How do we see ourselves?

I saw this video on Facebook a couple of days ago, and I have thought about it several times since then. Had to share. How do we see ourselves?

 

A favorite...

Along the lines of my previous post, I had to share my new favorite makeup brush. It is Sigma's F82 Round Kabuki brush. It is awesome! I love it for applying foundation. I would have been happy with the F80 brush as well, but I got a great deal on this on eBay.  Just had to share =) (and no, this isn't some blog to try and win something.....I really wanted to share the love I have for this brush)

http://www.sigmabeauty.com/

My latest project....

I wanted a change as far as makeup and skincare goes.  I have been using the same types of things for years.  I am not getting any younger, and figured I needed to start taking better care of my skin so that 30 plus years from now, Lord willing, I won't wish I had done more in my youth.  So I am starting now.  With that comes even more change......
We have a master bathroom that is on the smaller side when you consider the house was built in 1998.  It is fine, but again, I just wanted a change.  So below was my project last weekend.

This was the space before.  Notice the junk pile to the left :/

This was the space when I was done.  YAY! A vanity for me!!

The bowl was purchased at Walmart to hold my brushes in.  I added decorative marbles to hold them up.

The lamp was also purchased at Walmart.  I swapped out the shade that I bought for this one that was on another lamp, because it helped give off more light.

The desk is simple, yet perfect for my needs.  I haven't found a chair yet.  That is this weekend's project.

Right now everything is in that drawer, but it is already overflowing.  Next on my list is an acrylic organizer.  Then, I think I will be done.  Then on to the next project.  Hmmm......

How Reese's mind works...

Reese shared with me something he had been thinking about.  I asked him to say it again so I could video it.  He had been telling me about lizards. Why lizards? Who knows. He just came up with this out of the blue. His observations on lizards. This is how his mind works...

If you didn't understand....it is him telling me that lizards faces never change, no matter what is going on. Um? Ok.

Chattanooga

It has been 4 months......I just wasn't feeling it, if you know what I mean.

We spent a couple of days with Amy and Phil in North Georgia at the beginning of the summer.  We made outings each day to various Chattanooga sights.  

We visited Ruby Falls, Rock City, the Incline Railway, the Tennessee Aquarium, and got to spend some quality time with Amy and Phil.  I definitely want to do it again!!!

Lads weekend.....

Our Lads to Leaders weekend started off a little rocky......(I should have known something was up.)

Brent had to work, and was unable to join us in Atlanta until Friday evening.  I told him ahead of time that I had never stayed in a hotel room with the kids alone.  I had never stayed in a hotel by myself for that matter.  I knew it would be a new experience.

We hitched a ride to Atlanta with Brent's mom because she was going to visit the grandparents for the weekend.  She gave Reese some Dramamine ahead of time because he is likely to get car sick.  So off we go.  We get to LaGrange and travel 2 miles in one hour, due to an awful wreck.  Reese slept the whole time.  We stopped for supper and he told me he was cold.  (Sign number 1)  He only ate a little bit of food. (sign number 2) 

"Somethings a brewing"

We continued on our way to Atlanta and he fell asleep again.  (sign number 3)  When we got close to the hotel I woke him up and he just wasn't himself.  The traffic was AWFUL around the hotel.  I asked Melany to pull onto a side street and just let us out.  We could walk half a block to the hotel.  When we got out, Reese started shivering all over and crying.  UH OH!  I quickly unloaded all of our suitcases, loaded Brooks up with half and off we went.  I stopped along the way and gave Reese a pep talk that he could make it to the hotel.

Once inside, I got the boys to sit on a couch while I went and checked in.  The lines were awful!  I debated on whether or not to go to the concierge desk and explain that I needed help and into a room quickly, but I didn't.  We made it into the room and Reese just fell on the bed. 

I have written more details than I intended, but needless to say, I looked to my friends for help.  I asked on Facebook, in our church group, if anyone had a thermometer.  One of our elders went and bought one for me.  I also asked Julie to help out the next morning with Brooks while I stayed in the room with Reese.  She went above and beyond (as she always does in our friendship.)  It was so comforting to know that you have a whole family at the ready to help!

Even though he felt bad.....

What is weird is that Reese was fine by the next afternoon.  I guess it was just a virus.  This has taught me to always bring the entire medicine cabinet with me, including thermometers!!!

The rest of the trip was less eventful, but no less fun. 

Reese had Bible reading on Friday, and he did real well.  Brooks was part of a puppet group that competed Friday afternoon.  His group won first place!  They are such a talented group of kids.

Reese receiving his Good Samaritan Medal



Brooks and Reese hanging out with their friends.

On Saturday morning, we went to Brooks' speech competition.  There were less kids competing than expected.  As soon as the doors shut, I watched Brooks count the competitors in the room.  There were only three, which meant that they would all place in the competition.  He let out an audible "YES!"  He came in second.  He did really well and we are proud of him.  He even got to give his speech in chapel at school a couple of weeks ago.  This is something that I would have been scared to death to do at his age!!!



Brooks giving his speech



Both boys competed in song leading.  They both did well.  Again, I couldn't do it.  I asked Brooks if he ever got nervous, and he said no.

Sunday morning we worshiped with over 1500 others!  They even had to bring in more chairs!  What a blessed day it was! 

Now baseball season has started and we are off to new adventures.....

So, it has been awhile.

Sorry....

I just haven't thought about blogging in awhile.  Not that my life is so busy, that I haven't had the time to do it.  I just haven't had a lot to write about.

