Where is the ME in Mommy?

What I Think About: Facebook

2012-02-01T05:00:00.000-07:00

Ah Facebook. I love hating you. Or maybe I hate loving you. It's so hard to tell.

Watch this. It's important. And it's from Easy A--a movie I big fat love!

I took a Facebook break during the season of Advent and it was amazing. I never knew I would miss Facebook so little. On the other hand, once I joined and stalked all my friends' pages, I realized how much I missed. What's a girl to do?

Real Simple did a whole spread on Facebook in their January 2012 issue. It was great to see all the reasons why people hate Facebook. And yet, we're still logging in. As for me, I'm still logging in because it keeps me connected to a community of people I actually talk to; I don't want to miss out on that. But I'm also logging in less because, as luck would have it, I can talk to these people on my iPhone and e-mail without all the irritating updates.

As a point of comedic relief, here are the top 10 updates I hate seeing on Facebook (which is precisely why I log in less):

1. The "I'm digging for you to ask me about it" bragging update.

**I just got the best present!
**Test driving a new car!

This update can also read like like:

The "I'm digging for you to ask me about it" sympathy update.

**Could this day get any worse?
**Life sucks!

2. The "I will shove my religion down your throat" update.
** I just finished day 12 of the How to Parent a Christian child book and I feel so bad that all the rest of your children are going to hell. But for mine, I'm going to discipline them and support their decisions.
**Don't pray in my school and I won't think in your church.

3. The "Clearly Facebook is my agenda book so I will write my to do list on here so every one knows how busy and important I am" update.

**Today I'm going to eat breakfast, workout, read the newspaper, drive to Denver, eat at Old Chicago's, and buy a blue shirt."

**First I'm going to work out then I'll pick up the dry cleaning, and then I'll go tanning.

4. The "Facebook users must know what I'm eating" update

**Tonight I'm making crescent rolled hot dogs with orange jello for dinner.
**Going out to Chili's for nachos! Boom!

This is more irritating when it's a normal meal. If you are making Scallops Saint Jaques, brag. Hot dogs--keep it to yourself!). Oh, and pictures of food? Seriously, if you aren't a food blogger WE DON'T CARE!

5. The "If you aren't in my political party you are clearly an idiot" update.

**Michelle Bachman is a witch!
**Don't bitch to me about the President. I voted for the American.

6. The "I know this is painfully obvious but I'm going to say it anyway" update.

**It is so cold outside!
**The Broncos won! The Broncos won!

Thanks for the update folks but I have windows to see the weather and sports center to check scores. Move on.

7. The "I'm not clever enough to come up with my own status so I'll use a status update tool or post a photo with some lame, misspelled quotation on it" update

**Reagan is poking you with a spork.

This is funny. That does NOT make it a status update. The end.

Source: i.imgur.com via Reagan on Pinterest

9. The habitual "Oh dear God I am so in love with this man" update.

(NOTE: complimenting your spouse or saying "I love you" every now and then is cute. Doing it daily is irritating. Use walls for that--not status updates.)

**My husband is the most magnificent man in the world! I love him with all the lovely lovey loveness that I have! And his arse ain't bad either.
**My beautiful bride brought me powdered donuts in bed. I am so in love with the donut deliverer!

10. The "I don't have a journal so I'll use Facebook" update.

**I'm at my wit's end! Seriously, the dog puked on the carpet, the kids drew on the walls with permanent markers, and my Mother-in-law just chewed me out for typing in the address bar of her computer!"
**Last night I put on my swanky black thigh highs and slutty lingerie and did things to Dale that made the neighbors call the cops!

What I think is Facebook can be fun. And irritating. It's a love hate relationship. Darn it!

Share your best/worst facebook pet peeves or status updates. Or if you need to, confess to the above and resolve to STOP doing it!Thank you to Shell at Things I Can't Say for letting me Pour My Heart Out. It's been a long six months.

Days of Play: Hide and Go EEK!

2012-01-31T05:00:00.000-07:00

You've played Hide and Go Seek. Really, that's for amateurs. When you're ready to play big time, try "hide and go EEK!"

This game was introduced to me by my friend Krista. Her family swears by its awesomeness. My family ... agrees!

How to play:

Same rules as hide and go seek EXCEPT you don't want to hide from the searching person, you want to scare them (and make them go EEK!) So get behind that closet door and where your seeker turns his/her back, jump out and yell EEK! Bonus happy points if you get them to jump!

Music Monday: Hot Hot Heat

2012-01-30T05:00:00.000-07:00

As I write this it is cold and snowy in Wyoming which is precisely why I decided it was time to blog about Hot Hot Heat. My husband introduced me to this Canadian indie rock band. They aren't my absolute fave but I like them.

Bandages

Talk to Me, Dance with Me (with a little cowbell!)

21@12 (wait for it ... wait for it ...)

Fashion Friday: Fashion To Make

2012-01-27T05:00:00.000-07:00

During the holidays I got an e-mail from a friend noting they hadn't "seen" me on Pinterest in a while. The reason? I was making the stuff on Pinterest. Duh.

Glowmen. Milk Paint. Gingerbread nativity sets. It was all very fun--almost as much fun as pinning.

Anyhow, I have a whole board devoted to stuff I want to make and, not surprisingly, a lot of them are fashion pieces.

Sooooooo .... here are a few of my faves. And since my birthday is next week, go ahead and whip up one of these awesome little numbers for me and send it my way.

This shrug is made from a T-Shirt. The directions are for a little girl but I'm pretty sure it'll work for big girls to {ahem, me!}

Source: brassyapple.blogspot.com via Reagan on Pinterest

An Anthropologie scarf knock-off (because you can never have too many scarves. Neither can I. Just sayin')

Source: sewingin-nomansland.blogspot.com via Reagan on Pinterest

I must make a cute cover for my Kindle (wouldn't this be amazing in grey with a pink K?)

Source: curlybirds.typepad.com via Reagan on Pinterest

{Sigh} I need some crafty-fashion time.

Things I Love: Finding New Blogs

2012-01-26T05:00:00.000-07:00

I don't have one of those ridiculously popular blogs and I'm okay with that. I do like to read ridiculously popular blogs. I also like to read little blogs that make me think. Or laugh. When I find a blog that really "resounds" with me, it kinda makes my day.

If that makes your day then let me make your day by suggesting a few blogs I just can't get enough of!

Spirituality:

If you like:
A Holy Experience--This blog is UBER popular and penned by the author of 1000 Gifts. This blog is encouraging. It is convicting. It has beautiful pictures and lots of free stuff!

You should try:

Only a Breath--A real, honest exploration into living faith.

Real Life:

If you like:

Things I Can't Say--The famous blog who I link with every Wednesday. Shell is totally down to earth. Funny. Sad. Amazing. I totally relate to her!

You should try:

Naptime Notes-The not-as-popular but just as believable journey of a mom, wife, and woman. I love her photography and the simple way she lives life and faith.

Food:

If you like--

Kbelleicious or Our Best Bites--two quintessential food blogs (not counting Pioneer Woman)

You should try--

Frontier Kitchen (okay, this isn't a new blog BUT it is my fave food blog. Seriously. Look at the comments. I try everything!)

Budget Bytes--Good cooking, on a dime. Excellent recipe for baked pumpkin oatmeal and the world's yummiest, fluffiest, pillowyest naan!

Fashion:

If you like:

The Good Life for Less--a popular fashion blog dedicated to helping you tackle the hottest trends on the smallest budget

You should try:

GS Lillian-Baubles and Babble (and she's not afraid of color!) Oh, and she's also not a college student!

What I Think About: Six Months Ago

2012-01-25T05:00:00.010-07:00

Six months ago this week I wore a black dress. I took a deep breath. I shared these words with those who gathered to say goodbye to my mother.

What is love? A gentle kiss on the cheek from a friend? Words whispered in the ears of a lover? A mother nursing her baby at breast? Who now can comprehend love? Define it?

I've seen love demonstrated to me a million ways yet one experience dwarfed everything I knew about love. It challenged how I define love, how I feel about love, and how strongly I believe in the power of love. In the end, I believe Death Cab For Cutie said it best, "love is watching someone die."

At the feet of Jesus, did that disciple, that mother, that follower understand the magnitude of love and how even in death, love frees? Only love can fully permeate the darkness--a single beam of light in the dark.

Love is meeting a woman in hotel lobby, becoming best friends, and forming a bond so deep that no one would question why your children call that woman "Aunt."

Love is building a fence with a backdoor neighbor and spending thirty-odd years celebrating birthdays, laughter, burdens, and sorrow.

Love is lasagna prepared in the kitchen of concerned friends who want to help but don't know how.

Love is an e-mail sent at 6:30 am telling you that you are loved and being thought of.

Love is a text at midnight from a husband who can't miss work telling you to hold your mom's hand while he prays for her--a couple hundred miles away.

Love is a Facebook message of encouragement and a promise to send strippers and tequila instead of a plant (I'm still waiting for both the tequila and the strippers but the flowers were lovely."

Love is old friends traveling far from other countries and states to say goodbye and to reminisce about how your mom stole exit signs and only drank once but was so drunk we leaned against the garage wall to keep it from falling down, rather than the other way around.

Love is hearing the tale of how your father met your mother and how, when they married two years later, they had only seen each other four times.

Love is the friend you joked with about aliens crying with you over a mom she loved, too.

Love is the in-laws who take the children so you don't have to cry in front of them or answer inquisitive questions about heaven.

Love is a care package from your mom's group stuffed with a good book, chocolate, tea, a journal, and liquor. Of course, liquor.

Love is the people who know when to give you space and when to over-stay their welcome; the ones who know what you are really saying with each "I'm fine" or "I'm okay."

Love is caring for a lover like a child; love is sacrificing dreams of what could have been for moments--good or bad--that simply are.

Love is standing in the kitchen telling your son-in-law that if you knew forty-two years ago how it would all end, you would still do it all over again.

Sitting in a room, surrounded by family, watching my mom die, I finally understood love. Even in her death, my mom teaches me--about life. About love.

Love is messy. It is not easily quantifiable or explainable yet is so simple the wholeness of it's meaning is expressed in three little words.

Love brings great sorry and great joy. It makes you cry as easily as it makes you laugh.

Love is both random and steady--a feeling of falling and a matter of choice.

Love lives and though the ones we love may die, love never dies. It grows. It breaks. It changes. It stays the same.

Although we may be miserably broken over love, nothing can match the hope and joy that comes with having loved. Love defies reason yet it is a reason. Perhaps the only reason.

All I've learned about love is love is all there is. In life--in death--love is all there is. In my brokenness and sorrow I can celebrate the love of my mother. All I am, all I hope to be, I owe to her. Surely there is not greater legacy than love.

Thank you to Shell at Things I Can't Say for letting me Pour My Heart Out. It's been a long six months.

Days Of Play: Milk Paint

2012-01-24T05:00:00.000-07:00

I so found this idea on Pinterest and couldn't wait to try it.

Seriously, an art activity requiring only stuff {most} people have in their kitchens anyway? Yes please!

Photo Source

All you need is:

Dish soap
milk
food coloring
tooth pick
bowl (I used a foil pie tin)
paper {optional}
paintbrush {optional}

What to do:

Pour milk into the bowl/pie tin,
Add a few drops of food coloring a few inches apart from one another.
Dip toothpick in dish soap.
Put toothpick in milk and swirl paint.
Do over and over until coolness wears off.
Then if you want, put a piece of paper on a cookie sheet (or the table) and paint with the milk.

What's going on, scientifically speaking? I have no idea but isn't it cool?

According to Modern Parents: Messy kids :

The reaction of the soap disrupting the surface tension of the milk causes the colors to radiate away from the toothpick.

Um, sure. Whatever it is, it is super fun and the kids loved it.

Music Monday: Coconut Records

2012-01-23T05:00:00.000-07:00

Coconut Records=Acceptable pop. Indie pop, of course.

Light-hearted--fun--(and closely related to Rooney ... mainly because the band leaders are brothers).

Enjoy (and then head to iTunes and buy it if you like it!)

West Coast

Any Fun (My fave!)

Nighttiming

Coconut Records ... you like? You hate? You tolerate?

Things I Love: Gilly

2012-01-19T05:00:00.000-07:00

Ever talk to people about Saturday Night Live? It's kinda funny because you always seem to hear, "it's not as funny as {insert date here}". For example, my dad thinks the days of Chevy Chase were the best. I happen to LOVE the Chris Farley/Adam Sandler days. That being said, I still love SNL.

Right now my current SNL obsession is Gilly. I'm not sure why I find Gilly to be such a hysterical character but I do. Every now and then my husband just looks at me and says, "Gillllllyyyyyy....." He sure can make me laugh.

Gosh, I love Gilly! If you want a little Gilly fix, click here!

Photo Source

What I Think About: Boob Jobs

2012-01-18T05:00:00.004-07:00

Within the realm of my schooling I take a lot of classes on human sexuality and feminism and queer studies. Last semester, in a human sexuality class, the professor asked about genital manipulation (code: boob jobs).

Oh my goodness, the backlash! Girls were stating how breast augmentation sets the feminist movement back to the Victorian Age and how sexualized commercialization of the body is oppressive to women and makes us "think" we need bigger breasts and how women who augment their breasts are further feeding into this mindset that women need to measure up to airbrushed models ...

Being the critical person I am, I shared a profound truth with these women. If money was no issue, I would have my breasts augmented. There. I said it. I would have a boob job.

Do I hear crickets?

I shared my reasoning with these gals. I'm a reasonably healthy and fit woman. I've never had large breasts (or really breasts at all without the help of my padded Body by Victorias). I can't exercise my way into larger boobs (though I did my fair share of "we must, we must, we must develop our bust" exercises when I was 11). Though I work to keep my body healthy and fit, I'm unhappy with my breasts. This makes me self-conscious with my husband (who, by the way, thinks the girls are perfect and can't wait to get his hands on them). This was further complicated by breast feeding two kids which somehow managed to make my barely-theres sag! Ug. So, if I could, I would get my breasts enlarged.

Well, this brought about conversations about how if surgery would help my self-image, then it's okay. If surgery is for medical reasons (cancer, post breast feeing sagginess) then it's okay. If it will help sex partners enjoy the act more then it's okay.

What I wanted them to know--what I want you to know--is that the reason shouldn't matter!

Sure, over-sized breasts on TV and magazine ads can give us a skewed vision of what bodies should be. But so can other people telling what we can and can't do with our bodies. A woman who feels like she HAS to have boobs to be sexy is just as oppressed as the woman who feels like she HAS to defend why she'd like bigger breasts. I shouldn't have to defend my decision. I shouldn't be made to feel guilty for wanting larger breasts if I don't have a medical reason.

I dye my hair {pink!} and no one has issues with that or tells me I'm setting back the feminist movement or that I'm teaching young girls that they have to be blond to be beautiful.

I have my ears pierced and no one has issues with this "mutilation" or tells me I'm setting back the feminist movement or that I'm teaching young girls that they have to be pierced to be beautiful.

I wear make up and nice clothes and no one tells me I'm setting back the feminist movement or that I'm teaching young girls that they have to own fitted blazers and pencil skirts or wear MAC to be beautiful.

So what is it about breasts that necessitates I defend my choice? Why can I be vain and dye, pluck, primp, pierce, ink, apply, curl, straighten, run, lift, diet, and dress myself without being labeled anti-feminist but the second I try to physically alter my breasts, I'm the anti-Christ of the feminist movement?

Shouldn't the fact that I'm owning my body--that I'm proactively making decisions with the help of my husband and doctors--shouldn't that be exactly what an empowered woman does?

I don't desire breasts because I think they will make me popular. I don't desire breasts because I think they will change my outlook on life. I don't desire breasts because I think that they'll make me look younger, make sex better, "save" my marriage, or boost my self worth. But I do think breasts could help me be more comfortable in my own skin. Is that so wrong?

What I think about breast augmentation is that it isn't for everyone but might be for me. Maybe this will be the year of the boob, for me. But whether I get boobs or not (or the reason why I get boobs or not) is really no one's damn business.

Have you had your breasts augmented? Share! Would you have your breasts augmented? Share! Would you rather lick a giraffe's tongue then have someone touch your ta-tas? Share!

Thank you to Shell at Things I Can't Say for letting me vent my argumentative thoughts.

Days of Play: Glowing Snowmen

2012-01-17T05:00:00.000-07:00

I've already shared that I can never take down Christmas decorations fast enough. But here's the catch. Snowmen are not "Christmas" stuff. They are winter stuff. So sometimes, the snowmen plates and towels get left out until mid-February.

Seriously, it is WINTER people and in Wyoming, you can make snowmen in the winter. Well actually, if we are going to get technical, I could share that it's been possible to make snowmen in Wyoming in June but then I digress.

Anyhow, reindeer and Christmas crafts are out and it's too soon for Valentine's Day heart crafts soooo, make a glowing snowman today!

My kids and I did this with cleaned out milk jugs, felt, a hot glue gun, and felt. It took us under 15 minutes to make two and now the cute little things light up our home. Awww.

