A GREATful Social Experiment

It's almost November. Hard to believe but the year...no...my life is flying by.

New to Colorado, new to motherhood and new to a different pace of life has given me more time to reflect and more time to spend with the Lord.  This week I've been realizing the need to focus more on being grateful for the insane amount of blessings I have in my life. Even this Sunday's message confirmed it.  It's time for a change.

I've always thought I had 'thank you' down.  My parents made us say it at the dinner table and after playing at a friend's house, so I thought I learned this response long ago.  Sure, I can recite a quick 'thank you' for passing the bread but I often forget to say 'thank you' for many of the things in my life that I feel are basic or worse, the things I feel I "deserve."

Marrying Joe showed me a deeper level of my ungratefulness.  Instead of saying 'thank you' when he put away the dishes and cleaned up after dinner, I would barely notice.  Finally one day he pointed out some of the ways he helped out around the house to see if I had noticed. I told him I had noticed but you know what my attitude was? So what? I thought, "You should have done those things because I usually do and by the it's about time I got some help around here?" I honestly felt that he shouldn't get a thank you for the things he should just be doing....

Then I thought about it.  Why do I feel that way? Why wouldn't I show my appreciation for something he did instead of feeling like he should have been doing that all along.  That "you should have done..." attitude resents.  It holds grudges.  It grows discontented and always wishes for more.  That attitude is never satisfied.

This is often the attitude often pervades my life.  Instead of being grateful, I feel entitled to things. I feel entitled to a good job, to nice things or to an easy life. I often go to God with a list of demands and like a toddler, whine, complain or sulk when things aren't going my way.  You'd think I've lived a hard life with the kind of pity parties I can throw.

The truth is I have not.  I am immensely blessed.  In fact, I am just beginning to realize how much.  The Bible is riddled with prescriptions for thankfulness.  Therefore, it's about time that start making gratitude my default reaction.  

Maybe I'm not alone in this? Maybe more people could benefit from realizing how blessed they are.  EVERYTHING, including the breath in my lungs, is a gift of grace from the Lord.  Why then, do I not overflow with thanksgiving about everything else on top of that that He's so graciously given? He even took my place on the cross so that I wouldn't have to be a slave to sin and die apart from Him. WHAT?!

So I need your help. Let's practice thankfulness a little more everyday...together! Let's commit to reflect every day about something we can be thankful for.  Let's take it one step further from reflecting to documenting.

Every day in November (cause it's a very thanksgiving-y month right!?!) share your picture of thankfulness. Take a picture of your notebook or an interaction or a physical thing, person or place that you are grateful for and share it on your social network (like Instagram, Facebook & Twitter).  When you share it, be sure to include the hashtag #thankfulpic 

Thank you Lord for heightening my awareness for thankfulness #thankfulpic

Beyond sharing your thankful pic, encourage your friends and family to join you.  What could happen if hundreds of us focused on our blessings instead of our trials or annoyances? That has to do something for our spirits. I'm praying that my soul will be blown away by God's goodness.  I'm believing that I'll be a better wife, mother, sister, daughter and friend because I'll take more notice of the amazing relationships around me and enjoy them more fully. 

Won't it be fun at the end of the month to search for the hashtag #thankfulpic and see tons of images? I bet it will even lead you to be grateful for things you didn't even think of!

Right now I am thankful for nap time which allows me to have a second to post this!!

My lil pumpkin

Lincoln: 6 months, 1 week

• Your hair is in between big boy hair and fine baby hair.  We can definitely see it growing and thickening but it used to spike so easily and now it's just fuzzy. 

Stink eye

Your "plank" position.  When you're tired of being on your belly you assume this position and yell til we help you out

Oh the joys of teething

• Your noises are getting even louder.  Besides your usual dragon growls, you're also mixing in some fun yells

Yes, Lincoln is holding a whisk like a wand.  Buy the boy toys and he'll choose a kitchen gadget.

• We went to the zoo again and slowly you're paying more attention to your surroundings.  In the very least, you love to see different sights and will contort your body and strain your head to see what's going on

• You sat in a shopping cart.  Once you were strapped in you were so happy to see all of the action.

You were even this happy after shots!

• Another round of shots at your 6 month check up. You weighed 17 lbs and measured in the 50% for height, weight and length. I could have swore you were going to be higher because you feel pretty hefty to me.  Shot days are the only days I sort of get some cuddle time with you.  You are pretty happy but don't want to be put down and when your muscles are sore you let out sad little squeaks that only hugs will cure.  I'm not going to lie, I kind of love that side effect.
• You took your first ride in the baby swing!

•  You started to scoot backward!!  I put you on your belly and watched you slowly work your way backwards from me about two feet. I'm not sure I'm ready for you to become mobile yet...

The monkey toy at the bottom of the picture shows the length you traveled

•  You're still teething like crazy so one of your new favorite toys is a teether from Nana.  I affectionately refer to it as the "nipple ball." One day (when you're married), you will understand the reference and why it scares me that you like it so much.  I'm afraid you'll treat me the same way.  PS, one of them has spikes on it which is very disturbing!

