Resolving to be Resolute

(Source: A Step in the Journey)

So, I'm a few days late in the game, but I've been really pondering this past year, and thinking about some real goals I would like to make for the new year. In the past, I haven't really made New Year's resolutions because I believe that if you really need to change something bad enough, you should do it anytime of the year. However, this year, I'm feeling the need to jump on the Resolution Bandwagon. Maybe it's because I've become lazy in more than a few areas of my life. Or maybe it's because I want to set an example for my son. Either way, here are my New Year's Resolutions for 2012.

1. Invest in meaningful friendships. I'm going to let those walls down and let myself be vulnerable for a change. I plan on being there for others and (the hardest part for me) letting others be there for me. I need to do this for my sanity. Even more important, I need to teach my son how to have friends and be a friend too.

2. Memorize and meditate upon Scripture. Pray without ceasing. Invest in the One who holds this new year in His hands.

3. Encourage and challenge the hubster. Invest in our marriage. Begin monthly dates again.

4. Invest in my son. Play more, complain less. Have more patience with him, and cherish those moments. Remember that I'm home for him and not my schedule.

5. Be good to my body. Exercise more, eat healthier, but also be ok with the imperfections. (Not that I have any of those!) ;)

6. Learn my camera. Stop using the "Intelligent Auto) feature so much and actually learn about things like Aperture and Shutter Speed!

I hope I'm not being too ambitious. But if I am, I plan on forgiving myself when I don't live up to these goals, and vowing to start again if needed. It's going to be a good year.

It Had to Happen Someday

We took Gibson to get his haircut while we were home for Christmas. My husband wanted the lady who cut his hair growing up to give G his first haircut. It was a very emotional experience for me. In case the dead animals hanging on the walls didn't tip you off, we were in Alabama.

We had some fun with the camera while waiting. Someone should tell this kid the "duck face pout" for the camera was so last year!

This is the point where I started to get very nervous and regretted our decision to cut his beautiful, long, flowing hair!

Gibson was not nervous and took it like a champ.

Tip of the day: Smarties are a great way to keep your 15 month old sitting still. :)

I think his new hair makes him look like such a big boy. Is it normal to regret your child's first haircut? Here's to hoping it grows out fast. ;)

Travel Time

The fam and I are driving home to Alabama, the Beautiful tomorrow. We'll be home for ten days, so that means today is filled with lots of packing.

I'm reusing my Tom's bag to keep my socks and other small items from getting "lost" in my suitcase.


I'm including some books to keep me from going crazy. I plan on starting "Instructing a Child's Heart."

I've recently discovered Keel's Simple Diary. It's not your typical journal. Each day has a different page to fill out, like...

Your day was... (a) a nap (b) a gap (c) a snap Explain why...
Make up your mind. You are better at ( ) talking ( ) listening
You would like to spend a day in this person's life:
You can handle a lot ( ) yes ( ) no

I cannot wait to fill the pages of this journal up!

Packing tip of the day:
In order to maximize space in your suitcase, layer similar clothes on top of each other. For example, all sweaters together, all skirts together, etc. Roll them up and place in suitcase.

How to Style Your Little Man, Final Day

The final day of "How to Style Your Little Man" focuses on accessorizing! Girls may have cornered the market on bows, ruffles, and lace, but little boys can still rock cute hats, shoes, and jackets.

Again with the BOOTS!

In case you haven't noticed, I'm a little hat-obsessed. I think hats are so versatile and can really change an outfit. I hear moms complain that their baby won't keep a hat on. When I dress G in a hat, I try to make sure he is in front of a mirror so he can see himself. Then I make a BIG deal about how cute he looks and he usually ends up admiring himself for a few minutes and decides to keep his hat on. If he decides he's had enough and throws his hat on the floor, then that's that and I don't make him put it back on.

Happy Accessorizing, and thanks for reading!

How to Style Your Little Man, Part Two

Day two of "How to Style Your Little Man" involves having fun with his wardrobe and picking a "theme." Today, I dressed Gibson in a western motif. It's important not to go overboard if you're going with a theme. Notice I didn't top G's outfit off with a cowboy hat. This isn't Halloween. You just want one or two pieces to do the talking.

Gibson is wearing:

Shirt- Thrifted

Jeans- BabyGap

Boots- Thrifted

LOVE these boots!

Above is Gibson's "preppy" look. The plaid golf cap is what brings this outfit together. He's not afraid to wear a pink polo because he's comfortable in his masculinity :)

So, have fun with your little man's wardrobe. Try a sporty look, or go with a color theme. Pick two colors that wouldn't normally go together and see how they look. Children can get away with fashion risks that adults wouldn't normally try.

Hat- BabyGap
Polo- Ralph Lauren, gifted
Coat- BabyGap
Pants- Thrifted, BabyGap