Achieving Perfection

A Woman's Journey in Life: Motherhood and Parenting, Balancing Life, Crafting, Photographing and much more~

Sep 2

New beginnings…

by blewis85

Well I’m back.  I’m sure the few followers I had have long forgotten about this blog.  I’ve thought about writing several times, but I wanted to be in a better place than what I was – no more depressing rants!  Lots of things have improved, some have not, but finding a path for me and our family has definitely been accomplished.  :)

Updates:

1.  My hubby graduated from school with his Masters Degree in Teaching.  Yay!  But surprise, surprise, no teaching job was to be in our future.  So what to do?  Only what he does best and has done since he was 14.  Antiques.

2.  Antiques?  Yep.  My husbands parents and grandparents are all in the antique business.  He grew up in that world  and knows all about so many things…especially English Antiques.  Go him!  So he has officially joined his father’s business, they are now 50/50 partners, which is wonderful and scary all at the same time.  We’ve put what little money we had left into this (and my little venture) so we are praying that this is what God has had planned for us all along and that we are doing exactly what we need to do.  He’s in England right now on a buying trip and will return next week.  We’re excited about the future for us and for there business.

3.  I’ve been working on all aspects of “me”.  Not knowing what I wanted out of a career or even the ability to find a job, was really tough.  But we live in a small town and there was just not much out there.  Plus, I have 2 kids and a slew of health problems, so finding the right fit is almost impossible.  But, alas, the sky has opened up.  Taking care of my health is what I’ve been focusing on and though I haven’t noticed a reduction in pain, I have lost over 40 lbs.  Yay!  About 45 more to go and I’ll be down to a healthy weight.  I’m hoping the more I lose, the healthier I will be, the less my pain will be, and things can only go up from there.  On the job front, I decided to do the stuff that I love to do in my spare time, full time.  What is that?

4.  Introducing Big Eyed Bird Designs.  :)  It’s small and a work in progress.  It allows me to take care of my kiddos and work in my spare time, although I try to carve out some structured work hours each day.  It’s an eclectic mix of various crafts, sewing projects, children’s accessories (hair clips, etc.) and vintage and repurposed items.  Love!  I don’t know if it’ll be a success, but this is where my journey has led me and I know God has a plan for us all.  So I’m hoping I’ve finally found where I need to be.  And this is the stuff that I love to do and I am good at doing.  Wanna check it out?  www.facebook.com/BigEyedBirdDesigns

So this is me.  And this is what we’ve been working on the last several months.  The girls have gotten so big.  I’ve worked on me and my husband has worked on himself and figuring out our stuff.  Life is tough.  But we are meant to be and we love each and every moment together and as a family.  I’m going to start posting regularly again and it’ll be like it was.  Just a hodge podge of everything!  A little bit of me and a lot of what I love.  :)

Related articles
About these ads

Aimless Ramblings Inspiration

No Comments »
Mar 1

Dream Jobs

by blewis85

The other day, I was talking to my best friend on the phone and we were discussing what our “dream jobs” were as kids.  I honestly couldn’t remember.  How sad is that?

It took me a while to remember that I wanted to be marine biologist for a while – probably due to the fact that I looked up to my Aunt who was a scuba diver and I wanted to make a career out of something to do with the ocean.  I loved being in the water and honestly, if my husband and I could move to, I don’t know, Honduras, and open up a scuba diving business to teach tourists, we would probably have our ultimate dream jobs.

I’ve been thinking of other things that I wanted to pursue as a child.  One thing I finally remembered was working for the travel channel.  That would be the ultimate dream job in my opinion.  As a kid, I remember staying home from school and watching Samantha Brown on travel channel and hoping that one day I could grow up and do something like that.  I’ve always wanted to travel.  I’ve always wanted to somehow make that a career.  Or at the very least, have a career that afforded me the ability to travel to my hearts content.

Another dream I never dared to dream was to become a writer.  I never thought I was “good” enough to pursue writing as my friends seemed to always have a better way with words than I did.  And it’s true, they still have a better way of verbalizing there opinions.  But I still love to write and thus, this blog was born.  It’s given me an outlet to write about serious things and silly things and it’s given me a chance to put my words down “on paper”.

