IMPERFECT life continues

Part of the goal of this blog is for me to journey through the acceptance of my imperfection.  I can reasonably admit that I am imperfect in words but inside it plagues me that I am in some way not measuring up.  I realize this is nonsense but I find myself seeking reassurance that I am making the right choices and doing the right things for myself or my family.  I think I have made progress in some ways but not in others.  So in my open platform, I would like to hold my head high and acknowledge a few strong holds in my life.

My marriage is not close to perfect. We argue, we hurt, we say ugly things.  We shout when we should not, we ignore, we go to bed angry.  However, at the end of day we are two people totally committed to each other and our family.  So yes, we forgive when others would not.  And I have to force myself through tons of prayer to let go and more forward because really what is the alternative?

My son has behavior issues at school.  Sure not every day but big whopper days at times. Where does this take me? No where but to a place of guilt and shame. I allow myself to somehow see his bad day as a reflection of my parenting, our marriage, or even worse me.  If somehow, I was "better" he would not have issues.  I ignore the many successes he may have, the fact that he is super smart and excelling in so many other ways.  My husband gets upset as well and we fall into this trap of blaming ourselves.  This week was one of those times.  Initially, the same responses set in panic, guilt, blame and shame.  However, this did not last long.  Instead, I think we are taking this opportunity to reset as a family, set the boundaries our son desperately needs, and love each other through the process.

For me the inability to "measure up" to some fake standard gets me no where but down.  This is totally a spiritual battle for and I realize through my faith in God I will make it to the other side. 

Snow Days

Do you and your family enjoy snow days? We sure do! We received a big snow storm this week with literally a foot of snow on the ground. It is funny to me to see how passionate people are one way or the other about cold weather or snow.  Now maybe it's just because I am a Virignia gal but I really love the climate here. We have distinct seasons with snow during Winter being just one part.  My parents always loved the snow and passed that on to my sisters and I. It was always a big event for us with my Dad yelling for us all when the first flake fell (no matter the time of day).   My sisters, mom, and I still always race to be the first one to text when it is snowing.  Though we all live apart, is nice to have the connection.

For my little family, the snow is chance for us to check out of the busyness of life and be together. My husband must always venture out into the snow to get something mostly just to prove he can drive in any weather. My son loves going outside to play, drinking hot chocolate with mini marshmallows, and using his imagination to pretend the Polar Express might be coming.  Princess is content to be snuggling with mama or playing in the snow. As for me, it is a chance to slow down and enjoy being together at our home. Those are the days we make memories.  I have distinct memories of big snow storms over the years. The time we didn't have to take exams in high school because of  March blizzard, the big storm in our first apartment when our poor dog, Scooby, had no idea how to poop in that much snow ;o), or at our townhouse where we talked with neighbors while shoveling, oh yes and the time I got a week off from work in February 2010 when Emory was a baby. That was heaven for a new mama!

So what will I remember about this latest snow storm? Well of course the snow ball fights, the amazing beef stew we had for dinner and the things I already mentioned.  However, my best memory from this storm will be my husband tackling me in the snow and smoothering me with kisses as the snow softly fell.

Happy Valentine's Day!

The Lunch Bag

 

 

Isn't this the cutest lunch bag? Our dear friends, the Lummers, got this Skip Hop bag and packed it with a special adventure kit for Emory on his 3rd birthday.  He loves thet bag but unfortunately we weren't getting much use out of it except the field trip he had earlier this year.  That is until I had a great idea on the fly.  You see Emory loves to stop at Chick Fil A or other places to get a treat when we are out.  We don't do it very often and when we do, he does not dig the drive through.  He likes to go in, play or sit down.  Well life with two littles and a year with a keen focus on our budget doens't always allow for this so about a week ago we were heading the doctor where they have "magical" vending machines filled witth treats and soda (thanks for that Kaiser).  So naturally Emory wanted to get a snack there. I NEVER have much change and it can be quite a disappointment for him. Not too mention the items aren't the best for his health.  So as he was informing me of his desire to get a snack at the doctor's office, the lightbulb went off...why don't we grab that adorable bag and pack it?  He fell for it. Hook, line, and sinker.  This solves so many issues for me.

 

1) I don't have to cram all kinds of snacks in my bag.

2) He get to pick his own snacks and therefore more likely to eat them.

3) It makes him feel like a big kid.

4) It save me time and money when I am out running errands with two little ones.

 

Thankfully, I already have thermal bags for everyone else in the family so I can just throw items in for everyone and we can be on the road fairly quickly.  so while we are out, not one gets cranky for being hungry.  I might add this is not exactly a ground breaking idea in our household.  My husband brings his own beverages almost everywhere and normally has a snack or two in one of the pockets of his thermal bag.  Also, when Emory was smaller we would bring his food items with us to restaurants, road trips, and visits. So let's just call it s throw back. ;o)

 

So even if you think your kids are too small to "pack a lunch, " I would still recommend getting a lunch bag/box for them. They will love it!