Little Insights

Hopes Versus Dreams

Stephanie — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:25:23 GMT

Dreams.

Tiny magical goals that we aspire to achieve.

--What we imagine as our destiny.

The voids that we desire to make whole.

A sequence of events that we envision.

Yet dreams are nothing without hope.

Hope.

Hope is the emotion that propels us forward.

Hope fuels our desires to continue the journey and make our dreams a reality.

Hope is deeply rooted within each of us -- in the fibers that make us who we are.

Hope enables greatness and the ability to conquer fears.

In the absence of hope, we needn't really dream.

Hope is the sustenance that nourishes perseverance.

Without hope we'd be empty.

Without dreams we'd be lost.

©Stephanie/LittleInsights2012

Turns out us moms DO know what we're talking about....

Stephanie — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 20:59:06 GMT

Obviously as parents we set rules, boundaries and guidelines that are tailored to fit our own lifestyles, goals and ideals. Some are complex while other are plain and simple, cut and dry. Some of them are no-brainers that we find ourselves repeating until we are nearly blue in the face. Of course kids forget them, hence the need to reiterate them over and over until we'd really just like to walk away banging our heads on the wall wondering how in the world they'd forgotten the rule. One of those quirky little rules around our house is NO electronic devices, games or toys at the dinner table during a meal. I view this one as a no-brainer, yet my kids forget this one all to often.

This morning, as breakfast drew to a close Hayden announced that he was getting full. I took a glance at his plate and told him to eat one more bite of his eggs before leaving the table. He stabbed a bite of his eggs with his fork, held it up and turned the bite toward his mouth. Before eating the bite I told him that if that was his idea of a bite then he'd need two of those. The bite quickly detoured back to his plate. With even more enthusiasm he stabbed another bite of eggs, a larger, less formed bite -- a bite that when he rose it into the air the scrambled eggs went flying. Drew, who was seated next to Hayden didn't even know what was coming before the eggs simultaneously hit him in the face and splatted all over his iPod.

The joys of parenting! I couldn't help but laugh at what happened and I am pretty positive that Andrew realized why the "No devices, games or toys at the table rule" exists in our house. You never can tell when to expect flying eggs around this house.

Conversations with Kids ~ Valentine's Edition

Stephanie — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 06:31:56 GMT

Me - Hayden, will you be my Valentine?

Hayden - (Looking perplexed) No.

Me - But monkey if you aren't my Valentine I can't buy you chocolates on Valentine's Day.

Hayden - Momma, I'll be your kissy monkey and your Valentine.

Me - Awe, Monkey you just made my day.

Love is in the Air

Stephanie — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 03:36:50 GMT

I have to admit that I am a complete sucker for decorating, especially when it comes to decorating for various holidays. With Valentine's day fast approaching I thought it only fitting to share a little love with you.

I thought about making some blocks like these, but the lo and behold, while strolling through the dollar section area of target I came across these blocks for $2.50. As much fun as making the blocks with the kids would have been I took the easy way out, plopped these puppies into my cart and reaped the reward of instant gratification!

Valentine's Day at our house wouldn't be complete without our Valentine's Day tree. I kind of look at it as a step-down program from our four plus trees at Christmastime. And yes, we literally remove the Christmas decorations only to replace them with the Valentine's decorations.

The tree obviously needed garland, but I wasn't quite feeling those shiny metallic heart strands that are readily accessible in most stores this time of year. I absolutely love shabby chic and thought that a ribbon garland would be absolutely PERFECT. It was also easy to have little hands help with this project. I simply cut a length of ribbon about four feet long, then cut smaller ribbon with pinking shears for the kids to tie on one by one.

I love the shabby whimsy of it and think it looks just fabulous on the tree.

I heart Valentine's Day!!!

Pin It

I'm Ba-ack!!!

Stephanie — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 01:29:33 GMT

Unfortunately last week my computer nearly died what would have been a slow, agonizing death had it not been for my tech-y husband who began resuscitation immediately and was able to one day at a time, one click at a time revive my computer. Unfortunately that meant a rude interruption from my blogging days. I tried to post from my new phone, however there are some things that are just impossible to do from your phone.

....Speaking of new phone, I finally detached myself from my ever-faithful Blackberry. In the last few months I was becoming more and more disappointed with the applications available, the tortoise-like pace, the dropped calls and the calls and e-mails that sometimes NEVER went through. Let me not forget to mention the voicemails that would come through a week late. Talk about being tardy to the party! I realized that the only real reason I was holding on to my Blackberry and not moving forward with a new phone was because I REALLY, REALLY, REALLLLLLY love having a keypad, you know buttons that you can depress versus an entirely touch screen phone. It became crystal clear that there was no reason to keep the phone simply for the convenience of having buttons.

I DID it!

I committed to change and I LOVE it. Seriously, why did I not make the change a LONG time ago? I love the new functions and Apps. I love the fact that my phone has a slide-out keypad that allows me the option to use it or not. There are only a few minor complaints that I have regarding some of the phones functions, but they are honestly so petty that I won't even bother to blog about them.

