2012 in Pictures

So, now that I've already established that it's been too long since I've been a regular blogger, I'd like to share some pictures from 2012 that I haven't posted.  

The morning after I finished the Bar, this was the first thing I saw. :)

I became a brunette for the first time in years!

We spent a day wandering around the town where I accepted a job.

My husband became a superhero.

My uncle died in a motorcycle wreck.
ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET!!

We found our new favorite place to grab a burger.

My mother helped Maddox carve his pumpkin.

Maddox dressed up as Yoda for Halloween.

We found a really cute deer while visiting Shreveport.

We also found Elmer Fudd.

Maddox shot a gun for the first time.

Maddox performed at his Christmas piano recital.

Maddox discovered his love of modeling sunglasses.

Santa visited us.

Has it really been almost a year?

Has it really almost been one year since my last blog post?  Seriously?  Have I been that busy?  Oh, I hate it.

I guess I'll try to sum up the past year (gulp) without being too boring.

My blogging really slowed down early last year as I wrapped up my final semester of law school.  Of course, almost as soon as I graduated it was time to get busy studying for the Bar Exam.  My entire summer was spent either studying for the Bar Exam or curled up in a ball crying over how there was no point in studying because there was simply NO WAY I was going to pass.

After taking the Bar, my life was quiet for about a month.  During this time I wanted to start blogging regularly again but I just didn't have it in me.  The thought of attempting to create something that others might want to read seemed overwhelming.  My mind was in recovery mode, from three months of 10-18 hour study days 6-7 days a week, from the years of law school that had come before that, and of course, from the years in undergrad that had come even before that.  For the first time, there was nothing to study.  And my mind went on autopilot.

Of course, autopilot didn't last long.  Two days before I found out I'd passed the Bar Exam (that's right -- I passed!!) I was offered a job.  Over the past ten months I've been practicing law.  It's honestly taken me so long to become an attorney that sometimes when I sit back and think about the fact that I am one, I giggle.  I'm an attorney.  Teeheehee.  :D

I've honestly liked practicing a lot more than I thought I would.  I went into law school thinking I'd love practicing, but left wondering if I'd like it at all.  While in law school I realized that I loved the study of law and being around others who are likeminded and share similar passions.  But I began to wonder if I'd like the practice of law as much as law in theory.  To my surprise, I've enjoyed it.  A lot.  I love the people that I work with and most of the time I even love my clients... haha.

So over the past ten months, we've been a two-parent, working household for the first time.  And it's sucked.  Our house has STAYED in a constant state of clutter and unfolded laundry.  My son started the first grade -- I blinked -- first grade was over.  Because my drive to work is (wait for it) 1.5 hours ONE WAY, we had to hire a nanny to pick up Maddox from school and take him to piano practice and swim practice.  If we'd have sent him to after-school care he wouldn't have been able to continue his lessons in either.

It's been so chaotic.  And I've hated it.  Although I've loved my work, I hated my ridiculous commute.  (Yes, it's my fault that I took a job that far away from where I work but I had my reasons.)  I also hated the thought of second grade starting next month -- me blinking -- and second grade being over.  Not again. And more than anything, I've hated not being able to put my family first.

So, after about two months of talks and prayer and thought, I turned in my notice.  This Friday, July 26th, is my last day.  My husband is BEYOND supportive and good grief I'm so thankful for that guy.

Where do I go from here?

Well, the plan is to start my own practice so that I can work part time and schedule my case load around what matters most, my family.  I hope to have my practice up and running by January.  In the meantime (and this is my favorite part) I'll solely be homeschooling Maddox.  It's something I've been wanting to do since before he started kindergarten but I couldn't do it because I had to focus on my own education.

So, next month we start homeschooling.  And, soon I'll slowly incorporate my part-time work into my routine as well.  I'm beyond thrilled!  Maddox is so excited too.  He's done great in public school, but (like most children) some subjects come easier to him than others.  I'm looking forward to seeing how much he'll excel in math now that he won't have to sit in class and wait on other children to finish their work.  And I'm looking forward to seeing how much he'll improve in reading now that we can spend extra time on it.

