Seriously Kate's on Twitter

I am excited to report that Seriously Kate is now on Twitter!

I'll tweet the occasional random thought and when there are new blog posts. I'll also re-tweet tweets that I enjoy and ones that strike me just the right way.

I hope you'll follow me at https://twitter.com/SeriouslyKateG.

Thanks for reading.

Kate

December 26, 2012

A Christmas Recap

It has been a blessed Christmas for 2012. I am so thankful for our wonderful family and friends and the time we were able to spend together just enjoying one another's company. And of course the food and presents were enjoyable as well! Our festivities really began on Sunday and let me just say it has been a wonderfully interesting 3 days.

Our little one had become a bit snotty on Friday and definitely so on Saturday. We didn't really think anything more of it than a runny nose. On Sunday morning, however, it was no longer just snotty. It had turned into congestion with a fever. The fever spiked to about 103 Sunday afternoon and then again in the middle of the night to 103.4. No parent likes to see their child with a fever, and especially one greater than 102. We missed out on church services on Sunday and the first of the family gatherings. I will say, my hubby did bring me a plate of the goodies to enjoy.

Sunday night was a restless night due to the fever and congestion. I am on a headache spurt at the moment, I think primarily triggered by the change in weather, and lack of sleep is not at all a helpful element. So on Monday morning, I awoke with a decent ache in the head. We'd also decided to go ahead and take our little one to the doctor since the fever had gotten so high during the night.

Lists, Headaches, and Merry Christmas

I am a list person. I love lists of all sorts - To Do Lists, Grocery Lists, Wish Lists, Blog Lists, Christmas Lists, etc. And "list people" thrive off accomplishing what is on their list. Being able to check off as complete the items on a list is a pure source of adrenaline, a sense of complete satisfaction. And I sit here this evening in front of our Christmas tree with just such a feeling.

Despite a rocky start to the day, I have knocked out my Today To Do List as if I were as powerful as Super Woman. Maybe not as powerful, but definitely as motivated.

I am a headache prone lady. I have been getting headaches since I was a little girl. I remember the first time I swallowed medicine in pill form... My grandmother was a tough lady and she insisted I learn. And to this day, I am certainly thankful. Anyway, I woke up a bit before 6:00 am with a migraine. Migraines for me normally come on in the evenings, then I just sleep it off and wake up fine the next morning. This one however, came on in the night and woke me up. My favorite. I was able to get a couple more hours of sleep before my little one woke up for the day and that helped take the edge off a bit. I took some medicine and thought, I can power through it, I've got a list to take on today!

Casual Yet Classy

It wasn't too long ago that I went on a personal shopping spree. I'd like to be the kind of girl that can shop at any time and always be successful, but the reality is I put off shopping for my self until it is an absolute fashion necessity. I truly have to be in the mood - to peruse, to try clothing on (because not doing so is never successful), and to spend money!

I also tend to gravitate towards a particular brand each spree. The hard part is figuring out which one it will be. Once I do find a style I like and that fits well, I stick with it. I'll end up with two of the same item, but in different colors. Does anyone else do this?

My last spree fared well at JCPenney and was actually the jcp Brand. It was the first I had seen of this new line and I fell in love with the casual, classy style. And bonus, some of it even fit well.

Seriously Awesome Christmas Carols

Christmas is under a week away and I thought I'd share with you one of my favorite Christmas traditions - Christmas Carols. I absolutely love the music of Christmas. I am one of those obnoxious folks who actually LIKE to listen to the radio stations that play Christmas tunes each and every day beginning on December 1 until Christmas has past. I have CDs that I have made that consist of only my very favorites. I love to hear songs with words, and I love to hear them without. I enjoy the fun, enthusiastic tunes and the serious, songs of worship.

There are four songs in particular that I consider my very favorites. I could listen to (and sing) them over and over again. Each give me goose bumps as I hear the words and comprehend their meaning. Although I enjoy giving and receiving presents at Christmas, it is important that I remember and that I teach my children to remember its true importance - the day of Christ's birth, the Saviour of the World. These four songs move my heart each and every time I hear them.

Prayers for Newtown

Hearts everywhere are hurting for the families and the community of Newtown, Connecticut.  Parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles are holding the little ones in their lives much closer.  All knowing very well that this grotesque act of violence could have taken place in their community, happened to their family, and taken the life of their child.

I personally like to live in a bubble when it comes to the Local, National and World News anymore.  It is primarily a report of violence, hatred, and conflict. I like to be informed on the surface, but ignorant to the details. I find it helpful in keeping at bay worry and anxiety for what the future holds. I attempt to place my confidence in God and knowing that He is omniscient and omnipotent. HE is in control.

That Kind of Mom

As of this evening, I am "that kind of Mom."  Allow me to explain.  Until recently, I took no thought in showing appreciation to my child's teachers during holidays or other celebrations. It just never entered my mind. A perfect example being this year's Valentine's Day party. I didn't see the sign on the door announcing it was even occurring much less did I have the motivation to make an effort to contribute to the festivities once I was aware.  I think I behaved this way partly because I was not entirely pleased with the care received and partly because of my ignorance.  Either way, my response when asked why I wasn't participating - "I'm just not that kind of Mom."

Recently, however, a switch in schools has opened the creative canal in my brain that I haven't seen since college.  We are so incredibly pleased with the teachers, the facility, the activities...everything at our child's new school. We consider ourselves tremendously blessed to find a group of people who truly care for children and their development.  And as a result, I actually find myself wanting to do something nice for the teachers this Christmas to show how grateful we really are for all that they do.

Sleep Deprivation and a Dirty House

One of my very favorite things to do is read. I tend towards spurts. Meaning I can go weeks without reading and then I'll go weeks without stopping. I am currently coming out of a "spurt without stopping." Spurts of that sort result in sleep deprivation, a pile of TV to watch, and a dirty house. I believe it's totally worth it.

I usually gravitate towards happy endings and feel-good romantic comedies. My latest stint, however, has included quite the variety. I won't provide intricate details today simply because each book is not fresh in my mind. Next book I read, I promise to do a true review. Today, I'll just brush the surface.

Hi, I'm new here.

Hello - Welcome to my blog! Seriously Kate is my outlet for all things I deem worthy of sharing.

I want to share with you my everyday experiences and struggles. What makes me laugh uncontrollably, what brings tears to my eyes, and whatever may fall in between. I'll share with you my thoughts on books, movies, family, shopping, food, fashion, faith, and more.

Smiles are contagious. And one of my favorite things in this life is to make people smile. I hope you'll be encouraged as I share with you my daily adventures of this precious gift called life.

Thanks for reading.

Kate

December 10, 2012