Holy Trash Cans, Batman!

Been working on a DIY Christmas gift for my bestie's little boy. They recently bought a new house and his bathroom his Batman themed. So after we both agreed that neither of our kids need anymore toys, I settled on helping him accessorize his new bathroom. Target had some hand towels but I just wasn't feeling them so I decided to test my art skills and make my own. I'm not done yet, but here's the work in progress. Leslie, just don't show Ro. Hope you like it!

Adventures in Geek Land

Don't get me wrong. I wear my Geek title proudly...or maybe I'm more of a nerd. What I am not is tech savvy. But I purchased and fixed up my own domain name for my blog today. It took me about 3 hours for what ended up being a fairly simple process. If you decided to do this yourself, just email me and I'll show you the two step procedure and save you a ton of time and useless YouTube videos. I'm pretty excited about this though. Note all I have to do is settled on a blog topic. Our maybe I should keep with whatever crosses my mind...suggestions? Leave a comment and enter your email to follow my blog!

It's that time of year....

It's officially the holiday season. Which means, as usual, I am experiencing conflicting emotions. I alternate between "yay! I love Christmas!" And "yay...Christmas." This Christmas especially seems to be drawing out any bipolar tendencies that may be lurking in my personality. But Oliver is way into Christmas this year. I don't think he really understands what it is, but he keeps getting told, "wait till Christmas" or "you can't get that today because it may already be under the Christmas tree." (That last one is not usually spoken aloud.) So, needless to say, he's really excited. The other day, he actually started kissing our ornaments and telling me they were pretty and he wanted to give them a hug.  This will be our first Christmas separated, and we haven't worked out a schedule for festivities yet, but I'm hoping it won't cause too much of a disturbance. But, before I get sidetracked, Christmas is that one time of year when people generally tend to remember that there are others out there who are in need. And that's why Christmas is my favorite time of year. I've decided that I'm not going to go over board on gifts to the kids. It looks like I have a lot of gifts under the tree, but I actually forgot and wrapped Oliver's stocking stuffers. So he'll be unwrapping a lot of non gift items like a ninjas turtle toothbrush and stuff. (And mom keeps bringing over presents when she thinks I'm not looking.) But I do not want my kids associating Christmas with how many gifts they can receive. I would much rather them learn it is the season for giving. So, we will be donating old toys and trying to buy some for toy drives. And hopefully, I'll have some time to get out there and be useful to someone. If you have any creative ideas, let me know. I refuse to sing but I'll gladly be the one that serves some warm cider while everyone else carols away. Please remember the less fortunate. Remember those without toys or a Christmas dinner and find a way to serve someone this holiday.  And watch Little Women at least once because it's my favorite movie for the holidays!

A list, because lists are cool.

My kids are awesome. I was never a person who felt like I HAD to have kids. But since day one, I find myself amazed that somehow I was a part of them coming into existence. So here ya go, ten of the top reasons I love each of my kids.

Oliver:
1. He is serious. And I love that. This kid is a physical clone of his father, but I have a feeling his brain works just like mine. (Which accounts for the size lol)
2. He has a great sense of humor. When I can understand him, he usually knows how to make me laugh.
3. He loves ninja turtles. I love ninja turtles. Enough said.
4. He's polite. Unless he's over-tired, he's going to say yes ma'am and please. And I didn't do much to get that established. He also says excuse me. Because he rocks.
5. He's an animal lover.
6. He likes to give surprise hugs and kisses.
7. He likes to play hide and seek.
8. He misses the numbers 1 and 3 when he counts to 6.
9. He has beautiful eyes.
10. He loves his sister.

Layan:
1. She has the biggest laugh of any young child I have ever met...if you can get it out of her.
2. She's going to be my chatter box. I can feel it now.
3. She has "the look".
4. She is interested in everything around her. She watched Les Mis with me like it was Yo Gabba Gabba.
5. She loves her Uncle Phil.
6. From the day we brought her home, she has adored her big brother and loves talking to him.
7. Her hair. It's beautiful and there's a lot of it.
8. She really seems like she's not afraid of anything.
9. She's got my eyes. Hopefully they stick around. You know how those recessive genes can be.
10. She's little but strong.