Alright.  I am trying to master my new camera and started experimenting last week.  Good thing I have such an adorable model. 

"Heeyyy"

Watch out Bear. You know he goes straight for pulling your fur

Bear can't stay away

Staring contest

My two puppies

Mastering your "staring off into the distance" look

I'm a wannabe...

True Confession

I'm a wannabe.  Mostly, I find that I "wanna be" her or I "wanna be" like that...This past week I found myself doing a lot of life comparing. Have you ever done that? You know, lurked people on Facebook or blogs and thought 'Man, so and so is so awesome. Look at their life. They have great clothes, say clever things, are super creative, and do fun activities all the time. Plus they are gorgeous, have a great family, tons of friends and they make it all look so effortless.'  Maybe it's just me but I find that as I look at other people's lives, suddenly mine doesn't seem as fulfilling.

I've always had this need to feel included. In fact, now in adulthood I work really hard at trying to make others feel that way because most of the time, I feel like an outsider.  Externally it may not show, but inside I'm constantly second guessing every word and action...hoping that the people I'm with will accept and validate me.  This is exhausting.  I can remember when I was in third grade that I really wanted to be friends with a group of girls at church.  They were so pretty, funny _____ you fill in the blank ____. Basically everything I wanted to be but didn't think I was.  I wasn't sure how to become their friends so every Sunday I just sat by them.  Finally, after a few weeks of obviously targeting the seat next to them and pretending to include myself in their conversation, one of them turned to me and asked "Why do you always sit by us?" Thankfully I was naive and didn't take the hint so after a while, they finally just gave up and let me tag along.  Looking back now I laugh because I know I finally just wore them down.

Why do I always do this? I look out at others and lose sight of who God's made me to be.  When I do that, I'm instantly overpowered by insecurity and am no longer content with who He's made me to be.  Worst of all, I go from a mindset of gratitude for my many blessings to being self-centered and disappointed. I found myself doing that a lot this week.  I kept taking an inventory of everything I'm not but wish I were. 

I wish I was very creative.  Mostly, I am not.  Do I like to pin things on Pinterest? Yes. Do they every get accomplished? No.  

I wish I were clever.  I know I have to work very, very hard to say something witty.

I wish I were fashionable.  Most days, especially now, my biggest accessory is spit up.  If I am in something cute, it's probably because I stole the look from a fashionable person I admire.

I wish I were..I wish I were...

Sometimes that list goes on an on.  

I'd been sullen all day so when Joe and I got in the car, I had to admit that I was a wannabe.  As I started to put my feelings into words, the tears came. Here I am, trying to explain that I'd been comparing myself to X, Y & Z all week and it'd left me feeling hollow and sad. Not only that, as I started to explain it, I also felt crazy.  My prayer for this week has been to want to be me.  Sounds cheesy I know, but I wonder how many of us spend most of our time wishing we were like someone else instead of embracing the things that make us unique. The things that only we can contribute to someone's life. 

Alright, here's a fun little baby to brighten your day.

Lincoln is 6 months old!

Lincoln, I can't believe you are already six months old.  You have changed so much already and our love for you has grown outrageously! I can only imagine that you will continue to steal our hearts in the months and years to come...but I'm ok if they wait a while. I will always see you as my baby so I'd like for you to stop growing up. Please and thank you.

• You've sprouted another tooth so now your bottom one has a friend.  In honor of this occasion, we've introduced the toothbrush.  My goal-to help you have less cavities and your dad and I.

• You saw your first snow (and I got to bundle you up in all of the adorable winter gear I've had tucked away)

• Your dragon sounds are getting even louder. So much for cooing and gooing, you go straight to growling and snorting.  You're so happy (and usually furiously flapping your arms in delight) that we can't help but love those dragon noises.  Can't wait to put you in your Halloween costume...it's appropriate.
•  You love to eat...well you love it when you're a few bites in.  You have the best disgusted expression when you start and then you sit there like a baby bird with your mouth open, ready for the next bite. So far you've had rice cereal, green beans, peas and now carrots.  

• You can hold your bottle, but only when you want to.  You're easily distracted so I usually have to help keep it in your mouth but you have the hang of it.  Sometimes you like to take it out of your mouth and examine it tip to end.  You also like to grab the nipple and squeeze it...just looking at that makes me nervous that you'll try that on me so I quickly divert your attention...

You're so interested in Bear.  You will track him around the room and just laugh.

I'm not sure Bear is as amused...

•  You're sitting on your own.  Every once in a while you'll wobble (so I usually reinforce you with the boppy for now) but you're getting better at catching yourself or switching to your belly.

•  You're curious about everything. It's so fun to watch you pay attention to fine details and examine everything around you. Now, instead of just putting things in your mouth (which you still do) you will stare at them and turn them over in your hands in amazement. You're fascinated with my ring and are noticing different textures.

 Honestly little man, you're getting more fun.  I'm not sure that I'm ready for you to become mobile but I love watching you grow.

September!

Hello & goodbye September.  

I'm sad I wasn't able to blog last month because the computer I had from college finally died :(
RIP Mac...
We're now sharing Joe's computer and so I'm praying it holds out because it's only one year younger than mine was.  We shall hope and see!

