One Year of Attention
Hey! Guess what today is! The day that officially marks one year of blogging for me. I started this blog exactly one year ago today with this little introduction.
Those of you who’ve been around since the beginning might remember how different this place looked back then. It even had a different name–Textbooks and Teddy Bears. I had started the blog under the domain MeghannChapman.com for a journalism tech class. Oh, how far I have come.
I have learned so very much in this past year. I didn’t even know a world such as the blogosphere even existed to this degree. Its incredible how much there is to learn in this big, wide social media world. A never ending process, really. A bit addicting, at times.
To commemorate the one year mark, I wanted to share a few of my favorites. My top five favorite posts from my first year of blogging are:
- Dessert with a Side of Morality
- Who’s Raising Your Daughter?
- The D-word
- The “Secret” to Happiness
- Freshly Broken Pt. 1 & Pt. 2
- Miniature Artiste
- Do You Hear Bells
- Let Me Tell You About Dottie
- Red-Haired and Freckle-Faced
- Dear Lilie
But enough about me. Let’s talk about you. Thank you so much for your comments, thoughts, appraisal and, most of all, your attention. If it weren’t for you taking time out of your day to give me your attention, there really wouldn’t be a blog. I’d get frustrated {more often} and probably find it more tempting to throw in the towel. Know that someone is out there reading my scribbles is probably my number one inspiration. The fact that I may not be writing just for myself.
And to thank you, I want to share another freebie. I created this 8”x10” print, featuring ‘Dust of Snow‘ by the one and only Robert Frost. I though it would look great it an old frame. Adorable in a little girl’s room, perhaps? I’m sure you can think of something fun to do with it. Anyway, its yours for the taking. I hope you enjoy and will Pin it, as well.
Thanks for ONE year!!
Dealing with the Lies
I recently came to Lacey, fed up of with this very thing. I see it in all directions, big and small. I wanted a way to write/deal with it but couldn’t really get on my feet. So, I asked Lacey to help me out and, boy, she did not disappoint….
- walk with discernment: although it can sting to experience deception, it can also teach us to walk in greater discernment. I tend to be a very trusting person, sometimes to a fault. While I don’t want to have a bitter view of humanity, it could also be good for me to practice greater discernment: evaluating every word someone says and taking into consideration their character as well. This doesn’t mean I never trust anyone again, it just means I practice more wisdom.
- grant grace: whenever someone wrongs us, it’s really easy to forget the times we haven’t treated people well. It’s very easy to say, “I never do ________,” or “I always say what I mean,” or, “I’m so glad I’m not like so-and-so.” Sure, all of that sounds really great, but when I’m honest with myself, I can think of some times (more than I want to admit) where I didn’t really treat people the way I want to be treated. When I remind myself of that, it’s a little easier to grant some forgiveness and grace.
- communicate clearly: sometimes, being lied to requires some confrontation. If you need to confront the one who lied to you or about you, do so clearly and concisely. Don’t be so caught up in yourself that you treat them as if they’ve committed the greatest crime ever, but also be willing to confront right and wrong. While it’s not ok to go on and on about how horrible of a person he or she is, it is ok to admit how the lie made you feel, and how you both might have been able to handle the situation better.
- avoid hosting your own pity party: when we’ve been wronged, it’ so easy to bring out the Kleenexes and get everyone of our friends on our bandwagon. Our very first tendency is to want to make everything about us. Instead, push yourself to surround yourself with people who will provide you with encouragement and will also keep your from pulling out the poor, pitiful me woes.
- carry yourself with honesty and integrity: one of the few gifts that come with experiencing deceit is that it can actually drive you to walk in integrity. When we bear the pain involved with being lied to or lied about, it can make us more aware of how we do that in our own lives. Do I always speak my words with truth and honesty? Do I mean every word I say, or do I speak in half-truths? Do I tend to embellish stories to make myself sound a little better? Do I stretch the truth about someone else for my own gain? Have I ever told a little white lie? Reminding myself of what it feels like to experience lies is also a good reminder to not practice them myself.
Brown Sugar How To
Hey there! How about that sweet little sleepy head up there? Is she not simply precious or what? I snapped this photo the other day when she drifted off watching tv in bed while Mommy did some computer work. Love that little one.
I don’t want to keep you long, I just have something quick and simple to share with you. Did you know you can make your own brown sugar? Its so super easy and practically has no directions at all. You just mix regular, granulated white sugar with molasses.
