At least I’m not waiting ‘ til the last minute.
Life Two Days Before a Trip…
March 4, 2012 by · Leave a Comment
Mel’s Rules for Moving to Illinois
March 3, 2012 by · Leave a Comment
I came across this today as I was sorting through old documents.
According to the last time I updated it, it was written two days after we moved here, on July 30, 2010. I suspect I was feeling lonely, Maelie was napping, and I needed something to do since we had no internet.
I smiled as I read through it…felt a little guilty, but mostly happy.
The way God provides is amazing…and reading this made me so very thankful for the blessings He’s given.
Oh, and I added my commentary ’cause I knew you’d want my reflections. đ
Melâs Rules for Moving to Illinois
1. Spend money on the bedroom. It is the place Tobin and I connect and share our most intimate moments. It is worth every single penny. Ok, ok so this one took quite awhile. But we did eventually follow through.
2. It is not wrong to have a most amazing kitchen, especially if it was already that way when we moved in…so don’t feel guilty about it. Success…I feel zero guilt and mostly love for my kitchen. Especially since there are no cockroaches hiding in the silverware drawer.
3. Take walks every day and meet my neighbors. (Plus I have that annoying baby weight I need to get rid of anywayâŚ) We did take a lot of walks but that wasn’t really how we met our neighbors…they mostly came to say hi if we were outside. And the baby weight? Well, it took a lot more than walking! đ
4. Donât hide behind a closed door and wish for what I canât have anymore. Thankfully this only happened for a few weeks before I was rescued by an incredible friend. I learned that, having an infant, it was very easy to hide but that I didn’t want to. And once I had a way to not hide, it was pretty easy to open the door.
5. Allow myself a Starbucks or Caribou once a week. Take Maelie and go, looking for someone to talk to. Donât wait for someone else to initiate the conversation. I’ve definitely made a few friends in coffee shops…and I’ve probably allowed myself more than one coffee a week, too! I maintain that a coffee shop is a great place to find friends.
6. Make finding a good church a priority. Donât sleep in on Sundays and âwait til next weekâ. (I laugh because there was no such thing as sleeping in ever with Maelie. I’m thankful that, after trying out a few places, God provided the best place for us. We love our church. :))
7. Post pictures of life for friends back in my other âhomesâ. I’m not a big picture-poster, but I do a decent job through the blog, I think. I’m still not great at keeping in touch, but if someone writes me, I will almost always respond.
8. Update my status on Facebook more often. Epic. Fail. However, I am not a person who wants the world to know what I ate for breakfast or who I’m currently annoyed with. I update it when there’s something to share.
9. Find a momâs group, preferably one that meets at parks so the kids can play. Sunshine is goodâŚespecially when I havenât seen it for several weeks.
I love how God gives us desires we’re scared to admit we have.
10. Crying is okâŚfor a little while. But part of moving on is accepting that things have changed. I did cry for awhile…and the day I decided to like it here was the day I wasn’t sad anymore. I decided that change can bring some of the biggest blessings God has for us, if we’re willing to accept it.
11. True friends will always be there, whether I live down the block or across the world. Donât be afraid to make some new onesâthe old ones arenât going anywhere. Enough said.
12. Give myself some grace in this time of transition. Stop expecting perfection from myself and others. I don’t know how I did on this one…but I know I’m thankful for the people who love me despite my imperfections.
God is GOOD.
Love Me Some Dr. Seuss…
March 2, 2012 by · Leave a Comment
So I didn’t splash my love for Theodore Geisel all over creation today…there was plenty of Dr. Seuss love goin’ on in the Facebook realm.
But I do love the guy…or at least the masterful literary works he created for our enjoyment.
A few of my favorites…along with a few memories attached to them…in no particular order. đ
The Lorax: And I’m not just saying this because the movie came out today…this one is right up there with my faves. In college, I used it in a lesson I taught to my peers…and that lesson came complete with making truffula trees. I smile. Good stuff. And I can still recite the whole book…
At the far end of town where the grickle grass grows,
And the wind smells slow and sour when it blows,
And no birds ever sing excepting old crows
Is the street of the lifted Lorax.
And deep in the grickle grass, some people say,
If you look deep enough you can still see today
Where the Lorax once stood just as long as he could
Before somebody lifted the Lorax away.
And I confess…that was typed by memory.
I. Rock. Oh, I do.
Fox in Socks: Goodness, I just like this one for the silly, tongue-tying sentences…my goal (still) is to get through it completely without messing up. I am close…but I still manage to mess up the Bim and Ben page…oy. Still a fun book.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas: This one? Is right up there, too. How I love this story! All year long, too. In fact, I think I read it to Mae last week.
