books on the list, and I will be lucky to get those three finished.  I should also add that I have all 3 books on hold at the library and I am like number 47 on the wait list for each one, so I feel like I have picked good ones! 1.  Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover This memoir details the life of a child raised by religious, overprotective, isolated parents.  Her first exposure to public education was at age 17.  Up until then she was"homeschooled" (but not really).  She describes the grit and determination she possessed to amizingly earn her PhD from Cambridge University.  I have a feeling this book will leave me saying...."I can't even imagine" Click here for the direct link in Amazon. 2.  That Kind of Mother by Rumaan Alam This novel begins with a first-time, overwhelmed mama R...

A year or so ago I discovered the world of podcasts.  I guess as I grow older I crave more words and less noise.  Maybe it's just the fact that I am not working outside of my home so podcasts are a way for me to hear adult conversation throughout my day.  I would like to share some of my favorites with you, and I would love for you to share some of your favorites with me. 1.  "The Happy Hour" with Jamie Ivey. This is where it all began for me.  Somehow (probably social media) I saw a recommendation for this podcast.  I didn't even know how to listen to a podcast, but I quickly learned.  I was hooked after one episode. Jamie and her family live in Texas.  She is so transparent about her love for Jesus and His great love for his people.  Each week she interviews an amazing lady with an amazing story.  Her podcast has somehow led me to almost every other podcast I listen to.  Jamie also published a book recently and I cannot rec...

Perspective 47 A definition of perspective  Might read “point of view” The way we see the world Our angle.... attitude Often grownups wish for days of yesteryear Can we turn back time? Is there a magic gear?  Grownups too often see mundane In daily Tasks that bore.  Oh, but the eyes of a child,  They see so much more! Beauty and adventure  Reasons to giggle and play  And then there is you child  Your perspective is what I crave.  You will live your days with a certain sense of wonder.  You will find joy and goodness in the biggest of blunders You will forgive easy. And You will stand so loyal.  Every person you meet, you will find a way to make each one feel royal. Did you know that is a unique skill, a set of special powers? You will show pride in all accomplishments and remind us to smell the flowers.  Our days together may not always be easy.  This world so full of...

So, as promised this blog is also going to cover food.  Because I love food almost as much as I love my kids.  I'm kidding!!!!...... kind of.  I am going to do my best to share with you what I'm cookin' every now and then.  We always strive to eat at home as much as possible, but we could always improve with that task!  I tried a Pinterest recipe tonight and it was delicious.  I even got brave enough to make HOMEMADE ENCHILADA SAUCE. I am so glad I did!! It was delicious.  Click HERE for the recipe!

What is one thing you said you would NEVER do?   At the time you said never, to do "the thing" would never work. Maybe because you thought it was weird or useless.  Or maybe logistically it could not work in any shape, form, or fashion.  Maybe it was a role you could not imagine filling.  Maybe you said nope and nada to something because you knew it was entirely out of your comfort zone or desires.  Whatever the reasons are, we all have our "Nope, not ever.  NEVERS."  But you know what they say, right?  And then something happens or a series of some things happen and your heart begins to soften to "the thing".  Instead of shaking your head no, you are now nodding and understanding WHY people do the thing.  You have empathy and understanding, but your answer is still NEVER FOR ME.  Some time passes and the next thing you know, you are kinda, sorta, maybe considering "the thing" for yourself (and it makes you very uncomfortable...

so, where did I leave off?? Oh yes, Norman had finally made it to the hospital, heard the news of suspected Down syndrome, and rushed away to meet our Beau..... I really can't give you detailed play by play over the next few days because my memory of this time is very foggy. But I can tell you what I do remember. Crying. Lots of crying. Crying because there was this tiny baby in the NICU that has an unfair disadvantage to life (or so I thought). Crying because the life we planned as a family of five had just taken an unplanned direction. Crying because of my crippling fear that my other 2 children would miss out on life to the fullest because everything our future held would revolve around Down syndrome. I was sad. I was mad. I was scared. I was lost. I cried if anyone looked at me too long. I was grieving and didn't even realize it. Grieving the life that was "supposed to be".  Anyone who has experienced grief knows that it is absolutely necessary to begin healing....

If you think God doesn't care about every small detail, think again. He SEES YOU; and sometimes we see him too if we slow down. Let me share a little story about something that happened this week.   I've been going to BSF (Bible study fellowship) since September. Beau is able to stay in the nursery thanks to the wonderful children's program they have.  I noticed in the first few weeks there was a beautiful baby girl close to his age that is also sporting an extra chromosome. Y'all, she is a doll baby. A head full of hair and the cutest pink glasses you ever saw. Anyway, I told the children's leader that I would love to connect with her mom sometime and for whatever reason it just hasn't worked out.  Fast forward to this Wednesday. It was not my regular BSF day. I volunteered to keep the kids of BSF leaders so they could prepare for the lesson  on Thursday . Well, that sweet baby girl, Camilla, is there!  I'm so happy because now I get to love on he...