There's so much to update from last month.
Lincoln & I traveled to Texas to visit my parents. I didn't realize that it'd been a year and a half since my last visit. Besides getting to spend some great quality time with my folks, I got to visit with Kristen Buchanan and meet little Olive for the first time!  Kristen & Dave moved right before they had Olive, who is only two weeks younger than Lincoln.  I knew Lincoln was a solid boy but compared to petite little Olive, he seemed even bigger.  I'd like to arrange his marriage one day if I can....so many cute girlies!

Notice how my hands can go around Olive's little waist with extra space and everything? Now compare Kristen's hold on Lincoln...HA, he's getting so hefty!

Lincoln's Update: 5 months & some change

• You flew wonderfully on your second set of flights to Nana & Grampy's!  You slept for half the flight and then we used every toy we had to keep you entertained for the rest of the flight. I have to admit that I had to ask strangers to hold you when used the restroom in the plane...thankfully stranger anxiety hasn't kicked in yet.

It was fun to see your Grampy interact with you.  He can make you laugh and you liked to sit with him.   You've got him around your finger, kid.  He even plays with you more than he did when I was a baby. Lucky boy!

Lounging 

Your Nana LOVED showing you off to everyone we met.  She's so proud of you.  You had special time alone with her in the mornings when you'd go for walks with the 3 dogs!

"Can I tell you a secret? I love her" 

• Teething was CRAZY at the beginning of the month. I felt so badly for you because you'd whimper and whine in the middle of the night and all that drool, my goodness!  It all worked though because you cut your FIRST TOOTH! It finally popped through on September 25th.  I haven't been able to snap a picture of it because that little thing hurts when you chomp down on my fingers!  I was able to capture your new soothing technique so your tongue hangs out of your mouth...maybe you learned that from Bear?

• You can sit by yourself...almost.  You are so close to stabilizing yourself but we keep a hand on you just in case, because you still wobble to one side every once in a while.

I was channeling my inner Anne Geddes with this photo. Put a baby in a basket? Why not!

There's that tongue again... 

Your model look into the distance. work it!

Riding a pig :) 

Look shoes!

Your daddy's favorite team...no matter what

• You're still rolling like a mad man.  It's still impacting your sleep at night because in your stubbornness, you won't flip yourself back over and falling asleep on your belly is out of the question for you. You've really never liked sleeping on your belly, even when you were really little.  You like to sleep at a slight incline or sprawled out, flat on your back.

This is your, lounging in the crib at Nana's house.  You don't know it but this is also the crib I slept in. 

Papi's been working hard.  He went to put you down for your nap and I didn't hear anything for about twenty minutes. When I peeked in, this was the precious sight I beheld.  This makes my heart so happy.

We put you down on your back you flip over almost immediately.  Papi was mimicking you.  I love how he will get on the floor with you...I know wrestling is just a matter of time. 

Twins

• You still like to grab your ears for comfort. I've found that you are also soothed by mommy playing with your ears and hair.  I can tell you're getting tired if you grab your ears like this

• You are a BIG BOY! I don't know when it happened but when we were visiting Texas you suddenly outgrew most of the outfits I brought for you, especially your jammys.  The funniest part is that you've been outgrowing the feet portion of your PJs before anything else.  You are now in 9 month or 6-12 month clothes. Crazy!

• You are showing such personality and are curious with everything around you.  You are a very happy baby and are content to be right in the action. You need to be moved to different positions because you get bored but you like to be held and played with the most.  I'm so lucky to have such a happy go lucky baby!

Hooray, keep up the curiosity for music :) 

• Your tried and true exploration technique is to scratch at things you want to touch.  You're just starting to slap everything now.  Sometimes it can be deadly, especially when you go to tenderly touch my face and then all of a sudden slap or scratch--watch out!

• SOLID FOODS--yes that's right. I've finally started experimenting with solid foods. You showed interested early, at four months but I wasn't ready to admit that you're getting so grown up.  I've finally resigned myself to the obvious, that you're a big boy!  We started with rice cereal and I was so surprised at how easily you worked the spoon.  Last week we also tried green beans for the first time and they were a hit...well eventually your face turned from a sour expression to a pleasant one.  Onto peas this week!

You look so little in your high chair! 

Mmm, that's not the kind of solid I was thinking...

There it is--solids are a messy game, especially when you smile and half of it leaves your mouth.

"Do I like these green beans?"

• Your sounds have gotten even funnier. You still growl and grunt like a little dragon, they have just gotten louder.  Now you've learned how to squeal and when you get excited you'll suck in and hold it and then start to giggle (which also sounds like a grunt)

We got to spend some fun family time together this past weekend and Joe finally got to join us on a hike.  We hiked in Boulder and the steep incline never ceases to take my breath away.  With Joe's help we hiked even higher than I have before.  

See if you can find Joe in this picture!

Another adventure we took was to downtown Golden, CO.  It was an adorable old fashioned main street with cute little shops and restaurants. There's also a quaint little walking trail by the river. We got a chance to snap so adorable family pictures. 

There was even an old fashioned pioneer town beside the walking trail.

Me and my boy...