I was overjoyed at Christmas to find the actual, animated version on DVD for $4. We watched it several times. Aaahhh…
The Foot Book: I have a newer appreciation for this one…Maelie loves it. And it makes my heart happy to see her love Dr. Seuss…so I’ll say that this one is up there, too.
ABC: My Dr. Seuss list would not be complete without this book, another of which I have memorized every word. It thoroughly annoys me that the smaller board book is different (and shorter) from the regular version. So a real copy of this one is on my I-must-buy-for-Maelie list. A classic.
Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You?: I add this to the list because, again, my daughter adores this book. She makes all the sounds…and, well…I can make them, too. đ But that’s not the point. I love the memories that will be etched in my mind forever from her childhood, and this book is definitely one of those.
Along with the awesome books he wrote, Dr. Seuss left a lot of other wisdom.
One of my favorite quotes is one from him:
Don’t cry because it’s over; smile because it happened.
In the craziness that has been our life, this quote has been close to my heart. It’s gotten me through goodbyes and changes and heart hurts and times when life isn’t fair. And it reminds me that there’s always a reason to smile.
Thank you, Dr. Seuss, for SO MANY reasons to smile!
Smoothie-Head, Temper Tantrums…and JOY
March 1, 2012 by · Leave a Comment
It’s 10 p.m. and I just brewed a pot of coffee. (Well, half of one.)
True story.
Yeah, it’s been that kind of day.
The title alone should make you wonder.
And I just felt like having a real virtual coffee date with you all…because some stories are worthy of a cup of java to go along with them. This one is with mocha creamer, and I have to admit it’s not my favorite. Should there be another cup tonight, I’m thinking the Bailey’s Irish Cream we have in the fridge. Yeah. (Ok, I just totally realized that I made it sound like I was pouring alcohol into my coffee at 10 pm…it’s actual creamer. I promise. :))
Mae and I have had a crazy up, silly down week. Wonderful moments, frustrating times…and I truly am more in love with my daughter than ever after this week. I often question myself as a parent, but I know without a doubt that my daughter is the most precious gift.
But all of that aside…she still provided some good
stories today…and of course I will tell them to you.
This is a coffee date, after all. đ
So to tell you that Mae has reached the “terrible two’s” is a completely accurate statement. She just can’t understand why something might not go her way. Hence…the temper tantrum. Multiple times a day. Some are worse than others, but each grates on my nerves just a bit more than the previous one.
Thursdays are typically an easy day. She spends her morning in the church nursery with Miss Lisa, who she loves, while I’m at Bible study. She’s free to play, socialize, and eat…a good combo for my people-girl. She sees a lot of people she loves…like Aunt Kris and Miss Alison and Miss Melanie and Miss Sue…all who make her day a little brighter.
Today, though, it seemed that NOTHING and NO ONE could cheer her up. After Bible study, I went in the nursery to chat a bit while she played, and she became completely unhinged. There was no reason to cry…she just threw herself at me and wept. No fever, nothing wrong that we could tell…
She was just grumpy.
(There was a bit of grace…we all have those days.)
I’d try to put on her coat or pack up her things…enter the screaming fit.
I was tired by the time we got in the van to go to the mall.
Lunch at the mall is always interesting…mostly because the McDonald’s closed. But I bought her some pretzel sticks, and for a moment, she was content.
I got myself a protein smoothie…trying to stay somewhat within the range of healthy. Not sure I succeeded…
Anyway.
She saw that cup of raspberry-banana glory, and it was all she wanted.
And please understand me…I’m fine with sharing. But she did not need to drink the whole thing herself, either.
For several minutes we went back and forth. Since she was pretty content with actually sharing, I let her put her hand on the cup.
BIG mistake. Huge.
I went to take it back, and she clenched her little hand around it, jerked it up, the lid popped off, and out poured the smoothie…
Right onto her head and down her nose.
I was mad and I laughed at the same time…not sure how I managed that one.
A few wipes later and all was (mostly) clean.
It did, however, earn her the nickname Smoothie-Head in our house. Hee hee.
After “lunch” it was off to the playground where there was some playing, more grumpy-ness, and the confirmation that it was time to go home for a
NAP.
So I plopped her in the van, took her home, gave her some milk…and put her down for a much-needed-for-both-of-us sleep.
And while she slept…I thought.
About how even though there were more than several frustrating moments in the day, I looked back at them with JOY.
Because not every day is going to be perfect.
But if I can smile after watching my $5 protein smoothie dribble down my daughter’s face…and after countless battles of the will…
I know it’s all going to be good.
My Maelie girl, we had a rough day. But I want you to know how much I love you, how much I value those memories, and how thankful I am…that you are here. Your hugs, your smiles, the memories we make together…are all so treasured.
