What I'm listening to: Florence + The Machine - Shake It Out

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Quote of the day

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“Life's under no obligation to give us what we expect.”

― Margaret Mitchell

This quote struck a cord with me, so I thought I would share!

Life Lessons from The Lion King

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My husband and I recently took our four year old son to see the re-release of "The Lion King." That movie has always ranked high on my all-time favorites list, especially after seeing the Broadway production years ago.  But since it has been out of circulation, its been years since I have seen it, certainly way before I had a son of my own.

I sat in the theater, with tears in my eyes, amazed by the subtle lessons that hit me for the first time...all because, for the first time, I was watching it as a parent. It was a whole different experience this time around. And so I wanted to share some of my feelings about it.  Call it life lessons from "The Lion King." :)

1. Mufasa's sacrifice hit me like a ton of bricks when I watched it again.  For the first time I could sympathize with the sense of desperation, the focused determination that nothing else mattered but saving his child.  I know, I know people, it's just a cartoon, but as a parent I just totally GOT IT. Before becoming a mom I never understood exactly how easy it would be to make that decision, to sacrifice yourself for you child.  But I get it perfectly now.

2. We parents must remember to "teach Simba a lesson."  This line struck a cord with me, because I think that, as parents, we often forget to embrace the punishment, the scolding, and turn it into a lesson for our children.  No matter how you discipline, it can always be a teachable moment. When Simba disobeyed and wandered off, Mufasa took the time to explain why he was mad, and was quick to forgive his child.  Smart Lion!  :)  I need to remember this.

3. "Hakuna Matata" is great in theory, but just like in the movie, duty, responsibility, and LIFE eventually came  calling...and that wasn't so bad.  Because of the catchy song, I (and millions of others) missed the fact that Simba just used that motto to avoid growing up.  Yet it was when he finally did "grow up" and go back to face his duty, that he was able to forgive himself and find some pride (no pun intended) again.  Society is all about no worries, no responsibilities...but taking pride in being the kind of person who doesn't run away, that is what I want to teach my son.

The next two points are not about this specific movie, but are important non-the-less.

4. EVERY PARENT needs to, at least once, experience the moment of sitting next to their child in a theater, quietly observing their huge grin and uncontrollable giggles while they are completely focused and enthralled with what's in front of them, not even knowing that you are watching.  My son's laugh and the way he just beamed pure happiness was one of the best moments of my motherhood so far!

5. We as parents should take every opportunity to look at the world through our young children's eyes. I discovered that 3D movies are a great way to do just that. My son loved the special effects, and so did I! At one point the grass and dust that Simba disturbs flies through the air. At the exact moment when, as an adult, I was ready to overlook the cool special effect, my son reached out his hands and tried to grab the particles that appeared to be right in front of our faces.  When he did, something clicked in my head and I was actually able to really marvel at how cool it was! And how amazing it must seem to my 4 year old.  Thanks for allowing me to appreciate that moment, my sweet boy.

Too many serious, deep thoughts about an animated movie?  Maybe. But I don't believe so. After all, it allowed me to appreciate a moment in my life that would probably be forgotten otherwise.

Never to forget

"To love. To be loved. To never forget your own insignificance. To never get used to the unspeakable violence and the vulgar disparity of life around you. To seek joy in the saddest places. To pursue beauty to its lair. To never simplify what is complicated or complicate what is simple. To respect strength, never power. Above all, to watch. To try and understand. To never look away. And never, never, to forget." 
— Arundhati Roy

For the Love of it.

Since I am very new to the photography game, and I don't really know what I am doing, it can be pretty hit or miss whether I get any shots that turn out.  But once in a blue moon, despite my best effort to screw it up, I get some pretty darn good shots!

This weekend the three of us went up to the White mountains to visit my parents, who have parked their 5th wheel there for the summer. More than just a chance to get out of the BLAZING heat, for me it was a chance to take pictures of something other than ugly cactus and dirt.  Here are some of the pics I thought turned out pretty well.


HUNDREDS of hummingbirds reside around the park.  And these things are pure kamikaze!  I got some good shots, but for a moment I thought for sure I was going to get an eye poked out!

This is one place that my dad, hubby and I went fishing.  Not too shabby!

My float tube.  It was calling my name!  :)

Listen, I definitely don't claim to know anything about photography,  but I love it none the less.  And because it's my blog, I can post whatever I want.  :)  Hopefully it shows that you don't have to be an expert to do what you love.

