It is what it is

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My Favorite Music Artists

I grew up in a very musical family, so I love hearing new music and falling back on oldies. Music has a way of bringing you to a certain time in your life. Certain songs bring back tears of joy but also remind me of painful times and the healing. I have songs that remind me of people and the memories made.

Here are some of my favorite artists (who are still living) that are always a joy for me to listen to:

Tyrone Wells.

I love this man. He has a voice like butter. It is so sweet and just the perfect tone. I love singer song writers, and he is the cream of the crop for me. (I could honestly do a whole post about all my favorite singer song writers…) I also love that Tyrone stays true to his family and faith even amidst his fame. Tom and I were featured on his Facebook page once, and I have actually had a real conversation with him one of the times I saw him in Iowa. One of his songs, our friend sang at our wedding. I have seen him 5 times now, and every time it is so worth it. This is my go to music if I need to feel anything. Do yourself a favor and buy all of his albums.

Michael Buble

He has an old soul feel to him, very Frank Sinatra-esque, which I love. His songs always make me want to be a competitive ballroom dancer. I just love his rich tones. Yummy music! I would love to see him live.

Celine Dion

She has got the best tunes that are perfect for belting it out in the car or in the shower. (Or when you are 9 singing hysterically “All By Myself” when you are told to clean the basement…this may or may not be based on a true story.) She was also the first cassette tape that I owned.

Jimmy Buffett

I grew up listening to Jimmy since he is my dad’s favorite artist. My dad and I danced to one of his songs for our father/daughter dance. They are just great songs to dance to and make you feel like you are just living it up. Most have a party on the beach vibe. Every day I wish I was partying on a beach. I sing “Cheeseburger in Paradise” to George all the time. It’s amazing my brother and I didn’t didn’t ask more questions about some of the lyrics…

Justin Timberlake

I mean what girl who grew up in the 90s doesn’t love Justin Timberlake? From his N’SYNC days to now his solo career, I love it all. Also our sons are very close in age, which means PLAYDATE? One could dream. Anyway, he is a dreamboat who can act, sing, and dance. But I mostly love him for his singing. I also need to see him live…someone please make that happen. I can’t wait to hear this song on the radio!

I have so many others! But these are my top 5 today.

Who are your favorite artists?

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Oh Hey Friends

I am going to make a little confession.

I am not the greatest friend right now. I am not looking for pats on the back or comfort words that I am. I just want to share why it is hard for me to be/feel/expend energy on being a good friend.

It’s the reality. I really haven’t been putting my best foot forward in the friend department.

But in all fairness, I am trying to raise a little human being to not be an awful human being, which unfortunately takes all my attention and energy that otherwise use to be spent on friendships.

For me it is hard to be a good friend and to be a good parent to a toddler.

It may take me longer to answer texts or phone calls than the average person. It can be hard to talk on the phone while trying to keep George from eating ALL of the dog food. Or I see a text, but don’t have enough time to answer before George unlocks the front door and walks out to our yard naked. When he is asleep at 8:30, the last thing I want to do most days is to have a conversation, no offense. Being an introvert, that alone time after he goes to bed is extremely vital to my own sanity to make sure I am a good person. Plus I am at a point in life where calling people after 8 seems super late.

I am missing one of my dear friend’s weddings this weekend. I have cried over missing this, but it is the reality of being a parent of a toddler. It just is not feasible or practical for me to travel alone with George, nor really go alone for 3-4 days with Tom’s schedule. Our situation just doesn’t lend well to it right now. He was an angel baby when he was 7 months old driving across the country last year, but this year is a different tune. George thinks he is independent, but he is still at that age where I have to carry things for him and be his shadow to make sure he gets to where he needs to be. And being in a car for more than an hour is just not happening if I am driving solo. Then there is the cost and time of traveling with a toddler…I can be pretty low maintenance traveling and cut corners for myself, but George is high maintenance and will still expect snacks at certain times. As a parent, you are at their beckon call regardless if you are at home or staying in a swanky hotel.

When I have traveled with him lately, I don’t really focus on the company I am seeing. I am more worried about what George can get his little hands into. When a place isn’t baby proofed, I can’t relax and sit and enjoy a conversation because I am worried that he may break something of yours. This makes it easier just to stay home where I know he can’t reach any breakables and I know his limits on climbing furniture. It can be very stressful to take a very curious toddler into unknown terrain, because again I still have to be his shadow. Then there are the tantrums that I don’t normally have to deal with because I am constantly pulling him away from things and telling him no. I know his reach and we have created that buffer zone in our own home. Or I end up having to hold him the whole time. I am not asking that people create that in their spaces, but this makes it difficult to see the fun in traveling and taking George places. It’s not that I don’t want to hang out with you or find your place annoying, I just don’t want my kid to pull a glass figurine on his head or run into sharp corners. Personally I have found it hard to shake the toddler shenanigans and just sit. His safety is always on my mind. As much as it pains me to say, this isn’t my idea of a fun friend date.

