Mommy, You Did What?!

Our Little Boy has a bit of a comedic personality - he loves to entertain and make people laugh. In today's story, he was only being open and honest, he wasn't really trying. Truthfully, those are often the funniest times, when he is just stating the obvious.

So, here's what happened. Little Boy recently turned three and it was suggested he have an eye exam. He's always the most excellent of patients, but this was new and he was a little timid. For some added confidence he wanted to sit on my lap while the doctor performed his exam. No problem, Mom to the rescue.

I was wearing a hoodie and had my phone in my hand when he asked that I sit with him. I absently stuffed my phone in the front pocket of my hoodie, sat in the exam chair and plopped him up on my lap. The phone was on vibrate so as to not disturb the doctor and nurses performing their jobs - good patient Mommy that I am.

Little Boy is obeying the doctor's every direction and chatting small talk with him when I receive a text message. A text message is a double vibrate since my phone is on silent.

I'm not thinking anything of it until Little Boy says very calmly "Mommy, you tooted." The doctor stops his exam and he and the nurse start giggling. I quickly try to reclaim my dignity by declaring "No! That was just my phone, honey." But it was hopeless - too funny for anyone to even consider acknowledging the truth...

I'm sure my face was a little flushed, but I was laughing too. Even better, when you don't acknowledge the text, two minutes later it will buzz again. I can say it was a very long two minutes until I felt as though I was out of the woods!

Children really are hilarious and seriously do say the darndest things. Their timing is always impeccable and no one within earshot is ever exempt. I love it. :)

And I can't help but include a shot from one of Little Boy's favorite movies.

Kate

The Sunday Social

Spending this Sunday hanging with my Little Boy who has been hit with Flu A. Thankfully, he seems to have evaded some of the more worse symptoms. He has primarily been coughing and is now showing congestion, but his activity and appetite are fine. Hoping he's on the mend and my husband and I are spared. :) 

 

 

Now time for a little Sunday Social with Ashley... By the way, I'm loving the new SS Button!

 

1. Top 3 Favorite Kinds of Food

Pizza, Vegetable Soup, and Steak

 

2. First 3 Things You Do in the Morning

Hit snooze a few times, check my phone, put on my glasses

 

3. Last 3 Things You Do at Night

Take a drink of water, kiss my Little Boy goodnight, and set my alarm

 

4. 3 TV Shows You NEVER Miss

I only have one... NCIS

 

5. 3 Places You Want to Visit

Colorado, New York, and Disney World

 

6. 3 4 People You Can Always Count On

My sweet husband, my Mama, my Mother-in-Law, and my Sister-in-Law

 

Hope you're having a fantastic weekend!

 

Kate

The Hunger Games, Bishop, and Bad Shampoo

Well hello, Friday! I'm so happy that you are here. And bonus, it's time to link up with the lovely ladies that host the fabulous blog hop, Five on Friday. :)

ONE

 

I'm always a little, okay a lot, behind in the movie world. This past weekend, the husband and I decided to be wild and crazy and stay up past 10:00 on Saturday night to watch a movie. I had heard lots of folks talking about The Hunger Games and most recently, Catching Fire, but I really wasn't familiar with it - I only knew that people loved it.

 

 

In the interest of not being able to agree on anything else, we decided to just pick something and go with it. I was a little confused in the beginning but picked up on it fairly quickly. It was surely disturbing, but you couldn't help but be completely enthralled. We watched it all the way through and both really liked it. Both of us also agreed that we couldn't get it out of our heads for a couple of days following. 

 

As a matter of fact, I was so intrigued that I am now reading book one of the three book series. So far, it has clarified so much of what I was unsure of when watching the movie. I'm having a hard time putting it down and am certain I'll have to watch the movie again to do it proper justice.

 

TWO

 

Remember when I mentioned I was getting old ever since turning thirty? Well, this week I started physical therapy. Somewhere along the way I've developed tendinitis in the rotator cuff of my right shoulder. When the pain is at its worst, I can barely take my shirt off or put deodorant on. At its best, I barely notice it. The thing is, it flares up and then calms, flares up, then calms. Hopefully, with my strengthening and stretching exercises, I won't have to deal with that up and down cycle for much longer. I've also had to make a point to limit my lifting of our Little Boy. I have to face the fact that he's not exactly little anymore.