YOU are a treasure.
And I love you. Sleep well, my baby girl. I can’t wait to see your smile in the morning.
Love,
Mama
We Heart Sunshine!
February 29, 2012 by · Leave a Comment
Little Blessings (Pt. 25)
February 27, 2012 by · Leave a Comment
Sore muscles from running stairs. (I swear this is good pain…we shall see!)
A little voice that shouted out, “I wuff oooo!” today. Oh, melt my heart.
Pumpkin seeds and Diet Coke with Lime…post-workout snack of champions. đ
Chances to love and encourage others.
The gift of music and how God’ s promi
ses have spoken so clearly to my heart through it. (See song from yesterday…it is truly worth the listen.)
Reading the Bible with my hubby. And praying with him…even better.
National Chocolate Cake Day…which I completely missed. But by a fluke, I made Heath Bar Brownies…those count, right?
Hugs. I love them all, but the best ones come when a certain little girl runs into my arms. Melt my heart again.
Being a child of God.
Answered prayers.
Thinking… (and Writing…)
February 25, 2012 by · 3 Comments
Do you ever have those moments when you type a word…and you KNOW you spelled it right, but it LOOKS so very wrong?
That’s the way the word “thinking” looks right now. Please assure me that I spelled it right. Pretty please?!
Ok, moving on…
I had every intention of sitting down with my mug of blueberry tea (still fightin’ off that cold…) and having a little chat with you.
That was thirty minutes ago.
The tea is gone, I ate a peppermint patty (by the way, those don’t go so well with blueberry tea), helped hubby pick out a couple trip necessities on Amazon…
And didn’t write.
But that’s ok…I’ll just write now. (And maybe refill my mug because, you know, there’s nothing I’d rather do than be up all night going to the bathroom. Ok, ok, TMI.)
I’ve been pretty cool with being kind of whatever for this trip. We haven’t planned much other than hotel, which is typical Mel-Tobin travel style. We find adventures without looking for them, so all will be good as long as there’s a beach, a place to get coffee, and some type of public transportation in which I won’t be sat on by a random stranger. (Long Indo story/memory.)
I’ve hit a couple thrift stores for some clothes that fit, borrowed some more from my most amazing friend who is excited that her clothes are going to Spain, (I’m happy to oblige) and hopefully that’ll be enough. I must say, though, it’s very difficult to pack for a trip in which the daily temperature can vary from 40-75. Hello, layers. Hopefully I will get a bit of color, even if a tan really isn’t at the top of the list for my trip goals. đ
But the one thing I kind of freaked out about…is my hair. (Yes, I’m vain. I said it, you don’t have to.) I have fretted more-than-slightly about what on earth I’m going to do about my hair and it’s overly-frizzy-curly tendencies in humid climates. (Or even in not-so…) That’s because my current straightener isn’t dual voltage.
Amazon Prime to the rescue!
I actually needed a new straightener anyway, and we found a great one with good reviews for an awesome price. And since we’re prime members, free shipping. Hee HEE!
I can rest easy that at least my hair will look good in all the photos.
I’m really not as vain as I sound…I just firmly believe in doing my hair before going out in public. Â Even my hubby admitted that I’m mostly not high maintenance. (Mel breathes a sigh of relief…as she puts on eyeliner before going to bed.)
Kidding. Completely.
Gosh, what was IN that tea?!?!
We really need to move on to another subject.
I could tell you a funny story about how my hubby just came downstairs at 10:35 p.m. in order to teach me how to properly hang up my pants that I’m wearing tomorrow. Admittedly, I’m a clothes-thrower. I’ll try on a few things usually before deciding what to wear, and they usually end up in a pile to be sifted through and hung up again…which I do maybe twice a week.
I just figured since they were already off the hanger, I could just leave them there until tomorrow. I guess not. đ
It was kind of cute how he came downstairs…and kind of annoying, too. (Which I let him know. :)) In the end, though…success. I now know how to hang up my pants the right way. (Just so you know I’m still chuckling at the entire situation…)
I love him. Honestly, we’ve had a pretty up and down few months. I’d be lying if I told you that being married has been a big, happy fairy tale. But life is good. I’m learning a lot about love. We’re laughing more. And we’re learning that “us” is just as important as “Mel” and “Tobin”.
God has been giving me little pieces of JOY each day, despite some of the heartaches I’ve shared lately. And I want to share this one because I mentioned it yesterday…my friend made it through surgery. She did well, and though recovery will be long, the doctor’s are optimistic. Praise Him.
I’ve been spending more time talking to Him…just pieces of my day spent telling Him my heart. It’s good. I know I have a lot to learn about prayer, but I’m thankful that I can just talk with Him and cry to Him.