And then there is this…

Even going out to dinner here in town is not an easy task. There is a reason that our Friday night’s are spent at a grocery store diner with our family. There are six grown ups (and one spirited 6 year old cousin) to tag team him, and it is social acceptable for him to walk around the store. Most restaurants are not super kid friendly for a roaming toddler. Trying to get a 20 month old to sit still for a couple hours just sounds like torture.

Trying to find a time to “hang out” in between our work schedules and George’s sleep schedule is often a nightmare. We have been trying to find a time for friends of ours to come over for the last 9ish months. Why is this so hard?

I hate that we have had to say no a lot, but it’s the world I live in. George is my priority and that comes with certain sacrifices from our previous lifestyle. It may sound like I am complaining about being a parent, but I assure you this is the role I love most. There is a reason that I am choosing him first. I love hanging out with him, and I want to make the most of the precious time that we have together. I just want people to understand that I personally haven’t yet found that balance of being a good friend and a good parent. I love my kid though and I want to be there and present for him during this time. It can be hard when I have friends living their own life to find time to mesh all of our needs.

I am not trying to make excuses, I know there are things that I can do differently as a friend. I try to schedule a couple lunch dates each month, but that doesn’t help when you don’t live in town. I am not asking for praise that I am a mom and “trying to do it all” because let’s be honest does anyone really do it all? I write this because I am sad that I know some connections have waned because I became a mom and my priorities (rightfully so) shifted to George. And I wonder if other moms struggle with this, and how do we work out of this friend hole?

I ask for forgiveness if I haven’t sent you birthday cards in the past few years. I ask for understanding when I say we can’t make it to your life event, but also don’t want you to stop asking because sometimes we can make it work. I ask for flexibility when you make plans with us and know that my attention will be divided if we aren’t in our own home. I ask if we do invite you to our home, please know that this is a big deal because it means that I have probably taken the time to clean and put away laundry and mail which is a rare occurrence at our house.

I also hope that friends know I am always “here” for you. I still cheer and cry for you from afar. I still pray for you daily. I still cherish the bonds that we have. My seemingly neglectful style of friendship is in no way a representation of how I actually feel about you. I promise I will try to do better!

What I am saying is I would love to have visitors because I miss my friends, but I am also going to put my kid first because he is my world. (And toddlers are needy) I have a lot of peanut butter cheese crackers and wine to entice you for a visit.

I know there are parents out there who manage to be great parents and have a great social life. Please share your secrets. How do you balance wanting to be there for your kid and not missing anymore than you already are and maintaining friendships outside of your family? Is this just the season we are in right now?

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My Favorite TV Shows

This is the hardest favorites list to narrow down.

I get hooked on TV shows really easily, and there are a lot of shows that I love like Veronica Mars, Bones, and Once Upon a Time. But when it comes down to it, these are shows that I could watch over and over again and never get bored. I actually own the DVD sets of all of these except one.

  • Gilmore Girls
    • This is a show that touches me in so many ways. I am the same age as Rory, and she is so like me with being a reader and high achieving student. I started watching this with my dad when it first came out, and I have recently watched the whole series over with my mom. There are so many ways that I have connected with the story lines, and there are parts where I could have written the dialog. How can you not love the witty crazy banter of Lorelei and Rory in Stars Hallow? I am so excited for the reboot!!!!
  • Boy Meets World
    • I grew up watching this on Friday nights. This is a show that when the time comes, I hope to watch with George to pass along the amazingness. I love Cory and Topanga. I think I always hoping to find my Cory in real life. I learned so many life lessons from this show. “Life’s hard. Get a helmet.” I could watch it’s cheesiness over and over again.
  • Dancing With the Stars
    • It was so great to have this on my birthday! I have been watching this show for over 10 years now. It never ever gets old. I love dance, especially the traditional dances of waltz and jive. Fun fact, I wanted to be a choreographer when I was little. I love the stories that this show tells too. It has rejuvenated countless stars careers, which I think is fun to see. I think it is nice to see these famous people be real and see them stripped down a little emotionally. I get so excited to see all the glitz and glamor as well. Also I am in love with Derek Hough, so I love that this show introduced him to me. (This is the only one on this list that we don’t own the DVDs for.)
  • Castle
    • I am sad to see that this show my be coming to an end here soon, but I also think it is probably time to bow out gracefully instead of having a “jump the shark” moment. I have loved everything about this twisty crime drama. The will they won’t they of Castle and Beckett kept the story going for most of the seasons. The creative spin of having a writer follow the NYPD makes for a different crime drama. Also I enjoy that they have actually ghost written the books from Castle’s character.
  • Law and Order SVU
    • I think the fact that this show is still on is a testament to how good it is and the following it has. It may be so predictable, but I love the crime fighting stories it has. I had my ring tone as the dun-dun for a long time.
  • The West Wing
    • This show tickles my social studies major heart. This is such a smart show that any side of politics would enjoy. It is funny and serious. It is what we hope politics could be. I love love love CJ! I didn’t want this show to end!
  • The Office
    • Tom and I fell in love over this series. We have re-watched it countless times, and it never gets old. It is funny, romantic, and you can’t help but fall in love with all the characters despite them all being a little crazy. From Dwight’s crazy antics to Michael’s stupidity and naivety to watching Jim and Pam fall in love, this was a magical show. Tom and I both cried on the finale. We still quote The Office almost daily, actually daily if you count “That’s what she said.”