I am so glad to be back and can't wait to share some of my recent projects with you guys!

Sitting at the Dock of the Bay

Stephanie — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:38:08 GMT

You just can't help but hum a little Otis Redding
Sitting at the Dock of the Bay
Sitting in the morning sun
I'll be sitting when the evening comes
Watching the ships roll in
And I watch 'em roll away again

[Refrain]
Sitting on the dock of the bay
Watching the tide roll away
I'm just sitting on the dock of the bay
Wasting time

I left my home in Georgia
Headed for the 'Frisco bay
'Cause I had nothin to live for
And look like nothing's gonna come my way

So I'm just...
[Refrain]

Look like nothing's gonna change
Everything still remains the same
I can't do what ten people tell me to do
So I guess I'll remain the same

Sittin here resting my bones
And this loneliness won't leave me alone
It's two thousand miles I roamed
Just to make this dock my home

Now, I'm just...

This is for the Birds!

Stephanie — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 03:50:10 GMT

A few days ago I was preparing a snack for my kiddos when I heard all of this commotion outside. I went over to look out the window when I saw a huge swarm of birds flying through the yard. I am talking hundreds if not a thousand birds. It was absolutely NUTS!

I grabbed my camera, adjusted the settings and tip-toed to the back door. As soon as I opened the door the flock flew off.

I waited a few minutes, in hopes that the birds would return.

In no time my yard, along with my neighbors yards were filled with birds again.

As soon as I opened the door the birds flew off.

....and only a few remained.

Out With the Old and In With the New

Stephanie — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 22:01:49 GMT

Yesterday we finally dedicated the day to taking down our Christmas trees and Christmas decorations (Four Christmas trees, wreaths galore, bows, pictures, Christmas chotchkies , lights, crafts....all of it....well...except one tiny thing that I'll show you tomorrow). It is a lengthy process to de-Christmas, but one I never mind doing because I love the looks on our kids faces when we transform our home into their Christmas Wonderland. Their future spouses won't even believe it when they begin to describe their childhood Christmases and I am totally up for demonstrating. Seeing is believing!!!

Of course when some decorations are tucked neatly into their storage boxes it is time to decorate all over again. Bring on Valentine's Day, sweethearts!

Evening Entertainment Courtesy of the Coast Guard

Stephanie — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 22:28:34 GMT

You can most definitely distinguish the sounds of the helicopters that fly over head here and the front door always peaks your curiosity when you hear the sound of the coast guard helicopters that linger about. Fortunately they are usually performing drills, which we all love to watch.

I remember when I was a little girl hearing stories of how my dad wanted so badly to join the Coast Guard, but because he was a diabetic he was unable to join them. That had to be completely frustrating, especially because of how skilled a captain he was.

The seagulls are always appreciative when the wind from the propellers creates a disturbance in the water. It reminds me of that scene from finding Nemo, "Mine, mine, no mine, mine, mine." These hungry gulls sure had an easy meal this evening.

The Lone Fisherman

Stephanie — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 04:44:55 GMT

I woke up and glanced out at the bay.I love days like this.Where tiny ripples delicately dance as far as the eye can seeAndWhere the horizon melts into the sea.Where colors blend from one fabulous shade into the next.Where the clouds begin to take their shape long before they are high in the midday sky.Where fishermen are sparse -- As a lone fishermen casts his troubles away.Catching more than early morning rays.The brisk breeze on a crisp, cool morn.The engine awakes and off he scurries to where the horizon meets the sea.
©Stephanie/LittleInsights2012

Breakfast Discussion

Stephanie — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 23:10:48 GMT

This morning as I was serving the kids their breakfast Hannah initiated a conversation regarding the new year and how old everyone would be turning this year. I stopped for a moment, listening as she rattled off the numbers, "So I will be eight, Tori will be eleven, Hayden will be five and Andrew will be thirteen.", she announced!

Whoa!

Hold it right there!

I demand a recount!

My first baby will be...th-th-thhhh-thirteen?!

Certainly not?!

Right?!

{SIGH}

Yes, yes he will be. I recalculated the math...just in case she was horribly wrong on ALL accounts.

I remember my childhood taking what seemed like FOREVER, yet somehow watching my children grow seems like it is literally happening overnight.

As for this moment, this VERY moment right now I will cuddle with them (because they all still love cuddling with their Momma), and I will savor right now, just as I always have because I have a feeling that this very topic of birthdays and ages will be replayed time and time again as my babies grow older each day.

Daily Resolution

Stephanie — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 19:31:12 GMT

Resolve to find passion so deep that it rocks your soul. ...Then nurture it. Embrace it. Enjoy it.

©Stephanie/LittleInsights2012

I could not imagine my life without my hubs and babies. I pray that you all have someone, or many in your life that make you whole.

Daily Resolution

Stephanie — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 03:10:52 GMT

Resolve to laugh every single day. Good, hearty belly laughs are the best.

