My thoughts and prayers go out to the Duggar family and this time of loss. A miscarriage is a hard thing no matter how early or late it is. It doesn't matter if it is your first child or your twentieth, the pain is real. There are so many emotions all happening at once, I remember.
There are many opinions of the Duggar family, their choices, their beliefs and their 19 children. My opinion happens to be a positive one. I wouldn't exactly make the same choices they do, but I respect them for the passion behind their decisions. I admire their love for God, their family bonds and their attitude about debt, children and love.
I saw this letter Michelle read to her unborn child during the tribute for Jubilee and it brought me to tears. They are the words I felt like I never had when we lost our child due to a miscarriage earlier this year. [Listen to it thanks to A Wise Woman Builds Her Home]
This is an article from New York Daily News about the tribute they held for Jubilee. According to the vote the public seemed about 50-50 whether it was touching or offensive. I think the biggest concern was for the photo they showed. I saw no pictures that were in the least bit disturbing, only how the baby connected with Michelle (baby's hands and feet). My opinion on this is probably skewed since I have had a miscarriage. I envy the fact they were able to meet their little one. My miscarriage wasn't as far along so I never got to see my baby's hands and feet. I also think the tribute as a whole was a beautiful idea. What a wonderful way to find closure and celebrate life. [Read the article thanks to NY Daily News]
I've read many other articles some uplifting and some not so. I feel for them because they are dealing with such a personal event on a national level.
Their own blog is beautiful and there is more about baby Jubilee on there too. [Duggar Family Blog]
My heart pours out for this family. God Bless you Duggars.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Friday, December 16, 2011
An Internet Hiatus?
If you tried to access my blog yesterday, you found that it was unavailable. This is because Google disabled it, I still have no idea why. But they sent me an email saying they were sorry for the inconvenience and that it was back online. This troubled me and got me thinking. I wrote this post yesterday in response to my entire Google account being shut down. The problem is not fixed with no further issues, but I still have no explanation.
An Internet Hiatus?
December 15, 2011
At first this thought excited me, but now I wonder if it is even possible. I'm actually not sure that it is. I had to look up how to spell "hiatus" on the Internet because I couldn't find a dictionary.
First of all, let me explain where this came from. Today my Google account was disabled. i have no idea why. Stephen sent me a text saying that he couldn't access my blog. I was concerned. Upon checking it out I find the message "Account Disabled." But you have to understand that Google is so integrated on the Web that I can't check my email, can't write on my blog, can't visit Google+, can't access contacts or my calendar events, can't look through the picture gallery, can't view Google Docs, I can't even sign into YouTube. It seems great that all of this is connected--until something goes wrong.
Needless to say, I don't feel comfortable being on the Internet today. I have no idea if I did something wrong--it wasn't knowingly by any means. I have no idea when I will know. It definitely changed my plans for the day though. Zoey is napping and that means I would usually be writing on my blog and reading other's blogs. However, today I can't. It makes me wonder if everything gets cleared up will I want to tomorrow. Right now I'm thinking not.
In fact, my first thoughts drifted to how much I use the Internet, computers and technology every day. It has increased in the past several months with my blog and my iPhone. Instead of getting into playing blocks with Zoey I find myself bored unless I am checking Facebook, Pinterest or email. This is not who I want to be. I miss sitting down with a pen and paper and pouring my heart out. I was at first timid to write publicly on a blog, but there was a switch somewhere to make it so it didn't feel worth writing unless someone read it. It's amazing how quickly your whole perspective can change.
I realize it is impossible in this day and time to turn from a computer, even the Internet. If I am serious about publishing a novel, I will have to write it on a computer. If I want to continue photography a computer is essential. I mean seriously, I can't even spell without a computer correcting me. Though I think I will find/buy myself a dictionary.
Getting away from the computer may be impossible, but I can tone down my reliance on it. I miss crafting and being there 100% for Zoey. Perhaps if blogging, Facebook and emails are not perpetually in the back of my mind I can be free to be more hands on. It would be nice for my mind to be in more creative/productive areas than surfing the Web.
Today I am aggravated and worried about what happened with my account. I don't want there to be any further trouble with it. However, I'm not sure that I would be sad if I just tucked it away for a while.
[end post]
Today, after all has been restored, I have a clearer perspective. However, the whole occurrence got me thinking. I enjoy blogging, Pinterest and keeping up with people online too much to actually go on an Internet hiatus. At the same time, I am making an active attempt to limit my time and thoughts with the Internet to one large block of time a day (during naptime.) That way, I have time in the day to look through everything that I want to, but it doesn't consume me throughout the day. Of course there are times when you need to look things up and shopping online seems to be bigger this year than ever for me, but the idea is there. The goal is to stop thinking about it constantly and live in the moment, whatever I am doing.
