My Favorite Christmas Story

One more post before I sign off until the New Year.

I grew up reading and having this story read to me.

It is my most favorite story for this time of year.

It's simply titled

Teach the Children

I like to call it "Santa Teaches of Christmas"

Late one Christmas Eve, I sank back, tired but content, into my easy chair. The kids were in bed, the gifts were wrapped, the milk and cookies waited by the fireplace for Santa. As I sat back admiring the tree with its decorations, I couldn't help feeling that something important was missing. It wasn't long before the tiny twinkling tree lights lulled me to sleep.

I don't know how long I slept, but all of a sudden I knew that I wasn't alone. I opened my eyes, and you can imagine my surprise when I saw Santa Claus himself standing next to my Christmas tree. He was dressed all in fur from his head to his foot just as the poem described him, but he was not the "jolly old elf" of Christmas legend. The man who stood before me looked sad and disappointed, and there were tears in his eyes.

"Santa, what's wrong?" I asked, "Why are you crying?"

"It's the children," Santa replied sadly.

"But Santa, the children love you," I said.

"Oh, I know they love me, and they love the gifts I bring them," Santa said, "but the children of today seem to have somehow missed out on the true spirit of Christmas. It's not their fault. It's just that the adults, many of them not having been taught themselves, have forgotten to teach the children."

"Teach them what?" I asked.

Santa's kind old face became soft, more gentle. His eyes began to shine with something more than tears. He spoke softly. "Teach the children the true meaning of Christmas. Teach them that the part of Christmas we can see, hear, and touch is much more than meets the eye. Teach them the symbolism behind the customs and traditions of Christmas which we now observe. Teach them what it is they truly represent."

Santa reached into his bag and pulled out a tiny Christmas tree and set it on my mantle. "Teach them about the Christmas tree. Green is the second color of Christmas. The stately evergreen, with its unchanging color, represents the hope of eternal life in Jesus. Its needles point heavenward as a reminder that mankind's thoughts should turn heavenward as well."

Santa reached into his bag again and pulled out a shiny star and placed it at the top of the small tree. "The star was the heavenly sign of promise. God promised a Savior for the world and the star was the sign of the fulfillment of that promise on the night that Jesus Christ was born. Teach the children that God always fulfills His promises, and that wise men still seek Him."

"Red," said Santa, "is the first color of Christmas." He pulled forth a red ornament for the tiny tree. "Red is deep, intense, vivid. It is the color of the life-giving blood that flows through our veins. It is the symbol of God's greatest gift. Teach the children that Christ gave His life and shed His blood for them that they might have eternal life. When they see the color red, it should remind them of that most wonderful Gift."

Santa found a silver bell in his pack and placed it on the tree. "Just as lost sheep are guided to safety by the sound of the bell, it continues to ring today for all to be guided to the fold. Teach the children to follow the true Shepherd, who gave His life for the sheep."

Santa placed a candle on the mantle and lit it. The soft glow from its one tiny flame brightened the room. "The glow of the candle represents how people can show their thanks for the gift of God's Son that Christmas Eve long ago. Teach the children to follow in Christ's foot steps... to go about doing good. Teach them to let their light so shine before people that all may see it and glorify God. This is what is symbolized when the twinkling lights shine on the tree like hundreds of bright, shining candles, each of them representing one of God's precious children, their light shining for all to see."

Again Santa reached into his bag and this time he brought forth a tiny red and white striped cane. As he hung it on the tree he spoke softly. "The candy cane is a stick of hard white candy: white to symbolize the virgin birth and sinless nature of Jesus, and hard to symbolize the Solid Rock the foundation of the church, and the firmness of God's promises. The candy cane is in the form of a 'J' to represent the precious name of Jesus, who came to earth. It also represents the Good Shepherd's crook, which He uses to reach down into the ditches of the world to lift out the fallen lambs who, like all sheep, have gone astray. The original candy cane had three small red stripes, which are the stripes of the scourging Jesus received by which we are healed, and a large red stripe that represents the shed blood of Jesus, so that we can have the promise of eternal life."

"Teach these things to the children."

Santa brought out a beautiful wreath made of fresh, fragrant greenery tied with a bright red bow. "The bow reminds us of the bond of perfection, which is love. The wreath embodies all the good things about Christmas for those with eyes to see and hearts to understand. It contains the colors of red and green and the heaven-turned needles of the evergreen. The bow tells the story of good will towards all and its color reminds us of Christ's sacrifice. Even its very shape is symbolic, representing eternity and the eternal nature of Christ's love. It is a circle, without beginning and without end. These are the things you must teach the children."

I asked, "But where does that leave you, Santa?"

The tears gone now from his eyes, a smile broke over Santa's face. "Why bless you, my dear," he laughed, "I'm only a symbol myself. I represent the spirit of family fun and the joy of giving and receiving. If the children are taught these other things, there is no danger that I'll ever be forgotten."

"I think I'm beginning to understand."

"That's why I came," said Santa. "You're an adult. If you don't teach the children these things, then who will?"

(Author Unknown)

Source: http://www.neloo.com/Christmas/Christmas1.html

One Year of Blogging

It's been one year of blogging here. 

There have been ups and downs. 

There have been complaints. 

There have been stories. 

But you know what?

I DON'T CARE!

This is my blog and I'll do what I want with it.

And it will continue that way. 

Readers, thank you for reading this blog and putting up with me. 

Please continue to read my posts as they come.

More posts to come! 

Until next time, Merry Christmas!