Photo Source: Stuff by Ash

For directions, go to Stuff by Ash.

As a side note, I used felt, not paper. I used lights on white strands, not green, just so you can't see the dark "insides", and I cut a small hole at the bottom of the back, rather than a big square. That did make putting the lights in a bit harder BUT it's easier to hide the "point of entry"!

Music Monday: CIty of Lions

2012-01-16T05:00:00.001-07:00

It might be too early to call this band a keeper. I mean, the band has only been a band for less than a year. But if I was a gambling gal (I'm not but if I was), I'd put money that this band gets BIG!

Named after a dream in which the lead singer found himself in a desert, led to a colony of lions wherein he was turned into a lion, City of Lions is made up of four young men (18-20) dedicated to the craft of making some seriously awesome music with the express goal of sharing "the true meaning of love."

Though the band members are Christian and their music examines Christian themes, don't let that scare you away. Unlike many Christian bands who beat the love of Jesus into listeners with judgmental lyrics, City of Lions lets the message of love, peace, and grace speak, subtly, for itself. If you aren't a Jesus believer, you won't be offended by overt "turn or burn" messages. You will be wowed by good music.

Without further ado, let me introduce CITY OF LIONS.

For more about City of Lions, read this article or check out their Facebook page.

Fashion Friday: How NOT to wear Boots

2012-01-13T05:00:00.000-07:00

I love boots. A girl can never have too many pairs of boots (which is why I have 8 or 9 pairs ... oops).

Boots look cozy with skinny cords:

Source: weardrobe.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Boots compliment a casual skirt:

Source: prettylittleworldfashion.blogspot.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Boots make a dressy skirt hot:

Source: polyvore.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Boots make a date night hotter:

Source: polyvore.com via Reagan on Pinterest

But there is one thing boots can't do--

Source: tumblr.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Seriously, it's either cold enough to wear Uggs or it's warm enough to wear shorts. It's not both. So recall your "weather" days in preschool, determine the temperature, and commit to either wearing Uggs OR shorts--not both.

That's all I've got to say about that.

Things I Love: Skorcher

2012-01-12T05:00:00.000-07:00

So my dad was at an auction and picked up several of these work out machines called Skorchers.

Did you just think "never heard of it?" My thought exactly.

Photo Source

But he gave me one and I set it up and after the New Year I started using it. Turns out, it's pretty freaking A.Mazing. Now in truth, it is essentially just a work out bench. You'll still need weights, etc. BUT it isn't JUST a workout bench. The range of motion and the number of workout possibilities on this thing are incredible!

Here are a few options:

Legs. Butt. Core. Arms. You can work it all on this baby.

Okay, so a lot of the exercises you do on the Skorcher can be done without it. So why do I still love it? Because it's there. It's set up. I can use it right now. I don't have to find my yoga mat. I don't have to bribe my kids to give me back the swiss ball. I don't have to ask Matt to hold my feet while I do Twisty Crunches. I don't have to pull out the kitchen chair so I can do chair dips. Even though it takes up a bit of space, I love that it is waiting to be used.

The Skorcher takes minimal adjusting (which is why I got rid of the Total Gym. Loved the idea--hating adjusting it every exercise) and requires NOTHING else besides weights.

Sadly, Skorcher went out of business, which is why my dad was able to buy several at an auction. Turns out this was just another work out fad. Of course, that's the way it goes with all work out stuff. They only work if you work it. I'm working my Skorcher and I'm lovin' it.

The end.

What I Think About: His Bold Move

2012-01-11T05:00:00.002-07:00

I'm married to the sort of guy who likes to spoil his wife during the holidays and on her birthday. That being said, I had a great Christmas (materialistically speaking). I mean, the man bought me Miss Me jeans! Seriously, most men don't even know what those are let alone where to buy them and what size to buy them in. But my fella, well, he got me the cutest pair of Miss Me jeans.

But those jeans weren't my favorite gift. The best gift was a book. You see, every year Matt and I exchange books and those paper backs books are always my favorite gift. He's always dead on with his selection, too. Well, one year he got me a book that actually sucked but it was from one of my favorite authors and sounded good; it just happened to be horrible. Not Matt's fault. I still haven't forgiven Ted Dekker.

Anyhow, this year Matt got me this angsty-romance young-adult novel called If I Stay by Gayle Forman. To say this was a bold move is a bit of an understatement. I mean, the whole book is about a girl in a coma deciding whether to stay on Earth or go to heaven. Giving this kind of a book to a woman whose own mother was in a coma for a week prior to her death was a gamble.

Photo Source

The first few chapters I read with that horrible "something is stuck in my throat" feeling. I literally thought I might not be able to read the book. The coma. The desperate family. The loved ones losing themselves. It all hit too close to home, you know?

And throughout the book there are lines--simple one sentence lines that just gutted me. Things like "That's how we manage to survive loss. Because love, it never dies, it never goes away, it never fades so long as you hang on to it. Love can make you immortal." The implications of that. Oh the implications! How I needed to hear that truth. Love never dies. Even when those we love die--love doesn't.

I started reading this book with apprehension but I read it anyway. It hurt. It made me cry. But when I was finished, I couldn't wait to read the second book (which I read in 6 hours on my Kindle). The second book is filled with more of those heart-challenging one liners--"I can't remember. Remembering is like losing her again." Zoiks.

Photo Source

What I think about Matt's bold book choice is that it was the right one. He could have gotten me something light and funny. But for a person who has a hard time sharing emotions and crying, this book was the right choice. It answered questions. It brought up more questions. It brought me comfort. It brought me peace. It made me cry. And though loss is still real and painful, I felt inexplicably better by the time I closed the back cover. Now that's a good book.

P.S. Turns out If I Stay was picked up Summit Entertainment. Looks like another good book could be ruined by screenwriters soon. Stay tuned ...

Thank you to Shell at Things I Can't Say for letting me vent my sometimes depressing thoughts.

Days of Play: Family Movie Night

2012-01-10T05:00:00.000-07:00

Growing up we didn't celebrate the holidays with much family. Mainly because my mom's family is Canadian (and if there is anywhere you don't want to be in the winter it's "Friendly Manitoba". BRRR! And I'm from Wyoming!) and my dad's family is ... dysfunctional. And not the fun kind of dysfunctional. The kind of dysfunctional that means you'd prefer to spend the holidays alone. So we did. Just the four of us: mom, dad, two kids. Actually, it was really nice.

What we often did on Christmas day was go to the movies. See my parents owned a video store (VHS!) so we'd go see what movies they needed to buy (plus, this family time was tax deductible). Anyhow, one of my best Christmas Day movie outings was going to see Beauty and the Beast. I know I'm really hard on Disney Princesses (a little critical thinking never hurt anyone) but if I had to pick my favorite princess, it would be Belle.

Did you know that Disney is re-releasing Beauty and the Beast in 3D this month? YAY

Anyhow, if you can't make it to the movies, plan a movie night with Beauty and the Beast.

For dinner, keep it simple. Plan a tea and finger food feast! Give your kids "real" tea cups to drink their tea out of, make different finger sandwiches (even PBJ), have baby carrots and hummus, etc. You get the picture.

Then watch the movie. Eat popcorn. Duh.

After the movie, discuss these questions:
1. Who in the movie was selfish? How does selfishness affect the other people in the movie?
2. In what ways does Belle see good in those who are "ugly" and see bad in those who are "beautiful"?
3. What makes Belle a likable person?

For more information on family movie nights, or to get some Bible verses to go with the movie, click here!

Music Monday: Bon Iver

2012-01-09T05:00:00.001-07:00

News flash. I love indie music.

Phew. I feel so much better after a confession. Wait, you already knew that? Ah shucks. Now what?

How about if I confess to loving indie FOLK music? Is that okay? Will you still check my blog and think I'm amazing? Oh good.

Then I confess. I love Indie Folk Music! Confession. Good for the soul.

Recently folk has been make popular by folk rock bands like The Avett Brothers or Mumford and Sons. Both excellent, excellent bands.

But really, my folk heart belongs to Bon Iver.

Watch. Listen. You'll understand.

Holocene

Calgary

Flume (my personal fave!)

Hauntingly romantic, wouldn't you agree?

Fashion: Resolution

2012-01-06T05:00:00.027-07:00

Are you a Resolver? Or Resolutioner? Or whatever the word is that means you are a person who makes New Year's resolutions? Well if so, stay tuned this week as I suggest 5 resolutions that I make (and keep) every year (with a twist, of course).

********************

I resolve to wear color.

Are you guilty of wearing one dominant color? Is black your thing? Maybe you are like me and you tend to lean towards "earthy tones" (which is fancy talk for "I wear a lot of browns"). Go look in your closet right now. Is there one color that dominates (and is it really a color or, as I suspect, a neutral)?

Anyone else think it's time we break out some color? Be bold--be daring! It's easy to do if you know some color tricks!

Look at the color wheel below.

Okay, so hopefully we all remember that the primary colors are red, blue, and yellow. Secondary colors (which are made my mixing primary colors) are purple, green, and orange. Color basics. Check.

Now, how can you wear color? Here are 5 Easy Tips to wear color.

1. MONOCHROMATIC (A BIG WORD FOR "SAME")

Go with a monochromatic look. Monochromatic means "one color." On the color wheel above, find one color--say blue-green. There are roughly 9 levels of blue green. You can mix ANY of these levels and look good. They go. Trust me.

Rocking a monochromatic look. Photo Source.

2. IT'S COMPLIMENTARY
Wear complimentary colors. Complementary colors are directly across the wheel from each other: Red/Green, Blue/Orange, Yellow/Purple. Mix and match complimentary colors. They go. If you don't want to be too bold (like if you want to wear blue and orange but don't want to look like a Denver Broncos fan, move in on the color wheel. Wear peach and cornmeal blue. It works.)

So NOT a Bronco fan look! Photo Source

3. OF PRIMARY IMPORTANCE
Wear primary colors. These are bold and look great together. However, make sure you wear only 1-2 of the colors dominantly and one of the colors as a highlight or else you'll look like a clown. For example, wear blue-jean shorts with a red top and a yellow belt or bracelet or a yellow dress with navy shoes and a red bag. Another option is to wear softer versions of these colors: blue jeans, light blue top, maroon jewelry ...

A fellow 30/30er rocking the primaries. Photo Source

4. ONE BOLD MOVE
If you must wear neutrals, make your neutrals pop! Brown, gray, black and white are generally regarded as neutrals (though really gray is the "real" neutral). You can pretty much make anything look hot with neutrals. If you must wear a brown tank top and khaki capris, make it pop with an eggplant purple woven scarf and yellow shoes. Add a dash of color with an accessory--it'll add some flare. (Click this link to The Joy of Fashion for a brief tutorial on how to wear a pop of color!)

Photo Source

5. MIXED BAG

Really mixing patterns has nothing to do with wearing color but I threw it in here because if you really want to wear neutrals, a nice way to do it is to mix patterns. Mixing patterns within the same color family really makes an outfit stand out. Just make sure you read "the rules" so you don't end up looking like a sad 70's sitcom neighbor.

Mixing patterns adds so much drama here you might not even notice the solid neutral color scheme. Photo Source

Things I Love: Resolution

2012-01-05T05:00:00.001-07:00

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I resolve to read more books this year.

I love to read. LOVE IT! And yet, I rarely find time to do it. Of course I'm reading constantly--newspapers, recipes, Guess How Much I Love You, e-mails, blogs, school work ... but I'm rarely reading what I WANT to read--a book of my choosing.

So this year, I resolve to read more books. Of course this means reading only my favorite blogs. Of course this means turning off my TV and picking up my book. Of course this means not playing on my iPhone.

The benefits of reading are far-reaching. I will reap the benefits this year. My goal is to read 30 books (actual books of my choosing on top of school work and the aforementioned gunk) this year. (I'll be documenting these books as I go so you are technically my reading accountability partner).

Tersea's Reading Corner is my go-to blog for book reviews, etc., and she has reading challenges posted. If you want a reading challenge for 2012, consider:

Reading the 100 most famous books this year (and probably next).
Reading 5 books that have to have specific words in the title (this year it's a celestial theme so words in titles must include star, moon, etc.).
Doing an audio-book challenge (if you hate to read or commute).
Setting a book number goal (like me) or a genre.
Doing a reading challenge with children's books (my children and I are going to read 300 different children's books in 2012)

Read about potential challenges here and then leave me a comment telling me what your reading resolution is this year.

What I Think About: Resolution

2012-01-04T05:00:00.002-07:00

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I resolve to date my significant other.

Matt and I have been together for twelve years.

It was just the two of us (well, and two slightly dysfunctional dogs we played "house" with) for six years. In that time we were given to weekend trips to New York, moving to Vegas for the summer, and recklessly wasting time and resources dining out, going to the movies, and sleeping in until ten.

My how things have changed since we had children! Most of the changes have been good but a few times I've looked at my husband and tried to remember the husband he was before he became a father.

Let me say that no man has been or will be as great of a father as Matt is (I expect you to disagree so we'll just agree to disagree). He plays with our children, changes diapers, makes toys, plays dress-up, cooks, carries, cleans vomit ... He is not of of those men who comes home from a long day at work and is "done" for the day. He finishes his day when I finish mine, and sometimes later.

Though I love and admire the father in him, I also yearn for the Matt who wasn't a dad--fearless, reckless, spontaneous, dangerous, carefree. Deep down he still is all those things but the daily routine grinds him down. What I realized in December of 2009 is that he felt the same way about me. And what we learned was that the key to igniting the pre-parent passions we had for each other was within our grasp.

What follows is an excerpt from an e-mail Matt sent to me on December 1, 2009 in preparation for our anniversary.

I tell you all the time that you are beautiful, and I tell you often that you are a wonderful mother. What I don’t tell you all the time is that you are so mysterious…and I love that about you. Though you tell yourself and others that you like to plan, play things safe and keep control at all times, one of the mysteries of you is that those things are not entirely true. Even though you would never admit to it, I have come to realize your secret affinity for adventure and more importantly… spontaneity.

One of the things I committed to you nearly seven years ago was that I would make you happy. And while I know that you are happy in a general sense, it bothers me that we so easily get bogged down in the routineness of being married, of being parents and of life tasks. Every time I have asked you in the past three months about your happiness and what about life is causing you stress, it is the daily reality that is grindingly numbing. You are so tough. You raise our children with excellence, you care for your family and you are a wonderful friend. But deep down, I know that a little adventure….a little romance…..a little passion and a little spontaneity just might create an opportunity for us.

Every day from now until our anniversary, I am going to present you with at least one opportunity to do something completely spontaneous. There is no pressure on your part to accept each opportunity. Some will be more adventurous than others. Some may even stretch your comfort level. But deep down I know there is an inner Bond girl dying to escape…

Thus was born the Legacy Parkway Spy School. For the next twenty days Matt sent me on wild goose chases taking secret photos of him, creating movies, practicing "Unagi" (we love Friends), and learning how to box. These games, these spontaneous "assignments" were nothing more than little thoughts meant to brighten my day by reminding me that before I was a mom, I was a sexy, confident woman and still could be.

When I share this with friends I always get comments like "I wish my husband would do stuff like that." All I can say is this, DO IT FIRST!

Date your husband.
Wow him.
Remind him that he is a sexy and confident man.
Remind him that before he was your children's father, he was your lover.

If you'd like to send your husband to the "Bond Spy School for Hot Dads" click here for ideas. For other ideas, click the "date ideas" link on the left side of this blog. Of course, The Dating Divas website has plenty of ideas too. There's really no excuse not to date your significant other so this year, RESOLVE to plan and date your spouse at least once a month.
Thank you to Shell at Things I Can't Say for letting me vent my sometimes depressing thoughts.

Days of Play: Resolution

2012-01-03T05:00:00.001-07:00

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I resolve to actively engage in intentional

play with my children.

Playing can be fun. But let's face it, playing with kids isn't always fun--not when you have to do lists to cross off, dinner to make, and volcano-sized piles of laundry to tackle before they explode and bury your family Vesuvius style.

But your children need your time. Yes, they need your random "let's play hide and seek seven minutes before bed time" time but they also need your QUALITY and QUANTITY time. They need to know you planned something special for them. They need to know you are sacrificing other "things" to spend time with them.

So while I encourage you to find the time to play with your kids a little bit every day--coloring, making dinner together, etc., challenge yourself to plan ONE event a week with your kids that requires you to think about them and spend time with them very intentionally {kinda like how you should date your partner}.

Consider a weekly family night, art project, science exploration, physical activity, or food-based fun. <--click those links for ideas or click "PLAYTIME" on the left side of this blog for more ideas.

Play with your children. Intentionally. When they are adults, they will thank you (like I thanked my parents!).

Music Monday: Resolution

2012-01-02T05:00:00.001-07:00

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I resolve to expand my musical tastes.

It should come as no surprise that I love music (mainly because I blather on about this fact weekly). What I love most about music is how many different sound options and genres there are. When I find a band that fits with a particular "mood," I'm ecstatic! Since I have around 8,923 moods, there needs to be a lot of bands. And a lot of genres.

