{this moment}

{this moment} -  A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Gramps

Today is September 28, 2013.

In 1787 the newly completed US Constitution was voted on by the US Congress to be sent to the state legislatures for approval.

In 1867 Toronto became the capital of Ontario.

In 1892 the first night game for American football took place.

In 1924 the first round the world flight was completed.

In 1919 my hero was born.

My Grandpa Pete.

Halloween 2006

There are so many amazing stories and memories that all of our family has of him.
His stories about Missouri. His passion for baseball. His quite laugh that he hid with his finger. His delight in discovering what any construction site was working on. His love/hate relationship with animals. His zeal for vegetable gardens. This list could go on and on and on. There are times where I really do want to jot them all down. Oh the stories that come to mind.

There are so many things that remind me of him everyday. This man that was there for my brothers, sister and I when our father was not. This man that was there for so many. So strong in his silent ways.

I read this poem about three months ago. It hit me so hard I had to write it down. Gramps served in the US Navy. He never boasted about his time, never talked too much about it. His 21 gun salute sounded off in Oregon.

"Final Inspection"
By, Sgt Joshua Helterbran

The soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass,
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, you soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"

The soldier squared his shoulders and 
said, "No, Lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough,
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny 
that wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep,

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear,
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here,
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand,
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand."

There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod,
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgement of his God.

"Step forward now, you soldier.
You've borne your burdens well,
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."


Gramps, we know you have your place in heaven. Happy birthday!

True

I'm joining in on Lisa-Jo baker's 'Five Minute Friday'.
The rules are pretty simple. One word. Five minutes of writing. No editing.

Truth. I had popcorn for lunch yesterday. Straight up movie theater butter, in the microwave, popcorn. There weren't any kids around, meaning I actually had more than five pieces before it was all gone. No movies. Just popcorn.

Truth. I dislike the way popcorn feels on my fingers. That's a lie. I dislike how lots of foods feel in my hands. I live in the Midwest you know what's big out here, BBQ. Take for instance BBQ wings, okay, first there is the mess of the dripping sauce that is now sticky not just all over your fingers but on your face too! Then you have to awkwardly nibble around a bone, while your hair is getting smothered in sauce as well. Long hair problem 101.

Truth. I have a horrible relationship with food.

Truth. It started when I was young, 10. I dressed up in a new outfit that I was so proud of and a family member told me how big (not in a grown up way) I looked. It went down hill from there. That same person started pointing out how much I ate at buffets (example one as to why I HATE buffets).

Truth. I battle with weight, my figure, my looks. Every. Single. Day.

Truth. In middle school I was disgusted with myself that I hit triple digits on the scale.

Truth. In high school is when it was the worst for me. I bounced from 110 to 115. I'm not short not tall but at 5'8", the doctors started asking questions. That made me so ashamed.

Truth. When I think of me as an adult, I would have never guessed that I would still allow myself to be haunted by this but in truth I am. I have a better idea of when to mentally shake myself to stop. I do not allow myself to own a scale. I've made healthier choices, lifestyle and am proud... most days, of where I am.

Truth. Life leaves scars. Maybe, just maybe we shouldn't hide them. Maybe we should be unapologetically proud of them. Each and every scar. Maybe we should let the truth of them shine.


Truth. I have been debating if I should erase this whole thing and give a cute little post instead... BE BRAVE!

Show and Share School Days

Three boys plus one craft loving Momma... let's see what we get into!

Okay, I have to admit. I do not have a craft a roo for you all today. We have been celebrating birthdays and our anniversary. Not to say that crafting hasn't been going on!

What have we been working on you ask... well school stuff. That's right I give the boys "homework" from me. Why, because I believe that learning doesn't stop at school.

These are some of the sites that I've been collecting work from.

Numbers-  Coloring Squared. They have different options to choose from like color by number, addition, subtraction, division, multiplication, rounding, etc. Great pictures to choose from like ANGRY BIRDS! Yeah that is sort of a big hit right now.

Reading- How Does She? They are one of my favorite sites ever! Right now they have a great list of age appropriate books up for readers. One thing that I've learned is that if the first two pages are too tricky, grab a different book. You want them challenged but not discouraged. We ask the boys to read for at least 30 minutes at home, together, alone, a mix of it. Just read!

