Thursday, October 25, 2012

A Day to Stop

This morning, a pair of young brothers were killed in an early morning car accident, as well as the passenger of the other car. It was the first slippery roads of the season, and it resulted in a fiery crash.

I can't even imagine - believing in God, I know everything has a purpose, and this gives me peace during difficult situations. I just hope that if, God forbid, the difficult situation ever becomes mine, that I can hold onto that peaceful belief. I really hope so.

One of my daughter's little preschool mates has a five year old sister who is facing cancer in 90% of her body. They were giving her morphine every couple of hours, and the hospital that would be giving her some major radiation, said that if she was in too much pain, they wouldn't even give her radiation. Anne (Lilah's preschool teacher) and a few of us girls were discussing it at our weekly Bible study, and she said that the mother is just kind of at a loss right now. Kind of pulling away from God, because she just doesn't understand. The whole time in my head, I kept thinking, 'Oh, but you have to hold on. You have to know that even in this horrific, confusing time, there is a beautiful reason that this is happening.' I felt torn that she was pulling away from God, because I would never be angry with God, because I know He has a plan. Or would I? Lilah knows just which buttons to push and can really get the best of me, but she's my best friend. A part of me walking this earth. Even thinking about these scary situations, paralyzes me to put Lilah in those shoes. I stop breathing and almost feel a small part of me die for a split second.

You really don't know how you will react or the things you will do until actually faced with the situation. So I can't say with certainty that I would be able to just go with it - I'm hoping that is not sinning to say out loud, but hey, I'm human :). I do, however, feel a certain truth deep in my bones about the subject, though. I think it would be the only way for me to get through it. Knowing that this was planned before Lilah was even born. Knowing that everything God does, is for our good. We may not understand it at the time.... or until we get to Heaven. God is my refuge.

I just pray that the family of the car accident this morning and of that little girl can just hold on to God. It feels to me wrong to be telling these people this when I've never been there. The audacity of me is almost sickening. I just know that God is always there, and that His plan has been put in place long before now with a perfect fit. Our kids, our mothers, our brothers.... everyone was and is his first.

God, please show your grace on these families as well as all struggling and mourning. Show them that you are there and the path that they are to travel from this point on. Wrap your loving embrace around your children as you welcome theirs home. Glory be to You!

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Dolphin Tale

Lilah and I are watching Dolphin Tale again today - we watched it a couple months ago, and she loved it. She was just heartbroken when I told her I had deleted it from DVR :(    Bad mommy!

If you haven't ever watched it, I highly suggest you do. Whether you have kids or not. It's an amazing story about a dolphin who got caught up in some wire and lost his tale. He learns to swim again with the use of a fake tale and this kid's help. The kid is a bit of a loner, and the dolphin only responds to him. It's a movie that I think every family should have.

Lilah is only three, and she is responding to 'real people' movies more and more. Which is probably normal for other kids the age of three :) Not like my kid is some emotional superhero! I love that she is in love with this movie that has such a message - just a wholesome movie. And the funny thing is, when Danny and I watch them with her, we really like them, too. A movie with a message. A wholesome message.

Hopefully, they don't stop making them in today's society :)


Monday, September 24, 2012

Quesadilla :)


If you don't know her, Sandy Martin plays the grandma on the movie Napoleon Dynamite. This movie has been a staple of my family/friends since it came out. We've quoted this movie since the beginning... and what more fitting for my family/friends than a crusty old grandma?!

My uncle lives in California, and has known Sandy for years. So he FINALLY brought us back autographed pictures of 'Grandma Napoleon' as we so affectionately call her here :) I could not put it down for at least ten minutes and had the faint stream of a tear in my eye! I suddenly found myself wondering where I could put it up in my house as though I still lived in a college dorm room.

Truth? It's now become immediately one of my most prized possessions (because I'm mature like that at 27), and I so desperately hope I can get to California to hang with Uncle Mark and 'Grandma Napoleon' :)

Now.... go make yourself a dang que-si-diLLa.

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Pinterest problems

Tara's pinning? I rarely ever see pins from her, said no one ever.