My Favorite Part of this Time of the Year

This time of the year can be described as joyful, stressful, magical, happy, special, etc. 
There are many components: tree, ornaments, stockings, presents, wreaths, lights, etc.
And lets not forget all of the food: cookies, caramels, pies, popcorn balls, etc. 
All of those things are great and I love them, but my most favorite part about this year is giving. 

As much as I love to decorate, bake, wrap, and sing, I really, really love to give presents. I love picking out a special gift for each family member and friend on my shopping list. I love putting my time and thought into my shopping list and finding that one gift that is absolutely perfect and that I know the receive will love! For example: Last year I was looking ALL OVER for a gift for my dad and I couldn't find what I wanted to give him. But then I was at a store just browsing through their Christmas section and I found it. A dancing and singing hippopotamus. My dad absolutely loves the song (and history behind it) "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas," which is what the hippo sings and dances to. I thought it would be hilarious and more of a gag gift. Low and behold, it was his favorite gift that year and it still sits out where everyone can see it all year long. It's also the Squid's favorite gift last year too. 

As stressful and hard it is to find that perfect gift for each member of the family, I love it. I love seeing their faces when they open their gift and instantly fall in love with it. I love seeing the gift in use. I love seeing the joy each gift brings. Yes, I may have searched all over town (and maybe a couple more) to find the gift. It may have taken a few months of stressing, searching, and traveling to find it. I may have lost some hair over it. And yes, sometimes I fail and don't find that perfect gift, but I know that no matter what I give them, those who love me will love that I even thought about them during this time of year. 

I couldn't care less about what everyone gets me or how many gifts I get. I don't need a lot. I don't need the latest and greatest tech gadget. I don't need the latest movie. I don't need toys, lots of clothes, kitchen supplies, etc. I already have everything I may ever need. I do have desires and wants, but if I don't get them, it's not the end of the world. Christmas won't be ruined if I don't get that one item I've been yearning for all year or the one movie I saw this year that I don't already have. Christmas will be ruined if I can't give to those I love the most. Christmas will be ruined if I don't have a roof over my head, clothes to keep me warm, and food to keep me fed. Christmas will be ruined if I can't express my love through music, gifts, and time. Christmas will be ruined if there is no love during this time of year. 

That's the whole reason for the season! Jesus Christ was sent to this earth, atoned for our sins, suffered on Gethsemane, and was put up on the cross because he and our Heavenly Father love us. No one anywhere at any time would make the sacrifices they do if they didn't love anyone. God sacrificed his Only Begotten because He loves us. Jesus Christ stood up and said, "Send me," because he loves us. We may not feel their love all the time, especially when we are at our lowest, but I know that they do love us and they are constantly watching over us and blessing us with what we need. 

That being said, I challenge all of my readers to help someone in need this Christmas season. It's not too late. I participated in Jamberry's Black Friday Remix where a portion of the sales from that weekend went to Toys for Tots. Want to know how much we donated? $150,000! And I am very happy to say that I helped with that. So please give. Put your change in the bucket of the poor soul ringing the bell outside the store. Give a neighbor some help with shoveling the walks. Put an item into the Food Bank and Toys for Tots boxes. Whatever you can give, please give it.

Merry Christmas everyone! 

Make sure to tell the ones you love that you love them!

I love you all!

Love is the Key

This isn't a complaint. It's just some thoughts I have had on a topic that FATMAN! and I have talked about a lot. 

There's the saying, "You only hurt the ones you love." 

Why is that?

FATMAN! and I have had a conversation about this quite often. I think the answer is simple: You only hurt the ones you love because they care. The people you don't love, and therefore they don't love you, don't care because they don't care about you or what you do or say. 

I think it truly is that simple. 

So then, why do we hurt the ones we love? Why is it that we are hurting others? A lot of the time it's completely unintentional. It's saying or doing the wrong thing without realizing that it may be offensive. And at those times there's nothing you can do except to apologize afterwards. But what about when you purposefully hurt those you love? What happens then?

I have known of families who were divided because of at least one person who stuck their nose where it shouldn't have been and purposefully hurt their family. I would be lying if I said I have never done that. But what has happened to those families? They never see each other. They never get together and share stories, meals, laughter, or time together. Cousins never meet each other. Aunts and uncles never meet nieces and nephews. Grandparents only see certain grandchildren at certain times. But the biggest thing that happens is that there is no love being shared in the family. 

Love is the key. This is my mother-in-law's life motto (more or less) and FATMAN! has had many conversations with her about this phrase. There are many, many meanings behind the phrase and I'm sure that there are more to be discovered in the future. But the bottom line is Love is the key! To everything! Especially family. Without love, there is no family. Just people who carry the same blood who don't care about each other. Love is what truly ties a family together. 

This holiday season, let's please remember our families and how much we are grateful for and love them. I know I have said and done some nasty things in the past to my family members, but I truly am grateful for and love each and every one of my family members. I am not perfect and I am making my amends. But if there is one thing that I want my family to know is that I love them and am always thinking of them. 

