Something Special for YOU, My Awesome Readers!

You aren't going to believe this but I have almost written/you have almost read 100 posts of my crazy talk. Which just thrills me to no end! I was trying to think of something special I could do for YOU, my reader friends. The crazy thing is, you actually know me better than some people I see on a daily basis. Kinda crazy? I was going to do a giveaway to you and I still am. It will be something small {so keep checking back to see what it is} but I also wanted to do something on a larger scale. It's Christmas time and there are SO many families who are struggling. I would love to have YOU, the B.M.C. readers, adopt a family for Christmas. What do you think? I would love for it to be a local family {but it doesn't have to be}. That way we can stay in touch and bless them not just at Christmas but throughout the year. I would love to hear your thoughts and suggestions on this. If you know of a family, or a local organization PLEASE let me know.

As I have said many times before, "it is way better to give than to receive." Time to start putting some action behind the words I write.

Here are 10 of my favorite verses on giving. Enjoy.

Deuteronomy 10:17-18

17 For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. 18 He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the alien, giving him food and clothing.

Proverbs 22:9

9 A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.

Proverbs 29:7

7 The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.

2 Corinthians 9:6-7

6Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

1 John 3: 17-18

17 If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? 18Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. 

Ephesians 4:28

28 He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.

Philippians 4:19

19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

1 Timothy 6:18

18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.

Hebrews 13:16

16 And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

1 John 3: 17-18

17 If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? 18Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. 

So excited to share this experience with you and see the way the Lord uses this to bless a family and show His love during this holiday season.

This post is linked up to Top Ten Tuesday at Oh Amanda ...Go check it out!

Holiday Awkwardness.

So, how was your Thanksgiving weekend? Did you go Black Friday shopping? I used to be one of *them* but this year I just couldn't do it. Sleep seemed to be a much needed friend. Instead my mom and I went Smart Saturday shopping. Less crowds, good deals, less crowds... 

Whenever I go to the mall I see amazing people! Seriously, have you ever really looked around? Granted it's not like Wally World {you may know it as Walmart} but my mall is interesting to say the least. Today, I was actually their twice. Once by myself and the second time was with my favorite shopping partner... my mom. However, today took a sad turn of events, today, sadly, I am the weird mall lady. I was at Macy's looking around for a black coat when I found *the one*. Seriously it is black, sheek, and just yummy. However, it fit almost perfect to perfect. I needed to ask someone if they had a different size in the fabulous black coat. Real quick... Can someone please explain to me why there are only XS and S on the racks? Seriously? {Ahem} The lady {who was working so hard had sweat dripping down her face} says to me, "Maam, did you find everything you were looking for?" I said "I was just wondering if you had this coat in a Medium?" but as I did I completely gleeked (a.k.a. spit). So, I gleeked and it landed on the counter right between us, just a little spot, but still. I was so embarrassed, of course I had no clue what to do. Thankfully my mom was looking around. She would have totally called me out. So, do I wipe it away, do I acknowledge it at all? Should I apologize? I did what everyone does {I think} and just pretended it didn't happen. So, she then proceeds to tell me they have no other size. {Um. I still get the coat. Yep, it's a little snug but I LOVED it} Then we're both standing there in complete and total awkward silence waiting for my card to process. Both of us staring at my spit puddle on the counter. Then after I sign my John Hancock I walked away and left it there. Whats a girl to do right? You know the second I left she walked over to her three other co-workers and told them how I spit all over the counter. Who does that? 

Then, as we are leaving swag in hand we realize the mall is closed. Which means the store we parked at is closed. Seriously, lets just say the mall is um not 100% safe at night. We go to walk out and realize we have to walk so far plus we parked on the bottom level which meant we had to climb down a hill {seriously} its black out, plus my mom and I have hands filled with Christmas swag. My fabulous sometimes crazy mom almost has "the big one." She is convinced we are going to get robbed. So, she literally, in the middle of us walking to the car, makes a bee line for the mall front door. Seriously, I am that girl who just spit on someone running around an empty parking lot chasing my crazy mother. It was our lucky night. Guess who just happened to be at the door of the mall waiting to lock it? Yep, our 2 new security friends {they so hated us}. They had to walk my mom and I outside in the freezing cold down the hill to her car. Did I mention it was freezing? How does this stuff happen to me? When we got in the car we both couldn't stop laughing. It was a fabulous eventful night with one of my favorite people on this earth. It's always a great adventure with my mom. However, after tonight I am pretty sure we are going to have to wear disguises or go to a different mall next time.