An Internet Hiatus?
December 15, 2011
At first this thought excited me, but now I wonder if it is even possible. I'm actually not sure that it is. I had to look up how to spell "hiatus" on the Internet because I couldn't find a dictionary.
First of all, let me explain where this came from. Today my Google account was disabled. i have no idea why. Stephen sent me a text saying that he couldn't access my blog. I was concerned. Upon checking it out I find the message "Account Disabled." But you have to understand that Google is so integrated on the Web that I can't check my email, can't write on my blog, can't visit Google+, can't access contacts or my calendar events, can't look through the picture gallery, can't view Google Docs, I can't even sign into YouTube. It seems great that all of this is connected--until something goes wrong.
Needless to say, I don't feel comfortable being on the Internet today. I have no idea if I did something wrong--it wasn't knowingly by any means. I have no idea when I will know. It definitely changed my plans for the day though. Zoey is napping and that means I would usually be writing on my blog and reading other's blogs. However, today I can't. It makes me wonder if everything gets cleared up will I want to tomorrow. Right now I'm thinking not.
In fact, my first thoughts drifted to how much I use the Internet, computers and technology every day. It has increased in the past several months with my blog and my iPhone. Instead of getting into playing blocks with Zoey I find myself bored unless I am checking Facebook, Pinterest or email. This is not who I want to be. I miss sitting down with a pen and paper and pouring my heart out. I was at first timid to write publicly on a blog, but there was a switch somewhere to make it so it didn't feel worth writing unless someone read it. It's amazing how quickly your whole perspective can change.
I realize it is impossible in this day and time to turn from a computer, even the Internet. If I am serious about publishing a novel, I will have to write it on a computer. If I want to continue photography a computer is essential. I mean seriously, I can't even spell without a computer correcting me. Though I think I will find/buy myself a dictionary.
Getting away from the computer may be impossible, but I can tone down my reliance on it. I miss crafting and being there 100% for Zoey. Perhaps if blogging, Facebook and emails are not perpetually in the back of my mind I can be free to be more hands on. It would be nice for my mind to be in more creative/productive areas than surfing the Web.
Today I am aggravated and worried about what happened with my account. I don't want there to be any further trouble with it. However, I'm not sure that I would be sad if I just tucked it away for a while.
[end post]
Today, after all has been restored, I have a clearer perspective. However, the whole occurrence got me thinking. I enjoy blogging, Pinterest and keeping up with people online too much to actually go on an Internet hiatus. At the same time, I am making an active attempt to limit my time and thoughts with the Internet to one large block of time a day (during naptime.) That way, I have time in the day to look through everything that I want to, but it doesn't consume me throughout the day. Of course there are times when you need to look things up and shopping online seems to be bigger this year than ever for me, but the idea is there. The goal is to stop thinking about it constantly and live in the moment, whatever I am doing.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Christmas Traditions
It's Christmas time again. Is it just me or does this time of year get here faster and faster every year. I can't believe it is already only 11 days until Christmas. I still have so much to do, that I want to do. Everything from shopping to crafts to watching that Christmas special on TV. And did I mention Christmas cards? Oh yeah, I almost forgot about those. But that's only the busy part of Christmas, there is so much more.
This time of year I think a lot about traditions. I also think a lot about my Christmases as a kid. I loved this time of year growing up. It was always so special to me. Now that I'm a mom, I am finding I want Zoey to experience Christmas a lot like I did. That isn't entirely possible of course because she isn't me, but I want to do many of the traditions that we did as a family when I was young.
The funny part is that growing up I didn't really see them as traditions. To me traditions were stuffy things you did because someone told you to. Now that I'm older and a mom, I think back on all of the activities we did each year with love and longing. Stephen said it best: the best traditions are the ones you never realize you are making. I think he is right. Now that I'm on the mom-side of Christmas I am seeing the things we do as a family as our own traditions. I am enjoying every minute of it.
Some of our traditions:
Getting a Christmas Tree: This is a tradition that is actually Stephen's. We get a real Christmas tree together and set it up and decorate it. When I was growing up, we always had a fake tree. In fact, we only ever had two different trees that entire time I lived with my parents (about 18 years). My first real Christmas tree was actually the first Christmas Stephen and I were together. We still have the trunk cut from that tree as an ornament marking my first real Christmas tree. I really like this tradition because it involves the whole family. I even enjoy watching Stephen and Zoey put the tree up together and hearing Stephen grumble at getting the lights on it. Then I feel like I'm in a cloud while we put ornaments on it.