I connected with the characters on each of these shows. As weird as it sounds, they become friends. So I am glad to revisit these places every now and again.

Have you watched any of these shows? What are your all-time favorites?

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35 Before 35 on my 31st Birthday

I started this list a few years ago, and now I am 31.

I have never been worried about getting older, but there is something about 31 that leaves a weird taste.

Thirty-one.

It’s just kind of bland to say.

Here’s to hoping that this next trip around the sun is the best one yet, despite how it feels to say 31.

Let’s see where I am with my 35 before 35 list on my birthday today.

1. Crochet something else besides blankets or scarves at least once a year (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020)
2. Do a photography challenge (Took pictures once a week George’s first year)

3. Visit 5 cities I have never been to before (8/5)

4. Tour at least one winery, brewery, or distillery

5. Send at least 5 snail mail a month

6. Become a “professional” photographer

7. Run at least 10 races (any distance) (6/10)

8. Go camping with Tom

9. Pay for the car behind me in a drive through

10. See Tyrone Wells live as many times as possible

11. Tour Fort Defiance here in Clarksville

12. Water ski with my dad

13. Do a 5K with my mom

14. Take a swing dance class with Tom

15. Read at least one fun book a month and one professional development book every three months

16. Take a pottery or stained glass class

17. Do one new recipe each month

  • Black Bean Balls-These were a great alternative to get something other than carbs into George. They were pretty delicious!
  • Crockpot Beef and Broccoli-These was silly easy and so good. You gotta love the crockpot!

18. See both a Clemson and UCM football game live

19. Find a place to volunteer on a regular basis

20. Go hiking

21. Ride in a hot air balloon

22. Go to at least 20 “new to me” restaurants. (32/20)

  • Dotties-It’s a little diner in our little town of 106 people. The service is a tad slow, but the food is great! Great french toast and biscuits and gravy!

23. Stay at a bed and breakfast

24. Spend a day without electronics (phone, t.v. and computer)

25. Do something unique and new for my birthdays

  • We went to Ha Ha Tonka state park yesterday. It was a great way to spend time with Tom and George. I plan on doing a post on it here soon. Such a cool park! Even thought they both looked pissed, we had a wonderful time!

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26. Explore Nashville while we live here

27. Watch at least 10 movies that I have not seen before that won Best Picture at the Oscars and at least 20 documentaries (not necessarily Oscar winning) Movies (3/10); Documentaries (7/20)

28. Sew an item of clothing from scratch

29. Do a personal devotional/bible study on my own

30. Be a mascot for an event

31. Go on our honeymoon (preferably somewhere tropical)

32. Host an annual NCAA Basketball Tournament Championship game party

33. Go on a mission trip

34. Be on a recreation volleyball team

35. Become a mom

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My Favorite Things About Being a Mom

 I love being a mom. This is what I was made to do. Raising another human being is not easy, but it is so rewarding. I feel blessed that God chose me to do this for George.

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Here is why I love being a mom:

  • George is teaching me to be the best version of me. Having to teach someone else to be a good person definitely keeps me in check of how I am living out my life and if I am being a good role model to him. There is also nothing more humbling than teaching a kid to eat with a fork and pee in a toilet. There is something about potty training that really makes you think about your priorities.
  • He gives me a reason to explore the world around me and notice the little things. George is so amazed by everything. From the dogs’ tails to bark on the trees, you can just see that everything is magical in his eyes. I love being able to experience everything differently through him. I feel like our life has more substance because we are taking the time to enjoy each moment because George is living full throttle all the time.
  • Baby smiles and laughs have got to be real medicine for the soul. Nothing can warm up your heart quite like the baby giggles.
  • The outpouring of love and joy can be overwhelming, but it is such a great reminder that I am needed and I have a purpose. When George wraps his little chubby arms around my neck or runs up to me at the end of the day, I know that he loves me. I tell him probably every 10 minutes or so how much I love him. It is something I never want him to question. And I don’t think there is anything wrong with spreading more love around in this world. And he is just so happy. I mean he can throw the biggest tantrum but give him five minutes and he has forgotten the transgression and is laughing so hard. If all of us could just get past  the little things and just seek joy, I think the world would be a better place. I want that to be ingrained him so he continues to pass it along.
  • It has grounded me even more in my faith. George is an answer to our prayers, and he is a daily reminder to seek God. Whether that is when I have lost my patience, or I am emotionally grateful about this gift, I need to always trust that God is there and He has His plan for me. And now that we are trying to teach George about God and prayer, it is even more reason to make sure I am strong in my walk with the Lord.
  • Having a kid is a great excuse to have chicken nuggets at least once a week.

I love him, and I love being his mom.

Happy Mother’s Day!