Journal- Yep, the boys keep a journal too. I give them a topic and they write, draw, cut out and paste on that topic. There are great ideas out there, we like keeping it simple, favorite food, make up a superhero, bedroom.

Spelling- Every week the boys come home with spelling words to work on. We like to have them write the words a certain amount of times. They also can try dressing the words up too.

Those are the main spots that we hit on. Pinterest has been a great tool to find different worksheets.

So here's to school days and all the work that comes along with them!

Anniversary Two for Twosday

Two for Twosday: two thoughts/ updates/ photos/ something that I don't want to forget or am flat out uber excited about.

First bouquet of flowers Josh gave me, 2010.

Today our two year wedding anniversary! Whoop whooop!!! We were blessed to be able to celebrate over the weekend at a very swanky spa hotel. All together, oooooooo- ahhhhhh. When people asked how long we had been married we meekly answered, only two years. The thing is we have had some obstacles thrown our way. I am proud of our two years that have been full of beauty, perfection, difficulty, happiness, anger, yelling, whispering and ever mix of emotion in between. Through all of those perfectly hard times my best friend was by my side and I by his. So yes world, we have 'only' been married two years and I wouldn't trade them in for anything. 

We were so very blessed to have Hawelywood Films capture our special day. Matt at Hawleywood Films put this BEAUTIFUL montage together for our wedding.

First couple picture. 2010

2013

 

First house

Mom said YES! April 2011

9-24-2011

Then by Brad Paisley 

I remember trying not to stare

The night that I first met you

You had me mezmorized

And three weeks later

In the front porch light

Taking 45 minutes to kiss goodnight

I hadn't told you yet

I thought I loved you then

Now you're my whole life

Now you're my whole world

I just can't believe

The way I feel about you girl

Like a river meets the sea

Stronger than its ever been

We've come so far since that day

And I thought I loved you then

I remember taking you back

To right where I first met you

You were so surprised

There were people around

But I didn't care

I got down on one knee right there

And once again

I thought I loved you then

Now you're my whole life

Now you're my whole world

I just can't believe

The way I feel about you girl

Like a river meets the sea

Stronger than its ever been

We've come so far since that day

And I thought I loved you then

I can just see you

With a baby on the way

I can just see you

When your hair is turning grey

What I can't see

Is how I'm ever gonna love you more

But I've said that before

Now you're my whole life

Now you're my whole world

I just can't believe

The way I feel about you girl

We'll look back someday

At this moment that we're in

And I'll look at you and say

And I thought I loved you then

And I thought I loved you then

9-20-2013

And I thought I loved you then.

I love you Josh to the moon and back,

to infinity and beyond,

forever and ever.

A

{this moment}

{this moment} -  A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

The Fiery Cross (Outlander #5)

The Fiery Cross (Outlander #5)
By: Diana Gabaldon
FIVE out of FIVE stars

my thoughts:
If I haven't made myself clear, READ THIS SERIES!!!

How would you feel if one day your spouse told you that there is a war coming and this is what you must do to survive. What they tell you is the most wild thing ever. Well... guess what, they're right. Jamie is having to listen to Claire's ability to know the future and to trust her on it. War is coming and what Claire has told Jamie will save him or well... it's war.



the run down:
The year is 1771, and war is coming. Jamie Fraser’s wife tells him so. Little as he wishes to, he must believe it, for hers is a gift of dreadful prophecy—a time-traveler’s certain knowledge. Claire’s unique view of the future has brought him both danger and deliverance in the past; her knowledge of the oncoming revolution is a flickering torch that may light his way through the perilous years ahead—or ignite a conflagration that will leave their lives in ashes.

She

I'm joining in on Lisa-Jo baker's 'Five Minute Friday'.
The rules are pretty simple. One word. Five minutes of writing. No editing.

She didn't get here on her own.

It started with friends encouraging her to do it, to try it. They didn't know her all that well, how did they know she could do this? She didn't think she could do this. It was that little encouragement form one woman to another that she needed though.

So she did.

She swam.

She biked.

She ran.

She did these things that she hadn't done in years. She knew there were some that didn't believe she would follow through and do it. That just gave her more strength and encouragement.

