Reflecting on November

I'm sitting in front of a half decorated Christmas tree, on the first day of December, wondering where November went.  Seriously, the month flew by.  It was full of many things that I expected, days full of school work and soccer practice and wrestling matches.  But it was also filled with many things that I did not expect, like new friendships, launching a new business, family worship at church, special moments with family, and beautiful days.

I am thankful for all of it...for my family, my amazing husband, a cozy home,  new and renewed connections,  laid back days with my boys, chickens who are finally laying eggs...the list could go on and on with "big" things and also with seemingly unimportant moments.  Because they ALL matter!

As we are starting the Advent season and preparing to celebrate the coming of Jesus, I hope that each of us will take a deep breath, slow down, and choose to carry with us into this new month a Spirit of Thankfulness! Let's be content with what we have, look for ways to give to or help someone else, and focus on what is truly important in life!

The Tuesday Review: Meg Meeker, M.D.

There are some days on the Tuesday Review that I will talk about specific books.  Other days I will highlight a specific author.  Today I am so excited to be able to do both!  

Dr. Meg Meeker is a pediatrician, mother, and best-selling author of six books.  She is also what I consider to be one of the nation's leading authorities on parenting and children's health.  I'm about half way into one of her books, Strong Mothers, Strong Sons, and so far I have been challenged and encouraged by what I have read! I don't know about you, but I need help, insight, wisdom, and encouragement on this journey of raising my boys to be extraordinary men! I would highly recommend you check out this book!



I also wanted to highlight something that Dr. Meeker has started, called The Strong Parent Project. The Strong Parent Project is a digital course that walks you through how to be a better parent! We could all use a little help in this area, don't you think? Neil and I just signed up and haven't had a chance to start into the 12 Principles yet.  But I am ready to dive in and learn how to be a better parent and mom!  I'll keep you posted! Until then, I encourage you to check it out. To learn more about The Strong Parent Project, or about Dr. Med Meeker, you can visit her website at https://megmeekermd.com/ 

**We first heard Dr. Meg Meeker speak at a SMART Conference!  She joined an amazing group of leaders from many different industries for a day full of challenging and equipping in the areas of money, marriage, parenting, personal development and retirement.  It was excellent!  If there is one near you, you should check it out! Click here to find out more!

October Favorite Things: Music Part 2 - TobyMac

As I just mentioned in my other post, we love to listen to music!  If you drive by our house when it's workout time, you might just hear TobyMac blaring from the garage, where we have our home 'gym'.  TobyMac is another family favorite for sure! We can't wait to see him in concert in December!!!

October Favorite Things: Music Part 1 - Owl City

One of our favorite things to do as a family, and one of my favorite things personally, is to listen to music together.  We have eclectic and varied likes, but there are always a couple of artists that, as a family, we can listen to and all enjoy.  Owl City is one of those artists!  Here is a recent song that is one of our family favorites!  Hope you enjoy!!  

October Favorite Things: Crossfit T-Town South!

31 days of posting about my favorite things would not be complete without a shout out to

Crossfit T-Town South!!  Community is a big deal to me, and the community at T-Town is top notch and such an amazing encouragement to me! The boys and I take a homeschool Crossfit class once a week at T-Town and it is my favorite activity of the week!  We are able to work out together with other homeschool families, have fun, and be challenged in ways that we wouldn't otherwise be.  Kristen and Melissa, you are the BEST!  Thank you for putting up with us...and for being such an uplifting part of our week! We are so thankful to be there!

Big J and I on different relay teams, racing each other 

here with a run, push ups, and a crab walk. 

October Favorite Things: The Random Things of Life!

I (sometimes) love the fact that I never quite know what my boys are going to do.  They are very creative and are always pushing the limits of what they can do.  Often this manifests itself physically, like with sports or competition between the two of them.  But sometimes it comes up in other ways...like keeping wooly bear caterpillars in a "caterpillar castle" and putting the caterpillars on pencils during school, just to see what they might do. 

Yes, this a real caterpillar on top of a pencil. ;)

October Favorite Things: Books I'm Reading

Today I picked up two new books that I've been hoping to read.  Daring Greatly by Brene Brown seems to speak to where I am personally in life right now.  Her call to live wholeheartedly resonates in my heart.  I've heard great things about this book and can't wait to dive in!


Daring Greatly by Brene Brown

Crucial Conversations, on the other hand, is more of a necessary read for me.  I don't handle crucial conversations very well. I often feel like I failed miserably, did not communicate what I had hoped to communicate, and made matters worse.  Obviously, I have work to do in this area.  Communication is key to all areas of life including my marriage and family life, work, teaching, and so much more.  I'm already two chapters into this book and look forward to being challenged to be more effective in this area of life!

Crucial Conversations by Patterson, Grenny, McMillan, and Switzler