Smitten....

There are many things that bring feelings of happiness to me... sparkly untouched snow under a bright moon, the warm spot on the carpet where the sun has been shining, waking up to a child singing, but really the thing that makes me the happiest is my kids doing what they are supposed to do.

Yesterday was a stinky and fabulous day together. I was frustrated with one of my children and concerned about him and his choices, and my other child...well, he cleaned the entire downstairs - thoroughly, without being asked. He is helpful and cheerful and loves to spend time with me. At one point I thought almost at the same moment "What a crappy day!" and "Could this day be any better?!" Talk about an internal conflict.

Last night I went up to my son's room and sat on his bed with him. He was texting friends and I just sat and we talked just a little, about nothing really. Over about 20 minutes he mostly quit texting his friends, although I never said a thing about it. Then he started talking to me about some good things going on. Some great lessons he's learned in seminary, and a favorite talk from the Christmas Devotional. Then we started talking about some of the things that are concerning to me. We cried a little, we laughed a lot, and in the end I'm not as worried as I was.

Confession here, I told him how I really feel. I told him how deeply I love him. I explained that the words were usually used to convey a romantic love, but really, they just mean all consuming. I told him that the moment I found out I was pregnant with him I was in love with him. And that even still, I am in love with him, I am smitten, I adore him. I can't wait to see him and talk to him each day. I told him I feel the same way about his brother. That they are the very best of me, the best accomplishments I have, and the only ones that matter at all to me. They bring me the greatest joy in my life, no other joy even comes close. I told him again...I am smitten.

Smitten...he smiled at that, and got teary eyed. It is important. Now he knows.

Smitten, I tell ya....Smitten.

Originally published on Bossy!

Free- Giveaway - I blogged at Bossy Today! Check it out!

Go to Bossy and read my blog and leave a comment.

There is a free give-away today!

C'mon over!

click here ---> Bossy!

Christmas Morning Yum Yum

Original post over at Bossy.

What are your Christmas mornings like? Do you have a tradition? Do you just dig in and amaze yourself with the bounty? Or, do you savor it slowly, one gift at a time? Do you take time to eat, or just munch on the goodies your find in your stocking (including the orange at the bottom)?

I'm not going to go into our whole tradition, but I will boss you a little and tell you to take time to eat a good breakfast on Christmas morning. This is what we do... feel free to copy.

After we go through our stockings we take a break and head into the kitchen for a nice breakfast. We always have breakfast casserole (which turns into lunch and dinner as well) and cinnamon rolls (Thanks to Mrs. Rhoades). We wash it down with milk and/or orange juice. So yummy. We sit and talk and get excited for the rest of the day. And the best part is, I only have to get up about 10 minutes before the boys to make this happen. I just put the food in the oven first thing, then enjoy the stockings and Santa gifts until breakfast is ready. Yum Yum!


Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole

1 lb breakfast meat cooked and drained - bite size (I like Little Smokies cut into thirds - I can do this a couple days ahead if I want)

8 slices uncrusted bread - torn into smallish pieces (about 9 pieces per slice)

8 eggs

2 Cups milk

2 Cups shredded cheese (cheddar or colby jack is best)

The night before, mix the sausage and bread, and about 1/2 the cheese in the bottom of a GREASED 9x13 pan. Mix the eggs and milk and pour over the bread and meat mixture. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Cover with plastic wrap and put in fridge overnight.

In the morning bake for 45 min - 1 hour at 350 degrees. ( Check center to make sure it is done and not soupy). Let cool for about 10 minutes.

This is delicious served with tomatoes, and sliced fruit. Also, you can add diced onions to the egg/milk mixture if you want --- so yummy!


Mrs. Rhoades Cinnamon Rolls

The night before Christmas put the number of rolls desired into a greased pan with some space between them (to let them rise). Cover and put in fridge. In the morning, if not raised enough put on counter top. When fully raised, bake, frost and eat!!! (Good for a late morning snack if they are not ready when the cassarole is done. This has happend to us a few times, just depends on the temperature and how quickly they raise).


Sounds simple, doesn't it. It is and it is one of the traditions we look forward to. I think it just helps us all slow down and be happy and thankful for what we have, instead of anxiously opening gifts hoping we got what we wanted.

What are your Christmas morning traditions? Please share!

Packing for My Monthly Guilt Trip

I can feel it coming on. It is the first of the month again, and that means full time work and stress. I am the account manager at a property management company and so that means that for the next two weeks I will be collecting rents, creating late charges and eviction notices, paying owners, creating statements, talking to tenants and owners and answering about 50 emails a day. I hate this time of the month and feel like a horrible mom when it comes around. It lasts for about 2 weeks. Ug.

How many of us go through these feelings of guilt? Knowing our kids need us, knowing we have work, church, or other responsibilities which require us to choose where we are going to spend our time. For a long time I was able to be at home with my kids, but recent events in my life have left me feeling like a single mom with extra expenses and less time than ever. Just because our kids are older, doesn't mean we don't need to be there for them. It's a catch twenty-two...if I spend time with the kids, then my work and paycheck suffer (which eventually means we suffer). If I spend the time at work, I don't get to see my kids and they suffer (at least I think they might - maybe? Okay, I suffer!). Last month there were at least 3 days that I didn't get to see my teenage son till about 11:00 at night.

This is my guilt trip, and I know, that some of you have guilt trips that you take too. These are the things that will help:

1) eat right - I don't have to explain this...you know what it means.
2) sleep enough (this means more than 6 hours/night - otherwise you will cry a lot)
3) take vitamins (duh - and while you're at it, wash your hands, keyboard, mouse, and phone often)
4) get some type of daily exercise (even 10 minutes is a good start--- I'm trying to do this better!)

In other words, take care of yourself!

Also, do this:
5) tell your kids and loved ones often that you love them - they need to hear it, and you need to say it!
6) listen, be calm, and respond with love and confidence - regardless who you are dealing with
7) believe in yourself; have faith that God will help you and do your best
8) don't compare yourself to others - you will only be comparing your worst to their best
9) be realistic about what you can and can't do... prioritize and delegate or ask for help if you can't get all the necessary things done
10) laugh - find something to laugh at, it will brighten your day.

Now, I know I am bossy, but I can also learn...so if you have other great suggestions for dealing with stress and guilt, let me know!

For those of you who read my other blog over at Bossy, you'll know I just copied this...see, lazy blogger as I said last week. Oh, more guilt! Nah, just kidding, that doesn't cause me guilt, just go read my other blog...I'm more consistent there.