Lately, work has been piling on the stress and raising the yuck-factor. We’re very short handed and I’m struggling to cover the hours myself as well as cover my regular duties. The hardest part isn’t the amount time working, rather the amount of time not working. The salon is stealing more and more hours away from my family. Stealing time from my little girl, whom won’t be little forever.

When I don’t have to be concentrating on work, I’m trying to keep only lovely things in mind. Digging in the dirt and climbing trees with Lil. Getting lost in a doodle. Escaping to a faraway land in a novel. Drinking margaritas with my main squeeze. Also, I’m just trying to enjoy being home, in this haven of ours.

Another source of relief is resting in the fact that I don’t have to do it alone. I know its hard right now for a reason. This wall has not been set here to stop or discourage me, rather make me stronger. I know I will benefit from this hard time somehow. This past Sunday’s message has proven to be right on time, I suppose, now that I think about it. I am an overcomer.

Also, I’m keeping this verse in mind:

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

 -Romans 8:18

I have never been one to bash public schools. As a matter of fact, I grew up with a public school teacher and have quite the appreciation for them. Its a job I might not survive. However, I have a growing discontentment with sending my own child to public schools. Now, if we lived in the very school district my stepmother teaches in, I would happily send her to that school in a heartbeat. I’ve heard nothing but wonderful things and love the training the teachers get there. It truly sounds like a wonderful place to work and attend.

I want my child to be open-minded and able to survive in the real world. However, I’m not crazy about my 5yo being around other 5yo’s kissing and no one’s doing anything about it. Or when little boys pull up her dress and the teachers just brush it off with little to know discipline. Or the random substitute that has a class for one day and has no problem telling them she’s “tired of their crap.” Also, my child is no angel and I know how limited teachers can be on disciplining. Sometimes you have to play hardball, though. Instant consequences and added responsibilities that aren’t always possible in the moment at shcool. Not to mention this whole bullying epidemic. I’m not even sure how much I really buy into that. Is it the teachers? Is it the parenting {both bully/victim}? {let the comments ensue on that one.}

Mostly, though, I don’t like complaining. And I don’t want to be the parent constantly calling or going up to the school with a problem. I’ve always said, “if you’re not going to try to do something about it, don’t complain about it either.”

I’ll be honest, I’ve never been a fan of the idea of homeschooling. I heard stories about social problems and fear of the real world. Kids that just ended up awkward and sheltered, sometimes behind and/or over-judgmental.

More and more, though, I feel a growing interest in homeschooling. I’ve seen, read and heard a lot of great feedback from it lately. There is a wonderful woman in my life, right now, that I greatly admire, whom home-schools six children. They are all wonderfully well-behaved, respectful and sociable. They are all involved in activities AND she and her family completely run the kids’ program at our church, planning and running Sunday morning, evening, wednesday night club and occasional events. Did I mention they do a fabulous job of it?? Putting aside the fact that she might secretly be supermom, I think it comes a lot from homeschooling.

I read a great article about a doctor who decided to tackle homeschooling with her IT husband by her side. She talks about the flexibility, personalized education, and {my favorite part} the way it has changed their parenting. I admire this family’s way of living. They share all responsibilities and sound like they all appreciate each other more and run smoother because of it.

I’m not saying I’m about to quit my job tomorrow and jump into it. My family is definitely not financially able to do that, yet. But it is definitely something to think about. Besides, I am trying to get into a field where its perfectly acceptable to telecommute or completely freelance from home.

What are your thoughts on homeschooling? Do you or anyone you know do it? I’ve love to hear from you.

my favorite part about this picture is that every single thing was the commentary which went along with it. each piece of the drawing has a purpose/meaning. lilie jo is always so intentional with her drawings. she explains every little thing as she goes. i need to record her explaining sometime. i think that might be something i want to hang onto.

Christmas is just around the corner! Have you started your Christmas shopping yet? We have ours mostly finished, actually. Lilie Jo’s is about all we have left. At the beginning of the month, we thought we had hers all figured out. It wasn’t going to be much in quantity, but pricey and high quality, none the less.