Along the way friendships grew stronger. 5am workouts will do that. She saw in those friends the dedication and commitment that they were giving just like her. She was so proud of them and in turn dare she say, proud of herself.

She grew unapologetically strong.

This girl from Oregon started biking through the cornfields in Missouri. She was growing into herself, but not by herself. She had her girls that taught her that she would be okay if she put her head under water. She had her husband that groggily kissed her goodbye when she left for her morning runs. She had this broken body that was getting stronger that was given to her by the grace of God. She had three little boys that were so proud of her when she came home with a medal that it just made her cry.

She is full of power, grace and style.

Show and Share: This Momma Cooked

Three boys plus one craft loving Momma... let's see what we get into!

Okay here's the deal. I am not a cooking fiend. My husband loves to cook, so why take that away from him, right? He's amazing at it and everyone loves his food. He can look in a fridge and make delicious meals. Where as I would have to follow a recipe to the T, he can whip anything together.

I wanted to celebrate Josh's amazing work certification with a "fancy" meal. Drum roll.... Spaghetti! Yeah, the boys weren't that impressed either. That is until we had to get all the ingredients.

Disclaimer now, I sort of eyeballed most of this. The dipping oil I bought a bottle of because I backed out at the last minute on making my own but I added the recipe in-case you are brave enough to try!

Main Dish
-Cherry tomatoes
-Artichoke hearts
-Pitted Kalamata olives
-Mushrooms
-Mozzarella cheese
-Olive oil
-Balsamic Vinegar
-French bread
-Spaghetti (I'm not brave enough to make my own, yet)

Dipping oil for bread
-Olive oil
-Balsamic Vinegar
-Dried basil
-Salt
-Pepper
-Minced garlic clove



Main dish
-Prep pettish. *If you add a dash of olive oil to the spaghetti when cooking, when you drain the water out it wont stick.
-Pan two add tomatoes, quartered artichokes, olives, mushrooms, a good cup or two of olive oil and balsamic vinegar set this to low heat and cover. Stir occasionally for about 6 minutes, just long enough to heat everything up.
-Drain extra oil and vinegar out. Let cool down.
-Once you have your veggie mixed cooled add your mozzarella * I normally get the pearled mozzarella.


Dipping Oil
Add these ingredients to a bowl and stir them up OR if you have a fancy shaker you can shake them up and then add them to a bowl.
-1 cup olive oil
-1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
-1 1/2  tbsp dried basil
-1/2 tsp salt
-1/2 tsp pepper
-4 1/2 minced garlic cloves

Serving
-Dipping sauce: I place the bowl of the dipping sauce on the middle of a late surrounded by sliced french bread.
-Main Dish: Spaghetti in one bowl and mix in another. We have little ones that are still a little picky on what they eat. For the adults usually you place the mix on top of the spaghetti. For the kiddos they usually take the mix to the side of their spaghetti.

Ta-dah!!! Now you have a fancy Spaghetti dinner!

The boys ended up LOVING the mix, yes even Rian and Sam who does not like cheese. Mozzarella is sort of it's own food category though.

Something this meal taught me.
1. Drink wine while cooking, it makes me think I'm doing a lot better than I probably am.
2. You don't always need a recipe. Josh asked me where I had gotten this recipe a few times and I literally made it up. It sounded good. Maybe I'll try it more often, this cooking thing.
3. Go to your local Missouri store and ask for Artichoke hearts. It. Is. Hilarious. Some of them send you to the meat department. Some of them look at you like you're crazy. Some of them send you to produce. Some of them send you to the pickle/condiment isle. Some of them FINALLY hit it on the head and send you to canned foods isle.
4. EAT. Drink. Be Happy.

Two for Twosday

Two for Twosday: two thoughts/ updates/ photos/ something that I don't want to forget or am flat out uber excited about.

1. Saturday, I was extremely blessed to compete in the Olathe Women's Triathlon. The last few months I got to train with some amazing ladies, aka my Tri Beauties. We all hit personal obstacles but we overcame them. We competed and finished with smiles all around.

