masks

We all wear a mask.  

Sometimes we wear more than one.  

And sometimes we we wear so many, we don't even know who we are without one.

We talked about this recently with our youth group, and even more recently our pastor spoke on it in church.  

Why are we so afraid to share who we really are?  

Why are we so reluctant to ACCEPT those who are sharing their true authentic selves?  

Does it make us uncomfortable in our skin, because maybe we see too much of ourselves in their weaknesses?

I am guilty of wearing masks.  

And while I'd like to think that I wear them because it's who I so desire to be, what I should be more focused on is not pretending but BECOMING that person.  

The truth?

I am not always confident.  

Sometimes and often I am insecure and I care far too much what others think about me.

I am not always happy and outgoing.  

I struggle, daily sometimes, with anxiety and fear.

I am not always strong in my faith and in my relationship with God.  

There are days I have questions and feel so far from His presence.  

This is me.

This is where I am at this moment in my life.

And I know, despite appearances and masks, God still sees what is there...

yet He LOVES and ACCEPTS me right where I am.

As we walk around today, seeing the costumes and masks that consume Halloween, I pray we all can take a minute and think about the masks we ourselves are wearing.

And more importantly, know that even without those masks....

as imperfect and weak as we think we are...

We are still worthy of love and acceptance.


Wearing a mask may be the "in" thing to do.
But are you willing to go against the crowd?

*~~~~~~~*

Psalm 139

For the director of music. Of David. 

A psalm. 

¹ You have searched me, LORD, and you know me.

² You know when I sit and when I rise;    

you perceive my thoughts from afar.

³ You discern my going out and my lying down;    

you are familiar with all my ways.

⁴ Before a word is on my tongue    

you, LORD, know it completely.

⁵ You hem me in behind and before,    

and you lay your hand upon me.

⁶ Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,    

too lofty for me to attain.  

⁷ Where can I go from your Spirit?    

Where can I flee from your presence?

⁸ If I go up to the heavens, you are there;    

if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

⁹ If I rise on the wings of the dawn,    

if I settle on the far side of the sea,

¹⁰ even there your hand will guide me,    

your right hand will hold me fast.

¹¹ If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me    

and the light become night around me,”

¹² even the darkness will not be dark to you;    

the night will shine like the day,    

for darkness is as light to you.  

¹³ For you created my inmost being;    

you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

¹⁴ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;    

your works are wonderful,    

I know that full well.

¹⁵ My frame was not hidden from you    

when I was made in the secret place,    

when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.

¹⁶ Your eyes saw my unformed body;    

all the days ordained for me were written in your book    

before one of them came to be.

© 2011 "Le Musings of Moi"

what you missed on the mommalogues

First things first...did you see the new Mommalogues widget over there to the right? -----> Kinda fun, ya?

And now for what you may have missed this week on the Mommalogues:

How does football season affect your family?

Do you brag about your kids and what do you think of moms that do?

What's your mommy wardrobe and which celeb style do you wish you had?

Others from the week:

How often do you let your kids have dessert?

How clean is the inside of your car?

Make sure to check out what the other mommas have to say, it's always fun to hear how different our views can be! (plus they are adorable!)

Enjoy your Sunday guys!

xoxo

© 2011 "Le Musings of Moi"

shutterfly holiday cards giveaway

Okay, yes...I know it's barely Halloween, but didn't you know that NOW is the time to start prepping for Christmas?!?

I know, I know....let's celebrate ONE HOLIDAY at a time....but there are some think you have to think ahead about, like Christmas cards!  

And luckily I can help you out with that!  

Because Shutterfly is offering THREE of my readers a $25 credit towards your order. 

{did you know that they also have photo greeting cards and birth announcements as well?  you see? shutterfly kind of rocks!  they have cards to celebrate the baby Jesus AND your new bundle of joy!  the options!!!}

You will DIE when you see all the chic cards they have for the holidays, as I am already having way too hard of a time narrowing down my choices.  I may, in fact, need to order a few different styles for each of my changing moods. 

Here are just a few of my favorites among the many:

And when I say, "among the many," I mean there are over 900 options so you most definitely need not to worry about there being someone having the exact same card as you.