So what happened to these dreams?  They just evaporated over time, I guess.  I grew up and started doing things I thought I was supposed to do instead of the things that I wanted to do.  I’m not sure how to get back to pursuing my “dreams”, but I want too.

I’m not sure what my new “dream jobs” are or how to begin pursuing my new versions of the dreams I mentioned above, but I have a lot of thinking and researching to do.  I have a family now so that is something that is a huge factor, but I want my children to look up to me and see passion and be proud.  I need to find my passion.  I need to find it for myself and my family.  So that is another goal that I have for 2012.  To truly find what it is that will make me happy to do with my life.

Do any of you have a dream job?  Are you working in your dream job now?  What was your dream job as a kid?

Personal Goals Uncategorized

No Comments »
Feb 27

BEST Playdough EVER!

by blewis85

So I have FINALLY found a play dough recipe that is absolutely amazing.  Really.  Seriously.  Better than the store bought stuff and better than any other homemade recipe I’ve ever tried.  I’m so excited about having discovered this recipe and I can’t wait to share this with you.  So try it, for sure!!

Ingredients:

1 Cup Flour

1 Cup Water

1/4 Cup Salt

2 Tsp Cream of Tartar

1 Tbsp Vegetable oil

Food Coloring (about 4 drops – however much you want to get the desired color)

Instructions:

Mix all the ingredients in a pot.  Put the pot on the stove and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it firms into a ball.  (Note = it took a while for it to do this.  I almost added some more flour and I’m glad I waited.  It formed into a ball after about 15 minutes of pretty continuous stirring).  As soon as it joins into one big glob, take it off the heat and dump out onto the counter (or wax paper or a cookie sheet – just whatever you have).  Wait for it to cool and then knead it a few times until it is nice and soft.  I started kneading it after about 5 minutes off the heat and it turned into a really soft, perfect play dough consistency.

See?  Perfect purple play dough!

Make sure to keep the play dough in an airtight container.  I’ve been using a freezer ziploc bag and it’s worked great.

Peyton has been playing with this play dough all weekend.  For Christmas, she received a “clay center with play-doh” kit and she has been making shapes and creating all sorts of fun stuff.  Seriously, hours and hours of fun!  Here is a link to the kit: http://www.cptoy.com/cgi-bin/pf.sh/2.0/product.htm?pf_id=CPX-555L.

If you have any questions, let me know.  This is really amazing play dough and my daughter can’t get enough play time with it.  It’s already lasted over a week and as long as you keep it in an airtight container so it doesn’t dry out, I’m sure it’ll last quite a while.

Happy playing!

Related articles

Crafting Homemade Items Instructions and How-To's My Children Recipes and Cooking Fun

No Comments »
Feb 27

Dear Peyton…

by blewis85

(This post is a letter to Peyton about our developing relationship since her birth – the truth – the ups and downs – a pouring of honesty and love directly from my heart – part 1).

Dear Peyton,

I just dropped you off at school where you go part-time.  You love it there, though recently it’s been more of a struggle to get you out the door.  I think it probably has something to do with your baby sister being born.  You probably feel a little deprived for attention – especially one-on-one attention.  Since I’m breastfeeding your little sister, it’s hard to get any time alone with you, though I try to squeeze in as many snuggle and play one-on-one moments as possible while your sister is sleeping.  I promise you, it will get better.  Not only will we have wonderful family moments, when your sister is a little bigger, we will start being able to have one-on-one Mommy-Daughter moments again.  I’m working on planning an afternoon outing just the two of us for next week.  It will be a nice break from all the chaos our house has endured these past six weeks.

I want you to know that I love you more than anything – more than I thought I could ever love anyone or anything.  (Tears streaming as I type this).  You were born to me and your daddy at the exact right moment (although we thought we weren’t ready).  I was on birth control when I got pregnant with you – but it failed.  Word to the wise, when you are on prescription meds when you are an adult – be careful.  I had just had neck surgery and even though I was on birth control, will all the meds I had been taking, you were created.  With all the hell my body was going through at that time, it was a miracle you were created and born problem-free.  God has a plan for you as he does for us.  You are our miracle child and you were placed on this earth for a reason.  And we couldn’t have been happier when you were born.

