Tough Critic

As I sit here and drink my coffee, I'm reminded of the harsh words I had to have with myself this week. It seems that I've put things off and justified them by doing "more pressing" chores, if you will. When really I should acknowledge the items at the top of the list and move on from there. ( I so sound like my mother.) So basically I had a Come to Jesus Moment with myself, and that's always real fun. I believe you are your own toughest critic and I need to be reminded of that sometimes.

Watch out world! I'm working on my to-do list. 

I was recently driving around and had an epiphany. (Why do these moments always seem to occur in the car?) I was reminded that I have a certain standard for how I want to live my life and the only person stopping me, is me. Whew! I feel like I should say an amen after that statement!
I'm not sure if I've mentioned this yet, but I'm off for the summer and will not be returning to work due to finishing a master's degree. So why not now? What is my excuse? I clearly have ample time and I need to cease the "I'll do it later" mentality and adopt a better since of urgency when it comes to those less appealing chores. I understand chores are not fun. If they were, they would not be called chores. Duh!
Obviously, this is not an easy conversation to have with yourself, but it’s better than hearing it from someone else. I’ll admit it is tough to acknowledge the fact that your procrastination is not only leading to disappointment with yourself but also those around you. Ouch. Those can be harsh words to hear, but sometimes necessary.
You know that cliché saying, don’t put off for tomorrow what you can today? Well, it is not so cliché after all.
So whether it is keeping the laundry caught up, trimming the bushes, or just simply completing a sewing project, I vow to try to be more in the moment and live for today; and not for tomorrow.
Yard work anyone?

Charlie Brown Knows Best

"Oh, hey mom. I am just doing a little reading before bedtime. 
 This Charlie Brown Christmas Story is really neat!"

Christmas should be celebrated year round. #christmasinjuly #sixmonthstogo

A Wrinkle in Time

You may have noticed a few changes happening around here; meaning the blog itself. After much thought, I decided to update my blog, other than its general aesthetics. Since its inception five years ago, my blog has been focused on being a new bride, the adventures of marriage and pregnancy, and, overall, the beginnings as Mrs. B.  Still, as Father Time would have it, those stories have been filed away in the past and I have found myself in a new season of life; a slightly more exciting and complex season.
All that said, I feel that Charleston is the next BIG journey of my life and my blog should reflect this. So why this title? Simply put, one of my favorite moments occurs in the very beginning of the day, the morning. I love to hear the stirrings of a sweet little boy coming from the monitor and feel the excitement and blessing of knowing we were given another day together.  I smile at the thought.
There have never been more precious words spoken in our home than, "Good morning, Charleston."

Ecclesiastes 3:1

Throwback Thursday

Oh goodness. I could shed a tear at the sight of these pictures! Look how small Jasper was at his first birthday celebration. (yes, we had a party and no, I am not ashamed to admit it.)
This curly-haired Maltipoo sure does hold a special place in our hearts and I am in disbelief that he will be five years old this summer.

Bookworm

I think Cody and I both agree in that as parents it is extremely important to model the love of learning and appreciation for books and literature. We were very blessed to have received so many wonderful, timeless books as gifts and Cody has since created a mini library for Charleston's room.

I can remember the excitement when my parents bought me a new book or gave me money to shop in the school's annual book fair. (You know you did too.) While my friends were buying posters, erasers, and other trinkets, I was agonizing over which which books to put in my basket and which ones to leave on the shelf. I wanted to take all of them home.
It is my hope that Charleston will experience the same excitement and seek the knowledge, solitude, and comfort that books have to
offer.

Wild Thing Philosophy

Sometimes I am amazed at the knowledge and revelations that are hidden within a children's book. I believe they are life's little treats- just waiting to be unwrapped and enjoyed.

These simple words are so relevant now that I have a little person in my life. I often find myself in complete awe of Charleston and it is a feeling that I would consume, if possible. I view children to be tiny pieces of heaven, in which they give us a glimpse of the goodness and unconditional love that is eternal.

Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him. Psalm 127:3

Lions, Tigers, and Bears- Oh My!

The Bunyards recently set off for Charleston's first trip to the Memphis Zoo. I have to admit that I have been anxiously awaiting this day for a long time. As a young girl, I remember imagining what it would it be like to bring my future husband and children to the zoo and show them my favorite parts of the park; although my imaginative family then falls way short in comparison to my handsome family now.

What a surreal moment it was to be in the moment, thank God for my blessings, and enjoy the beautiful weather with my sweet family!