Thankful for "no's"

Saw this today on that website I've mentioned countless times (Pinterest) and am "marinating" on it today:

GOD'S "no" is not a rejection.
It's a REDIRECTION.

Truth be told I've been (somewhat) desperately searching for a different job over the past 4-5 months or so (probably longer).  I've gotten several call backs for interviews and even been one of two for the final decision on a couple positions and ended up being told "no."  This has been a different experience for me because for every position I've held in my working life thus far- I've always applied, been interviewed and been told "yes."

Humbling experience to say the least.  And God is showing me that in his "no's" he has redirected me to what's right and good about my current position.  I don't want to will something that He does not want for me and end up in the wrong job position with regrets.  I am first and foremost THANKFUL to have a job and a pretty good paying one at that, where I am considered an "expert" in my role and appreciated for what I do (most days).

So, today- I am thankful for God's "no's" which have been redirecting and revealing in my life.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving!  (Annnnnd...I am getting up early and jogging 6.2 miles---what am I thinking?!!)

Happy Humpday y'all!

Tasty Tuesday

Not sure if anyone else has coined the phrase, but my theme for today is Tasty Tuesday.  Thanksgiving conjures up all sorts of ideas of great food so I guess that's the source for this post.  What are your favorite Thanksgiving dishes or just yummy recipes that you've seen lately?

 Here are just a few I have found stuck in my head today (um- interestingly none of which are Thanksgiving staples):

Banana bread pancakes- what? (Credit: www.howsweeteats.com)

Excuse me?? Birthday cake jello shots! (credit: www.ericasweettooth.com)

I could eat this any time of the day. (Credit: realmomkitchen.com/7765/quick-chicken-salad/)

Heaven- eggplant and goat cheese! (credit: whatdidyoueat.typepad.com)

Let's give thanks! Counting these blessings today:
~Three day work week--woot woot!
~Out of town family visiting this weekend.
~God's unmerited mercy = GRACE.  Without it- I'm toast.
~My little guy koala bear hugging me with his feet and arms at night before laying him down to sleep; and exceptionally sweet is when he pats my back while I'm holding him.

Anything in particular you are thankful for today? Care to share? Leave me a comment.

Off to do some Thanksgiving prep cooking.  Ohhh yeah--running a 10k Thanksgiving morning, at least I won't feel too bad if I go for second helpings!

Weekend wrap-up and SLEEP regression?!

Friday I was off work due to thinking I had pink eye--thankfully did not end up being the case.  I have had more weird stuff health-wise take place post baby than ever before.  Apparently another lovely side effect of being a Mom more than just myself has experienced. (Raised eyebrow to childbirth and hormones and mommyhood!).

Our weekend included the following:
- mall play area (germ central--whoohoo)
-fall get-together with John's friends' family= rain invaded the party this year, which equaled headache trying to keep G entertained and not too soaked by the weather. Great food- though!
- 5.5 mile jog. Nothing exciting about that but definitely need to buy new soles for my shoes; my toes are burning 3/4 of the way through- ouch!  Also need to download a new GPS app for my phone; the current one is pretty fickle with when it decides to map my distance now-a-days.
- Park fun with G- he gained the confidence this time to venture out on his own and really use the playground equipment; minus me showing him how.  It was a lot of fun!

Tell me why is it that my toddler will eat green bell peppers but not mac n cheese or casseroles?  He also had his first taste of dill pickle this weekend- he kept putting it in his mouth but making a sour (ick) face--then doing it again.  Hilarious.

Sleep regression--what the heck, no way?! I thought this was over or maybe I just tried to pretend all sleep issues were over.  Gaving was sleeping 13+ hours per night with NO issues before the recent time change.  He now will not sleep past 7am again- kick me. Within the past week he has begun to have the "scaries."  I was thinking maybe it was some sickness because he would wake whining/crying- but that is not the case (that would have been a quick fix). 
I do not want to get in to the habit of bringing him in to our bed: that would be a headache to put a stop to AND I don't sleep well at all with him in our bed (I try to only allow him to sleep there when he's sick).  So, in the meantime- I am also not sleeping that well while trying to do the "shuffle" and keep him out of our bed. You can read more about it at http://www.sleeplady.com/.  The author is an LCSW (some bias there- go Social Workers!) and it is the only sleep book I've decided to stick to since he was born.  It has a pretty balanced approach that works for us.  The shuffle has worked in the past within just a few days--I just wasn't seeing the need for it again--surprise, surprise! The kid has gotten smarter so the shuffle is taking longer this go-round.  Please, please, please God let my kid get back to sleeping well VERY.SOON.

