the last secret i had, exposed

What is one thing that people would be surprised to know about you?

This one is hard, because between my blog, social media, and my big mouth, I am pretty much an open book.  Most of my readers and friends know all my issues, good and bad.  But, I’ve been keeping something secret.  Something that only the people really close to me, who have known me for a very long time know.  And once I share it, there will be nothing else left for you to know.  Here goes nothing.  I’m about to become fully exposed.

~~~~~~~

How much time do you spend on the computer?

I know some people think that Facebook and Twitter are a waste of time, and to them I say, “But are you a stay at home mom?!?”  Because for me, it has opened up a world of communication and friendship that otherwise would never be possible.  I have been reconnected with friends that have become an important part of my life, and I have made friends that are exactly where I’m at in life and just get me even without ever having ever met me.  It’s kind of amazing.  But there is the other side, where reading about turkey sandwiches and saying Happy Birthday to every person every day can become a bit of a time suck.  I think, though, that I’m pretty good about finding that balance I always talk about.  Watch and see it in action.

~~~~~~~

And the others from the week of Mommalogues:
Do you have your pre-baby body back?
How clean or messy is your house?

~~~~~~~

I hope you guys all have an amazing weekend, and a SAFE and FUN New Year!!!

© 2011 "Le Musings of Moi"

best of 2011: fashion, love & parenting

As a part of Mama Kat's Writers Workshop, I decided to link up and list out my favorite posts of the year.

And woah, did I ever take my time on this one.

Seriously, you guys, these are ones NOT to be missed.

So take a day, a week, an hour....and read each and every one.

You know, with ALL that free time you have.

I promise that if you do, you will feel THAT much closer to me.

And if we're closer, we're all happier in the end.

Okay, so, I'll start with the first paragraph of each post, and then I'll link to the title for you to keep reading.

I like to make things easy for my readers.

{it's all a part of the love i have for you. xoxo}

January:

{i spent the month of January journaling EACH day of Tracy Anderson's 30 Day Method.  This here is the final post}

Being that I kinda sorta consider myself one of the 30 Day Method experts, and since I want everyone who begins Tracy Andersons The 30 Day Method to be successful, I've done my best to put together all I know and all I've learned in one place.

Of course if there's anything I've missed or anything else you want to know, feel free to email me and I'll do my best to hook you up with the wisdom you need.

Okay, so we'll start with my tips and advice and then I'll answer the questions that some of you had.

For more of my story on COMPLETING the 30 Day Method read here:  

Tracy Anderson 30 Day Method: tips & advice

February:

The other day it came to my attention that there was a website with a specific link dedicated to hatin' on me.

What started as a specific post to make fun of my home and design choices....ended up being a personal attack on not only myself...but my husband and my kids.

Oh no they di'int.

{not giving the link, they don't deserve the traffic...although i should thank them for sending me some.}

For the whole story, read here:  Hate on me hater, cause I'm gonna do me

March: 

Holy CRAP.

{meaning: trying to find the HOLY in the midst of the CRAP!}

There comes a point when enough is enough.  

And all I want to know is what wine you people recommend as it's own food group.  

{and remind me, what's the time it's okay to start?  9 am?}

Wow, this honesty things feels good.

Parents of Toddler's, you there with me???

{Or as I call the club, P.O.T.}

For more read:  Parenting: it's what drives sane women mad

April:

It's what I wore out...{my version of a fashion post}

May:

Don't make me get all ghetto up in here...

So that's what I wanted to say to Chloe as soon as I realized that potty training wasn't going to be as easy as I hoped it would be.

Somewhere along the way, she picked up some STRONG WILLED ways, of which has NO RELATION to me whatsoever....and it's really not serving us well in the potty training department.

Um, remember this video where I was crowned Miss People of Walmart.com?....

{click the link above to see}

June:

All I can say is that I am ever so thankful for my relationship with the Lord, because these last few months have been full of challenges and struggles.
And in those moments (and there were plenty) that I felt I just couldn't deal anymore....I prayed for His strength to replace mine, and it always did.

For more read:  hope for your weary soul

July:

Best Hair Care Products Ever

{and still are to this day, 6 months later!}

August:

I think it's time to address the elephant in the room....or rather, le elephante.

And that would be....

I don't actually speak french.
I know.
Most of you are probably quite surprised what with my FRENCH title and all.

But, no.

I speak not even a little.
Or would that be "poquito?" 

For more read:  I don't speak french: the title to my blog FINALLY explained

September:

Missoni for Target: The story I'll tell my grandkids

It was a normal, painfully early, morning...getting Taylor off to school plus a photo shoot with Chloe in our front yard before her first day of preschool...you know, the usual stuff around here.  When all of a sudden, I received a desperate call from my sister.

"Missoni is selling out already and the website has been down all morning!"

I felt my heart drop into my stomach.  But there was just no time for anxiety poo..

October:

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....

For more read:  Are you willing to change your course

November:

Put aside anxious thoughts and imaginations and say continually, 

"The Lord is my strength and my shield.  My heart has trusted in Him and I am helped.  He is not only with me, but in me, and I in Him."

For more read:  Be at peace, put aside anxious thoughts

December:

Middle Child Syndrome 

 I have it.

And it's real.

Let me just tell you.

                                                    And THAT is why I only have two kids. 

