He. is. perfect.

I don't even know how to start this blog. All I can do is stare at the baby monitor, watching my son sleep so peacefully, and know that he is so unaware of the mess that this world has become.

Just over a week ago, when the hatred of one man ripped the feeling of security of going to a movie theater away from families across the country, I cried. I cried because I felt the loss for the families who begged and cried as they searched for their loved ones, only to find out that they were gone. I sat there on the living room floor, knowing that my son was sleeping peacefully, and cried. I walked into our bathroom to brush my teeth, looked in the mirror, and sobbed. I am terrified of what the world is coming to. I just brought a child into THIS world?! What kind of world are our children going to grow up in? How could this happen? Who is responsible? And, most importantly, how do we stop it?

With this wound still fresh, the Chic-fil-A fiasco begins. That's exactly how I see it...a fiasco. It's amazing how very much our news media thrives on the "flavor of the week." With all intentions of keeping this portion short--I simply believe that everyone is entitled to their opinion, but also that a little respect for each other goes a long way. Keep your unwanted, controversial comments to yourself. 

I posted a picture of my son on facebook while we were eating at Chic-fil-A on what came to be known as "Chic-fil-A Appreciation Day." I was there to show a little support for a great company, with great food and, yes, traditional Christian values, that simply answered a question about a touchy subject--giving the "wrong" answer, according to many people in this country. Did they offend people who don't agree with their opinion? Probably. Is anyone being denied a chicken sammich because they believe differently? No.  Should their business be banned from opening more stores. Absolutely not. Last time I checked, there was nothing wrong with saying what you want. This is America, folks. Remember? Freedom of speech. Reference your 8th grade History book if you needs refresher course, please. 

The comments that I received on my post were quite interesting. Like I said, there is nothing wrong with having an opinion, and I believe firmly in Freedom of Speech, but there is a time and a place for everything. I consider myself as generally a non-confrontational person, some may disagree. I tend to believe that I do not start the fight....but I will finish it. I had someone with quite the nerve make a comment about my baby, saying: "does that baby hate gay marriage?" Someone please hose me off. I almost hit the ceiling. First of all, THAT BABY is my son. Have some respect. And no, MY SON doesn't hate gay marriage. I wasn't at Chic-fil-A today because of my thoughts about gay marriage, I was there because I believe in First Amendment rights. (Please, reference that same History book. Ahhhh! See?) Interestingly enough, I hadn't talked to THAT BOY in many, many years--which makes it comical that he could make such a comment about my son. Here is the picture. 

I know. He is perfect.

I had another person comment on my post that also had some nerve. Eventually, the comments were deleted by this person, as they should have been. In turn, I deleted my responses, as well as the rude comment from THAT other BOY about my son--bringing my FB post back to all it should be--a precious picture of my son! What also shocked me, as my husband pointed out, were the people who "liked" their comments.  Like I said, everyone is entitled to their opinion, but have a little respect, tact, or whatever you want to call it. Looks like the 40+ people or so who "liked" the photo outnumbered the 5 or so who felt "offended" by it, I guess. 

On top of the Chic-fil-A ranting today, I also had emails from people who came across my Craigslist posting for our 8, yes EIGHT, puppies that we are trying to find homes for (any takers??) Some of the responses that I received were downright rude. One lady emailed saying that I could have at least given the puppies a bath, and put them in a basket with a blanket--instead of the "nasty garage floor," and another telling me that I was scamming people because, according to her, the puppies were a different breed from what I had written. Seriously? I wrote back to both of them. Both short, sweet, and to the point emails ended with "Have a nice day! :)" Because, well, that's just me...

These Craigslist people also email with the strangest names and comments. I'm sure I've gotten more than a dozen emails in 3 days, and none of them have been serious about the puppies. Two have even set up times and places and stood us up. Obviously, I'm done with Craigslist, but I just don't understand the intention of these people. Why waste so much time? What are they getting out of it? Seriously. Someone tell me. 

I also realized this evening that one of my oldest friends, who is gay, seems to have "deleted" me as a FB friend. What does that even mean? 

Today was just one of those days when you feel like there's a hole in your chest. The place that humanity has come to makes me very sad. Very sad. I think that's what I'm feeling. I feel sad knowing that there are people in this world who have no respect for those whom they don't know from Adam. I feel sad that there are people who put their selfish reactions before any thoughts of respect for others. I feel sad that there are hateful people in this world who lack any emotion whatsoever. 