It is messing with my sanity to not have those precious couple hours at the end of the day to myself. :)  Let's not mention what waking in the middle of the night is doing to my sanity!

Oh- I made THIS for last week's work Thanksgiving meal (sweet potato casserole):

The wine was an added bonus--this was like a night before the current downward spiral that is sleep regression/scared of the dark for Gavin.  When I could actually DO something and enjoy a glass of wine at the end of the night.  I have confidence this will soon return--please please please!
Thanks to Stephanie for my pimped out (birthday) wine glass. :)

Next project on my current to do list: inventory and purge toys G no longer plays with.  If I had the storage space for if/when we have a 2nd child- I would keep them (most of them); but we just don't so it is what it is.  Going to take pics and post on Craigstlist; make some extra money.

I found THIS website today- has great ideas for learning and busy activities for toddlers and preschoolers.  What a great site and smart Mama!

And lastly- thankful today for these blessings:
- Watching my dear son venture out and try new activities with confidence.  I found myself "outside" of the moment watching it all happen this weekend.  Exciting and bittersweet all at that same time.  I LOVED how he would look back for me and smile when he we met eyes--still wants to know his Mommy is there!
- Time spent at home where it is just us three; all on the floor or outside playing together. 
- Kind words of encouragement from family.  Even as an adult it is so nice to hear "I am proud of you."

Not very happy about---getting gum tissue cut out of my dang mouth today..like in an hour...ooooouch! But, hopefully this will all relieve the pain that has been the right side of my mouth and face for the past month or so.

This is THANKSGIVING week! Great food, time with family and time OFF from work- all things to be thankful for.

Peace out. :)

thankful humpday and taking some of Santa out of CHRISTmas

Thankful today for:
The colors of fall outdoors.  Ability to jog and workout.  Being abundantly blessed with a home and other conveniences.  My son's kisses and hugs and seeking me out (preferring Mommy) when he is tired, scared, excited, hurt, etc.  He's growing fast but I still get glimpses of my baby in those moments.  The differences between my husband and I that (for the most part; more days than not) make a pretty strong partnership.  Especially thankful for a man who loves to cook and is effortlessly good with numbers.

On to Santa and a decision to trim up the amount of the old round and red man from CHRISTmas in our home.  I will be honest and say that I never put much thought at all in to the implications of recognizing Santa before having a child.  And last year when G was only 10 months around Christmas I had only put some passive thought towards how I'd like to present what the real reason for this holiday is- for our family. 

What is right for our family is not right for everyone and I hope you will not take anything in this blog to be expert advice.  The husband and I have talked on several occasions this year about what does it mean to un-acknowledge (not a word--see not an expert!) some of the commercialized portions to shine light on what is most important to us.

Some thoughts we've considered:

1. The commercialized version of Christmas is all about what you GET and the Christian view of Christmas is based upon the recognition of Christ's birth (true- Christ most likely not born at this point in our modern calendar year--you can google more on that if you'd like I'm not going to get in to a history lesson today).  Christ gave his life for us;  we want our families' view of Christmas to be more about giving.

2. It would appear at times that Santa is an idol; the Bible tells us not to place any other before God.

3. Then there's this whole issue of what could implications be if- when the time comes, a child discovers Santa is not real?  Do they also question God's existence that you have talked about and they have learned about and possibly (hopefully) become to love and trust?