 

THREE

 

Does anyone else watch NCIS? It is my absolute favorite show. I'm just curious if anyone else likes Bishop as much as I do? I was so bummed when Ziva left the show. I thought there was no way they could replace her, the show would be doomed. But to my surprise, I think they managed to successfully infiltrate the newbie. I miss Ziva's character, but Bishop's character is so different from Ziva's that it's not like she replaced her, she's just new. Plus, she's nerdy. And what nerd isn't going to root for other nerds? :)

 

 

FOUR

 

I learned this week that there really is a difference in shampoos. I had been using Dove's volume boosting shampoo and loved it. However, when I went to pick up another bottle, the store didn't have it. So instead, in the interest of protecting the color that I have put on every eight weeks, I went with the color care. It was only about three days after use that I had to go back to the store. The color care shampoo was a creamy white and visibly weighed my hair down. I lost all body. I ended up going back to the store and picking out the Pantene volume shampoo. Seriously, one wash later, my body was back. Both the Dove and Pantene shampoos are a clear shampoo and neither weighed my hair down like the other did.

 

FIVE

 

Lesson of the week - the flu mist does not cover all strains of the flu, in particular, Flu A. Little Boy and I had to make a trip to the doctor. He had this chronic cough for a couple of days, no other signs like fever or congestion, but the cough was showing no signs of going away. I wasn't too concerned until one night he coughed so hard that he threw up in bed. :(  I thought we better make sure it wasn't turning into something, and low and behold, he tested positive for Flu A. Even more fun is the price of Tamiflu. But, it will be totally worth it. Nobody likes to see their baby down for the count, and hopefully we've caught it early enough that he'll be spared of the worst.

Hope your weeks have been lovely and your weekends are fantastic and restful.

Happy Friday Lovelies!

Kate

The Wedger and the Pan

It sounds like one of those classic fairy tales, doesn't it? Sadly, I'm really not that creative.

In the interest of being blunt, I'm not much of a cook. I know my way around the kitchen, I can follow recipes and instructions, but I do not venture out of my box very often, if ever. I have a small list of things I cook and that my family will actually eat, and we stick with that. We all claim we are not picky, but really we are.

Despite my limited cooking endeavors, one thing I have learned is to never turn down anything Pampered Chef. Everything Pampered Chef has an element of awesomeness and will always be worth it. If a friend recommends it, get yourself one. If you get something for Christmas, feel honored. Both of those things happened to me recently, and here are two recent blessings to my kitchen.

The Apple Wedger

By far one of the coolest things I have ever used. You simply place the wedger over the center of the apple's core and apply pressure down. Voila! Ten beautiful apple wedges. This is huge for me because I'll only eat apples if they are already cut. I'm not one to just grab one and start biting into it. Now, I have no excuse!

The Brownie Pan

Does anyone else make a pan of brownies only to eat the batter and waste the pan of baked brownies? Insert sheepish face here. I like for my brownies to be warm, soft, and a little crunchy on the edges. You really can't get much of that in a regular pan. And truthfully, I find it painful to slice warm brownies because it just makes a mess, and its an annoyance to cut room temperature ones because that requires work.

Who wouldn't love this amazing brownie pan? You get the batter and the brownie! Each perfectly portioned square is warm and soft on the inside and a crunchy on the edges. Bonus, there's no cutting. You use this perfect little brownie spatula to lift the brownie right out. Even better, 20 seconds in the microwave and it's like it was fresh out of the oven. I'm swooning, I know. However, I'm pretty sure my hips aren't.

Would love to hear what are some of your Pampered Chef favorites!

Kate

Super Sunday Sync #69

I am so excited to be guest hosting this week's Super Sunday Sync! And, I'm so thankful you've stopped by SK. :)  Be sure to look around. You can always learn more about me here. Read about our most recent date night that involved shots and stitches. And, I have some seriously ambitious goals for 2014. Or if you're at all interested in doing a thirty day devotional, Wife After God, as a small group check out the book here. Be sure to leave a comment, and I'll stop by and say hi! :)

Happy Sunday to you!

Kate

Welcome to Super Sunday Sync #69!

Thank you for joining the Super Sunday Sync this week.  We are so glad that you have stopped by!  After you link up, be sure to enter to win a Guest Host space for next week :)

Tweet, share, promote!