To wrap this up:  I'm back.  I've been gone.  But I'm so glad to be back!

Time may be free.... but it's priceless.

I love my little man.

And he'll always be my little man... no matter how big he gets.

My First Grader

First Day of First Grade Picture!

My sweet, sweet little baby started 1st grade yesterday.  Don't ask me how that's possible.  I'm just giving you the facts.  I can't believe it's been one year since I posted on his first day of kindergarten.

I'm happy to report that he had a great day yesterday and that we've been blessed with the same teacher that he had in kindergarten thanks to her decision to move up to first grade this year.  She has essentially kept her entire class from last year, so for Maddox starting the first grade probably feels more like going back to kindergarten after having a break for the summer.

I managed not to cry yesterday morning and I'm very proud of that.  I try my best not to see him growing up as a "bad thing."  Rather, I just try to think of how blessed I am that we're both here, healthy, and happy enough to watch his life unfold.  I'm not good at always seeing it this way, but I really try hard to keep those blessings at the front of my mind when I feel myself getting sad about him getting older.

My baby is growing up more quickly than I'd like, but I'm so thankful to have a front row seat to his life.  The things he learned during kindergarten blew my mind and made me so very proud of him.  I can't wait to see all of the things he'll do this year that will amaze me even more.

The Many Faces of Yoda

An {almost} Wordless Wednesday Post

Happy Yoda

"You want some of this?" Yoda

Crippled Yoda 

(notice the imaginary cane he's holding)

Scary Yoda

Bashful Yoda

Serious Yoda

And last, but not least... Pancake Yoda

Yoda Robe purchased from Etsy Seller 219eileen

Star Wars pancake molds purchased here

{Love to link-up?  Check out my new Secret Sunday Series.}

Thou Shalt Organize Thy Jewelry: How To Turn A Hanger Into Necklace Storage for $3

Saturday my mother, sister, and I decided to stop into this jewelry store in town.  When we walked in, we realized that almost EVERY piece of jewelry in there was 99¢.  Um, can we say costume jewelry HEAVEN?  This resulted in me purchasing about 8 necklaces, 2 rings, 1 bracelet, and some headbands.  

So, once I got home I realized that I seriously need to organize my jewelry.  I started going through it all, but I couldn't figure out what to do with my really long necklaces.  Then I remembered seeing a neat idea for a hanger turned necklace holder a few months back on Pinterest.  [[Shameless Plug:  Follow me on Pinterest by clicking here!]]

But, since I hadn't pinned it myself and couldn't find it, we had to wing it.  Nonetheless, I'm pretty darn pleased with how this sucker turned out.

Here's what you'll need to make this little beauty:

{1} A drill

{2} A tape measure & pen 

{3} A wooden hanger (Purchased a pack of four at Wal-Mart for $4)

{4} Two packs of hooks (Purchased at Wal-Mart for 98¢ each)

My hubby did all the work for this project, so I can't take any credit for the way it turned out.  It only took him a few minutes to complete it and he was finished before I'd realized he'd started.

First, he counted out how many hooks he wanted to use.  Mine has 16, but we probably could have fit 2-4 more on there.  Then he simply used the tape measure to make sure the hooks would be spaced out evenly, using a pen to mark where he wanted them.  Afterward, he drilled holes for the hooks and screwed them in.  Simple enough.  

Now, all of my necklaces are organized!  I have the jewelry hanger hung on a 3M Strip on the edge of the shelving in our bedroom closet and I love it!  My hubs even made my sister one.  Isn't he the sweetest?  *hold for 'awww'*

So, here she is all prettied up:

YAY!!

Bonus:  My son managed to take four pictures of himself with my iPhone without me noticing in the 35 seconds it took me to put my necklaces on the hanger.  So, I thought I'd share!

What a goofball!  :)

Dear Santa

Santa, I've been a very good boy this year.  

Thank you for the presents.  Enjoy the milk and cookies.