While this doesn't mean we will take the festive nature and fun out of Christmas we want to raise our son with a greater understanding, emphasis and meaning of the very first Christmas.  Simply put- we want a vision of Christ's manger to come to mind before getting presents and a man in a red suit.  We do plan to talk about the real man, Saint Nicholas and his spirit of giving but do not plan to give gifts "from Santa" but from us, Mommy and Daddy. 

This poses a question: how will we try to ensure our child doesn't "ruin it" for other kids?  Well- by letting him know that other children may believe or pretend that Santa is real and to respect that and allow them to have their beliefs.  No- my kid will not be Scrooge, thank you very much. :)

I found a post in another Mom's blog that puts all of this in to very simple terms and definitely highlights the fact that she apparently has felt some sense of being "different," whether good or bad from deciding to be Un-Santa'd.  Check it out HERE.

So- Thanksgiving hasn't even arrived yet- no more talk will be done here about the following holiday until after Thanksgiving :)

Want to share your thoughts? Comment me (see that link below that says comment--click on it.)

"mun" day ;)

Good morning Monday; I have a slight head cold-yippee.  Being at work is actually more rest than I would get at home with a toddler--any other working Moms agree?

Popped some daytime cold relief, got a coffee, have a huge thing of water to drink and off we go.

Thankfulness- I've missed a few days (oops):
Thankful for:

1. Veterans (and those actively serving)- the quality of life that we enjoy today here in the U.S. of A. would not be afforded had those who have served for our country not been so selfless. 
2. Crisp- and by crisp I mean high 60's- low 70's here in Florida (and 40's at night) weather.  I love to be outdoors even more with this weather.
3. Prayer- this weekend brought a day of unrest in our household and I am thankful for prayer and the afforded relationship with God that Christ's sacrifice on the cross brought.  I am also thankful for a husband who is a Believer; we both continue to grow in our relationship with God (and each other) and have lots to learn and stumble along the way a LOT.
4. chick flicks--I watched Bridesmaids movie this weekend and cracked up. 

So- I've made it to the big time!! My blog was accepted on the Top Mommy Blogs website---whoohoo, we're famous!! :)  My ramblings are worthy of those who are bored or just as bored as me.

When I figure out how to put one of their banners on my blog- you'll see it and you can do what it says to do.  I'm apparently not supposed to solicit what it says to do so I am not saying the key words. shhhhhh..

Anywho- happy Monday cyber world.  What are you thankful for today? Leave me a comment....puhpuhpuhleaseeee! :)

Thanks givings

Being thoughtfully thankful should never be restricted to one month much less one day of the year.  Not sure how or when I decided to give thanks for various people/things, etc. in my daily prayer(s) but it is a habit now and I hope that by saying prayers with Gavin at meals and at the end of the day, it will rub off on him. (Side note: our little guy folds his hands- most times- when we pray---so cute and heart warming).

In the spirit of being unoriginal--check out almost any other blog- but grateful for the opportunity to count my blessings publicly; I will blog about what I am thankful for throughout the month of November (yeah so what I missed the first 8 days of the month).   I hope YOU WILL participate---leave me a comment with what you are thankful for today.

1. I will start by saying I am thankful for my immediate family- husband and child.  These people know my truest nature and still love me.  We are all healthy (minus occasional runny noses, etc.) and happy.
2. I am thankful for the rest of my family and close friends who have become family.  Without this support, life would not be the same.
3. I am thankful to be employed, making a salary that sustains our family and not being miserable (bored at times- but not miserable).

That's a good start. 

Time changed this past weekend, we set our clocks back an hour.  Last year I didn't really feel any effects from this; however, this year- it only left me more tired.  I don't feel like I've gained an hour whatsoever.  I do not like that it is dark by 6pm but I do like that I no longer need my flashlight when I do morning jogs. (That was not a very thankful bunch of sentences but ended on a positive; haha.)

Review of last weekend:
Friday= off from work! homecoming parade<---Gavin LOVED it, no melt downs when the naptime hour rolled around and we were still there.  He slept most of the drive to visit our friends for the weekend.
(note: said friend and family are giving us what is known as "side eye" because we left a cold with them compliments of Gavin)  Good thing they love us!