And then I kind of came to my senses and remembered the parent aim to be.

Lilie Jo was all set to receive her own tablet this Christmas. We researched and compared the Leapster LeapPad 1 and 2 and the Nabi 2. One more expensive up front, but the other more so in the long run. So many things to consider about each. Then, one night, while I was laying in bed–that’s where all my greatest thinking happens–it came to me.

She’s five years old. Her imagination and curiosity are on fire. She still has such willingness to do and learn.

Sure, tablets are full of educational games. And we all know this generation is one which is being raised on technology. Of course, we should teach them to use it now so they aren’t behind later. And I know it would be fabulous for car rides.

But you know what? She has school, parents, books, morning cartoons and every day life to educate her. She uses technology at school and home, enough, to not fall behind in that arena. And she has a portable DVD player and will soon be reading her own books in the car for entertainment.

I don’t want a stationary five year old. {I’ll probably regret saying that at some point.}

I don’t want to teach this creative, independent, imaginative little girl to depend on a machine to entertain her. I want her to run and play dress up, not sit in one spot only moving her hands and fingers. I want her to make believe with her dolls and toys. Get real paint on her hands when she creates a work of art. I want her to practice holding and writing with a real pen or pencil.

Most of all, I don’t want to be that parent, in five years, arming their child with a cell phone at the age of ten. I also don’t want her hooked on video games. I, personally, have seen one too many disasters with that obsession. Rather than trying to set and stick to limitations, let’s just avoid the situation completely a little longer.

So, the Christmas list has changed a bit. Its longer, but not much different in price. Its a list of quality and quantity, if you ask me. One that consists of legos for building imaginary villages, furniture and dolls to pretend with, art supplies to create with and–as with every occasion–books to enrich her mind and feed her beautiful imagination.

Tell me: what are you shopping for this year?

note: i’m not bashing technology or parents who choose to immerse their children in it a lot/a little at any age. its just my personal opinion and parenting style. its about what i think is appropriate for my child, at her current age, and with my personal parenting strategies. i’d love to hear your thoughts on the subject.

This is a day that I didn’t expect.  I’ve always been the mom who promotes my child’s independence as much as safely possible.  Though she’s my one and only baby whom I consider my greatest accomplishment, I don’t want to smother her with it.  I want to give her just enough room to be who she wants to be confidently and responsibly.

When asked about how I felt prior to her first day of kindergarten, I was certain I wouldn’t be a weepy mom.  After all, I’m excited for her and her new adventure.  I’m also excited for us and the new adventures we’ll be able to share together as she gets older and able to do more.

I’ve always been a very emotional person {ask my old girlfriends}.  However, I’ve gotten better at hiding it over the years.  Then I woke up the morning of Lilie Jo’s first day of school.  The emotions hit me like a pound of bricks.  Before I even pulled the covers back, I found myself in the middle of a full on crying session.  Here I was proud, puzzled and crying uncontrollably.  You have no idea how badly this confused me.  It threw my whole morning off.

Lilie Jo, on the other hand, handled it like a champ.  I hid my emotions from her and encouraged and fueled her excitement, instead.  She came home happy as a lark, going on and on about how it was “the best day ever.”

I am so proud of what a good person she already is.  Lilie Jo is so compassionate and full of empathy.  She is creative, thoughtful and very clever.  Her powers are usually used for good, thank goodness.  Friends come easily for Lil and her perspective is beautiful.  She is such an amazing little lady.

My greatest accomplishment, indeed.

Please don’t judge me when I tell you that it took me 27 years to get a full time job.  Its just part of the industry.  Very rarely is someone able to jump in full time with instant success {especially if they are raising children}.

I’ve worked two jobs as well as worked part time while attending school full time.  But a full time, 40 hours a week, salary job?  This is the first.  I think I did pretty good for my first week, too.  I actually put in about 44-45 hours, to be precise.  I didn’t even complain.

Turning that salon around will be a challenge, for sure.  But one I am excited to take on and makeover.

