Category: Blog Spot

One year since I packed up my bags to go stay with my grandmother…
One year since I had to put all of my faith in the Man upstairs because I couldn’t go at it alone…
One year since my heart felt uneasy…
One year since I felt the most uncertainty in life ever…
One year since I feared I’d lose my mother…
One year since I sat in the hallway and in waiting rooms of Rush, anxiously waiting on 3 hours to pass…
One year since I ate most of my meals from a hospital restaurant…
One year since my mom went in for her craniotomy…
One year since my mom woke up from her craniotomy… #PraiseGod
One year since I heard, “it went well”…
One year since I heard, “we got it all”…
One year since I said #ByeArnold…
One year since I heard it looked benign, but we have to send it over to pathology…
One year since God made a way when I didn’t think there was one…
One year since our lives changed forever…

If you had asked me a year ago where I would be today, I wouldn’t have been able to answer you. I couldn’t see past the moment. I was filled with anxiety, worry, fear, and sadness. All of the things the Bible tells you not to be bothered with, but yet, it consumed me. It wasn’t an easy road, and I couldn’t have gotten through it without my support system. #MyRocks #MyVillage #MyLight #MyGod

When you are able to make it to the other side of a traumatic experience, you start to view life differently. The lenses I wear now are those of humbleness and gratefulness. I lead with and give grace to others because He showed me just how far grace can go. He brought me through the storm, and gave me the tools I needed to weather it. He allowed me to place the weight of my world on His shoulders. He carried MY burdens. He shouldered MY cries. He covered ME! He did all of that so that I could give all that I had to my mom during her recovery, and now, while in her treatment. And for that… #Grateful #Humble #Blessed

We celebrated today by ordering delivery from one of my mom’s favorite restaurants, Portillo’s. I had Portillo’s delivered to her house and ours. We had a nice, virtual dinner with my mom to celebrate the year. We topped off the night with a slice of chocolate cake and singing “Happy C-Day to You!” I wanted this day to be a celebration of life, because every day is a blessing and it could have gone differently one year ago. But my God showed up and showed out. He put the armor of God on my mom and she came out of surgery with a warrior stance like no other! We are all grateful she is here to celebrate her 1 Year Craniversary with us! And we look forward to celebrating many more!

#OneYearDown #ManyMoreToGo #Survivor #Warrior

Sooooooo…I did a thing! #Shocker

It is so hard for me to sit down. If I am still for too long, I get this overwhelming feeling like I could make better use of the time doing something. I know…I should sit my narrow tail down sometimes, but I truly cannot help it. I know this is why I am always so vested in people. I just want to be of service and if I hear an inkling of where I can be, I’m jumping in head first. #ABlessing #AndSometimesABurden

Today was just another one of those days. #MoverAndAShaker #IfYouStayReadyYouDontHaveToGet Ready When I went on vacation a couple weeks ago, I set out to dress up my walls on the main level. I am not one for situated wall art, but I do love it when I see other people do it. I always think to myself, I should / could do that. Regretfully, I didn’t get to this task while on vacation because…well…vacation. I truly did minimal work and since this task required brain power, I happily postponed it.

Instead of wall art, I had it in my head to do some lighting to the right and left of the TV. Wall sconces is the proper name, I guess. I found some battery operated ones so that the job didn’t require any wiring. I didn’t really feel like watching the hubby cuss me out in his head AND I didn’t want more holes in the walls to run wiring. #WinWin

After some laser leveling top to bottom and side to side, and a trip to Home Depot for more wall anchors…Behold, I give you…wall decor!

Now, in the pictures the left sconce looks a little further away, but I promise it’s not. What we did learn, though, is that the fireplace is not centered on that wall. The hubby stared at it for a long time…cussing in his head…mad…beating himself up for not paying more attention to centering the fireplace before installing. #YouLiveAndYouLearn

Buuuuuuuut den…yes, I said it that way on purpose…den, I got real froggy and put my interchangeable wreath up. I will switch out with the seasons and holidays. I do this for my front door, but this time, I wanted something above the girls’ chalkboard. Now, I realize I need some lighting, so I am on the hunt for bats that eyes light up, buuuuuuuuuuuut…

#HandMade #CreativityAtItsFinest #MustAddLights #HalloweenVibes #AndThoseAreSpidersNotBatsAtTheTop

Guess I will sit it down for now. Only God knows what I will create next!

