As the Holidays approach every family realizes they are so very loved and with that love comes a multitude of invitations and expected appearances. Consequently, we have to prioritize and in the process, feelings inevitably get hurt.
So I'm going to bare my soul and try to explain our position and pray that we are understood and our choices are accepted without offense.
Abigail and Amelia are very blessed and extremely loved. But they are also little girls who deserve some consideration and mercy instead of being pulled like rags dolls and expected to preform like perfect little angels in a white picket fence, "norman rockwell" family.
They have 2 families, Mom's and Dad's. Which then get split again into Dad's and M's and Mom's and R's. Now that mom and dad both have other children it is even more complicated because we have the responsibility of making sure each family gets time with "their" grandchildren. It should not be this way, but it is. Christmas break is only 2 weeks and driving between College Station, Dallas, Stephenville takes a toll on us. We have to coordinate between the Gaither's and McCormick's for Abigail and Amelia's time...and when faced with the reality of having to choose between the two, I choose Gaither's for Abigail and Amelia because Gaither is their blood. Axel will see the McCormicks, but during our limited time with the girls, the Gaither's come first. Not that we do not love the McCormick's...but Abi and Mia didn't choose that family, I did and I will not impose my decision on my daughters in the way of family obligation. They are not obligated to preform at family functions. Of course, we want to try to include everyone, but some years, we just can't make it all work.
We will come to Dallas when we can, with all three kids, but during this precious Holiday season, please understand that we have to look at things differently and will make the decision we feel is in ALL of our children's best interest.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
My blessings
I realize that there are many times others look into my life and see the blessings I take for granted daily. I do the same. Why is it always to easy to see the blessings in others lives and so difficult to see in your own?! I guess that falls under the "grass is always greener" category.
Well, today I am thankful for the blessing of being a WAHM. It is rough stuff 9 out of 10 days (yes, I am aware that there are only 5 workdays in a week but whatever.). A friend recently went back to work after being a WAHM Mom for the past 14 years, and her first week back has been less than ideal. My heart hurts for her as she re~adjusts to the demands of being a full-time working mom and rejoices with her as she regains her independence and identity outside of her children. Another wonderful example of the complexity we know as life. Being home with my sick kids is not often perceived as a blessing~but today I realize that for me, personally...it totally is!
What others may see as a burden, I consider a blessing. This time I am able to be home, although it may be filled with dirty diapers, laundry and dishes...is precious to me and will be gone far to soon. So I am determined to face the monotony with a thankful heart.
Last night we did pumpkins~but our method of decorating is a process and so they are not blog ready yet, but will be soon.
I'm off to do what I am talking about...smile as I switch the wash, giggle as I unload the dishwasher, dance as I sweep the crumbs from breakfast and inhale the yummy smells as I make an apple pumpkin spice cake while the bitty's nap.
I am aware that more often than not, my blog is pointless nonsense...but to the ones that matter, it is perfect. That is ALL that matters. :-)
Well, today I am thankful for the blessing of being a WAHM. It is rough stuff 9 out of 10 days (yes, I am aware that there are only 5 workdays in a week but whatever.). A friend recently went back to work after being a WAHM Mom for the past 14 years, and her first week back has been less than ideal. My heart hurts for her as she re~adjusts to the demands of being a full-time working mom and rejoices with her as she regains her independence and identity outside of her children. Another wonderful example of the complexity we know as life. Being home with my sick kids is not often perceived as a blessing~but today I realize that for me, personally...it totally is!
What others may see as a burden, I consider a blessing. This time I am able to be home, although it may be filled with dirty diapers, laundry and dishes...is precious to me and will be gone far to soon. So I am determined to face the monotony with a thankful heart.
Last night we did pumpkins~but our method of decorating is a process and so they are not blog ready yet, but will be soon.
I'm off to do what I am talking about...smile as I switch the wash, giggle as I unload the dishwasher, dance as I sweep the crumbs from breakfast and inhale the yummy smells as I make an apple pumpkin spice cake while the bitty's nap.