25 Boxes of Christmas: This is a unique tradition, one that I did when I was a kid. My parents got me a little advent calendar of sorts that was 25 boxes in a sleeve that you pull one out everyday and inside is a little treasure. Growing up it was things like pencils, erasers, a piece of candy. Once or twice a week it would be something bigger like an activity pad or something small like that. Whenever the treasure wouldn't fit in the box, there would be a note with a treasure clue on it. That was my favorite. I remember waking up in the morning and running to my box to find my treasure and counting down the days until Christmas. This is one tradition that I said, even when I was a kid, that I would pass on to my kids. And I have. We no longer have the boxes, they are long since destroyed, but I keep the idea alive by wrapping up a little treasure in a box and putting it under the Christmas tree. Now Zoey runs out in the morning insisting the tree to light up and to find her treasure. This is one that I wonder as a mom if I am encouraging the materialism of the season with this tradition. However, I turned out okay and we do much more to celebrate the season, learn the story of Jesus and give back that I don't think the message will get lost. I just remember the joy I got from something so small, and I see Zoey's eyes light up too.
Homemade ornaments: Our tree will never make the Martha Stewart magazine, it has no color decor and you will never find another tree just like it. It is one of a kind. All of the ornaments on our tree are handmade, painted or given as a special gift or occasion. We had ornaments from every year Stephen and I have been together and every year as a family. I think we have at least three or four Zoey's first Christmas ones and several that she has made. I paint new ornaments each year to add to the collection. We don't even put the glass balls or store bought ornaments on the tree anymore. Zoey loves to help me do this now. She has her own painted ornaments to put on the tree this year.
We have other traditions too, like watching Rudolph the red nose Reindeer (Zoey's favorite), baking cookies, visiting our friends and of course seeing our family. Christmas and it's traditions will likely change as the years go on and as Zoey gets older, but I have a lot of fun this time of year no matter what. Somehow I feel so full of joy and thankfulness for every part of my life, especially my wonderful family. I hope Zoey grows up knowing the love of God and feeling excitement about sharing this time of year with others.
What are some of your traditions?
This time of year I think a lot about traditions. I also think a lot about my Christmases as a kid. I loved this time of year growing up. It was always so special to me. Now that I'm a mom, I am finding I want Zoey to experience Christmas a lot like I did. That isn't entirely possible of course because she isn't me, but I want to do many of the traditions that we did as a family when I was young.
The funny part is that growing up I didn't really see them as traditions. To me traditions were stuffy things you did because someone told you to. Now that I'm older and a mom, I think back on all of the activities we did each year with love and longing. Stephen said it best: the best traditions are the ones you never realize you are making. I think he is right. Now that I'm on the mom-side of Christmas I am seeing the things we do as a family as our own traditions. I am enjoying every minute of it.
Some of our traditions:
 |
| Zoey helping Stephen get the tree ready. |
Getting a Christmas Tree: This is a tradition that is actually Stephen's. We get a real Christmas tree together and set it up and decorate it. When I was growing up, we always had a fake tree. In fact, we only ever had two different trees that entire time I lived with my parents (about 18 years). My first real Christmas tree was actually the first Christmas Stephen and I were together. We still have the trunk cut from that tree as an ornament marking my first real Christmas tree. I really like this tradition because it involves the whole family. I even enjoy watching Stephen and Zoey put the tree up together and hearing Stephen grumble at getting the lights on it. Then I feel like I'm in a cloud while we put ornaments on it.
 |
| Zoey finding her box for the day. |
25 Boxes of Christmas: This is a unique tradition, one that I did when I was a kid. My parents got me a little advent calendar of sorts that was 25 boxes in a sleeve that you pull one out everyday and inside is a little treasure. Growing up it was things like pencils, erasers, a piece of candy. Once or twice a week it would be something bigger like an activity pad or something small like that. Whenever the treasure wouldn't fit in the box, there would be a note with a treasure clue on it. That was my favorite. I remember waking up in the morning and running to my box to find my treasure and counting down the days until Christmas. This is one tradition that I said, even when I was a kid, that I would pass on to my kids. And I have. We no longer have the boxes, they are long since destroyed, but I keep the idea alive by wrapping up a little treasure in a box and putting it under the Christmas tree. Now Zoey runs out in the morning insisting the tree to light up and to find her treasure. This is one that I wonder as a mom if I am encouraging the materialism of the season with this tradition. However, I turned out okay and we do much more to celebrate the season, learn the story of Jesus and give back that I don't think the message will get lost. I just remember the joy I got from something so small, and I see Zoey's eyes light up too.