The boys recently got their report cards. 
Here is the difference in the two of them.  Brooks got A's and B's.  He was very happy with that, even though we know he could do a lot better in almost all of the subjects.  He doesn't apply himself, and if we don't get on him now, I am afraid of what is to come.  Reese on the other hand had all A's.  Nothing below a 95.  Yet he was mad at himself for not getting all 100s.  What?!?!?!?!  So the child that should be proud is not, and the child that should feel like he could do better does not.  UGH!
Melany was going to take them to Krispy Kreme for doughnuts, but Reese told her he didn't need the doughnuts, the sugar would make him crazy.  I promise I don't know whose child this is.

Speaking of Reese, we are very happy with his behavior right now.  He had his ADHD medication adjusted. This has made a world of difference in his class.  His teacher said before, he acted like he just couldn't control himself.  Now, she still may have to remind him to change his behavior in various things, but now he can. 
Brooks is enjoying 4th grade.  We recently recorded a video for his class on how to make Buffalo Chicken Dip.  That was the recipe we chose.  It is nice getting to sample his work!  After all, it is for school right?

Brent recently got a promotion at work.  I don't know what his official job title is.  This has brought about a lot more work, but I think eventually things will settle down for him and he can enjoy it. 

The boys both started baseball, and their first games are next week.  IT HAS BEEN HORRIBLY COLD DURING PRACTICES!  I mean I literally thought I was getting frost bite two nights ago.  My hands were so cold that they started tingling.  I told someone today, that when I get home from practices, I feel like an old lady, bundled up on our couch with a cup of hot tea!

Brent and I went to Thailand with a group from our church at the end of January.  Our youth minister and Brent conducted a gospel meeting while we were there.  I have never met more hospitable people in my entire life.  They were so gracious and went above and beyond on every aspect of our trip.  I hope to blog about the trip and include some pictures in the near future. 

We are heading out today for Lads to Leaders in Atlanta.  Brooks is participating in Speech, Song Leading, Bible Bowl, and Puppets.  Reese is participating in Bible Reading and Song Leading.  They have worked hard and I am already proud of them.  Can't wait to get to spend time with my church family this weekend.



“The real things haven't changed. It is still best to be honest and truthful; to make the most of what we have; to be happy with simple pleasures; and have courage when things go wrong.”


― Laura Ingalls Wilder

My Reese

Reese is Reese.  That is the best way to describe him.  His mind works differently than other children.  Not right or wrong, not good or bad.  Just different.  Sometimes his thoughts are far deeper than Brooks' even though he is three years younger.
His struggles with ADHD are becoming more and more evident.  He has gotten in trouble for talking more and more lately.  After hearing from his teacher that a lot of the time, it when he is bored, I am struggling with motivating him to remain quiet at school.  He has plenty of time to talk.  His teacher has factored in talking time during the day.
He also has made some bad grades on random things. His teacher says it is because she cannot get him to focus on his work during these times.  Ugh.
Here is an example of talking to him after he has gotten "on yellow" at school.
"Reese, I am just very sad about this.  I know you can do better than this.  Your dad knows that you can do better, and even God knows you can do better."
"Mom, does God kill people?"
"What?"
"Does God kill people?"
"Well, he doesn't now, but there are stories in the Bible about bad people doing things, and God punished them.  You remember what happened to the bad people in Noah's time?"
"Mom, How did Noah get the wood pieces to stick together?"

At this point, I remember that we were supposed to be having a discussion about his behavior.

He has a hard time being still.  Right now, for example, he is going all over the living room fighting an imaginary enemy with his sword.  Over and over. Wait, now it is a bow and arrow.  No, back to the sword.

I pray every night that he will make it to adulthood, without the "label" of all this affecting him too much.  At this point, most people think he is just a hyper 6 year old.  But what will this be like when he is 13.

We tried a lot of alternative things, and then a year ago, he began medication.  It helps up to a point.  As in, it  helps up to the time of the day when it has worn off.  Luckily baseball starts soon, and we will be able to channel some of that energy.

We will continue on this journey together, and I will focus on the good things.  Like watching his mind wander to places that I can only dream of.  Hopefully he will continue to share those places with me.

Ants in his pants

I've got to organize my thoughts, but I have a post coming.  Reese is struggling with ADHD  ....and I just have to vent.
I know you are on pins and needles. (said with sarcasm)

growing up

I have tried to bring myself to change the boy's pictures on the right here, but I just can't bring myself to do it. 
I was showing my boss a picture of our living room yesterday, that I found on my blog from last Christmas, to get her imput on window treatments, and noticed just how much the boys have changed in just one year.
They change so quickly!
I think I will go home and take a million pictures of them today.

Bottle Buddy

Brooks has his first book report and bottle buddy due this week.

Bottle Buddy?

Meet Sacagawea.

It was made from a two liter bottle.  I am wondering if we can save this and let Reese do a report on, oh lets say, Pocahontas, when he gets in 4th grade.  Hmmm?

Love this...

The only part I don't like about Christmas.....

Putting all the ornaments back in their boxes and putting them up.  We only had one ornament broken today in the process.  I would call that success.

It is not supposed to be this cold in the South.....

or at least it shouldn't be.  I can't tell you how long I waited today for the window to defrost.  I am sure I will miss it in the Summer.  How cold is it at your house?

Yep, it is still there.

I love Christmas.  I just can't bring myself to take the tree down yet.  I admit, it is still there.  I will enjoy the warm glow of the lights for a few more days...

Buddy and Kareem

Reese grabbed the fake Clark Kent glasses to be like Brooks.  He wore them all day!!!  Hello Buddy Holly and Kareem Abdul Jabar.

Don't be Jealous!

Christina gave me these for Christmas!  She now knows of my love for office supplies!