Happy Cyber Monday!!!

Fun, Food and Family Traditions

Many of you know, I LOVE family traditions. I don't know if it is the actually tradition or just the "idea" of having family traditions. I see myself 20 years from now at Thanksgiving with all of my boys {maybe 5 or 6 by then} and their wives sitting at our huge table talking about what we are thankful for. Laughing about all of the random "family traditions" their crazy mom {made} them all do while growing up! How GREAT does that sound? Almost too good to be true, right?  

So, last year we started a Thanksgiving family tradition and it continued this year. We get up early and go out to breakfast. Nothing fancy but here at our castle we get excited. The boys remembered us doing it last year and were SO excited to wake up and go OUT to eat. I think one reason they get so excited is because... #1) it's breakfast {which I LOVE} and #2) lets not forget we have three little men 6 and under. Eating out really isn't something we do all the time.

BUT... It's Thanksgiving and a family tradition. So, we will do it. We will like it and we smile like we always do. 

It was actually such a fun and enjoyable time. Shocking, right? We had the same sweet waitress as last year. She gave us free drinks {you know the orange juice in a kiddie cup} not the crazy kind you kids were thinking of. Were we a tad bit loud, a little messy, did Cole feel the need to throw every piece of silverwear he got his chubby hands on onto the nasty floor? Yes. Did we laugh a lot, play new games, sing in the car, talk about football and Christmas? Yes. That's what a family tradition is all about. Enjoying the family you have been so graciously given.  

After we left we then took the kids to Wally World a.k.a Walmart and let them go through all the toy aisles and let us know some things they would like for Christmas. It's always a fun time for them. There is usually no one around so we let the kids run up and down the aisles. It kinda reminds me of Supermarket Sweep. Please tell me you used to watch it like 10 years ago? I LOVED that game show. I would so have been amazing on that. I sometimes act like I am on the show when I am grocery shopping now. If you have seen this oldy but goody you know you have thought the same thing when your racing around the grocery store ;). Maybe not?  

Ahem

Praying that your day was a time of fun, food and family traditions. In an effort to create more traditions around this castle what are some fun family traditions you have? 

Definition of Thankfulness...

For more Fabulous Wordless Wednesday photos, visit 5MinutesforMom.com and Wordless Wednesday.

What are you giving thanks for this week?

Can you believe it? Thanksgiving is almost here, it's only appropriate we all take time to think about what we are truly thankful for.  As many of you, I am truly thankful for the things that are most important in my life: His grace that saved me, the sound of giggles that fill my castle, the sound of a little voice saying momma, my sweet boys {all four of them} and friends who accept me in spite of me being me. Here is what I want you to think about.....what is something you are thankful for that seems insignificant/ non-traditional if you will?  Is it your daily morning trip to Starbucks? Your new pair of rain boots {that you got for $60 cheaper that originally expected}? Your quiet time in your car {away from the daily chaos that surrounds you}? I really am wanting to know!!! 

Since it's Top Ten Tuesday it's only appropriate I let you know 10 {non-traditional} things I am thankful for.

How about I go first...I'm thankful for...

Sparkly Headbands

 Aveda Products

 Diet Coke

 A Fabulous Mascara

Finding out someone new is reading my blog.

My favorite pair of Seven jeans.

 Take Out Menus

Reality TV Shows

A unforgettable photo {of my boys, of course} 

 YOU {who continue to read what I am thinking, feeling, struggling with and for some reason you keep coming back to read}. So, yes, I am thankful for YOU.  Now, it's your turn...what are the little things you're thankful for?  I am so excited to hear all of your answers!

This post is linked up to Top Ten Tuesday at Oh Amanda ...Go check it out!

Christmas and Toilet Water.

How was your weekend? Mine was full of Christmas and toilets. I know, it's early but I couldn't help myself. I used to have a strict after Thanksgiving rule but for the 1st time EVER I broke it. I am okay with that but I have clearly caused mass confusion in our castle.  First, my blue eyed love/devil child this weekend asked me why I had big socks hanging from our fireplace. Hilarious. He was totally serious but I thought it was so funny and true! They actually do kinda look like huge socks. Then my six year old turned 25 peeked his head down the steps and said, "Mom, is Santa coming tonight?" {insert mass confusion here} Clearly, the decorating happened *maybe* a little too early. 

