But first, Let me take a Selfie

Guys, let me tell you about my mom. This lady oozes the fruits of the spirit. A classy lady who loves her family. Would do anything for her family...almost to a fault. She is the kind of mother I want to be. Patient. Graceful. Fun. Loving. I think you get it...she's pretty awesome!

This past weekend Colton was (and still is) in Dallas. So Mom and I got to hang out freely. Which we did the last time he was in Dallas. So what did we do? We went to the Rangers vs Astros game and proudly cheered the Rangers to victory!!! But not just that. We talked about life. And our goals. Our current struggles. We laughed a lot. It was wonderful. She gave me more advice on raising Colton, which I eagerly took. 

My encouragement to you is several things. 1) If possible, hang out with your mom. And if she's like mine, listen to her. 2) Find and spend time with someone who is older than you, has been in your shoes. And if she's like mine, listen to her. 

You'd be amazed the things you will learn, the things God will teach you through her. Because every time I come away from spending time with her, I'm challenged to do better, to be better. 

I love you Mom! Let's hang out again soon! But first, let me take a Selfie. 

Keep Calm and Go To The Spa

Today's post hits on a number of aspects that I'm working on to live a more intentional life. I have been blessed to have my parents so close, the majority of Colt's life. So many times I would be struggling, exhausted, frustrated...trying to be a good mom. My mother would gently nudge me out of the house, telling me to take some time for myself, cool off.  To come back with a fresh start. And it always helped. 

These last few weeks at work have been a bear...which meant I was coming home to Colton with bear-like characteristics! Thankfully I was able to ship him off to Dallas for a week, which ensured his survival. This past Friday was the light at the end of the tunnel, so to speak. Once I got to Friday, I knew things would somewhat calm down...a bit. And they did. 

So what did I do as my "act" of intentional living? I scheduled a massage for last night. Here's what all that entailed:

1) Planning ahead. (I actually called last week to schedule this, and asked Mom to watch Colt somewhat in advance!) I'm not the best at this. I'm more of a last minute kind of gal.  Some might call that being spontaneous. But really it's just me not wanting to commit to anything too far in advance.

2) Take some time for myself. Give myself the opportunity to regroup, start fresh, do something for me. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not starved for "me time".  But this was something extra. And man did I feel good afterward!

So here's my advice to you. Do something for you. Take a break. Walk away from the mess for a bit. Don't worry, it will still be there when you get back. But I can promise that you will tackle it with a different mindset. And hopefully it will help you to do less "reacting", which is definitely something I'm working on. 

A Good Laugh and A Long Sleep

I've found myself wanting...needing...to live a more Intentional Life.  This whole trying-to-survive-the-day business is for the birds.  Watching the clock, counting down the hours, wishing for my bed...all of these seem to have found their way into my every day life.  And I don't know about you, but I don't like it.  Life is a gift!  Each new day is a blessing.  God put me here, in this moment, for a reason.  

I have the privilege of being Mommy to a little man, that is every day moving closer to being a "man".  So while he's in my care, while he's still mine to help mold, I better pray that I'm being the best "molder" that I can be. 

So here's my challenge, my goal.  Each day I want to document something, anything, that contributes to living a more intentional life...one that will affect Colton and me...my work life and home life.  It doesn't have to be life changing.  It can be anything.  Reading God's Word.  Saying a prayer.  Giving a smile when I'd rather give the finger!  Planning and cooking a meal vs grabbing fast food.  Going to the gym.  Saying an extra "I love you".  Listening.  Shoot, actually paying attention to a story I could care less about!  Giving my time.  Being authentic...being real.  Following through.  Disciplining.  Taking a walk and talking about life.

You get it.  Not just trying, but doing.  Succeeding.  

So I'll start with this picture:

I find myself praying for patience almost daily.  I don't know why, but God saw fit to NOT make me perfect.  And in doing so, left out the proper amount of patience one would need when raising an independent, strong-willed boy.  Really, he probably did it to keep me grounded and remind me that He will supply all of our needs...including patience.  So why this picture?  I guess it's a reminder that each day has a beginning and an end.  When times are tough, take a deep breath instead of reacting to the situation.  Remind myself of all of the crazy goodness in my life!  Don't take everything so seriously.  What may seem like "the end of the world" or a huge situation, is only that big in that moment.  