And I'm not promising that will absolutely NOT happen, but I am saying...the chances are slim.

So.

You get busy clicking on links, picking out your faves and then come back here and leave me a comment letting me know which ones you are loving the best.  

I'll be picking a winner next Saturday!
{this giveaway is open only to those who follow my blog through google friend connect}

Want more ways to win?

~ tweet all about it

~ facebook it to your friends

~ blog about it on your cute blog

~ buy me something cute

{pretty sure you would win if you did that last one...just sayin'}

Oh, and leave a separate comment for each thing ya do, would ya?

Happy Holidays!

© 2011 "Le Musings of Moi"

hair do i did: simple fancy

{super easy to do. simply put on a headband but not under your hair, then twist hair over & under the headband}


Jimmy came home from work quite happy about this particular 'do.  He LOVES when I wear my hair back, and so he was quite impressed with the newfound way to funk it up.  It's so adorable how just these little things, like doing my hair in a way he likes, makes him smile.


....and now a word NOT about hair:

I gotta say, this week was an introspective one.  You notice?

I've been in analyzing mode quite a bit, and sometimes I wish I could just....relax.

*******

I'm in MAY-jah questioning mode about my blog...like, what are my intentions and where should my focus be?  I find myself wondering where it should go from here, and after all this time, if there is still a place among all the many for what I think I have to share....

*******

I'm questioning the job I'm doing as a mom.  Am I loving enough, giving enough attention, being in the moment enough, teaching and showing the heart of Jesus enough?

*******

I question myself.  A lot.  Is this decision right?  Would that decision be better?  Am I growing and learning and is it all enough?  I put so much pressure on myself...I hate to disappoint.

*******

And then there are all the other inner thoughts of my heart...such as....

Working with the youth girls at my church, brings me back to a place where everything changed in my life.

{it's a story i have yet to share, but I will.  soon.}

And it's good now, but I look at them...at the age I was...and I just want it to be different for them NOW.

And so I make a promise to God to love them, and be there for them, and hope that somehow I can provide a place of acceptance...of unconditional love....of understanding....that may never otherwise be there in the things they are dealing with.

Ya, and you thought you were getting a hair post.

ha!

Sometimes that's me though.

In one moment I'm excited about hair, and the next, I'm pondering the deep meaning and issues of life.

There's a chick for ya.

And you?

Any good hair tips you want to share?

Deep thoughts you've been having?

Let's be chicks together.

Don't leave me hanging.

It could be very awkward otherwise. 


don't forget to link up to blog link up party!

 

© 2011 "Le Musings of Moi"

doing for one can change the world

Do for one what you wish you could do for everyone, Andy Stanley

We can't change the world, at least not in the ONE big swoop we all dream of, and so we tend to get dispondant.  We think we can't make a change big enough, so why even try.

But what if we adopted the above attitude each and every day.

What if we decided we would do for just ONE what we so wish we could do for EVERYONE.
{not to be confused with ONLY one....yet one at a time.}

Our pastor shared on this a few weeks ago and it has really settled into my heart, mind and soul.

By doing for just one, you change not only the lives they will one day reach, but you change yourself at the same time.

By doing for one, we are doing more than we could have ever imagined.

Here are some thoughts to keep in

mind as you look for your one.

• Go deep rather than go wide • Go long term rather than short term • Go time not just money

Who is your one today?

What will you do?

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:9,10

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

© 2011 "Le Musings of Moi"

it's what i wore out

what i'm wearing:
jeans: jolt
dress/tunic: mark.com
wedges: jessica simpson
occasion: church
{went to church still not feeling well and then had a church lunch after...so by the time i got home i was so done with being dressed.  basically we snapped these pictures in a hurry and then i quickly replaced clothes with jammies and crawled into bed.}

I love and adore that it's starting to cool off.
And by cool off in southern california terms, I mean we're down from the 80's to the 70's.
I know, don't ya feel so bad for me?
But the cooler it gets, the more layers I intend to put on.
Oh my word, layering, I die.

Along with the change of weather, I've also been feeling the need to purge my closet and consign some things and start afresh.
And this is why I can't spend a lot on clothes, because I tire of things so quickly.
Yes, some items are timeless....but most?
Are consignable.
And that is exactly what you'll find me doing in the next coming weeks.

