My Role Model, My Best Friend

My sister is my best friend. It’s true. She’s the first one I want to share exciting news with, complain to, and spend my free time with.  She always knows what to say to me  in almost every situation ...even those times when I really don’t want to hear what she is about to say...


I view her as one of my biggest role models and I feel so blessed that she is the sister God chose for me.

She is the proud parent of three amazing children. And while she’s made it look pretty easy at times, I know it hasn’t been. Now, her oldest kid is in college, the middle in the pre-teen stages, and the youngest just a year younger than Megan. I have seen that parenting has been hard for her at times. The burdens of being a wife and a mother and the responsibilities that go along with them are hard, and there are days when I know she feels discouraged.

On those days, I want to tell her how thankful I am that she has gone first. She’s always done things ahead of me and I know it hasn’t been easy. I want to tell her to keep going because I still need her to be the woman I look up to, who I admire – just as I always have. I continue to love that she knows how to do things that I don’t, or that I haven’t yet. I’m looking for her to guide the way because she is my sister. She is still my role model.

 

 

Love my sister so much!

MISSIONFX

I know it's been a while... I'm way behind in the things I wanted to post on the blog so I definitely have some catching up to do.

We've been super busy lately. Fall is just a busy time of year for us! I also just started my last class before student teaching and with all the drama that I've had to deal with lately I've pretty much been consumed with Mount Olive stuff lately.

However, last Friday our church (Journey Church) held MISSIONFX.  It was amazing. The theme of the night was superheroes and they invited anyone and everyone in the community and just poured out the love of Jesus onto them. EVERYTHING was free. It was seriously like a mini state fair!  We had a BLAST and so did everyone else who came! I sure am glad to be party of a church who continues to strive to make Jesus famous in our city, nation, and world!

Here are a few pictures...

 

 

In the 10 years that we have lived in Wake Forest, we really had a hard time finding a church to call home. Nothing really clicked for our family. Until we found Journey... now I really feel like we are where God wants us to be... well at least for now :)

 

 



These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things...

 

 

Gavin

Forest Pines Drive Elementary

Grade : 2

Mrs. Sheffield



Journal Writing

Journal writing is not a favorite activity for Megan. She would much rather be doing some imaginative play or working with math and science. We started our letter writing practice back in March and we haven't made it very far. Mostly because mommy doesn't want to deal with the whining and crying that usually accompanies it.  However, today she did much better. Wasn't super excited to do it but actually complied with my request and did a pretty good job forming her letters. Just gotta keep working on those lowercase letters... they are trickier!

A moment in time...

 

 

One thing is for sure... I am gonna miss lazy Friday mornings snuggling in our pj's on the couch, watching Sofia The First, and just being together when I have to go back to work. Cherished memories for a lifetime. Blessed to be given this opportunity!

Is It Too Much To Ask?

As a warning... this post is definitely not a feel good kind of post and it's kinda long. So if you're just not into hearing my complaining you should probably stop reading now...

I was really hoping that Gavin's teacher would be just as AWESOME as last years teacher. After meet the teacher night this year I was a little concerned about how quiet his new teacher was but overall I felt pretty open minded and was ready for another great year at Forest Pines! Then as the days went on... Gavin (who is much like his mama and holds absolutely nothing back) started telling me things that I quickly could realize was actually his teacher speaking through him. The inflection in his voice was just a little too much from a 7 year old boy....

Things like....

"You need 3 composition books, not one... it said it on the supply list. You're gonna need to go get more so you can actually do the assignments"

or

"There's a reading log for a reason, mom"

Now.... don't get me wrong. I was a teacher. I frequently would tell my children things and fully expect them to go back to the parents. However, I ALWAYS shared whatever I told the children with the parents as well in either verbal or written communication! It really bugs me when teachers speak through the child. Especially if I'm home all day. Feel free to call or email me at anytime with ANY concern you may have!

Call me a needy mom if you want... I prefer to see it as an INVOLVED mother but I need communication! I don't want to find out information second hand and I don't want to have to pry it out of my 7 year old either! You can keep me happy by keeping me in the loop!

