Those moments.

The day is filled with tons and tons of moments.  Moments that last just a second, some a little longer.. moments that make you angry, moments that make you sad, and moments that fill your heart with so much joy it could burst.  And moments that in most cases get taken for granted....

Late last night my children and I piled in bed and watched a movie, we snuggled, and watched Beauty and the Beast (my kids first time seeing the movie), and while I truly enjoyed these moments with them.... I watched my husband pick up around the house a bit, put some things away, take a shower, and much later come crawl into bed with us.... Just as he came in, it was time for me to put the kids to bed in their rooms.  Most of the time the role is reversed and I am the one doing all those little things, baths, laying out the next days clothes bookbags etc, putting the dog to bed, all those little menial things that are so tiring...  and last night as I watched Adam get to enjoy about 10 minutes of  true family time with us, I became so thankful.....

Two nights ago I came home to Adam cooking dinner.  He was mixing up some cornbread, Palmer had a chair pulled up right beside him at the counter, and he was just cooking away; Palmer just chattering as she pretend cooked.  Cray was running around, Adam answering a bazillion of his questions... It was pure chaos... purely beautiful chaos, I became so thankful..... 

Yesterday, I had a customer fly in from New York to buy a Corvette, he landed in Asheville at 1:45, if I timed it just right I could still make it to watch the kids gymnastics and take Cray to soccer practice.  As my customer drove off the lot at 4:02 another one walked in the door, I hurried and got everything I needed for todays deal, and out the door I went ten minutes late for making it to gymnastics.  As I walked through the gym I saw little hands waving in excitement that their mama was there to watch; Adam standing there holding shoes in his hands amongst a bunch of mothers, watching the kids.....I became so thankful.  After gymnastics we whisked across the road to soccer, and Adam and I got to sit on the bleachers in the shade, and just BE STILL and chat for a moment.  After soccer, we went out for Taco Tuesday, the kids and I ran to Walmart.... and I came home to a surprise pumpkin crunch and pumpkin pie blizzard that Adam picked up for me on the way home.... I became so so so thankful.

All these little moments, these quick little moments that we normally just let pass us by are huge.  There are so many days that we can just pass each other like strangers on the side walk, but instead my husband chooses to show me love in so many ways.  He doesn't have to cook dinner, he could wait for me to get home.  He doesn't have to run our kids all over creation for activities, but he does.  He didn't have to go out of his way to pick me up a surprise dessert, but he did.  Everyday Adam chooses to keep loving me.  I don't always thank him or praise him like I should; heck most days he probably thinks I don't appreciate him at all.... But man, do I ever.  Don't get me wrong there are days when I think "why do I do everything around here", always loading the dishwasher, bathing the kids, blah blah blah.... but it's give and take, I have to do my part and he has to do his.  And as I watched him crawl into bed last night, I was so so thankful for my husband.  Today, typing this I am so so thankful for my husband.  Those moments that I get to have with him every day, good/bad, happy, or whatever, I am so thankful. 

Catch a glimpse of your husband and in that moment whatever he is doing appreciate him.  Appreciate him for his flaws, appreciate him for his perfections, for his quirks, for his handsomeness.... whatever drew you to him in the first place, be thankful for him and the everyday moments you get to share because in those rushed moments, the ones we take for granted, you'll thank God for the blessing that is yours.     

Purpose

I haven't blogged in a while.... a really long while.  But right in the middle of a stressful Friday, something happened that was just too much to put into a simple facebook post.  So I had to share the story.

Today has been stressful, this week has been stressful.  When you work in a dealership your life is consumed by appraisals and finance, and customers that hammer you all day for THE BEST PRICE POSSIBLE.  Sometimes the day to day duties and routine customers just push you to the limit; this week has been one of those weeks..... So the next bit of my story was a welcomed surprise.

About 2:00 today one of the service writers brought a lady to my office who was shockingly enough needing an appraisal... she wanted to know what trade in value was, and suggested retail value was for her truck.  To my confession, immediately I was annoyed... here I was on a Friday, at 2:05 (about twenty minutes away from needing to pick up my kids) with ANOTHER appraisal request from nobody that wanted to buy a vehicle.... So, I wrote up the appraisal, jumped in the ladies truck, got the values and came back to my office, I sat down to give her the details and the most amazing thing happened.... 

As I began to go over the details of the truck with the lady, she told me that this was her husbands truck and he had just passed away.  They had been married 34 years.  He was a Marine, "strong and handsome" she said, as tears filled her eyes.  She let me know that he had cancer, and it had gotten to the point that he ended up passing away of a stroke right in front of her.  By the time she got him to the hospital, he had already become brain dead and didn't live but hours after that.  She told me that she held his hand as he took his last breath.  But this is the amazing part.....