I am aware that more often than not, my blog is pointless nonsense...but to the ones that matter, it is perfect. That is ALL that matters. :-)
Upcoming projects
Now that school is no longer a priority...I find myself...dare I say it, bored?! Uh oh...pinterest. Enough said.
My poor, poor husband!
His Honey-Do list just doubled. Lucky for him, I have a few brothers that get to "share the wealth".
Ryan is running away to Nevada. Ok, not really running away so much as work is sending him... but this leaves me unsupervised. With a paintbrush and paint samples taped on nearly every room of the house.
Blue Drop for the girls bathroom
A beautiful vintage caramel, also known as "charismatic" for the kitchen
And Newsworthy Neutral for the master bath and laundry room.
I am so excited!
I may also buy a new front door if I can convince a brother to come install it when he comes to build the bookshelves.
Or maybe...
Or perhaps...
The last one is of course my first choice, but seeing as it is over $500 it does not seem practical when #1 is just a nice. I just wish it had a window. If I could the window from #2 on door #1 it would be perfect! Guess I'll have to keep looking.
If I can manage to get this all done it will feel like a brand new house, just in time for Thanksgiving!
My poor, poor husband!
His Honey-Do list just doubled. Lucky for him, I have a few brothers that get to "share the wealth".
Ryan is running away to Nevada. Ok, not really running away so much as work is sending him... but this leaves me unsupervised. With a paintbrush and paint samples taped on nearly every room of the house.
Blue Drop for the girls bathroom
A beautiful vintage caramel, also known as "charismatic" for the kitchen
And Newsworthy Neutral for the master bath and laundry room.
I am so excited!
I may also buy a new front door if I can convince a brother to come install it when he comes to build the bookshelves.
Or maybe...
Or perhaps...
The last one is of course my first choice, but seeing as it is over $500 it does not seem practical when #1 is just a nice. I just wish it had a window. If I could the window from #2 on door #1 it would be perfect! Guess I'll have to keep looking.
If I can manage to get this all done it will feel like a brand new house, just in time for Thanksgiving!
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
The things I do for my Girl
In case any of my blog~stalkers are looking for a somewhere to throw all that extra cash they have laying around...
http://www.donorschoose.org/project/help-me-bring-the-world-to-my-students/900752/
Abigail & Amelia are part of the Talent Pool at their school and they are currently trying to raise money for tablets to use as they study the world through the Global Encounter program.
We don't participate in most of the school fundraisers ("participate" as in we try not to bug other people to buy ridiculously overpriced candy or cookie dough but we buy them to show our support)...however, this seemed like a worthy cause.
Even if all you are willing and able to do is sacrifice a morning latte...it would be appreciated ever so much!
:-)
http://www.donorschoose.org/project/help-me-bring-the-world-to-my-students/900752/
Abigail & Amelia are part of the Talent Pool at their school and they are currently trying to raise money for tablets to use as they study the world through the Global Encounter program.
We don't participate in most of the school fundraisers ("participate" as in we try not to bug other people to buy ridiculously overpriced candy or cookie dough but we buy them to show our support)...however, this seemed like a worthy cause.
Even if all you are willing and able to do is sacrifice a morning latte...it would be appreciated ever so much!
:-)
Monday, October 15, 2012
Oh gracious!
This is what I find myself saying most often lately. Daily, I am taken off guard and thrown for a loop with these monsters (I say with sincere love). Over half of my life has been spent taking care of children in one setting or another and now having a degree in early childhood...I am convinced I know less now (about kids) than I did when I was 13! How exactly does that happen?!
Oh...that's right...because kids are Cuh-rAAAzy! :-)
It's all good, don't be misled. I love my job and adore my life. It's just exhausting. I only had ONE kiddo this weekend and it made me realize once again, my Mom was right.
One is hard, two isn't really much of a change but three will ROCK YOUR WORLD! Four, people think you've lost it and you have. Five...game over. Six...by this time you have an older one (or two) to help with the little ones so your not suicidal. Seven...It's cool, we got this. Eight, are we really still keeping track? Nine...we are so tired...who even cares anymore?!