Yesterday, this momma got her feathers ruffled. Gavin's wore his old tennis shoes to school (I don't really know why, other than they are easy to get on and he is lazy... haha!) The shoelaces are frayed at the end making it hard for them to stay tied. Apparently his shoe came untied and the lace came out of the hole. The shoelace could not be threaded back through so she took the shoelaces completely out of the shoes and allowed my child to walk around with his shoes flopping up and down. Didn't send a note saying they tried to fix it but couldn't or anything. You can only imagine how annoyed I was when I saw my child walking to the car with his shoes flapping!! Hello safety issue?!! Not to mention... I didn't send my kid to school looking a hot mess so I would prefer him not be sent home that way. If you couldn't fix it, you could have at least eased my frustrations and sent a note saying what happened or even called me to bring him new shoes! When I asked Gavin about it... he said "we couldn't fix it and she said you need to buy me new shoes and not to wear these anymore!" Boy is this lady lucky we had some place to be or this momma would have lost her cool. (So thankful for a God that calms me down and makes sure I am distracted by other things so that I don't go down the wrong path)

Things like that bother me and I really hope that after a nice email to his teacher this is not something that will become the norm in second grade. Just because you send my kid home on green everyday doesn't mean I won't still question what's going on at school. That's my job. I'm his mom!

 For all of those who have asked me in the last couple of days and some of you for months... why don't you just home school or send him to private school? I say this... home school and private school are not for every family! While I am extremely thrilled that it works for many of my friends and family... it's just not an option at this point for ours. That's not to say that in the future it couldn't be, but for now it's not. Besides the fact that Gavin isn't one that learns well from mommy (he can't separate the whole teacher/mommy thing), our family is unable to stay at home and must work to put food on our table and to pay for bills coming in and debt that has been acquired. This does not mean that I care any less about my kids education nor does it mean that I don't value my kids. I hate when people make the assumption that because my kid is not home schooled or in a private school, that he will not be just as smart, resourceful, respectful,successful, etc. as another child. My kid can be just as grounded in what we believe as a family whether he is at school all day or at home. How? He has two parents who love and support him more than anything in the world and will make sure that we do everything we can to help him reach his fullest potential.

While these types of teachers certainly annoy me and often upset me... part of me is thankful that I have experienced them. This is a big part of why I decided to pursue my teaching license. There are FABULOUS public school teachers out there. NOT all teachers are like this. I want to be one of those FABULOUS teachers. I want to be that teacher for  parents who are not in the position to be at home with their children teaching them (even though many would love for that to be the case). I want to be that FABULOUS teacher for those families who can't afford private school. I want to be that FABULOUS teacher for the single parents who value education just as much as anyone else but are just dealing with the life they have.

Man I hope I can remind myself of this learning opportunity when situations like these arise with Gavin's teacher. May it be a teaching moment for me and my future.

But hey...

Here's hoping there won't be anymore of those kind of moments... right?

My evenings....

It's hard to even remember what my evenings were like prior to kids.... I mean seriously... What did I do? I know every season of your life certainly has it's perks but I sure do love living life with my two kids. (well, most days anyway..haha)


Here is a few videos of what a night with Megan is like...

When she get's big she's gonna get a big Barbie jeep and ride all around with Gavin ;)

 

I wonder if she'll still have Sofia the First dance parties too?

 

All Smiles

Believe it or not... there are still some who are excited about the carpool line! While she enjoys the only child life during the morning.... Megan is eager to see Gavin in the afternoon. I love that they are best friends right now!

A little game of I SPY...

Can you spot the problem with these two pictures??

 

 

   

       

Gavin's bedroom wall

 

 

        

                           "Megan's wall of pictures" in the hallway

 

 

 

Why do these children insist on making their momma believe that she really has in fact GONE CRAZY!!

 

 

                                       

Didn't your momma ever tell you....

If you don't have anything nice to say... don't say it at all! Being the super emotional, wear my feelings on my sleeve kind of girl that I am, I am sensitive to the things that come out of my children's mouths. I'm quick to let my children know that while it is OK to be curious, certain questions can actually hurt someones feelings when asked. I can't be the only one who realizes this information right? However, after the last couple months I am convinced that some adults don't understand this concept either!

