I love a good outing with my family. We headed to Dreamfield Farms–truly, the best pumpkin patch in Alabama– last weekend (on the one afternoon of the week both of the kids weren’t sick) and had a blast.
It seemed like the more we laughed and the more we enjoyed each other, random thoughts kept popping into my head. I was feeling quite reflective.
I’m not sure how I’ll manage all I have coming up in my life. It seems that the more I fall in love with this blog and you guys, the busier I’m getting. I do know, however, that if I remember it’s not mine in the first place, I’ll probably land on my feet.
Even if I twist my ankle.
I have the best, most sincere readers. Ever.
You guys have been sending me the most affirming and encouraging emails lately. I’m doing my best to get them all answered, and honestly, I’m a couple months behind on some of them.
That may seem terrible. I’m still learning about balance, how to manage my family first and my friendships with you. I’m hoping you’ll bear with me.
I really, really want to publish a real live book. I think it’s time to work toward doing so. I have no idea where to begin. That’s a little scary, but mostly exhilarating.
That’s one good thing about me, I guess: I just dive right in to whatever it is that I want to accomplish. Thanks for that spirit, mom and dad.
Our kids are so competitive. They’re stubborn, a little too opinionated, sometimes selfish because they hone in on going first.
I’m hoping after lots of training, prayer, crazy unwashed hair days, and maybe even some tears, they’ll be servant leaders, confident and driven.
Ava is all girl. She has a temper and she literally sneaks lunchable packs out of the fridge to snag the cookies out…and places the pack back in the exact spot it started in. Surprise.
They can’t stand each other. But I think they’re learning to love each other. So it is with brothers and sisters…I think it’s a learned love.
Ava was going to be a garden fairy for Halloween last night. Until she saw her Captain Hook of a brother.
She went as a mini-pirate instead. Her “argh” is the cutest one out there. And she’s still sporting her mustache this morning.
I’ve got to focus on my health….enough water, sleep, eating clean and fresh. I exercise. I have this trainer named C.C. who is half crazy, half awesome. I’ve been working out with him since I had Grayson.
I just don’t think I’ll feel great until I’m really working at being particular about things that go into my body…and the amount of sleep I’m not getting.
I keep forgetting to buy gluten-free bread. Man, that stuff’s expensive.
The projects we have going on around here EXCITE me. I’ve gotten a lot done (for me) this last week, and I can’t wait to share it all with you. Grayson’s room is really coming together, and I am pumped to continue purging.
The laundry room (which you guys wanted me to do next) is totally cleaned out and organized. TOTALLY. Now it’s time to start the fun part.
I LOVE all rugs from West Elm, Dash & Albert, and Garnet Hill. I think 2 will be making their way into our home quite soon. My cousin, Jennifer, has one that makes my head spin…mustard and coral…it’s LOVELY.
I wonder if Matt would buy me a chair from Ballard Designs for Christmas? Doubtful.
He might make me one, though. 😉
Sometimes being a grown up stinks. That’s what I try to remember when I look at my children…I want to give them room to breathe innocence. There’s nothing like it.
I’ve been reminded this week that none of us are immune to negativity, of those weird awkward moments where you think, “wait–did that just happen??” It’s hard, and you can’t help but have some pity-party moments.
I think, though, I just want to move on. I will (unnaturally) choose not to spend my life feeling sorry for myself, worrying constantly about everyone else’s perception of me–although, I just wish everyone could just like me. I’m kinda childish like that. Are you that way or is it just me??
I’m thinking a lot about our next child. No, I’m not pregnant or even headed that way, but I dream of him/her. That’ll be a good day.
I uncharacteristically made green fruit & veggie smoothies for breakfast this morning– they were amazing. My kids would of course, not sip one drop, but oh, they will. They better get used to the green smoothie. I think I woke up more than with my usual 4 cups of coffee.
Oh dear.
Does that mean I have to change?
Off to dream up more random thoughts…I think I’ll keep sharing them with you.
🙂
You’ve got it! That special something something. I can’t explain it but you know when you see it. It is definitely your time to shine. I think a book is a great idea. Run with every idea that develops! This is your time- I can feel it.
I adore this raw post, my sweet friend! I so relate in many many ways. Hugs and much love to you today! And I’m so pumped that you loved the smoothie! XO
I’ll buy your book, and your kids are adorable!
Shaunna,
I love your spirit… and your “random” thoughts.
I have alot of those, too… but don’t write them
often enough. Keep up the good work. You are an in-
spiration to ME!
I LOVE reading your blog!!! Your faith and your genuineness are obvious through it all, you are an inspiration. Try hard to ignore the negative things you experience. Look in and up, not out! God bless you and your family. Thank you for sharing your life with us.
adorable pics! your daughter is a mini you if there ever was one!
What a great post, Shaunna! It’s nice to hear that some one else thinks and feels the same way you do. Makes you feel like you’re “normal” for those thoughts and feelings. I wish the best to you and your family! Happy November!