No More Fruity Tootsie Rolls Before Bed

***SET UP: Present time. Present ages. Our story starts when I’m being picked up for a first date that I don’t remember agreeing to. Oh! And I’m sleeping over. Pete, my date, and I are joining Kiara and her date at the movies.***

Pete knocks on my door, I answer it, he grabs my over-night bag, and walks back to his van... which is being driven by his mom. We go to the arcade/movie theater/bowling alley/events complex. That’s where we meet up with Kiara and her date (I didn't catch his name) and make our way through the events complex to get to our movie theater. But it’s not your typical theater setting. There aren’t any enclosed rooms for one movie. There are about three 3-walled open areas all next to each other all showing the same move so that the dialogs don’t overlap. Each movie that was being shown had its own “section” throughout the complex. The five of us make our way to our movie section to see the latest Disney/Pixar movie and get settled in; Pete’s mom staying near the back to give us “couples” some privacy and the rest of us going towards the left-most wall to claim some bean bag type beds. They were giant bean bags but at the “top” of the bag there was a raised part that was extra stuffed to serve as a pillow. So we get settled in and the movie starts. We are sitting (from left to right one next to each other on the same bean bag bed) Pete, Kiara’s date, Kiara, and me, because Kiara and I were talking about something as we were settling in and didn’t pay attention to who was sitting where. So, the movie starts and after a while, I get up to go find the bathroom. Someone else in our section also gets up to leave. I get out of the area first and started to wander. I ran into my 10-year-old sister Rhea, who was there on a date as well. We start arguing about how she’s not old enough to date yet and that mom was going to be furious when she finds out and dad was going to be even madder... Rhea kept pointing out that I was on a date with someone I didn’t even like and that it wasn’t fair to Pete to lead him on like that... The arguing went on for a long time. Anyway, I finally had enough of the arguing and turned to go back to my movie. The guy who had left the movie area with me was standing there fuming and glaring at me. I had never seen this guy before. I didn’t know what his problem was. He pulled out a knife of sorts (it was more like a comb of very fine needles, but all the needles were right next to each other so it looks like a ragged blade) and started running at me. Pete was there to block the attack before I even understood what was happening. Pete’s block sent the knife flying but it didn’t stop my assailant. He kept charging towards me and ended up tackling me onto the floor. As he as pinned me down, sitting on top of me, and raised his arm ready to strike me, Pete tackled him from behind and took care of everything. I didn’t see how Pete took care of him because people had crowded around me as a wall of protection. I stood up after a little while and waited for the crowd to disperse. Pete walked towards me but there were 4 of him coming. I fell and the next thing I knew I was back at my movie, lying on a different bean bag bed than before with Pete lying next to me. When I had “come to,” Pete rolled over, made sure I was okay (I was just dazed and confused by all of what had just transpired), and then he kissed me, if you can even call it a kiss. It was the worse kiss I have ever experienced in my life! His lips were dry, hard, and small. He seemed to be hesitating while he kissed me and then he lingered a lot longer than he should have. But when he pulled away and laid back down, I was even more dazed and confused (mostly confused). After a few minutes of watching the movie, I remembered that he had knocked the knife out of my attacker’s hand and I asked if he was okay. He showed me where the knife had managed to cut into his fingers, tiny pin-pricks slowly oozing blood. I grabbed his hand and his fingers immediately looked better (somehow I had the power to heal wounds). It was at that time that Pete’s mom announced that she had gotten a room upstairs and that we “kids” shouldn’t do anything stupid or regretful. I left to change into my pajamas, came back, and curled up next to Pete, completely exhausted and ready for sleep, when the next movie started.

The End

When What You Thought To Be True Changes

My heart is breaking.

There is nothing I can do about it.

I don't understand.

Why?

Why them?

They haven't done anything wrong.

Why punish the innocent?

Why deny them the blessings they deserve because of someone else?

I don't understand.

How can something I have grown up being taught to be true all of a sudden come with a condition?

I don't know what to do.

My heart aches.

I can't stop it.

I can't prevent it.

I don't know if it will heal.

As long as I am a mother, my heart will ache.

How can this be?

How can You say those things?

How can You deny them?

How can You keep them away?

They are Your children!

I don't understand.

I wish there was something I could do.

I wish I could see this through Your eyes.

I wish I could see what You see.

Now and in the future.

I pray that I may one day understand.

I pray that one day I may push past the hurt.

I pray that one day I may fully accept this.

Until that day, I pray for Your strength and understanding.

Please stay by my side and guide me.

Please help me to do what it is I need to do.

Please help me to see the way You see.

Who I Am

This post has taken me all month to write so that I get it just right. I still don't think it's perfect, but I hope it gives you a look into who I am. 

I've been thinking a lot lately about myself and who I am. I've also been thinking about why I am who I am. Why I have become so hard and mean and judgmental. And I think I have come to an answer after pondering for many days, weeks, and months. 

I grew up surrounded by high expectations and, sometimes harsh, judgment. If you didn't live up to the expectations, you were a huge disappointment and something should be done about it. If you didn't fit in with everyone else, you were a freak and should be out-casted. If you didn't believe exactly what everyone else believed, you were blasphemous and shouldn't be allowed in the group. If you looked different (hair, dress, piercings, tattoos, etc.), you were a bad influence and should be locked up. If you made a mistake, even just one tiny mistake, you were stupid and should go sit in the corner with a coloring book. It was hard living with these people! Especially when these people were my leaders who were supposed to set an example for me. Guess what examples I saw and learned from?! 

Living in this world is difficult and if you let it, the world will make you cruel, hard, and stupid. I have seen it happen right before my very eyes. I've seen it in the news. I've seen it on the streets. I've seen it right in front of me in the mirror. It's hard having an opinion that is different from what everyone else's opinion is. It's difficult to want to share your insights and opinions because you know that someone will stand up and say, "YOU'RE WRONG!" "YOU'RE A HATER!" "YOU'RE STUPID!" or "HOW COULD YOU SAY THAT, YOU %^$&#?!" What's harder is when those sayings come from the people who you trusted, loved, and looked up to the most. 