Lessons in the every day

I was just thinking today about how lucky my little man is.  He has some pretty amazing people that surround him and, even more specifically, some pretty awesome men.  Men who are role models for my little boy, all in different ways.

The other day we went bumper bowling, and my sister and brother in law joined us.  For those of you who don't know, Logan's uncle Ken is blind, or as Logan says, has "lost his eyes". So when I told him that uncle Kenny was going, he was very concerned.  "How will uncle Kenny bowl with no eyes?" he asked me very seriously.  I assured him that not being able to see has never stopped his Uncle.  But Logan just looked at me like I was crazy, gave me an eye roll teenagers would be jealous of, and apparently decided to wait and see for himself.  

Well, low and behold, on the first turn uncle Ken took....he walked up to the line and nonchalantly proceeded to bowl a strike!!  Logan just watched his uncle, wide eyed and shocked, and then a big smile appeared as he realized that a "little" thing like being blind didn't stop Ken from doing amazing things.  I just sat there thinking to myself about what an awesome lesson my son was getting to learn in that moment. That he can do whatever he wants in life, no matter what the obstacles. We went on to have a total blast, and every time Ken got up for his turn, Logan would watch him with a little knowing smile on his face. 

Logan adores his uncle Kenny. He always has. But now, even at 4 1/2, my son admires his uncle. See, what I realized tonight is that my son is learning more from the imperfection of life than he ever could from a "perfect" role model.  And I really like that.

The men in Logan's life:

Life Motto

The harder you work, the harder it is to surrender. - V. Lombardi


I am currently using a "couch to 5K" program on my phone when I run, and for each day it has some sort of inspirational quote.  As cheesy as it sounds, it really DOES inspire me.  I try to focus on the words when I am running and want to quit and go have a cheeseburger instead. 


The quote posted above was from a few days ago, and I have been thinking about it ever since.  I have decided that this is going to be my "life motto." Right now, since my days are consumed with this diet and losing weight, it is mostly just my diet mantra, and so far it has actually helped!


 Maybe this is because, after years of playing competitive softball, I am just really competitive period.  I don't know, but I have realized that I am not a quitter by nature, and I am not going to become one now.  So when I want to stuff handfuls of cheeze-its in my mouth (the italian girl's achilles heal) I just recite these words, and think to myself "why would I surrender now, after all this hard work?" 


Now, that sounds easier than it is.  I have chosen, for the first time, to lose this weight the right way (by cutting portions and watching calorie intake) which means it is going to be a slooowwwww and sometimes painful process, and I am not going to eat like I should EVERY SINGLE DAY, but from now on I promise not to give up if I slip up.
 I am not going to surrender.


I am in week three and I have lost 6.5 lbs.  Not mind boggling, but pretty darn good, and more than the average.  I'll take it...and will keep truckin along.

Friends

Its hard sometimes, as parents, to not be family centered all the time.  Especially when your children are young.  Everything revolves around naps, runny noses, swim class, Tball, soccer, school, and family get togethers.  I have found that it has become more difficult for me to cultivate and maintain friendships.  Since my friends are all moms I know they don't blame me, and probably struggle as well, but it doesn't change the fact that I feel like MY life as a woman suffers somewhat because of it.

I have a friend who I have known for years...we played softball together as teenagers, went to junior college together, and even went on to EKU together, and were in the same sorority.  Our lives have continued to be woven together in some form or another through the years.  We were pregnant with our first at the same time, and gave birth only about 6 weeks apart.  She makes me laugh till I cry, and I just love her!

The very best part is that we are now great "couple" friends.  Nobody tells you that when you get married you will always be on the lookout for these kinds of friends.  You know the ones...where you and your spouse really enjoy and like BOTH people in the other duo.  It can sometimes be hard to find couples that each click with both you and your spouse.  But my friend and her hubby those kinds of friends.

We live in the same state (though about and hour apart now) and are always planning times to get together, but it rarely works out (read: runny noses, swim, family get togethers, etc) and so we only end up seeing each other probably 2-3 times a year.  Tonight is one of those nights.  We are meeting for dinner and bowling, and we are both more excited than such a night should warrant...probably because we never see each other, and don't get out without the kids much.  In fact, we realized that this will be the first time since we were pregnant that we got together "adults only"! I find this sort of tragic.

 While our kids are awesome, it is a struggle to have a full conversation when mommy duties are constantly calling.  So I vow to my friends to not talk (too much) about Logan tonight, to enjoy their company, and to be more vigilant in my friend duties, not only with her, but with all my wonderful friends, making more time for "adult only" outings.  We deserve them....I deserve them.  I need to remember that.