The lady shared with me that God had perfectly orchestrated her whole life, and while she was a little bitter that her husband had left her here on this earth alone.  She knew that God had perfectly led her up to this point.  She shared with me that she had been married before, and God put her husband in front of her at just the perfect moment, God knew she needed him, and they shared 34 years together. She shared with me that when searching for Dr's to help her husband with treatment, he didn't respond well to chemo (she watched him suffer), God led her to the perfect Dr. in Atlanta.  She shared with me that when it was her husbands time to go that God allowed her son to be in town that weekend (he normally lives in TX), to be by her side.  All of these moments God knew just what she needed.  She shared with me that since her husband had passed though, she didn't know what her purpose was now that he was gone.... but even in that angst, she knew that God had left her here for a purpose...... 

Obviously, today her purpose was to witness to me! WOW. Just wow.  What Faith! Here I am whining having a down right pity party about a stressful day.  And this lady in all her sorrow, in having to pick up the pieces, and learn to be on her own, she sang praises! Praises to a good God.  I hugged her, she cried, and I cried, and I thanked her for sharing her story.  And I thanked her for loving the Lord.  And I thanked her and told her that today she had a purpose, today she shared God's goodness with another Christian woman.  Today she reminded me to look around and be thankful.  Today she reminded me to call my husband and tell him I love him.  Today she reminded me that I serve a good and gracious God, even in times of trouble.  

I was so wrapped up in this lady that I looked at my watch and it was 2:55, I told her I had to run pick up my kids, but thanked her again for visiting with me.   And let her know that if she ever needed anything to call me, even if it was just to talk again, because I enjoyed her company so much.....

I just cried and cried on my way to get the kids, how could I be so selfish....and once I got back to my office I couldn't help but think what have I missed out on with other people?  Are there days I'm so frustrated and in such a hurry I don't take the time to appreciate those around me?  How many have I missed the opportunity to share God's goodness with..... 
God truly puts people in our path for a purpose.  Everyone is fighting a battle.  Most days A LOT bigger than the one I am fighting.  LOVE those around you, LOVE your neighbor, LOVE your family, give THANKS to the ONE providing.... slow down..... life is precious, God is good, sometimes we just need to be reminded.          

She is 2

 Two years ago, I was wondering why my baby girl was being so stubborn.  Why was she not coming out! I was miserable.  I mean surely since I had just had a kid 14 months ago I would have went into labor with her a little early!

I was two days past my due date.   They scheduled me to be induced on July 8th 2013.  I was to be at the hospital at 7am.  I got there, got checked in, and was about to be hooked up to Pitocin when the dr. came in for one last check to see how dilated I was.  "Something isn't right" she said, "I really want to get an ultrasound tech in here for a second opinion".  The ultrasound tech came in and confirmed what my dr feared.  Palmer had flipped completely around and was totally breach.  At this point it was dangerous for her and dangerous for me, so the dr decided on an emergency C-section.  I was terrified.  Adam was terrified.  We prayed.

Within a little bit they started prepping me for surgery.  Once to procedure started she was into the world in 2-3 minutes.  I didn't get to hold her right away, instead her daddy got to spend her first precious moments with her... .but once I finally did get to her, we locked eyes and from that moment I was smitten.

This little girl brings so much joy into my life.  She is a momma's girl, but she has her daddy wrapped.   She adores her brother and they are the best of friends. She loves to sing and dance.  Books are her favorite.  She's light as a feather and tough as nails.  She's OH SO BEAUTIFUL!  Her eyes melt my heart.   

Happy Birthday Palmer McCall I love you more than you could ever begin to understand.

We spent her day going to the aquarium, eating lunch, doing a little shopping, a train ride, and ending the day with cake and a new frozen mobile.  Watching her grow is truly perfect.

21 Day Fix

 

21 Days ago today, I started a journey.  I hope my insights into this program will challenge you to do great things; better things for yourself and your health.  Truth be told I hope you can do it a whole lot better than I did because it is TOUGH.  

 

   Before I had kids, I was always small.  About a size 3/5 through high school and a size 8 through college up until I had my son.  Then I had my daughter, my kids are 14 months 26 days apart.  So, over the course of a couple years my body went through ALOT.  After my C-section, crunches were not an option.  Exercise was HARD work, and I was exhausted, until one day I had enough.  I felt so miserable.