Stop by and say hi to your hosts!

Dawn ~ Dawn's Disaster

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and our Guest Hosts today:

Ellie ~ Little Vintage Camera

Kate ~ Seriously Kate

 

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New Bibles, BLTs and Banana Parties

Happy Saturday Lovelies!

I'm a little late with my Five on Friday, but this week has been a busy one. It really sort of flew by and I am looking forward to a restful weekend. It's raining here and that makes for a perfect day to just sit around, watch TV, and relax.

ONE

 

In one of my recent posts, I talked about seriously wanting to grow in my walk with God - My 2014 Path to Contentment. I'm a little nerdy by heart, meaning that I enjoy new books, freshly sharpened pencils, and anything studious - I find such things motivational. I've been wanting a new Bible ever since we purchased one for my mother-in-law for Christmas, so why not use that as motivation to get into His Word more? I loved the one we found for her. So, one day last week, I went to the bookstore and purchased one for myself. It's a Women's Study Bible, KJV. And, I love it! :)

 

 

TWO

 

Along with that, Ellie from Cheers Y'all saw My 2014 Path to Contentment post and shared with me a thirty day devotional that she and several other bloggers are going through as a group - Wife After God: Drawing Closer to God & Your Husband by the Unveiled Wife. I so badly wanted to join with the group but I was already a few days behind and I didn't want to rush through it in an effort to play catch up. I ordered it on Amazon and cannot wait to start it. If you're interested in going through it with me, let me know.

 

 

THREE

 

Little Boy was under the weather for a couple of days this week. He only ran a midgrade fever, which I'm thankful for, but the fever would spike in the middle of the night. He awoke both nights around 3 and would need medicine to bring down the fever. He would be really restless until the medicine kicked in and then he would be wide awake. Both nights, he asked for a banana and once eaten, would go right back to sleep. I told my husband that we were having banana parties at 3 AM! It was funny to us. :)

 

FOUR

 

I was pulled over by a policeman on Thursday. I'm not one to get upset or angry when this happens. No, instead my heart drops into my stomach and I become anxious. I knew I wasn't speeding because I purposely watched my speed knowing he was in the pack behind me. When he came up to my window, he was really nice. He asked for my driver's license and then asked if I by chance had a decal I hadn't put on my license plate. I immediately felt relief and laughed. I said Yes! I do. I showed him that I had in fact paid my car taxes and he smiled and let me go. Shew!! Sadly, I still haven't updated the actual plate.

 

FIVE

 

I was introduced to something new this week, Tudor's Biscuit World. We recently got one in our town and had no idea how awesome they were. My friend and I picked up lunch there one day and I had the BLT and fries. It was so yummy! I'm excited to have something new to add to our list of possible lunch venues. :)

 

I hope you've had a great week and your weekend is wonderful!

 

Kate

We Spent Our Date Night Getting Shots and Stitches

Date nights are few and far between. We rarely take the opportunity to spend an evening out with just ourselves. With our hectic schedules, time as a family is sometimes a struggle. We've always agreed that if we go out, we take Little Boy with us. But honestly, most of the time, we just like to stay in. We really are homebodies - all of us. And we're totally okay with that.

On a rare occasion though, the husband and I will plan an evening out. Take Friday evening for example. Little Boy is going to spend the entire evening and night with his grandma and his aunt. We are planning to have a nice dinner and go see a movie. My biggest concern is deciding between The Wolf on Wall Street or The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.

I start getting ready for my date night out. I put on a nice sweater, add a little smelly-good lotion, and apply a little make-up. I'm pretty much all ready, but my date is no where to be seen. I'm waiting patiently for him, but as time creeps by, the patience starts to run thin. Where is he at? Doesn't he know we need to get going? He's the one that said to be ready at five!

After waiting what seemed like forever, husband pulls in. My patience meter has ran empty and the first thing out of my mouth is where have you been?! His reply is calm. Boy does he have a story for me. I'm not sure where my senses came from at that moment, but I simply asked if everything was okay. And then he showed me his hand. Everything was not okay.

I was completely worthless and wasn't even about to play doctor with that. There really was no question as to where we would spend the first part of our evening. He needed stitches. And someone to push that fat back in!