And this is where God reminded her, He wouldn't give her more than she could handle :-P
For the goobers questioning...NO. I am not preggo. My older sis and lil bro are, well his wife is. Not I said the cat!
Axel is a fabulous boy...when he is occupied. When his sisters are home or friends are here, he really is SUCH a good kid. But when it's just Mom and Dad, not so very much. We love him...but man, that kid has the McCormick temper like nobody's business!!! I'd say maybe we should have another to keep him busy... Or NOT?! Two of those McCormick boys...Umm, yeah I'm good thanks! ;-P
As I bang on wood and silently beg God not so play a cruel joke on me...
I say with all the confidence I can muster...
I'm good with three.
Oh...that's right...because kids are Cuh-rAAAzy! :-)
It's all good, don't be misled. I love my job and adore my life. It's just exhausting. I only had ONE kiddo this weekend and it made me realize once again, my Mom was right.
One is hard, two isn't really much of a change but three will ROCK YOUR WORLD! Four, people think you've lost it and you have. Five...game over. Six...by this time you have an older one (or two) to help with the little ones so your not suicidal. Seven...It's cool, we got this. Eight, are we really still keeping track? Nine...we are so tired...who even cares anymore?!
And this is where God reminded her, He wouldn't give her more than she could handle :-P
For the goobers questioning...NO. I am not preggo. My older sis and lil bro are, well his wife is. Not I said the cat!
Axel is a fabulous boy...when he is occupied. When his sisters are home or friends are here, he really is SUCH a good kid. But when it's just Mom and Dad, not so very much. We love him...but man, that kid has the McCormick temper like nobody's business!!! I'd say maybe we should have another to keep him busy... Or NOT?! Two of those McCormick boys...Umm, yeah I'm good thanks! ;-P
As I bang on wood and silently beg God not so play a cruel joke on me...
I say with all the confidence I can muster...
I'm good with three.
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Sitting here, looking at you
Axel Jude~ Everyday, you do something that utterly amazes me, and I think to myself...I am the luckiest Mom in the whole world! You are determined to prove that you are just as smart as your sisters. So much for "boys develop slower"...you started saying "thank you" this week and your ability to throw a tantrum grows daily. Yesterday, I waited for 20 minutes as you hollered, tried to climb the fence, pulled at the fence boards, tried to push the house, and yelled through the window for Mia to come help you. You really wanted in the back yard...finally you surrendered and we went through the garage like I said. You are strong, climbing like a monkey and pushing the cart when we go to HEB...never mind you are only a bit over 2 feet tall. :-)
A few of our favorite things...starbucks pumpkin everything. I'm not a huge fan of "fall" but this year I am making an effort to find things to appreciate about it, and Starbucks makes it easy with the lattes and scones!
Also...I found a fabulous nail polish! Revlon makes a killer "fall" shade called "foxy". Oh yeah baby...it is! It is great for my light toes, dark fingers fetish. And for a bit of simple glam...I did the gold glitter on my right ring finger like I keep seeing on pinterest. ;-P
I am really excited about my new found "freedom" although at dinner last night, we were already discussing my going back next fall. Nothing set in stone yet...but it's nice to have options.
That's about all I have to share today~about to go do some "window" shopping with my friend in good ole BCS before I grab my gals.
A few of our favorite things...starbucks pumpkin everything. I'm not a huge fan of "fall" but this year I am making an effort to find things to appreciate about it, and Starbucks makes it easy with the lattes and scones!
Also...I found a fabulous nail polish! Revlon makes a killer "fall" shade called "foxy". Oh yeah baby...it is! It is great for my light toes, dark fingers fetish. And for a bit of simple glam...I did the gold glitter on my right ring finger like I keep seeing on pinterest. ;-P
I am really excited about my new found "freedom" although at dinner last night, we were already discussing my going back next fall. Nothing set in stone yet...but it's nice to have options.
That's about all I have to share today~about to go do some "window" shopping with my friend in good ole BCS before I grab my gals.