But I came across a lovely thought just now - I was trying to find a pin of a beautiful winter scene that I had just saw, but then I came across another one to die for. So naturally had to pin that one. And after I pin one thing, the computer I'm on automatically takes me back to the freshest page. And I lost my winter pin :( Such is a dilemma I've grown accustomed to with my pinterest addiction :)

Blah, blah, blah.... my point.

It happens to go a little something like this:

If you keep telling the same sad, small story, you will keep living the same sad, small life.

Jean Houston, by God, I think you've struck on something!

I read it, pinned it... and then had a mental DUH! moment. Couldn't be truer! Is truer a word? Like... an adult word? Anyways - I've had struggles with breaking free of my sad, small story from my past. I felt the need to tell anyone I met what my history was so that they could understand why I was at the place I was when they met me. I was ashamed. Maybe it was even a defense mechanism for myself.... to help me be able to cope with where I had ended up. And everytime I told the story, I relived it. The hurt, the pain, and the shame. Never understanding that in retelling it... it was keeping me bound to it.

So when I read this quote, it hit me. Start telling a new story, Tara. Start telling the story that you want people to hear and know about... I can tell whatever story I want. I have to be the one to put my old, sad, small story away. But in letting that part of life go, how do you still not forget what it taught you and how it's changed you for the better? Maybe you can never truly 'forget' something. Not forget, but put away, rather. Maybe we wake up every day with every single thing that has ever happened to us, good and bad, and walk this life with those marks. I suppose we do. They shape us and our thoughts, opinions. They will effect every situation, action we ever do because they formed the person we are today. How do you really let go of that? It's almost like it's an old friend. They were there with you through the low points. Many times it was just you and them. You grew close to that feeling, action, situation even if in an unhealthy moment, because you felt alone to the outside world.

In an odd way, to me, it does feel a little like telling an old friend goodbye. Warped? Yes, probably a little. Hell, maybe a lot! Or maybe that old friend is me. That torn version of me that I felt so badly for. I feel bad for her, because she isn't strong enough alone, and I don't want to leave her. I mean, let's be honest, I used to tell my clothes sorry that I chose another outfit over them that day, and that I'd wear them tomorrow. If I can't let cotton hang in a closet....

I'll still be telling a new story. I'll just be trying to figure out where my old friend belongs at the same time.

Monday, September 17, 2012

Today you are you, that is truer than true.

I recently was introduced to a lady by the name of Brene Brown (minus the little accent mark above the e), and I strongly believe that she should be everyone's friend or therapist... anything. I'm in the middle of reading 'The Gifts of Imperfection' - she has studied shame and related topics and talks about living authentically in your own life. Realizing that in trying to be perfect is where shame lies, because 'perfect' is unattainable. It's such simple stuff but so hard to practice doing. It's so easy to get caught up in other people's views of us and how that makes us feel or feel like we can never fall apart because we want everyone to see us as though we have it ALL together. If you ever get the chance to read it, DO. It makes me feel like I have the permission to just BE MYSELF.

It's refreshing and genius. It's the way you're supposed to live your life. Believe in your own opinions and feelings. It's an empowering feeling to let go of the constraints of popularity and majority. Scary at times... but liberating. Kind of like the way I felt when I recently CHOPPED off my hair :) When my wonderful hair dresser snipped the hair above my ear, I 'bout puked. I was frozen! But when we were done, it had turned out better than fabulous - I knew I had found 'my' haircut. Freaking liberating.

Life can be amazing when you let yourself show. The true you. The real you. God made you YOU for a reason... why should we second guess his creation? Thank nuts He's a forgiver, because it seems kind of insulting if you ask me!

In trying to decide whether I should make this new undertaking of mine (blog) public knowledge, I went to a woman that I respect. She, too, has a blog but is also a very successful career woman and mother of two. I asked how you face that fear of letting other people know you are putting your honest thoughts and opinions down and telling everyone 'Hey! Come and look how good I think I am!' And of course, being the smarty pants this educated gal is, she brought in the big hitter... Brene Brown.

We can only be creative and free from the restraints of perfectionism when we stop competing and just let ourselves be.

Just let ourselves be. It's a beautiful, wonderful thought. 