Respect is one thing that was carved into me growing up and it's one thing that I don't take lightly. In the past when I was disrespected, I usually would just take it quietly and then walk away, usually crying. But after years and years of taking it and then being told I was going to Hell for a personal choice, I made the decision that I was not going to stand by and be disrespected anymore. I was going to start opening my mouth and defend myself. I may come across as mean or maybe even prideful, but the person disrespecting me is meaner and downright rude. There is no reason to disrespect someone, especially a stranger. I try my best every day to not disrespect anyone anywhere. I try my best to keep to myself and be as kind as possible. 

People in today's society are rude to anyone and everyone they run into (literally and figuratively). If you go so far as to look at someone, you had better be prepared for a talking to full of colorful language. When did our society become so self centered? Oh wait.... Has it ever not been self centered? I think not. I just think that people are more careless about hurting other people's feelings so they will just say whatever is on their mind and then just walk away without a second thought. I have been insulted by so many strangers that some days I don't get out of the house if I don't have to just to not put myself in a situation like that. I don't like having my feelings hurt. I don't know of anyone who likes having their feelings hurt. And because I don't like my feelings hurt, I also don't like hurting other people. So I do my best every day, everywhere I go to not hurt anyone else's feelings. In fact, I try to brighten their day if I can!

I have been told that I am one of the nicest, sweetest people in the world and I take that to heart and do my best to live up to that standard that I unconsciously created for myself. But I am human! I am not a god. I am not a super hero. I am from the planet Earth. I promise you that I make mistakes. I have made mistakes in the past. I will make mistakes in the future. Heck, I have and will make mistakes today. I slip up. When I feel hurt, I can't always push it away and move on. Sometimes I slip and take it out on someone else. When this happens, I feel bad about it afterwards. I may not always say sorry, but that doesn't mean I don't feel it. I am too caring not to feel bad. 

Everyday I am faced with many chances to either lash out or be kind. Sometimes I am easily hurt and sometimes I can take a few hits before I'm down. Sometimes I am strong and can look pass the hurtful moves. Sometimes I give in to the anger inside me and I end up hurting others. No matter what happens, everyday I do my best to be my best. But being my best doesn't always happen. And when I am not my best, when I hurt someone, I regret it. I honestly regret when I hurt anyone, intentionally or not. It hurts me, because I don't like being hurt. And that is why I really do try my best every day to be the best that I can be. 

Where's the Wisdom?

There once was a time when wise men and women were in abundance. We were always hearing one astonishing quote of advice and guidance after another. There was a time when there were many role models all around us that everyone looked up to. Those times have passed. And why? Where did the wisdom go? Did it just stop or did it taper off? Are there still wise men out there and they just keep their wisdom to themselves? In today's society when negativity and crime and awfulness is everywhere you turn, where is the guidance we need? Where are the warnings? Where is the wisdom?

There are many conspiracy theories out there and I'm not going to go into any of them (mostly because I don't care), but where are the wise leaders that we used to have? When did politics and lying become a sport? When we find a presidential candidate that we absolutely love and trust, we do everything to support them that we possibly can, including lying and tearing down the "competition." We trust that all that said candidate "promises" will actually come true. In fact, we will even elect them for a second term although said candidate hasn't shown anything to support the promises he made when he first ran. So, why do we elect them again? He hasn't done anything that he promised. Should we really be offering a president who hasn't lived up to his promises a second chance? Where is the wisdom in that?

I know that today's economy isn't the greatest and there are many people who are unemployed or have had their hours cut and are struggling to make ends meet. But how many of those people are actively trying to find a new or better job to be able to support themselves and their families? I know of some people who are really trying and are doing everything they can, even if it means sacrificing time with loved ones. But I know of many people who have decided to just give up, be lazy and carefree, go on welfare, and "let the government take care of everything." People have become lazy couch potatoes and don't care about their loved ones true needs. ***NOTE: I understand and recognize that there are some circumstances, foreseen and unforeseen, that are out of our control. And when these circumstances arise, there is little that can be done sometimes. I get that.*** Some people who have "given up to the government" don't understand what happens when they go on welfare. They think that everything they ever want will be paid for and they can "live the dream." They go out and buy unnecessary toys and gadgets: 60" TV, brand new car, the latest iPhone, etc. And then when they can't afford food or clothing, they complain and blame their problems on other people. If you have gone on welfare, your first priorities should be living: food, clothing, shelter. Where is the wisdom in spending all of your money to play before buying what is needed to survive?

When FATMAN! thinks about wisdom, he thinks about chess. It is said that good chess players plan their moves 2-3 moves in advance and great players even more. FATMAN! can usually plan 1-2 moves in advance. When faced in the situation where your pawn is taken or you take your opponent's pawn, most people will immediately just take the pawn (looking only 1 move ahead). As soon as they have taken their opponent's pawn, the instant gratification is all they get. But if you sacrifice your pawn in order to establish check-mate (looking 3 moves ahead), the gratification is so much greater. 
When compared to real life, I see most people going for the pawn instead of willing to sacrifice their pawn. People are constantly on Facebook and Twitter to get those 15 likes that they need to feel alive. People are getting paid and immediately going to spend it on the latest gadget, alcohol, expensive clothes, etc. instead of using it to buy what is needed and save a little bit over time until one can afford what is on their wishlist. 

Debt is sometimes a good thing (like homes and schooling), but debt mostly is an ugly thing. Have something you want right now but can't afford it right now? Don't worry, says the credit companies, just put in on a credit card and pay for it later. Seems like an easy fix, right? But when you continue to buy something that you can't afford, the money you owe builds and builds and builds. Where is the wisdom in that? 

Where is the wisdom? Where is the man looking out for our well-being? Where is the leader who will always have our best interests at heart? Where are the wise men for our society? It's questions like these that make me grateful to know that I have at least 15 men that I can look to who are wise men and leaders through these perilous times. 