~~~~~~~

Whew.  That was ALL KINDS of fun.

It's crazy to go back through a years worth of posts and remember all that you experienced and shared.

I actually think I'll do this each year from now on....as it will be kinda fascinating to see how each years favorites stack up against the previous years.

It's the little things that keep me excited.

That's the life of a stay at home mom.

© 2011 "Le Musings of Moi"

new years resolutions: chic or geek?

I adore a new year.  

It's borderline obsessive maybe, like I'm ULTRA excited and giddy about it.
In a WHEEEEEEE sort of way.

I know, it's weird.
Or is it?!?

And now that I have my workouts down, (you HAVE to get the metamorphosis, it's amazeballs), and eating healthy isn't nearly as scary as it used to be (i juice kale, all because of a new years goal!)....it's time to pay attention to some areas I've been lacking in.

Bear with me while I "think" out loud.
This will help me in finalizing the list that I'll then write down (and categorize. OCD?!?  not at all!), then I'll tuck it away with all the other years that I revisit and reminisce over.

How can you not think this is exciting and want to do it yourself?!?

{just writing this post is making me feel as though i may not sleep tonight, i'm that pumped up.}

Okay, so here goes.....
Wheeeee!!!!!

~ While my anxiety is for the most part gone (thank you JESUS!), now I need to start paying more attention to my thoughts.  I need to be taking every thought captive, and make a habit of finding the blessings in EVERYTHING.
{and if Taylor could catch on and have the same attitude, that would be BONUS for everyone}

~ I want to eliminate yelling from my household.  I don't want my husband doing it, myself, or the kids.  I want to use the sweet soft voice that Michelle Duggar has down to a science.
{okay, maybe not that sweet, but something close.}
{okay, maybe i'll just start with not yelling.}

~ I want to do more with the kids as far as helping other people.
Maybe making it a monthly habit to help the homeless or needy.

~ We definitely need to STICK to a budget if we are ever to do something with this house and the land.  That means using cash instead of credit cards so that we can finally save.  

~ Maybe learn to cook.  Maybe.  Or at the very least, crockpot.
{or hire someone?} 

~ Family bible time.  Weekly, daily, something....just something.
And it needs to be Jimmy leading it.
So, I'll make sure to put that on his list as well.

~ My sister, Heather, has a habit of cleaning the kitchen before going to bed.  The dishwasher is full and running, and that way, she wakes up to a clean slate.
I want to do that too.
Seems like a good plan that could potentially add happiness to my life.

~ I'm also thinking that maybe I could cut out at least ONE reality tv show.
One a year seems like a painless way to ease off the addiction.

~ And last but not least, I want to clean up this blog and find my new vision and voice.
I have lost that loving feeling here and there over 2011 (comments would help, just sayin'), but I know I'm not ready to quit.
I just need to find what inspires me, where God wants me to go with this, and put the plan into action.

When I finally narrow the list down and categorize it, I'll be sure to share again.
I'm sure you guys will hardly sleep as well until you know EXACTLY what my goals are for 2012.

~~~~~~~


So, what about you, my loves?
What are your goals and dreams and aspirations for 2012?
Do you think New Years Resolutions are chic or geek?

© 2011 "Le Musings of Moi"

my natural attempts at treating anxiety...and stuff

It's been awhile since I've shared some of the latest SheKnows.com Mommalogues.  I've been so busy with the holidays, my posting schedule (and motivation) has been slightly off.

But for your viewing enjoyment, here are just a few to catch you up.

What's the worst thing that happened to you in 2011?

{my anxiety story}

Are you ready for the “wa wa wa….Debbie Downer” side of Summer?  To be honest, 2011 was a tough year….and I should have known when it started with a week long hospital stay where I lost yet another organ.  But, I’d take that any day over what I really struggled with over the year.  It wasn’t easy, but I learned a lot….so even though my life was hard, I know that because of it all, there will soon be Beauty from Pain.