Plus, I forgot what it was like to have a crawler/fake walker around the house. Yep, it's not fun in case you were wondering. He has a new love for all things toilet. Seriously, this little man has radar. The second he *senses* an open bathroom door he literally makes a mad dash to the toilet. Lets not forget we have a total of four males in our castle which means that door is open A LOT! I always know where he is because I hear the splashing. Vomit, I know. It's disgusting. Thankfully, its at least flushed. I feel like he is almost like a dog. {worst mom alive} Think about it though... He wants his snacks on the ground, he hangs out by my feet all day and now he plays in toilets. Don't get me wrong he is the cutest K9 I have ever seen. I mean look at the kid. You can't help but smile, toilet water and all!

Have a Fabulous Monday!!

Some Girls Have One... Yep, I've got two.

Of what you ask? 

First, before I spill the beans. Have you read this post? You should. 

This fabulous body {insert sarcastic laugh}I have has not been one that I have loved and still struggle to love it everyday.

I'm pretty sure this is something that most females go through. 

Some more than others FOR SURE! 

I love working out. I guess I should refraze that. I have grown to love to workout. 

Unlike many of you, I wasn't born a skinny minny. My body is happy when it's got a lot of chub on it.

 However, I am not.

In fact, I actually get kinda mean {shocking, right?}

Which brings me to the answer that you have been waiting for. 

Every time I start to eat whatever I want or go without working out for a few days, I have a friend who comes to visit. I call her a friend because she comes and goes.

 The only difference is that with my friends I LOVE to see them. 

With this friend... not so much.

You can call her SB. Which stands for second butt. 

It's this little layer of fat under my butt cheek. 

Seriously, it's a second butt. {If you have one you LOVE me right now. Why? Because you thought you were the only one out there}I know, TMI ...maybe but I figured she is apart of me. 

So... why not share. 

Here is what I know. I get frustrated {like right now} and burnt out {like right now}.

 I get sick of watching what I eat and trying to make sure I get some type of exercise in. 

It's annoying at times. But. This is the way my body was created and I guess I should just be thankful that I can workout. I am sure you know how I am feeling. Second butt situation... maybe not. So, how do you get out of the dreaded workout slump? I need a boost. 

A Birthday Party To Remember {in more ways than one}

Yes, I know you have been waiting to hear how the boys crazy {but awesome} birthday shindig went. As you know I kinda LOVE to have parties. Do I get stressed? Yes. I have come to realize that I kinda like stress because I keep having the parties. After I am done I always say, "that wasn't bad at all." I'm beginning to think it's like labor. Why? You know how like a month after having your sweet little baby you think the labor thing wasn't really "that" bad. It's like you forget the screaming, sweating, swearing {not me} that occurred. 

I have the party thing pretty much down to a science. For the last 5 years we have rented out our local YMCA. We always have the party after hours so NO ONE else is in the building. My mom and I go and set up about 2 hours before. I know, who has that much crap  fabulous party decorations to set up? 

 {ahem}

This year I made the Photo Booth {which the girls LOVED}. My boys didn't go in it once. To be honest I didn't make it for them. {Don't tell them} I knew there was going to be lots of cute little ladies who would love the all the tiara's, rings, glitter masks and princess wands they could use to dress up and take pictures. 

A quick side note... to my future sons girlfriends {if I approve of you} you are going to LOVE me. Why? Because, I am surrounded by penis' all day so I finally will get to go shopping, go to the spa and do anything girly!

This year we had around 30 kids RSVP to this crazy event. About 20 minutes before everyone was about to arrive the YMCA dude comes up to me to and says, "Ma'am are you from the Boy Scouts?" Seriously, does it look like I am from the Boy Scouts? {I wanted to say that but I didn't of course} I smiled and said no we just got done setting up for my boys birthday party. Hence the 30 balloons, candy buffet, 12 tables, cake, banner, Photo Booth etc... {didn't say that either}. He then informs me that they *accidentally* double booked and there will be 40 boy scouts arriving in... 20 minutes. Awesome. 

Normally, I would have "The Big One" but I choose be calm and go talk to the Boy Scout trooper lady {I think she has an official title but I have no clue what it is}. She was great we decided they will swim during our party and we wont even see them. Perfect. Problem solved. Wrong.

{sigh}

The next thing I know {10 minutes before everyone will be arriving} this woman who lets just say had the personality of a snail shows up. She was clearly having one of those days where you probably for the sake of others stay locked  up in your house. She comes up to me and says she is getting the Family Center {where the party was} set up for church the next day. Well, that may be a problem because I have 30 little people about to show up. I explained how the party was only like an hour and half and I would stay and help set up after. She said, "No, not an option." {Deep Breath in, Slow Breath Out} She then proceeded to be lets just say not a nice person. I'm sure you are wondering where the Y guy is in all of this. Um. Me too. They call the awesome, smart person who triple booked the night and of course he doesn't answer his phone. Why, would he? So we are left to figure it out ourselves. 