I LOVE My New Job!!!!

So, I just started a new job a few weeks ago and I can already say that I LOVE IT!!! And the biggest part about my new job that I love is that I'm still a SAHM and get to take care of my Squid all the time. 

What's my new job? I am now a consultant for Jamberry Nails! What are Jamberry Nails?
Jams are heat-activated vinyl nail wraps. They're unlike anything else you can buy anywhere else. They're not polish strips. They outlast the dollar-store brands and even the expensive salon brands. They don't chip, fade, or smell -- and they don't dry out or expire.
Jamberry nail wraps last up to 2 weeks on your fingers and up to 6 weeks on your toes. (Yes, you read that right!) Unlike other brands who's labels have over 20 ingredients, Jamberry wraps have 2- and they are non-toxic, vegan, and gluten free!  
Or in other words, Jamberry Nail wraps are stickers that are way better than nail polish in many ways. They last longer, don't stink, are easy to put on, make no mess, and are cheaper than going to the nail salon every week. I love Jamberry!

When I first joined my friend's online Jamberry party, I was skeptical at first. I am super hard on my nails. I craft, bake, clean, change Squid's diapers, play with Squid and his hard toys, play the piano, and do other things with my hands every day all day long. I am hard on my nails. I love having my nails done but I hated the smell, dry time, and mess of doing them myself but I don't have the money, nor the time, to go to the salon and have them done all the time. Not to mention that my manicures never lasted more than 24 hours tops before chipping. So when I asked for a sample to try, I wasn't expecting anything. I was pleasantly and shocked with surprised! 

These nail wraps are the next best thing! I'm not joking! Had I discovered Jamberry sooner, my life would be simpler and my pregnancy would have been just a bit easier. If I have to narrow the things I love about Jamberry down to my top 1 love it's that these nails make feeling pretty all the time so much easier! I love that they are non-toxic. I love that there is no dry time. I love that there are no smells. I love that there is no mess. I love that I can do both of my hands and you won't be able to tell if I'm right or left handed just by looking at my nails. I love that it takes me 15 minutes (25 tops if I'm distracted) from start to finish to do a manicure. I love that I have access to OVER 300 DESIGNS to use and I don't have to do a million tiny steps. I love that my nails can look professionally done all the time. I love that I get to be paid to have pretty nails! I love the sisterhood that I have entered and the love and support that comes with it. I love Jamberry! 

So after my friend's party, I had to host a party. And it was awesome! It was a great way for me to get a tiny sneak peek at what running a party was like because my sponsor let me post a few things. After my party, I knew I wanted to join, but I needed to wait until after I moved into the new house before I could actually do anything with Jamberry. However, I did join before moving in but I didn't actually jump in with both feet until the beginning of this month. WORD TO THE WISE: If you decide to join any company, don't do it in the middle of moving. Save yourself some time and stress. I started my training while I was packing boxes and moving into the new house. I should have never done that. If I could go back and change it, I would. BUT my launch party was a success and I was able to start out in the company with a good strong start! 

I don't have any previous experience with direct selling. In fact, I had sworn I would never do any direct selling unless I was desperate. But how can you say no when you love the product so much and know of lots of women who also would love it?! Jamberry is still relatively new. It started in 2010 and is still reaching out to many areas of the U.S. and Canada. They are about to launch into Australia and New Zealand in October! Jamberry is growing and it's growing fast. But of course it's growing fast! Who doesn't want 2 manicures, 2 pedicures, and some left over for only $15? AND you can do it at home and have them look amazing! 

I am absolutely in love with Jamberry and the success I have already seen from being a consultant, even though it is only a little. I wish I had discovered them sooner. I'm a former nail biter. Keyword there: FORMER! My nails used to be so short I never had any white tip. They are still brittle (I'm working on that), but my nails have never looked better. And if you don't think the wraps are for you, Jamberry also has their own 5 free (no harmful chemicals) lacquer and brand new gel nail enamel lines! And the lacquers and enamels are just as amazing as the wraps in their own ways. 

If you think you would like to try a sample, feel free to contact me. Here is my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/wyogaljamberry. You can send me a message there and I'll send you a sample to try. Here is the link to my website to look around at the amazing designs they have: musicchick.jamberry.com/shop. If you feel like you might want to host an online Facebook party, you can book one here: musicchick.jamberry.com/host. Want some extra income? Join my team! It's $99 for the starter kit, but you easily earn that back in your first and/or second party. Join here: musicchick.jamberry.com/join. 

I wish I could show how excited I am about Jamberry! But words can only do so much. 

My Month of Chaos!

Since my last actual post, I have moved, started a new business, the Squid has turned a year old, FATMAN! went on a week long business trip, I have thrown a birthday party, started to unpack a house, the Squid has turned into more than a handful, and I have no idea how I'm still alive and mostly sane! Let me tell you it wasn't easy and I definitely wanted to give up or explode at everyone around me many times. 

So let's start at the beginning when it all started. At the beginning of August, FATMAN! and I finally made a decision of when we were going to finish fixing up and move into our new house. We had closed on the house at the end of June and over a month later were still not moved into it. There were walls, cabinets, and closets that needed painting, lights and fixtures that needed replacing, vents installed, doors fixed, and all around cleaning that need to be done before we could move in. We had a list of about 20 things that needed to be done before we could move in and live in the house (it was built in the '70's and still had many of the original features that were not up to code). We only did about half of the items on our list before we moved in, only because we were so tired of waiting and having to deal with our awful neighbors. So, we set a date to move in... and then we had to change it again because of a wedding... and then again because of paint fumes.... and then we FINALLY MOVED IN the Saturday before FATMAN! had to leave for almost an entire week for business, which was also the Saturday before Squid's birthday party. So for the first week in our new house, I was alone with the Squid. Now, it wouldn't have been as bad if our house was newer than it is. This house makes sooooo much noise and creaks and shifts with every little wind that hits it (and we have a lot of wind here) that I didn't sleep the first two nights FATMAN! was gone. It was scary being in a new environment all alone and not knowing anyone who lived by me. Thank goodness for church and birthday activities to get me out of the house every once in a while! 