Saturday= visiting out of town with friends; went to the mall, played and ate lunch.  The funniest thing happened in the play area: G normally takes a bit of time to scope out situations before he feels comfortable going out on his own.  Once he felt comfortable he walked out in the play area with a toy of his over to this space ship thing.  He was approached by another toddler who looked a bit older than him and this "conversation" took place.  The other boy clearly wanted to play with Gavin's car toy- Gavin neither surrendered the toy nor acted meanly- it was this funny reasoning type of interaction.  I can imagine Gavin being like (in calm demeanor), "um- yes this is a nice toy; my Mommy gave it to me- I'd rather you not play with it and my mom is right over there."  I still laugh at the memory of how this interaction looked and took place.  Proud of my little guy for not just handing over what was his but also not throwing a fit or acting out. I'm sure he probably threw in a "mine" in their little convo.

Saturday night also held a very special and well-deserved night out with two other wonderful Mommies.  Almost everything about hanging out with girlfriends is different after becoming a Mom and it is wonderful to have the company of other Mom-friends. Alcoholic beverages, some food, a rude waiter, a jazz band and a tamborine were all part of the night, ended with some hot tub soaking.  A hilarious situation at a McDonald's drive thru took place on our way home from dinner/drinks.  That still has me laughing, too.  Love you amazing ladies and I look forward to our next adventure.

(Half) marathon-schmarathon update: can you feel my excitement??  Running 5 times/week--it's what I'm doing (going to add a day of weights and leave the 7th day for NOTHING).  Loathing the long runs on the weekends--but i love to see the # on the scale drop and my clothes fitting looser.

Ok- remember when I asked you to post a comment about what you are thankful for...do it- don't just lurk on my blog! I will guilt you in to posting about what you are thankful for or you will feel like a shmuck, haha.

Happy humpday all!

It's November??

Where has the year gone; we are in the l1th month? Time to play catch up:

Gavin had roseola this past week (rash almost all gone now); he looked like this on Halloween--poor boy:

Recovering little Gator football player (daycare costume--aka: mommy didn't go purchase one) with rashy/puffy face :(

Note: once the very scary fevers go away and rash appears child is no longer contagious (those fevers were no joke).  I did not send a contagious child to daycare.

He was better after his nap that afternoon so it was a "go" for some trick-or-treating with the cousins at Mimi and Papa's house.  He changed costume like any cool toddler would do and Batman and his Robin had some fun:

Cool, culinary Goddess/ Mom that I am, I also made these for daycare treat (easiest thing ever):
Mummy dogs

 

Half marathon training update:
So TWO Saturdays ago- I increased long run to 5 miles.  My friend Katie joined me- THANK YOU! I was regretting having ran two miles the day before; just noticed some added fatigue and we all know I don't need any ADDED slowness. We didn't do too bad- finished approx 5.3 miles in under an hour- sounds good to me.

And then--last week, all bets were off because G got sick and I was out a day and half with him and..and...just didn't train (ran like once on Tuesday).  Didn't do a long run this past weekend either---gahh, oh well. 

Fast forward to today:
Monday-did not run (see a theme)
Tuesday- 2 quick miles and some core at lunch time
today- 2.4 miles before the crack of dawn--I feel like that should count for at least 2 more miles since I was jogging in the dark with a flashlight for protection and got to marvel at all the constellations.

We are going out of town this weekend (yay- hello Hoch's!!), so it is likely I could miss another long run if I don't make myself do it Sunday afternoon/evening after we are home.  That is me on very good behavior/serious runner--so we'll shoot for that outcome and see what happens.  I'll try doing 5 miles again since I missed last weekend.

Saving money project:
I've been invited to join a coupon club--thanks Kathy!!  I'm excited to learn more and get started.
Ooh- and I got 40 F.R.E.E. photos from Walgreens yesterday.  Saw a coupon code from someone I follow on Facebook and- it worked!  I needed to print out updated pics of G and us to put in his book- it stops at like 7 months of age, so this was perfect.

My husband is a sexy college boy again---niiiice (who thinks he gets to "go to Spring Break"--hahaha!) 

That's the family update.