A Non-Ranty Insight About Why 50 Shades Isn't For Me

I know.  Another moralistic voice shouting in the wind in faux outrage over the flavor of the week.

Except it's not.

I've read a blog post that exhorts wives not to watch the movie because it creates a false image and that our imaginations should be satisfied by our husbands.  Don't disagree there.

And yeah, the movie has A WHOLE LOT of nudity and sex.  But so do a lot of movies.

And let's be honest, even if I was curious enough to want to see the movie (I'm not), I wouldn't go because hello, middle Georgia.  You just know that you'd see the Chairman of the Deacon board in the lobby.

I was thinking about it tonight.  I try to be discerning in what I watch and read.  I think my passion for Hallmark movies and chaste, prairie romances is well-documented.  But I went to The Kingsmen: The Secret Service movie this weekend, a totally well-deserved R-rated movie with lots and lots of inane violence (skip it).  And I have been known to watch a Bravo series now and again.  So, why this movie?  Why the self-imposed restriction?

Because the degrading of another person is wrong, regardless of their consent. I'll go a step further: It's not just wrong--it's evil.

Let me be clear. I'm not trying to denounce anyone who would entertain watching this movie or reading the book as being evil or degraded.

What I am saying is the portrayal of a woman submitting to violence in the name of romance and fantasy is straight up wrong and scary.

What bothers me is that young teenagers will sneak this movie on video at a friend's house or grab their parent's copy of the book and think of it as purely escapist fiction.  No harm done. There's nothing cute about physical cruelty, and making the male lead a handsome, misunderstood billionaire doesn't change that.  The glamorization of violence in a physical relationship is not okay.

Maybe I wouldn't have connected the dots of my own hypocrisy if I had not watched that incredibly violent movie yesterday, and then followed it up with a Dateline episode to balance out the perfectly delightful Hallmark original I sandwiched in between the two that Alex lovingly watched alongside me.

The Dateline episode dealt with a young college student who had been assaulted and killed by a man involved in sadomasochism and bondage (eek, never thought I write that on a Mom blog).  He influenced his girlfriend,"the submissive," to bring home another person to be a plaything.  The man was 10 years older than his girlfriend, and had a history of abuse with a former girlfriend.  His "hobby" resulted in the brutal murder of a lovely young woman who was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

No.  I'm not saying 50 Shades is going to turn America's youths into sexual deviants.  But I am saying that this movie is subtly (or not-so-subtly, more like) sending the message that there are no limits in love.  I'm saying the searing of a conscience is a real and frightening possibility.

Love without limits is. a. LIE.  And friend, if you know me, you know where I think it comes from: the father of lies.  Oh yes, I just played the satan card.  I believe in the reality of evil and an enemy to the one true God.

Good, true, healthy love?  It has limits and boundaries.  It respects another's thoughts, feelings, body, and spirit.  Those entities cannot be separated.  True love does no harm. I appreciate these excellent pieces on real love by Ann Voskamp and Beth Moore that so eloquently expound on this concept.

I'm not going to yell and bluster about this movie.  We Christians get a bad rap for doing that already. I wanted to work out these thoughts for myself, and I was surprised at where they led me.  I'm terrible at debate and arguments of logic.  I always go back to the heart, and the bottom line is that I believe every woman fears abuse.  We cannot gloss it over as romance or call it a "grey" area, pun entirely intended.  We are worth more than that, both men and women. Each of us has a God given dignity. And I won't watch a fictional character demean hers, as it demeans my own.

Home Life & Peep Toe High Heels

Here's some riveting recap of our day-to-day of late:

Be Careful What You Wish For...  I was recently sympathizing with an old neighbor who had sold his motorcycle but got the better end of the deal by marrying his wife and later, welcoming their son.  I retorted that with each child we add to the family, the lowlier Alex's car becomes.  He was driving this cute, new Celica when we were dating; my first gift when we were dating was an audio sermon from Dave Ramsey who eshews new cars and payments and was becoming a household name.  From new Celica to '95 Civic with 200,000 plus miles and white spray paint to cover the chipping car enamel. Well, that faithful car kept me and Sarah safe on the way home from errands a few days before Thanksgiving.  We were plowed into by a thankfully compact car driving without its light on (and a driver with suspended license) and spun into the shoulder.  A fireman was on scene and witnessed the wreck, Sarah was unscathed from our "adventure" and we got a very generous check from the other driver's insurance.  Homeboy is now driving a 2008 Prius that he's been eyeing for awhile but couldn't justify.  We had just upgraded our car seats in that car for the proper weight restraint for each child and the car was hit on the opposite side of Sarah's seat.  That'll remind you in a New York minute that your days are not your own and life in not a random series of events.