We are all responsible for our own actions. I'm not saying that everyone is going to be nice and respectful...but well, that would be nice. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but I'm not one to call anyone out for the sheer purpose of trying to make myself feel better. In my opinion, there is a time and a place to let someone know if they are doing something "wrong" (i.e. the lady driving on the highway with the baby on her lap. Even then, she may be rushing to the hospital to see her dying family member.) We never know what is going on inside the heads and hearts of other people. There is only ONE person Who can call us out, and there will come a day. I know that I live my life for Him and that He is the ONLY person who can justly criticize my life because HE is the ONLY ONE who knows my ENTIRE heart. 

There is only one way to stop this madness. I read a quote yesterday that has great meaning here...

"Children have never been good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them."

We may not be able to change the hearts of the lost souls in this world, but we can raise the purest ones to be different. Be the example. Be the light. Be the change that you want to see in this world. 

Stetson's busy week...

Last week was a big week for my big boy! 

Sunday was Father's Day. We had lots of surprises for Daddy. Here is just one of the special gifts that we made for him. 

I know. Could he BE any cuter???

Monday was a nice day out with mommy, Aunt Becky, and Aunt Abby. We had lunch and strolled around Town Center ... including an all important trip to Starbucks, of course. Here's a pretty picture of my sisters. 

Someone took a nap while we all had our mid-afternoon pick-me-ups. 

Tuesday Aunt Becky left to go back to California. Boo. Sad face. 

Wednesday he spent a day half a day at daycare. I got sad and had to go get him. I did, however, enjoy using a gift card for a pedicure that I got for Mother's Day. Ahhh... (The little ladies were not so happy about it considering the last time I'd had a pedi was September of LAST year.)

There's that funny face again! haha

Thursday he swung in his outside swing for the first time. I think he liked it. The funniest part was when he "hopped" in his seat a little every time his tummy jumped up! :) 

Friday he went swimming in his little kiddie pool with MeMe here. (He tried to get out a few times too!) 

AND got to drive MeMe's car! :)

PHEW! Wait...most importantly...Saturday, he slept in with Mommy until almost 10 am. YES. 10 AM! Woo Hoo! Good thing, because we had a very important birthday party to go to!  His little girlfriend turned ONE! Yay Alexa!

I think I enjoyed the slide more than him! :)

This might be my favorite picture ever. WHAT? 

Yes, it's cake. At least it's not chocolate! 

Have a great week! :)

Growing & Changing...

Our little man just turned 7 months old this week. I can't believe it...

I KNOW! Soooo cute!!

The pictures are getting more difficult to take every month! This one took about 29 shots to get a good one. (Well, they are ALL good because he's sooooo cute anyway!)

He's definitely hitting the "I need mommy all the time" stage. The book said 7 months...so here we go... It's quite exhausting! We left him at my mom's the other night, and he just wasn't havin' it. When we got there, the ONLY thing that calmed him down was me. When he stopped crying...I started crying. It was such an amazing feeling to know that someone needed me that bad. I love him. 

He also has a new facial expression. This is kind-of what it's lookin' like...

It's soooo funny though! I'll post another picture when I REALLY get a good shot of it! 

My sister is visiting from California this week. We did a little shopping and got more things for the baby than for ourselves...which usually happens. (He doesn't necessarily worry about whether things are flattering or not...) Unbelievable that we were buying 12 month clothes already. He'll probably be in them in the next 2 weeks or so. Crazy. 

No, I haven't started running yet. I will. Soon. 

I'll end this post with a quote from Nick Wallenda, the guy who just crossed over Niagara Falls by walking on a 2 inch wire: 

"This is what dreams are are of, people! Pursue your dreams. Never give up. [My dream] might seem strange, but anybody that's dealing with any battle...focus on the other side."

By the way...he gave praise to GOD the entire time he was making that stunning journey! 

Amazing!

The Family Restroom

Well, the chocolate cake is gone. Phew. Glad that's over with. Don't act like you don't know what I mean. You know...when you start a new diet you must singlehandedly remove all of the junk food from your house by way of your digestive system. Kinda like a last hoorah. No one really just throws it out. You are lying if you say that you do.

I'm working on getting my diet on a better schedule. My issue is that normally when I feel like I need to lose weight for some event (wedding...vacation...), I eat rice cakes, salad, and coffee for a few weeks, and I'm golden. BUT...small problem...I'm still breastfeeding, and it's true "you must take care of yourself in order to take care of the baby." Soooooo...one might think: just exercise! I haven't worked out regularly for aboooouuut 6 years. There have been small phases, but this crazy life that I'm living doesn't allow me the time. I know "make time" blah blah. (You think I'm making excuses here...just keep reading.) Hence my lack of eating when I try to drop a few pounds. In order to exercise and not pass out, one must eat more than rice cakes, salad, and coffee. I've found it more convenient in my busy life to just not eat. But the breastfeeding thing.....