If you know my husband you know that he is quiet unless you push him over board. Well... Little Miss Sunshine pushed him over board. He confronted LMS and then went to find the pastor of the church {who was truly awesome}. At this point my sweet, kind hearted mom proceeds to tell LMS that she is really being unreasonable right now. LMS then says it's just a birthday party and starts to move the cake table. {Never touch my cake table, people} My mom puts one hand on her hip and the other pointing directly at LMS and says, " You call yourself a Christian, You're more like the spawn of Satan." 

Holy Poo. At this point I start to laugh but only because I want to cry. What in the crap is happening right now? Note to self: Don't mess with my mom. She is cute and little but I am now 100% sure if you mess with me she will kick the crap out of you or just call you the spawn of Satan. {love that woman} 

Finally, she realizes she should probably just go. I doubt she has ever seen a momma bear protect her cub like that before. Thankfully she leaves... as she is leaving the first guests arrive. I of course smile and greet them like nothing has happened.

Believe it or not it was a fabulous party. So much laughter, loudness, joy. The kids were adorable and had the best time. One of the little girls came up to me and said, "this is the best party I have been to ever!" We played games in the gym, had fun with the pinata, took pictures in the photo booth, sang into their new microphones and ate LOTS of candy. 

When the night was over and we were sitting in our living room watching the boys play with all their new toys and talking about who all was there I look at Coach W and say, "that wasn't bad at all." {pregnancy memory I guess} My sweet boys are already counting down the days till their next party.

{sigh} 

Please tell me you have had crazy things happen at your parties?  

My Cup Runneth Over...

For more Fabulous Wordless Wednesday photos, visit 5MinutesforMom.com andWordless Wednesday.

Dear Dad,

I can't believe you have been gone for an entire year. In some ways I feel like you were just sitting on the couch laughing with me and the boys. Other days I feel like I haven't seen you in forever. I thought I would write you a letter instead of writing about you. I'm sure your not surprised but I have been dreading this day for a long time. You know how much I hate to cry and I know you wouldn't want me sad but I miss you like crazy. I feel like my heart hurts. I know you would be so mad at me right now. I know that you are so happy and singing with the angels. You always loved praise and worship. You would sing so loud and drive me, mom and min crazy. Do you have a good voice now that your in heaven? You have to right?  I wish you could see the boys, Dad. They have grown so much in the past year. It's crazy. Cole is starting to take steps. He is so sweet, Dad. He would melt your heart. Brady is like a little man and is obsessed with football. Remember the last soccer game you were at? He is so good at it and its so exciting to watch him. You would be so proud of him.  Mason is well... Mason. He is the cutest kid alive. Mom always says if she gets sad she knows Mason will do something within two seconds to make her laugh. He is so stinkin funny, Dad. We missed you at the boys birthday party this weekend. It was complete chaos as they all are. Mom helped me a ton. I remember the last party you were at with the boys and I will never forget you sitting at one of the round tables and in the middle of me running around like a crazy person you stopped me and told me what a great mom I was to the boys. I don't know if I ever told you how much that meant to me. 
I know you don't care but I still can't bring myself to go back to your grave site. I just know your not there. It makes me sad because I feel like I am forgetting what your voice sounds like. I want to call you on the phone so bad and just hear you for a second. The beauty of this whole thing Dad is that while the tears seem unending you are standing before Jesus himself. Is He as amazing as we thought? I am sure he is. What it is like up there? Tonight I was laying in bed with Brady and we were talking about the weekend and his birthday. I asked him if his birthday was everything he had hoped for and he said, "Mom, lets just say I love you higher than heaven." I know I have read about it but I can't imagine what it must be like. How amazing it is. Gosh, I wish I could give you one more hug. I remember the last time I saw you before you were in the hospital. It was just you, me and Brady fishing. Do you remember looking at me and saying how it made you think of when I was a little girl? I was so excited to be fishing with you again. We had so much fun that day. Dad do you think the sadness will ever stop? The funny thing is I know I should be happy and truly I am so thankful that you are walking on streets of gold but I just miss you and can't wait for the day that I see Jesus and then you!! I miss you and love you more than you could ever know.

Love is a Verb.