3 close peas in a Prius pod

Sleep Cycles and Upticks
October and November threw us all back into the crazy cycle as Jay's sleep cycle regressed.  Add a fall and bruised nose (it checked out fine) to the mix and you've got some cheerful adults.  We are getting back on track sleep wise with J sleeping without interruption (or at least not several interuptions) and the boy is killing it lately in terms of his progress in direction following and showing what he knows.  His OT coached him to write "Christmas Tree" and draw the correct shapes to make a Christmas picture.  I rarely keep kid 'art' long term but he made it himself!  Each letter!  So we are jumping right in there and I'm having him trace the sentences we are reading ("I like my Dad" "I see my dog").  He's been making his numbers and shapes correctly for a while now but he is now able to start taking direction on the size of the letters to make words.  It's a step, but it makes me SO PROUD!  He's learning to read and write just like any other Kindergartner. WOOT!

He can read this!

    A keeper

Mama's Dancing Shoes
My 3 inch kitten heel, peep toe black suede pumps (with sequins, you understand) came out of the closet early this year!  They usually only see the light of day for the annual company party, but they got sprung early for my dear friend's bachelorette party.  We were like, so wild, and made it home by 1 a.m.  You know you're a wild thing when you reference having to make it home to teach 4s choir Sunday evening. And your dear friend "outs" you as a mom of 3 who homeschools.  Mani-pedis and an evening in Virgina Highlands? Oh, I do that all the time.  When I'm not in rushing to the Chik-Fil-A bathroom to avoid an INCIDENT.  In all sincerity, it was such a wonderful reminder of what marriage can be and how blessed we are when the right person enters our life. My friend remarked that dating her now-fiance was easy in light of past dating relationships.  He doesn't leave when there is a disagreement.  He is safe and trustworthy.  He makes her feel secure and special.  He took efforts to surprise and honor her for their engagement.  He loves her and he loves the Lord.  Marriage will be hard, but courtship should be easy!  If I could give advice to unmarried women, it would be this.  If there is strife before a commitment has been made, you are under no obligation to stick it out!  Trust that you are worth something better than second best.  It really is out there.  My sweet friend waited, and she was rewarded!  So, so happy to see this marriage begin a few days before Christmas.

 

The Girls
Rachel is all-out walking in stride and so flat-out beautiful it kills me. I love toddlerhood.  Sarah is my side-kick and keeps us laughing.  She's a pistol. 

Case in point:

Alex:  "I'm gonna bust a cap, fool."
Sarah, without missing a beat: "Don't bust a cap, fool."

This interchange was right before our Advent storytime. 

We laughed like crazy and Christmas hymns were playing in the background and it was a moment you just can't capture. Which says it all to me.

Wishing you unexpected moments this Christmas.

Eight

We made it to year 8!  Today's our anniversary!  I wanted to mark the day, as today will be a little more ordinary than that day eight years ago.

Instead of an updo and resplendant gown, I'm currently wearing a pre-baby bob, 2007 Gators BCS Championship tshirt, pink flowered pj pants, and house slippers. 

Instead of dancing to a jazz quartet, I'll be de-cruding the kitchen while Sesame Street and an I-phone entertains our children.

Instead of counting down the days, we looked at each other and said, "Oh, our anniversary is coming up.  We should do something."

To Alex's credit,  we are having an overnight date night in Atlanta and he even planned for a anniversary gift after the hissyfitting I exhibited a few Mother's Days ago.

Married life is messier and harder than I would have imagined on July 17, 2004.  But we have
all of this to celebrate...

Here's to us, then and now-- the life that's happened in between and the milestones left to reach together!

Seven

I wrote this a few months ago thinking about our anniversary, which is today.  We got to watch the last HP movie this weekend, and he got me a spa day.  Boy did good.

Although it is more than 3 months away, I feel like celebrating our seventh anniversary today. Even though it's not the first or tenth or twenty-fifth, it feels more significant this year. Like we have something to celebrate. We've lived some life. Won and lost. Laughed and cried. And laughed again.

This year has been the hardest for me, and I would say for our marriage. The pressure of providing monetarily, physically, spiritually and emotionally for a family is too much to bear without a loving spouse. I think we both put our heads down and plowed through and are now breathing some fresh air. And all I can say is it is God. His love in my heart. For Him, for Alex, and for our family. He is the Healer.