This calls for a different approach. I do enjoy running and was wanting to run a half-marathon in January 2013 anyway. I plan to begin using the evening time to run around our big ol' pasture... (just going to have to do a little hopping to avoid cow patties and ruts in the ground....) Let's all pray for no sprained ankles! I'm pretty much the luckiest mom in the whole wide world because my munchkin usually goes to sleep between 7:00 and 8:30 pm. He usually sleeps all night. Be jealous. We shall see how this new running attempt goes....

Ok, enough of all that... back to what really matters: the title of this blog, The Family Restroom.

I guess I never really put too much thought into what the family restroom was really for. I always thought that it was weird that an entire family needed to go into the restroom together. Now I know. Before I had a baby, finding and going to the restroom was easy, as it should be. When you gotta go...you go. You stop off at Buckee's, you run into the restroom at Starbucks (only if the person sitting adjacent to you looks trusting enough that they aren't going to take off with your laptop while you've gone to take care of business), or you leave your buggy outside of the door at Kroger and "go." HAHAHAHA!! NO ONE tells you to take advantage of these EASY things before you have a baby.

Now, I've always been the one who is afraid that public restroom water is going to spray out and attack me after I flush it. And, I'm pretty sure I heard a news story when I was a kid that little drops of water "jumped" like 6 feet when it was flushed.....RUINED my life! (Except when I was in college and my rum and diet resided on the tank lid while I "went." But I don't think I cared at that point...) 


So, now-a-days, with a 6 month old in tow, "holding it" has a whole new meaning. (However, I think my retail days prepared me for this challenge...)

Thank God for family restrooms. But I still have a fear that the toilet water is "jumping" on my infant son. He stays very close by the door. Yuck.

Taking baby steps...

Since I had my little boy almost 7 months ago, I've been toying with the idea of creating a blog. For a couple of reasons, actually-- as a journal for my kids to see how crazy our life was growing up, and as a way for me to unwind, organize, and document my random, out of control, baby-filled, always something new daily life.

I'm currently a stay-at-home wife and mommy, and I love every minute--well, almost. It's like a real job, except there are no 15 minute breaks, no lunch breaks, no vacation days, no quick trips to Starbucks next door, usually no adult interaction for hours on end...but really, I do love it! I love being able to watch my son grow and change every hour of every day. There are times that I notice changes even when he wakes up from a nap--usually only 30 minutes, if I'm lucky, but-- a nap.

I am breastfeeding my son and plan to continue until he is 12 months old...this is an entire other challenge. I should create a separate blog about the challenges of this subject alone...but I'm sure there are plenty of those out there.

I love my hubby. He is my rock. We are crazy together. If you know us, you know that. I couldn't imagine this wacky life without him.

My faith in God is the only thing that keeps me sane in this crazy mess of my life.

I'm less than 6 months away from graduating college with my Bachelor's degree--and I just celebrated my 10 year anniversary from graduating high school. Yes. Do the math. OVER ten years. I know. But none the less, I am graduating. Yay for me.

I want to teach high school when all is said and done. Everyone tells me that I'm crazy because of it...yes, I know that I am crazy.

We live in the country and we love it. We are far enough from everything that it's actually dark at night, but close enough that I can make it to Target in 25 minutes if I really try. The closest "town" to us doesn't even have a Sonic or a drug store with a name that you'd recognize; therefore, I do not consider it to be "town." When I refer to "going to town," I mean the one with stores with produce sections.

My life consists of three never-ending lists: a grocery list, a to-do list, and a "things that I know I will probably never find the time to do or make, but I write it down so that maybe one day I will get around to it" list. The first two usually reside side-by-side on my counter until I make that journey to "town" and the third is on the notes app on my phone.

Maybe this blog will inspire me to do some of those things that I have always wanted to do so that I can post pictures and share my creations. Mostly, this blog will be my outlet of frustration about my lack of success, thus far, in getting rid of the devil (read: baby weight) from my body.

I also want to get back into my size 6 jeans comfortably before my high school reunion...in two months!

Ok, gotta run...chocolate cake calling my name. Yes, I know what you're thinking...my diet starts tomorrow.

No, really...tomorrow.