2. Sunday, I was honored to ride in the Aids Bicycle Cruise. This was an absolute blast to ride in for many reasons. It was an honor to ride in memory of my Uncle Steve. He lost the battle to AIDS in 1996. More than that I went to this race alone, I had to really push myself to go. I was so blessed to attach myself to an incredible team. I don't know that I have ever been more welcomed in Kansas City than with this group. 20 miles never felt so fun!

{this moment}

{this moment} -  A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Drums of Autumn (Outlander #4)

Drums of Autumn (Outlander #4)
By: Diana Gabaldon
FIVE out of FIVE stars

my thoughts:
Are you starting to get my hints?!?! Read this series!!! It's gets even wilder now cause it's not just Claire that is going through the stone circle, Brianna is going to try her hand with the stone circle.

Oh dear Brianna, I will admit this now, I disliked Brianna at the beginning of this book. She has so much to learn, don't hold it against her. Roger on the other hand, sweetness.

Claire and Jamie, how can you not love this couple.

I can't say too much just because it would be spoilers. Grab this book and read it!

the run down:
In this breathtaking novel—rich in history and adventure—The New York Times bestselling author Diana Gabaldon continues the story of Claire Randall and Jamie Fraser that began with the now-classic novel Outlander and continued in Dragonfly in Amber and Voyager. Once again spanning continents and centuries, Diana Gabaldon has created a work of sheer passion and brilliance....

It began at an ancient Scottish stone circle. There, a doorway, open to a select few, leads into the past—or the grave. Dr. Claire Randall survived the extraordinary passage, not once but twice.

Her first trip swept her into the arms of Jamie Fraser, an eighteenth-century Scot whose love for her became a legend—a tale of tragic passion that ended with her return to the present to bear his child. Her second journey, two decades later, brought them together again in the American colonies. But Claire had left someone behind in the twentieth century—their daughter, Brianna....

Now Brianna has made a disturbing discovery that sends her to the circle of stones and a terrifying leap into the unknown. In search of her mother and the father she has never met, she is risking her own future to try to change history ... and to save their lives. But as Brianna plunges into an uncharted wilderness, a heartbreaking encounter may strand her forever in the past ... or root her in the place she should be, where her heart and soul belong...

Mercy

I'm joining in on Lisa-Jo baker's 'Five Minute Friday'.
The rules are pretty simple. One word. Five minutes of writing. No editing.

You remember that game that you played in school? You know where someone would inflect some type of pain that you had to try and endure until you shouted out mercy.

Now that I think about it isn't that really what mercy is though, to endure through what is laid before you on your journey until you ask for mercy. When it does come its that breath of sweet release. Knowing that you have endured and now someone greater is there to give you mercy and share the burden.

I can think of so many times that I cried and pleaded for mercy. Not getting it and not understanding why. Thinking that I wasn't strong enough for what was laid before me, until I came through it all. Then realizing that I was stronger than I thought. It's not that mercy wasn't given to me but it was given to lighten what I carried.

September Ten On Ten

One photo, ten hours, on the tenth. Find out more at a bit of sunshine!!! Then join in on the ten on ten photo project.

Two for Twosday

{Err... It's Wednesday. Somehow yesterday I thought it was Wednesday so I did a Show and Share post instead of a two for Twosday. Whooops! Luckily you all already know I'm not perfect!}

Today is September 11, 2013. Today 12 years ago four coordinated terrorist attacks were carried out on America. Take a moment today and send a prayer, a good thought, whatever it is you do, send it up to families that were affected by this act. Not just then but families that are still being affected by it. There are families that are countries apart serving for us. There are families that are missing a loved one today. Take a moment at some point and reflect on it all and send out some love.

For those of you that sent your kiddos off to school today there may or may not be some questions about what they learned about. I found a couple really good sites that I wanted to pass your way.


1. 9/11 Memorial, This site is filled with great info. The spot that I found interesting was the Teach + Learn, FAQ about 9/11. There are some great ways to answer questions. Granted depending on what age they are you might want to adjust some of the info.

2. SheKnows Parenting, This post has a great way of breaking it down for you if you are super nervous about this topic with your kids.

3. Nick, This is a 22-ish minute video that gives the facts of what happened on 9/11. I'd recommend watching it before showing it to your kiddos, just so you'll be a little more comfortable with it.