What about you guys, what are you loving as the weather changes?

© 2011 "Le Musings of Moi"

a night at the hyatt's blue marble spa

{speaking of pamper days....}

Last week was one LONG week.

Between visiting friends (LOVED!) and getting the worst cold of my life (NOT LOVE)....I was a needin' some pamper time, let me just tell you.

Thankfully Thursday night, Blue Marble Spa at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay hosted an ahhhh.mazing spa night for some of us San Diego Mommy Bloggers.

I died.

But not actually, cause ya know,  I'm still here blogging about it right now...

But, when I was there...totally dying.

From the glass of white wine and hot chocolate (yes I know, weird combo, but I was feeling the need for both) to the facials and manicures (with ALL natural and organic products), I was in heaven.

{my most favorite ALL NATURAL manicure ever, sad that this color is discontinued!}

And in between each mini spa treatment, I found solace in one of the three candlelit relaxation rooms where we were offered fresh baked treats, crackers and cheese, and all kinds of special waters, wine, coffees, and hot cocoas.

Not to mention I got to meet new amazing bloggers and visit with my long lost blogging bestie, Jen (the stylish housewife).

But here's the best part for you.
If you make an appt. before the end of the year at the Blue Marble Spa and you mention Le Musings of Moi, you will get 25% off any of their spa services.
Amazeballs, right?

I'm telling you, this is an experience not to be missed.
You're skin (and mind) will thank you.

Here's just a snippet of what they're offering over the holidays:

Autumn Escapes

Spicy Pumpkin ␣ 90 minutes

$145

Guests luxuriate in the inviting scents and flavors of fall during this 90 minute experience. The treatment begins with a pumpkin flake and sugar body scrub. A full body massage using organic oil infused with essential oils of cinnamon, clove, lemon and rosemary concludes the treatment.

Pumpkin Purifying Facial ␣ 90 minutes

$155

Customized for your skin, this 90 minute facial promotes a healthy glow that will leave your skin with a clear, radiant complexion. The facial includes a natural pumpkin enzyme peel to resurface and rejuvenate the skin.

Fall Escape -­3 hours

$290

Spicy Pumpkin Body Scrub Aromatherapy Massage Purifying Facial with Pumpkin Peel

For the ultimate pumpkin pampering, the 3 hour fall escape includes a spicy pumpkin body scrub, aromatherapy massage and pumpkin purifying facial.

Autumn EscapesareavailableNovember 1st-30th, 2011 and reflect amorethan 20% discount off of regularly prices services. Prices do not include gratuity.

   Please  call  619.758.4900  to  book  your  spa  experience.    You  can  also  visit  us   online  at  www.bluemarblespa.com  to  see  our  complete  offering  of   ␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣␣Spa  services.      Hyatt  Regency  Mission  Bay  Spa  &  Marina,  1441  Quivira  Rd,  San  Diego  CA  92109 

© 2011 "Le Musings of Moi"

physical, emotional, spiritual

when i talked about paths...it was because i was on one of my own.

a path to find healing, a path i felt God had prompted me on...but one i took off on all on my own.

i prayed and pondered about it all of course, but it was more that He would accompany me on the journey I had mapped out.

a loved one recently brought to my attention that perhaps i wasn't feeling complete and healed because i had spent so much time and effort on the physical aspects.

it was a gentle reminder that it takes having the physical, the spiritual, and the emotional parts of ourselves in balance before we can truly find joy and contentment.

she was my hug from God.

my gentle nudge toward a new direction and new truths.

i have absolutely been paying less attention to the emotional and spiritual aspects of my heart and life, and have instead been incredibly focused on healing what is physically wrong.

vitamins, supplements, holistic health, working out, eating clean and organic....i was a check, check, checkin' it all off.

but where have i been in dealing (and healing) in my hurt of what feels like the loss of another parent?

where am i in growing my faith and my intimate relationship with the Lord?

and has the time i've spent in the physical been equally contributed between all three?

absolutely not.

so last week was the beginning.

i let a few things go for a moment.

i needed to reboot.

 i spent time with people i love and adore.
i had my youth group girls over for the night and soaked in the joy each one of them brings.

i sat and read books to my kids, snuggled on the couch with my husband, and spent concentrated moments thinking on and being grateful and thankful.

each morning i sat before my bible and the Lord, and before reading a word, i simply asked him to show me what HE had for me to learn this day.

i am putting aside my will.

my plans.

my desires.

and waiting on him.
because in him, ALL things are made beautiful.