This year, find some new bands. Listen to Pandora to find a new sound. Find an album you love in iTunes and scroll down to see what else listeners "bought." Check through old issues of Monday Music to see if there's something there you didn't think you'd like but you actually love. Or simply listen to these five songs and learn to love these five bands.

The Airborne Toxic Event (my absolute fave American Indie Rock band which is why I post about them four times a year).

In other news, did you notice how the drummer is Chester the Cheeta's doppleganger. So awesome!

The Epilogues (a unique alt-indie sound)

Rooney (this is what I consider acceptable pop music)

Sick Puppies {Explicit} (Heavy rock with hot female bass player. Kill me now! So good live!)

Sia (Folk made fabulous {without Mumford and Sons})

Happy New Year

2011-12-30T05:00:00.000-07:00

The next time you hear from me it will officially be 2012.

Happy New Year, dear friends (which sounds more intimate than the truth--Happy New Year dear people I've never met).

Be safe.

Be peaceful.

Be thankful.

(If you want to know what to wear on New Year's Eve, I've already given you 3 fashion formulas. Click THIS LINK to see them).

Best wishes to a happy end of 2011 and a blessed 2012!

Things I Love: Taking Down Christmas Decor

2011-12-29T05:00:00.000-07:00

No. I'm not a Grinch--I just love the feel of getting the house back to "normal."

When it comes to Christmas, I have more decorations than are necessary for three houses, let alone one. But never fear, I put up every bit of my Christmas stuff the week before Thanksgiving and keep it up as long as possible. It practically looks like someone threw up red and green in my house. It's very Christmasy. Buddy the Elf would be at home in my home during the holidays.

But "as long as possible" is roughly until December 27th. You see, tons of lights + tons of decorations + tree + 2 type-A neat freaks = imbalance. A couple of days after Christmas Matt and I start twitching. We are ready for the Christmas clutter to be gone. We are ready for clean lines, open spaces, and good chi for the house (not that we know what chi is or whether or not the house needs it).

So bright and early Tuesday morning I gathered up snowmen and Santas. I packed up lights and advent calendars. I put away Christmas serving dishes and the last of the wrapping paper. I breathed a sigh of relief.

As much as I adore my Christmas decor, I must say that I love putting it away. Anyone else just get a feeling of peace and relaxation from taking down their holiday decor?

What I Think About: 2011

2011-12-28T05:00:00.001-07:00

All good things must come to an end {which is never more sad than when I take the last bite of cheesecake}. Of course the bright side to that is all bad things must come to an end. And thus, on that note, I say goodbye to 2011 which has pretty much been the hardest, most heart-breaking, and disappointing year of my life.

Bus catching fire. Surgery. Those 2 weeks waiting for cancer results. Lingering illness and then death of my mother. The "how do you forgive yourself?" incident. Prolonging my Ph. D yet another year (thanks to a difficult department head who thwarted my research) ... when I look through my pity-party sob story, I get pretty mad at 2011. Of course I know the year didn't actually cause the problems. It's just an innocent bystander. Yet, it will serve as the whipping boy for all bad things in 2011.

Anyone else ever feel like giving 2011 the middle finger salute?

Now, before I get too down, I want to actually remember the beautiful things that happened this year.

I got to take my children to Cozumel.

I got my nose pierced

I had an up-n-coming hair designer practice on my hair.

I got to go to Las Vegas ...

... Two times

I got to drive go carts that went ridiculously fast

I got my kids in a photo with the cutest rabbit on earth

I got a new sister in law who is as delightful as she is beautiful

I got to articipate in a grime war

I got to watch my oldest friend at a Roller Derby bout

I got to see my four favorite friends become moms again (the 4th isn't in the photo BUT she adopted a newborn in October!)

Kid Rock, INXS, The Airbornne Toxic Event, Band of Horses, Motley Crue... so many fun concerts (not to mention getting to hang with one of our fave couples!)

Finding this old children's rhyme probably made my year.

I got to really say goodbye to my mom--never easy but so much harder for those who don't get to send their loved ones away "right".

I have a big sister who is there for me. There when it's good. There when it's bad.

I learned the moon phases by eating Oreos

For Halloween I got to be David Bowie from Labyrinth

My sister and I got memorial tattoos for mom

I got to spend time on a secluded section of Lover's Beach in Cabo San Lucas

I got to shoot a hand gun

I celebrated another anniversary and Christmas with Matt.

Looking back on 2011 through pictures made me remember a quotation from my favorite Christmas movie of all time. It's as if Clarence was speaking directly to me.

You see, Reagan, you've really had a wonderful life.

What I think about 2011 is it has been--hands down--the worst year of my life but God's hands and His blessings are evident--everywhere. Even the worst was pretty good. And that's what I call GRACE.

Days of Play: New Year's Crafts

2011-12-27T05:00:00.000-07:00

Feeling crafty?

Oh good. Then you'll like some of these New Year's crafts you can do with your kiddos.

First up--Resolutions. I mean, what would a New Year be without a resolution? Help your kids set one goal for the year. They can write the goal and illustrate it. You can laminate it with contact paper or turn it into a magnet. So cute!

Source

Kiddos too young for resolutions? Then make a sparkly ball a la Time Square. All you need is a foam ball, some ribbon, buttons/sequins, craft glue, and a willing artist.

Source

If you have older kids (or a lot of energy), plan a NOON Year's Eve party together complete with noise makers, party hats, and balloons. When the clock strikes noon, make a big ruckus then eat Uncrustables.

Music Monday: Backnbloom

2011-12-26T05:00:00.003-07:00

Electric violin.

You know that sappy, crappy line from Jerry Maguire "You had me at hello?" Ya well, when Lori of Backnbloom introduced herself as the lead singer and electric violinist I practically shouted (in e-mail), "You had me at electric violin."

Have I mentioned I love electric violins? Heck, I love violins electrified or not. {Sigh} How do I have no musical talent? I blame my parents, really. Them or my lack of "practice your instrument" discipline.

Self-pity aside, my hot husband and I sat down to give Backnbloom a listen and you know what? We love the electro-pop duo. While I normally like to give you a sound comparison--I simply can't with this band. I mean, their sound is MGMT{ish} but so much more poetic ... more intricate and complex ... Really, I can't find a truly adequate comparison.

Do you know what this means (aside from the fact that I'm practically speechless and that hardly ever happens. You should feel bad for my husby!)? It means you need to watch this sick vid and get acquainted with BACKNBLOOM!

Total side note--How many of you think that video idea--the paint, the fun, should be a date night? Hello messy fun (that requires a couple's shower!)

Here's a live vid of Heed the Flashes (excuse me for saying this but Lori is like the cutest hot chick ever!)

Still want more? Check out Backnbloom on soundcloud. My personal faves: The Feel and Start Again.

Of course if you are sold, go to BACKNBLOOM's website and buy their digital album Music for the Modern Monkey. Honestly, I don't think your New Year's Eve music mix will be complete without a little something from Backnbloom. Just sayin'.

Date Night {OUT}: Christmas Quotations (our anniversary randomness)

2011-12-23T05:00:00.000-07:00

Matt and I celebrated our anniversary Wednesday night {whoot whoot}

This year it was my turn to plan the event and I really wrangled with what to do. We just got back from Las Vegas on Sunday so going to a great hotel or bed-n-breakfast was out. We ate at Alize and trust me, nothing in Wyoming or Colorado compares with Alize ... so all the typical "romantical" anniversary stuff was ... well, not gonna cut it.

So I decided to go a route that SO isn't me. I mean, dinner was NOT the main event. I didn't wear a dress, skirt, or any fancy jewelry. The whole date was activity based, free-flowing, and didn't involve a single reservation. Oh, and did I mention that is was totally based of quotations from Christmas movies? I swear my brain is 53% song lyrics, 37% movie quotations and the rest is just junk.

What you need for the date:

8 cards (I made mine from scrapbook paper. You can just buy a holiday pack of cards at the dollar store if you aren't feeling the craftiness). 7 activity cards; 1 invitation card
A gift for your partner (wrapped with a bow ... this will make sense I promise)
7 activities
A babysitter
4 + hours
8 Christmas movie quotations

Okay, so what I basically did here was put the Christmas movie quotation on the front of the card (or the envelope if you go the pre-made card route). This served as the "clue." Before we went to our activity, my husband had to read the quotation/clue and try to decipher what we were doing. When he was ready, he opened the card to find out what was going on!

Invitation

The morning of your date, give your partner a card with this quotation from Scrooged on it. "If I can't work late, I can't work late!" Inside write: Tonight you can't work late because we've got some lovin' to celebrate. Be ready to leave for a Christmas-themed dating extravaganza at _____ o'clock"

Quotes and Activities

Here's what the rest of our cards said!

#1--"It is a crappy cup of coffee!"

Go get a hot drink.

#2--"You'll shoot your eye out, kid."

You taught me to drive a motor cycle; now teach me to shoot a hand gun.

That's right. We went to a shooting range and shot a 9mm Glock. We did several different games--like who could get the highest points from the target (R=90; M=72) or who could make the highest poker hand with the card target (M=four of a kind; R=full house).

#3--"Keep the change you filthy animal!"

Well it doesn't have to be a cheese pizza and you don't get it all to yourself but let's head to our favorite pizza spot for some pizza and a game.

Matt decided he'd rather do 5 Guys Burger and Fries over pizza so we went that route. Our justification is that Kevin in Home Alone is eating rubbish while watching "Angels with Filthy Souls" and burgers are junk food so ... there's a connection there.

For our dinner game we played "Would you rather .... the Christmas Movie edition." No, you can't buy it; you have to make it up. For example, would you rather hug the raccoon from Elf or the ghost of Christmas present? Would you rather see your future or see what life would be like if you were never born? Would you rather eat a cotton ball or chew a piece of gum you found in a NY subway? Would you rather have your head burned with a blow torch or step bare foot onto a nail? You get it ...

#4--"Is your house on fire, Clark?"

Let's drive around and find the best house "on fire"

We decided to go to the Garden of Lights instead of looking at house lights :) Fun either way.

#5--"Well you look about the kind of angel I'd get. Kind of a fallen angel, aren't you? Where are your wings?"

Let's go to a place where "Angels" sell naughty things that are nice to look at. You pick something out for me to wear tonight.

This one was the hardest for Matt to figure out (he didn't get the Victoria's Secret Angels connection). That being said, I get the distinct feeling this was his favorite activity of the night ... and we shot hand guns!

Lingerie--the ultimate Homer gift!

Source

#6--"We elves like to stick to the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corns, and syrup."

Let go grab a sweet treat!

Here's something funny. In "big" cities people go out to eat late (well, not all people but it's an option. A 10 0'clock reservation isn't unheard of in Vegas, Rome, New York ...). Unfortunately the restaurants we tried all closed at 9. So we ended up getting pie from Perkins. Awesome.

#7--"There's always time for a bow."

Let's go home and unwrap your gift! (please note the double entendre)

Some other activities/ideas:

Fa ra ra ra ra--Go eat Chinese food
And if you see a sign that says 'peep show' it doesn't mean that they are letting you look at the new toys before Christmas--a little dance in that new lingerie
God bless us, everyone--Spend some time praying together
I took a shower washing every body part with actual soap including all my major crevices--including in between my toes and in my belly button which I never did before but sort of enjoyed--take a steamy shower together

If you can't leave the house or need to do this date on a dime, you could: make cocoa, shoot nerf guns, eat a homemade pizza, look at the lights on your own tree, wrap (and then unwrap) lingerie you already own, eat ice cream, etc. You are only as limited as your imagination. :)

It really is a wonderful life.

Things I Love: Flash Mobs

2011-12-22T10:57:00.000-07:00

I love the flash mob craze (hence, the name of this post).

Need a little cheer today? Feast your eyes on these Christmas flash mobs!

Carol of the Bell as conducted by Darth Vadar (great way to ease final exam stress)

A bit of a {cheesey} tear jerker

Singing and dancing ...

A little treat from the university I attend (and work at). Go Pokes!

What I Think About: Firsts and 21sts

2011-12-21T05:00:00.000-07:00

For Randean and Jina who know exactly what I'm talking about but mostly for Matt because he loves me most when I deserve it least.

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First day of September. October. November. December.
First day of school.
First day of fall.
First Halloween.
First snow.
First Thanksgiving.

Firsts.

Everyone says the firsts are the hardest after death. I assumed people meant the "biggies" like Christmas or birthdays but it's more than that. It's the firsts of everything coming and going--how they make me ache. The first of each month heaving a sigh--the first month of its kind without her.

That first snowfall remembering how we'd hunker down with black tea with cream and sugar and play cards. Remembering how we'd never hunker down like that again.

That first Halloween without her. No sending photos of Tinkerbell and David Beckham. No recounting how Paxton ran from door to door yelling "Mo' Candy!" A silent holiday.

That first Thanksgiving. Making her stuffing by myself. Looking at the empty chair near my father. A lonely holiday.

But it goes beyond--so far beyond. I'm nearly overwhelmed by their infinite number and how firsts won't end--even when the first year does. Mom will miss Pax's first loose tooth. She'll miss M.E.'s first broken heart. She'll miss his graduation. She'll miss her wedding. She'll miss Matt making partner. She'll miss me getting my Ph. D. And I know with all of these firsts I'll be haunted with that thought--that nagging, gut-wrenching feeling that "Mom would have loved this."

21sts are no better. Today is the 21st. I generally love to celebrate this day because it's my wedding anniversary to a man my Mom regarded more highly than most men on earth (my mom and I both have impeccable taste). Now 21sts come like a tick-tock of a clock counting off the months since she died. Four months now. Four.

People keep saying it will get easier--the firsts, the twenty-firsts. A part of me hopes so.

But a part of me hopes they don't because I never want to forget those little things she would have loved. Never want to take for granted each first because I never know when it will be my last.

What I think is firsts and 21sts haunt me--and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Thank you to Shell at Things I Can't Say for letting me vent my sometimes depressing thoughts.

Days of Play: Gingerbread Nativity

2011-12-20T05:00:00.000-07:00

I found this on Pinterest. You're shocked--I know.

But hello--cutest Christmas craft project ever!

And to think, all I need is graham crackers, marshmallows, gum drops, licorice, coconut flakes, frosting, and a candy bar.

Phot from AOKCorral

Today, I am going to make this nativity scene with my children and then read them the Christmas Story straight out of Luke. Fun. Inspiration. The real reason for the season.

Want to make one too? Head to AOKcorral for directions (that link will take you).

Music Monday: THE Christmas Edition

2011-12-19T15:34:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm going to do it. I'm going to break down and fess up to my favorite holiday tunes. My husband's uncle will start listening to Christmas music in October. I need it to be post-Thanksgiving. But once it starts, it's hard to stop and if you saw me in my car, you can be certain that I'm singing along to Santa FM.

So here are my three favorite Christmas songs.

Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree by the Smithereens (my apologies to the family in this video but that's what you get for randomly posting this on YouTube.)

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas by Judy Garland (nothing makes me miss my mom more ...)

And finally, my all time favorite ...

The River (excellent by Joni but so much better by Robert Downey, Jr.) Anyone else just love Ally McBeal???

Fashion Friday: New Year's Eve Ideas

2011-12-16T05:00:00.005-07:00

It's probably time to start planning your New Year's outfit.

Too soon for you? Well, it's not for me.

Anyhow, last year I encouraged you to simply shop your closet to put together outfits using what you've already got. This year, I recommend the same thing {but with a twist. Because I like twists}

Be inspired (and remember, these formulas are easy peasy steps to fashion success! You can do it!)

For the Casual Night (out or in)

One sweater + one BOLD necklace or scarf + skinny jeans/cords + boots + bag= ready to go (or stay--your call).

Source: polyvore.com via Reagan on Pinterest

For the Edgy Night Out

Embellished top + vest/blazer + necklace/scarf + skinny pants + heels=ready to party--like a rock star

Source: polyvore.com via Reagan on Pinterest

For the Sophisticated Night

Little Black Dress + notice-me-necklace/bracelet + pop of color heels + clutch + outerwear = On your way!

OR

Color dress + statement jewelry piece + black/neutral heels + clutch + outerwear+ On your way!

Source: polyvore.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Source: dailylook.com via Carol on Pinterest

Source: louboosandshoes.blogspot.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Source: polyvore.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Some signature ideas to consider:

It's a bling thing! Sequins are everywhere from purses and tank tops to scarves and leggings--this season there's nothing that sequins can't cover. Add a little drama (and sparkle) to your life with sequins!

Source: joannagoddard.blogspot.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Source: goodlifeforless.blogspot.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Scarves are a hot way to look cool:

Wrapped, draped, knotted ... scarves are a simple way to add serious drama to any outfit.

Source: Uploaded by user via Reagan on Pinterest

Source: polyvore.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Fur

But do me a favor and make it FAUX fur

Source: shop.nordstrom.com via Whitli on Pinterest

Source: jeanetteangel.tumblr.com via Anna on Pinterest

Remember, New Years does NOT have to equal New Wardrobe! Go shop your closet with a formula in mind and get creative with what you've got.