 

Which leads me to my life long friend, Tiffany.  And this picture that I saw on FB.  Tiff was working at the Fitness Center and had trained me there, and I've always loved her, but I really loved her as a trainer.  So, she started coaching softball with my husband and told me about this awesome program the 21 day fix.  If you are looking for a coach check into Tiffany she is AWESOME!

 

 

So, I decided let's do this.  I bought my shakeology (vegan chocolate) which I loved.  Got my containers and my workout videos.  And the journey began.   See those cute little containers, that's what teaches you portion control.

 

 

 Now, I am going to be brutally honest.  I am not making excuses I am just telling you that if you have two small children, you will need some ALONE time to get this done.  You will need time to prep your food, because you have to concentrate on how much of each food group you are getting.  You will need time to work out, 30 minutes a day. EVERY DAY.

I would love to tell you that I honestly followed this program to a "T" but I didn't.  There was one week we had bible school and I maybe got two workouts in.  There was one evening I was trying to do a workout and my kids wouldn't leave me alone and I quit fifteen minutes in.

There were days that going to subway to get a sub was so much easier than filling those stinking containers. 

Remember me saying this was tough? 

My husband and I LOVE to eat.  We love to try new restaurants, and go on dinner dates, and have a coke every now and then. I love swiss cake rolls, and cake, AND COOKIES I love cookies.  Giving those things up was so hard.  I gave up my coffee creamer, but I had to keep half and half tea.  I would fill it up half sweet, half unsweet, sorry (not sorry).

   

But in the end.....

 

I can officially say I am down 9.4 pounds and 5.5 inches.  I was NOT focused on the number on the scale from the start.  My personal goal was to feel comfortable enough in my own skin that IF I wanted to rock a two piece this summer, I could, confidently.  My primary focus was how I felt.  I can honestly say I feel better in my clothes, I feel less tired, I feel the best I have felt in a LONG time.   This was NOT easy. I'm 18 days away from my beach trip and I'm going to do another round.  Stay tuned.  

 

 

33.

 Today is the day we celebrate my awesome Husband.  There are so many reasons why I love this man. 

Adam and I started dating in December of 2005.  I was just a baby of 18 years old but I fell absolutely head over heels in Love. 

Don't get me wrong we have had our share of ups and downs.  We parted ways for a while.  God didn't see that fit for us, so thankfully, He put us back together.  And for that I am forever grateful.

 

A few reasons why I love my husband so much:

 

He's GOOFY.  I mean dancing making faces, pulls his pants up too high, and makes you laugh hysterically GOOFY.

 

He makes me smile.  Not in the every single day he's so sweet and thoughtful ways, but those right in the middle of every day life, when you want to break down, he makes me smile.  On days when there are dishes in the sink, dirt on the floors, and I'm about to cry, he makes me smile.

 

He's Handsome.  From day one to now, I find him to be THE MOST attractive man.

 

He is Godly.  This should have been First.  On Sunday mornings when I am wore slap out, and don't want to get out of bed.  Adam makes sure we are up and moving.  We may not be on time, but we (his family) will be in church.  And Adam prays for us, all the time, and he teaches our kids to pray.  I'm so thankful for that.

 

He LOVES our children.  He disciplines our children.  He plays with our children.  He hugs them, he kisses them, snuggles, watches movies, dresses up like spiderman.... and so much more.  Adam is a fantastic father. 

 

The best thing about him to me, is he's my best friend.  He listens to me and he understands me.... better than anybody.  He loves me unconditionally.  He's seen me at my best, and at my worst, he just keeps on loving me.  He still holds my hand in the car.  He still gives me butterflies.  We actually have a date this evening, and I'm pretty nervous. 

 

The day God decided to put this man on earth is one of my favorites.

Happy Birthday my love. 

 

 

 

Comparison Chart

 

Comparisons.  We all do it. We all struggle with it.  Social media makes it so much worse.  They have such a nice car.  They have such a nice house.  Her husband is so sweet.  She has great hair, skin, abs, whatever.  They go on so many vacation etc etc etc.  It is truly toxic! Do we really think about what is going on in those photos we see? Do we really need to compare our clothes, kids, cars, homes lives to those of others?

It happened to me.  I caught myself (in church nonetheless).  I am human.  Thankfully I am also SAVED and God showed me quickly.  Don't do it; appreciate the things you have; you're doing a great job mama.  

