Coffee CubBuster

Every time we get through a difficult event, it becomes one of those notches on an old man's leather worn belt that we never forget. I recently saw the movie Lone Survivor and while it's definitely not for the faint of heart, it certainly shed some real light on what our brave soldiers do for our freedom every day. They certainly have more notches than I could ever count. But it was that movie that helped me get through a tough couple of days as a single traveling mama. (I'm certainly not comparing my circumstances to the actual Lone Survivor. Rather it gave me a perspective in which to change my mindset.)  After an unpleasant stomach bug  that kept me in bed for 24 hours, my hubby went to the west coast for work where we were suppose to meet him 48 hours later. Thus, I began to see that with God, all things are actually possible (Mark 10:27) as I packed, disinfected, and mothered by baby boy with a pretty empty intestinal track. Then, getting up at 4 am I prepared to get...

Well.... "ask and you shall receive."  I wanted to get out of my routine, and God was sweet enough to make it a truly unique week with Matthew at home for three days and ice and snow to boot! More than that, I realized that it's not a seven day experiment that I am seeking to accomplish, but rather a lifestyle change. I want to wake up every single day asking God to direct my path. I want to live moment by moment realizing tomorrow may never come. Since I will naturally stay organized and orderly, I don't have to worry about becoming a hot mess. Instead, I will continue to remain open to any and every possibility. (yeah, yeah... you say that now, but wait another month and you're back to the same ole' same ole').   This is not another yoga, new year's, fad. After visiting a former co-worker's "celebration of life" this week, this notion was echoed even louder. There will of course be times where I have to remind myself and seek to start a...

  I don't want to believe a lie. Who does? But if I don't know it's a lie, then I don't know not to believe it, right? So, how do I know unless I look at something from another perspective?  It's all about perspectives. Generally we all think that the way we view life is the best way until we've been given an alternative view. After a week with a sick 10 month old, I've seen life from a different angle. We, as humans, typically don't change up our day-to-day operations unless we are on vacation, sick, or going through a major life event. Thus, I've decided to try an experiment this week: I am a naturally routine person. That is one of the major reasons I adore my husband. He has always been able to get me to be spontaneous and impulsive: two things I yearn to be but can't do very well when left to my own devices. I mean really... During a normal week, I have certain days to drink coffee and certain to drink tea, days for laundry, and day...

You know the saying... and it's quite easy as a new mom to receive a new basket of lemons on any given day (without warning might I add), but I've never liked lemons personally, not even in my water. Really it just tastes like watered down lemonade, so why not give me the real thing. And so it goes... Tired sick baby = extra snuggle time Less time for self = more time watching someone's firsts Early baby alarm clock = extra sunrises to view My iPhone doesn't do this sunrise justice. It was really beautiful! This snow-rise was just starting. Loved this so much! We had a house guest recently who wasn't too fond of Silas. I think there was some jealousy involved. So I gave Silas another "doggie" to look at. This boy LOVES to read. He will take out all of them and just sit in a pile of books for hours. Of course I'm a good mommy and would never leave him there for hours... per say. My teacher heart loves that he loves books so...

I love sliding with my daddy! Mommy the snow is going to stick, I believe it! I can't wait to walk in it... with your help of course. Ha ha! Told you so! Mommy I walked just like you! Who knew Atlanta could get a snow storm after 60 degree weather a week ago I loved seeing our first home with snow on it. A day to remember. Definitely a moment to remember Mommy I don't know about this snow thing. I think my butt is freezing. Watching someone experience snow for the first time is an unbelievable thing Time to let the snow melt and see what tomorrow brings. It brought icy roads, and lots of beautiful snow. It also brought Matthew home. He along with many others were stranded at work. We are thankful that despite the white beauty, we are safe and praying so many others in the south are safe and warm today. ~CC

We decided to honor Mr. Luther King Jr. this past Monday by stepping back into his era. We "unplugged" and had a "no screen day".  It wasn't really for MLK, but I'm sure he'd appreciate our efforts. In reality it was just something we wanted to try. The phones were turned off, the computer and ipad were put away, and the tv stayed asleep while we spent the 60 degree day hiking and enjoying being together as a family. Honestly, I'm not a huge screen timer when compared to some, but I never realized how often I check my phone until I wasn't able to. It was such a great day though! I absolutely loved being away from all things media/tech-related. I think we should have a national unplug day. Kind of like how some stores are closed on national holidays, well wifi and signals should all be shut down for at least one day a year so that we can remember what it's like to sit and be together as human beings. It's a lost art, but once you get pass...

There are some markers I believe designate whether you are really a mommy or not. I have recognized, besides the excruciating pain and indescribable joy that I experienced when giving birth to our precious baby boy, that I really have crossed over into the realness of mommyhood. You are a real mommy if, but not only if, 1. your favorite Christmas present is your new dustbuster 2. you don't mind getting a little drool in your mouth that belongs to your little person 3. you believe true love stems from sharing half eaten, mushy cheerios 4. you don't mind the new, improved 50 second rule with a justified scraping off any dust or debris 5. you think a good dust busting equates to a full vacuum, thus enabling the 50 second rule 6. you don't mind using ointment or vaseline as your new hand lotion 7. you are contemplating making your own children's songs album in your spare time 8. you call clothing clean if it passes the sniff test 9. you think your jeans and a wh...