Things I Love: Arthur Christmas

2011-12-15T05:00:00.004-07:00

The first time I saw a preview for Arthur Christmas, I wasn't convinced. I wasn't convinced even though Arthur's voice is that of one James McAvoy.

If you've never been on this blog before--or if it has been a long time--you might not know that James McAvoy is one of my top two favorite actors.

Still, I wasn't even sure James could save a Christmas movie. As much as I like him, I still didn't think gNomeo and Juliet was brilliant so I didn't go to Arthur Christmas with much hope.

Now I rarely say this, mainly because it hardly ever happens, but I was wrong.

WRONG.

Arthur Christmas was about the most delightful Christmas movie I've seen in a long time--maybe even since ELF came out.

Here's what I loved about this movie:

There is like ZERO potty humor. Yes yes, I know five year olds love to talk about poop but I get enough of that talk at the dinner table, I don't need it at the movies, too. I was so delighted that there are no references to: poop, pee, diarrhea, farting, etc.
The English accents. I'm one of those gals who loves a good English (or Scottish. Or Irish. Or Kiwi) accent. Imagine how thrilled I was when M.E. left the theater speaking in a King's English accent. I'm still dying at the cuteness.
Arthur is not magical. He isn't super smart. He isn't "cool." He's the guy the elves make fun of. But even though he's a bit on the strange side, he is good. A movie that advertises that it's GOODNESS and KINDNESS and COMPASSION that matters? What a novel idea ...
Though this movie is directed towards Santa believers (or those questioning Santa) and spiritual cynics, there is an incredible spiritual truth to this movie: every one matters. As a good shepherd will leave 99 sheep to save one, so Arthur Christmas will stop at nothing to help one child. And isn't that what it's all about?
My personal favorite line from the movie is this "There's always time for a bow." Seriously, we get so wrapped up in the "stuff" of Christmas that it's easy to overlook the simple details that make this time of year so lovely--freshly fallen snow. A smile from a stranger. An extra day off work. A baby in a manger. There is always time for joy!

Here's what I didn't like about this movie:

There is some nuances of drinking in the family.
The grand-santa puts his family members down. I realize this is a reality for many families and might help kids know that their family is "normal" but I don't think we should laugh at hurtful "normal" lest we "normalize" put downs and make kids feel like jabs and hurtful words are okay.

Overall, I loved this movie. My kids loved this movie. Matt loved this movie. We'll own it for sure!

{On a totally unrelated note, today is my daughter's SIXTH birthday! I'm tearing up just thinking about it. What a privilege to mother and love such a wonderful child of God!}

What I Think About: Big Birthdays

2011-12-14T05:00:00.000-07:00

If you read my post yesterday, you know that I've very recently threw my daughter a Taylor Swift birthday party.

Every year I prepare for birthday parties I get the distinct feeling that my husband thinks I'm going overboard. Maybe he's right.

When I was a kid we got one party (and I use "party" here loosely), not a family party and a friend party. One party.

The party mostly consisted of the birthday boy or girl picking the dinner meal (hello macaroni and cheese with hot dog chunks!) and cake and ice cream. The kids might have run around and played hide-n-seek or kick the can but there were no organized games or crafts.

We invited family friends and their kids so there were generally four or five kids, aside from immediate family members (for some reason my folks always made me invite my sister. {Sigh}).

I never got to invite my whole class.
I never had my birthday at a venue (like a skating rink, bounce house, swimming pool, or laser tag field).
I never had a designer or store bought cake.
I never gave "parting gifts" to guests.

I always had a good time!

Nowadays birthday parties are major events. They are held at venues that cost hundreds of dollars. They involve detailed games and crafts. They include upwards of twenty kids. They have expensive store-bought cakes, over-priced character plates and napkins, parting gifts, and helium balloons for all attendees

Sometimes birthday parties come in the plural sense. For instance, our children have at least two parties (one for family and one for friends--presents at BOTH).

I'm not saying that there is anything wrong with these kinds of parties, per se, but I do wonder if parents are going a bit overboard? Does a child really need his closest twenty friends at a party? Would the child feel any less special at a home party instead of one held at the local ice skating rink? Would the kids have less fun if they just had to "play" rather than line dance and make a craft? Would feelings really be hurt if attendees left without a bag of ~~junk~~ goodies?

One side of me hates the idea of giving up elaborate party planning (in fact, I'm trying to convince my nephew to have a SPY party because man-oh-man do I have some ideas ...) but the other part of me misses the simplicity of celebrating in the home with family and a few friends.

What I think about big birthday is that they are totally fun ... but totally unnecessary. I'm considering an every-other-year idea. Elaborate party on even year birthdays; simply parties on odd years. That's a good compromise, right?

Your thoughts? How do you do birthdays at your house?

Thank you to Shell at Things I Can't Say for supporting my random thoughts.

Days of Play: Taylor Swift Birthday Party

2011-12-13T05:00:00.000-07:00

I have a love affair with music which sadly omits Taylor Swift. My {oh my gosh I can hardly believe she's almost} six year old disagrees. She loves Taylor Swift. So much so that for this year's birthday extravaganza, all she wanted was a Taylor Swift Party.

I had no idea what to do for a Taylor Swift birthday party so I did what any educated person would do. I googled it. You know what? Unless you want to buy incredibly over-priced plates with her celeb photo on it, there's not much in the way of what to do for a Taylor Swift party--especially for a 4-6 year old crowd.

So I'm here to tell you what I did. I'm not gonna lie--this was NOT the best party I've ever thrown. The good news is the kindergartners didn't seem to mind.

The Invitations:

Okay, I'm in Wyoming where we {mostly} all love Garth Brooks and cowboys, and all things country so I played with that for the invitations.

I took a Taylor Swift image off the internet and pasted it into word. The invitation read: "Because of your roots, we hope you show up in boots to M.E.'s Taylor Swift Birthday affair" I then listed the what, when, where, why info, and sent them out.

Just so you know, all the kids came decked out in western wear complete with skirts, boots, and cowgirl hats. Cutest thing ever!

The Decorations:

I'm totally opposed to the aforementioned over-priced paper products so I just decorated in ALL white (which, google taught me, is Taylor's favorite color. BTW, I do feel like I've earned the right to be on a first name basis with Taylor.).

White table clothes, white plates, white forks, white balloons, white streamers ... if it was standing still at my house, it was covered in white (except for the Christmas tree--that got a free-pass).

Adding to the ambiance was low-playing Taylor Swift music.

This was the grand entrance. The kids loved it!

The Cake:

I'm NOT a cake decorator so while I found amazing cakes on google images of guitars and frosting -painted Taylor faces, I knew that was NOT going to be my route. Seriously, a girl has to know her limits. My limit is cake. So what I did was take a boxed (gasp!) cake and baked it in a 9x9 square pan. When it was baked and cooled I frosted in in white frosting and piped it in hot pink. I then put the Taylor Swift Christmas album on the cake and piped in "Taylor's" John Hancock and her signature heart. Did it REALLY look like her signature? Not at all. Did the kids notice? Not at all.

Ya, that's about as good as you'll get from this mom!

The Activities:

If you've had a birthday party with a lot of little kids that wasn't at a venue (roller rink, bounce house, etc.) then you know you've gotta keep those kiddos constantly moving. So we did!

Apparently Taylor loves bracelets so the kids all made a bracelet. I used leather bands and pop beads but string with beads would work well.
Music and dancing were really the main focus--ergo, for the first game we gave every kid a balloon and they had to try to keep it afloat for a whole Taylor Swift song (we used MEAN).
Game two was a relay (again to Taylor music). Kids had to put a balloon in between their knees and hop around a course in our living rooms. I loved watching this. So funny!
Game three was Taylor, Taylor, Goose. Like Duck, Duck, Goose (but a bit cooler).
Game four was line dancing. That's right folks, I taught 8 little kids how to do the electric shuffle to "Belong with Me." I deserve a medal. Or maybe a margarita. Okay, I'll take both.
Game five was the kids' favorite. FREEZE DANCE. We (and when I say we I mean Matt) played Taylor Swift songs and the kids would boogie. Then Matt would turn the music off and the kids would freeze. Anyone who didn't freeze was "out".
Finally we played musical pillows (like musical chairs but with pillows because no one ever got hurt falling off a pillow)

The Menu

We did choose to serve the kids a meal. We went as "county fair" as possible with hot dogs, cucumbers and ranch, applesauce, and Cheetos. Oh, cake and ice cream, obviously.

Don't Forget

To take a souvenir photo of all the kids doing Taylor's signature "heart"!

Music Monday: Music for My Man

2011-12-12T05:00:00.000-07:00

Okay, this is NOT a band name BUT these are songs my man loves. And even though it's Christmas and you might think I should highlight something from the Michael Buble Christmas album, I'm not going to. I'm going to share Matt favorite songs (at least right now because like me, his faves vary which just adds to the reasons I totally heart this man!).

All The Angels--By The Dead Confederate

From Yesterday--30 Seconds to Mars

Restless by Switchfoot

Castaways by Beat Noir (they should get their own Music Monday ... maybe next week ...)

Outtathaway by The Vines

Happy Monday, Matt! Wahoo for finishing your first semester of the LLM program and congrats on being a firm partner in TWO weeks!

Fashion Friday: Gift from a Fashion Victim

2011-12-09T05:00:00.005-07:00

My dad is the sort of guy who wears black socks pulled up to his knees with Teva sandals all summer long. But don't worry because he'll pair it with too-short shorts and a button down western shirt. You laugh but I'm serious. So serious I'm not laughing (much).

Suffice it to say, my dad is not fashion conscious. I mean the man was still getting perms--yes you read that right--perms well into the early 90s (oh those lingering '70s!). And just a few years ago we finally talked him into giving up his rust and pink suit (was there chest hair showing with this hot number? You know it!).

Imagine my surprise in the winter of 1999 when I opened up a Christmas gift from the man fashion hates and found an amazing surprise--a red leather jacket. It was awesome and fit like a glove. I know this jacket wasn't overly expensive but I can tell you this, in the past 12 years this jacket has gotten some play!

That's me wearing it below in the outfit one person thought made me look like a pirate. I'm still not over that.

Uber cute--no?

Anyhow, leather is one of those statement pieces that kind of comes and goes. And guess what?

LEATHER IS BACK. BIG!

Yes that's right. Leather jackets made a splashing comeback this fall and I'd plan on having them stick around for a while. From camel to black to mustard to red, leather adds oompf to any outfit. And since you can find leather jackets anywhere from $30-$12,000, there's one well within your budget. If my red leather jacket is an indication, than leather is one of those trend pieces that is never really out of style.

So if you are looking for a little trend item for your wish list, might I suggest of leather jacket? Oh, but make sure it is fitted.

Want some style ideas? Check out these sweet outfits I found on Pinterest. Did you know I have a style board called NOW WEAR THIS on Pinterest? True. It's amazing I get any school work done.

Wear leather to work

Source: polyvore.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Really. Work it (in a non-prostitute way).

Source: polyvore.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Hot layers for cold days.

Source: atlantic-pacific.blogspot.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Chic when paired with a classic scarf

Source: glamorouslounge.tumblr.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Fun for around town

Source: us.mg4.mail.yahoo.com via Reagan on Pinterest

If I was going to buy a leather coat today, this would be it!

Source: wanelo.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Things I Love: Elf on the Shelf

2011-12-08T05:00:00.000-07:00

Since we knew it was bound to be a tough holiday season, my sister and I have undertaken a search for new traditions to celebrate the season. Not because we want to forget our mom but because we need to take this time of year, our mom's favorite time of year, and make it even more special.

Thus, we decided to do Elf on the Shelf. Last year I shared that we don't do the whole Santa Claus thing at our house (you can read our reasoning here) but I decided to roll with Elf on the Shelf.

The skinny on Elf on the Shelf is this: an elf comes to your home and then watches children and gives Santa naught/nice reports on the kids in the family.

We are NOT doing this with our elf.

We explained to our children that our elf, Brownie, is here to add some humor and adventure to our days. Like many people, our elf gets into trouble while we are sleeping and that's what the kids like--finding what "Brownie" has gotten into during the night. It is pretty funny and I must say that Matt and I are having a blast finding "things" for our elf to get into.

So far our elf has:

made a mess in the craft closet in order to get crayons to color
gotten toothpaste all over the bathroom while trying to brush her teeth
spilled cocoa and marshmallows everywhere

I've been scouring Pinterest for other fun ideas. Here are some of my favorites!

Baking:

Source: flickr.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Zip line (side note: my husband makes zip lines in our garage. So fun!)

Source: raeoflight-photography.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Snowman:

Source: Uploaded by user via Reagan on Pinterest

Snow Angels:

Source: flickr.com via Reagan on Pinterest

TPing the Christmas Tree (my personal favorite!):

Source: designdazzle.blogspot.com via Reagan on Pinterest

M.E. knows this elf is not real and still knows there is no Santa but my goodness is she having fun with this elf thing. And for some reason, it's making things around here--without mom--just a tad bit easier.

What I Think About: Christmas at School?

2011-12-07T05:00:00.001-07:00

Every year more and more schools are pulling Christmas out of the classroom.

No Christmas units. No Christmas parties. No Christmas.

Admittedly, I worked in one of these schools and I LOVED it. I was so glad I didn't have to forgo curriculum time for sugar-coma induced parties and I didn't have to listen to kids who were upset that they got a "lame" book from "Tommy" when they wanted the "cool" book from Seth. As a teacher, I loved not having Christmas in the classroom.

Now that my daughter is in school I'm geared up for a different environment. Christmas parties with gift exchanges, Christmas programs, and stories of Santa abound. Harmless, really. Really?

Here's the thing. My child knows Santa isn't real (if you just read that and didn't know, my apologies) and she has been instructed not to "ruin" it for other kids. In school, however, even when she has let her teachers know that she's in on the secret, her teachers keep saying, "oh, of course Santa is real." So now my six year old is confused. Does she trust mom and dad or Mrs. So and So?

I was trying to think about this from another perspective--perhaps a Jewish child or Jehovah's Witness--and I bet this time of year is downright confusing and isolating. I feel like people get so caught up in "not ruining it for our kids" that we aren't recognizing how we are ruining for other people's kids.

I'm not a crazy liberal (unless you are a hyper-conservative). I'm not on a politically correct bandwagon. But this year, when my little girl asks for the seventeenth time, "Are you sure Santa isn't real because my music teacher says he is?" I wonder if this "harmless" Christmas fun really is harmless. And I wonder if Christmas should be at school.

We've taken the Christ aspect of Christmas. I wonder if it's time for Santa Christmas to get out of classrooms, too.

What I think is that it is time to start having serious conversations about whether Santa should be in classrooms.

I still don't know which way I lean, but I'm ready to hear opinions. So sway me.

Christmas at school? YAY or NAY? The comment line is open!

Thank you to Shell at Things I Can't Say for supporting my random thoughts.

Days of Play: Ornaments

2011-12-06T05:00:00.000-07:00

Tis about that time of year when you decorate the tree.

Or, you decorate it Novemeber 3rd. Whatever.

Regardless of whether you are a before Thanksgiving or after Thanksgiving tree decorator, there is no time better than NOW to make a sweet and nostalgic ornament with your kiddos.

Little Blots of Faith has a great manger ornament idea that is easy peasy. Click the links for step-by-step directions with photos!

Photo from Little Blots of Faith

Of course if you want to go super simple with your little one, you could try this reindeer ornament from Crafts for All Seasons. Does anyone else wonder what we'd do without popsicle sticks?

Photo from Crafts for all seasons

Want a little challenge? Yes, I consider working with children and glass a challenge BUT Full of Great Ideas posted a link to make a handprint snowman ornament. Sooo adorkable!

Photo Source: Full of Great Ideas

Finally, if you are brave. And I mean the kind of brave that will work with light bulbs and glitter with little kids, then you HAVE to make this ornament craft. It's my favorite one this year. Kelsey Bang has instructions posted so follow the link to that blog and make one of these (and then mail it to me. Just a suggestion).

Photo Source Kelsey Bang

Music Monday: Red Jumpsuit Apparatus

2011-12-05T05:00:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love a band with an eclectic name? Deep down when bands name themselves things like Everything Absent or Distorted: A Love Story or Theory of a Deadman, I just can't help but love them. It's a strange attraction--the weirder the name, the more I love them. Maybe this is what I can't stand Katy Perry, Ke$ha, or Justin Bieber ... no, it's pretty much their craptacular music that makes me dislike them ...

I knew I'd love Red Jumpsuit Apparatus the first time I heard their name. Good thing their American Rock music is as awesome as their name.

Give 'em a listen.

Face Down (my fave RJA song)

False Pretense (who hates those? I do!)

Your Guardian Angel (so Rockin' sweet!)

So now that you've given them a listen, what do you think of RJA?

Date Night In: If You're Happy and You Glow It ...

2011-12-02T05:00:00.000-07:00

I was ~~completely wasting time when I should have been writing a paper for my GLTBQ literature class~~ browsing around Pinterest a few weeks ago and found some crazy fun ideas using

Yes. Glow sticks.