 |
| Zoey making ornaments for the tree. |
Homemade ornaments: Our tree will never make the Martha Stewart magazine, it has no color decor and you will never find another tree just like it. It is one of a kind. All of the ornaments on our tree are handmade, painted or given as a special gift or occasion. We had ornaments from every year Stephen and I have been together and every year as a family. I think we have at least three or four Zoey's first Christmas ones and several that she has made. I paint new ornaments each year to add to the collection. We don't even put the glass balls or store bought ornaments on the tree anymore. Zoey loves to help me do this now. She has her own painted ornaments to put on the tree this year.
We have other traditions too, like watching Rudolph the red nose Reindeer (Zoey's favorite), baking cookies, visiting our friends and of course seeing our family. Christmas and it's traditions will likely change as the years go on and as Zoey gets older, but I have a lot of fun this time of year no matter what. Somehow I feel so full of joy and thankfulness for every part of my life, especially my wonderful family. I hope Zoey grows up knowing the love of God and feeling excitement about sharing this time of year with others.
What are some of your traditions?
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Wordless Wednesday: Daddy-Daughter Team Saves the Day
Daddy-Daughter Team Saves the Day
I usually let Wordless Wednesdays stay wordless, but this one needs a little bit of explanation. When we got our Christmas Tree home Stephen and Zoey were fast at work getting it on the base and ready to come inside. However, they caught a glitch where the base didn't fit quite right. I love this picture because Daddy and Daughter have the same puzzling face on like they are discussing the problem and possible solutions. Perhaps they were. They really do make a good team. It was a simple fix: cut off some branches and presto, perfect fit. Then Zoey was right there to help Stephen tighten the screws to hold the tree in place. Zoey is very much a Daddy's Girl--I love that.
(You can see more of our decorating via O Christmas Tree)
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
O Christmas Tree
We now have a beautiful Christmas tree decorated in our living room. It is one of my favorite parts of the holiday and I think Zoey agrees. She loved picking out the tree and decorating it. I'm glad we can share these Christmas traditions with her.
Step One was to find the perfect tree. I think we accomplished that easily enough. Then came the harder part. Getting it ready for the stand. Stephen was smart about this and get it ready outside so the pine needles fell harmlessly to the ground instead on in the carpet. Zoey was right there helping Stephen tighten the screws that hold the tree and making sure it was straight. She was so cute...Daddy's little shadow.
Zoey is such a Daddy's girl, which reminds me of how I was with my Daddy when I was a little girl. I was also a Daddy's girl, through and through. Zoey is always one step behind Stephen waiting for a chance to lend a hand and learn something new. I did that with my Dad all the time and learned so much, I owe much of my useful life knowledge to watching and helping my Dad. I'm glad Stephen is so patient with Zoey so she has the same opportunities to learn and grow.
We got the tree in and Zoey was immediately ready to decorate. We had to wait a couple days before doing this, but she was still very excited once the time came. I love this picture of Stephen and Zoey with the lights. Daddy's little girl is helping again, which I just love. They didn't exactly fight with the lights, but it didn't go as smoothly as it could either. I was taking pictures and staying out of the way while trying not to laugh. Zoey loved when we got the lights on and the whole tree lit up. Even now the first thing she does when she wakes up in the morning is run to the tree and wait to see it light up.
Now the real decorating starts. This is where I stepped in and gave Stephen a break. Zoey got the bottom half of the tree all to herself, which she loved. Honestly I think it changes at least once or twice a day. She just loves hanging and rearranging all of the ornaments. The ones for her are the wooden ones and others that she made. So they are all fair game for her to mess around with. I handled the top half of the tree where I hung our family ornaments and other ones that we have made throughout the years. We don't have any glass balls or really breakable ones, though the plaster ones will crack they don't actually shatter (usually).
Anyway, the tree it up and I love it. On it you can live through many years with each ornament. We don't have any up there that don't mean something, we made or are long time favorites. I love our home decorated Christmas tree. It isn't ever going to be in Southern Living, but it is special to us and that's all that matters to me. I hope Zoey can grow up to be proud of our tree and our history just as I have.
I hope you have a wonderful time spending this time of year with family and friends no matter what your beliefs. As for me, I'm going to say Merry Christmas to All and to All and Good Holiday!
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