©Stephanie/LittleInsights2012

Daily Resolution

Stephanie — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 06:37:45 GMT

Resolve to be great. Greatness can be found in abundance within each of us.

©Stephanie/LittleInsights2011

Daily Resolution

Stephanie — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 18:45:35 GMT

Resolve to claim your destiny.

©Stephanie/LittleInsights2011

Daily Resolution

Stephanie — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 18:43:37 GMT

Resolve to live in harmony.

Resolve to love.

I Didn't Fall Into "that" Trap This Year!

Stephanie — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 03:21:26 GMT

This time of the year is by far one of my favorites. The family time, the decorations, festivities, Christmas movies, music, food, more decorations, lights, crafts......

I truly love every moment of it, other than that feeling you get after you have loaded yourself with a plethora of junk foods, processed foods, foods high in saturated fat and sugar, or worse, the foods that contain a ton of artificial ingredients. In years past we happily joined along in the Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts. I've been cooking those HUGE meals for the last thirteen plus years, happily slaving away in the kitchen. A light bulb turned on in my head this year...an epiphany of sorts.... Why the heck do people feel the need to binge on these holiday favorites when they are available all year long? Sure, some things might be seasonal, so enjoy those very favorite items in moderation. I physically cannot marathon-eat like some folks. We are most definitely grazers here.

Before Christmas this year I took a family poll. I wanted to know what everyone's favorite food was at Christmastime. Without skipping a beat I had two very strong votes for sausage cheese balls, my homemade mashed potatoes and gravy and cookies. DONE! That was what I prepared this Christmas, along with our usual whole fruits and veggies. I must say that not one of us felt miserable throughout the day and all of us enjoyed our Christmas that much more because instead of spending hours in the kitchen we enjoyed even more hours together.

I am all for Christmas and holiday traditions. Rest assured this is one tradition I plan to uphold.

I Wish You.....

Stephanie — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 04:26:52 GMT

I Wish You.....

I wish you joy

...and peace.

Love

...and laughter.

I wish you happiness.

A cup that is always half-full.

I wish you all better than the best.

I wish you gorgeous sunrises...

and spectacular sunsets.

Inspiration and excitement.

Patience and understanding.

Times that are not trying.

Health.

I wish for your dreams to come true.

These, my blessed family and friends are my deepest wishes for you.

From our home to yours I'd like to wish you all a beautiful Christmas and Blessed New Year.

Love and Hugs,

Stephanie

Christmas Spirit

Stephanie — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 23:19:34 GMT

Hayden and Hannah joined me as I ran a quick errand to pick up packing supplies to mail their cousins gifts. It was such a quick trip, in fact that I was surprised that they wanted to join me. While we were in the store I took note of a petite old lady who was shopping around, her back curved over the cart. I caught myself crossing her path a few times in the store,each time thinking about my Grandma. Their stature, her smile that she returned each time I smiled at her --The way she smiled at my babies. As I approached the check out I realized that she was in front of me. As I looked up from talking to the kids I realized that another lady was with her who was helping her lift her purchases from the cart and onto the register. At first glance she reminded me of my husbands Grandma. We exchanged smiles and I went on to pay for my items before heading out to the car. I put our bags into the car, then helped the kids into their seats. As I walked toward the back of the car, the elderly lady who reminded me of my grandma approached me with a bag in her hand. I didn't open it, but could tell by the size and shape that she had purchased a toy for one of my babies. As quickly as she handed it to me she turned to walk away, without speaking a word. Tears filled my eyes. I said, "Wait, please, he'll want to say thank you.". She turned around, put her finger to her mouth as if to say, "Shhhhhhh!". I, of course said thank you as made her way back to her car. It was everything I could do in that very moment to keep from bawling. What a beautiful moment, where I was reminded of two very special women in our lives as well as witnessing the very essence of the Christmas spirit.

Super Easy Santa Ornaments

Stephanie — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 22:57:17 GMT

Every year the kids and I love making Christmas ornaments together. Each year we look for new and different ornaments to make. The inspiration for these Santa ornaments came from some gift tags that I saw one year while Christmas shopping.

To make these adorable little ornaments you'll need:

Thick poster board in the color of your choice. (I used white because I already had white on hand)

Red felt (The stiff kind is great for small hands)

Cotton balls

Craft Glue (I like Alene's craft glue for projects like this)

Scissors

Santa's coat template (Or you can opt to free hand as I did here. This is a very forgiving project)

Ribbon

A Sharpie (To write your kiddos name and year that you made each ornament on the back)

I cut our the poster board in the shape of Santa's coat, then used the poster board as a template to cut out the felt. While I worked on that my kiddos pull apart pieces of cotton balls to use for the "fur" on Santa's coat. Next we laid out the pieces and the kiddos glued them accordingly. Be sure to glue your ribbon (cut at your desired length) to glue in between the poster board layer and the felt layer. Allow to drive overnight, just to be on the safe side then decorate away!