Anyhow, I complied several of the ideas into a fun date :) I never dish details (okay, I do but not this time) but I will say, the bath idea was a hit. Like a hit out of the park.

What you will need:

glass juice glasses, votive holders, glass jars, etc. (4-8)
2 glasses you'll use to drink out of
either a special dessert OR a game (think Uno, black jack, etc.)
10 empty water bottles without labels
ball (heavier kind of ball)
robes, towels, smelly-good bath stuff
glow sticks (I bought 3 packages of 15 bracelets from Target for $1 each)
some fun mood music
wine or sparkling cider

What To Do:

Invitation
The morning of your date, leave your partner a note that says this "You make my heart glow. Plan on spending the evening with me. The fun starts at ___________."

Prepare (this took me roughly 5 minutes--you won't want to do it too far in advance. Although you can get the bath area prepped ahead of time and just wait to fill up the tub)

Get your jars/glasses out and clean.
Fill 10 water bottles with water
Break glow sticks (I love that part).
Put 10 glow sticks in water bottles and seal them.
Cut open two glow sticks (yes, this will get everywhere if you aren't careful. No it's not toxic). Shake the glow stick juice into your jars/juice glasses.
Take two glow sticks and wrap them around your drinking glasses.
Get the bathroom set up for a bath for two--have towels and robes handy (and maybe a bottle water each in case it gets hot--literally and figuratively speaking).
Make your special dessert (or get it ready to serve) or get out the game you are going to play.

Date Time:

Put the kids to bed while your partner relaxes.
Set the scene--turn off the lights, get out all the glowy stuff, get the food/drinks out, etc.
Invite your partner into the date space and start the fun.

Glowling

Glow + bowling = glowling

First up, go glowling. Set up your glowing water bottles into a triangle shape (in a kitchen? hallway?) and bowl. I don't know how to keep score with bowling--if you don't know either, just add up how many "pins" get knocked down. Goading and trash-talk encouraged.

Source: parents.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Dessert (or games) with the Stars

First off, I love the idea of "stars in jars!"

Source: lilblueboo.com via Reagan on Pinterest

After your friendly game of glowling, go sit down and either share dessert and wine/cider or a game/cider with your "stars in a jar". The light from your glow sticks on cups and the stars in the jar should be enough. If you are sharing dessert, find some good conversation topics so you don't end up talking about the kids or bills or something un-dateish. If all else fails, play "I've never"

Here what your glasses could look like (of course it depends on the glass ...)

Source: buy.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Romanti-glow bath

When your game/dessert is finished, invite your partner to go get ready for a bath (which is code for naked but it's creepy for me to say--tell your partner to go get naked. Although I just said it so I guess it's not that weird).

While your partner gets ready, grab the stars in jars and go draw a bath. Put the stars in jars all around your bathroom to set a romantic glow. When you draw your bath, you can add great scents, oils, or fizzy thingies to really make it spa like. To finish off the bath, throw in the remaining glow sticks.

The glow stick light is oddly seductive. Plus, we had so much fun playing with the glow sticks while we soaked and chatted.

Source: i-love-baby-feet.blogspot.com via Kelly on Pinterest

Now here is a true confession: baths actually make me feel dirty. So when we were done with our bath, I gathered up the glow sticks and lined the shower with them. We then took a hot shower by glow-light. Quirky but it works ;)

P.S. If you really want to go all out, you can:

Make drinks and foods that glow by using tonic water and black lights. Amazing, right?

Source: ourbestbites.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Make a glow stick sign

Source: smileandwave.typepad.com via Amy on Pinterest

Draw a glow stick bubble bath for your kids

Source: playathomemom3.blogspot.com via T on Pinterest

Who knew you could have this much fun with $3 of glow sticks? Just the geniuses on Pinterest!

Things I Love: The Side Dish that Saved Thanksgiving

2011-12-01T05:00:00.000-07:00

It was a hard Thanksgiving. There, I said it.

I mean everyone tells you the first year after the death of someone significant is rough and I'm hear to say, those folks aren't kidding.

Imagine this. I'm in my sister's kitchen sautéing diced onion and celery in sausage drippings for stuffing and this memory hits me like a ton of bricks. For nearly three decades I'd walk into the kitchen while my mom was making stuffing for Thanksgiving and I'd reach into the saute pan, pull out a piece of onion, celery, and browned sausage and pop the trio of yumminess into my mouth. Mom would give that "mom" look, and keep right on sauteing. When I'd try to re-commit the crime she'd lovingly bat my hand away with a bamboo spoon and say, "hey, hey, you get out of here!" This thought, this memory, this realization that she'd never say or do that again--well, it nearly had me crying over my sister's stove (thank goodness I could blame the onions ...).

It's funny the memories we don't think twice about until they are all we have left.

Like I said, Thanksgiving was hard. But there was something that made it a bit better. Sweet potatoes. You probably thought I was going to say tequila. Wrong-O! It wasn't alcohol that saved Thanksgiving; it was candied coconut sweet potatoes. I turned my sister onto Our Best Bites about two years ago and she found this recipe. Hallelujah!

Sweet potatoes. Coconut flakes. Brown sugar. Butter, butter, and more butter. What more could you ask for?

Photo from Our Best Bites

Seriously. So GOOD. These are totally going to make an appearance at my house for Christmas.

What I Think About: Mom Guilt {gulp}

2011-11-30T05:00:00.003-07:00

Prepare for a good laugh.

When I decided to stop working to stay at home with my children, I actually thought that I would, ahem, stay at home and the house would be clean and I'd craft all the time and read.

Bwahahahaha!

Turns out that "stay at home" doesn't actually translate into "tons of free time to read the books in your book stack while blogging and creating inventive dates and craft ideas." In fact, "stay at home" is actually defined as: madness created by cleaning, gardening, errand running, nose wiping, diaper changing, oatmeal cleaning up, laundry folding, freezer meal making, play group planning, life group leading, should kids get vaccines or not? agonizing, and "I think that mom just judged me" musings.

I'm not saying women who work outside of the home aren't working hard. What I'm saying is that I work twice as hard as a stay-at-home-mom than I did when I was teaching (I blame my Type-A personality). I mean this job is 24 hours a day. It's exhausting. And I swear that dust bunnies and smudged stainless steel appliances never bothered me when I worked outside the home but if I have to look at it all day, there's gonna be problems. But what's more overwhelming than trying to keep the house tidy after chasing a tornado two-year old through the house is the guilt I feel when I don't want to chase said two year old. Or push him in the swing. Or share the last cookie.

Confession time:

Sometimes, I just want a break from my kids. And I feel guilty for it.
Sometimes, I just want to read a book (alone) and not play. And I feel guilty for it.
Sometimes, I just want to get my chores done during the day so I'm not folding laundry until 11:00 pm. And I feel guilty for it.

Mom guilt: the scourge of moms everywhere.

Do you ever have moments like this? Guests are coming for dinner. You are busy juggling the flight of the bumble bee clean up while tossing a Caesar Salad, baking homemade rolls, and trying to explain to your mother-in-love (again) that it is possible to type into the address bar of the internet browser. Suddenly your five year old appears and pleads with big brown eyes, "read to me, mommy."

My dilemma--Guests are coming. I committed to entertaining. I want to help my mother-in-love. I value education and that little girl is only little for so long so .... what do you do? What do you do? Well I get off the phone, finish dinner, and promise to read at bed time. But the guilt. Ohhhh the guilt!

Is it necessary, this guilt? Once I was sharing this with my friend and she told me that guilt is of Satan; conviction is from the Lord. Why would I feel guilty? My child is fed. She is healthy and happy. Having to post-pone play time or reading time for an hour surely won't cause her the sort of psychological harm that will have her naming lint balls. Why then, do I feel guilty?

I don't know why. I just know that I do. And this mom guilt, it sucks such joy out of life. I hate feeling compelled to do things or worse, feeling ashamed when I don't do them. When I feel like someone would do it better.

I know there is no answer for this but what I think about mom guilt is it SUCKS!

How do you handle mom guilt? Anyone? Anyone? Buellar?

Thanks to Shell at Things I Can't Say for hosting my random Wednesday rants!

Days of Play: Advent Calendars

2011-11-29T05:00:00.001-07:00

The Advent season is nearly upon us. Today, may I suggest creating, buying, or finding an Advent calendar for your family?

Last year I used cheap $1/8 cards activity advent calendars for my children AND my husband (Matt is looking forward to his advent calendar again this year. Right now the ribbon is hanging up ... just waiting for 24 envelopes filled with compliments and activities ...). You can read more about how I made my Christmas Countdown Advent Calendar by clicking the link.

Of course you could check out Pinterest to find a cute and easy Advent idea. I thought this one would be quick and it's adorable, too!

Source: laclassedellamaestravalentina.blogspot.com via i'm a new momma on Pinterest

If you are looking for something meatier--perhaps with a devotional, an activity, prayer, and scripture then the blog A Holy Experience has just the thing for you! The Jesse Tree Advent Calendar is free to download and print in its entirety.

Enjoy this countdown :)

Music Monday: Suddyn(ly addicted to this band!)

2011-11-27T23:19:00.000-07:00

I love music. Love, love, lovey love it.

Imagine the thrill I got when the lead singer of Suddyn, a band from Montauk (and a Ireland, a little bit. It's a long story and not mine to tell. The end.) contacted me to tell me about his band. Did you imagine me smiling a big smile and doing my silly happy dance? Oh good. You know me well.

I stole this photo from Suddyn's webpage.

Anyhoo, the e-mail had links to some songs and a video. So the darling husband and I dropped everything we should have been doing to sit in front of the fireplace and give Suddyn a listen.

We wanted to hear the songs before the video because somehow seeing a musician before hearing him/her seems wrong. It's like eating an Oreo whole without at least twisting the top off and licking the frosting. It's wrong but then I repeat myself.

Back to the fireplace, the laptop, SoundCloud (don't make me list why I love SoundCloud) and Suddyn.

Each time we listened to a song we stated, "Oh that was so good. That one was my favorite." Then we'd listen to the next song and say the same thing and not because we are an easy audience like that but because we big fat loved this band! Seriously their sound is something between Airborne Toxic Event, Snow Patrol, and Coldplay. My ears were in ear heaven (which makes no sense but you get what I mean, right?)

So today, I suggest you give Suddyn a listen. Start with Side Arm (<--- Go ahead and click that link. You know you want to AND I'll be here when you're finished. It's okay). Then go to Brighter Star. Don't over look In Flagrante Delecto (rambling side note: Matt talked with a judge once who told him this funny story about catching some co-workers "in flagrante delicto." We had to giggle over that story while listening to this song. Aren't you glad I share this random nonsense with you?).

Finally, watch a couple of these videos. I'm not gonna lie, someone should make a "literal video" out of the Nothing Lasts Forever.

Nothing Lasts Forever (except zombies. Obviously).

Gravity

Letting Go (Fan made video sucks but song is super romantical. If you're reading this Matt, this song should make "the" list. You know what I'm talking about *wink wink*)

On my Christmas list this year: Suddyn!

{Group} Date Night In: Minute To Win It

2011-11-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

Last week my brother-in-law and I cooked up a surprise for my sister. As in a surprise birthday party. She came home from dinner with friends to a room filled with crepe paper, balloons, loved ones, screaming, and an air horn (blame the husband for that one).

While Jeff did an amazing job cleaning and organizing food and drinks, I was in charge of games.

Now some people might pull out Apples to Apples or Rock Band but that is not the way I roll.

For this party, we played Minute To Win It. What I love about this is the games are super interactive, you can't help but laugh, and you probably have everything you need stuffed in a cupboard somewhere (unless, of course, your family doesn't use toilet paper).

We played a series of 5 games and then went into "The Skittle Round" where points were tripled.

We played:

Dizzy Mummy
Hanky Panky
This Blows
Blow Me (each player gets 1 minute to chew a piece of BubbleGum and blow the biggest bubble possible)
Balls in a Bowl--blind fold players--they have to scoop cotton balls into a bowl using a spoon and scooping motion (no scraping spoon along ground to find cotton balls)

For each of these games, the winner got 100 points, second place got 50 points, and all other teams got 25 points.

Skittle Round:

Game #1--Have a bowl full of Skittles, a spoon, and 5 Dixie Cups. Contestants get 1 minute to sort Skittles into cups by color. Team with the most sorted Skittles wins. If a WRONG color goes into a cup, ALL Skittles in the cup go back into the bowl!
Game #2--Have one partner hold a Dixie Cup and another holds a bowl of skittles 5-10 feet away. Contestant throws the Skittles to cup (person with cup CAN move it to catch the Skittles). Team with the most Skittles in a cup wins.
Game #3--One partner holds a cup 10 feet away from a table. Other partner stands at table with bowl of Skittles and a straw. Person must suck a Skittle onto the straw, run to partner, and drop Skittle into cup. Team with most Skittles in the cup wins.

Skittle round points are tripled (300, 150, 75).

Whoever wins the Skittle Rounds gets an additional 100 points.

When we were finished playing we added up points and handed out prizes.

Last place team got hand sanitizer because they needed to "Clean up their act!"
The team with the best sportsmanship got chocolate for "Being so sweet."
First place team got gold Christmas ornament stars for being "The stars of the night."
Everyone else got a ball because we sure hoped everyone "Had a Ball!"

Gather your friends for some healthy couples Minute to Win It fun. Losing is never so enjoyable (not that I'd know--Matt and I took first place!)

Things I Love: Gearing up for Thanksgiving

2011-11-17T05:00:00.000-07:00

Awww, it's that time of year again. You know, when stores skip Thanksgiving and put up snowflakes, Christmas trees, and snowmen as soon as that last "Trick or Treat" hype slides out the door.

I love the holiday season. I love it. I just love it so much I don't want to skip any of it. So instead of listening to Christmas music and putting up the tree November 1st, I like to reflect on Thanksgiving. Thanks and Giving. How is combining those two attributes NOT the best holiday of the year?

If you are like me and you want to savor this season of being thankful and giving, please enjoy some of these crafts and recipes.

The Thankful Tree <--click that link for directions

Grateful wall hanging

Source: beckyhiggins.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Amaretto Cranberry Sauce

From Frontier Kitchen

Sweet Apple Cinnamon Brie en Croute

Christmas will come. Today, reflect on how you can be thankful and how you can give.

What I Think About: The Breaking Dawn Soundtrack

2011-11-16T05:00:00.002-07:00

Am I one of "those moms" that got sucked into the Twilight craze?

Guilty as charged.

However, my expectations for Breaking Dawn I are quite limited given the fact that I found the entire book Breaking Dawn to be literary crap (but apparently that kind of crap can make you millions whereas my criticism gets me nothin'). Nonetheless, for my sister's birthday I am taking her to a Twilight Marathon. We will watch ALL of the previous three movies and then at midnight on the 18th, we'll see the premier of Breaking Dawn.

To rev myself up for the movie, I bought the new soundtrack.

Here's the deal--even if you don't like Twilight, the first three soundtracks were dead on. Muse, Linkin Park, Death Cab for Cutie, Band of Horses, Bon Iver, Grizzly Bear, Sia, Florence + the Machine, The Bravery, Metric ... this is like the dreamiest conglomeration of musical genius ever. Even my husband who is on "Team guy who almost ran Bella over" can't deny that the Twilight, New Moon, and Eclipse soundtracks are pure ear candy.

Imagine my disappointment when I learned that Bruno Mars was the main headliner for Breaking Dawn. I nearly cried, except I almost never cry and when I do cry, it's got nothin' to do with Bruno Mars. Anyhow, ick. That was my main thought.

But I'm a girl who likes to gamble so I bought the soundtrack.

My gut reaction to the soundtrack is "eh." Yep. That's about all the excitement I can muster.

Don't misunderstand me, there are good songs on the soundtrack. Iron and Wine re-envisioned Flightless Bird, American Mouth and somehow its mournful sound is even more romantic. Christina Perry's love ballad is catchy and teens everywhere will no doubt make out to it. Northern Lights by Cider Sky has a soothing rhythm. The sweeping analogy Turning Page by Sleeping At Last was by far my favorite song on the album. There are good songs on the album.

I love that the creators {mostly} gave the spotlight to independent artists; however, I'm disappointed that this album ignores its predecessors' amazing alternative/indie roots and leaps straight into the tween pop scene.

What I think is the Breaking Dawn I soundtrack is worth a listen but since you have to buy the whole album, I'd go halfsies friend and burn a copy.

Have you heard the soundtrack? Your thoughts?

Days of Play: Pilgrim Hats

2011-11-15T05:00:00.000-07:00

So this idea is actually from my sister who, despite having four children aged 11-2 still finds time to be amazing, look amazing, and do amazing crafts with her kids.

Point in case: Pilgrim hats

For this activity you will need:

terra cotta pots (enough for each child)
black paint/paint brush
white foam
glue gun
flower arrangement foam ball
fake flowers (you could use real if you want to :)

To Make:

Paint the pots black and let dry
While pots dry, cut out foam for the hat band/buckle
When pot is dry, glue foam hat band/buckle to the pot using hot glue gun
Put foam ball into pot
Arrange fall flowers/foliage

Music Monday: Young the Giant

2011-11-14T05:00:00.000-07:00

Young the Giant (n.): A completely under-loved American Alternative Rock Band.