Folks, I am a lover of laughing...it does wonders for the soul.  Try it!  You'll agree!  You can't tell me that listening/watching a baby laugh that guttural laugh doesn't put a smile on your face.  It's a good dose of medicine for sure.  And if that's not enough, a good nap will fix anything. 

Here's to being Intentional.  Here's to living life.  One day at a time.

-deborah

I'm Currently...

Inspired by my Bestest, Lin, here's what I'm currently...

Watching

Glee - I just started watching it this season. So while watching this season, I also started back at season one.  I'm hooked.  Don't judge.  I can't help it!  I'm a lover of music (all types of singing competitions) and drama (watching dramas on tv, not living out drama).  My regular TV faves are:  NEW GIRL!  Absolute fav! The Mindy Project, Elementary (although I've let my DVR stack up), and Smash (another "music" show).

Reading

I'm about to start Divergent.  A series that has been compared to The Hunger Games Series...which I loved.  I also need to start a Classic Novel, to check off my Twenties Bucket List.

Enjoying

Colton.  We've had a lot of "dates" lately that have been a lot of fun.  He will be 9 1/2 on the 30th of this month, and for the most part, I'm really enjoying this age.

Planning

How many of my Twenties Bucket List I can knock out in the next, oh, 72 days before I turn 30!!  (but who's counting?!)  ;) 

Excited about

My new adventure as a Stella & Dot Stylist!!  It's only been a little over 2 months, but I'm loving it! And so excited to see the possibilities that it will bring to me and my tiny family of 2!

Pinning

House ideas, Style ideas, Clean Recipes, Not Clean Recipes, Fitness Motivation

Waiting for

This summer. Colt and I are hoping/praying/planning to move out FINALLY into our own home this summer.  What was supposed to be "six months" has turned into 9 years! And it's been wonderful, and I will be forever grateful to my family for loving and supporting us for those years.  But, it's time.

Playing with

Words with Friends.  It's the only game I'm playing on my phone, and I don't play that often, and I only play a few people.  I kinda let it go days between turns.  Oops?

Looking forward to

A whole Slew of concerts with my Bestest & SeaStars this summer.  I never go to concerts.  Ok, I shouldn't say never.  But I rarely in my lifetime have "planned" so many concerts.  I am a fan of last minute live local music.  Not the big-time concerts.  But alas, I have four on my schedule thus far:  Mumford (just bought two tix last night!), John Mayer/Phillip Phillips, She & Him (on my 30th bday with my Bestest and Seastars), and Bruno Mars/Ellie Goulding.  Wow!  Kind of a lot.  Super excited!


What are you Currently up to? Leave a comment with a link to your currently blog!

Mobile Blogging

Good Morning! I don't have any work to do, so what am I doing? Visiting the ol' blog...trying to get back into it...we'll see how long this lasts. ;-) I've also set up the blog app on my phone to see if that will help me blog more often.

Anywho, it's 2013! I turn 30 this year! Colt turns 10! CRAZY!!! Not too thrilled with either of these...I want us both to stay young Forrr-Evvvv-Errrrrrrrrr! (Sandlot anyone?) But sadly, it won't happen.

Lots of other exciting things in store for us this year. Making plans to move out of the 'rents home and into our own place, Just the Two Of Us. Super excited!! I'm also on the hunt for a new job. While I am thankful for the job I have, I am not being challenged, and I am not using my degree. Why did I spend all that money just to not use it?! (Let's be honest, I haven't technically "spent all that money" because I am still paying off the loans, and will be for years to come.) So, I'm on the hunt for the best job for me, that will be where God wants me, and will meet the needs of my tiny family.

I'll leave you with some recent photos of the man child. He's seriously huge...and hilarious! :-)











- Blog by Deb

Location:The Ol' Office

Disciplines of a Godly Woman

I've been wanting to start a Bible Study/Devotional that I can do during my Quiet Time.  Not sure what to get, I headed to my local Christian Book Store and searched for "The One".  I also posted on my Facebook page for people to give me their suggestions...what they are doing right now.  I received a lot of great suggestions.  And then I came upon this jewel of a book.