4. Class Brain, This site is chalk full of info for younger kids, including a letter from Laura Bush.

5. Brain Pop, I dig this site because it gives a video on what happend on 9/11 but is also has follow up videos on branch off topics that will come up.

For us I think the biggest thing is being ready to share our story. Where we were, what we saw, what we heared, etc.

To all the families out there that are affected by 9/11 we send our love not just today but everyday.

-The Launius Family

Show and Share

Three boys plus one craft loving Momma... let's see what we get into!

We were very blessed in celebrating a very close family-friend's birthday. Fish fry, good friends and dirt what more could little boys ask for?!? Little boys or big boys ;) Never underestimate the power of sand bags, dirt and dinosaurs! Sometimes you just have to get down and dirty.

Keep calm and craft on!

{this moment}

{this moment} -  A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Voyager (Outlander #3)

Voyager (Outlander #3)
By: Diana Gabaldon
FIVE out of FIVE stars

my thoughts:
Can I just say how in awe I am of Diana Gabaldon! With every turn of the page I am literally sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for more. If you haven't heard me say this yet, READ THIS SERIES! Voyager is the third book in the Outlander series and I can't get enough!

the run down:
From the author of the breathtaking bestsellers Outlander and Dragonfly in Amber, the extraordinary saga continues.
Their passionate encounter happened long ago by whatever measurement Claire Randall took. Two decades before, she had traveled back in time and into the arms of a gallant eighteenth-century Scot named Jamie Fraser. Then she returned to her own century to bear his child, believing him dead in the tragic battle of Culloden. Yet his memory has never lessened its hold on her... and her body still cries out for him in her dreams.
Then Claire discovers that Jamie survived. Torn between returning to him and staying with their daughter in her own era, Claire must choose her destiny. And as time and space come full circle, she must find the courage to face the passion and pain awaiting her...the deadly intrigues raging in a divided Scotland... and the daring voyage into the dark unknown that can reunite or forever doom her timeless love.
"Triumphant ...her use of historical detail and a truly adult love storyconfirm Gabaldon as a superior writer."
Publishers Weekly

Red

I'm joining in on Lisa-Jo baker's 'Five Minute Friday'.
The rules are pretty simple. One word. Five minutes of writing. No editing.

Red

He picked it out at the store. His eyes were so round and happy when he saw it. How could I say no? My Mom was there and even offered to buy it if I wasn't going to. I'm pretty sure both my Mom and my four year old were giving me the puppy face. I caved. I bought it and I haven't seen him without it since.

In the mornings he holds it. Cuddling close. Not squeezing it but hugging it tightly. He gets dressed and ready for the day with it in one hand, setting it down for only a moment. It's the one toy that he takes with him in the car to school. Setting it so carefully in his car-seat, to wait for him when he gets back in at the end of the day.

And that's where it waits. Until the end of the day, when my four year old gets back in the car and gives it the biggest bear hug he can. His eyes so excited to see that it waited all day just where he left it. He brings it back inside to tell it sweet nothings. He plays in his room with it, making new games and stories. He takes it outside. He tries giving it a few snacks. Then tries to clean it up. I'm a little Mommy yucked out by it but he also takes it to the bathroom, oh the germs.

I'm so thankful for that little red hat, overall wearing, mustache, stuffed Mario. He brings so much joy to our little guy.  At the end of the day Mario is tucked in close to my little man, giving him the security and loves that all little boys need. This one just happens to be extra special.

Respect For Her And Him

Okay, I'm going to attempt to talk about a hot topic. I'm not always the greatest at describing what I'm trying to say. If I send a text I may delete it three times just cause I don't want it to be read the wrong way. My husband can vouche for this. Even after I've deleted it and re-written it, it can be read wrong. It happens. The thing is. I've been thinking about this topic for the last couple days and well since I so happen to have this space for my ramblings, this is where I will unload.

Just like many others, I form an opinion. I kind of have a rule about opinions. This one is mine, that one is yours. Sometimes they match, sometimes they don't. When they do match, great, when they don't, great. Different opinions get us to talk, get us to share our thinking, different views. Lay your reasons down and lets discuss. If we don't agree, assuming that because we do not agree one person is right and the other is wrong, is a horrible thing. If we all had the same opinions... what the heck would we talk about?

That said.