If there is one thing that has never changed with Thing 2, it’s her love-hate relationship with sleep. She fights it at night, even when she is dog tired. Then, come the next morning, she will sleep in until high noon if you let her. Now that school is back in session, sleeping in is a thing of the past.

For the first week or so of school starting, Thing 2 was up and at ’em. She would be too excited to sleep as hard as she typically does. I mean, this kid has not met an alarm clock that did not put her into a deeper sleep…UNTIL NOW!

I bought a cute, old-fashioned, alarm clock. I figured, the cuteness of it would make Thing 2 want to display it right next to her bed…never mind the fact how loud and annoying I knew it was going to be when the alarm went off. We got it all setup. She even heard the alarm sound for just a few seconds…can’t spoil the morning surprise. For the mornings where she was still too excited, the alarm was still cute. Yesterday, though, I noticed when the alarm went off, there was a quick and angry end to it’s sound. And then today, the newness of the school AND the clock CLEARLY wore off! I discovered this…

Thing 2 decided this ish was for the birds! I cannot tell you how many chuckles I got out of this one. I mean, no other alarm clock would get her up…no clock, no radio, no Alexa sound, no loud music…NOTHING!

So, here we are. I did what any loving mother would do. I put the batteries back in and reset the clock for tomorrow. Now that I know there is a sound that will get you out of bed each day, you best take your butt to bed at night. I have a stash of C batteries ready for you, Thing 2! And try to break it…your allowance will buy a new one. #ILoveMyLife

#WAKEUP!

Welp, it’s finally time!

I knew this day would come soon. I was ready for it a while ago, but I was just waiting on Thing 1 to be ready and ask. The last thing I wanted to do was make my baby more self conscious. #ITSSHAVEDAY

My girls are quite the hairy individuals…like…since birth! The heartburn struggle was REAL when I carried them! They couldn’t miss, though. Between their daddy and I, there is enough hair to create a blanket! Thing 1 finally got sick enough of it…I am sure changing for P.E. didn’t help.

During bathtime, I walked my little-big girl through shaving her legs and then her underarms. She took great care as she got less and less nervous with each swipe. That big one and I can have our moments. She is a spitting image of me, attitude and all. But she is all about her mommy during moments like this. And let me tell you (as I clap with each word), I … am … here … for … it!

#AnotherMilestone

#NoMoHairForTheWin

Today was bittersweet! While I recognized my kids needed to return to their school lives, I was not sure the world was ready. The pandemic is still a thing, social and emotional skills have taken a dip, and life in our bubble has yet to mingle with other bubbles. Yet, I prayed and put trust in God that He would protect all of our children as they ventured off to start a new school year fully in-person. #CoverThemLord #PleaseLetThatLittleOneStayMasked

As if the sendoff wasn’t enough, it had to come at a time when Thing 1 was transitioning to Junior High. #WhereDidTimeGo This is my responsible, trustworthy, intelligent, and sweet baby. I guess, she’s not quite a baby anymore, but she is still sooooooo innocent. Junior High will open her eyes a little wider and I am not ready for that. I have to admit, though…SHE READY!

And now, Thing 2 is left to fend for herself. No more help out of the car. No more reminders that she forgot her mask/backpack/water bottle/etc. in the car. No more of big sister holding her backpack for her while she takes her time exiting the car at drop-off. No more reminders to close the door when she hops out last and darts off. No more walking into the building together. And no more assistance to mom and dad locating Thing 2 as she is still in her classroom packing up for the day while the rest of her class is outside in the pick-up line. But after one day under her belt, Thing 2 proved…SHE READY TOO!

As much as I wish I could, I cannot be by their side every day. This pandemic has given me the opportunity to spend my days not having to share my babies with the world. And for that, I am truly grateful. Now, it is time I share them with the world. So, see you later, my loves!

In an effort to close out the summer with a fun activity, we went on another Top Golf adventure with family. It was only the second time the kids have really been out out (first time was actually another Top Golf event…gosh, I love that place). The kids had an amazing time! I didn’t even want the day to end.