I know that last paragraph sounds melodramatic. Please take me at my word and believe it is not. There have been no visible demons to slay. No infidelities, deaths, or outward crises-- Praise God. Just life. Its stresses and hardships and disappointments and fears. That's enough in itself to face. So I'm just happy. He's brought me a "mighty long way; that's why I love Him."

We are not special or unique or worth praising. I am sharing this because my heart is full and it needs to overflow in thanks. And so, I've been running montage in my mind. Got the perfect song picked out, too.

If I had a jazz quartet playing at my beck and call today, and a fabulous dress to wear, here's what I'd have them play.

"'Cause in my mind, we can conquer the world/ in love/
You &I/ You & I/ You & I...."
(Listen here to Michael Buble's version)

Love to my husband today. If you ever decide to run away from home, I'm grabbing my purse and coming with you!

4/19/11 for 7/17/11
Melissa

Don'ts and Do's

A blog is much like Wikipedia.  Anyone can write one, so you know the information is accurate.  (Thanks, Michael Scott).  At the tutoring center where I work, three young ladies are getting married.  I love weddings. I've already admitted to registry stalking.  Without further ado, here are:

Lis' Wedding Don'ts and Do's

 (My parents call me Lis when I'm being bossy, which is most of the time, so the title fits)

Don'ts

1. Overthink and Overstress:  My breaking point was that the dyeable bridesmaids' shoes were not the exact same shade as their dresses.  Think blush and bashful, friends.  Mix and match.  Not just match. Also, seating charts don't matter.  In the grand scheme of things, ivory versus bone invitations don't either.  Nor does the intricate pattern on your china, bubbles versus birdseed, ice sculptures, bird releases, and all the garage the wedding industry shoves your way.  It's a big day, and it deserves special attention.  But those small things are not what you will remember.  Trust me.

2. Try to lose a ridiculous amount of weight.   The brides-to-be I mentioned are all dieting. None could be over a size 10. (Please don't think I'm saying size 12 and up are fat.) All look healthy and slim.  Really.  Get your dress to fit your body and pick the dress that flatters you, not necessarily what's most in fashion currently.

3. Slouch.  I think it could be generational, but today's youth are slouchers.  As in their posture.  I wish someone had been in charge of making me stand up straight, because I slouched in a lot of my pictures and wish I hadn't.

4. Act a Fool.  This goes back to number 1.  Don't diva out.  Be gracious.  Stay on top of thank yous.  Don't put presents away until the note is written.  Do something nice for your parents.  Thank them.  Tip everyone.

5. Let the Moment Pass You By.  This day may be one of the only times in your life where everyone important to you is in one place.   Be yourself.  If you want to cry, cry.   I wore a goofy grin and cried and laughed and danced with all the groomsmen.  Drug my new husband around the floor for each specially selected song.  Danced with my sister. So, take pictures with everyone.  Eat the cake.  And the groom's cake. Lift your glass, whether it's Sprite or champagne.  Kiss that man 100 times.  It's an awesome day.  Celebrate it.


Do's

1.  Take time to set goals.  Weird for a wedding tip, but this is more for the marriage.  What do you want your marriage to look like?  What tangible steps will you take towards creating a good marriage?  Do it now, because the busyness of life will come after your resolve.

2. Have a wingman.  You need your support system and you especially need someone to keep you in line.  When you get so absorbed in the minutiae that you can't think straight, you need someone to bring you back to reality.  Hopefully, your fiance can be a voice of reason, but you need someone else who can bring you objectivity.   The Mother of the Bride and Mother of the Groom are probably already planning baby names, and your best girlfriends are more than likely in the throes of their own romances, so find someone who has been-there-done-that and lived to laugh at it.

3. Prioritize.  Weddings are costly, no matter the budget, so decide what is most important.  For me, it was pictures and music.   Then venue and flowers and food.  Not elaborate favors or over-the-top "wow" moments. 

4. Accept help.  If someone wants to throw you your 15th shower, let them.  This is not just your day.  While you have the right to have your wedding follow your tastes, be sensitive to those in your life that want to be included.

5. Be Thankful.  It was hard to think of a fitting end to this list, but I think this covers them all.   Don't forget to take time for your other relationships, especially your spiritual one. It makes the day all the sweeter.

Again, I love weddings.  I have a family wedding to attend this August.  Got my dress.  I'll RSVP, buy off the registry, and otherwise be a good guest.  And most importantly, I'll "get down with my bad self," because life is to be lived!