Since you were born, you have been a blessing to all of those that you have come into contact with.  You have these big bright blue eyes and the most enchanting smile.  You have this uncanny ability to brighten up any room you walk into with your smile and laugh.  You turn strangers into friends instantly.  You have friends from baby to age 100.  You remember everyone you meet – names and faces.  There is a never a trip to the grocery store that you don’t encounter someone you know and we usually leave with you having made a new friend.  All the elderly people you meet – I’m positive that you have brightened there day and probably there week.  You make people just feel better by your presence.  And you are so concerned for people’s well being.  You hate it when people are hurt or sad.  When someone is hurt or crying, you feel there pain, and it effects you.  You talk to them and try your best to make them feel better.  You are so concerned for there well being.  You keep checking on them and there are times, where when someone older has been hurt, that you have asked me repeatedly to take you to “take care of them”.  There was an older lady at our church who fell and hurt her hip.  She had to have surgery.  When you found out, you told me that you had to go take care of her and she would get better.  You say the sweetest little prayers for those you love and know.  You ask God to take care of those you know and love and even those you don’t.  When someone is hurt, you always ask about them constantly until they are better.  And those rare times that you have caused someone pain (like when you scratched your baby sister’s face), you have been so saddened by your actions that you have apologized for weeks and it has brought tears to your eyes on several occasions.

We struggled developing a connection after you were born.  You and me.  Of course I loved you and you loved me.  But I worked all the time and your Grandmama took care of you during the day.  Then most evenings, your Nana and Papa took care of you.  I was out of the house the majority of the time for work – at one point, even working two jobs.  So, when it was just you and me, we struggled with what to do with our few hours together.  It broke my heart when I would come pick you up and you would cry because you wanted to stay with your grandparents.  It kept me at arms length for a while because I was afraid to “love you to much”.  Of course, I got over that, but it took me a while.

Honestly, losing my job, just before your 2nd birthday, was a huge blessing in our relationship.  I’ve sort of become a stay-at-home mom since then.  We have spent the majority of time with each other since then and our days are fun filled.  We play all day.  I don’t spoil you and I discipline you.  But I try to plan something memorable to do with each day it’s just us – crafts, a trip to the park, outside time, whatever it may be.  We have been closer that I ever thought we would be at this age.  Our relationship now is the epitome of what a mother-daughter relationship should be.  It’s more than I ever hoped for.  My heart is over-flowing with love for you.  And now that your sister has arrived, it hasn’t changed, if anything, it’s increased.  I’m so blessed to have this time with you at this age.  I don’t know how much longer I will be a sahm, but I want you to know that I’m truly enjoying and treasuring these moments with you.

You are your mother’s daughter and your father’s daughter.  You have some of my personality traits, but you have a LOT of your dad’s personality as well.  You are kind, gentle, open.  But you have a short-temper and get mad easily (thank you daddy).  ;)  But you love BIG and you have a huge heart.  You forgive quickly and have more love inside of you than anyone I’ve ever seen.  You have a lot of your dad’s talents.  I can already tell that you are musically inclined – you got that from your daddy.  He’s a very talented singer and plays guitar.  And although you are a girlie girl at times (like me), you love to play outside and get dirty, which are also traits you got from me.  I was girlie, but a tomboy at the same time and played numerous sports.  I also did a lot of theatre.  I have a feeling you have a combination of all of these talents and interests and I am excited to see you grow and see what interests of your own you develop.  You are unbelievably smart.  You have the vocabulary of a 5 year old and you’ve been talking in complete, complex sentences since you were 18 months old.  You understand adult conversations without needing a translation.  You understand farsi and can speak it  with your Papa (he is from Iran and I’m 1/2 Persian, so you are 1/4).  You used to know a lot of sign language, but I’ve kind of let that slide, so we are going to pick that back up again.  I love the fact that you are bi-lingual.  And you are learning some spanish at school which makes me incredibly happy.  You are brilliant.  I have high hopes for your future and I know you will do amazingly well with whatever you decide to do with your life one day.

