Keeping it together

The blog has been remodeled!  It needed a "fresh coat of paint" anyways.  I wanted to give it a new title and had to think on that one for a bit.  I settled on Lyrics, Laughter and Lullabies because it fits my life.  I love music and I'm married to a songwriter.  Music is just a part of our world and it seemed appropriate to have it in the title.  And we do laugh, a lot.  Lullabies was obvious because of having a kiddo but I also chose it because I am learning to relax and feel the peace and comfort from resting in His arms.  I referenced romance in the description because not only am I happily in love with my adoring husband and I am deeply loved by God.

So there you go!

Yesterday, two friends that I greatly admire, had some encouraging words to share and it just got me thinking.  First, I was surprised by their comments.  And that simply goes to show that we are our own worst critics.  But I wanted to share with you a method that I have implemented in hopes that it helps out someone else.  I'm sure you are all on the edge of your seats waiting to see what my big reveal is about and I am sad to say it's about keeping your house clean.

I'm sorry it's not more interesting.

Ok so my friends mentioned these things:
1. That I seemed to have figured out how to have a good balance between working and having a family
2.  I seemed to have it all together.
Neither of these friends know each other and so it was just odd that that this happened in the same day. Please note, this is not a pat me on the back session.  I don't typically think those things about myself.  I desperately try to have a good balance and keep it all together but often find myself falling short.  I am aware that my perfectionism stems from an unhealthy place and I am on a journey to fix that.  I am also an organizational freak.  I just love for things to be organized.  I feel like it's the one way I stay sane as a working Mom.

Anyways, I will now admit that for my first four years of home ownership (and yes, ahem, it was a town home) I had a very sweet lady who would come clean my house every 2 weeks.  I really don't enjoy cleaning, especially after I've worked all week and have to give up precious time on the weekends.  It was so nice to have her, especially after Addy was born.  Who wants to scrub a toilet when you are sleep deprived?

We recently built our new home and in an effort to save money, i let the cleaning service go.  Boo!  But I was determined to find a way to take on a dirty house and more importantly, STAY ON TOP OF IT ALL!

My method is not something new.  I believe it's suggested in many self help/make your life easier books.  But it works for me and I wanted to share it because I hope it can help someone else.
I created The List.

I assigned chores for the days of the week.  No chores on  Wednesdays (family  night) or on Sunday (because we all need a day of rest.)  During the week, the chores really don't take more than 30 minutes.  And I do have 3 full baths to keep clean.  I tried to pair up chores that would be quick and easy.  I know it's not deep cleaning  but at least let you feel like you have a presentable house at all times.  And when people are coming over, you aren't scrambling to clean the black mold out of the toilet bowl.

The monthly chores don't happen monthly (I have yet to do the baseboards!) and the daily chores don't always happen every day.  But when it's broken down like this, it's not so bad to do two days of chores at the same time.  My husband is even inclined to do a chore or two instead of feeling overwhelmed with my statement "can you clean the kitchen?"  Another learning moment for me is not criticizing the way he helps but to be thankful he did it.  The one chore that takes the longest is mopping the floors.  My first floor is predominately dark hardwood and it's a pain in the butt to keep clean.  I just give up on it being spotless with a dog and a toddler running around.

Anyways I hope this helps someone out there.  I've been doing this method for 4 months and it really does help me have some sense of balance.  Being off this summer, I find myself slacking.  I keep pushing them off for the next day instead of just taking the time to clean.

Now if someone could please tell me how to get the laundry to do itself.

Picture time...finally!

I finally figured out how to link my phone so I can upload pictures to the blog!   My laptop needs a new power cord and let's be honest, my iPhone serves as my camera.  This will make blogging a lot more motivating.  But if you follow me on Facebook, you have probably already seen all these.  

Here are some updated pics of us and some of my favorite recent Addy snapshots

I think I have inspired a bit of a diva

So pretty

Those pink cowboy boots...

Always helping me with my flowers

Anniversary Date

Once I figure out what is going on with my blog I will get it all nice and updated.  But for now I am going to bed.  And this time, I mean it!

Summer fun

These past few weeks off have really flown by.  I can't believe I am about to say this but I have been busy!!!  Addy keeps me running.  There are even moments when she drives me CRAZY.  (Gasp- did she just admit that.  Yes I did!)  I love my daughter but she is one busy young lady.  Apparently when you are 19 months old, you have a never ending supply of energy and you don't stop, except to cram food down your throat and go to sleep.  Nap time is a precious time for me to sneak in a devotional and just take a breather.  But I must admit that there are those random moments when she comes running towards me and wants me to pick her up or just sit in my lap and I think to myself, this is what Mommy hood is all about.

Here are some pics from our Father's Day lunch.  We met up with Aaron's parents and ate at his Dad's favorite place, Red Lobster.  Addy had a grand time talking to the tank of lobsters.

She is such a Daddy's girl!

Look at her face in this one!