So what happened exactly.  Well...... For Sunday night service we take our kids to Children's church.  My son is three and my daughter is two.  This night there were three other children in class besides mine, two at age four, and one at age two.  The teacher told a story and asked questions.  Do you know who this is?..... BABY JESUS two of the kids yelled (not mine).  And who is this..... BIG JESUS.... and what is he doing.... TEACHING.... and what is this?? THE CROSS... and what did Jesus do here?  HE DIED FOR US....and what is this?  THE TOMB! and what happened here?  JESUS ROSE!  My kids didn't utter the first peep.  (side note: I stayed in class because my kid wrapped around my leg and started to cry when I tried to leave).  Anyway, next task, color the pictures from the story we just discussed, cut them out, and let's make a book.  My son, out loud, for the teacher's and other mom to hear "I don't know how to color!" my response, "yes you do silly, here hold your crayon like we work on" ... my son "I DON'T KNOW HOW TO HOLD A CRAYON"
So at this point I'm looking at my son like:

Because I'M EMBARASSED! Because MY KID doesn't know/feel comfortable holding a crayon.  Because MY KID does not know how to/like to color.  And because MY KID can't talk fluently about Jesus like I THINK he should....Because MY KID wrapped around my leg and threw a fit when I tried to leave....

So on the way home I start telling Adam about how far behind Cray is and how he can't color, and he can't answer questions like the other kids.  COMPARING HIM TO OTHER KIDS, AND COMPARING MYSELF TO OTHER MOMS BECAUSE I THINK I HAVE FAILED.  And this is why I love my husband so much... he says "Tiff don't compare Cray to other kids, he's fine, we're fine... you need to ask yourself, will cray be where those kids are in ten months?"  So I say Cray, can you tell Dad what we learned in class.  He gets out his little book "Dad, this is baby Jesus, and he died for us, because he loves us so much, and then he Rose and went to heaven, and we will see him one day" 

Thanks God.  Thank you for reminding me.  Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it Proverbs 22:6.  

Thank you for showing me that their may be reasons why my kid doesn't write as well as other kids.  Maybe because instead of doing writing lessons we play super heroes.  We chase each other through the house fighting crime, saving the day, with dart guns, ducking behind the island while Adam tries to chase us.  Thank you God for showing me.

 

 

 

There may be a reason my kid wraps around my legs and won't let me leave a room.  Maybe it's because I work all day every day and when they see me they want to hold on a little longer.  Thank you God for sweet hugs and kisses and loving smiles that prove how much my kids adore me.  Thank you for that assurance that I am doing a good job; regardless of how many story questions they can't answer, and what kind fit they throw when I try to leave.   

 

 

 

Don't compare mama.  Don't wish you had what they have, don't wish you're doing what they're doing.  God has you exactly where he intended you to be.  Your little family is doing exactly what they need to be doing.  And if you are teaching them the best you can to Love Jesus, and Love others HE will continue to keep things just so.   

Ever have one of those days...

I know from the title you must be thinking she's had one of those awful terrible days.  But no, not this time, there was nothing in the world that could have ruined this day. This was one of those days that God created for your family to enjoy each other, enjoy the company, enjoy the smiles, every single giggle. 

 

I normally work Monday-Friday every week but this week I had a customer flying in from MA to pick up a van; so I swapped my Saturday for an impromptu Friday.  Bill is the customer's name and he flew into Atlanta from Brewster Massachusetts to purchase a van from me.  Another reason why I love my job, getting to meet customers from all over the place! Thanks Bill! And thanks for coming on a Saturday so I could have an amazing Friday with my family.... story continues.

So we decided randomly to head to Dollywood's Splash Country in Pigeon Forge, TN.  and my good ness did we have a great day!  Here's me and my babes before the adventures started. 
 

 

We played and played and played some more.  This was both of my kids first time at a waterpark.  While we played at the kiddy section my husband, his sister, and cousin rode all the big rides.  The adults had a blast too!

 

 

 

After a couple hours Cray-man zonked out!

 

After FIVE HOURS at the park we headed to have some dinner and had a great time walking around the Island. See Palmy and her handsome daddy. These two melt my heart.  I never knew it was possible to love someone more and more every day.

 

There was this really cool mime.  HE looked so much like a statue it was incredible.  Palmer didn't think he was too cool.  

 

We wound down the day with a crow-nut from this awesome sweet shoppe.  If you haven't tried one you haven't lived.  GO NOW!  And of course some Palmy lovin.

 

I as a mom (a working mom especially) long for days like this.  When my kids are happy, when my husband is having fun and happy.  Those days that are full of smiles, and hugs, and love yous.  The days that you look at your husband in those swim trunks; and even though he doesn't look the same as he did 10 years ago he's still the most handsome thing you've ever seen. Those days where everything is appreciated, everything is cherished, and everything is enjoyed. This was one of those days that God created for your family to enjoy each other, enjoy the company, enjoy the smiles, every single giggle.  

 

Enjoy them mama.  They are precious.