After about two hours in urgent care, a numbing shot, a tetanus shot, and three stitches later, we sat down for dinner at a restaurant in town. At this point, we're both tired and want nothing more than to go home and go to bed, but it IS date night. So, we manage dinner and chuck the movie.

Truth is, I love it. Of course I hate that my husband hurt his hand and had to go through the pain of having it numbed, and that our evening was not at all how we envisioned it would be, but it was time spent together. Quality time. And I'm so thankful for that time. God really is so good, and I love how He brings about blessings in some of the most roundabout ways. :)

Kate

My 2014 Path to Contentment

Welcome to 2014 Lovelies! I am not usually one to make new year resolutions, but as I reflect over the past year, there are so many things I want to do better in the next one.

A Walk With God



I want to spend quality time with God every day. I want to truly develop my personal relationship with Him. I want to grow. I want to read His word, keep a mindset of prayer, and be faithful to His house. I know that I won't be able to do these things perfectly, but I want to have a reservoir of strength at all times to draw from when I fail, and I want to be sure that I keep going despite my failures.

 

A Balanced Life

I need to find the right balance in life, not just with work and home but with every aspect. I often find myself more focused on one area at a time instead of spreading my focus. I want to learn how to find that right balance for me and maintain it. I know this is something that people struggle with daily, but I also know that putting God in the center is the first and most important step.

 

A Healthier Body

I recently turned thirty, and am quickly learning I am not getting any younger. As someone who was always so active during my school years, being inactive for so many years after I think, escalates the getting old factor. Joints and muscles are starting to ache, and painfully. I'm also certain that my eating habits and weight do not have a positive effect on my health. I know that I cannot fully eliminate sweets and my addictive Coke, but I can make a concentrated effort to cut significantly back and minimize my fast food consumption.

 

A Better Woman

I want to be a better wife and mother. I want to strive to be the Proverbs 31 woman that my family deserves. I take so much for granted. I often withdraw to my own personal bubble and forget to consider the real blessings in everyone and everything in my life. I need to remember to be a supportive wife and a cherishing mother. My little boy is growing up so incredibly fast, and I know I'm not appreciating the everyday moments that will soon be a thing of the past.

 

A Consistent Blogger

And since this is a blog, you may be wondering if I have any grand plans for Seriously Kate this year. Honestly, I hadn't given it much thought until a little FTSF reminder arrived in my email suggesting we finish the sentence "My blogging goals for this year are..."

 

Basically, I'd like to minimize the blogging "spurts" and post more consistently. Although it may seem like it from time to time, I really haven't given up blogging altogether. I just go in spurts. I'm really the same way with books. I'll read several in a row and then I won't read for a couple of months. It's like I play hobby of the month instead of moderation in all the things I enjoy. I suppose it all goes back to balance, doesn't it?

 

I'd also like to spend more time reading others' blogs and developing the friendships I've made over the past year. I have a real connection with some of you and just like a friendship in the flesh, without a little time and effort they will fizzle, and that's not what I want.

As I read through what I've written, I realize I've got my work cut out for me in the year ahead. I want to revisit this post a year from now and know that I tried, and that when I failed I got back up again. I want to give myself reason to be content with who I am in 2014. And to do so will only be by God's grace. Lord, I pray you would help me to reflect YOU this year.

Wishing you all a wonderful 2014!

Kate

January 2, 2014

I'm linking up with Janine for FTSF and Darci for Five on Friday. Look at me, two birds with one stone. :)

One for you, Two for me...

Happy Friday Lovelies!

I have a question. I'm curious to see if anyone else experiences this same irony. Do you come across more things that you would buy for yourself while shopping for others than you would if you were actually shopping for yourself?

I have literally built a wish list simply by doing a little Christmas shopping! I find myself constantly saying "Ooh, I'd like to have that" or "No, I will not buy for myself. I will not buy for myself."

I'd love to share some of the great deals I've scored over the last few days, but you might be the recipient and I just couldn't chance you figuring out your gift. So, as an alternative, for my Five on Friday I'm going to share five of the things that I've added to my "someday I'd like to have, but will probably get over it by the time I actually would go for it" list.

ONE

 

I was perusing the Thirty-One catalog and fell in love with these two beauties. The one on the left is the Vary You Versatile Bag and the other is the Casual Cargo Purse. 