Well, tomorrow morning is going to come early…I need to crash.
G’nite, friends.
A Heavy Sort of Morning
February 24, 2012 by · 2 Comments
It’s a heavy sort of morning.
Outside, the blanket of white beauty that fell overnight makes the world a little prettier. The tree branches bending under the weight of their icy frosting make the scene outside my window look much more like a photograph than reality.
But it’s real…and a very real reminder to my heart this morning.
A few hours ago a dear sister from a decade ago went in for surgery, the doctors hoping to correct the problem with seizures she’s been having, their frequency and severity increasing. It’s a delicate surgery, and the snow covering the world reminds me of the blanket of prayer in which she’s wrapped.
God is Good…and He will be just that regardless of the outcome. But this pastor’s wife and mama to two precious girls has so much living to do…and we all pray that she will be able to do just that. KS, you are in my heart and prayers today and in the days to come.
Another dear, lifelong friend is aching and hurting so much right now. In so many ways, she is my hero. The Proverbs 31 woman, a fantastic mommy to her wonderful and beautiful children…and the ache in her is something I can’t fix.
That kills me.
All I can do is pray. He has already wrapped her in prayer and love. She is loved…so loved. And we trust in His goodness even when we don’t see purpose.
And still another dear friend faces unknown. I ache for that unknown, for I am still learning trust. But her strength and joy encourage me, a daily reminder of the Grace in which she walks.
Today I am reminded that just as the blanket of snow outside makes everything a little prettier, so is His Love.
It makes things beautiful.
He hears prayer, He calms troubled hearts, and He proves over and
over that He is Love.
And that He is Good.
It is in that blanket that I wrap myself today.
And the one I hope you find yourself covered in, too.
Little Blessings (Pt. 24)
February 23, 2012 by · Leave a Comment
Productive (and fun) trips to Goodwill with my sweet friend.
A beautiful snowfall.
Coffee. And creamer. And more coffee. And still more creamer. And maybe a little more coffee.
Precious moments with my girl that I wish I could bottle up.
The adorable way that Mae repeats everything I say. Yes, it’s adorable now. Ask me again in a year or so. đ
Blog-browsing late into the night.
Two consecutive nights of good sleep.
The joy that making music brings.
The way that friends are always connected by their hearts even if too many miles separate them.
Resting in the loving heart of my Father.
The Purpose of My Bare Feet
February 22, 2012 by · 3 Comments
Just a few thoughts I’ve been tossing around in my brain for a couple weeks. Enjoy.
So…the title of my blog is kinda funny.
I mean, I live in the Midwest.
I rarely ever go barefoot outside the house unless it’s just in the backyard, though I would almost always rather go without shoes.
It isn’t because I want you all to stare at my gorgeous feet. đ
I just don’t love shoes…though if I have to wear them, I’m pretty particular about what I wear.
But that’s not the point.
The point? Is this.
That shoes have so much purpose.
They protect. Wearing shoes, I don’t have to worry about stepping on painful things or stubbing my toes or tearing up the bottoms of my feet. All things that inevitably happen the day I choose to not wear shoes. đ
They make things more comfortable. If I’m going for a run or even a walk, I definitely want to wear shoes. Not only do they make me run faster, đ running shoes are specifically designed to absorb shock and to deal with things like sticks and little stones that are in my way…without causing me any pain. And while we’re talking about comfort, I always wear at least slippers if not shoes while I’m inside in the winter. Cause my feet are always super cold and I can’t stand it. (Says the girl who jumped around in two feet of snow barefoot last year.) đ
They just make life prettier. Obviously I’m not worried about the pretty when it comes to my feet. But shoes cover things…and hide what’s not so beautiful to look at. And lately, I’ve been tromping around in a pair of combat boots that I heart almost to the moon and back…golly, I loooove them. Pretty or not, they are my favorite piece of footwear I’ve ever owned.
Anyway.
I live my life completely opposite of the things I just listed.
I don’t want to write about the safe, comfortable, pretty journey I’m on. Probably because it’s often none of those things.
There are stones on the path that make me hurt.
There are times when things are just plain ugly.
And while there’s a time and place to share some things but not everything…that’s why my blog is titled as it is.
It’s a place where I’m as real as I can be.
A place where I (figuratively) kick of my shoes and let you know what’s up.
That was the whole idea behind barefootmel…which I still think is pretty appropriate when it comes to me. đ
And, while we’re talking about shoes…I’ll get to wear FLIP FLOPS in Spain in JUST TWO WEEKS!
Wowsers, really?!?!
I’ll probably even go barefoot on the beach. đ
Aaaahhhhh….
Thanks for reading my scattered thoughts…and for being here.
