Sunday, November 8, 2015
Saturday, November 7, 2015
Amazed
On a recent visit to a corn maze with my family, I had the most unexpected wave of emotion for such an event. Highly anticipated by both of my children and even my husband, as this trip was in lieu of overly priced state fair experience and contained far fewer germs, we were on our way! Astounded at the number of cars as we pulled onto the farm, my first thought was, “Great! We’ll have to wait forever to get to anything!” Having visited in the past, I knew there was much more than a maze for families to explore during their visit. But as we walked through the barn and out into the fields aplenty, my heart jumped to my throat and tears filled my eyes. Corny, I know (no pun intended . . . okay, intended!), but the sight of so many children engaged and playing--really playing--was overwhelming in that instant. The simple pleasures of climbing on repurposed farm equipment, grinding feed corn in old mills, using a hand crank water pump to race plastic ducks down a pipe, sliding down and swinging on giant piping, pedaling miniature toy tractors on a dirt track, and the newest attraction: banging on pots and pans strung up between posts with a giant spoon!
Families could be seen over acres of farmland picking pumpkins, venturing hayrides, playing--really playing!--and of course navigating the giant maze. Seeing the flags bobbing along above the corn stalks was such silly sight! But the most amazing sight, or rather lack thereof, was the near absence of any technology, cell phones included. Now, if you know me well, you know I am an absolute technology hater. Yes . . . HATE-er. To see families talking and running, laughing and sharing without having to post it or snap it was beyond refreshing and reminiscent of a time too quickly gone from our lives. For while it has its advantages, technology is stripping away the childhood experience at lightning speed!
Seeing families engaging with one another and children just being CHILDREN without the absurd interference of a handheld device was almost more than my heart could stand. To focus on my own experience and family without being reduced to a puddle of tears right there in the middle of all things “fall, family, and fun” was a challenge to say the least. I mean . . . I’m not even a crier, for goodness’ sake!
THIS is what we are missing in life! Simplicity. Banging on old pots and pans with spoons . . . really? Had they the wherewithal to understand the value of one million dollars . . . this would have been the equivalent this crisp autumn day.
I revisit this memory often. It is one of my favorites. I wonder and I pray: did anyone else see what I saw that day? Did the laughs and conversations continue in the car as they drove away? Or was it gone in an instant and replaced by the cold, distant, lifeless company of a--well, you know.
--Stacey
Families could be seen over acres of farmland picking pumpkins, venturing hayrides, playing--really playing!--and of course navigating the giant maze. Seeing the flags bobbing along above the corn stalks was such silly sight! But the most amazing sight, or rather lack thereof, was the near absence of any technology, cell phones included. Now, if you know me well, you know I am an absolute technology hater. Yes . . . HATE-er. To see families talking and running, laughing and sharing without having to post it or snap it was beyond refreshing and reminiscent of a time too quickly gone from our lives. For while it has its advantages, technology is stripping away the childhood experience at lightning speed!
Seeing families engaging with one another and children just being CHILDREN without the absurd interference of a handheld device was almost more than my heart could stand. To focus on my own experience and family without being reduced to a puddle of tears right there in the middle of all things “fall, family, and fun” was a challenge to say the least. I mean . . . I’m not even a crier, for goodness’ sake!
THIS is what we are missing in life! Simplicity. Banging on old pots and pans with spoons . . . really? Had they the wherewithal to understand the value of one million dollars . . . this would have been the equivalent this crisp autumn day.
I revisit this memory often. It is one of my favorites. I wonder and I pray: did anyone else see what I saw that day? Did the laughs and conversations continue in the car as they drove away? Or was it gone in an instant and replaced by the cold, distant, lifeless company of a--well, you know.
--Stacey
Friday, November 6, 2015
Friday Favorites: November 6, 2015 Edition
Friday is a HUGE deal at our house. Even when my children were toddlers, I would talk up Friday to them as the glorious day when Daddy would arrive home around 5:30—usually with a pizza—and prepare to spend two whole office-free days with us. They got into the habit of calling any day off a “staying day,” and we all use that fun term now.
So Friday is the perfect day of the week for Stacey and I to share our favorites—anything we like that we think you may like too (especially if it makes your life easier or sets you up for some kind of instant success). We’ll be talking books to beauty products to bean dip recipes (we have a deep fondness for Tex Mex). Hope you enjoy!
--Andrea
Note: These links aren’t affiliate links; that means that they’re regular ol’ links, and no one is paying us to advertise this stuff . . . ‘though that would be nice.
Andrea’s Favorites:
Bible Hi-Gliders
I wish I had discovered these several Bibles ago. I’m a big fan of taking notes and highlighting, and this kind doesn’t bleed through. I’ve heard that some people color code their Bible passages—for example, yellow for the Holy Spirit, green for areas to grow, etc. Well, let’s never pretend that I’m one of those people. I go with the color that feels good in the moment.