I am loving this summer so far.  It already is a summer that I will not forget.  I have decided to try and eat as gluten free as I can.  I gave that a try for a few weeks and I have to say I won't go back.  I know I don't have the allergy but I do have a sensitivity.  And let's be honest, gluten just makes you feel crappy.  Lay off of it for a few days and you will see what I mean.  I dropped a few pounds, still would like to drop a few more but I feel great.  Now I just need to find some really good gluten free recipes.  After I write this blog, I am going to attempt homeade carrot cake Larabars.  I love Larabars (they are gluten free- yippee), I love carrot cake, I love saving money and I love trying out new things in the kitchen.  I have found several great blogs and I am thankful to have extra time to try out some recipes.  If I can get Aaron to eat something that's super healthy, I feel accomplished.  Addy practically eats everything I offer her (thank goodness) so Aaron is the one I try to persuade over to the healthy side with my ways in the kitchen. Translation: my ability to follow a recipe and beg for him to "just try it!"

Shortly after my last post, and it may have even been the next day, a very interesting thing happened.  A number of amazing ladies have entered into my life.  It's weird when you just click with someone and you feel like you've known them so much longer than 5 minutes.  I decided to do something that is way outside of my comfort zone.  There was a ladies Bible study starting up in my subdivision over the summer and I really felt like it was something I would like to do.  I enjoy Bible studies and it gives me an extra push to be diligent in my devotional times.  And I wanted to meet some of the Burkit Place ladies.  I'll be honest and admit I was hoping there were girls my age.  I emailed to get the information and immediately found a friend.  Which led to more friends.  And I even made a super awesome friend at the pool one afternoon who is also going to the Bible Study.  I could go on and on about this but I won't.  I just want to say that God truly knows what He's doing.  I may question it from time to time, ok so maybe I question it all the time.  But then He does stuff like that and I have to step back and say "Thank you!"  

Aaron teases me and says now I have peeps.  :)

We are doing a Beth Moore study on the Psalms of Ascent.  I haven't started my book yet because I needed to finish up the book I was doing.  And I am happy that today I wrapped up The Search for Significance.  I highly recommend that one.  I've had it for years, have tried to do it several times and didn't get very far.  I set out a few weeks ago to do a chapter a day and the corresponding workbook chapter.  It would take 2 weeks and I had completely run out of excuse not to do it.  I felt very pressed that I needed to start from the beginning and that I needed to finish that up before I began the Beth Moore study.  And I so glad I did.  There was so much to learn from The Search and I could probably write a huge long post about it.  Maybe one day I will.  But my takeaway at this moment is simply this:  God deeply loves me. He has completely forgiven me and finds me pleasing.  I do not have to meet certain standards to feel good about myself.  I do not have to believe the lie that I am who I am and I cannot change. And I do not have to have the approval and acceptance of others to feel good about myself.  I know I know, sounds like a self help book but I promise it's way more than that.  

Now I am on a journey to replace the lies and belief system that has been occupying my brain for years with God's truths.  I know it will take time but I am equipped with the knowledge and I'm ready.  And now, I look forward to diving into the Psalms. 

Side note: Beth Moore is amazing.

Ok so enough on that.  I know you are bored.  And I have carrot cake Larabars to make.

In conclusion, it's been a great summer so far.  I've had some fun times with new girlfriends and great times catching up with old friends.  And when I say old, I simple mean I've known you for a while.  Addy's had some fun play dates with more scheduled over the next few weeks.  Wednesdays have become my child free day at the pool with a girlfriend because both our kiddos are in Mother's Day Out.  Talk about a gloriously relaxing time for this Mommy! Aaron and I have managed to sneak in a date night or two.  I've had time to browse the Internet, thank God for Pinterest, and am putting together decorating ideas for Addy's room and her next birthday bash.  I still haven't done much of anything on the sewing machine but I do have my new sewing cabinet all set up and ready to go.  Does that count?

And with that, I'm off to the kitchen.  Not really, I'm headed to bed.  The Larabar making can wait until tomorrow... and so can the laundry!   

Here's a cute pic from today's play date.  I love this face!

Life, as I know it.