This was his first ever handwritten letter to Santa.  

See that look of pride on his face?  It doesn't even compare to the look I was giving him behind the camera.  <3

The Beauty & Benefits of Learning to Play the Piano: Both Music to my Ears

My little man, who just turned six, has been taking weekly-piano lessons since the 1st of September.

I've always loved music.  So of course, I've been eager to share this passion with my child since before there were two lines on that pregnancy test!   And the fact that it's beneficial to him to learn to play?  Icing on the cake!

Madd just had his first piano recital, where he played two pieces in front of about 100 people.  

This is his "I'm excited but nervous" face.  

He kinda puffs out his cheeks and tucks in his bottom lip.  

Such a sweetie.

This is more of an actual "smile."

Once we got seated, I realized that no one had ever told me how absolutely NERVOUS I would be for him.  I turned to my mother and asked her, "Were you nervous when I would perform on stage?  I have butterflies in my stomach that I was not prepared for!"  She told me that she always felt the same, which made me feel better (read:  normal). But serious--WHY didn't anyone tell me this?!

Thankfully he performed everything just as practiced.  I've never been more proud of him!  Watching your child have his moment in the spotlight to reap the benefits of his hard work is by far one of the best feelings in the world.

His first piece:  Up On The Housetop

His second piece:  O Christmas Tree

{Be sure to watch his bow at the end.}

So, now that you've seen my little man play at his Christmas recital, I'd like to share with you the five most prevalent benefits a child receives from learning to play the piano.*

1.     It helps them in school.

• Children who play an instrument score higher on both standard and spatial cognitive development tests in school. 
• Children who play the piano score higher in the area of math than children who do not.

2.     It raises self-esteem.

• Children who play the piano receive increased self-esteem with each song they master due to the dedication and time it takes to learn each new piece.
• Likewise, recitals give children an opportunity to receive praise for their accomplishments, which also increases the child's self-esteem.
• Most importantly, to me at least, is that learning to play also teaches children to keep a positive outlook when facing difficult tasks.  It teaches the child that learning is a process which takes patience and practice.  This knowledge helps children approach other tasks with confidence, decreasing the likelihood of frustration and discouragement.  

3.     It increases coordination.

• Sure it increases hand-eye coordination.  But, it also increases fine motor skills.
• Unlike any other instrument, playing the piano requires each hand to work independently of the other.  For example, one hand may be playing soft while the other is playing loudly.  Or, one may be playing quickly, while the other is playing slowly.
• Playing the piano increases dexterity and complex thought process.

4.     It helps improve concentration.

• Think about all of the focus that is required to play one piece:  the child must interpret each note and rhythm, translate those notes into actual movement on the instrument, and then immediately move forward to the next note and do the same.
• The child must read and think critically and creatively, which will assist them in many other areas in the future.

5.     It helps the child be more well-rounded.

• Children are exposed to genres of music they otherwise may never have heard, whether classical or otherwise.  
• Children may develop an appreciation for composers, such as Mozart or Bach.  
• The skills and knowledge acquired will aid them in any other musical or instrumental endeavor taken up by the child in the future.

As for my son, over the past three months I have personally noticed that he is notably better at understanding that conquering anything new takes practice and that it's okay not to immediately know how to do something.  He has always been very hard on himself and piano has definitely taught him to have patience with himself.  I've also noticed that he's able to pick out change of tempos in songs on the radio now as well as recognize when a piano is playing in the background, whereas before he didn't seem to pay attention to things.  

Overall, I am VERY glad that he is taking piano lessons.  It has been nothing but beneficial to him.  His next recital is in May and I can't wait to show him these videos six months from now so that he can see all the new progress he'll have made.  

Does your child play an instrument?  If so, let me know how you feel it is personally benefiting your child.  

*The benefits stated above were taken from this site, although the same information is available throughout numerous studies and webpages.  

The Birthday Boy (And Some Apparently Angry Birds)

Okay, so yet again I have super sucked at blogging lately.  I didn't realize it had been over a month since I'd posted until just looking back at the dates.  WOW, November flew by!