For many of us, myself included, the right form of love was never really learned the right way. I tend to have a very warped sense of love. I am going to say it has something to do with all these darn reality shows I can't pull myself away from. {Ahem} Do you ever find yourself focusing on external qualities of love and not the most important internal ones? It's like we treat love like a noun instead of the verb it should be. We think of love as... A moment. A thing. A feeling. Butterflies. Fireworks. What if you treated it as an action? A choice? In a world when divorce is rampant, I wonder if it would change just by putting some action behind those four letters {not the action you are thinking of}! Choosing to love someone is never easy. If someone said it was they lied. What if we realized it's not necessarily about choosing the right person but it's about becoming the right person. It's not too often we look at ourselves to see what we need to do or be. So, my question to you and myself is... How do you view love? Are you treating it like a noun? Or are you doing what most aren't and treating it like it should be treated. A Verb. 
 

SIX.

I feel like only yesterday I was scared out of my mind laying in a hospital room. 

I remember EVERYONE came to the hospital to 

WAIT and WAIT and WAIT some more. 

I remember Dr. D laughing because I went into the hospital with you and all of the family was there and ready to see you. Little did we know just how long being induced actually takes {don't worry buddy I'll let your lucky wife explain the induction thing to you later on}.

I didn't hear your first little cry for 35 long hours after arriving at the hospital.

I had no idea that my heart was capable of loving something so tiny, helpless and beautiful as you.

I truly feel like Jesus put me here on this earth to love YOU and be your mommy and I am so thankful. 

  I can remember imagining as I sat in my hospital bed and held you and gazed into your sweet little eyes...wondering what this life would hold for you. I had no idea you would be a little image of your dad. I never could have imagined that you would possess a drive and an optimism that amazes me. I had no idea that you would be wise beyond your years and too witty for your own good.  I had no idea that you would be obsessed with sports or that you would have a God given ability to play them so well. I had no idea that you would have such a tender heart and I never could have imagined that you would be an AMAZING big brother.

I am so infinitely grateful that you were born to me and into our family. There are no words to describe the ways in which you have taught me more about myself, love, Jesus, selflessness, optimism and contentment. I want you to stay small. I want you to still want me to snuggle with you. I want you to make sure that I cut your peanut butter and jelly in 6 pieces. I want you to still need me to help tie your shoe in a double knot. I know with each year you will need me less but for now in this moment I am thankful that I will be the one to tuck you into your bed tonight and pray with you, my birthday boy!

At a time when the whole world seems to revolve around your two little brothers a lot...
I just wanted to say this day is all yours my love. Happy Birthday to you. I love you.
And...you'll always be my baby.

{a.k.a. Mom}

linked to Things I Love Thursday

All I Want For Christmas Is You...

The minute I was handed my CD of wonderful memories I knew I was going to LOVE what I was about to see. Never did I think I would have so many pictures that captured my sweet family. Like I said before we had never done Christmas cards before. Well that is all going to change and thanks to Shutterfly I get 50 of them for free. How fabulous is that? I need your help to pick which one will be the "one" for this years Christmas card. Of course, I can't pick... You know how I get with this stuff. 

Here are your Top Five choices. 

#1

How can you not smile at this?

 #2

This sweet little donkey was such a trooper!

#3

J. O. Y.

 #4

Love these sweet men!

#5

LOVE this one!

1. I am truly blessed with these adorable little men.

2. We don't want a dog or a cat we want a pet donkey for our castle. 

3. JOY is the perfect word for what I feel when I see these... 100% pure joy!

4. It was freezing out and my sweet boys were such troopers. 

5. Thankful that I have three boys because really a little lady at this point in our lives just wouldn't fit in :)

6. I keep looking at these pictures over and over again. Why? They just make my heart happy.

7. For someone who HATED getting a family photo I am a 100% convert. I LOVE it now!

8. I am loved. I am thankful. I am blessed. I am redeemed.

9. I am getting excited for Christmas. Yes, I know it's not even Thanksgiving but after seeing these photos I want to turn on the Christmas lights, get out the hot chocolate, count the snow flakes, make snow angels, wrap presents and set out the cookies and milk. I can't wait to snuggle up with those men you see and get ready for the holiday season!

10. So, I really need your help... Which one should I choose???

*A special thanks to Nikki James Photography for these amazing pictures!

Be You.

 Be Patient.

Be Silly.

Be Rad.

Be Sweet.

Be Sunny.
Be Brilliant.

Be Loved.

Be Crazy.

Be Close.

Be Family.

Be Alive. 

Be You.