Bats in the Library by Brian Lies
Sometimes I declare “Mommy’s choice” when we’re having reading time, and this book is always in my top five. I think this is one of the most creative and well-written children’s books that I’ve ever read . . . and I’ve read more than a few.
Clarisonic Mia1 Sonic Skin Cleansing System
Okay, I now see what all the fuss is about. At the recommendation of a gorgeous dermatologist with I-have-no-pores skin, I bought one of these last July. I used it for the first time the morning after I got it, and that night when I got into the shower, I touched my face and absent-mindedly thought, “HEY, why does my face feel so amazing?” Then I remembered! Now, I can’t say that I’m ready to post close-up pictures of my makeup-free smiling face all over the internet, mind you, but I can at least feel a difference.
Stacey’s Favorites:
PlanetBox Lunch Box
Hands down, this is the best lunch box out there. Ours have lasted us over three years, and they’re still holding strong! I was turned on to these by a parent of one of my students (and a fellow teacher)! My kids love packing a variety of lunch noshes, and I love that it doesn't mean using a ton of plastic baggies or five different containers to wash.
Wilton Bake Easy Non Stick Spray
The holiday season is upon us, and trust me when I tell you that you need to get some of this stuff. It’s a baking game-changer! This is not your mother's Pam non-stick spray. No no, my friends, your baked goods will JUMP from their pans, so be ready!
Penelope Clear Cover 2016 Weekly/Monthly 5 x 8 Planner
One of my absolute weaknesses is the dollar bin at Target. I know it is a marketing trap, but it makes me happy. Anywho, every year I buy about ten of these and pass them out with great joy. I know most people use a techno gadget to keep their dates organized with brilliant dings and reminder notifications for important events. But there is something about authentic handwritten notes to yourself. I'm hanging on to those Lisa Frank experiences of days gone by!
Hollywood Fashion Tape
Okay, if ya got big boobs, they have no doubt gotten away from you from time to time. Such is life. One of my best friends gave me some of this miracle tape years ago, and I have never been without a pack since. It's perfect for those cute button-down blouses that gape between buttons like you've got two rabid animals trying to escape. Yeah . . . those. It also comes in handy if you're like me with no shoulders, and tops won't stay put over your bra straps. The struggle is real. So in the spirit of modesty—ironically--"Hollywood" fashion tape is the key!
So Friday is the perfect day of the week for Stacey and I to share our favorites—anything we like that we think you may like too (especially if it makes your life easier or sets you up for some kind of instant success). We’ll be talking books to beauty products to bean dip recipes (we have a deep fondness for Tex Mex). Hope you enjoy!
--Andrea
Note: These links aren’t affiliate links; that means that they’re regular ol’ links, and no one is paying us to advertise this stuff . . . ‘though that would be nice.
Andrea’s Favorites:
Bible Hi-Gliders
I wish I had discovered these several Bibles ago. I’m a big fan of taking notes and highlighting, and this kind doesn’t bleed through. I’ve heard that some people color code their Bible passages—for example, yellow for the Holy Spirit, green for areas to grow, etc. Well, let’s never pretend that I’m one of those people. I go with the color that feels good in the moment.
Bats in the Library by Brian Lies
Sometimes I declare “Mommy’s choice” when we’re having reading time, and this book is always in my top five. I think this is one of the most creative and well-written children’s books that I’ve ever read . . . and I’ve read more than a few.
Clarisonic Mia1 Sonic Skin Cleansing System
Okay, I now see what all the fuss is about. At the recommendation of a gorgeous dermatologist with I-have-no-pores skin, I bought one of these last July. I used it for the first time the morning after I got it, and that night when I got into the shower, I touched my face and absent-mindedly thought, “HEY, why does my face feel so amazing?” Then I remembered! Now, I can’t say that I’m ready to post close-up pictures of my makeup-free smiling face all over the internet, mind you, but I can at least feel a difference.
Stacey’s Favorites:
PlanetBox Lunch Box
Hands down, this is the best lunch box out there. Ours have lasted us over three years, and they’re still holding strong! I was turned on to these by a parent of one of my students (and a fellow teacher)! My kids love packing a variety of lunch noshes, and I love that it doesn't mean using a ton of plastic baggies or five different containers to wash.
Wilton Bake Easy Non Stick Spray
The holiday season is upon us, and trust me when I tell you that you need to get some of this stuff. It’s a baking game-changer! This is not your mother's Pam non-stick spray. No no, my friends, your baked goods will JUMP from their pans, so be ready!
Penelope Clear Cover 2016 Weekly/Monthly 5 x 8 Planner
One of my absolute weaknesses is the dollar bin at Target. I know it is a marketing trap, but it makes me happy. Anywho, every year I buy about ten of these and pass them out with great joy. I know most people use a techno gadget to keep their dates organized with brilliant dings and reminder notifications for important events. But there is something about authentic handwritten notes to yourself. I'm hanging on to those Lisa Frank experiences of days gone by!
