Tuesday, December 31, 2013

The blog post I want to write {Being Brave in 2013}

2013 was the year that I wanted to be brave. It was my mantra, remember?

With brave wings she flies.

Remember the pretty poster that I printed and all of my brave statements? As I reflect back on the year, can we have a little real talk before the clock ticks? I have something to say:
being brave sucks.
It sucks big time. (pardon the liberal use of the word sucks)
There's just no other way to put it.

2013 was not my year. It was not our year. It was not our marriage's year. It was not a year that I will look back on fondly. My thirtieth year on earth just plain stunk it up. It has been hard. And it has brought its fair share of hardships. Financial. Emotional. Lots of stress. Lots of work. Moving from Alabama to Texas. House hunting. Jeremy losing his job. Cancelling closing on a fabulous new home. Moving into a teeny apartment. Hubs crazy new work schedule. Downsizing. Many ugly cry-sessions. Working full-time. Getting dinner on the table and remembering to pay the rent. Being lonely. Being beyond tired for weeks at a time. Reaching complete creative burn-out. Being a perfectionist and putting more pressure on myself than I could possibly stand.

These were all things that I struggled with in 2013.

Not one is glamorous. None pretty. Just dirty, gritty life. It hasn't been all good, y'all.

But, despite all of that (and that is one heck of a lot of baggage for a year, right?) it hasn't been ALL bad, either. This was a learning year. Stretching and pulling. A teaching year. Regardless of not wanting to reflect on all of that up there (shudder), I'm happy to report that I've LEARNED things. Good things from all of that gritty life business.

Lessons that I will take with me into 2014. Hope for tomorrow. A kinder heart. More giving spirit. Less drive and desire for monetary goods. Worldly possessions. A better relationship with my Husband. A need to simplify our life. And, I will move forward more focused on Him.

Yesterday at church, Pastor Brett said something that really hit home with me. He spoke about how Jesus paid it all on the cross. Whatever we bring to the table (see my list above), he already paid the price for our sins. Covered it all. He's holding all of that gritty business in his hands. We do not have to be perfect people. God didn't create perfect people. Each of us have our own set of issues. Each being the key word. We all. Everyone. And, His perfect grace covers that. It all. Whatever messes we bring.

That was so very comforting to me. I haven't been a perfect wife, momma, sister, friend, daughter, employee, etc.. this year. Not at all. I've fallen FAR from the mark of perfection and have just been beating myself up about it. Not getting quite enough checked off of my (numerous) lists. Not being a good enough Wife. Or Momma.  Or, or, or..

Sometimes I think it takes a kick in the seat of life, so to speak, for me to realize that HEY, Lindsay. Listen here. Life is full of disappointments and NOT ONLY the good, but also the bad and the ugly parts. And it's okay. It is really okay. 

So, that's how I want to end this terrible year of 2013. Leaving EVERY part of my life at the feet of Jesus. He's already got it all covered. There are not only two options- perfection or giving up. He offers sufficient grace for us. I'm so thankful for that. And thankful that tomorrow is a new day, and a fresh NEW YEAR!

Happy New Year, friends! I hope this is truly your best year yet. Be kind. Work hard. Love bigger.

Friday, December 20, 2013

Merry Christmas to All!


Soak up every second of the holidays and enjoy your loved ones.
Merry Christmas!

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Some Things

My lips are chapped.
I'm so tired I can barely function.
I'm freezing cold.
I'm pale and need a little color.
Can I hibernate for the rest of "winter"?

Fresh Lip Tint and Posie Tint via Sephora // Sleep All Day Tee via Old Navy // Target Gloves // Gap Plaid Scarf
 

How's that for "finding joy each and every day". Gosh. I probably need to read my own post, right? I know. I'll look for the joy later this afternoon. I drove to Dallas and back yesterday. Jonah's sick. Jeremy's working 58+ hours this week. Right now I'm chapped, tired, cold. Grumpy. Happens to the best of us, I guess.

IF you happen to be reading, Jeremy, please take me away. Thank you and good day.

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Take Note Tuesday {Three Things}

*All items from Gap.com


The three items above are on my wish list this year. I love sleeping in rompers and Gap's are especially cozy. I know Gap isn't uber-fashionable or cutting edge, but I love their pieces. They fit my body type really well. Stick with what you love.

Happy Tuesdays, y'all!

Thursday, December 12, 2013

December Cheer + Treats

It's December 12th. We're almost half-way through the month, y'all. The year is almost over. How in the heck did 2013 go by so quickly?!?? I feel like this year has literally slipped through my fingers. Jonah turns two next June. Insanity. I can't even think about that right now.

What I AM doing right now, is doing my very best to focus on each day. To treasure it. Each day with my Husband and little dude are treasures to me. We're delighting in every Christmas light, and holiday event.

Yesterday evening Jonah and I made treats for his teachers. A random Thursday treat. Just because we appreciate them. I was inspired by my coworker Allie. It's pretzels, a Hershey peppermint kiss and a Christmas M&M. You bake at 350 for a few minutes until they start to melt, and then smash them down with an M&M. Cool and eat. Give away. Target has the cutest clear cello bags that are a buck. Treat someone, y'all.


--
December is crazy-busy-hectic-frantic-insane at work. It's the month before our biggest wholesale market. January markets are insane, thus, December is even more insane. Prep work. Getting our samples to the showrooms. Getting our orders on the water. I'm working early. Working late. Working on the weekend.

True story?? I can hardly keep us in clean clothes right now. That's real talk. I am working 50+ hours a week. Trying to feed us. Get baths. Get everyone in bed. Spend quality time with my guys and right now I feel like I could burst from being pulled in so many directions. SO. I might be back before Christmas. I might not. If not, MERRY CHRISTMAS. Love from this crazy Texan to you and yours!