I want you to know how much I love you and that I am so thankful and blessed to be your mother.  I will continue these letters in the future, but I wanted to start somewhere.  I hope one day you will understand how much love I have for you and how deep our connection is.  It’s hard to explain how our relationship has developed and changed since your birth.  But this is a start.  I love you my darling girl.

Love, Mommy

Related articles

My Children Parenting Issues Relationships Uncategorized

No Comments »
Feb 24

A Bridge Over Troubled Water

by blewis85

In God‘s economy, you can’t out give God.

Think about that statement.  Process it.  To me, it means that if you give your time and energy and talents to God, He will provide for you in unexpected ways.  When things are tough and you feel you have nothing else to offer, know and trust that God will never give you more than you can handle, and He wants you to do your best to offer yourself up to serve the Lord in whatever ways and with whatever gifts He has blessed you with.

Part of Psalm 34 reinforces this concept.  ”The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry; the face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth.  The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.  The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.  A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all….The Lord redeems his servants; no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him” (Psalm 34: 15-22).

Life is not easy for most people.  Even the people we may deem as “perfect” in our minds have there own set of problems and issues.  You never know what is going through the hearts and minds of people under another roof.  It is not our job to judge others or say that they are not worthy of our time and talents.  God has blessed us all with some ability, even it’s just the blessing of being a comforting shoulder to those grieving.  Offer yourself up selflessly to help others in need whenever and wherever you can.  Do not expect anything in return.  Ever.  If you give selflessly without any want of recourse, then God will bless your unselfish heart in unexpected ways.  It may not be in ways that we want, but always in ways that we need.

There have been times in my life (and I’m currently in a difficult stage) that I thought that there was no way out of the situation that I was in.  With the economy the way it is, my family is struggling financially.  I lost my job in late 2010 and due to my health at the time and the lack of jobs in our area, I was not (and still not) able to find something sustainable to do.  My husband took a leap of faith and left his dead-end job soon after to do student teaching for a semester so that he could become a teacher (hopefully the following fall).  We prayed that if we kept a tight budget and subsided on savings and student loans that he would find a position that fall and we could get back on track financially and as a family.

With the economy the way it is, he was not able to find a job.  He has been substitute teaching since last fall and though the money is pitiful, it is something coming into our household and we are thankful.  We are praying that God will find it in his will to provide my husband with a teaching position or lead us down another path this year.  I’m still looking for work and now with two children, I’m hoping God will lead me to what I am supposed to do with my life as well.

The reason I’m telling you all of this is because even though our income has been tight and at times non-existent, we have survived so far.  God has always – and at times we have no idea how it happens – provided us with a way to pay for our basic necessities and bills.  We have used student loans to get by as well (we are both still in school part-time), but that is only a small portion of it.  With odd jobs and substitute teaching, and random influxes of income, we are able to make it month to month.  There are times that the money coming in and the money that is supposed to go out doesn’t seem to match, but somehow we are able to get enough together to do so.  By God’s grace we have been blessed.

My husband and I are actively trying to find a way out of our situation, but we know that God has us here for a reason and when He is ready, He will provide us with an answer to our prayers.  Nothing can be done without Him.  While we are waiting, we are using this time to improve our relationships and be role model’s to our children.  I never thought we would be able to spend so much time together or with our children at this young age and for that I am grateful.  I have used my time and talents volunteering in the community as well and lending an ear to those in need.  I try to keep an open mind and heart so when I feel I am needed, I try to be there to offer my services to others.

I know one day soon this trial will end and I am sure another will rise in the future.  But God is always holding our hand during troubling times and this is no exception.  Always give openly and you will be blessed.  Remember the bible verse from earlier….”[a] righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all” (Psalm 34:19).