Goosfraba

Life seems backwards if you ask me. During the years when you need the money and the time.... you have a family... your kids need things like clothes and shoes... and doctors appointments - during these years it seems as though you are stretching every inch of your money. Sometimes even copying and pasting. But when you're older and your kids are gone and your life slows down... then you have the time and less bills.

I've found that I want to run away from home way more as an adult than I ever did as a kid! Sure... as an adult you get to pick your own bedtime... eat dessert for breakfast if you want. But the trade off for that leisure part of your grown up world is responsibility. Bills. Child rearing (which is not usually a walk in the park) and making sure everyone has everything they need. Including your adult child also known as your husband ;)

I know God has perfect intentions of EVERYTHING in your life. And I know I am far from the only one who goes through this kind of stress. Which does make me feel better about the whole situation. Adults / parents are just trying to make it from month to month giving their families what they need. They must really mean it when they say to enjoy the little things - because in today's society and prices sky rocketing.... that's all you might get!!

I'm just looking for a goosfraba moment today!

Saturday, September 15, 2012

If it requires pants or a bra, it's not happening today.

 That title says it all. I literally... have been in my pajamas all day. All day. Not only pjs, but one of those oversized, 'mom' sleep shirts that is neither trendy nor sexy. It even says 'mom' on it. And not only am I the proud owner of the next best thing to a muumuu, but as I was sitting watching the ultimate chick flick (The Vow) with my computer sleeping on my lap... in the reflection on the screen I saw... my mother :) My hair was half sticking up because I had woke up and immediately started doing housework earlier in the day (in my pjs), my arms were crossed exactly how she sits while watching something she's very into on tv with my eyes slightly squinted. I know my mother will be so excited that I've described her this way - but Mom, just shut up and put on a little lipstick :) I don't mind morphing into my mother. She has so many great qualities, and I love making my sisters laugh with on the spot impersonations :)

I did numerous things for my family today. Ok... the chick flick was for me. But I seriously thought I would be able to do some paperwork at the same time. Channing Tatum thought differently. So I caved and just enjoyed the movie.

Saw this today - Now and then it's good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy.

Just. Be. Happy.

I feel like I'm always on the lookout for something. Always on the hunt for the next thing that's going to make me content. A new exercise or health food. A new paint color for the walls. There's always got to be some thought racing through my mind that makes me uneasy or believe that there's something so wrong with my life, personally. I rarely am able to just legitimately pause and just be. Just be happy for the roof over our head (and the space that it finally gives my family) and the health of my family. I'm breathing and I've got God. We have food on our table and warm blankets at night.

Life doesn't always have to be so dramatic. I often like to pin this on other people... ahem, my husband. But as I stop tonight and look at all I've accomplished for my family and myself today - even if it was in just my pajamas sans undergarments ;) - I feel as though I'm truly enjoying this happiness. Really, though, I may and probably do bring on most of my anxiety. With just simply the thoughts I let run through my head. Just had a major case of deja vu there - freaky! I need to learn to let myself relax and not focus so much on what all the wrongs are, but all the rights that we do have. That I have. Maybe if I just slow down and focus on the little things daily that my family and this world needs me to do... I wouldn't have to make up such personal drama in my head.

 I took the trash out three times today in my pajamas - hope the neighbor guy appreciated that view ;) You're welcome, Jerry!


Friday, September 14, 2012

A little slice of normal

I'm sitting in the dark in my living room with Lilah - we're waiting on Danny to get home. Which is usually what we're always doing ;) She's watching iCarly... I'm oddly becoming a big fan of the show. I've even caught myself still watching Jessie after she's left the room. Good Luck, Charlie is another fave of mine :)

Stay on point here, Tara. Right. So while we're watching iCarly, waiting for supper to cook (I'm so proud of myself, because normally I would just opt for takeout this late in the evening, but not this time!) I'm pinning. My name is Tara, and I'm a pinaholic. I seriously have a problem with it. People who follow me log on and are overwhelmed with pins from just me like when you have a cart filled to the brim with stuff and so do fifty thousand other customers waiting in the FOUR checkout lines that Walmart so graciously opened at 5 'o clock on a friggin' Friday :)

Can you tell I've had a long day? My thought process is all over the map! I spent two hours on the phone with the wireless router people earlier trying to get the internet to work - I went all the way to Walmart to get my signature drink of the weekend (which is how you can also tell I've had a long day... I name a drink of the weekend) and spent $100 walking out withOUT my drink ingredients! There's no denying it, my brain needs shut down mode! I'm a basketcase!