A couple days after, though, Thing 2 started to sneeze. Then, she said her throat was dry. Now, I speak Thing 2’s language and if she is describing her throat as dry, it means it is soar. If it is soar, it means UH OH! She progressively got worse and by Wednesday, I kicked her and her daddy out to get her tested. I’m pretty sure this was her first COVID test. I had the Twix ready for when she got back because I knew she was coming back HEATED! I knew they were about to dig up her deepest thoughts in that q-tip and she was going to be ready to swing on somebody.

By God’s unyielding grace, she was NEGATIVE! #YesLord #ThankYouJesus #UhOh #IAmNext

Fast forward to today…we are a few medicine days in. That Mucinex will get your life right!!! Thing 2 was still needing to work through the new cough, and by this time Thing 1 and I fell victim to this precious viral gift. We had a medicine meeting several times throughout the day. Earlier in the day was the red stuff and at night it was time to break out the blue. Thing 2 could tolerate the red, but the blue turned her into a different kid! #SheMad #SheAngry #ShePISSED

Time for the blue! Now, I must mention, I stepped in something wet on the side of my bed earlier. It was a light orange color. I asked Thing 2 what she spilled and she had no idea. I poured up the nighttime blue for both Thing 1 and Thing 2 in the bathroom. I walked out for some reason and on the way back Thing 1 said, “Sissy didn’t take her medicine!” And how do you know that, my dear? Then, she showed me her evidence…

I had towels ready for the wash on the bathroom floor. Thing 2 decided this was the best place to store her medicine. #NowIAmPISSED Welp, she got her 10ML still and she was watched like a hawk in the process. I could not believe this. Then, I recalled the light orange stain on the side of my bed. I asked this child again, do you know what that is? She said, “No mommy!” America, I cannot prove it, but this child has fooled me something serious one too many times. I think she poured her medicine out or spilled it (accidentally on purpose) and tried to wipe it up. I cannot prove it, but after #BlueMedicineGate I am convinced!

Just another thing to have to watch with Thing 2! Lord, you definitely gave her to the right one because I am ready to get this girl alllllll the way right before I release her into this world! Until then, I need to be on my game, ‘cuz…SHE’S BAAAAAAAACK!

I finished up the handrail today. I put that second coat of stain on and two layers of sealant. #SheReady…ForTheStairs

Because I was feeling froggy…and bored…I decided to sand and stain the garage stairs. This was something I thought about doing last year, but always thought to myself, But it’s a garage. So, one coat of stain and sealer later and voila!

If that wasn’t enough, I started straightening up the garage. After vacuuming, decluttering, and putting crap away so we can start to park in there again…I uncovered a new project…more hanging storage. I had the bright idea that the outdoor chairs and some other items could hang on the wall versus taking up space in the garage. ANNNNDDDDDDDD, since the hubby was going to the Depot anyway…voila!

It feels really good to be able to put hard work into projects. As much as this was all manual labor, it was therapeutic. Power tools and end results have a way of sparking joy, even when I am left with a busted nail, funky pits, and sand in my hair! #AGirlAndHerTools #ProjectLed #OnToTheNextOne

For now, it’s time to hit the showers. Next on the list of To Dos in the coming week are:
– Painting the basement stairway stringer (didn’t get to that today)
– Touching up the basement walls after my dryfall incident
– Painting the basement ceiling by the stairs
– Purging the girls’ toys
– Decluttering the basement

That list may seem daunting, but I cannot tell you how good I will feel when I finish…CORRECTION…when WE finish!