However, I’ve decided not to go on with the original plan of full time job and full time school.  I just don’t think I can handle it with scheduled meetings and other work requirements.  Not to mention the fact that I don’t want to spend the three hours I have with Lilie Jo, every night, before bedtime filled completely with homework and other house chores.

I’ve definitely learned, this past week, that I need a decent bedtime…. and lots of coffee {but that’s not new}.

Call me lazy and uncommitted all you want.  I don’t care.  My time spent with Baby Bear is way more precious to me than than having that bachelor’s degree in May.  It will still be there next December and/or May 2014.  Lilie Jo-the-kindergartener will not.

I’ve spent years searching, fighting and praying for a job, within my talents, with substantial pay to help provide for my family.  That’s why I was in such a rush to get back in and finished with school.  But then this sweet little opportunity was basically gifted wrapped and set in my lap.  No, its not the exact job I originally had in mind.  But then again, who am I to know what’s best for me and mine?  That’s all up to ole big guns, up stairs.  And I’d be lying if I told you I wasn’t happy or excited about my new salon leader position.

So, with all this change {mine and Lil’s birthday, salon job, starting kindergarden}, I thought my hair needed a little change, too.  I decided to try a subtle ombre.  The ombre trend is all over the place: clothes, nails, hair.  I had to get in on a little of that.

If you’re one of my Instagram followers, I’m sure you’ve been dying to see the final result.  What do you think?  Should I keep it or lighten the ends a bit more?

Hey there, darlin’! How are the summer days treating you?  Mine have been well.  Very well.  However, I feel them slipping away.

This is officially my last week of summer break.  My baby little lady isn’t even here to share it with me.  Sad face, indeed.  Instead, I’m filling this week with lots of solo coffee drinking, Mad Men, errands, chores grown up friends and spouse time.  Lilie Jo is away at her father’s for two weeks and I start a new job Monday.

This is new news here.  I held off sharing any details about it for fear of another let down.  I know that’s not a positive thing to say, which I usually try to stear clear of, but its how I truly felt.  I start Monday as a salon manager at JC Penney Salon.  I am ecstatic and also nervous.  I’m going back to work full time and intend to try to do that with a full time school schedule, this Fall, as well.

I know it will be hard and there will be little room for play, but with my supportive husband and a big new planner, I’m ready to give it my all.

My goal is to take the JC Penney Salon, here in Bowling Green, and turn it around.  They’ve been without a manager for about a year and were already in bad shape even then.  Bad enough that I only lasted four months as a stylist there when we first relocated.  I’ve never held a manager or leader position quite like this, but I do feel like I’m a better candidate now than I was a year ago.

I always talk about how fast children grow and change, yet I’m not sure that speed is limited to just children.  We just don’t see it with our eyes, as much, in adults.  As much as I feel I have grown and changed over the past seven years, its sometimes surprising to see its still happening.  The growth and change never stopped.

Anyway, here I am babbling.

I really wrote to you to share a new print.  My lovely cousin, Lacey, suggested I create something to go with Colossians 3:12-17.  It seemed impossible to create anything as clever as this one.  But I put my pencil to the paper and started brainstorming.

I don’t think its quite as clever or cute, but this is my version. Print, Pin and do what you like with it.  It can be printed as large as 11”x8”.

Friends, I’m so excited to host a very inspiring guest post from a strong woman and mother.  Please give a warm southern welcome to Heather.

I wasn’t prepared for the storm. When my daughter was born on August 4, 2005, my life appeared to be perfect. How could I think otherwise? I had my parents, in-laws, and friends all around me to help greet my little one’s entrance into the world.

Storms are like that sometimes. They begin with just a few dark clouds, but instead of breaking up, they continue to grow. That’s how my life was. I went back to work, but I didn’t feel well. I was exhausted and having trouble breathing, so I went to see my doctor. After a series of tests, I was diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer on November 21, 2005. It was only 3-1/2 months since Lily came into our lives. The type of cancer I had was pleural mesothelioma. It is caused by asbestos exposure and affects the lining of the lungs. Apparently, I had been exposed about 30 years earlier as a child.