Looking back at difficult situations in your life that you have overcome, did God always provide you with a way to rise above your situation, even if it was in an unexpected way?

Faith Inspiration

No Comments »
Feb 24

Bathtub Paint!

by blewis85

So today as an incentive/surprise for my daughter to get in the bathtub, I made bathtub “paint”.  I had purchased bathtub paint for her in the past and it was runny and not up to my standards as far as child-friendly products go.  And it didn’t last long.

So….as a surprise to her….ta-dah!  Easy bathtub “paint”.

 

I bought a can of shaving cream for sensitive skin.  I sprayed some shaving cream in a six section cupcake pan and then I added a drop or two of food coloring to each section.  Easy, right?  It works really well.  It spreads nicely on the bathtub and on my daughter.  :)

Here is a picture of the final product and of the ingredients I used:

 

 

 

I think any kind of shaving cream would work.  I chose to use Gillette Foaming shaving cream for sensitive skin as to prevent any possible skin irritation with my daughter.  And I used the food coloring I had on hand.  Use whatever you have – it all works well with the foaming shaving cream.

I would have posted a picture of my daughter, but seeing as she is 3 now, I thought posting a bathtub picture might be inappropriate.  Ah, they grow up so fast!  Happy bath tub!

If you decide to try this out, let me know what you think and how it works for you!

Crafting Homemade Items Instructions and How-To's My Children Recipes and Cooking Fun

2 Comments »
Feb 23

Adoption?

by blewis85

I have some exciting news.  Ever since I was a little kid, when faced with thoughts of the future and kids, I always said that I would like to have 3 children: 2 biological and 1 adopted.  My husband never really shared this passion and so I just assumed this was one wish that would never come to fruition.  Now that we have 2 daughters of our own, we are not looking to have another child anytime soon.  If we do decide to have another child it’ll be at least 5 years away after our lives get a little more orderly and together.  But tonight, he told me that he had been thinking that adopting a child would be something he would be interested in doing in the next 5 to 10 years.  My heart swelled up with delight.

This doesn’t mean it will happen, but to know that his heart and mind are finally open and welcoming the idea makes me unbelievably happy.  Hopefully, if this is part of our destined path it will come to be, and I’m hoping one day, we will be blessed with having such an opportunity.

Parenting Issues Relationships

No Comments »
Feb 23

New Beginnings with Lent

by blewis85

Since today is Ash Wednesday which marks the beginning of the Lent season, I’ve been thinking a lot of what I wanted to do to make the most out of the time between now and Easter.  There are several things that I think I will do/not do to commemorate and celebrate the season.  My faith is hanging on by strings.  Of course, I believe in God and believe He is the answer.  But that is about the extent of my knowledge.  I did not grow up in Church and have never developed a strong relationship with my religion.  I want to raise my children differently than my parents raised me, so part of my daily Lent ritual will be to do a daily devotional in order to explore and understand my faith.  I hope by doing so I will create a deeper spiritual connection that will help my faith become strong and unbreakable and create a habit that will continue for a lifetime – long after Lent is over.  I want my children to be able to look to me for spiritual guidance and inspiration.

Here are a couple of Bible verses on faith that I hope will inspire you during this season:

“Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” – Hebrews 11:1

“Make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-contol, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.  For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – 2 Peter 1:5-8

So I’m going to make a list of my goals during Lent season.  Things I’m going to add to my daily ritual at least until Easter and things I’m going to give up.  It may seem excessive, but I believe I need a strong change in my life and Lent provides the perfect opportunity and inspiration to achieve these goals.

First, I’m going to complete a daily devotional along with a short bible reading.  I may or may not post my thoughts in my blog, but from time to time, I’m sure some postings on my faith journey will make there way to my blog.

Second, as part of my faith journey with my children, I’m reading 2 chapters a night of my daughter’s Children’s Bible to her.  It’s an over-simplified text – perfect for a 3 year old – and I will have finished reading it to her by Easter.

Third, I’m going to give up all Cow’s Milk products – so most milk, cheese and yogurt products.  I believe my daughter (Addison) whom I’m breastfeeding may be allergic, so this provides a double-pronged reason for me to give this up.   I’m so ingrained in eating or drinking something of the cow’s milk variety so this is going to be very tough.