Yeah! Its really that simple. I’m not even going to give you exact measurements because it really just depends on exactly how dark you prefer yours to be. The only advice I can really share from my first batch is to start small. Don’t just throw in how much sugar you plan to use from the very beginning. Add a tiny little bit of each one at a time and use a fork to stir it really well and distribute the molasses. A little sugar, a little molasses. Little more sugar, little more molasses. Done!
Next time, I’d like to try using Sugar in the Raw or something similar in hopes of a healthier product {no, I’m not promoting them}.
Who knew?! Good luck!
Embarking on a New Adventure
Do you feel that? Can you smell it? Change is in the air. And because of that, my anxiety is up and my appetite is down.
After a shot gun refresher course and a re-evaluation of school schedules, I’m ready to send Bill on his way–well, as ready as I’ll ever be, I guess. Yep, its going to be just us girls again, for a while. Billy has made a career change. He’s leaving school {for now} and has went away for three weeks of CDL training, where he will gain the knowledge, experience and license he needs for his new career as a trucker.
Therefore, he’s going to be gone… a LOT. This next year is going to be full of girl time and very little husband-wife-daughter time. Its probably going to take a lot of time, patience, positive thinking and perspective to get used to it all. Thank goodness for Skype and cellphones.
Thankfully, Lilie and I have done it on our own before and so I know we can survive it. Its just going to take some adjusting, planning and communication. But with good neighbors and a great group of friends willing to help out, we should move along swimmingly. I bet the house even stays cleaner from now on hehe.
Really, though. I’ll miss Billy. Hang with me a second, so I can brag a little on my husband. Just our time spent together for an hour or two, after Lil goes to bed, means the world to me. I’ve actually found a man who loves just being with me. We don’t always having to be going and doing. Just sitting on the couch with a cup of coffee {brewed by him} watching reruns of That 70s Show. Or going to the flea market, just to walk around together. As crazy mad as he sometimes makes me, I do believe he’s my soulmate {a term I use lightly}.
We’re both damaged in the heads just as much as the hearts. We have our extreme ups and downs, but we still find it in ourselves to meet half way. He is so good to me and treats me so well {did I mention he brews good coffee}. And to see him with Lilie just makes my heart swell {what other man do you know that sleeps with a little girl’s teddy bear when she’s a way}. He does so much to help me out. So much more than I ever thought a second husband could or–even more meaningful–would.
As the minutes tick away before we have to leave for the bus stop, my heart feels the coming change more and more. I really am going to miss him, more so than expected, apparently. Tears were never a thought and now I find myself fighting them back every time I look at him.
But, its for the good of our family and we can survive this. Its just another great adventure. Another part of the journey. Not permanent.
I am so proud to be his wife and can’t wait ’til he comes home.
Who knows, I may even be able to make a weekend trip to visit. I have, after all, never been to Indianapolis before.
Crazy Head Day
Last week us girls had a slumber party. Makeovers and up all night talking included. Friday was crazy head day for Lilie and Frankie, at school. So, Thursday night, Laura {Frankie’s mom} had us over for a sleep over. It was much needed and a blast.
The girls ran around and played until past their bed time. We put on The Labrynth and used some temporary hair color I had lying around to put streaks in their hair.
After we finally got the girls down, we broke out the tomato juice and accidently stayed up talking until 5:30a.m. We most definitely were regretting that decision the next morning. Thank goodness the roads were covered with snow and ice and schools were on a one hour delay.
These two girls did not disappoint when it came to the crazy hair and makeup. The other kids were talking as soon as they walked in the room. They loved it and had a blast.
I love these fun school activities. I love being a parent. She brings so much joy and life into my…uh…life. 
WHAT IS SOPA?
Its Yours Pottery
Hello friends! Lilie received a special little package the other day. I’m excited to finally share another piece of our December Omaha trip with you. There’s several little treasures hidden in that city. If you ask me, the whole town’s a treasure. But today, I’m talking about a little art studio which goes by the name of ‘Its Yours Pottery.’
During my first trip to Omaha, many moons ago, I visited a couple of art galleries in the downtown Old Market {which is another secret treasure in its self}. I was introduced to the craft of glass fusion and instantly fell in love. I was completely fascinated and had to get my hands on it. I looked it up to see if there was anyone who could show me more before I went home. That’s when I discovered this little jewel and made my first visit.
There I was able to create a little pendant. It really didn’t turn out to be too much, since I had no experience, but I cherish the piece I came out with. I heavily dreamed and looked into purchasing my own tools and supplies to start practicing the art back home. Now, the glass fusion jewelry is booming {at least around here}.