~~~~~~~

On the brighter side....

What's your fondest memory of 2011?

Besides getting this amazing opportunity to work with SheKnows.com here on the Mommalogues?!?  Well, I mean, that one is hard to beat.  But, with the year I had as hard as it was, most definitely taught me one thing.  That I have been beyond blessed….and I have much to be thankful for.  Here is what made my 2011 the best it could be.

~~~~~~~

How much TV is too much TV?

I love TV.  Can I just make that clear?!?  And I really don’t see anything wrong with children sitting in front of the tv for hours on end, days and days in a row.  (as long as they’re learning something, I consider that homeschooling.) And of course I only mean that during PMS.  But for the rest of the month, I have a way that it just all seems to balance out.  It may not sound okay to some, but for us, it works.  And in the end, I’m happy and that’s really what matters most.

~~~~~~~

How do you teach your kids the holidays are about giving just as much as receiving?

If it were up to my kids, Christmas would be all about them and all about how much they can possibly get in one morning, and then when all is said and done they would be bummed about the one thing they didn’t get.  But….to me, that just feels gross.  In fact, last year I told Jimmy that this year things needed to be different.  So instead of focusing on what we want or what we can give, we are trying to focus on the true reason for this season.

~~~~~~~

What is your favorite holiday cookie?

{i may actually reference the drug, crack, in this webisode.  whoops.}

Mmmmm…..cookies.  I have a slight addiction to sugar, chocolate, fudge, cookies….and when Christmas is here, oh. My. Word.  I want and will eat it all.  But there just so happens to be one, just one, that once I get started I just can’t stop.  Watch and see it happen in action.

As always, we are on FIVE days a week, each day covering a new and fun and RELATABLE question regarding mom (and some non-mom) stuff.

It's all quite fascinating, and I would suggest checking back and COMMENTING each and every day.

{why you don't comment here or there continues to baffle me...but i'm working it out in therapy.}

I'm sure it has NOTHING to do with you having a life or anything.

Which obviously, I may or may not have, if I'm so upset over something as minor as the lack of comments.

It's just....
Have I mentioned I'm a middle child?

sigh.

ANYWAY.

Happy CHRISTMAS ADAM (learned that from the Duggars)!!!!

{get it?  Adam came before Eve?  har har}

Love you guys.

xoxo

© 2011 "Le Musings of Moi"

it's what i wore out: cirque du soleil, iris

{one of my closest and sweetest friends, Leah}

{we sat THIRD row, front and center!}

{what i wore out: forever 21 basically for every piece but the jacket}

{that's a bow, in case you can't tell.}

~~~~~~~

Recently, Infiniti hooked me and a guest up with tickets to see Cirque du Soleil: Iris in Hollywood and it was ahhhmazing.
Like, beyond words.

First of all, it's held in the incredible Kodak Theatre...
which apparently NOBODY is allowed to take pictures in, like, EVER.
{not before, during, or after the show.  when they say, ever, they mean ever.}
Or so I was told the few times I snapped a few pictures.
Whoops.

And then, not only are you sitting in the EXACT spot Brad Pitt once breathed, but you are also mesmerized by the magic that every single Cirque du Soleil holds.
{and did you know, this show was made specifically FOR hollywood, with a cinema theme and all}

We may or may not have been shushed by someone sitting in front of us once or twice....
I guess we don't gasp so quietly.

And not only did we get the hookups, (VIP room with appetizers & drinks PLUS a private Q&A after the show), but they are also offering YOU kind of an amazing opportunity with 25 of your own friends and family.

Here's a little more of the deets:
As part of Infiniti’s sponsorship of Cirque du Soleil, we are hosting a sweepstakes, with the chance to win an exclusive evening with Cirque du Soleil in your hometown for you and 25 guests. Experience a Night of Inspiration including a cocktail reception with heavy hors d’oeuvres, 2-3 private staged Cirque du Soleil performances and a gift for each guest.
To enter, just click here.

And in the meantime, if you're looking for a last minute Christmas gift, may I suggest tickets to see this incredible show?
This may be your only chance to breathe the same air as your favorite Oscar Winner.
You can't pass on that, can you?
Plus, you can check out the Infiniti while you're there.