My husband and I are raising three boys. They are not old enough yet for social media accounts, most morning talk shows or TV shows that are on after 6. They are old enough to ask why. Why is everyone talking about Miley Cyrus? Why do girls make kissing faces in pictures? Why?

What I have to say, others have said. They've said it better, I'm sure of it. This has been on my mind so much lately that well I'm letting it go here. There's actully two articles that have been at the top of my thinking list.

The show that was put on by Miley Cyrus AND Robin Thicke.If you've been able to avoid reading/hearing about it, I am literally giving you a standing ovation right now.  Okay, first off this is not the first kind of show like this. What are we surprised about? It was a VMA performance. We are shocked though, maybe because the little Miley is not so little anymore? We should be shocked that this is the way most music videos are, all the time. Okay I'm getting way off track. The thing that has shocked me is there are two people here, Cyrus and Thicke. The person that seems to be getting all the blame, Cyrus. Why, cause she actually had the harder dance moves that Thicke? The article that I've agreed with most so far is How to Talk to Your Sons About Robin Thicke. Please don't just skim over the link, read the post.

Two big things from this article that I want to quote.

"We need to call bullsh*t on attempts to end domestic violence and misogyny towards women by only talking to our daughters."

Can I just get an AMEN BROTHER on that!

"It starts in homes. It starts in small conversations that treat all people as worthy and equal. It starts with having the courage to speak out against the wide variety of forces in our society that objectify women."

I'll admit this now, I bought the song Blurred Lines. I love the rhythm to it, I didn't listen to the words. I'm guilty. Am I happy about that, no, but that's the truth of it for you. Would I be devastated if my son started singing "I know you want it", ABSOLUTELY.

Did I personally think the show was a little strange.... yes. That's what apparently our society as a whole wants to watch though. In no way was that just Cyrus up there dancing by herself. That was a grown man... umm... thrusting (gross, I think I have a new word I never want to type) at, in, towards (I never want to type these things again) a young girl. Where are the comments on that?!

We want men that treat women as their equal. Then we need to start it. We need to talk to our boys about why Thicke was just as silly looking up there as Cyrus. Again, silly in my opinion. Others might have not had a problem with the whole thing.

Shortly after reading this article I read FYI (if you're a teenage girl). Take a moment and read it.

I'm pretty sure that this article was written out of love and interest in raising her children. I give that a high five, cause yes, in the world we live in there are parents that don't bother. I agree in monitoring your children's media accounts. Someday our boys will have these accounts and when they do they will be monitored, that's something I feel we should do. Some parents don't and I would strongly disagree with this decision. 

I haven't seen said picture that is described in the article, and I don't need to. I'm pretty sure we've all seen a picture out there that we wonder... what would your Mom say if she saw you post that? Could you hang that on your wall in your home and be okay with everyone seeing it? Are you okay with the world seeing it? Maybe the world is a little far fetched but putting it on the internet, pretty much seals that deal. Girls do need to be aware that yes putting sexy, full boobed pictures up on FB accounts is hot, we get it. Is that the message you want out there though? I was a young girl... a long time ago. I went through that stage. Do I agree that hiding these photos from boys all together is  helpful, no. Boys need to be aware of photos that they post as well. The no shirt sweaty muscle pictures... why does no one comment on that? Boy or girl, at some point they will hit the sexual stage... hopefully not like Miley Cyrus and Robin Thicke, but it will happen. 

The article to me wasn't about telling girls to dress like a nun. To me it wasn't about boys having to marry an upstanding Christian girl and by posting bikini pictures they aren't one. Yes, these are what some people got out of the article. The article to me, was one mom writing about being aware about what you are putting out there. That's something that young or old, boy or girl, singer icon or not, we all need to be aware of, period. Boys are as responsible for their actions just as girls are for theirs. Our society, putting it all on the girl has got to stop, I could not agree more.

The first thing that I posted on FB about this post was "Raising three boys here and all I have to say to this is... AMEN Mrs. Hall!!!". I got a few likes and didn't think anything else on it. Until a few dear friends posted some reply posts. The girls that posted are amazing women, I mean amazing! They both have made a beautiful life journey, seriously, they both have me in awe.