Listen. You'll love them and then they'll be less under-loved and my life purpose won't be affected at all but at least I will have introduced you to some great music (and maybe helped these guys sell a $1.29 song on iTunes).

My Body

Cough Syrup

Apartment

Friday Fashion: Socks

2011-11-11T05:00:00.003-07:00

Thigh highs. Over the knee socks. Knee highs and legwarmers with boots.

I love them. I loved them last year and I love them this year. Trust me when I say this is a trend worth trying!

Oh, and today is 11/11/11. Bet you thought you were finally gonna read a blog post that didn't get all gushy about that, huh? Sorry.

Things I Love: My Sister

2011-11-10T05:00:00.001-07:00

Today is my sister's birthday. {Happy Birthday!}

She the first one to have a birthday since my mom died. It is bittersweet.

To help make the bitter a bit more sweet, here are 36 memories that make me thankful for my sister.

I'm thankful she got caught sneaking out first. The girl saved me some trouble.
I'm thankful for the top-secret, sisters only photo I have of her. It's wildly unflattering. The blackmail possibilities are endless.
I'm thankful for the nights we used to watched "Sisters" together in her room.
I'm thankful for that time we danced in cowboy boots and dad's boxer shorts.
I'm thankful for the laugh I still get when I remember how a Charlie Horse knocked her to the ground like she was doing an air-raid.
I'm thankful that she is willing to watch Easy A over and over with me. "We must be related."
I'm thankful for appletinis served in wine glasses.
I'm thankful for x-rated madlibs and the completely inappropriate conversations that follow.
I'm thankful for evil plots against Javo.
I'm thankful her Camero was low to the ground. Trust me, it came in handy the time I jumped out of it while she was driving.
I'm thankful for fights over the proper application of eye-liner.
I'm thankful for motel rooms attached to strip joints.
I'm thankful for being the dance club in Portage la Prairie.
I'm thankful for playing "house" in motel rooms.
I'm thankful for black naugahyde furniture to watch cartoons on.
I'm thankful for a Kids, Inc. watching partner.
I'm thankful for Twilight marathons.
I'm thankful for Black Friday, 5 am shopping.
I'm thankful for the Tilted Kilt.
I'm thankful for pink mustangs.
I'm thankful that I don't have to listen to her crappy hip-hop music anymore.
I'm thankful for the bathroom incident in her puffy wedding dress.
I'm thankful I got to be her matron of honor, which coincidentally goes hand-in-hand with the bathroom incident.
I'm thankful for that beer hunting episode (and her constant retelling of me running up and down stairs like a gerbil on meth).
I'm thankful for inside jokes. Holy Mole-y!
I'm thankful for a "puss this long!"
I'm thankful for haircuts with horns.
I'm thankful for birthday weekends in Rapid City.
I'm thankful for The Color Purple on Christmas Eve.
I'm thankful for present snooping.
I'm thankful for Foster. Okay, this is a lie. I hated that dog but at least I know I never, ever want an English bulldog. Ever.
I'm thankful for hard egg sandwiches when you're sick.
I'm thankful for sledding down stairs.
I'm thankful for going to the bathroom together on the phone.
I'm thankful for someone to call and talk to about nothing and everything.
I'm thankful for how often I see mom in you.

Happy Birthday Randeaner Beaner Weiner!

What I Think About: Regret

2011-11-09T05:00:00.002-07:00

On Saturday I went to a book sale and they had these great voice-recordable books for sale.

I burst into tears.

It seems so stupid now but here's the thing. Last Christmas my husband's grandmother bought one of these books for all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. So in fifteen years when Nana is in heaven, our kids will hear her read them stories about the birth of Christ and Humpty Dumpty. Truly these are a priceless gift.

I was determined to get two books and have my mom read them so our kids would have her voice. When I saw the price of each book was $30 I staggered and, being the cheapskate that I am, decided I'd get them when they were on sale. The sale never happened. My mom died. And now I wish with everything in me that I would have bought those stupid books so I could hear my mom's voice.

Regret.

Regret sometimes sounds like "I shouldn't have" but other times, it sounds like "I wish I would have."

Regret. I wear it like a heavy load on my back. The "What ifs?" the "If onlys."

How I am haunted by regret.

I was at a Living Proof conference and was so convicted of my regret. I cling to regret. Sometimes I cling to it because I believe remembering what I shouldn't have done will keep me humble and dependent on God. In reality, those regrets make me live a life of fear and self-condemnation. Regret is a shroud of shame placed on me by myself, my enemy, and others that keep me in bondage.

Don't misconstrue what I am saying. I've done wrong. I've made mistakes. But I do not have to cling to them ... how much more powerful am I when I repent, accept grace, and walk in freedom? When I refuse to be chained to regret?

What I thinks is I can't cling to regret and walk in freedom. How do you hold onto something and let it go? You simply can't do both.

These thoughts tumbled about in my head and the worship team started singing. I knew He was speaking to me when the singers proclaimed, "I don't have time to maintain these regrets when I think about the way He loves us."

Regret (n.): A heavy burden made lighter when I choose to believe that He loves me more than my mistakes.

Days of Play: Freeze Dance

2011-11-08T05:00:00.000-07:00

I'm not gonna lie. At our house, we like to shake it. We've been known to turn on tunes and boogie around the living rooms. We're famous for leaving a meal half-eaten so we can get up, and get down to a favorite song. If it involves music and dancing, we are in!

Embrace the love of music and dancing with your kiddos today (singing optional but suggested).

When you have a spare 5-10 minutes, turn on some music you can dance to (for us, this is anything from "Are you gonna be my girl" and "Girls just want to have fun" to "Pop goes the Weasel").

Now, explain to your kids that you are going to dance like wild while the music plays but when it stops, they have to "freeze" into a funny position. They can get going again when the music starts up again.

I want to tell you this activity is great to help children learn to have self-control and to listen to directions but I don't know if it's true or not. I DO know that your kids will like it and sometimes, that's the most "developmentally appropriate" option.

Music Monday: Song Crushes

2011-11-07T05:00:00.000-07:00

Ahhhhh .... I've had a great relaxing break from life and blogging lately. Cabo San Lucas, movies by the fireplace .... it's been fabulous. But I'm back and ready to kick it in gear.

What a better way to start than to share my current song crushes.

Now for me, a song crush is more than I song I like. It's a song I like so much that I read the lyrics online, watch videos for free (even if they are fan made), and listen to them over and over and over in the car. So when I say song crush, it really means that if the song was a person, I'd be stalking him.

Lucky for me, there's no law against song ~~stalking~~ crushing. So, enjoy my latest loves.

All I Ever Wanted by The Airborne Toxic Event (still my fave band!)

I Can Breathe Again by Baywood

It's Not Me It's You by Skillet (because hardcore Christian is right up my ally!)

Tonight by Seether

Dinner Revolution {FREE}

2011-11-06T15:31:00.000-07:00

Free.

Bet that caught your attention, huh?

Well Chef Jeff sent me an e-mail offering my readers a free electronic copy of his newest DinneRevolution cookbook. YAY!

{This means that you get a $27 cookbook for free just because you are awesome. And I love you. And Chef Jeff wants to get you and your family out of the burger joint and around the dinner table tonight!}

Photo From DinneRevolution

As you know, my family and I sit down to a homemade meal every night. Every. Night. This is one of those traditions that I simply will not allow to go by the way-side in my house. If you do this, or would like to do this but feel crunched for time, check out this cookbook.

The recipes in this cookbook are outstanding and cover everything from comfort food to vegetarian dishes to gourmet entrees. The recipes require less than 10 ingredients and less than 30 minutes to make. The recipes are healthy, tasty, and family-friendly.

Some of the 200 dinner possibilities include:

Vegetarian Pad Thai
Coconut Curry Shrimp
Lasagna Roll Ups
Caribbean Chicken Quesadillas
Southwest Turkey Burgers

If you are interested in checking out Chef Jeff's DinneRevolution, please click here (<----yes, click that) to receive your free e-cookbook.

Revolutionize dinner at your house!

Date Night {OUT}: Can You Hear Me Now?

2011-10-21T05:00:00.000-06:00

My husband, who refuses to blog, took me out on this date last Friday. It was totally random and totally fun. That's what I call success.

DATE PREP

Before the date, which was incredibly spontaneous, he sent me an e-mail telling me to make a multiple choice quiz ABOUT me for him to take.

The quiz had to be 10 questions long and each question needed 3 possible answers. 5 questions were things he didn't know about me and 5 were about my passions.

Some of my questions were:

(Reading--my passion)
What's next on my reading list?
A. Shipbreaker
B. Eli
C. Sarah's Key

(Something he didn't know about me)
What was our family "code phrase" growing up?
A. Elvis Presley
B. Ignore Keith
C. Uncle Tom

So, for your date BOTH you and your spouse need to make a quiz about yourselves for the other person to take at the end of the date.

As the date planner, you also need to come up with 3 secret "prizes" for the winner. Write the prize on a piece of paper and seal it in an envelope so the winner is surprised. Prizes could be: coupon for 15 minute back rub, getting to sleep in both days on the weekend, getting out of laundry for a week, etc.

DATE TIME

For the date itself, do something silly and random. We walked around a music store, went to The Buckle, sauntered through Target, and then went and had a drink.

Now here is where it gets tricky ... during the course of the date, you have "slip" the answers to all of your questions into casual conversation. At the end of the date, you get to "test" each other's listening skills and any answer you don't fit into a conversation gets thrown out.

At the end of the night, take each others' quizzes. The winner gets to pick an envelope prize and the "loser" must deliver.

If there is a tie, then as the date organizer, declare your spouse the winner and let him take the prize. Of course you could each pick one prize ... your call.

{Fall} Things I love: Pumpkins

2011-10-20T05:00:00.000-06:00

To me there is nothing that says fall quite like pumpkins.

I've already confessed to a some-what obsessive relationship with Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Lattes but it gets worse. And by worse, I mean so. much. better!

If you are like me and those orange balls of delight take you back to whimsical days of carving pumpkins with your mom, putting pumpkin seeds on salads, smelling that pumpkin pie smell, or doing fun crafts in school, then please sort through these lovely photos, recipes, decorations, and craft ideas and get that warm-n-fuzzy fall feeling that only pumpkins can give.

Source: williams-sonoma.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Source: boards.weddingbee.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Source: ohhowposh.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Source: designspongeonline.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Source: blissfullydomestic.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Source: ourlillpeanut.blogspot.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Source: simplysuzannes.blogspot.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Reagan on Pinterest

What I Think About: That Last Summer-feeling Fall Night

2011-10-19T05:00:00.000-06:00

Purple pink sky gives way to black expanse.

A wind blows across the night bringing the scent of a fire pit from some family laughing and eating s'mores.

A strand of hair brushes my cheek and won't be tucked away. A rebel.

The crickets start their harmony, soothing my heart with each strum of their strings. In the distance a dog barks out his solo, long and mournful.

Gooseflesh on my legs, I tuck sweatered arms around my chest and breathe deep the last smells of summer.

Soon these summer smells will give way to the aroma of moist dirt and decaying leaves. These pink skies will turn dark gray and crimson leaves will fall from the trees, no longer trusting the arms that hold them. Crickets will turn to geese that honk in triumphant Vs through crisp skies with wispy clouds.

Summer days will disappear deep into the fog of fall and I'll long to conjure memories of laughing children with dripping popsicles. Tonight I'm glad I've had these days but I'm also glad cold days are ahead. The death and chill that accompany fall are welcome--can we truly appreciate the life-giving spring without the death-filled fall?

This time. This place. These smells. Those sounds. They are were not guaranteed. They are but a mercy and in my sorrow and in my shame and in my brokenness I am grateful for new life from death. As I sit chilled on this last summer-feeling fall night, I think everything is grace.

Even missing my mom.

Days of Play: Moon Sand

2011-10-18T05:00:00.000-06:00

Raise your hand if you love moon sand? Yep, that's what I thought.

Now, raise your hand if you love paying for moon sand? What? No one loves shelling out that kind of dough for uh, dough?

Shocking.

Or maybe not so shocking.

If you like moon sand but not paying for it, here's a simple recipe to make your own that I found at the A.MAZING blog Play Based Learning <---click that link and go. Now.

4 c. sand
2 c. corn flour
1. c water

Mix everything together and get ready to live!

Photo property of Play Based Learning

This won't be exactly the same as the "buy at Target" variety but trust me, your kids won't know the difference.

Now, go make yourself a nice moon sandcastle and think about a trip to Mexico.

Music Monday: Singers and Standards

2011-10-17T05:00:00.000-06:00

In the fall I love to cue up a good "singers and standards" station on Pandora and bake away to the crooning of Sinatra and Buble.

So today, enjoy some singers and standards!

The Way You Look Tonight

Save The Last Dance For Me

Unforgettable

Fashion Friday: Summer to Fall

2011-10-14T05:00:00.000-06:00

It happens every year in Wyoming.

We have these A.MAZING August feeling October days one minute and then next thing you know, WHAM the temperature drops 36 degrees.

So what's a girl to wear on summer feeling fall days that drop to into the freeze zone with a little cloud cover?

Easy. You work your summer gear into fall.

Here are some EASY peasy outfit combos!

1 summer dress/skirt + jean jacket/cardi + scarf/statement necklace + tights + boots= soft layers

Source: kendieveryday.blogspot.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Source: gallery.me.com via Reagan on Pinterest

1 button down blouse + sweater vest + dress shorts + tights + boots + cardi/blazer= sassy layers

Source: flickr.com via Reagan on Pinterest

jeans + 1-2 layering Ts + blazer + scarf= take off/add on when those temps gets schizo layers

Source: sundaycrossbow.blogspot.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Source: tumblr.com via Reagan on Pinterest

See. Simple formulas make dressing easy :)

Fashion Friday: Orange

2011-10-07T05:00:00.002-06:00

Orange. My sister's favorite color--and for good reason because no one makes orange look as good as she does.

But we can try. And this fall, you can count on varying shades of orange ... from nude peaches to deep burnt orange ... to show up in scarves, sweaters, jewelry, and tights.

For a country-chic look (and to take summer into fall) take a summer dress, add a jean jacket (or cardi), scarf, tights, and boots and WA-LA ... hello awesomeness!

Source: polyvore.com via Tiffany on Pinterest

Keeping it light, cool, and super casual (yet so darn cute!)

Source: shereezee.polyvore.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Beautiful business casual

Source: polyvore.com via Reagan on Pinterest

And as a feast for your eyes, some orange statement pieces I'd love to rock (or that have been rocked well by others!)

Source: warehouse.co.uk via Reagan on Pinterest

Source: bees-knees.tumblr.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Source: piperlime.gap.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Source: lookbook.nu via Reagan on Pinterest

So, guess what color I love this fall? Anyone? Anyone? Buellar?

{Fall} Things I love: SOUP

2011-10-06T05:00:00.000-06:00

Can I get a "hell ya" for a hot bowl of soup on a cloudy, rainy fall day?

Seriously, nothing tastes better on a crisp day than comfort food in the form of soup.

My favorite not-so healthy soup recipe came from my mom. Rilda's Kickin' Chicken Corn Chowder. Seriously--so good!

And did I mention easy on the wallet? Frontier Kitchen featured this recipe on Make it Cheap Monday.

Photo and step-by-step directions from Frontier Kitchen

Another hearty soup I can't get enough of is Aunt Amy's Taco Soup. Plus, you know soup can't be bad if you eat it with Fritos!

Of course last year I featured a whole day on Creamy Tomato Spinach Soup. This is still a family fave when paired with cheese bread.

Soup is souper!

(P.S. See all those blue links? If you click them you can actually see the recipes. Mmmmm)

What I Think About: Spanking (a re-post)

2011-10-05T07:20:00.001-06:00

To Spank or Not to Spank? What a Scary Question

Spanking is a pretty hot topic and I want Pour My Heart Out on the subject. What I put here, of course, is my opinion only and should not be a substitute for prayer and research on your part.

Let me start by announcing boldly that I am not drawing a line in the sand. I am not saying it is good or bad to spank. I’ll probably get hate mail for my refusal to be black or white but you should know that grey is my favorite color and my favorite place to be.

So, here are random ramblings related to spanking.

First and foremost, I know that the AAP, Dr. Phil, and Super Nanny are against spanking. Those experts are speaking to a large demographic and given the prevalence of child abuse, not endorsing corporal punishment makes sense. But I also know that these experts are not your child’s parents and they may not have your belief system.

Biblical References

Corporal punishment is mentioned in the Bible. Here are some verses to reference:

He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him (Proverbs 13:24).

Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him (Proverbs 22:15).

Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish him with the rod, he will not die (Proverbs 23:13).

The rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother (Proverbs 29:15)

My Thoughts on These Verses

First, shepherds used rods to guide and direct their sheep. At times the crook was put around a sheep’s neck to get it out of crags. Other times it was used physically to direct sheep. The rod is used metaphorically and it is stated, “your rod and your staff comfort me.” Please note that while “rod” can mean corporal punishment, it can also mean guidance.

In Proverbs 13:24, parents who love their children are “careful” to discipline them. Think about the word “careful.” It means intentionally exercising caution. In my opinion, if you yell or strike out at a child in a fit of wrath and anger, you are not carefully disciplining.

Proverbs 22:15 talks about disciplining a foolish child. I caution you to be aware of the difference between rashly acting or being foolish versus being childish. Your child will do things that will make you angry that are childish, not foolish. Spilling milk is childish, not foolish. Do not discipline your child for being childish—correct them. Guide them.

Proverbs 23:13 and 29:15 encourage parents not to shy away from guiding and disciplining their children. You are your child’s biblical authority. Be their loving authority and advocate. You are responsible to train your child, which might include corporal punishment but also means more than spanking.

Given these verses, I do think that corporal punishment is biblically founded and may be useful when used correctly. When done incorrectly, spanking can cause humiliation, anger, and bitterness in the heart of your child. It can harm children emotionally and physically, and is child abuse.

Spanking is not prohibited and may be encouraged. However, you must remember that "everything is permissible but not everything is beneficial" (1 Cor 10:23). There are biblical guidelines on how to discipline a child correctly. If you are not willing to put time and effort into praying and researching how to correctly discipline your child, please do NOT spank them.

Corporal punishment is a heart issue, not a salvation issue; therefore, I can't tell you that you must or must not do it. Spanking or not does not make you a good, Christian parent.

What We Do

I went into parenting being 100% opposed to spanking; Matt viewed corporal punishment in a more positive light. Therefore, we researched and prayed and came up with our parenting style.

We have spanked our daughter a couple of times in response to severe, repeated disobedience. But more often, we’ve used time-outs, natural consequences, and loving guidance and discussion.

Conclusion

In the end, the decision to use or not use corporal punishment can only be made by you and your husband after a time of prayer and research.

If you choose to use corporal punishment, please read Shepherding a Child’s Heart by Tedd Tripp. This book will instruct you on spanking in a manner that encourages forgiveness and reconciliation.

Some basic guidelines:

Never spank in anger or out of wrath. Corporal punishment is not about vindication, retribution, or emotional release.
Do not spank your child for being childish. Being disobedient and being childish are very different issues.
Never punish in a manner that embarrasses or humiliates your child.
Have a conversation with your child. Try to find out why the disobedience happened and explain why the action was not correct. Don’t lecture; listen.
If the situation requires a spanking, spank your child only on the bottom. Use one or two swats that sting. Test on your thigh first.
Show your child that it hurts you to spank them. Encourage reconciliation and forgiveness.
Pray with your child.
When the event is done, it is done. Do not re-hash or bring it up.
NEVER allow anyone but you and your spouse to spank your child.

What I think about spanking is that it should only be a part of your parenting style, if used at all.

Whatever you do, be consistent, loving, and fair. If you need resources on biblical parenting I strongly recommend Grace Based Parenting by Dr. Tim Kimmel.

Please note that there is research about spanking that is more science-based (as opposed to faith-based). I've not discussed that and will leave doing that research up to you.

Days of Play: Paper Mache Pumpkins {Repost}

2011-10-04T05:00:00.000-06:00

I posted this craft last year but I loved it so much and the end product was so cute that I'm posting it again this year. And I'm doing it again this year too!

I saw this craft on a blog and fell in love.

Photo from Hillside Home

I mean, aren't these the cutest fall craft pumpkins you've ever seen?

You know what I like even better? You could totally make these with kids of any ages.

Okay, you probably won't want to let your one year old play with the glue but your wee one could rip the paper for you.

Anyhow, if you want the down-n-dirty on how to create this delight"fall" little pumpkin family with the little pumpkins in your family, follow this link. Enjoy!

Here are some photos of our pumpkins! We went with a retro-look in our paper color/selection. It took M.E. and I about forty minutes to make three pumpkins.

Before

During

After

P.S. For the glue mixture I used equal parts of Elmer's glue and warm water.

Music Monday: Rise Against

2011-10-03T05:00:00.002-06:00

Today I am defending my competency exams, a very important step to take towards that ominous dissertation work. If I pass, I start my research. If I fail, it's back to the drawing board for more work.

Anyhow, I love all kinds of music including punk. Rise Against is hardcore punk and they are really socially aware (which means they are PETA loving vegans/vegetarians who aren't opposed to acknowledging systemic problems).

I love these guys and today as I defend, Make It Stop is my inspiration. If I pass, may the work I do help to make it stop. And if I fail, may I keep fighting the fight to make it stop.

Make It Stop

Swing Life Away (because hardcore punk can be romantic)

Rumors of My Demise Have Been Greatly Exaggerated (explicit)

A sad fan video with lyrics. {Sigh}

Fashion Friday: Mustard

2011-09-30T05:00:00.000-06:00

TASTELESS JOKE ALERT!

One day Ms. Lewinski went to her favorite cleaners. She said to the owner, "I have another dress for you to clean".

Being hard of hearing, he replied, "Come again?"

"No", Lewinsky said, "Mustard!"

Oh dear. Sorry about that. There are just so few times in life when it's appropriate to tell a mustard joke.

Remember how I told you that teal was going to be a hot color this fall? Well so is mustard. No, not yellow--mustard. Deep, bold, rich mustard. Now, if only the color had a cooler name than mustard. {Sigh}

Pick a small piece--tights, a bag, earrings or go bold with a big piece--cardigan or dress. Whatever you decide ... rock it!

Mustard and Teal

Source: scribbleandtone.blogspot.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Mustard Cardi takes a summer dress to fall

Source: polyvore.com via Reagan on Pinterest

Mustard Tights--OBVIOUSLY!

Source: dee-construction.blogspot.com via Reagan on Pinterest

{Fall} Things I Love: Gourmet Hot Cocoas

2011-09-29T05:00:00.000-06:00

It's fall.

YAY it's fall!

Have I mentioned that I might be a little bit crazy in love with fall?

Every fall I like to share what I love about fall. Last year's list included: my electric tea pot, chai, geese, healthy pumpkin muffins ...

First up this year .... drumroll (but not really because you read it in the title) ....

GOURMET HOT COCOAS

Mmmm... hot drinks. So good for the psyche. Maybe not so good for the hips but I'm content to pretend these recipes have all the calories psychologically removed if you are. Deal?

Whether it's Land o Lakes mini hot chocolate packets or my own hot chocolate recipe, I'm a sucker for a good cup of cocoa. But every now and then I want gourmet cocoa. Not just hot chocolate. Not just chocolate with a dash of mint.

Real. Gourmet. Cocoa.

The kind you have to make on the stove top with more than two ingredients. The kind that makes your mouth fill with drool over the delectable scent of spices being stirred together.

So this year I'm going to make these on a cool, cloudy, play jazz and sit on the couch kind of fall day!

Pumpkin Spiced White Hot Chocolate.

This recipe is from the Frontier Kitchen. Please go there for directions. STAT!

Click this link to go to FK and get the recipe (and to see where I stole the photo from)

Okay, now this second recipe is from Good Life Eats. It's for a Vanilla Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa.

This photo belongs to Good Life Eats.

Gourmet. Hot. Cocoa. Mmmmmm

What I Think About: Advice for New Moms

2011-09-28T05:00:00.000-06:00

This us actually a repost from the early days of WITHMIM?

A lot of my friends (and by a lot I mean my 3 closest friends) are either with child or with newborn {side note--storks still unwelcome at my house}. Luckily these gals are seasoned pros. But some other friends have who are first time moms asked my advice on how I mother.

Here's what I know: I have a lot I still need to know.

But here's what I know about mothering:

Welcome to the roller coaster! This truly is the toughest job you'll ever love. Being a mom is a glorious burden.

When I became a mom I was sucked into reading EVERY book on parenting, spending precious moments on the computer trying to find answers to every question, crying while my child was crying, fighting with my husband (and our moms) about the "right" thing to do, and refusing to believe I had anything to offer my child.

I learned a lot between my first and second child. By the time I had Pax, I had 2 books I casually referred to but I can't pin-point exactly where they are and I do not have any sections memorized. I made it clear I am NOT parenting by committee. If I want your advice, I'll ask. I learned there is no ONE WAY to do anything. ANYTHING. I realized NO ONE will know my child they way my husband and I do and therefore, I have everything to offer my children.

So, here is some casual advice. I am NOT a doctor or a professional. All this non-sense is my advice but let me remind you that the best advice ever given is that you don't have to take it!

~Read with a critical eye

A lot of books assert that there is one way to do things. And amazingly, the ways are generally polar opposites. Some will say if you don't breast feed or sleep with your child, he or she will be ruined and never will trust you. On the other hand, you'll hear that your kids won't get enough vitamin D if you breast feed and your baby will never move out of your bed if you sleep with him/her. The truth is somewhere in the middle and totally based on your feelings, perspectives, and beliefs. Read with a critical eye. There is good info out there but use what works for you and ignore what doesn't.

~Refuse to believe that there is a "natural" way to parent.

I exclusively breast fed Pax but M.E. had a bottle once a day. I babywear but do not sleep with my kids. Even though you'll read (mostly by Dr. Sears who I like) that breast feeding, co-sleeping, and babywearing are the most natural ways to parent, don't believe it. What is natural is doing what works for you and your family. Anything to the contrary is unnatural.

~Be aware that your relationship with your mom and mother-in-law (MIL) may change

The general rule is that if you had a good relationship with your moms before, it might be strained after because they'll be TOO open with advice, telling you what you are doing wrong,etc. On the other hand, if your relationship is strained before it might get better after because you'll both agree that your baby is the cutest and most lovable baby ever. My MIL was totally offended that I didn't go to her for advice and even more offended that I didn't do things her way. It seemed more natural for me to seek advice from friends who had more recently had children or to do things the way my mom did them. Communication is key. My MIL and I weathered this storm. She's a great mom to me!

~Place healthy boundaries

Put boundaries in place BEFORE issues become a problem. We wish we would have done this! For some reason, our parents assumed we would parent by committee and whenever an issue came up thought we'd take a democratic vote. When we didn't do this, it hurt a lot of feelings. When we sat our parents down and explained that we thought they were good parents and we loved them BUT we were going to do things differently, obviously since we were raised differently, it helped. Now when we say, "Pax goes to bed at 6," we don't get, "we never put you to bed that early!" Instead we hear, "OK." Even if they disagree, we've made it clear that we are M.E. and Pax's parents, their Biblical authority and what we say goes.

~Put your baby to bed within 2 hours of waking

As soon as your new baby starts showing sleepy cues (generally within 2 hours of waking but often sooner), put him or her to bed. You can rock to sleep, nap with baby, or lay baby down and walk away. Whatever manner you choose, get baby to nap before he or she is overtired.

~Put baby to bed EARLY

M.E. was an awful early sleeper. She barely napped from 2 weeks to about 5 months. And at 5 months she still hadn't slept through the night. We'd put her to bed at 10 and she'd be up and 1, 4, 6 and up for the day by 7:30. When we read Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child we thought the guy was a nut. But by 5 months we were desperate. The first night we put M.E. to bed at 5:45 she screamed for about 15 minutes, fell asleep, and slept until 7:30 am. She's gone to bed early ever since. We've had times when it didn't work perfectly and times when she still fought us on sleep but overall, the child sleeps like a champ! At four M.E. is in bed by 7:30 pm at the latest and sleeps until 7:30-8 am. Pax (nearly 8 mo) is in bed by 5:45 and sleeps until 7ish. Not only does the early bed time seem to help kids sleep better, it provides Matt and I a time to chat, relax, enjoy one another, and do personal projects we enjoy.

~Give your child the grace to be who s/he is

Let your child wear whatever clothes he/she wants--s/he'll learn to coordinate, or not. Let your child eat dirt and fall down. There are some absolute NOs at our house (anything that is sin) but everything else is an OK. If the worst thing that happens is our daughter wears a princess dress to church and Pax bleaches his hair, I'll be cool with that!

~Determine your discipline system and be consistent

You might use corporal punishment; you might not. If you do, make sure you are doing it in a Biblical manner (hitting out of anger and wrath is NOT Biblical). If spanking makes you uncomfortable, learn appropriate and successful ways to discipline. But most importantly, make sure you and your spouse are on the same page and be consistent. Side note, this is one of those areas where grandparents get NO say.

~Watch your mouth and actions

Your kids are watching you. Use your words and actions to breath life into their lives.

~Turn the TV off

I know those movies seem educational but studies show TV before 2 is bad for children and lots of those "educational movie" companies are being sued for not coming through. A little TV once in a while is OK but not every day and never more than 1/2 hour. Some other things you can do: read, books on tape/cd, listen to music ...

~Get toys that encourage imagination

Books that read to you, trucks that make all the sounds, Princess dresses and crowns, Barbie soda fountains--with today's toys there is really little need for creativity. But your kids need a chance to be creative. So, get them blocks, and boxes, and paints with white paper, and old funny clothes so they can imagine and create!

~Spend time away from your children

You'll be a better parent and woman if you spend some time alone doing what you love. Reading, exercising, cooking--whatever it is, carve out at least 20 minutes a day and do it!

~Trust your spouse and give him room

He might not do it your way, or the best way, but allow your husband time to have the kids alone and let him find his way. He's new too so cut him some slack. If you don't let him have alone time with the kids or if you nag that he doesn't do it "right" then don't be shocked when he stops helping.

~Advocate for yourself

If your spouse won't help and you are at a breaking point, call a friend, family member or sitter and take a break. When you're calm, explain to your husband that you need a break. If this doesn't work, consider counseling.

~PLAY

Spend time offering multiple opportunities for your child to play. Play with him or her. Let him or her play with other kids. Don't underestimate the value of allowing him or her to play alone. For 2 days make a tick mark every time you tell your child "not now". If it is a lot, it is time to re-prioritize. They won't want to play with you forever so engage them now. Cook, read, dance, sing, stack, walk, play in sand and dirt and mud, bounce, ride ...

~Repeat this as needed

It's only a phase. If it's good it's a phase; if it's bad it's a phase. It's only a phase.

~Retain the right NOT to take advice

Mine, your mom's, his mom's, your friend's, Dr. Sear's, Dr. Weisbluth's, your baby's ped's ... You are the only living expert on your child--scary. True.

Your turn--What advice do YOU have for new moms?

Thanks to Shell at Things I Can't Say for letting my Pour My Heart Out every Wednesday!

Days of Play: Leaf Prints

2011-09-27T05:00:00.000-06:00

I'm so glad it's fall. Please tell me I'm not the only one who gets all gushy and emotional over trees turning orange, cozy sweaters, honking geese, and a perfectly good excuse to drink cider and cocoa all day long.

YAY for fall!

Right about now our foliage is turning and a few bold trees are letting their leaves down and bearing their nakedness {already}. Leaves are falling.

If a leaf is going to fall I feel like it should be celebrated with art.

What do I have in mind? Well, how about some bright leaf print art?

I found this little artsy fartsy project at Kleas

For this project you'll need white or brown butcher paper, a pie tin or 8x8 pan, and some of those brightly colored cheap acrylic paints you can get at big box stores.

1. In the pan lays down several bright colors.

Photo from Kleas

2. Dip the leaves in the pan and press onto the paper.

3. Pull leaf off and wa-la ... some pretty amazing and easy fall art.

Kleas is brilliant. This photo belongs to Kleas.

Music Monday: Goin' Country

2011-09-26T05:00:00.000-06:00

Insert a loud, audible gasp here because I'm highlighting some country songs today.

Have I mentioned I don't just love country? Where I grew up we had one radio station and it played country music 24/7. I know my country music. I can sing along to George Straight and Pam Tillis but I simply prefer not to.

However, I recently heard these song and decided to buy them on iTunes. Judge me all you want but keep the verdict to yourself :)

The Band Perry

Lady Antebellum

Seether
(Okay, this is NOT a country song but it is called Country Song and is super fun. I love the video so give it a listen)

Date Night In: "Fall" In Love

2011-09-23T05:00:00.001-06:00

I love fall.

I also love my husband.

Something deep inside me tells me I should combine the two.

Photo Source

For this "Fall" in love date, keep it simple. A cool picnic, hot drinks, warm blankets, and reminiscing about when you fell in love.

Start by simply writing a short note to your husband inviting him on a home date. In the note, tell him something that made you fall in love with him.

For the date, start with laying out sweaters and mittens for you both (if you have kids, include them). Take your husband to an outdoor place (like your backyard) and have a chilly picnic. Serve chili, corn bread, carrot sticks, and hot cocoa. Over dinner talk about what you love about fall. Listen for geese, read nature poems, or collect leaves. Perhaps go for a hand-in-hand stroll. Make analogies of fall to love. Notice, for instance, how the breeze makes tree branches sway like they are dancing lovers or remark on how the leaves fall to the ground, content to let go of the past.