Friday, October 12, 2012
Something
A lifetime ago...I thought I was nothing, a broken little girl playing house with a man who was mean, because he didn't know how to be anything else. Oddly enough~I thought I was happy. I had what I always wanted...
Through the destruction of my dreams and broken heart...I realized I was never "nothing".
After years of struggle, an ocean of teardrops and more heartache than I thought I could bear. I realized I was never as broken as people wanted me to believe. I was valuable as I was and I had the potential to be even more.
Today I submitted the last assignments for my classes. I will graduate in December.
~~~
When you left, you did your very best to destroy me, but you couldn't. All you did was make me stronger.
You told me I was nothing and that I'd always be nothing, that I'd never do anything worthwhile...you were wrong. All that did was make me determined.
As twisted as it sounds, I am thankful you were such a wretched jerk to me. I am thankful that you beat me down and left me, hoping I'd die in a fiery car crash.
I set out to prove you wrong and I did. It might be a baby step...but it's still a step. And I did it without abandoning my family...
A lifetime ago you said "come hell or high water, I'll make you happier than you've ever been".
I never imagined it would work out this way...
I am happier than I ever hoped to be. But you didn't do it...I did.
Through the destruction of my dreams and broken heart...I realized I was never "nothing".
After years of struggle, an ocean of teardrops and more heartache than I thought I could bear. I realized I was never as broken as people wanted me to believe. I was valuable as I was and I had the potential to be even more.
Today I submitted the last assignments for my classes. I will graduate in December.
~~~
When you left, you did your very best to destroy me, but you couldn't. All you did was make me stronger.
You told me I was nothing and that I'd always be nothing, that I'd never do anything worthwhile...you were wrong. All that did was make me determined.
As twisted as it sounds, I am thankful you were such a wretched jerk to me. I am thankful that you beat me down and left me, hoping I'd die in a fiery car crash.
I set out to prove you wrong and I did. It might be a baby step...but it's still a step. And I did it without abandoning my family...
A lifetime ago you said "come hell or high water, I'll make you happier than you've ever been".
I never imagined it would work out this way...
I am happier than I ever hoped to be. But you didn't do it...I did.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
attitude of gratitude
Life has been hectic...but that's pretty "normal" for my crew. A few of my friends have joined Ann Voskamp on her 1000 gifts challenge and although I haven't "officially" joined, I am kinda~sorta following suit.
This was something my Mom was always doing when we were little, when days were rough~she would "count her blessings". Josanna started her blog (days of gratitude) a few years back. I started my affirmation journal when I met Ryan. Something I have struggled with my whole life is being thankful for the rotten things... When I was 12, my favorite book, (well, 2nd favorite) was Corrie ten Boom's, "The Hiding Place" and the most fierce part of that book for me was when her sister Betsy was thankful for the fleas that infested their cell...because those fleas protected them from the guard. While we were in MI this summer, feeling ever so disgruntled at the circumstances of our trip...I read "simple act of gratitdue" and was re-inspired to take inventory of all the blessings in my life.
I am so abundantly blessed! After last week's events~my heart is a wreck. I am so thankful that their bumps and bruises have healed quickly. I am so thankful we have insurance and cars, and per-scheduled days off from work...Somebody really was looking out for us!! I am so thankful for my children...for the disobedience, dependance, disrespect...I am thankful for these things because they tell me my children are here. May I NEVER take that for granted!
I am in the home stretch with school. Aside from parenthood, and the divorce, and moving...well...let's just say it's been one of the most challenging things I've ever done, but I am extremely proud of myself for persevering and getting it done! Getting a degree was not in my plan~it was unnecessary in my life plan. I am thankful for circumstances that made it a necessity, a possibility and a reality.
Thankful for my husband~that he is who he is and that God knows my needs better than I do and can create something beautiful from the ashes.