 

TWO

 

I'm in need of a new pair of rubber boots. The pair I have now, I've had for I'd say five years. I think it's time for a new pair. I'm pretty open to anything in this department. I would like to be able to wear them in to work on rainy/snowy days.

 

THREE

 

Call me crazy, but I'd like a Keurig. Why is that crazy? Because I don't even drink coffee. As a matter of fact, neither of us do. We do have family that does though, so I think it would be nice to be able to offer it when they're visiting. Plus, the idea of having hot cocoa on the spot sounds wonderful to me.

 

FOUR

 

 I've been keeping an eye on the Amazon Lightning Deals and this gorgeous clutch came across - the Jessica Simpson Fearless Convertible Clutch. I really like the clutch in the color Lotus.

 

 

FIVE

 

I'd love a pair of brown boots - the casual but classy kind that are almost knee high. I tried to find a picture of what I have in mind, but I just can't replicate the ones I saw the other day. I really just want to be able to wear them with a pair of jeans and a nice sweater. I want to be stylish, but I don't want to call attention to myself - if that makes sense.

 

I could really keep going, but who wants a list with no images? I mean, I'd love to have a bluetooth hands free system installed in my car. I could totally use a new iPhone case. Our microwave is about to bite the dust. A new, wrap around strappy watch would be fun. And lately for some reason, I've thought more diamonds would be so nice... a girl can dream, right? :)

 

Would love to hear what's on your list! And I hope your weekend is a fabulous one!

 

Kate

 

December 13, 2013

Snowy Sunday Social

Happy Sunday Lovelies!

It's a beautiful snowy one in our neck of the woods. Due to the weather, our church services were cancelled this morning, and I'm making the best of it by getting caught up on chores and laziness. :)

It's been a hectic week, but I'm determined to post more often than every six weeks! It's been a little while since I've joined up with Ashley and Neely for the Sunday Social, so I'm really excited to be chiming in this Sunday.

1. What is the wallpaper on your cell phone?

This lovely flower that comes standard on the iPhone. I know, it's nothing terribly exciting or unique, but I like the simplicity.

 

2. What do you keep beside your bed?

Sitting on my nightstand is a lamp, an alarm clock, a bottle of water, a sippy cup of water, My Pal Scout, and my glasses.

 

3. What is your least favorite chore?

Dishes. We do not have a dishwasher, but I have hopes that one day we will.

 

4. If you could eliminate one thing from your daily routine, what would it be?

Getting ready. The whole blow drying your hair, fixing it, and putting on make up... I like the results, but sometimes I'd love to just snap my fingers and instantly look ready for the day without the effort.

 

5. What do you do to vent anger?

To vent anger, I typically talk with a friend or withdrawal into my own shell for a little while until I can think intelligently again.

 

6. What is your favorite holiday of the year and why?

I really like Christmas. I love spending time with family, enjoying lots of amazing food, and just the merry spirit that comes along with the holiday. It's also becoming more of my favorite since our little boy is starting to take part in all of the cheer. And of course, the real reason for the season makes it a holiday to cherish.

 

Hoping each of you have a wonderful day!

 

Thanks for reading.

 

Kate

 

December 8, 2013



Return of the Long Lost Kate

Hello Lovelies!

It's me, Kate. You know, that dorky girl who rambles on about everything and nothing all at the same time? Yep, that's me and I'm back! It's been several weeks since my last post. Life happened, and I'm totally okay with that. I think sometimes it's nice and even needful to take a bloggy sabbatical. I have truly missed this little niche in my life and am looking forward to getting caught up with each of you.

Thank you to all of you for your encouraging words during my time away! It's so nice to run into someone or get an email or tweet that simply says you miss me and my everyday ramblings of nonsense. It really makes a girl feel loved. :)

Since it is Friday, I'll kick off my return to the blogosphere with a Five on Friday recap of the past six weeks.

Five on Friday - Better Late than Never

Happy Friday Friends! Oh wait, it's Sunday. I missed out on Five on Friday, but I'm still going to go ahead and throw five things from my week out there for you. I'm only a couple of days late. ;-)

ONE

 

Did you know that Monday was National Dessert Day?! I saw it on the news early that morning and made sure that I celebrated. Check out this scrumptious Brownie Lover's Brownie dessert from O'Charley's. I tried to eat it all, I did, but only managed about half.  