Warning: today's post has a lot of transparency. Now that that's out of the way, I suppose I should let the blogging begin. It has been a bit too long since my last post. I admit I am a bit jealous of all the other Mommies out there who find time to keep their blog up to date. And they even include pictures. That is a huge accomplishment in my book. We don't even have recent pictures of Addy except the ones we take on our phones. Bad parents, I know.
 At the pool today, and yes we moved and now have a neighborhood pool (more on that later) a new Mommy friend asked me if I found it hard to be a working mom with a toddler. When I stop and think about it, yes it is. I'm so thankful to have the job that I do and am able to be home in the summer. However, during the school year, life is crazy. I feel like so many things suffer, especially my friendships. This new Mommy friend and I went on to have a discussion about how it's hard to maintain your friendships when you have babies. It's hard to understand all the challenges that babies supply. I mean, you hear about them. But until you experience something, I don't think you can quite get how it works. And this is not a hate on the people without babies. (I envy you sometimes) And I'm not saying you can't have Mommy friends if you don't have a baby yourself and that those relationships can't be some of the most meaningful in your life. Simply put, Babies invade EVERY area of a parent's life. I mean EVERY area. No more room for selfishness. Life becomes what baby needs when they need it. You can't just pick up and go. Leaving the house takes prep and you must time it around a beautiful thing called The Nap. It's just hard and a lot of work and sometimes, it's just easier to sit at home with your kid and long for adult companionship. I feel bad that my friends without kiddos always come to us because Addy is in bed by 6pm and it's easier to just hang at our house. Not to mention, cheaper. Babysitters cost a lot these days. I do work with a wonderful group of people and that definitely helps fill some of my longing for friendships. But then that lonely feeling creeps in and I'm a bit embarrassed to admit this because I have an amazing husband. I also have a handful of really great friends including couples with kids and those without them. But it's the girly times that I long for all the time. Maybe it's because I don't have a sister. Aaron doesn't want to hear about the inner workings of my crazy mind and that is ok. He's a guy. I love the times when I do get a night with a close girlfriend and we drink wine and chat about girl stuff. I wish they happened way more often. I wish it was easier to make it happen See now I'm thinking about all my friends and I'm saying a prayer of Thanksgiving for each and every one of you.
 I think all of this is on the front of my mind because Addy and I have been going to the pool every day since it opened and I see all the other Mommies with their little ones and I want to be friends with them all. I am grateful for my neighbor but more on that later.
 Yes, being a Mommy is wonderful but it definitely means you sacrifice a lot of other things. But the bottom line is that Addyson is worth it. And here I am complaining about how difficult life can be with one child, a super easy child. I can't even begin to imagine more than one but the way it's shaping up to be in the Rice Home, it will only be the one. I have an admiration for the Mommies out there with more than one. I would be in the looney bin.
 I suppose I should now move onto the life updates. Everyone has had enough of my Mommy complaints. So I see my last post was from November. And as I say every time, a lot has happened in our world. At the end of January, we moved into the beautiful home we built in Nolensville, TN. WE LOVE IT. Love the neighborhood, love the house, love the residents, love it all. We still have the town home but have a lovely renter in it at the moment. Being a homeowner and a landlord is a bit scary but God definitely opened up doors for us to build our new home and we are forever thankful. A month after we moved in, our neighbor moved in. Beautiful family with 3 little girls. The youngest girl is just a year older than Addy so that will be so much fun for them both. I love the family. She's a stay at home Mom so we've been able to go to the pool together and it brings me joy to see Addy's little face light up when she sees them. Our backyards aren't fenced yet so we're always chatting about something out back. And that also goes for my other neighbor. It's so nice to walk out back and have neighbors out in their yards to talk to. Everyone I've met at the pool has been very friendly and I love the community that I feel well, in my community. Aaron and I couldn't feel any more blessed making the new house a home. Decorating a new home is a process and so far we have enjoyed every minute of it.
 In the midst of all the crazy of working, parenting, maintaining a home, etc. Aaron and I continue to train. He trains for triathlons and I keep at the running thing. We ended up not doing the Country Music Half because he got hurt and I was beginning to hate running. I had to take a step back and remember why I loved to run and then start over. I am really considering doing the Woman's Half in September. I'm trying to keep pressure off myself and just go out and run because I love to do it. The heat and humidity along with the giant hills have really slowed me down but it's a challenge I like to try and overcome. I've recently had a birthday (blah blah) and an anniversary (yay) and both were wonderful. A week after that was Mother's Day. I have to say I was totally spoiled on all 3 occasions. Being spoiled included massages, dinner dates, breakfast in bed and a sewing machine. I finally pulled the sewing machine out of the box yesterday and set it up. So it took me forever to figure out how to get the darn thing threaded and now I just need a project to sew. I think I have some pretty lofty ambitions for myself and I hope my first project doesn't make me want to throw the machine off the deck.
 Ok so I'm going to switch gears again here and turn back to the icky personal stuff. Stop reading if you don't really care. I know you are just reading my blog to be nosy and it's ok. :) I have found myself on quite a spiritual journey for the past year. I can't believe I am going to admit this but I have had low points where I have questioned who God really is. Of course, I immediately feel guilty because I should know the answer to this. But I will say I have had some hard discussions with God that i never had the courage to have before now. But you know, the deepest and most meaningful relationships we have in our lives are the ones that survive hurt and anger. They are the ones that never faltered when we needed a shoulder to lean on. I supposed this is what I need to go through with God, once again. I am still on that journey. I know I have felt much closer to Him at other times in my life. But He is watching over me. He may be patiently waiting for me to make some great discovery about Him and myself. I don't see myself the way He does and quite frankly, feel very undeserving of His greatness. Yes, I will continue on this journey and I believe it to be the most important one of my life. It's easily over shadowed by life but I cannot forget how important it is to keep pressing on.
 Okay so now it's crazy storming so I'm gonna go observe the wind damage to my precious plants. Btw, I am attempting the green thumb thing and so far, I'm doing ok. Maybe I'll get around to posting new pics of the house and our life soon. No promises though.