{click that link to see my dream car.  seriously.  i.  die.}

© 2011 "Le Musings of Moi"

it's what i wore out: hand me downs

{jimmy wasn't paying attention, this is my annoyed face.}

....and this is what my photographer was doing the whole time he was shooting the above pictures....

{talking about jiu jitsu}

what i wore: pleated skirt, thrifted; apple bottom jeans leather jacket, platos closet; leopard flats, target; purse, old navy

~~~~~~~

I seriously have to thank my sister Heather, for sharing this amazeballs skirt with me.  When I saw it in her closet while visiting over Thanksgiving, I became slightly ob. sessed.

In an annoying way actually.

Every store we went to, (and we went to MANY), I tried to find an exact duplicate.
My stomach almost started to hurt when on the last day, I had not found a floor length pleated skirt.

And then as we were all cozied on the couch the night before we were going to drive back home, out came my sister with an armful of clothes.
The clothes I had swooned for from her closet.

Which included this adorbs BCBG (also thrifted) dress:



Later that night....I cried.

For reals.

It was such a selfless thoughtful gift and it absolutely shows the heart my sister has.
She shares and gives, never asking for a single thing back, just because that is the person she is.
Not only did she share her clothes, but she (and my aunt Candy) took such good care of me while I was recovering from a difficult few weeks.
I kind of love her.
Mass.

I'm tearing up again.

I never wanted hand me downs when I was little....
{sometimes, i wasn't even sure i wanted sisters....}
but now?

My life wouldn't be complete without them.
My sisters, I mean.
{and okay, hand me downs as well....}

{btw, i have THREE sisters.  and incredibly they ALL have the same sweet, selfless, giving heart. God has truly blessed me.}

© 2011 "Le Musings of Moi"

cold hands warm hearts

More than anything (besides chocolate, pizza, quiet time, and sleep) I LOVE getting packages and gifts in the mail.

So when my sweet bloggy friend, Illy, threw out the idea of Cold Hands Warm Hearts, I was ALL about it.

I had the pleasure of being paired up with Michelle, who I think is the cutest and sweetest thing ever.

{check out her blog to see what I sent her!}

I was giddy when I opened my package to find all these fun little goodies inside:

In addition to the cute scarf and matching gloves, the monogrammed mug and stocking, there was other little goodies like chapstick, flavored coffee, and chocolates....

which were inhaled in a matter of minutes.

I loved being a part of this, and will definitely participate next year.

The spirit of giving is alive, and I love every second of it.

Thank you Michelle!

You totally made my week!

© 2011 "Le Musings of Moi"

middle child syndrome

I have it.

And it's real.

Let me just tell you.

And THAT is why I only have two kids. 

It's the syndrome that makes you feel "good enough" or "close enough" but never that ENOUGH that you so desire to feel.

It's the syndrome that makes you compare yourself....because most of your life you've always been compared.  

To the older ones or the younger one...

and you're almost...

but not quite.

Though in your tender heart, you hear, "Not enough."

It's the syndrome that makes you a fragile flower, or sensitive, because you feel lost in the crowd...

and nobody quite gets you.

It's the syndrome that prompts you to start a blog so that maybe someone will notice you....

and perhaps that someone else just might get you as well.

And it's the syndrome that makes you rethink your blog because nobody is noticing or commenting and then you're back to the whole comparing and "maybe I'm just good enough but not great enough" complex that started the whole thing in the first place.

Thankfully though....while I have that syndrome at times....I also have Jesus.

Jesus who reminds me that I am His.  

And HE thinks I'm kind of amazing.  

JUST as amazing as any one of his many many amazing children.

And when I draw myself to Him in the midst of my syndrome...

He guides me out and into His arms where I can rest and be soothed and reminded, 

once again, 

of what is true.

That it's not quantity, it's quality.

It's not fortune or fame or the need to be noticed and admired, it's what I did for Him, in His name.

It's how I used my story, my challenges, my syndromes....

to change hearts and lives.

It's the middle child syndrome that makes me think deeply, love madly, feel intensely.

And I realize it's the way He made me to be.

But not so that I can feel bad, or lost, or just "good enough"...

it's so that I would be motivated, and inspired...

to be more and live more for Him.

What is your syndrome?

Have you ever wondered why God has allowed it and what greater purpose it may serve?

© 2011 "Le Musings of Moi"

flocked trees and resolutions

With the tough few months (year?) I've had recently, I needed something to brighten up my days now that the holidays are here

So this year, we decided on a flocked tree, and I couldn't be happier.

It's amazing to me that already we are halfway through the month, and just WEEKS away from a New Year.

And I, for one, am SO ready for 2012.

I'm totally one of those "resolutions" people too.

I get giddy at the thought of hope and change and growing in areas I've been struggling or weak.

And so I make a list for different areas of my life, write out my goals, and keep it close.

And if by the end of the year, I've been able to check off even one, I consider it a success.

What about you guys? 

What's making you happy this Christmas season, and are you prepping for the New Year You?

© 2011 "Le Musings of Moi"

my husband is most like eminem...and other stuff

For your Friday viewing pleasure....

And I promise I'll be back to normal blogging next week.  I'm sure ya'll have just been crazy without me. 

shhhh shhhh, there there, I know....

Watch me in the meantime on the SheKnows Mommalogues.

My husband is like which celeb dad?

Jimmy is a complicated man.  Haven’t you noticed?  He’s most definitely his own unique person, so it took me forever to decide on a celeb dad that he reminded me of.  In fact, because there are so many depths to who he is, I couldn’t just pick one.  Let’s start with Eminen, and then we’ll add on from there.