Fourth, I’m going to the doctor today.  Hopefully, I will be released to take up physical activity again (it’s been 6 weeks since my c-section – which also means that Addison is 6 weeks old today!).  If I am released, then I will be doing some type of physical activity each day throughout Lent.  Possible walking (hopefully jogging eventually), yoga, workout videos, etc.

Fifth, to complete a blog post every day.  It can be on any subject.  But I want to write and write I shall.

Sixth, to complete a craft project every day.  It can be for myself or something with my daughter’s.  Sometimes it will be something as simple as coloring.  Other times, it’ll be something more intensive. I may not post these projects every day, but I will post summaries weekly at the very least.

And seventh, make an effort to call or go see someone, either family or friends, that I don’t see often.  I need to make an effort to see my grandparents more often.  I also need to make an effort to call my friends and keep up with them.  Relationships are important and I don’t want mine to fall apart.

So, some of these read like resolutions, and to me that is okay.  This season is about making my relationship with God stronger and creating a deeper faith connection.  All of these things are necessary for me to accomplish that for a spiritual connection that reaches my mind, body and soul.

If you decide to participate in Lent, what are your goals?  Or what are you going to give up?

Related articles

Aimless Ramblings Faith Inspiration My Children Personal Goals Relationships Uncategorized Writing

1 Comment »
Feb 12

When I grow up….

by blewis85

Last night, my 3 year old, Peyton, told me that when she grows up she is going to be a Cowboy.  She already has the hat and everything.  When her baby sister grows up, Addison will be a driver, a fast car driver.  And Addison will drive her around and buy her candy and take her on her cowboy duties.

Yee-Haw!  :)

Aimless Ramblings Children's Health Inspiration My Children Parenting Issues Relationships

No Comments »
Feb 12

My Mom’s Birthday

by blewis85

Yesterday was my Mom’s birthday.  She turned 52.  Crazy how time flies.  I wanted to share with ya’ll a bit of how we celebrated.

Here is a picture of my Mom when she was in her early twenties.  Isn’t she beautiful?

My husband, the kids and myself spent the weekend with my parents, which is how we’ve been spending most weekends recently, since Addison was born.    After my daughter Peyton woke up from her nap yesterday afternoon, we went to the store and bought cake mix.  I know, it’s a mix.  But Peyton wanted to make her Nana a birthday cake herself and it was going to be way to complicated to have her make it from scratch.  Plus, we were in my parents old school kitchen – not the most convenient place for me to bake something from scratch.

We bought the new Duncan Hines Triple Chocolate cake mix and the NEW Duncan Hines Vanilla Glaze to use as icing.  It was delicious (btw)!

Anyway, so the cake was made and it was a success.  It looked pretty good for a 3 year old’s creation.  Peyton added sprinkles and birthday candles to the cake.  And btw, the candles were awful.  They were literally lit for less than 20 seconds and already started melting all over the cake.  Oh well, a little wax won’t hurt you.

Okay, so this next part is my favorite part of the whole day.  My Mom got a big laugh out of it.  Well, we all did.  My 3 year old wanted to get her Nana a special birthday present.  While we were at the store she picked out the following: a Winnie the Pooh and Piglet Valentine’s Day balloon and a Cinderella birthday card.  Perfect for her Nana, right?  Well, it was and she loved it.  What Nana doesn’t want to be told that she’s a Princess?  :)

And here is a copy of the princess card Peyton got for her Nana.  I wrote the words, per my 3 year old’s instruction.

Oh, by the way, the Cinderella Princess birthday card?  It sings, “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes“.  :)

What a wonderful day!  It was a simple, relaxed day, surrounded by family. No better way to spend a birthday for a Nana who adores her grandchildren.

Children's Health Inspiration My Children Parenting Issues Recipes and Cooking Fun Relationships

No Comments »
«Older Entries
Blog at WordPress.com. Theme: Brand New Day by Caroline Moore.