The word "Disciplines" is really what stood out.  I'm not gonna lie, I am in need of some Discipline in my life...some Order.  I'm not a mess or anything, but I do need to prioritize...and then stick to those Priorities.  So, I decided This was the book for me!  It's not necessarily a Devotional.  But it very well could be.  She references A LOT of Scriptures, which is what I was looking for.  So, I made my purchase, started to head to the nearest Starbucks to begin my journey of Disciplines of a Godly Woman.  But, as life often does, plans changed and I didn't make it to Starbucks.  That's ok.  I can start it later that day.

Well, 11 days later I FINALLY started it.  And I loved it.  As I told a friend, Maybe if I had already finished this book, I would've been more disciplined and started my devotional sooner! Oh well, I'm just happy to have found it, and am excited to see what God does in my life.  :)

1st Day as Biker/Walker: Epic Fail

So let me preface this by saying:

• Colt’s been wanting to be a Biker/Walker, specifically a Scooterer
• His scooter is in less-than-ideal shape…to go straight, he has to turn the handlebar thingy all the way to the left. (No big deal, I was easily able to straighten it out. Which also means it can easily revert back to crooked.)
• (I don’t really have anything for this bullet, but don’t you have to have at least 3?)

All that being said, here’s what happened:

At 2:00 yesterday, I decided today would be the day that we try out Colt being a Biker/Walker. You have to let the school know by 2:30, so I quickly called and after the 5th try I was able to remember my over-the-phone-important-decisions password. So, I hurry home to get my bike ready and get Colt’s scooter ready. We live about 2 miles from the school, so I wanted to leave by 2:50 to make sure I got there in plenty of time. I had planned on riding my bike, and holding Colt’s scooter. Well, when I got to the house, I decided “Why not just ride Colt’s bike?” I got it out, noticed the tires were super flat. No problem. I grabbed my bike pump and spent the next 10 minutes trying to figure the dang thing out. Turns out, I’m not an idiot. The pump is broken. No big deal. I’ll just ride my bike. (My bike is a road bike with special pedals that my bike shoes clip in to, so I can’t wear normal shoes.) I run upstairs, change my shoes, head back downstairs and out to the garage. I grab the scooter, hop on my bike (which I rode last week) close the garage door, and head out. Mind you, it is now 2:58. I get to the end of my street before I realize my tires are too flat to ride the 2 miles to his school and then back. How did that happen?  I just rode it last week!  So, I race back, spend 30 seconds trying to get the garage door to open, put my bike in the garage, race upstairs, change out of my bike shoes and into my tennis shoes, race back downstairs, grab my keys, out the door, grab the scooter and hop in my car.  It's too late to switch back to a Car Rider, so I'm on like Plan D at this point.  I decide to drive my car to the park that's about halfway between our house and the school.  Park. Hop out, grab the scooter, lock the doors, and off I go...ON THE SCOOTER!

I last about 10 seconds before I realize, I am not a Scooterer!!  Or at least, I've never ridden one, and this scooter is a piece of rickety crap! No problem, I'll just carry it and run!  After about a minute and a half I have to stop.  My legs are dying!  I've already worked out today, so my legs are screaming "Who do you think you are?  You aren't getting far on these sore legs!!"  So I start walking.  But my "Mom Conscience" kicks in saying "Hurry up!  Colt is going to be waiting, have  no idea what he's supposed to do.  He'll be looking all over for you!  If you're not there, he might get insecure. No walking!!"  So back on the scooter I go.  It can't be that hard, right?  So, I scooter on the right for about 30 seconds, then switch to my left...who knows which is the correct side for a right-handed person!  Back to running for another minute.  Then it's scootering time again.  I'm paying such close attention to the scooter when I hear this voice "I'm sorry.  Um, can I please get past you?"  A super athletic woman on a bike!  I am so embarrassed.  Because I've been all over the sidewalk.  No straight scootering for this Momma, no I look like an idiot I'm sure! Oh well, back on the scooter I go.  About 1 minute later I finally make it! (Yes, the super athletic woman on the bike is there, waiting for her kid.  I try not to make eye contact, and instead find a friend and quickly try to act cool.) 

I find Colt, he was fine...no insecurities with this kid!  We head back...him on the scooter and me walking! How embarrassed am I!