 

 

TWO

 

I started out the week with the migraine of the decade. I have always gotten headaches, ever since I was a little girl, but they have slowly become few and far between over the years. I think I'm getting them less, but I also think I have learned how to identify triggers and prevent them from becoming debilitating little punks.

 

More often than not, when I do end up with one, the headache comes on in late afternoon or evening and I can just sleep it off. That's preferable if I'm going to have to endure one. Sunday, however, I woke up with a full-fledged migraine. I napped as much as I could during the day, took meds around the clock, and literally didn't emerge from the dark, cold dungeon of my room until 7 pm. I'm pretty sure I dropped 5 pounds too since I wasn't sleeping it off, I wasn't able to eat or keep anything down.

 

The one good thing that comes from a migraine of this magnitude is that when I awake the next morning and I do not have a headache, I'm so much more appreciative and thankful to God for a head that doesn't hurt!

I Have a Confession...

I am a blogging slacker.

Really, I go through phases. I have a phase in which I feel like I'm caught up in the blogosphere. In this phase, I'm reading all of my favorite blogs, commenting on lots of different posts, creating at least one or two posts of my own per week, responding to the comments I've received, maintaining and keeping up the friendships I've made, and making new ones.

But in my other phase, I am so far removed from the blogging world. I rarely log onto the computer and check my blog page, much less respond to any comments or keep up with what others are writing. I disappear from Twitter and Facebook, and even more than that, creating a blog post itself seems daunting. I have no topic, nothing to discuss, no experiences to share.

It may or may not be obvious that I am currently in that other phase. I have barely posted over the last couple of weeks. I managed a Five on Friday last week but that was all. And if I'm being completely honest, I forced myself to do that so that I was at least posting something. I attempted to catch up on all my favorite blogs last weekend but knew that I was missing so much by not checking in throughout the week.

Pasta, New Shoes, and Blog Issues

Happy Friday Lovelies! I hope you've had a fantastic week... and that an even more fabulous weekend awaits you. There really is just something mighty sweet about Friday. :)

And in honor of all that is Friday, here's my week in a handful.

ONE

 

I was travelling on business this week and chose to eat at the Olive Garden. I love to eat there, but it's not on my hubby's list of favorites, so it was the perfect opportunity. My Seafood Alfredo was scrumptious.

 

 

TWO

 

On Wednesday, I was casually checking the blog page when I realized my design had went a little loopy. The background consisted of multiple photos that said something about photobucket and increasing bandwith. I thought for sure I had been hacked. I only had my phone with me and couldn't do any damage control without a computer. I did figure out that it was not a hack, thanks to the awesome ladies from the SITS Girls. It was something amiss with my blog designer's photobucket. I'd been thinking about a change lately anyway, so instead of trying to fix that, I just went new. What do you think of the new and improved Seriously Kate?

Moments of Hermitude

What exactly is hermitude? According to me, hermitude is the act of or need to withdraw oneself from their surroundings and circumstances in order to sort of hide or regroup - like a hermit crab.

If you Google hermitude, you will find that there is actually a hip hop group out there that goes by that name. For today's purposes, let's go with the Kate definition. 

So, why would anyone want to enter hermitude? Beats me. But basically, I have these moments on occasion. I want nothing more than to be in my own home, surrounded by only my immediate family, doing absolutely nothing I do not want, with junk food close within reach. This includes an ice cold Coke. 

The primary attraction of withdrawing into this invisible shell is that there aren't any demands upon your time - you simply utilize the moment to purely exist. 

As women, we lead a ton of different roles in this life, and we are expected to play them simultaneously and interchange them effortlessly. It can be exhausting. No matter how organized I may be or how together I may seem, I occassionally need to pull away. I need just a few moments to be anti-social - to withdraw within my shell and take deep breaths and regroup. I need only a few minutes, at times maybe a few hours, to put down all of my roles and just be me. 

a Liebster, a Feature, and 2 Sunshines

I am pretty humbled and incredibly grateful to share with you that my little space in the blogosphere has been nominated three different times for two separate awards over the past two weeks. I really don't know what to say, except thank you. Thank you to those who nominated Seriously Kate and thank you to every single one of you who take the time to read what's going on in my life and in my head - and then continue to keep reading and sharing your thoughts.