{sunset from my porch}

{a lot of you have ever so sweetly asked and checked on me in regards to the anxiety and treating it naturally...and i think this particular post as well as the paths post kinda sums up where i am at the moment. just. in the moment.}

© 2011 "Le Musings of Moi"

what you missed on mommalogues

For your Sunday viewing pleasure....here are just a couple of last weeks Mommalogues from SheKnows.com.  It has been SO much fun working for them, and I'm excited to share with you guys more as they make changes and enhance the site even more over the coming weeks!

WHAT'S YOUR BEAUTY ROUTINE?

Now we’re talking about something I love.  Um, not that I don’t love my kids and talking about them….but sometimes, it’s nice to change things up!  (plus, beauty products don’t talk back to you, or whine, or complain…or….) So today, I’m sharing with you my fave products I use on a daily basis that are tried and true and ahhhh.mazing.

DO YOU LET YOUR KIDS WIN WHEN PLAYING GAMES?

Today is super special for you guys.  I’m going to give you a free parenting lesson.  That’s right, I’m going to share my mistakes so that you can learn from them and do the exact opposite with yours.  Actually, who am I kidding….It really doesn’t matter what we do with our kids, we’ll still kind of mess them up a little bit.  That’s our job as parents.  But still, listen in….at least what I’ll share will save them that much less therapy as adults.  I hope.

WOULD YOU GET PLASTIC SURGERY?

I’m in Southern California, land of Psh.  Plastic Surgery Headquarters.  I mean, plastic surgery is really just like another day at the dentist around these here parts….only with better pain medication.  I’m all for people doing what they choose with large sums of money in order to make themselves feel better….but when it comes to me?  I have some issues I have weigh out first.

....make sure to check out The Mommalogues to see the rest of last weeks videos, and see what all the other moms have to say as well!

Happy Sunday!!!

xoxo

© 2011 "Le Musings of Moi"

sometimes life happens

One post (okay, now two) this week.

Not my best {blogging}week.

But sometimes, life happens.

Like date nights (and play dates!) because some of our favorite friends are in town, 

and then an amazing girls youth group Just Dance party at my house, 

{that taylor crashed...my son, who loves to be center of attention with teen girls!}

and harvest festivals at preschool with every child dressed up as the cutest little farmers that ever lived, 

a mommy blogger spa night, 

{more on this next week!}

....and so much more.

And through it all, I was there. 

I was present.

And I was thankful.

{something i've been striving more to do and be lately}

But now, as I sit to write about the busyness of the week, I can feel an ache in my bones wanting to settle in.

A sickness wanting to steal the coming weekend.

And rather than fight it, I think I'm going to take it's cue and settle in my bed with it's cozy covers and call it a week.

And maybe I'll also tweet a bit about "Oh how sick am I!" 

And maybe also send a text to my sister to see if she feels bad for me.  

Okay, and maybe whine just a bit about my aches to Jimmy...

but other than that, I'll totally rest.

I'll make sure to breathe deep, rest much, and come back next week with a renewed spirit.

And more blog posts.

© 2011 "Le Musings of Moi"

are you willing to change your course?

We walk a path sometimes that we have created.

We think and we plan and we're sure that we have found the way.

And we skip along for awhile, and it's pleasant for a time and we are happy.

And confident.

In ourselves.

But eventually we find ourselves a bit lost.

A tad confused.

Our surroundings aren't exactly what we had envisioned.

Our journey is not as serene as we had hoped.

Our eyes well up, and our hearts beat a little faster.

This isn't our plan.

This isn't our path.

We are weak and we are weary and we are empty, and that is never what He intended for us to be.

But there before us is a glimmer of hope.

We can barely make it out, but we know it is there.

And whatever it may be...a friend, a word, a truth made clear....it is, in essence, 

a Hug from Him.