Now, go forth and wed (or be wedded) well!

See?  I followed my advice.

Mother's Day Gifts: A How-To Guide

I just returned from buying Mother's Day cards, and I'm so eager to pontificate on the subject of Mother's Day that I had to sit down and write it now.

First of all, this day is a big deal.  BIG deal.  It's not just a token day.  I'm preaching to the choir on this one, but trust me if you don't already feel this way.  It's big.

You don't have to be far along into motherhood to understand what a tremendous thing your mother did by birthing or adopting, loving, and raising you.  No matter her shortcomings or failings, because even the best mother is still human, your mother is worthy of praise and respect every day, and especially on Mother's Day.

Fathers and sons:  This is a big deal to your wife and mom.  She probably cooks your meals, washes your clothes, cheers you when you're down, praises you when you're up, and does a hundred other things for you of which you may be unaware.  You are *it* in her eyes.   So spend a little time and thought and thank her!

I am a big believer in letting your loved ones know what you like.  I'm not shy about coming out and telling my husband exactly what I'd like, whether it is a monetary gift or not.  So go ahead and tell them!

Here are my ideas.  I am not quite an arbiter of good taste, but I think I'm reasonably well informed!

The New Mother or Mother-to-Be:  Jewelry.  It's time to ante up, big boy.  If your wife is giving birth to your child, especially your first child, she deserves a precious metal or stone.  This does not have to cost a fortune; you can get a nice necklace or earrings for under $100.  A pair of pearl earrings, a necklace charm, or a nice, engraved silver bracelet would be a wonderful gift. This is probably the most disposable income you'll have for a while, so go for it!

The Mother of Babies and Preschoolers:  Special keepsakes are what I treasure.  Here are some things I love:
* a special picture of your children with mom
* hand impressions of little ones
* photo books
* beauty services (hair, nails, spa certificates)

Anything that involves careful thought will be a wonderful gift.

The Mother of School Aged Children: I believe this is the beginning of the chauffeur years.  Mom's driving, scheduling, and doing a lot.  Here are some thoughts:

* a market tote (to carry all her stuff.  and your stuff.  and their stuff.)
* an updated Ipod play list (the modern mix tape)
*anything personalized.  You can never go wrong with monogramming.

The Mother of Teenagers:  This mother is hanging on for dear life.  She needs to laugh and vent.  Some suggestions:

* Comedy DVD (A chick flick or comedy special)  My favorites are Sinbad, Anita Renfroe, and anything by Jane Austen or the Brontes made into a movie or mini-series.  It's a lock.
* A Kindle or Nook
* A preloaded Starbucks card (really loaded... not just $5).  The woman needs to flee sometimes.
* A detailed (custom cleaned, vacuumed, and scented) mini-van.  She's been driving that thing for a while now and it has lost some swagger.
*Tickets to a show.  Your kids can watch themselves for a few hours.  It won't kill you to sit through a musical.  And no smart remarks.


The Mother of Young Adults:
* A weekend away (Bed & Breakfast certificate or even a mini-cruise)  She's made it.  Your offspring are in relative stages of self-sufficiency.  Now is the time to celebrate.
*A letter of thanks.  By this I mean sitting down and free handing a serious letter recalling specific examples of qualities you are thankful for in your wife or mother.  This could be the most precious thing you give her if you will take the time and energy to do it right.

The Grandmother:  This woman has come full circle.  She is reaping the rewards of her investment.  This should be a slam dunk.
* Anything you would give a young mother-- keepsakes of the babies! 
*Anything that says her special grandmother name: Nana, Grandma, et cetera.
* Time.  If you do not live in the same town, schedule a long weekend visit soon.

The Aunts and other Special Women in your life:  These ladies need to be remembered.  They have mothered and celebrated you, too. Don't forget to buy them a card with a personalized note (not just Love, Me) and include pictures and drawings.  Flowers never hurt, either.

Some links:
Things Remembered for monogrammed keepsakes
ProFlowers
Pandora Jewelry
Kindle and Nook
Apple Pie Ridge- great B&B in North Georgia
Chateau Elan- luxurious North Atlanta getaway with spa for her and golf for him
The Fox Theatre


Don't forget:  Buy or make a card now-- one from you and one from the kids.  No joke cards from husbands.  Plan something special, whether is is pancakes in bed, a nice brunch, or a purchased gift.  Or all three!  Go wild, go overboard, go crazy!  She loves you and she is worth the fuss.  Tell her!