My point of this post was: I finally have wireless internet and sitting at 9.34 at night in the dark, pinning, blogging, and watching silly Teen Nick shows with my daughter is what I have been waiting for my whole adult life. Such a little slice of normal.
Loving Real Simple's quotes - I think this one speaks (or sings ;) volumes.

Lovely Lilah



Such a colorful little lady :) I can't blame the girl for having spunk, I guess. She got it from her mama! I just feel bad for my mom now!

Serenity prayer - uhhh.... NEED it!

I text my mother an S.O.S. text this morning: It's 10:00, and I'm not sure how the day could get worse!

It seemed as though I was getting it from every which way this morning... to the point that I had to ask myself... out loud... what is wrong with my family?! I feel like day after day, the universe is reminding me that the world is ending. Thankfully, I'm a Christian, so I hope to get into Heaven when this day comes. However, it's still hard to take the human emotion out of every day trials even knowing that God's mercy is so dreamy. Let's face it... the guy's a dreamboat :)

I'm sitting in the living room, and it's a beautiful morning outside. The windows are open and the sun blazing in. I can hear the kids running and playing outside in the warmth of the sun. I came across a great post on Facebook the other day... that life is difficult. It JUST is. And once we accept that fact that it is, it immediately makes it better. Almost easier - knowing that trials and tribulations are what make our life almost normal.

I've been talking to God a lot today.... and it's not even NOON! I'm in need of his strength and unconditional love. I'm asking him for guidance on how to parent such a strong willed, mini-me of a daughter I have. To continue to show her love and patience even though she's totally testing the latter :) I'm asking him to help me control what I can and let go of what I can't. To give me the strength to get through my days as the person I want to be and walk closely with him. And when you give Him your problems, if you sit in silence and just wait... His healing will come in His perfect timing... but if you give it just a minute... that calm you feel come over you... it's Him. It's his embrace forming around you, and I just don't know how that CAN'T make you feel BETTER!

I'm leaving my life up to him - I'm trusting that all my hurts and all my questions will eventually make sense and a clear answer will come to my heart. Everything will be ok... it's already all planned out. We, at least I, tend to lose sight of this and go on as if my choices are what's determining my life. Like I'm the living end. It's like... get over yourself!

Life is difficult... there's no getting out alive. I'm going to try to just breathe and get through everything that is thrown my way. I mean... what else can you do?!


Thursday, September 13, 2012

Pull!

 
 
 
I'll set the scene - it was 5.10 in the afternoon, and damnit, I just felt like a glass of wine was fitting for this time of my day. My mom squealed "What do you need a glass of wine for at ten after five?!' Um.... my sanity?
 
Even my feet couldn't help to get it open, though :( So I settled for a Lime-a-Rita with ice in my wine glass. That's class :)

All mothers are slightly insane... right?!

So... this is my first post on my new blog. As I was sitting watching the kiddos trying to keep my eyes open... thinking of what I'm going to make for supper as I forgot to plan ahead this morning while I was getting my three year old daughter, Lilah, ready for school... wondering what I'm going to have to do to get myself re-motivated to start working out again... pining for my next nap... it dawned on me: I have hit the 'Going Through the Motions' stage! I'll get this way once every while. I find myself lacking emotion or meaning behind my everyday routine. Which I like to tell myself many wives/mothers find themselves doing. So I thought what better way to reconnect with myself than to start a blog :) I will admit - this is my first serious attempt at blogging, and I'm sure I will commit some utter blogging faux pas. I'm just using this as a goal to sit down with myself everyday, or as often as I can, to just be with myself and my thoughts. Sure, I sit down with the bills by myself, but that just doesn't seem to cut the mustard for me! Damn bills!

I have to say, I'm mildly excited to talk to myself and my computer and have wonderful conversations that don't consist of whatever toy commercial is on the television at the moment or what's going on in the cattle world (the husband) right now.

So - I'll give this a shot. Wish me luck!