The Pity Party is Over

Writing has always been second nature to me. I don't mean to say I'm amazing at it, but I'm decent and it's always been my chosen method of communication. The last few months, writing has been a challenge for me. Writing has permanence. Once written, it becomes real. And I haven't wanted the past few months to be real. I never saw myself in this situation. And while I don't necessarily feel bad for myself (I know I am beyond blessed), I haven't done a great job of thinking of anyone else. On that note, forgiveness is certainly easier to talk about than to put into action. I struggle with it on a daily basis. I know forgiveness is something I must seek and give daily, but it always seems easier just to find a punching bag (real or metaphorical). That's simply being selfish. There's no other word for it.

So I want to start over. To remind myself that there are others out there who need me more than me. A friend once told me that people who get depressed are the ones who only think of themselves and their own problems. They forget the blessings they have and choose to focus on their inconveniences instead. Life isn't easy. But it becomes easier when you have a purpose. And there is not a better purpose to have than loving others.

From now on, you have my permission to smack me next time I complain or fixate on my issues. Tell me to get over it. This post probably makes little to no sense. But I'm going to stick with it and hopefully my writing comes back. And maybe I can entertain you with a story or two occasionally.

Change Up!

I took some big risks this summer.  Some were super personal.  Others not so much.  In addition to our new (absolutely beautiful) family member, there were a lot of changes going on in the Jones Family.  I entered this summer pretty run down. Physically, emotionally, spiritually...any way you looked at it, I'd had enough.  This mindset that I was just "stuck" was really depressing.  Then, out of nowhere, everything changed.  And within two weeks, my life had suddenly started down a very new path.  I got a new job.  And have I told you how awesome it is?  I'm not going to disrespect Hardin.  My years there were great.  I met some great friends and learned a lot about myself and teaching.  But my new school just feels like a perfect fit for me.  I've worked harder these past three weeks than I have in years.  It's challenging, but its fun.  The atmosphere is positive and uplifting.  I mean, it must be right?  Because I'm driving roughly an hour to an 1 1/2 hrs one way and I'm STILL looking forward to going every day. I can honestly say its not just a paycheck.  I feel like I'm making a difference.  I feel like I'm working towards something great.  And that really is a reward in itself.  To have a purpose means everything.   In my personal life, things are improving.  I feel confident, and I have a lot more clarity in what I want for myself and my family.  A friend asked me once if I believed God spoke to people.  I am sad to admit that I kind of hedged away from the answer, because at the time, it was something I was questioning myself.  But, this summer, I believe that He did.  There were no lights from the heavens or crazy visions.  Just the certainty that I was doing what was right.  That everything would be ok and taking these chances wouldn't be a bad thing.  My family (in laws included) have been super supportive and I will never be able to repay my friends who were there in the breakdowns and long, crazy nights.  Everything that was done for me was not taken for granted.  My problem was simply fear.  I was afraid of what would happen if I challenged the status quo...I was afraid that if I stepped out on the edge, the mountain would collapse beneath me.  It didn't.  Those obstacles that were so intimidating two months ago seem almost laughable.  I'm not going to say everything will be perfect from here on out.  I've had a few low points along the way.  But fear is not going to be something I succumb to any more.  Fear is just a mental obstacle.  Once you get past it, you realize that the possibilities are endless and exciting! My kids are awesome and beautiful.  My family is actually moving FORWARD and not just spinning our wheels.  My job is fun.  I truly cannot ask for more.

Being an Adult

I hate change. Hate it. Granted, sometimes it brings good things aka...my kids. But a lot of times it brings BAD things, or, at the very least, things you could live without. But this year has been the year of change for yours truly, so would one thing more really hurt? I'm currently faced with what could become a life changing decision. Seriously, my entire life would change. And this change would be completely my decision. I don't have to make it. I can let this opportunity pass by and go on with life as I know it. Or, I could "take a leap" and go for it. There's not anyone who can make this decision for me. And that's a lot of pressure. There's honestly not a lot in life that I can honestly say has been 100% my decision. There's always been contributing factors. I am (sadly) poorly equipped to handle such a decision. Did I mention there are time limitations??? Yeah. Talk about pressure...(starts singing along with Queen). I'll let you know how I feel about change in a week or so. For now, my prayer buddies, just pray I make the best decision for me and the kiddos.