Hollywood Fashion Tape
Okay, if ya got big boobs, they have no doubt gotten away from you from time to time. Such is life. One of my best friends gave me some of this miracle tape years ago, and I have never been without a pack since. It's perfect for those cute button-down blouses that gape between buttons like you've got two rabid animals trying to escape. Yeah . . . those. It also comes in handy if you're like me with no shoulders, and tops won't stay put over your bra straps. The struggle is real. So in the spirit of modesty—ironically--"Hollywood" fashion tape is the key!
Thursday, November 5, 2015
Happily Parenting: The Blog
So we’ve added a blog . . . I mean, there are so few out there we felt more than compelled to do so--you know, for the masses. For those of you just joining us, Happily Parenting consists of two women on a steadfastly passionate mission to get parents to CHILL OUT and parent by the book we’ve been given: THE Book! We want every female parent to embrace being wives and women first before labeling themselves “Mom.” Girls, be interesting, for goodness sake. You can’t be interesting to your children if your whole lives revolve around them. We want every male parent to step up and be a man. Don’t let her boss you around . . . LEAD your family. (Side note: we have a very large male fan base.)
Okay, here we go: my name is Stacey Watts, and I’m a certified Leadership Parenting Coach through the John Rosemond Leadership Parenting Institute, a speaker, a veteran teacher of nearly 17 years, and . . . well, we’re not going to tell you everything here because we would rather you visit our web site! Andrea Fuller is my partner in service and Happily Parenting’s Program Director. She is the driving force behind our mission and has quite the knack for PR (that comes from those strong, sweet, southern roots of hers)! She’s too cute; again, go see our web site.
Andrea and I are housewives, not stay-at-home mothers. We are madly in love with our husbands, and . . . well . . . we really just want to talk you off the ledge when it comes to managing marriage and family and just get you to LAUGH! Parenting is so much more fun when you’re not so dang serious all the time. The kids will be a’ight. Relax! They won’t need therapy at 20 if every outfit isn’t smocked and embroidered with a giant bow to match. However, if you don’t start stepping back, then you may be the one in therapy.
We have known each other for over twenty-five years. Although we were raised in very different homes, our similarities more than outweigh our differences. See for yourself:
We’re both dazzled by the love of Jesus Christ
We are children of God, women, wives, and mothers . . . in THAT order
We’re both southern-bred through and through—from the pearl earrings to the pedicured piggies
We both have a love affair with emerald green . . . especially when it comes to shoes and purses
We LOVE family traditions—and the quirkier, the better
Between us, we have a combined 33 happy years of marriage under our belts; and even after that many years, we still think that our husbands are super heroes
We both have one son and one daughter and enjoy the experience of raising one of each
We both suspect that our dogs have mental health concerns
We both get slightly giddy when we see a child read for pleasure
We both lose our sense of humor when we see a child under the age of 16 with a smart phone
There’s some really good stuff headed your way and hopefully more than a few laughs! Check us out daily, and be sure to tell a friend . . . you know . . . THAT friend . . . ummm hmmm, her! ;)
--Stacey
Okay, here we go: my name is Stacey Watts, and I’m a certified Leadership Parenting Coach through the John Rosemond Leadership Parenting Institute, a speaker, a veteran teacher of nearly 17 years, and . . . well, we’re not going to tell you everything here because we would rather you visit our web site! Andrea Fuller is my partner in service and Happily Parenting’s Program Director. She is the driving force behind our mission and has quite the knack for PR (that comes from those strong, sweet, southern roots of hers)! She’s too cute; again, go see our web site.
Andrea and I are housewives, not stay-at-home mothers. We are madly in love with our husbands, and . . . well . . . we really just want to talk you off the ledge when it comes to managing marriage and family and just get you to LAUGH! Parenting is so much more fun when you’re not so dang serious all the time. The kids will be a’ight. Relax! They won’t need therapy at 20 if every outfit isn’t smocked and embroidered with a giant bow to match. However, if you don’t start stepping back, then you may be the one in therapy.
We have known each other for over twenty-five years. Although we were raised in very different homes, our similarities more than outweigh our differences. See for yourself:
We’re both dazzled by the love of Jesus Christ
We are children of God, women, wives, and mothers . . . in THAT order
We’re both southern-bred through and through—from the pearl earrings to the pedicured piggies
We both have a love affair with emerald green . . . especially when it comes to shoes and purses
We LOVE family traditions—and the quirkier, the better
Between us, we have a combined 33 happy years of marriage under our belts; and even after that many years, we still think that our husbands are super heroes
We both have one son and one daughter and enjoy the experience of raising one of each
We both suspect that our dogs have mental health concerns
We both get slightly giddy when we see a child read for pleasure
We both lose our sense of humor when we see a child under the age of 16 with a smart phone
There’s some really good stuff headed your way and hopefully more than a few laughs! Check us out daily, and be sure to tell a friend . . . you know . . . THAT friend . . . ummm hmmm, her! ;)
--Stacey
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)