And all of God's people said, "Amen." 

Blog Shout-Outs:

Love you, Mom!   I know you are enjoying your hard-earned reward!   Miss you Nanny and MaMaw!  Thank you, Deanne, MIL and Grandma, who did an excellent job with your sons and I'm reaping your hard work!  All my aunts: Susan and Debbie who treat me like their own daughter, Jan and Kris who adore our kids-- love and thanks. Great-Grandma Beverly, you are such a spunky grandma!  My sister, Natalie, who is the best aunt to Jeremiah and Sarah--we're so lucky to have you. 

We love you all. 

What If?

I have pet topics of ruminiation.  Like all the little boys I had crushes on growing up.  I can still remember all of their names.  Starting in kindergarden: Christopher, Jason, Thomas, Chris, Joe, Adam, Adam again, Andy, Andy again, Jeremy, Josh, and by 11th grade I went on a few (like 3) dates.

I sometimes wonder where I'd be, what I'd be doing, and how content I'd be if I'd never met Alex.  I wonder if I'd still be living near Atlanta.  If I'd still be teaching middle school.  If I would have bought a home.  Who my friends would be.  What I'd do with my summers-- full of promise, and also full of weddings.  I think about awesome women who are living their lives on purpose as single women.  There are all that and a bag of chips.  It would be condescending of me to say "all they need is a husband and they'd be set," but I still want that for them because it is not good for man (or woman) to be alone, and I sure need someone.  So I wonder how I'd feel if I was in that situation, where society tells women to be both independent (the shoes on my feet, I bought it) and how to snag Mr. Right so that our Pottery Barn inspired fantasies will be realized.  Monogrammed towels.  Place settings.  Crib bumpers.  All that 'married lady' stuff.

I know for sure that being married to Alex and us being parents to Jeremiah and Sarah are absolutely God's will and his blessing on our lives.  I have three mental snapshots of my life's highlight reel thus far: smiling from ear-to-ear as I walked down the aisle, holding Jeremiah for the first time, and exclaiming "Sarah!" as she decided it was time to be born, with or without a doctor to guide her entrance into the world.

Family life is a lot more sacrifical than I could have imagined.  These baby years feel like an anti-selfisness boot camp punctated by some wonderful times of discovery and laughter. 

I'm not sure if this all ties together in print, but to me, all of this is to say, God gives us exactly what and who we need, when it is for our benefit, and even for our training, and I'm just grateful for what I've been given.  May I cradle these blessings with open hands. 

And that's all I have to say about that.

Be Mine...

I may be a clueless cupid,

happily munching my cakes,

but I want to say thank you,

on this Valentine's Day.

Thank you, Nana & Papa, Grandma & Grandpa,

Thank you, Aunt Natie, and Great Aunts Susan, Jan, Kris, & Debbie

My Uncles and Cousins, too,

For the cards, the toys, and dress up clothes

Especially for the edible cards and bows!

XOXO,

Jeremiah & Sarah via Mom

A Confession...

I registry stalk.  As in, when I'm really bored (or avoiding responsibility), I'll think if I know anyone having a wedding or baby and try to find their registry.  I know I'm not the only one.  (I think.)  Why confess? 

Because I love weddings.  And showers.  And babies.   And all things associated with both.  Because they represent THE happiest days of my life.

In honor of the month of love,  here is my own wedding webpage write-up  from a few years past.  Indulge me the complete girlish blathering of a fool in love.

Valentine's Day, 2004


JULY 17, 2004
Newlyweds for 2399 days!

ABOUT MELISSA
For the last two years, I have played "That Girl" in Atlanta, GA, now known as "The ATL" to hip hop enthusiasts and middle school students far and wide. If you couldn't tell, I am a Language Arts teacher at Summerour Middle School in Norcross, GA. My job presents me with many new experiences and I feel that I really could handle anything thrown at me as a second year teacher!

My first year in Atlanta was characterized by the "roller coaster" effect of being a middle school teacher, while this year has been set apart as the year I meet my intended, Alex.

ABOUT ALEX
Alex will graduate May 13th from Kennesaw State University, with a degree in Economics. He recently began his new job at Southern Insurance Underwriters as an Underwriting Assistant. He enjoys soccer and loves to talk about current issues. I am so happy he is in my life!