Also in August, right before moving into the new house, I became a direct sales consultant with a new and growing company. (But I'll go more into that in another post later.) But having to start my training and selling while trying to pack and move and while taking care of an almost one year old is borderline psychotic! I didn't do a lot with my new job while we packed and moved, but I did start training. When you have to split your free time while baby naps between training and packing, you get worn out quickly and don't want to do anything by the time baby's bedtime comes around. As soon as the Squid was down for the night, I usually just sat and watched TV until I couldn't stay awake any longer. 

Right after moving into the new house and while FATMAN! was on his business trip, the Squid turned one! YAY! The two of us didn't do much the day of his birthday, but that weekend was full of fun and family. Family started showing up Friday night and it was great to just sit around and talk and share stories and relax before the chaos started. I am so grateful that we still had our apartment in our name so that I could have enough room for everyone to stay without cramming in our little house and without forcing everyone to get a hotel. It was helpful to me that I didn't have to worry about everyone staying warm or cool enough during the night, having enough food for everyone for every meal, etc. However, when Saturday rolled around I wish I had planned better and had someone to do the catering for the Squid's party. I loved that my family was willing to help with anything I ask them too, but it's hard when everyone is asking JUST ME what they can help with while I'm trying to do all that only I could or wanted to do. I made a monkey cake for the party and I was trying to get it decorated when everyone kept asking me what they could do to help, needing me to come look at things, needing me to take care of other things, trying to have a conversation with me, etc. FATMAN! was working on the grill (after mowing the lawn). That's it! Just standing and making sure that the food didn't burn. I have no idea why everyone had to come to me for every tiny little thing. So the cake didn't turn out the way I wanted it to. It still looked good and I am grateful for my dad helping out with it, but I wish I had had uninterrupted time just to work on it and have it turn out better. But as soon as the party started, everything was somewhat better. Everyone served themselves, we all sat around and talked and laughed at Squid and his cuteness. It was great. I wish I had been able to take pictures so that I wouldn't have to wait for everyone else to send me the pictures they took. I wish I had planned the decorations a little better. I wish... I wish... I wish... But I can't go back and change the past and it's not like the party was a disaster. It just didn't go as well as I had hoped. 

There are a few more little things that happened during August, but they aren't as crazy as the stories I just shared. I'm so happy that it is now September and that I can start with a blank calendar (not as blank anymore) and have some control over my life again. Now if only I can get Squid to stay in one spot for more than 10 seconds.....

Quick Word...

I just wanted to say quickly that I haven't abandoned this blog. My life has just been flipped upside down for the past couple of weeks with moving, starting a new business, planning a birthday party, and life in general. 

More on those details later when I have more time to write. 

My Baby Tips

With the Squid turning a year old here in a couple of weeks, I thought I would share some tips and tricks that I have discovered and used over this past almost year. A couple of these tricks I found on other sites like BabyCenter, Pinterest, etc. but I promise that I wouldn't share these tricks if they didn't work. Here we go!

Packing Clothes for Trips

When packing clothes for a trip, put individual outfits into Ziploc bags. Put in everything you need: onesie, pants, socks, white onesie, etc. Put all pajamas into a larger bag. I've gone so far as to label the bags with each day we are going to be gone. This way you don't over pack and you are organized. And with pressing the air out of the bags, you save room in the suitcase. 

Laundering Those Tiny Socks

One thing I feared when I started washing the Squid's tiny socks was that I would lose them in the apartment complex laundromat and machines. So I went out and bought a lingerie bag to put all the small articles of clothing in while washing so that I don't lose them. But after I started using the bag, I ran into the issue of losing the bag under Squid's hamper. After a couple of trials that ended in error, I found that if I clothes pin the bag to the side of the hamper (we have a flexible clothes/toy hamper) that it would stay in place and was easily accessible at all times. It saves so much time because I don't have to sort through all of his laundry and pull out the socks, mitts, etc. and I'm definitely not going to lose them in my washing and drying machines.

Administering Medicine

Ask any kid and they will all say that medicine is icky! And forcing something foreign into a baby's mouth that doesn't produce something yummy is harder than you would think. I've tried squirting into the side of the mouth, putting it into milk or cereal (consult doctor before doing that), pinning down the Squid and then taking forever waiting for him to swallow each tiny drop until it's all gone, and some other techniques. The number one thing that worked was getting a medicine cup designed for babies that has a nipple, like this one:

The Squid has had no problems with using this method to take medicine. And from what I have seen online, almost all babies have not had any problems and prefer this method. It's closest to a breast nipple and bottle nipple so baby isn't going to turn it away. Always check with a doctor or pharmacist before watering down any medicine.

When Teething Starts

I have tried teething tablets, cold teething rings, room temperature teething rings, rags, etc. All babies are different when it comes to teething remedies. So try out everything until you find what your baby prefers. But one thing that Squid absolutely loves the best is teething wafers/biscuits. There are specific biscuits and wafers designed to be hard enough to provide pressure to sooth yet soft enough to be dissolved and eaten. They come in different flavors and textures. Squid prefers the Plum Organics wafers because they are more like a graham cracker but he will still eat the rice rusks as well. If your baby is old enough and teething, I highly recommend getting some teething wafers, just be sure to keep an eye on your little one while they are eating.

