DANCE

I used to care what people thought about me.  I used to care a lot.

I just kinda don't anymore.  Joel taught me a lot about that.  He has a way about him.  Carefree.  Easily focused on something else if one thing doesn't go well.  I used to be, well, kind of uptight.  Sometimes I still am.

In fact, yesterday...I had a ton on my mind.  I slept badly and woke up with little pep in my step.  I was running on pure caffeine.

Today, though, I stopped everything when one of Jude's favorite songs came on...

I took his hand over the family room - and we busted loose.  I'm talking serious, embarrassing, outrageous dancing.  It was insane...it was off beat...it was the most fun part of my day.  Jude jumped around the house.  Leland jumped in his 'Johnny Jumper' giggling away at our silly behavior.  It was suddenly a moment I had pictured a long time ago...Me+my boys laughter....

I wonder how many people act as a way of pleasing others.  I wonder how many dress in a certain way because of someone who will see them later.  I wonder how in the world people think a 'snooty' attitude translates into being cool?

It made me realize how much more I long to live a carefree life unchanged or affected by what others might think.  Truth be told, what 'they' think matters not.  Perhaps that freedom will catch on.  Perhaps others will dress/say/dance how they want to instead of how they perceive others want them to.

It's my party and I'll dance if I want to.

i kinda want to do this

I mean, it would take some time to stock up.  It would mean organizing our basement section we have open into a pantry-friendly zone.  It would just be nice incase of an emergency or even just a tight financial week to have the extra right in our own home. I think it could work.  Thanks to her for the inspiration.

Take your Monday and make it great.  I know I will.  On the list for today:

1-Clean Clean Clean (Check out this new cleaning blog - going to check it out for inspiration)
2-Meal-Plan (I have been slacking on this lately and resorting to order in from here.)
3-Prep for Joel's 30th birthday bash...

melancholy

Do you ever have those times where you aren't sad about anything...but you are just there?  It's one of those nights.  I had a wierd day.  Crazy week.  Bad night of sleep.  etc. etc.

I am also in a strange season of life.  Summer is upon us so Jude is home everyday all day....for the last time til next Summer.  (That makes me feel massively emotional and like I want to carve the words "Carpe Diem" everywhere so I don't take a moment of it for granted) I am getting more work with a new business venture (This is becoming a beautiful creative outlet for me).  I am working part-time for my church as the executive assistant to the Pastor.  (Which has been a wonderful way for me to help bring home a little bacon as well as feel significant in the workplace) My husband's full-time job and side jobs are nutso right now so I am trying to help make our home a peaceful place with meals waiting....clothes laundered...children happy to see him.  (This is the part I'm having the hardest time with)

I knew it would happen.  I knew that one day I'd reach a point in my life where I would clean and prepare my home....and 5 seconds later, it would look like a tsunami hit it.  We're there.  I keep tripping over light sabers....stepping on legos....squishing a random grape that fell from the table...and watching that jar of baby food go tumbling to my kitchen floor.  It's nuts.  I only have 2 kids. It's not like it needs to be THAT nuts.

I have realized the strange and STRONG need I have for structure.  I want to take an entire day and organize our things into cute little plastic containers with labels.  I want to take another whole day and prepare for a garage sale.  I want to replace all of our tupperware with new and better tupperware.  I want to remodel like 7 different parts of my home.  (Not including the 5 rooms I want to paint)

TIME - it's just not what we have right now.  So, the melancholy feeling sets in.  I realize, all too well, that I'm human.  I need rest.  I need to sit.  So this is what I'm doing...it feels good to write it out.  All my to-do's can wait.  I will get to them later.

For now....I will be inspired by this photograph by this lovely lady.  I want a room with this chair in it. 

Thanks for listening...all of 3 of you! 

better together

This morning, I was elated to see such a beautiful sunrise.  I was even more elated to know how long my little Leland had slept for.  He has been doing so well stretching his nights out to 9-11hours straight.  Oh what it does for your brain to get rest like that.

I got out of bed....the air was humid and my body was tired.  I walked up to check on Leland and my heart warmed as I walked into his room.  Not only was his sweet little body curled up like an angel but so was his brothers.  Both of them together. 

Happy Saturday!

worth repeating

If I've said it once....I could always say it again.

I'm in love and I don't care who knows it! 

Thanks Mr. Joel Nelson for being the man you are.  Thanks for loving on our new baby with such a gentle touch....and wresting our oldest with the tenacity he craves.  Thanks for caring about me....listening to me....being next to me.

memorious memorial day...

What a weekend!  We tickled our boys....camped out in the backyard...made big breakfast extravaganzas...had a fabo time with my hottie at Lola's...enjoyed time with family AND I got to do makeup for my first Indian Wedding....I am working as an assistant for Kajal by Kimberly and let me tell you....this is such a wonderful artistic outlet.  Amazing how every face has such intense beauty and we have the job of exposing that beauty in such fun and colorful ways!

Hope you all had a safe and beautiful weekend....I am facing my short little week with tenacity and kind of excited that next weekend is only 4 days away!  

Leeber McLeeberson

Yep, that is the name we have chosen to call our youngest.  His name is Leland.  It's a cool name.  We spent days upon days scouring baby name sites & books...finally pick it and THIS is what we call him.

It's hysterical to hear my 5 year old refer to him as "Leeber McLeeberson" but even more hysterical to see Leland respond to it.

I love this kid. He is nearing 7 months.  He is enjoying food more than anything.  If Jude has something to eat, he will whine until he gets to have something.  Oy. It's already starting!