In addition to the nominations, this post was also selected by Raising Reagan last Friday as one of her Featured Posts - another truly encouraging benchmark to motivate me to keep on keeping on in the bloggy world. Thanks Lanaya!

Now, onto the goods...

an Answered Prayer and a Sunshine Award

Hello Friends! Friday is upon us and the weekend is just around the corner. I've been a little out of the blogosphere the last couple of weeks but am intent on not falling away entirely. It's just been a little more hectic than usual and honestly, I've just chosen sleep over blogging time. :)

So, to briefly catch you up on this week's highlights, I'm going to join in with the fabulous ladies that host Five on Friday.

ONE

 

First and foremost, I want to thank each and everyone of you for your prayers this past week. Little Man's procedure went really well. They put in his second set of ear tubes and went ahead and removed his adenoids to hopefully prevent the need for a third set of tubes down the road.

 

It worked out that I had to handle this one solo. As I was sitting in the waiting room, I was getting dings on my phone with encouraging messages - it truly was a blessing. Thank you.

 

The doctors and nurses said he'd probably have a lazy weekend and need to eat soft foods for a couple of days. God answers prayer - because he was wild enough to shoot at after his afternoon nap and eating normally by the time we returned home. God is good. :)

TWO

 

Does anyone else watch NCIS? It is hands down my favorite show, maybe ever. I had a really hard time saying goodbye to Ziva this week. I'm glad though, that they finally confirmed the love between her and Tony. Even if we won't get the opportunity to see it play out, it was a nice way to say farewell. And I'll admit, I cried.

 

a Busted Lip and a Prayer Request

Hello Friday! It's been a fairly long week, and I'm so thankful you are here. And... with your arrival comes one of my favorite link ups, Five on Friday.

ONE

 

I started out the week with a busted lip! Little Man and I were cuddling on the couch and Daddy came sneaking over to tickle him. Little Man got squirmy excited and then bam! hit my chin with the back of his head. The impact pushed my teeth up into my lip. It was a little bloody, but mostly it was swollen and painful. Thankfully, the pain only lasted for a few minutes and I only sported a noticeable busted lip for a couple of days.

 

TWO

 

Check out the lunch I had one day this week! We had a shrimp boil and it was oh so good. I will confess though, that I only ate the shrimp, potatoes, and corn. :)

 

 

Would You Be Friends With You?

Do you ever wonder if you weren't actually you, if you'd actually like you or not?

I occasionally enter these moods where I ponder on whether or not I'm okay with who I've become. I try to see myself from an outside angle and consider how others might see me. And honestly, I'm not always happy when I do this. Would I even want to be friends with me?

I realize I am sometimes entirely too hard on myself, but I also know that my standards need to be more like God's and less like the world's. I know I will never achieve the qualities that I strive for, but it's these periods in my life in which I become aware of the fact that I'm no longer working towards those characteristics that I find myself discouraged.


Where is my compassion? I'm becoming so wrapped up in the constant non-stop schedule that is life today that I don't even stop to consider the needs of others. When I do that, I'm saying my time is more precious than yours. How selfish. In order to serve Him, we must serve others.

Friends and Fall Celebration

In celebration of all that is Fall and Friendly, I am hosting my very first giveaway!

 

Actually, I really wanted to have my first giveaway for a couple of reasons. One, because I'm overwhelmed with joy and thankfulness for every single one of you who take the time to read what I am sharing. I am really excited about all of the new friendships that have come from joining the bloggy world. And two, I seriously do love the change into the Fall season. I look forward to the crisper air, long sleeves, fleece, and hot chocolate.

So, for an official kick off to the Fall season, let's have some fun! Three winners will get their very own $10 Starbucks Gift Card. I've got all three sitting right here beside me and I'll mail them out to you shortly after the giveaway ends. :)

 

 

As for details, the giveaway will last through September. There are all sorts of ways to enter - be sure to check them out below. Once the winners are chosen, I'll get in touch with you and will send your gift card to you shortly after.

Now, moving on to that Friendly Fall Fun!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

As always, thanks for reading.

 

Kate

 

September 22, 2013