~~~~~~~

If you could travel anywhere with or without kids, where would you go?

With or without kids?  Is that even something a mom needs to consider???  Okay, so obviously, I choose without kids.  {as much as I’m sure traveling with them would be awesome}  Now as to where I would pick, I’m quite low maintenance.  I don’t ask for much.  But there are just a few things I need to have, and here’s my list.

~~~~~~~

How simple or elaborate are your holiday get-togethers?

How simple or elaborate our holidays are all depends on who is throwing and hosting the event.  I mean, it’s not that I’m lazy or anything, it’s more that I believe in keeping things simple and to the point.  Or maybe I am lazy.  Either way, if you want me to host, here’s what you’re going to get.

~~~~~~~

And others you missed:

How did you tell your husband you were pregnant?
What's your favorite spot in your home?

Now it's your turn! 

Share with me your own thoughts and answers on these topics!!

© 2011 "Le Musings of Moi"

it's what i wore out: symphony blues

what i wore out: vintage blue dress: texas thrift store, wedge boots: thrifed, black tights: costco

~~~~~~~

Last weekend Jimmy took me on a date to the symphony.
This is his DREAM date...and it's taken 8 years of marriage to get me there with him.
But he has been so amazing and patient with me over this last year of trials, so I felt it was the least I could do for him.
Besides, I figured I had my new iPhone and if anything, there was always Words with Friends or a snooze if I got bored.

Except....

I discovered when we got there that my man had splurged for FRONT ROW DEAD CENTER seats.



I could see the lead violin players nose hairs.
This detail brought tears of joy to my husbands eyes, yet had me worried that perhaps napping or playing on my phone would be considered rude by those PERFORMING the symphony.

And then there were the two women on either side of us fully dressed up to the nines, one in a fancy cocktail dress and the other in a long red gown, which led me to believe this was not a crowd who would appreciate the slight glow of my iphone.
Or the soft purr of my sleep.
And so...
While my husband had goosebumps all over his body, tears in his eyes, and giant grin on his face....



I allowed myself to become engrossed in the imaginary lives of each and every one of the members of the symphony that I could see before me.

So totally fun.


By the way.
Did you know that a symphony can last hours?
Like, over 2 hours?!?
And everyone sits and smiles and adores and tears up THE ENTIRE TIME.

It's amazing.
Absolutely an experience.

And I can totally relate....because when I am shopping and finding amazing deals....
two hours goes by just like that.
And I get tears in my eyes, goosebumps all over my body, and a giant grin is plastered all over my face.
And never.
Ever.
Would I break that spell with a game of Words with Friends.

So you see.
I can appreciate the arts.

When I compare it to shopping.

© 2011 "Le Musings of Moi"

my birthday gift from God

It's my birthday.

I'm officially in my mid early thirties.

{33, what what!}

{i say "what what" instead of "woot woot" btw.}

And for my birthday, God told me that he prefers me as a natural blonde.

How, you ask, did He tell me?

Well, um....with a PLETHORA of white hairs that suddenly sprouted just LAST WEEK.

So, for my birthday I have scheduled myself a therapy appointment....

followed by a hair appointment that will take me from ombre back to blonde.

What God wants, God gets.

Happy Birthday to me!

© 2011 "Le Musings of Moi"