Photo Source

When it gets dark or too cold, head inside. Team up and give the kids a bath and put them to bed. Encourage your spouse to go relax in your bedroom while you set up.

Start a fire or set the mood by dimming lights and lighting candles. Turn on slow music--like Frank Sinatra or smooth jazz. Make a cushy sitting spot with warm blankets and pillows. Get some "fall" snacks/drinks (Frontier Kitchen's apple crisp, caramel apples, hot apple cider, etc.).

Photo Source

Get your husband and snuggle. As you snuggle reminisce over how you fell in love. Where did you meet? What do you remember wearing? Where was your first date? Your first kiss? When did you KNOW you were in love? When did you first say you were in love? What did you like best about your each other when you were dating? What do you like best about each other after all this time of marriage? What makes you "fall" in love with your spouse every day? What is your favorite memory from dating? From being a newlywed? From this last year of marriage?

Things I Love: A quick cleaning tool

2011-09-22T05:00:00.000-06:00

Here's a gripe.

I can't stand Swiffers. I don't like Swiffer Sweepers. I don't like the little Swiffer duster thingy. I just don't like Swiffer stuff.

Here's why: They do the exact same thing a can of Pledge, a rag, and a mop with water can do BUT they produce so much more landfill waste. They drive me crazy.

But I have a problem and he is 2. This two year old regularly makes my wood floors look like a sticky tie-dye shirt. Don't laugh; it's true. By lunch time it's not uncommon to have yogurt, mandarin orange juice, granulated Jell-O (don't ask), and pet hair gobbed onto my floor.

So I lug out the bucket and the water and mop. Not a great process to do a couple of times a day but I don't want to take the less-green Swiffer short cut. So I don't.

When I was staying with my sister she introduced me to the Rubbermaid Reveal {swoon}. It's a green version of a Swiffer. Put a little white vinegar and water in the dispenser, squirt, and run the mop head over the goo. Goo gone. YAY!

Even better, when the mop head gets icky, simply throw it in the laundry. No more landfill fill!

Now I won't lie, this sucker isn't good for deep cleaning. You are still going to need to actually mop or do a hands-n-knees floor scrubbing every now and then BUT with the Rubbermaid Reveal, there's no need to break out the mop 2 times a day. Winning!

What I Think About: Forgiving Yourself

2011-09-21T05:00:00.001-06:00

Watch this video. Read the lyrics.

Have you ever just messed up? I mean ROYALLY messed up? The kind of messed up that will bring you to tears in thirty years when you think about it? The kind of messed up that makes you seriously contemplate enrolling in science courses in hopes of inventing a time machine? The kind of messed up that hurt someone? The kind of messed up that leaves you feeling totally broken?

I really messed up. When I called my sister to confess she loved and supported me. She said, "There is nothing you can do that can make me not love you. Of course, I'm related by blood so that covers it."

To which I replied the most faithless words I've ever spoken: "Blood doesn't cover everything."

The second I said it I audibly gasped. I was horrified that I said it. I was more horrified that in many ways, I believed it about myself. Deep inside of me an aching mistake made me believe that there are some sins that blood doesn't cover.

I know this is NOT true but have you ever stood in that place where you just FELT that it was true? That you were standing in a shadow that the Son couldn't redeem.

If you have been there, tell me how and when do you forgive yourself? I mean, forgiveness (even self-forgiveness) is key to grace and mercy. But is there a time period where you should "feel" the effects of your sin? How long should you mourn your actions before you seek to forgive them? Off the cuff it feels like the answer is "you shouldn't drag yourself through the mud" but right now it just feels like the person I've hurt deserves to see me struggle and mourn over my wrongdoing. Not because such lamentations will change the deed but because it will help that person know that I really feel the affects of my actions. That I feel the pain. That I am sorry. Gut-wrenchingly sorry.

So when do you forgive yourself?

And of course the bigger issues is how?

I know I will never forget this incident. I will play and re-play it in some small fashion (even if it is just a, "how could I be so stupid?!) several times a year. How can I use this circumstance to remind me of all the ways that I need Jesus without consistently asking, begging, pleading for mercies I've already been given? How can I use this to spur me on in a way that makes me a better person but helps the one I've hurt know that I haven't just forgotten and moved on?

Where is the balance between the burden of regret over sins committed and the mercy of peace from blood that cleanses?

What I think is that I need to learn to forgive myself. Your wisdom is greatly appreciated. Your prayers more so.

Thank you to Shell for letting me Pour My Heart Out every Wednesday

Days of Play: Pour Painting

2011-09-20T05:00:00.000-06:00

Have I mentioned that I love Pinterest? Well I do. Here's another craft idea I found from stalking other people's boards.

Pour Painting.

Photo from Housing a Forest

This is such a fast and unique art project. To make this you will need a drop cloth, old plastic table cloth, newspapers ... do you get what I'm not saying here? It's gonna be a fun mess. Prepare.

You'll also need some cheap paint (bright house paint?) and matting board (DO NOT use regular paper here).

To make this you essentially have your kids lay down drops of color on the matting. Then pick up the matting and move it this way and that until the desired movement of art is complete. Let dry at least over night.

For more details and photo instructions, head to Housing A Forest <---Yes, that's a link you can click

Have some messy fun painting with your kiddos!

Music Monday: Foster The People

2011-09-19T05:00:00.000-06:00

Two words for you.

Indie.

Pop.

I love Foster the People, an American Indie pop band. They have these songs that remind me of summer. And recently I've heard radio stations in my area playing this song:

Pumped Up Kicks

And Helena Beat is also pretty awesome (I can't say the same thing about the video!)

Fall Colors: TEAL

2011-09-16T05:00:00.000-06:00

Every season seems to have a few "hot" colors. This fall I'm so happy teal is among them. I kinda LOVE jewel toned colors and teal is my favorite. Maybe I'm channeling the early 90s. I can't be sure.

Anyhoo, for fall, add a tiny splash of teal to your wardrobe with a cute bag, functional scarf, bold top, or statement jewelry piece.

Teal with mustard

Shortsleeve Tops by Bailey 44
Satchels by Coccinelle

Teal with neutrals

Cardigans by Old Navy
Boots by Ciao Bella

Teal accessories (because small pops of color make a BIG statement)

Pumps by Wild Diva
Satchels by Merona

Things I Love: Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks

2011-09-15T05:00:00.000-06:00

I am not a coffee drinker though I will admit to having more than my fair share of coffee during my mom's whole ordeal. A girl's gotta stay awake, after all.

There is a caveat to this rule.

Pumpkin. Spice. Latte.

That's right. The time of year when Starbucks rolls out that pumpkin flavor and offers 380 calorie hot drinks I go nuts. I love them. Love love lovey love 'em. Some days when I know I'm going to get one, I like to wear an outfit that naturally looks good with my hot drink.

I'm considering counseling for this.

Oh, you thought I was kidding. Thanks for giving me the benefit of the doubt.

So, hey--go get a pumpkin spice latte and maybe pray for me :)

What I Think About: When People Say Stupid Stuff

2011-09-14T05:00:00.001-06:00

Guess what?

On Facebook I have no filter. I say exactly what I want to say when I want to say it. I know, I know. You're shocked. Or maybe not.

Anyhow, on Saturday I'm texting with my old college roomie Ami, the one I had the traumatic coffee ice cream making experience with, and we were chatting about the stupid things people say when you are grieving.

You've heard it.

"It's part of God's plan."

"It must be God's will."

"Everything happens for a reason."

"She's in a better place now."

"Let go and let God."

I've heard it. A lot actually. Because when you are grieving people want to help but don't know how. So they say something trite and you are supposed to smile and agree when what you really want them to know is that comment just cut you to your freaking core and they've just heaped more pain and burden onto your shoulders than you know how to bear.

So I posted this on facebook:

Life Lesson #122: If you can't support someone who is grieving without talking about "God's will/plan," "God's timing," or "Let go and let God" then you shouldn't say ANYTHING. It's true that people who mean well don't verbalize well. It's equally true that people who are mourning aren't inspired by your trite responses. Be wise; be quiet.

To be honest I expected a bit of backlash but you know what I got? SUPPORT. A ton of it! Everyone around me who has experienced loss knew EXACTLY where I was coming from. It wasn't just me struggling in faith--it was fellow Christians. A pastor. People every where saying that in loss it's okay to be hurt. It's okay to question. It's okay to want that person on earth and not in heaven.

Funny how one crazy Facebook status can let you know that people really do understand.

As I reflect on what has meant the most to me during this time of loss I know it is the friends who don't treat me differently--who let me talk when I want but don't force the issue. It's been the meals and childcare. But the single thing that touched me the most was the beautiful card my friend Carla gave me. It was blank inside. She had no words for me. And that blank card brought me more comfort than she might ever know.

What I think is that when someone is hurting and you want to help, be quiet. Offer a hand to hold. A shoulder to cry on. A meal. A blank card. But whatever you do, be quiet. It'll speak volumes.

Thanks, Shell for letting me Pour My Heart out with you!

Days of Play: Mod Podge Hand Trees

2011-09-13T05:00:00.001-06:00

Things I'm obsessed with:
1. Mod Podge
2. Fall
3. Artwork
4. Handprints.

Things I love?

THIS activity because it combines the aforementioned 4 obsessions. YAY!

I found this activity on pinterest and then went to the blog At Second Street for directions because it was, well, love at first sight.

Photo from At Second Street

Yes that's right. Those are handprint trees made from fabric.

In general this will take a bit more time than the normal "days of play" activities I post. BUT it will be a life-long heirloom documenting the size of your children's hands. And it's art. And it's beautiful. And you get to play with Mod Podge.

Convinced? Click a blue link. Go. Get directions. Create. Reminisce. Make a Christmas gift Grandma's will cry at.

Music Monday: Dashboard Confessional

2011-09-12T05:00:00.000-06:00

Okay, so Dashboard Confessional is an American rock band from Florida that I first heard in about 2004 when they did a song for the second Spiderman movie. A lot of die-hard fans charged the band with selling out for a movie soundtrack (isn't that always the way?) but since I wasn't a long time fan (at that time) I loved them.

And still do.

Every now and then I want a "hard" ballad (a la Guns-n-Roses circa 1992) and this band fits that need.

Vindicated (the Spidey sell out song that started my love affair with the band)

Stolen (a good song if anyone has stolen your heart)

Fashion Friday: Scarf Obsession

2011-09-09T05:00:00.000-06:00

As we move into the fall fashion scene, there are lots of changes and lots of stuff not changing.

Changing--Military is out; preppy-chic is in. Snake print is the new leopard. Hot colors are teal, orange, and mustard (more on this later).

Staying: fur vests, scarves, boots, and bold color.

I for one LOVE the fall colors and I'm sooooo happy scarves will be staying with us for the season. Here's how to work a scarf into your causal, go to the farmer's market gear and into a day at work outfit.

Casual Gear with Scarf

Camisoles at Target
Sandals at DSW

Work Day with Scarf

Black Dresses by Ann Taylor
Boots by Urban Outfitters

Printed. Fur. Infinity. Knit. Silk. Scarves are so hot right now (and so versatile so add one or ten to your wardrobe)

Scarves & Wraps at Nordstrom
Scarves & Wraps by ALICE by Temperley

Things I Love: SoundHound

2011-09-08T05:00:00.000-06:00

SoundHound is an app for iPhones and Androids that instantly tells you the title and artist of song you are listening to and even the lyrics that match.

Really, you open the app, click "tap here" and the app listens to the song, and then within 30 seconds tells you who the artist is. It's amazing. I use it all the time.

I love SoundHound!

What I Think About: Serving and Being Served

2011-09-07T05:00:00.000-06:00

I've just read-again-the story of Jesus washing His disciples' feet (John 13:1-17). I always read this story as a "how to be a good Christian" manifesto.

Serve. Serve willingly. Serve humbly. Serve joyfully. Serve others as unto the Lord.

Surely this passage demonstrates the hearts of service we are to cultivate. This morning, however, I thought about this passage from another angle: the disciple being served.

Simon Peter balks at Jesus washing his feet. He simply can't stand to see Jesus doing the work that society deems to be the work of lowly slaves.

This is me. I'm Simon Peter. The reasons for my refusal to let the savior cleanse me are multi-faceted.
I don't want him to see how dirty my feet are. I don't what him to touch my filth. I am ashamed I've not kept my feet cleaner. I'm afraid he'll be disgusted. Angry. Unable or unwilling to clean me.

And maybe it is more than that. Maybe I'm too proud to admit I need my feet cleaned. Maybe I like the dirt and wear it as a badge. Maybe I believe that I won't be as happy or fulfilled if I am clean. Maybe I'm simply too stubborn and too hard-hearted to let him serve me.

I'm that girl--always willing to help but never willing to accept help even when I really need it. Always scolding others for not reaching out but never reaching out. Saying "things are going well" and "I'm okay" and "I've got it taken care of" when my world is falling apart and I am breaking into a million pieces and everything is in chaos.

I won't accept the service. I won't accept the help. I'll say, "no thank you. I'll clean my feet myself" to my friends, my family, and my God.

Why is it so hard to simply be real and to admit that I'm not okay and things aren't okay and I need someone to care for me--to refresh my tired soles (soul)? I get so caught up in the wash, wash, wash, serve, serve, serve mentality that I've totally missed it.

There is a blessing that comes along with allowing yourself to be vulnerable and with allowing yourself to BE served. It is humbling to be served. It can be shameful to ask for help but what friend really begrudges such a request? It is hard to say "this is who I am and this is where I am. Dirty. Broken. A complete mess!" And yet Jesus accepts that--prefers it even to our facades.

How much more would the Kingdom advance if we got past the feel good service level tot he messy, ugly, shredded "please help me because I can't do this alone" level?

We are the body. It is a beautiful thing letting willing hands tend tired feet for when both are properly used and refreshed, we are more able to fulfill the calling.

It's about serving--this faith. This life.

But it's about being real and humbling ourselves enough to be served.

Days of Play: If You Give a Mouse a Cookie

2011-09-06T05:00:00.000-06:00

As a mom I assume you've read this book. If not, head to Amazon and get it immediately; it's so much fun!

Photo from Amazon

Today, sit down with your kiddos and read this silly book and then do a few "Mouse" inspired activities.

First of all, make chocolate chip cookies. YUM!

Then sing "who stole the cookie from the cookie jar?"

Finally, play a game of "hot cookie"--like hot potato but with a cookie.

Simple, silly fun for everyone. Plus, did I mention you get to make and eat cookies? Winning!

Music Monday--The Ineloquent

2011-09-05T11:16:00.000-06:00

They haven't heard of you either.

The Ineloquent is a Christian band formed by a husband and wife in Iowa. They have since relocated to Denver (can you tell I love Denver bands?). Their sound is unique--inspiring. I listen to them when I need to both chill out and be re-invigorated.

Here's a little promo video introducing the band.

Give 'em a listen and then head to Facebook and "like" 'em, follow them on Twitter, or make a new Pandora station based off of the "Ineloquent" because even though you might not have heard of them, and they have not heard of you, lots of people are digging their sound.

The Question

My Heart Still Wears Your Name

What I Think About: Waterproof Mascara

2011-08-31T05:00:00.001-06:00

Yesterday I woke at 5:30 and started my routine of getting ready for work.

I washed my face, applied moisturizer, foundation, eyeliner, eyeshadow, blush ... I reached into my makeup bag for the last step in war paint application: mascara. I grabbed the purple tube of mascara, unscrewed the lid and had the wand centimeters from my eyelashes when I realized what I was doing.

This wasn't waterproof mascara. This was REAL mascara--the kind that would run down my face and make me look like Alice Cooper if my eyes so much as even thought about getting teary.

It hit me. My mom is gone and I am broken and no matter how much I'd like to be strong and carry on, I'm just not there yet. It has only been a week and I feel like it should be getting easier but somehow it's more suffocating, this sorrow. I know no one expects me to pretend that everything is okay but no one exactly wants to be around someone perpetually blue, either.

I look at the mascara wand and I'm utterly in shock. Will I need a reminder every morning that something is missing--that a part of me is missing? Will it ever get easier? Am I doomed to never again use this purple tube of mascara?

Sighing I put the wand back in the tube and tucked the mascara away for another day. A day when I can think of her without my eyes welling with tears. A day when I'm with people who are safe to cry in front of--who don't care if I cry so hard I look like a member of Kiss or that my nose runs profusely.

Today is not that day. I pull out the orange tube of waterproof mascara and apply the thick goop to my eyes. Now I can cry silently. Alone. And people won't know unless they know me too well or look too closely.

Waterproof mascara: a reminder that no matter how surrounded by love and support I am--I simply can't share the burden of this loss with anyone.

Music Monday: Mazzy Star

2011-08-29T09:08:00.000-06:00

Mazzy Star is the late 80's early 90's alternative band from California known for haunting melodies and pierce your heart lyrics.

Overall they haven't achieved world-wide success but darn it, I just love them.

They are most famous for their song Fade Into You (which sounds precisely like the kind of song made for long kisses on cloudy days).

Give her a listen:

I also love 5 String Serenade