Nursery

I prefer that my home be organized and clean. Everything has a place. That includes my baby's room. Our changing table is opened, meaning it has shelves with no drawers. FATMAN! and I went out and bought some organizers, like these:

We put diapers, wipes, breastfeeding accessories, bibs, and other grab-and-go items in the boxes to keep them handy for when we are in a hurry or need them in reach. We also got some under the bed storage boxes that I filled with toys and blankets. 

As for baby monitors, we had some great friends in Jackson who spoiled us. They gave us a camera baby monitor and it is one of the best gifts I received for the Squid. You can actually see that your baby is sleeping soundly or that he is starting to wake up. It's been a great blessing for me because Squid sometimes cries in his sleep, especially earlier in his life. If it weren't for the camera, I would have rushed into his room, wake him up, and then have to actually calm him down and lull him back to sleep instead of seeing that he is still asleep and just needs a minute. If you have the money, investing in a camera monitor is a great investment. Plus, in the future if you want to have a camera in all of the little ones's rooms, a lot of brands and models come with extra cameras and sync up to the one monitor. It's awesome! 

And last, but not least, I swear by my diaper genie. If you don't have one, I don't know how to manage. I don't know how I would keep my house smelling nice if I didn't have one. Go get one! (Or put it on your registry if you are expecting and don't already have one.)

Clothes

And my last couple of tips come from a couple of friends, but remember that I said I wouldn't share anything unless I had tried it myself? First off, go buy hangers and hang up your little one's clothes. I had the thought that I would just put all of my baby's clothes in the dresser, even after being told to hang them up. Well, for the Squid's first 4 weeks I did put all of his clothes in the dresser, and then we all moved and I had to unpack bigger clothes, which meant more clothes. I didn't have enough room in his dresser for all of the clothes that I unpacked for him and was forced to hang them all up. In that first week, I realized why I was given the advice to hang up all of Squid's clothes. When they are all hung up in the closet, you see every onesie, not just the ones on top in the drawer. And since I'm able to see every onesie, I will go through all of the onesies instead of just the same 7-10 outfits every week. So now all of the onesies are hung up in Squid's closet, except for white onesies which I put in the dresser along with pants, pj's, and socks. 

Second, the design of the onesie has a secret. I was told about this secret by a friend and then I saw a video clip online a week later that confirmed it. The reason the shoulders are designed the way they are is for easy take off when an explosion happens. When your little one poops so much that it's going up his back, the last thing you want to do is to get that poop in your little one's face/hair because you have taken the onesie off going up and over the head. Next time this or a different kind of explosion happens, pull the onesie down towards the feet. The shoulders are designed for this method. Here's a YouTube video showing you how it works: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waramIqsU_A

Well, I know that was kinda long and I rambled a little, but I hope these tips help you now or in the future, whether near or far. I'm not done having kids, so who knows what other tips I might come up with in the future. And please feel free to share your baby tips in the comments below.

Food For Thought

Vocabulary time!
Food for thought: something that warrants serious consideration. 

But when you hear this phrase, what do you really think it means? I asked my friends on Facebook. I got a few sarcastic/funny responses, but there were a few that I got that hit it right on the nose: 

Something to think about. 

A fact or idea that stimulates thought process.
Something you read that gets you thinking about improving society and/or yourself.
Something someone tells you to think about. 

From the definitions, it is very clear what the phrase "food for thought" means. 

So why is it that we as a society have to open our big online mouths even when we see a phrase even similar to "food for thought"? Why can't we just think about what has been said and keep our opinions and thoughts to ourselves? 

Why is it that we feel so comfortable saying whatever we wish online but, if the exact situation was presented in person, we would clam up and not say it? It's because when we are online we are never literally faced with the hurt that we may cause. Online we "can be anyone we want to be and do whatever we want to do," as some people may think. When we are all online, we don't regard others' feelings. When we are online, we forget that the other people who are also online are also human. We become robots. We disregard the needs and wants of those we virtually interact with. We think we become "courageous" and "brave" when we are online. We really become vile, mean, and cruel. 

Whatever happened to "If you can't say something nice, don't say nothing at all"? When did people become so mean, especially online? What happened to think about others and their feelings before saying anything? I know that this life can be hard and cruel, but that's only because we have let ourselves become hard and cruel and mean. Why did we let that happen? Why can't we change back to the kind and caring people we should be? 

I want to put a challenge out there. Not everyone out there on the internet is looking to start a debate. Not everyone out there is looking for others' opinions. Not everyone is looking for an answer/comment/remark. Here's the challenge:

N also stands for Necessary. If it's not necessary to post, don't post it.

Let's make this world better one post, comment, status, tweet, etc. at a time. Be the better you that you can be. Or in lame-man terms: "If you can't say something nice, don't say nothing at all". Don't look to one up or be "high and mighty". Be helpful. If you can't do that, don't do anything. Let's respect other's wishes and if you read "food for thought," just think about what they have to say. Keyword: think.

A Confession

For when the going gets tough,

For when you have reached the end of your rope,

For when you feel helpless and alone,

For when you believe there is nothing else,

For when you are faced with yet another trial,

For when you think you have done all you can,

Or for when you just need a reminder,

Please remember,

All you have to do is find it. 

We all have a fight to fight,

A trial we are facing,

And every once in a while we may feel helpless,

Hopeless,

Alone,

Unloved, even. 

But you are not alone. 

There are others out there who are going through the same thing. 

I have been dealing with Postpartum Depression lately. 

It's hard.