Okay--catch up post.  Where to start, where to start....

OH, What was it that The King said in Alice in Wonderland? 

"Begin at the beginning and go on till you come to the end:  then stop."

Yes, I suppose that's what I'll do.  And the beginning (of where we left off) would be Madd's birthday!  I still can't believe that yet another birthday party is in the books and that my little man is now a six year old.  [sigh]

His actual birthday was on a school day, so we started out with surprise birthday chocolate-chip pancakes (complete with birthday candle, of course)!

**Note, I made the pancakes myself.  If you're thinking, "Um SO?" well.... then first of all you can kiss it (and I think we all know what that "it" is) and second of all, it's obvious that you've never read this post.  Judge me if you must.**

Where was I?  Oh yes, I made pancakes.  At 6am.  Because that's just what I do I only have one kid and I guess I can sacrifice a little sleep to burn prevail in the perpetration of pancake perfection!

So rub those eyes and wake up birthday boy....

"Maddy, smile for mommy."

He smiled, but those eyes still weren't ready to open.

The day after his birthday was his party.  It was honestly the least stressful birthday party we've ever thrown for him.  For once, I felt like I got to enjoy the party too.  Usually I'm running from one end of a room to another, so it was nice to sit back and soak it all in.  

Here's a few snapshots from his special day, including a few pictures of his cake I promised I'd share.

Here's daddy with his birthday boy on the water inflatable.

He helped all the kids across (and okay, threw a few off too!)

After about two hours of swimming, we headed upstairs.

Something tells me this was the last birthday 

we'll have to read his birthday cards to him.

[Another sigh.]

And here's the cake and party favor table.

[Sorry about the poor quality of the cake close-ups.  

I took them at the house before the party in a hurry.]

Photo-op while waiting on mommy to light the candles.

I can't help but wonder what he wished for.... 

Oh, how I hope all his wishes come true!

But for now, a more serious question.

Who gets to eat which Angry Bird/Green Pig?

As you can tell by that half exhausted, but ear-to-ear grin, 

my little man had a wonderful time.

And with six birthday parties under my belt, 

I'm beginning to feel like an old pro!

Again, thank you to everyone for sticking with me through my bloggy-blahs, which I'm slowly trying to escape from.  

And a special thank you to my newest readers who found my blog by happening upon my DIY Angry Birds Invitations post and have taken me up on my offer to email me and ask for the Invitation PDF.  It makes me so unbelievably giddy to know that someone is actually taking the time to read a little bit about what's going on in our lives.  

So again, thank you so much.

And yes, if you're reading this right now I'm talking about YOU!

So quit being modest because you really rock my world.

Life with Maddox

"Um, mom... I accidently spilled something.... on the ceiling."

"Girls, girls, you're both beautiful." 

[Talking to my sister and me as we were having a disagreement.]

Maddox:  "You're racing me [at Mario Kart.]

Me:  No, because if I beat you, you'll get mad."

Maddox:  "No, when I beat YOU, I'll laugh."

[He beat me.]

How Can This Be?!

This little boy started kindergarten today.  

My little man is growing up.

What Am I Gonna DO With This Child?!

Here are a few memorable moments with Maddox, my silly five-year old, 

that have taken place within the past 24 hours.

Maddox:  [Talking to my husband.]  "Will you make me some cereal?"
Me:  "Oh, I'm sorry babe.  I told him I'd make him a bowl and I forgot."
Maddox:  "Yea, that's why I don't trust you."

Me:  [While singing and dancing like an idiot.] "Drop it like it's hot... drop it like it's hot..."
Maddox:  "If you don't move out of my way, I'm going to drop you like it's hot."

Maddox: "I don't want to eat dinner.  I just ate."
Me:  "If you're not hungry enough to finish everything that's fine, but you're sitting at the table.  The important thing is that we sit around the table together and enjoy . . . ."
Maddox:  "But, I'm on a diet!"

Kids!