~ Catie
Coral and yellow?! Please share 🙂
Just breathe. Good things, come to good people and things do work out in the end.
If you have a breadmaker, gluten free bread is super easy to make in it and literally and 1/8th. of the price. Let me know if you need some starter recipes.
I love this random post and all your random thoughts. We all have random thoughts, too, and it’s good to know there are others of us out there who are so accomplished, inspirational and seemingly “perfect” but that are simply human. I, too, have aspirations of writing a book. And I’m a journalist at that. If you can dive right in, so can I! I have one chapter written from months ago, and am thinking it’s time to just start typing again.
Everyone is allowed to have their carefree days, their thoughtful days, their motivated days and those days where you just need to sit and soak it all in… think upon those million little thoughts that always fill up our minds. Thanks for sharing yours and keeping it real.
Amber
bellsandkilts.blogspot.com
I know how it feels when your kids can’t get along. We have 6 (all grown) but our first two are 15 months apart and flucuated from can’t be apart to can’t be in the same room. They are now 35 and 36 and are connected all day every day by instant messenger on their work computers. They are now closer than they ever have been. There is hope for the future:)
It’s nice to hear that I’m not the only one who just wants everyone to like me 🙂 I live in a small little world where everyone around me has known me since birth, and sometimes I can spend entirely too much time fretting about things from my teenage years that nowadays would NEVER happen. sigh. Such is life. If it helps, I like you!!
I completely agree with everyone else who has commented, I am loving “getting to know” the person behind the blog—you seem so REAL which is crazy since you are my blogging idol and can’t possibly have the same concerns that I have—namely about people liking what I do or do not do on my blog!!! Teach me how to balance—-please?! :o)
Jaime from crafty scrappy happy
I bet that was such a sweet day! Thanks for sharing. I completely understand the struggle to find balance…having a hard time with that myself!
Thanks for this, I am right there with ya! I appreciate your email a few days ago too as we went back and forth a bit on life … and there is always going to be that one Debbie Downer trying to make you feel bad or bring you down….Keep the chin up and we keep going 🙂 I feel blessed to be surrounded by so many supportive friends, family & colleagues too. You are doing great and inspire many 🙂 Ok, back to tending to my croup-ey little 5 year old…not ready for cold & flu season just yet!! Kim
Shaunna, your kids are ABSOLUTELY ADORABLE! They’re like mini you’s all over again! All your photos are great, but I especially love the one where they’re coming down the slide. You can’t beat it! What awesome memories!
Take care, Shelly
I love your randomnicity. 🙂 Thanks for sharing your thoughts and insights with us- I for one needed that one about not worrying about others’ perception of me- the last few weeks have been difficult. You’re a blessing!
I enjoy reading your blog very much. Keep on making those wonderful memories with your kids.
Your kiddos are sooo cute! I sure miss those days, my kids are 22 and 20. My son and daughter are 20 months apart and in middle school they had their moments where they didn’t like each other but now they are best friends and get a long perfect! So, their day is coming! Enjoy everly little moment because it sure goes by fast. I am filling all my empty time with projects since I am an ’empty nester.’ Thanks for all of your help with videos and posts. I made over my dining room table this weekend and it turned out awesome! It was my first ‘big’ project with the ASCP. Take care!!
So enjoying your site!!! Great work!
Your babies are so sweet! Thank you so much for sharing them with all of us ~ it looks like you all had a fabulous family day! Can’t beat that for anything!
I can’t begin to imagine an unkind word spoken about you, but I am reminded of Matthew 5:11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.” You share your heart with us here, we know where you stand and we thank you. You bless and inspire us daily. Seriously, you ROCK!
I adore you Shaunna! You know when you read a blog and you wonder…”Is that person really that adorable in real life?” Well I don’t wonder…I KNOW you are! God is gonna bless whatever you decide to do with your WHOLE heart! You put him first and he will help all the other details fall into place! 🙂
I just love you. Your photos and raw emotions just seem to touch my spirit. So blessed to have my 3 babies, who are now 12, 13,& 16. It only seems like yesterday they were this age and I know that sounds so cliche’ but it is soooooooo true. Your babes are blessed to have you as their mommy.
I couldn’t help but chuckle while reading this because I SO get every bit of it! My mind is spinning with all the things I want to do, want to write, and so on. It reminds me (just 2 quick days later!) and makes me thankful for the sermon this Sunday on taking a day of rest. I can’t imagine everything going on in your head! Your kids are precious…I can testify that 3 changes things quite a bit! Sheesh…I ‘need’ and ‘want’ to write right now, but I think I’ll go get some sleep! Thanks for sharing your heart and thoughts. 🙂
Loved this post – so dreamy!! I make green vege smoothies for my 4 kids and I call them ‘Shrek’ drinks and tell them it’s swamp water – for some reason it works they love it! If I tell them it’s delicious and good for them not a chance but if Tell em it disgusting….. BINGO! anyway it may work for you but somehow I think you’ll get them convinced anyway…..! 😉 Love your blog