HOW WE MET
We meet at a church singles retreat in San Destin, FL on Labor Day Weekend. I first saw him at dinner and later our group of friends took a walk on the beach. As providence would have it, we meet up on the beach the following night, and Alex came alongside me to chat. After a rocky start (He seemed to think teaching was not a profession to make money, and really got an earful of my philosophies), we picked up speed talking about high school and our shared love of watching Dr. Phil! He asked me for my number and then waited eight days to call! When he finally did, I literally had a hard time catching my breath, which I took to be a good sign. After our pre-date "Will she go out with me/ Will he ever ask me out?" dance ended, our first date was set for a picnic at Amicolola Falls north of Atlanta. We spent an afternoon hiking and talking, and when we were in the car going home, listening to the radio and smiling to ourselves, I think we both knew we had found someone special.

WHEN WE GOT ENGAGED
February 14, 2004

HOW IT HAPPENED
Alex had sent me red roses earlier in the week at work, so I was sailing through the week. More than one person had predicted we would get engaged that weekend. Alex surprised me by taking me to the Fox theatre to see the ballet's "Romeo and Juliet." (Alex isn't the biggest ballet fan... He made his mom leave early at "The Nutcracker"!) While on our way, I noticed an odd shape in Alex's pocket. I tapped it and jokingly asked if it was a roll of quarters. He shrugged it off and I didn't think much about it. At intermission, we went upstairs to look at the beautiful ceiling of the Fox that resembles an evening sky. Alex was acting unusual: arms crossed, without much to say. After standing around for less than a minute, he quickly said he had a present for me, turned quickly, and faced me with a diamond ring and "Melissa, will you marry me?" A "yes" and embrace followed, and though he was too nervous to kneel down, it was the perfect proposal!

WHEN & WHERE
July 17, 2004
Cumming, GA

ABOUT THE BIG DAY
Think "Steel Magnolias" without the drama. It will be a pink and pink wedding! We hope to add some personal touches to the ceremony and reception and look forward to joining our lives before our Lord Jesus Christ, friends, and family.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

So, can you see why I love registries?

Somewhat Stalkerishly but Sentimentally Yours,
Melissa

Free Marital Counseling

Watch the 2 minute clip below and see if 99 percent of your mundane gripes about your spouse aren't answered. This TV special was on one night when Alex and I were grumpy with each other. Dr. Sinbad nails it on the head. From clothes on the floor to romance, you can tell he's been there and back. Seriously, rent this from Netflix. It's awesome!

Then...

Found this image today from Christmas 2006... bittersweet.  So carefree, young, wee babes.

30

I had a great 30th birthday. I could say a lot about it, but don't need to. I had a weekend filled with surprises. What made it very special was that my husband planned it far in advance-- booking a nice hotel, contacting friends, telling lots of stories so that I wouldn't be suspicious, even setting up a new email account for the birthday weekend.

What the weekend showed me was:

It doesn't matter if you are liked by many. It matters if you are loved (and I would say greatly loved) by a few.

It's nice to be liked. But it's on the surface-- typically because of what we are trying to project to win favor. But to be loved, just because, just because someone else finds something of worth in you, without your striving to attain their affection, that is completely humbling and truly precious.

Thank you to my sweet husband and father of my little boy and in-progress baby. And thank you to my parents, sister, extended family, and out-of-town friends who took the time to make me feel special.

So the next time I'm just doing something mundane and repetitive that I do every day, and feel like my life is insignificant, I've got a great memory to remind me of the opposite.

LOVE YOU!

Need some zip

I don't have any zip today. Don't feel like picking up and putting away things. Wish I wanted to though. Does wistfulness count toward housekeeping? This week has been much slower than last week, thankfully. The Christmas production, a Singing Christmas tree, went well. I always love being a part of Christmas musicals. So hopeful. I even made it through standing about 15 feet off the ground on a Styrofoam box for an hour and a half. Wearing a gold lamae cape and red stole. Hey, I'm in the Lord's army :)

Mom and Dad truly spoiled Jay and introduced him to Zwieback toast. He's been on a roll eating jar food. His stomach has been a little more turbulent, however. Mom and Dad baby-sat while we went to a company dinner. Good food and people, though a little long waiting for courses. It took about 3 hours from salad to dessert!

I wore some of my Santa duds early to the party. Now that I'm a mom, I definitely feel the need to jazz up my wardrobe. I wore black lace peep toe stilettos. My fab-ness was somewhat dampened due to the fact that the boss's sister was wearing the same top.

I'm off to shower, feed Jay, and maybe gear up to do the dishes.