And while we may still be lost and scared, we realize we are not alone.

We are only on a path He never intended for us to be on.

Sometimes though, He allows us to walk it anyway.

Because He knows that even in those places, He can still meet us there.

And sometimes, it is only in that place, that He is truly able to speak to our hearts in a way we can finally hear.

And learn.

And if we pay attention, in that moment, we can hopefully accept that the plan we had is not working as well as we had hoped.

He promises to fill us.

He promises to lead us.

He promises to protect us.

And He promises us hope.

But we have to be willing, even when we find ourselves lost and broken and afraid, to meet Him in that place....

And accept the Hug he sends us, however it may come.

And then we pick ourselves up, take His hand, and change the course.

Again and again.

Where else do you find such grace and mercy?

© 2011 "Le Musings of Moi"

the odd couple....

This is why I love my husband.  

He makes me laugh even when he doesn't mean to.

Have a great weekend guys!!!

© 2011 "Le Musings of Moi"

homeschooling, bike helmets and girls night out....

Today my sweet friend, Mama Kat had an option to link up a vlog about your kids wearing helmets while on bikes....and I was all, oh my word!  What do you know?!?  I TOTALLY have a video to share all about that....

As well as one on Homeschooling....

and Girls Night Out....

Basically, all the latest from The Mommalogues!

Would you ever consider homeschooling?

Oh the topic of homeschooling.  Doesn’t it just sound so fun?  Being with your kids all day long????  Getting to teach them things and have them listen and adore and admire you because you are the one with the knowledge?!?  In all actuality, I am in the minority with a lot of my friends in what I think about that whole thing.  And while I may have my own thoughts, I definitely agree that we are each in a different place with different gifts, and that is the beauty of America.  You do what keeps you sane, and I’ll do what keeps me sane.  And we’ll all be happy together in the long run.  Now watch to see the look I gave my husband the day he suggested homeschooling….

How often do you go out with just the girls?

I love my girls.  They are my lifeline and my heart and my laugher and my happy place.  And I’m not necessarily talking about the SkinnyGirl I hang out with in the bubble bath some nights.  Okay, that counts as girls night too….But, here’s what I really do with my girls, and why I need it so.

Do you kids wear helmets while riding their bikes?

Taylor likes to push the boundaries.  Have you noticed?  (that’s a therapy talk for another day.)  And wearing his helmet is just one of the ways he likes to test the boundaries.  Thankfully, God made me just a little smarter than him, and I think I  may have found a way to scare him into submission.  Watch and learn.

And here's the others from the week you may have missed:

What did you do as a kid that you wish your kids would do

What do you eat for a movie night treat?

But my FAVORITE one?

That one is coming up tomorrow (Friday).  It's the one where I bring in Jimmy....and you can finally see why sometimes we're referred to as, The Odd Couple.

Hi. Larious.

Be sure to check it out! 

© 2011 "Le Musings of Moi"

you have a place in this world

We are all so broken at times.  

We struggle with who we are, how we were made...and we ask, 

"Why God, did you make me this way...so very different, it seems, from you?"

And when I read the following statement on Emily's blog (Chatting with the Sky), something resonated so deep within me.

In the beginning, God created the world. He could have left you out of it. But he didn’t. He made you to go in it. To fit. To have a place. If you weren’t there, things would be unfinished. You have a place, a role, a hand in how this whole story plays out.

We exist because He thought of us.

The very Creator of this world thought of us.

He thought of YOU.

Of me.

Of that person who hurt us, of that child that drives us buh.na.na's.

He thought of each of us....and He needed us to be here.

For all the times I've heard children, teens, my adult friends...even myself ask, 

"Why me?  Why like this?"

This is the answer we all needed to hear.

This is the answer we need to BELIEVE.

© 2011 "Le Musings of Moi"

hair do i did: i went ombre (again)

So, because last time the color faded SO fast, we went a little darker this time...
with hopes that as it fades, it will become exactly what we want.

It is such a HUGE change for me, BUT....I am quite excited that I can add two weeks longer between appointments now.
Well okay, maybe I'm not excited about that but my money manager (aka, the husband) certainly is.

I love it now....but I have a feeling I'll love it more in a couple weeks.