So, on our last visit to Omaha, Teeyl and I thought it would be fun to take Lilie down there to mess around on the pottery side of their services. She picked out a little angel ornament to work with. We grabbed a table and some pretty glazes and put her to work.
Since the firing and cooling process wouldn’t be finished ’til after we had to leave, Teeyl just packaged and mailed it to her. Its adorable and filled with a sweet little memory for us to share.
So, if you’re ever in town and looking for a great activity {adult or family} check this place out. I actually suggest you check out the calendar on their website too. They have some pretty great classes and events for all ages.
Bacon Ranch Cheeseburger Vegetable Soup
I’m sitting here starving for lunch and writing this post has most definitely not helped that. I want to share something awesome with you. Something so super delicious it will rock your face off.
Bacon ranch cheese burger vegetable soup.
Did you catch all that? I know its a lot to take in, but its so easy. Grab your crock pot and any fresh veggies you have laying around here’s exactly what we added:
- 1.5 containers chicken stock
- 12 pieces of bacon
- 1 carrot
- 2 handfuls chopped celery
- 1 stalk chopped brocoli
- 1 handful chopped baby bella mushrooms
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 4/5 block velveeta {knockoff}
- 1lb. browned ground beef
- 3/4 cup ranch dressing
- 5 potatoes
- 1 chopped tomato
- 1 handful chopped onion
- salt
- pepper
- rosemary {lightly}
- thyme {lightly}
- oregano {lightly}
- garlic powder
Ok, I think that’s it. Basically we went with an idea and then through in what ever fresh vegetables we had laying around. I won’t lie, we were a little nervous. And then I took that first bite. Done. It was amazing and I can’t wait to eat more leftovers.
Pin It
We were really wanting some Jiffy cornbread to go with it, but were all out. I reluctantly did some research to find a similar tasting recipe. Move over Jiffy, there’s a new cornbread in town. The texture was slightly different, but I hardly even noticed because of the level of amazing-ness {yes, I made that up} I was tasting.
Don’t be a wimp, go make that stuff! You will not regret it. Yum!
Grrr <– My belly talking. Now I’m off to dig around in the fridge for more. Happy dining, friends!
p.s. Pins are greatly appreciated!
FREE: Tweet Little Birdie Note Card
Hey there, friends! I’ve created this ‘tweet‘ little design for you to use as a notecard. And the best part is its FREE! It would be perfect for hello’s, thank you’s, thinking of you’s or anything else you might think of. The file is in jpeg format and is designed for 3×5 cards. You should be able to take it to your local office supply store and have as many printed as you like. Some stores {ex. Staples} even offer online order and site pickup.
Please download for personal use, only! Also, I’d really appreciate some Pins, if you’re on Pinterest. Thanks!!
Omaha Children’s Museum
Finding a good children’s activity that the rest of the family won’t drag through can sometimes be a challenge. The Omaha Children’s Museum, however, is not one of those places. Omaha’s Children’s Museum is actually a blast for everyone.
We first discovered the museum on last year’s Easter visit. Billy and my Dad were about as entertained as Lilie. They have several different activity areas such as pretend play, arts and crafts, dress up and theater, a ball factory, small inside playground and an area that welcomes traveling venues.
On this last trip to Omaha, we made two visits to the museum. Their upstairs area was, at the time, home to a dinosaur exhibit, which Lilie loved. They had several large dinosaur displays and hands on activities. Lilie was able to smell dino poop and breath, neither being very pleasant, if you ask me. She also got to feed a dinosaur which seemed to just make her day. They also had a little winter light-show we were able to pop into.
The ball room always takes up most of our time. It reminds me of a factory type setting which little plastic balls can be dropped into several different places and then travel around the room and are dropped, thrown or shot out of another hole.
I think one of my favorite activities was the theater and dress up. Their costume selection is fabulous! I’m actually planning to attempt a recreation of their butterfly. Its adorable, unique and really didn’t look to hard to make.
Lilie was also able to attend a sort of theater workshop while we were in town. A local actress came in and lead a group of kids through some acting and role playing to illustrate a Japanese story. The best part? You only had to pay the museum entry fee and send an email to reserve a spot to participate. Easy and no extra expense.
So, if you’re ever in the area, I highly suggest you check out the Omaha Children’s Museum. Make sure you set aside at least two hours for fun and exploration.
littlewishball
