Authenticity

I am reading a book on parenting right now.  The chapter that I am reading is on being an authentic parent.  This chapter hits home for some reason.  When I read this below.  I felt like it was so true for me.

After reading the beginning part of the chapter last night.  I had to question myself.  Do I keep my word with my kids?  Do I do what I say I'm going to do? This not only is for my kids but my relationships with other too.

I know since I've had kids it is harder and harder for me to remember what I've promised other people. Sometimes months down the road I remember something I promised to someone and I never gave it to them or did what I said I was going to do.  I realize that makes me a not-so-good friend.  I am endeavoring to be a more authentic parent and friend. Just like you can lose the trust of your kids, your friends can lose the trust of you if you don't follow through.  YIKES!  I sincerely apologize if I've promised you something and I never followed through.

This is kind of a hard pill for me to swallow.  I am a do-as-I say type of person.  If I know I'm not going to do it, I don't say it. I think now when I say something it takes so much more effort to follow through with it.  I know I've said I would do something for someone that normally would take 10 minutes of my time (without kids)...with kids it seems nearly impossible.  I hate that feeling.  I hate letting people down.  I hate being one to not follow through.

I especially hate when someone tells me something and doesn't follow through.  I have a hard time trusting that person.  Why should it be any different for me?  Why should people trust me when I'm not following through either?

This is life check time for me.  I want to be totally authentic to my friends...to believe the best of everyone.  Most of all I want to be totally authentic with my kids.  I want to follow through on every aspect, even when it means I will have to do something that I normally wouldn't do.

I will speak and mean it.  Lord help me be authentic and to follow through with what I speak!!

This Year in Words

These are my TOP 10 vision words for....

2010

Expansion

Contentment

Blessing

Peace

Health

Patience

Gentleness

Influence

Self-Control

Discipline

Lord I thank you for a prosperous new year.  I thank you for expansion and blessing this year.  I thank you for being content in whatever situation I am in.  I pray for peace to cover me each day that I live.  I ask you for strength to make healthy choices...to have patience and gentleness with my children.  I pray that I have influence over others and that my life is an example that reflects your glory.  I pray that I exercise self-control and discipline in reading the word and making good choices in my life.

Another Fabulous Giveaway.....

at

Beneath My Heart.

Head on over there and check it out.  Beautiful stuff!!

A beautiful day!

it's just a "no word" post.

Struggling Today

I have this great idea for a post I want to do but it will have to wait.  I'm doing a bit of research for it so instead I will post that I'm really struggling today. 

Everyday I put Mak down for his nap and I think today will be the day he sleeps like he's supposed to. Then 20-30 min later I get really disappointed when he wakes up screaming again.  Don't get me wrong he's really a happy baby.  It's just that when he's awake, I get nothing done.

I feel like my house is always a mess...well, I don't just feel it, IT IS! This week, I've constantly had to encourage myself with "all things work together for our good."  It's a scripture from Romans but also a song that Jesus Culture sings.  In the midst of my own crying, I have to remind myself of that cause going through this is no fun at all.

I'm just tired of always having this hope and then it be turned to disappointment each day.  I've always wanted this blog to be about my life, the struggles and the victories. Today is just one of those days. If you read this please say a prayer for me today.

Lisa Leonards Designs Giveaway

I don't normally do two posts in one day BUT I found this great giveaway on another blog: Beneath My Heart.  I've recently started reading this blog which I somehow found through another blog...not sure how. =) 
I love her Goodwill re-dos.  I'm hoping I can find the time to do my own projects one day...my biggest thing being my kitchen cabinets.  They are well let's just say - not what I like at this point.

Anyway, back to the giveaway.  Click on the link above and see for yourself.  It's a $75 Giveaway from Lisa Leonard Designs.
These are really neat. I have to say my favorite one is the Mama Necklace.

The drawing ends tomorrow so hurry over!!

You have to go through the link from Beneath My Heart to see the giveaway.

Mak is on the move!

Last night Mak took his first steps.  They were very shaky but he took two with each foot.  He's been taking one step with his left foot but has been very hesitant with his right foot.

I can't believe my little man Mak is at this stage already.  It goes sooo fast.  He's going to be one in just a few short weeks. 

Here's a few more of his accomplishments so far:

He's able to stand by himself
He plays patty cake but prefers to "patty cake" someone else's hands
He says and points to "fis" (fish)
He says, "da da," "eggie" (reggie)
He loves pointing to things
He has a great pincer grasp
He has 7 teeth - 4 upper and 3 lower
He likes playing in the toilet
He loves to cuddle (especially with mama)
He naps 3 times a day (each about 1/2 hour long, unless someone is holding him then he will sleep for about 1 1/2 hours)
He loves to be tickled and held
He has the best belly laugh
He has the greatest expressions when you talk to him

He is such a sweet baby.  I love you my man, Mak!! 

My 100th Post Giveaway Winner!!

...and the winner is....Sabrina.


Thanks to those of you who commented on my 100th post.  I appreciate you!