...my daughter who is participating in "80's day" at school today. It was fun to curl, tease, and spray again...not enough fun to want to do it on a daily basis, mind you, but fun nonetheless. Her response when she first saw the finished product? "Oh dear."
...frustration over a particular client yesterday. I have prayed about it and I am trying to let it go and let Him handle...after all, He is so much more capable than I am.
...my little one has a poopy diaper...better go change it!
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Adventures in mum making...
I was not raised in the great state of Texas, nor did I ever wear a mum to homecoming in high school or college. So, I was completely naive when we moved here a couple of years ago and someone mentioned this practice to me. As an outsider and mum novice, I have to say that even sweet Diane's explanation the first year did not fully declare to me the importance of the MUM.
So for those of you non-Texans out there, let me give you the run-down. Here was my initial impression: Basically, you start with a fake mum (or at least that is what I have seen), and you "bling it up" to be this large (and dare I say it?), rather tacky ornament of social acceptance, which your daughter will pin on her homecoming shirt/dress/outfit. I had a bit of sticker shock last year when I went to buy the first mum for our daughter. It cost $45 for a fake flower, some ribbon, and some trinkets to indicate her specific extracurricular activities. I thought that seemed pretty expensive, so I vowed to explore other options this year.
Imagine how thrilled I was when, during a girls' weekend this past summer, I learned a friend is an experienced mum-maker. She agreed we would go shopping together, we would pick out supplies, and we would make our own mums for this year's homecoming game. It sounded like fun and we hoped to save a little money by doing it ourselves. Well, through no fault of my precious friend, I think I have spent about double what I spent last year. :) However, my personal mum guru and two other friends came over Friday night, and we worked for several hours to produce these mums to our daughters' specifications. Even though I spent more, I gained more. I had a wonderful time with my friends and my daughter. My sweet girl is pleased with our efforts, and she is looking forward to wearing it on Friday night to the game.
Here is what I took away from the entire process...
...the easiest choice doesn't always allow for the biggest blessing. It is obviously easier to just go shell out the $45 and buy the ready-made mum, BUT, then you miss out on the quality time and the sense of accomplishment that comes from working on a project with your teenage daughter.
...knowledge will always help us to grow. I didn't originally understand the allure of these mums...but now, I see them, not as tacky, but as a small expression of self for teenage girls. The mum doesn't give them worth, but each is unique and in a socially acceptable way, it proclaims them individuals.
...shared "creative time" with friends always strengthens friendships because opinions are expressed, help is offered, and laughter is guaranteed.
Don't you love how God can teach you something even through what you consider tacky?
So for those of you non-Texans out there, let me give you the run-down. Here was my initial impression: Basically, you start with a fake mum (or at least that is what I have seen), and you "bling it up" to be this large (and dare I say it?), rather tacky ornament of social acceptance, which your daughter will pin on her homecoming shirt/dress/outfit. I had a bit of sticker shock last year when I went to buy the first mum for our daughter. It cost $45 for a fake flower, some ribbon, and some trinkets to indicate her specific extracurricular activities. I thought that seemed pretty expensive, so I vowed to explore other options this year.
Imagine how thrilled I was when, during a girls' weekend this past summer, I learned a friend is an experienced mum-maker. She agreed we would go shopping together, we would pick out supplies, and we would make our own mums for this year's homecoming game. It sounded like fun and we hoped to save a little money by doing it ourselves. Well, through no fault of my precious friend, I think I have spent about double what I spent last year. :) However, my personal mum guru and two other friends came over Friday night, and we worked for several hours to produce these mums to our daughters' specifications. Even though I spent more, I gained more. I had a wonderful time with my friends and my daughter. My sweet girl is pleased with our efforts, and she is looking forward to wearing it on Friday night to the game.
Here is what I took away from the entire process...
...the easiest choice doesn't always allow for the biggest blessing. It is obviously easier to just go shell out the $45 and buy the ready-made mum, BUT, then you miss out on the quality time and the sense of accomplishment that comes from working on a project with your teenage daughter.
...knowledge will always help us to grow. I didn't originally understand the allure of these mums...but now, I see them, not as tacky, but as a small expression of self for teenage girls. The mum doesn't give them worth, but each is unique and in a socially acceptable way, it proclaims them individuals.
...shared "creative time" with friends always strengthens friendships because opinions are expressed, help is offered, and laughter is guaranteed.
Don't you love how God can teach you something even through what you consider tacky?
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Yesterday, today, and tomorrow
I have started a new post about three times in the last couple of weeks, but then within minutes, my interest has dwindled, and I have questioned relevance of my topic du jour. However, when I check the stats on this blog, it doesn't appear anyone is reading, so, hey, I am just going to share what is on my mind. :) I want to be intentional about how I am living my life, so here are my thoughts for today...
Yesterday, I was reminded how much I love being a stay-at-home mom...even changing diapers allows for bonding time with my sweet 18-month-old, and I am truly grateful. I love being able to pick up my 11-year-old and 13-year-old from school and ask them "How was your day?". It's a blessing, and one I take for granted all too often. I am going to make more of an effort to find the blessings in my ordinary days.
Today, I am overwhelmed by my "TO DO" list for work...I have prayed about it though, and asked the Lord to help me stay focused and productive today. I am going to be thankful if I can check one small thing off my list, and see that as progress instead of failure. I am going to make some time for myself...maybe read a few chapters in a book...something I want to do...not out of selfishness, but out of self-preservation so I can be a better mom/wife.
Tomorrow will be a busy day with work and kids' activities, but I am going to look forward to the making of memories in my childrens' lives. I am going to celebrate their personalities and the gifts they are in my life. I am not going to let the busy schedule frustrate me...I am going to be thankful my children are healthy and able to participate in so many activities.
What are you going to do today?
Yesterday, I was reminded how much I love being a stay-at-home mom...even changing diapers allows for bonding time with my sweet 18-month-old, and I am truly grateful. I love being able to pick up my 11-year-old and 13-year-old from school and ask them "How was your day?". It's a blessing, and one I take for granted all too often. I am going to make more of an effort to find the blessings in my ordinary days.
Today, I am overwhelmed by my "TO DO" list for work...I have prayed about it though, and asked the Lord to help me stay focused and productive today. I am going to be thankful if I can check one small thing off my list, and see that as progress instead of failure. I am going to make some time for myself...maybe read a few chapters in a book...something I want to do...not out of selfishness, but out of self-preservation so I can be a better mom/wife.
Tomorrow will be a busy day with work and kids' activities, but I am going to look forward to the making of memories in my childrens' lives. I am going to celebrate their personalities and the gifts they are in my life. I am not going to let the busy schedule frustrate me...I am going to be thankful my children are healthy and able to participate in so many activities.
What are you going to do today?
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