LOVED reading Seeing a Woman, wow. Seriously take a moment to read that, way to go Dads out there that have had or going to have this talk or Moms that will have this talk with their sons (I'm taking notes... for my hubby, kidding... kind of).

"They are not the weaker sex. They are the other sex. I'm not telling you to not look at women. Just the opposite. I'm telling you to see women. Really see them. Not just with your eyes, but with your heart. Don't look to see something that tickles your senses, but see a human being."

 They are not the weaker sex.  They are the other sex.
I’m not telling you to not look at women.  Just the opposite.  I’m telling you to see women.  Really see them.  Not just with your eyes, but with your heart.  Don’t look to see something that tickles your senses, but see a human being.  
- See more at: http://natepyle.com/seeing-a-woman/#sthash.UkskT838.dpuf

 They are not the weaker sex.  They are the other sex.
I’m not telling you to not look at women.  Just the opposite.  I’m telling you to see women.  Really see them.  Not just with your eyes, but with your heart.  Don’t look to see something that tickles your senses, but see a human being.  
- See more at: http://natepyle.com/seeing-a-woman/#sthash.UkskT838.dpuf

 They are not the weaker sex.  They are the other sex.
I’m not telling you to not look at women.  Just the opposite.  I’m telling you to see women.  Really see them.  Not just with your eyes, but with your heart.  Don’t look to see something that tickles your senses, but see a human being.  
- See more at: http://natepyle.com/seeing-a-woman/#sthash.UkskT838.dpuf

 They are not the weaker sex.  They are the other sex.
I’m not telling you to not look at women.  Just the opposite.  I’m telling you to see women.  Really see them.  Not just with your eyes, but with your heart.  Don’t look to see something that tickles your senses, but see a human being.  
- See more at: http://natepyle.com/seeing-a-woman/#sthash.UkskT838.dpuf

 They are not the weaker sex.  They are the other sex.
I’m not telling you to not look at women.  Just the opposite.  I’m telling you to see women.  Really see them.  Not just with your eyes, but with your heart.  Don’t look to see something that tickles your senses, but see a human being.  
- See more at: http://natepyle.com/seeing-a-woman/#sthash.UkskT838.dpuf

 They are not the weaker sex.  They are the other sex.
I’m not telling you to not look at women.  Just the opposite.  I’m telling you to see women.  Really see them.  Not just with your eyes, but with your heart.  Don’t look to see something that tickles your senses, but see a human being.  
- See more at: http://natepyle.com/seeing-a-woman/#sthash.UkskT838.dpuf

 They are not the weaker sex.  They are the other sex.
I’m not telling you to not look at women.  Just the opposite.  I’m telling you to see women.  Really see them.  Not just with your eyes, but with your heart.  Don’t look to see something that tickles your senses, but see a human being.  
- See more at: http://natepyle.com/seeing-a-woman/#sthash.UkskT838.dpuf

 They are not the weaker sex.  They are the other sex.
I’m not telling you to not look at women.  Just the opposite.  I’m telling you to see women.  Really see them.  Not just with your eyes, but with your heart.  Don’t look to see something that tickles your senses, but see a human being.  
- See more at: http://natepyle.com/seeing-a-woman/#sthash.UkskT838.dpuf

 They are not the weaker sex.  They are the other sex.
I’m not telling you to not look at women.  Just the opposite.  I’m telling you to see women.  Really see them.  Not just with your eyes, but with your heart.  Don’t look to see something that tickles your senses, but see a human being.  
- See more at: http://natepyle.com/seeing-a-woman/#sthash.UkskT838.dpuf

 They are not the weaker sex.  They are the other sex.
I’m not telling you to not look at women.  Just the opposite.  I’m telling you to see women.  Really see them.  Not just with your eyes, but with your heart.  Don’t look to see something that tickles your senses, but see a human being.  
- See more at: http://natepyle.com/seeing-a-woman/#sthash.UkskT838.dpuf

The second post was more of a reply post to Mrs. Hall's post, Dear Mrs. Hall, Regarding Your "FYI (if you're a teenage girl)"... . I'm not sure that I agree with everything in this post, mainly because I didn't view the original post, Mrs. Hall's,  to read the way the reply post was written. Whew, that was a tricky sentence. I LOVED that the reply post was written so respectfully though! Here is where it gets tricky, there were a few spots where I read Mrs. Hall's post to mean something different than the way the reply read BUT if I read it the way Beth had I would agree with her. Is this making since :) 

I would most adamantly agree with Beth on second chances. There is no limit on that one for anyone at any age, period!