The doctor gave me about 15 months to live, but I couldn’t do that to my husband and child. I had to help myself for them. In early February we left Lily with my parents in South Dakota and flew to Boston where I underwent surgery to remove my left lung. I spent 18 days in the hospital and another two months in recovery before I began chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

One of the realities about being so ill is that it shows you who your friends are. Many people I thought would be there took off and others whom I didn’t expect to see gave us their full support. Kids I babysat as a teenager returned the favor and watched Lily while my parents worked. People I went to church with surrounded my parents and gave them the love and support they needed. In Boston, I made new friends with people who were going through the same thing I was.

One of the most difficult things for me was watching my baby grow from a distance. My mother emailed me photographs and my husband printed them off, but it was hard not to cry. I wasn’t there to deal with the bottles or to see Lily scoot. Yet, I knew I was fighting this fight for her. Cancer can be funny that way. It’s a storm that no one ever expects, but there are many good and loving things that come along with the bad. My daughter, my husband, my new friends, and my parents are a few of the things I’m most grateful for.

Heather Von St James is a 43-year-old wife and mother. Upon her diagnosis of mesothelioma, she vowed to be a source of hope for other patients who found themselves with the same diagnosis. Now, over 6 years later, her story has been helping people all over the globe. She continues her advocacy and awareness work by blogging, speaking and sharing her message of hope and healing with others. Check out her story at the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance Blog.

Welcome to round three of the wedding photos.  Today, I’m sharing photos of the whole wedding party {minus the flower girl}. I’ve just thrown a few of my favorites together, here, for you to look through.

Be sure to keep a close watch on the blog.  I cannot wait to share the photos of the couple together.  There’s so many, I might just have to break it up into two more parts.  You might even want to subscribe by email just to make sure you don’t miss out on these babies.

{photo by Billy Jarboe}

Happy Friday, friends!

What. A. Week.  ’TGIF’ has never meant so much.  My baby girl comes back home, today.  I can’t wait to have her perfect little body wrapped around mine.  Oh, I’ve missed her so.

This weekend promises to be nothing less than exciting, too.  My little sister’s wedding has finally come.  I’m responsible for the hair, makeup, the flower girl, a groomsman and photography.  Possibly even a little decor, too? *shew wee* I imagine if there’s an after party, I won’t be at it.  I hope to use the rehearsal, tonight, to do my own little rehearsal shoot.

Hope your weekend is nothing short of amazing! Plans??

Hey, darlin’! Have the lazy days of summer kicked in for you just yet?  If so, I have the perfect solution to perk you up.  Well, your skin, at least.  I have put together and gifted several jars of coffee and cocoa facial scrub, lately, and everyone has loved it.

I use organic coffee and coconut oil.  I melt down the honey and the coconut oil before mixing into the dry ingredients.  I go between almond and rum extract/flavor to add to the scent {as if coffee isn’t enough}.

Now let’s break down why this scrub is good for your skin.

• coffee - caffeine reduces redness and inflammation {evens skin tone}
• cocoa – more antioxidants than red wine or green tea {more interesting info about cocoa}
• honey – antioxidant; keeps skin hydrated and fresh; protects skin from sun; treats acne; absorbs impurities {my favorite home skin care ingredient}
• coconut oil – smoothes and moisturizes; protects from microbial infection; contains vitamin E and protein {good for skin whether applied internally or externally}

A few tips for the coffee cocoa facial scrub, before I set you free, though.  You don’t have to use any extract of flavor to adjust the scent.  Either way, you’re going to smell coffee.  That was perfectly fine with me.  Also, I didn’t restrict the scrub to just my face. I really love this stuff.

When it comes to your coffee grounds, I would suggest using no courser than what you get already ground.  Depending on how fine/course you want your scrub, you can grind it down to espresso and still get good results.  Also, if your scrub hardens, you can warm it up and/or add a small amount of milk and stir.  I suggest using a batch within about two weeks {longer if you store it in the refrigerator}.

There you go, darlin’.  Let me know how it goes!