Especially when I get it stuck in my head that I'm alone.

It's hard to shake those thoughts and push pass them.

It's hard when I feel like I'm stuck in a rut.

Sometimes my most favorite things don't even cheer me up.

Sometimes I feel completely and utterly alone.

Sometimes I don't even want to get out of bed.

Sometimes I don't feel like doing anything at all,

Just want to sit and watch TV.

Sometimes I don't even want to do that.

I have been hiding the secret of my PPD for too long.

It doesn't always happen right after having a child.

It can happen any time up to a year after childbirth.

Did you know that?

I didn't.

Not until my son turned 8 months.

That's when I became a victim of PPD.

After suffering alone for 2 1/2 months, I finally told someone.

That is the best thing I did.

I told about how I had felt lately.

It was a great start.

I now take each day one at a time and try my best.

If I need to, I take it one hour at a time.

If I feel like I have failed that day, I have the support I need.

And I know and remind myself that there's a new day tomorrow and I can try again.

I know I am not alone.

I may not always remember it,

But I do know it.

If you are experiencing depression, anxiety, loneliness, or other negative feelings, please reach out to someone you trust and ask for help.

It just might save a life.

Being a SAHM Sucks

Being a stay at home mom sucks. Well, maybe not completely, but there have been times when I wish I wasn't a stay at home mom.

In my situation, FATMAN! and I only have one car. So every day he takes the car to work and I stay home with baby. I do have a stroller if I wanted to go anywhere, but anywhere I want to go is not exactly in walking distance. And it's summer right now. Too hot to walk anywhere most days. 

I only interact with one person all day, every day. Well, not person, per say. A BABY! A tiny human being who can't talk, can't walk, can't take care of himself on even the simplest of levels. I am his caretaker every second he is awake. When he goes down for a nap, sometimes I get some time to myself, but I never know for how long. But oft times I use that time to clean up after the Squid and do the bare minimum to take care of myself (i.e. food, clothes, etc.). I don't even get to shower in the mornings anymore because Squid's naps are so unpredictable. I have to shower at night after the Squid has gone to sleep for the night. It's nice and relaxing right before bed, but it's not ideal. And because all of my attention is on Squid, I don't have a lot of time to clean and the time I do have to clean (naptime) I can't do some of the cleaning because I have to be quiet to let him sleep. 

I only ever see one other person every day and that's FATMAN! after he gets home from work late most nights. I only see and interact with two people every day. I am a people person. As much as I hate people in general (which is a post for another week), I need people. I need to be around and interact with people. I hate being and/or feeling alone. So, every so often I actually get depressed because the only time I get to interact with people is on Sundays at church (except that now I'm behind the piano again and don't get as much interaction as before). I do grow tired of seeing the same faces all the time, but how do I explain that to my husband? How do I say that I don't want to see him because I see him all the time? I love my husband, but change is good. 

I used to work. I got my first job as a senior in high school and have had a job ever since then until the Squid came. I am used to working and interacting and helping people. Now I interact and help one person every day all day long (plus FATMAN! once he gets home). I don't mind helping him grow and learn and I love watching him do those things, but it's hard to adjust from having a job where you help many people to a job where you only help one person (who doesn't even count as a full person in my opinion). I guess that is why whenever I see one of my friends or family members in need through Facebook, I immediately want to help in any way I can (though I don't have the time I need and want to help). 

As much as I love being a stay at home mom to raise my son and to save money, I do hate it, too. It's not the life I thought I would have. It's not all fun and games like some people think it is. I know, I know. "The grass is greener on the other side." But that doesn't mean it's easier to deal and be happy. 

The Need for Friends

I'm going to get right to the point: I need people. More specifically: I need friends. I need people who will hang out, talk, laugh, and (for lack of a better term) play with me. I need people who will care about me, try to help me, and know when to bring me cookies. I need someone who will be my friend without me asking. 

I'm not the most out-going person in the world. I'm not the shyest. But I have been hurt many times and because of that I have a hard time opening up to, trusting, and making connections with people. However, if someone were to make an effort or reach out and try to get to know me, I would do my best to open up and be a friend in return. I can be the most loyal friend you ever meet, if you give me the friendship I need. 

I've had my bouts of loneliness in my life. But after finding some amazing friends in high school who took the time to get to know me and care about me I found that the moments of loneliness got fewer and I enjoyed going out and trying new things. These friends were the best thing that could have happened to me. Not every single one of them was available all the time, but I knew that if one was busy, I had another one to go to. I trusted and loved them and they trusted and loved me. 

Of course since being out of high school, my friends and I have gone our separate ways and have drifted apart. But when we get together every once in a while, it's a great reunion and I enjoy it. Also since the end of high school, I have made other friends. Some became closer friends than others and some just stayed as acquaintances. But throughout these few years of being away from home and my friends there is one thing that I have always wondered: I think of them. Do they think of me? 

I don't need to constantly be in contact with my friends. I don't have to hear from them all the time. I don't have to see them all the time. (Which was hard at first when I moved away from home, but I learned to cope.) But it's nice to be reminded every once in a while that they think of me and miss me. I miss all of them and think of them and the good times we had all the time. I'd like to think that I was a good friend, that I made a difference in their lives. 

I value friendship. I truly believe that the friends we make are the family that we choose when you make the right connections. I once considered my friends to be my family because we had those connections. Now that we have grown up and gotten busy with life and growing up, I don't know anymore, because I don't know if I made the impact I thought I did. I don't hear from my friends often. I don't know what they are doing, how they are doing, or even where some of them are at. I don't need to know the details of their lives (even though I kind of want to). All I ask is that they don't forget me.