What about you....try anything new this weekend?

© 2011 "Le Musings of Moi"

this week in the mommalogues

Here's just a few of what you've missed if you haven't been to SheKnows.com's Mommalogues this week:

How often do you go grocery shopping?

I can’t think of anything more fun and enjoyable than grocery shopping.  The aisles of food, the many brands and choices and prices…I mean, it’s beyond words ahhh.mazing.  And I really prefer to bring as many kids as possible when I go as well, because the more kids, the more fun.  And because I love it so, here’s just how often I prefer to go.

How sick do your kids have to be to stay home from school?

When we’re talking about how sick my kids have to be to stay home from school….I do have to say, it depends on which kid we’re talking about.  And it may not be the most popular answer, and I may not make friends now at my son’s school….but this is my safe place, and I’m coming out with the truth.  Don’t judge me.

What are your top 3 go to meals on busy nights?

When it comes to dinners, we have about as much creativity as a fly.  I like to blame it on my mom. (as I like to blame everything. Ha!)  When I was growing up, we ate things like cereal and pizza and Spaghetti O’s.  DE-lish.  But there was one special family recipe that she made and handed down to us girls, and it’s one of the 3 main meals I like to make each week.  Check it out.

....and that's just three of the five from this week!  

Make sure to go check out, Do you ride roller coasters with your kids? & Do your kids always wear helmets when riding their bikes?

And also?

The other women are amazing....so watch theirs as well while you're there!

Next week I bring Jimmy into one of the videos....and um...can you say "the odd couple?" 

Ahhhh, but I love us. 

Have a great weekend loves!

© 2011 "Le Musings of Moi"

if someone wants to be a part of your life...

My first thought when I saw this, was....Amen.

Shoot, if they don't want some of this, then forget you!

And then I pulled my thoughts out of the Cee Lo song, and into real life.
{this is not glee, i must repeat, i do not live in glee}

So, I decided to ponder it a little bit more.

And really, what I came to is this. 

As much as I'd love not to save space in my heart for someone who isn't making an effort to be in it....
It's just not how God made me.

I'm a lover.  A dreamer.  A hoper.  A forgiver.

I believe we need to always leave room for someone to return.  

Always leave room for hope and change.  

Maybe not sit around and wait per se, but to lose hope?  

To close up a part of your heart?

That is just not a life I'm capable of living.

And trust me....it's not an easy conclusion for me to arrive at.

I've been hurt deeply...by a family member that I had imagined would be there forever and through anything....someone I imagined would naturally love me unconditionally.

But they're not here.  And it's by their choosing.

My heart hurts without them.

But regardless...my heart is big.  And, truthfully, there will always be room.

Because I believe there is always hope.

I just imagine....what if God used this same quote for us.

What if in all the times we didn't make an effort to acknowledge him or love him or make time for Him, 

he'd finally come to us and say....

"I'm sorry, my child.  You made no effort.  And now, there is just no room."

Our hearts would break.
My heart would break.

We are called to have grace, the same grace He so freely gives us.

We are called to have mercy, the same mercy He so freely gives us.

We are called to make room in our hearts for others, just as big as the heart He has for us.

We are his sons and daughters, and we are called to be like him.

It doesn't come naturally.

It takes lots of prayer, time with Him, and sometimes endless patience.

But, in the end we will be remembered as the one who loved.
In the end, our open hearts can change someones life.
And that hurt you may feel now, will be all worth it in that moment.

© 2011 "Le Musings of Moi"

planking

I never found planking hilarious until my kids started doing it.

And what makes it extra funny, is that they do it secretly and WAIT until I happen upon them.  

Such dedication.

Next up, we're going to start the trend "curbing."
Because Taylor and Chloe feel the need to walk EVERY SINGLE CURB they see and it is NOT COMPLETE unless everybody is watching. 

Curbing.

You watch and see, we're gonna make it big.

© 2011 "Le Musings of Moi"

what to do when you're kids are fighting in the car

See?  This is why I vlog on The Mommalogues.  I kind of have some things figured out.

{and if you know me AT ALL, you know the above statement is absolutely not true.  except, I do vlog for The Mommalogues.}

© 2011 "Le Musings of Moi"