After I get defunkdafied, I will bask in the glory of everything that was accomplished yesterday and today. I take pride in all that I do, no matter how big or small the task may be. I also have no fear in learning a new skill so that I can accomplish said task. #ItsHowILearn #LifeLearner

So, for anyone out there who wants to do something, know that you can. It may take a little studying, trial and error, elbow grease, and sweat, but YOU GOT THIS! Cuz all that you see above…#SheDidThat #AndShesReadyToDoItAgain

Today, I set out to accomplish 2 things: stain the basement handrail (AGAIN!) and paint the stairway stringer. Because there are only 24 hours in a day…#OneOutOfTwoAintBad

The day got away from me when the hubby and I realized we should have placed an order for the bathroom vanity. We went to the site to get the order placed and the estimated delivery date was AUGUST! #SugarHoney

We set out on an unplanned adventure to see if we could get a vanity we liked in store or delivered sooner…No luck! After careful thought, we decided we would build our own. #MoreToComeOnThatOne

When we finally got home, it was time to get to work. The hubby and I set up the handrail in the garage and I reached for my sanding pads. I realized I LOVE staining and DISLIKE sanding! The amount of dust that kicks up when sanding is amazing to me. That dust makes its way into every crevice of every thing. The OCD in me went a little coo coo for Cocoa Puffs. And I swear that rail grew since I started sanding. Not too shabby, though…

Now that the hard part was done and I had dust in places the Lord should not allow, it was time to pick a stain that coordinates well with the new floors. Here goes…

Time for the fun part! STAIN! After all of the hard work prepping, it took all of 10 minutes to apply the first coat of stain. We knew it wouldn’t be dark enough with just one coat, so more will come tomorrow. I must say, I think this is going to look gorgeous when the flooring gets installed!

Well, now…we wait!

#SeeYaTomorrow

I recall being intrigued by fire as a kid. So much so, I lit a shoebox on fire, got scared, and where did I put said shoebox??? UNDER THE BED! My mom smelled the smoke and caught it in time. Boy, did I get a well whooped butt behind that one! #IEarnedIt

Since then, I have had a few mishaps with fire. First my hair…then my eyebrows, eyelashes, and bangs…followed by a log popping out of the fireplace and burning the rug while I was trying to shift the wood. #ImNotAllowedToHaveAFireplace #IBarelyGetToMoveTheWoodInTheFirepit #FolksWatchMeLikeAHawkToo

Fast forward to Thing 2. She has that same fascination. For the longest time, I would not burn candles when she was home because I could not trust her not to mess with it. She has burned a plastic spoon, pen, and a host of other items I have not discovered yet. #SheEarnedOneOfHerOwnThatDay She has a curiosity like no other, but baby, fires are NO play thang! #LetMePauseHereAndTestOurSmokeDetectors

So, here we are! Thing 2, well aware of the consequences, begs me to allow her to blow out the candle with the snuffer. I was on a conference call and trusted that she learned her lesson. #WRONG When I got off my call, I immediately went to check on the candle. Thing 2 tried to hurry up and blow the candle out herself when she heard me coming. The look on her face was one of horror when she saw the look on mine! #LordCoverThisChildAndAllHerCuriosities #SheGoneNeedYouJesus

The girl went a step further as I chat away on my call. She stuck French fries in the candle, a juice box straw, and (I AM SURE) a host of other items I have not found yet. #BeyondLivid

The girl got a stern talking to. I removed anything fun from her life. I think she expected to be put out, but oh no…you gone stay…and watch everyone who follows the basic safety rules have a grand ole time. #SheCried #IAintGotTime #BetterCryingThanHurtFromAFire She is on a strict, no candle diet! In the meantime, I will be searching for fire safety videos so that I can show her the importance of her not ever playing with fire!

Guess the old saying as a kid was true, keep it up, your kids are going to give all of that back to you times ten!

#IEarnedIt

Today was going well until I peed in my child’s corn flakes. She was so excited to ask me if she could have a play date with her friends from school. She knows where we stand with home visits, but she thought today’s answer would be different for some reason. We are still keeping our family unit close and any activities with friends are outside. She was deflated when she left my office. #PoorGirl #OneDayBaby #COVIDStillSucks

On a happier note, she ran off to blast her music in her room. It took me a sec, but then I caught myself singing…

You make me wanna leave the one I’m with
start a new relationship with you, this is what you do…

I had to Slack the hubby just to be sure I heard that song from the right room. He said, “it’s not me!”

Well, well, well! If I did nothing else right today, I raised a good one! That’s a classic! Go be mad, Boo! And play There Goes My Baby next!

#MomFail #ToMomWin #UrsherBaby #YeahMan #MyBoo #Hubby#2