This was something my Mom was always doing when we were little, when days were rough~she would "count her blessings". Josanna started her blog (days of gratitude) a few years back. I started my affirmation journal when I met Ryan. Something I have struggled with my whole life is being thankful for the rotten things... When I was 12, my favorite book, (well, 2nd favorite) was Corrie ten Boom's, "The Hiding Place" and the most fierce part of that book for me was when her sister Betsy was thankful for the fleas that infested their cell...because those fleas protected them from the guard. While we were in MI this summer, feeling ever so disgruntled at the circumstances of our trip...I read "simple act of gratitdue" and was re-inspired to take inventory of all the blessings in my life.
I am so abundantly blessed! After last week's events~my heart is a wreck. I am so thankful that their bumps and bruises have healed quickly. I am so thankful we have insurance and cars, and per-scheduled days off from work...Somebody really was looking out for us!! I am so thankful for my children...for the disobedience, dependance, disrespect...I am thankful for these things because they tell me my children are here. May I NEVER take that for granted!
I am in the home stretch with school. Aside from parenthood, and the divorce, and moving...well...let's just say it's been one of the most challenging things I've ever done, but I am extremely proud of myself for persevering and getting it done! Getting a degree was not in my plan~it was unnecessary in my life plan. I am thankful for circumstances that made it a necessity, a possibility and a reality.
Thankful for my husband~that he is who he is and that God knows my needs better than I do and can create something beautiful from the ashes.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Need to know
I need to do a better job of investing in those who contribute to my life, rather than wasting precious energy on those who do not. Someone tried to teach me that years ago and I didn't quite grasp or understand it.
I'm trying harder now.
I've gotten off track time & time again, falling victim to other people's influence or desires...and I take responsibility for my part in that. But part of taking responsibility is changing things you don't like.
Lots of chapters are ending for me, some I am sad about, others I am beyond excited for.
This is all still just a bunch of mumbo jumbo~and thats OK. I don't know about a whole lot right now, but I am holding on tight to what I do know.
My kids are my north star. They keep me true to my course and I would do ANYTHING for them. God help anyone who tries to get in my way.
I love myself & who I am~I'm proud of where I have been and I am proud of where I am going.
I love my husband. He is a good man who is giving his best effort to our family. He jumped aboard and grabbed the wheel, wanting to lead and provide for us when others had jumped ship. I do not acknowledge the enormous and generous act of love this is often enough.
My children~I tell them to listen to me and I mean it. I need to do a better job of listening to them. I could learn so much simply by watching them...their actions speak volumes about and to me.
Children are our direct link to God...They are modern day miracles and I am convinced they have magic powers. I need to take time every day to sit in awe of their pure awesomeness.
I need to breathe. Not every second of every day of my entire life has to be about checking something off a list. Sometimes all I need to do in a day is breathe...hug a baby...smile at a stranger...or tell a friend how important they have been in my life.
This is what I need to know...and when I need to know more I will. Until then...this is enough.
I'm trying harder now.
I've gotten off track time & time again, falling victim to other people's influence or desires...and I take responsibility for my part in that. But part of taking responsibility is changing things you don't like.
Lots of chapters are ending for me, some I am sad about, others I am beyond excited for.
This is all still just a bunch of mumbo jumbo~and thats OK. I don't know about a whole lot right now, but I am holding on tight to what I do know.
My kids are my north star. They keep me true to my course and I would do ANYTHING for them. God help anyone who tries to get in my way.
I love myself & who I am~I'm proud of where I have been and I am proud of where I am going.
I love my husband. He is a good man who is giving his best effort to our family. He jumped aboard and grabbed the wheel, wanting to lead and provide for us when others had jumped ship. I do not acknowledge the enormous and generous act of love this is often enough.
My children~I tell them to listen to me and I mean it. I need to do a better job of listening to them. I could learn so much simply by watching them...their actions speak volumes about and to me.
Children are our direct link to God...They are modern day miracles and I am convinced they have magic powers. I need to take time every day to sit in awe of their pure awesomeness.
I need to breathe. Not every second of every day of my entire life has to be about checking something off a list. Sometimes all I need to do in a day is breathe...hug a baby...smile at a stranger...or tell a friend how important they have been in my life.
This is what I need to know...and when I need to know more I will. Until then...this is enough.
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