Ok NOW it's time!

Now that I have amply given thanks and have spent 12 hrs at the mall on Black Friday, the Christmas season has officially begun! Hooray! As much as I love shopping and food - mmmm...fooood...- obviously the season is about our Savior. While I am putting the final touches on my Christmas playlist (oh yes!) I thought I would start the season off with this wonderful reminder of what this time of year is all about. Don't cry too much. Tears are not good for the mac book.

Save Thanksgiving

I am starting a campaign to save thanksgiving. Too many people I know and love have already put up their tree and other decorations, started playing Christmas music, etc... Not to mention the stores and restaurants. Santa is already at the mall, for crying out loud! It's just not right. What about the turkey? What about the dressing and sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie?? The Mayflower...hello?!?!?! Don't get me wrong. I totally get that sweet baby Jesus trumps food. But, I don't think He'd be angry in the slightest if we celebrated our holidays in order. It's not like we are forgetting about Him. We are THANKING Him on THANKSGIVING for all the blessings we received from Him throughout the year. Plus....IT'S A HOLIDAY ABOUT FOOD, PEOPLE! And you're trying to skip that... Are you SERIOUS?? Well, until Friday, you will not here one Christmasy word out of my mouth. Not a Christmasy thought will even cross my mind. I am going to celebrate and enjoy my holidays in chronological order. Yay for pilgrims!

Naturally Nora Contest

Naturally Nora is a brand of baking products that is all natural and allergy free! I found a link for a contest where you can win a year's supply of cake mixes and such. Who doesn't want free dessert! Click here to enter to win a year's supply of allergen free baking products!

TOMS shoes

I just read my friend's blog about shoes and was inspired to write about my new shoe obsession. Now, let's be clear. I am no fashionista and I am not claiming to be one. Most of my clothes are for practicality and comfort. Sure, I like to look cute just like any girl, but lately the budget and the little tyke trump the cute card a million times over. These shoes are both comfortable and practical and happen to be pretty hip looking, if you ask me. If that isn't enough for you, they are a company with a cause as well! For every pair of shoes that you buy, they give away a pair of TOMS to a child that cannot afford shoes. That's reason enough to buy a pair! To learn more about the company and view all of their styles go to www.tomsshoes.com. Liam has a pair of Tiny TOMS and they are sooooo cute! Below is a picture of my beloved hunter green canvas TOMS that somebody - who will remain nameless but I may or may not be married to, ahem - left at a hotel in Pennsylvania.



May they rest in peace. So, go buy yourself a pair or buy them as gifts for friends and family this holiday season! Happy shopping!

The End of an Era

At 9 1/2 months of age, my son is officially done breastfeeding. I have been battling this for a long time because the nursing experience was not one without its complications for us. Liam and I battled thrush from approximately 6 days old until about 3 months old. Then the dreaded diagnosis of "milk and soy allergy" where I had to basically eat grilled chicken, rice and steamed vegetables for 3 months. Right about the time I could return to a normal diet was the time when Liam decided that he could look around the room and possibly roll over while eating...not so much... Then the teeth came...oh dear...

All the while, I never wanted to stop doing it. The determination was two fold - my desire to give Liam the best I could possibly give him and the bond that we had built through the rather difficult process. I figured, why stop now when the finish line was in sight? I was forced to start weaning at about 7 months due to illness and a decreased milk production, but had maintained at least 2 feedings a day since then. A couple of weeks ago I knew the end was drawing nigh. Now six teeth deep in the process, he had become increasingly restless and painful during feedings and I could tell that my milk production was waning. Then one night this past week I looked down at his sweet little face and realized how much he had grown from that tiny premature infant that I held in my arms not too long ago. It became clear to me that my sweet baby boy that had been transitioning from infant to toddler was composed of much more toddler than infant and that it was time to give it up. I wasn't sad, I was ready and I could tell he was ready too. Then, almost like a sign from God, he reached into the opposite side of my bra, squeezed my boob and cracked a smile. That was it. No more boobie for you kiddo. Sorry La Leche League, but if you're old enough to feel me up, you're old enough to get a bottle! And that was that.

Happy Veterans Day!

Thank you to everyone who has served and is currently serving our country through the armed forces. Your sacrifice is one that is greatly appreciated. And a special thanks to my favorite veterans, my Paw Paw who's in heaven and my Grandaddy who I'm lucky enough to still have here with me. I love you!

Hope and Change

Eloquently spoken, I am not. Lucky for you guys, our pastor's wife and women's minister most definitely is. This is what she writes on this day after election day:

"On this important day for our country, I hope that you find yourself neither fearful, nor angry, but held in the promise of our redeeming God. May I remind you that the voice that began the world is still speaking and holding all of creation in its place today, no matter who's name is pasted on the oval office tomorrow. We are children of a covenant God, who has chosen us and sealed us in his love, and while we participate in building his Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven, we are ultimately made for something greater than this earth. His purposes will be established, we just haven't seen the calendar of his appointed days.

As you contemplate the political future, may I bring your mind back to your spiritual calling? Dear ones, in as much as you feel uncertainty about our economy, or political surety, there are still those around you hurting to know the gospel of Christ's redeeming love. You, like a small boy's lunch, have been chosen, broken, blessed, and have the opportunity to give the love of Christ to those around you. If you feel at the end of yourself, or despairing, or uncertain, be given. Listen and look for the needs around you, and offer the love of Christ to the hurting and hollow eyes you come in contact with today, tomorrow, and all week. It is a beautiful opportunity to be the beloved of Christ for the glory of God to an anxious people.

William Wilberforce, after a lifetime of fighting slavery, won the battle at the end of his 28 year fight. The slave trade was abolished in England. He said with great conviction, that what he learned was that change is not to be brought about in the halls of government, or legislation, but in the hearts of people surrendered to the work of the Holy Spirit. Words of deep spiritual truth for us today.

Be God's people, wherever, whatever, he allows you to encounter. It is an honor, an act of obedience, and the truest source of courage and hope for our own tired souls."

~Kim Thomas

A Real Reason to Vote

For those of you who aren't motivated by duty, patriotism, gratefulness to the trailblazers before us...you know the usuals...here is a voting privilege that is sure to have you running to the polls this tuesday...FREE FOOD!!!! If you are like me, you are arguably poorer than you were in college. I went from one person on 3 incomes - scholarships, campus job, ma and pa - to 3 people on one income. So the "Free Pizza at the BSU" sign still makes me want to act like I'm 19 and join in on the Bible study so I don't have to buy dinner. Likewise, the participating restaurants have me running for the polls. If you are fretting because you don't know who to vote for, give me a call and I'll make your decision for you. Then you can fill your belly without emptying your wallet. Happy Election Eve!