The next is this,

"We see you, sweetheart. We do. We see what you’re writing. We see what you’re posting. We see more of you than you think we do. We see sometimes down to the very center of your soul. And what you need to know is this: You are beautiful. You are valuable. You are worthy. You are your physical body, and you are so very much more. And you, baby girl, have infinite chances for grace and redemption and relationship and community and wholeness and LOVE. Always. Always and forever. Amen."

Only instead of baby girl, can it just be baby?


What am I getting at? Talk. Talk to your children about appropriate. I said children, boy or girl. Talk to your girls about respecting boys and girls. Talk to your boys about respecting girls and boys. Talk to them about respecting themselves. Respect each other man or woman knowing that we all have our struggles. I'm not saying a girl who wiggles in a tight shirt doesn't respect herself. I'm saying find who you are and be true to that. Don't do something just to get likes on FB or a song that might get recognition. Boys, don't put on shorts and no shirt and slather on baby oil and pretend to be something you really aren't just for a picture to get a girls attention. That attention is in the wrong frame of mind. Growing up is hard to do. You've been there but today's kids do have a lot more influences coming at them.

I'm also saying, thank you to all the people that did post! Agree or disagree these parents are involved with their children's upbringing and they were brave enough to hit publish.

So there. That's what has been weighing on my mind. It might not be everything that I wanted to say and it might not be the exact right way I wanted to say. Heck, it might not even make complete since. I've tried re-reading this multiple times and I keep adding more thoughts on.

So to my sisters and brothers out there, carry each other in respect for one another. Most importantly hold your respect for you. That's something we all need to do a little more of.

Show and Share

Three boys plus one craft loving Momma... let's see what we get into!

Clay play! So a while back I bought some clay... for me... to play with. The boys may or may not have gotten into it to play with as well. Was I happy at the time that they used the more pricey clay to play with, no. BUT it did make me so happy to see them so happy playing with it.

Enter Crayola Model Magic

I stinking love this stuff. I'm sold sold sold on it. It's the right consistency for little hands to really mold.

That brings me to why can't I make it myself mode... you can. There are multiple recipes that you can try. The one that we tried is from Southern as Biscuits.

It turned out great!

Rian and Nina

Louis and Samual

Puppy paw print

LOVE CRAFTING!

 I know this is a simple craft time. We were so excited that Nina got to join in on the crafting fun!

Couple things tip-a-roos when making the clay. Krisi hit on it in her blog, for loud colors you want stronger coloring gels! Maybe next time we can try painting... if I'm feeling really... really brave.

Craft on!!!

Two for Twosday

Two for Twosday: two thoughts/ updates/ photos/ something that I don't want to forget or am flat out oober excited about.

Nina visits the Missouri River.

1.Wow we have been on the adventures with Nina! Missouri River, Steamboat Arabia, LegoLand, SantaCaliGon, BBQ, pajama party and movie night, it was an amazing visit. We miss her so much and can't wait for the her to come back.

2. Had to share this one, Diana Nyad made the swim from Cuba to Florida at 64 years old! After her swim she had three things to say, "One, we should never ever give up. Two, you're never too old to chase your dreams. Three, it looks like a solitary sport but it's a team sport." WOW, right?!? Read more about this amazing story here.

August Photo A Day

No rules. Just a prompt and a camera. Check out Chantelle's photo a day challenge.

1. Something beginning with N 2. Incomplete 3. Skyline 4. Fresh 5. Early 6. This means a lot to me! 7. A sign 8. Peek-a-boo 9. 2 o’clock 10. Beverage 11. I love doing this! 12. Macro 13. Fast 14. Trash 15. The best 16. Cooking 17. Exercise 18. Someone you spoke to today 19. Lost 20. Stairs 21. Slow 22. A room 23. Yellow 24. In the background 25. Culture 26. Entrance 27. 10 minutes from home 28. Corridor 29. Lucky 30. Cluttered 31. Dangerous