For probably the 4th time this month, I was asked the dreaded question.... "So, when are you due?"  I was a mess. Pretty much mortified. After all, I'd basically just been called fat to my face. It hurt. It took my biggest insecurity and multiplied it by 1,000. The fact that part of me  would very much like to have another baby and the reminder that, that isn't an option right now was kind of a double kick in the face.  The first time I was asked this I was just so in shock that all I could do was point to Megan and say... "this is my baby". Each time after that I have an internal struggle with myself. Part of me wants to succumb to my biggest insecurity  and break down into tears, hide in my house, and not ever come out. The other part of me wants to scream....

but yeah... thanks for pointing that out! Jerk!

 

 

I know I'm not alone. Several people have suffered through these same comments and some have stories far worse! I hate it for them and now I truly know how they feel.

 

Why does my body and it’s natural state impact people who don’t know me?  And why do we feel the need and drive to comment directly to a stranger about their body? My advice... just don't make a comment at all!

 

In the meantime... I'll do my best to add to my growing "to do" list... to get my body looking as if it doesn't have a human growing inside it so that I don't offend anybody else by my weight gain and will also feel better about myself.

 

I'm really no good at sticking to exercise programs. I seriously need a trainer/partner to keep me on track but I did start the Bikini Body Mommy challenge with my sister yesterday. I'm super out of shape and could barely make it through the first session but something is better than nothing, right? Here's hoping I can stick with it long enough to see some type of result!

 

 





When you can't choose just one....

Tonight I have to bring dinner and dessert for life group. Every week that I have to bring dinner I end up in the kitchen practically all day. This normally isn't really much of an issue except that this week has just been crazy busy and I just don't really feel like being in the kitchen all day, wouldn't have much time to get everything accomplished that I have on my to do list ;)

So tonight I'm bringing Chinese. Yummy! I don't know about you but I LOVE Chinese food! The only thing I have to make is dessert. Now for the hard part...what to bring? Of course I did what any loving and possibly crazy wife/mother would do. I asked my family. Didn't I know that this is the Stevens family and nobody EVER wants the same thing?! What was I thinking?

Matt wanted peanut butter Oreo dessert, Gavin wanted tried and true brownies, and Megan wanted "pink cake". I did my best to get people to compromise. I told Matt... we had Oreo balls last week! I told Gavin... we have brownies ALOT! I told Megan... Mommy really wants pink cake too honey but Gavin and Daddy want ______.  Yeah I know, pretty convincing arguments huh? So what's a girl to do when everyone wants something different? Do I make peanut butter Oreo dessert? Or fudge brownies? Or strawberry refrigerator cake? Also known to Megan as pink cake.

Once in a while.... you just gotta.... GO FOR IT! After all, with 17 different people, there is bound to be someone who wants exactly what Matt wanted, or maybe what Gavin wanted, or maybe what Megan and Mommy wanted! And... if not.... that leaves for some yummy leftovers!

Kids Day 2013

When Gavin was 3 years old he asked a question that would spark a tradition in our family that we have now been doing for 4 years. "When is Kid's Day? There's a Mother's Day, there's a Father's Day, Grandparents day... everything... so when is kids day?" Of course our first reaction was everyday is Kids Day! But as we really sat and thought about it, that really isn't true. Other than their birthday, they don't get a day where they are celebrated for how important they are in the family. They don't get to choose the food we eat or get a present. It was at that time that Kids Day was created. We decided to celebrate Kids Day the last Saturday of August. (Yes, I already know... this year the last Saturday is on the 31st.)  In years past we have always gone to a completely FREE yet super fun event called the Kids Spectacular at the NC Fairgrounds but this year we decided to switch it up a little. We didn't really have the money for big vacations this year so most of the things we were able to do were small weekend trips. With school starting back for Gavin, we decided to celebrate Kids Day and have our last hurrah of the summer. Saturday we headed to Fantasy Lake Water Park.  Everyone had ALOT of fun... well... except Matt. He was suffering from what he thinks was food poisoning after eating at Red Robin on Friday. Boo! Anyway.. here are some of the pictures taken that day!

 

No celebration is complete without balloons!

 

 

Or presents!

 

 

Pancakes and food coloring of their choice yogurt by request...

 

 

Lots of playing in the water

 

 

Will make for some good naps!

 

 

And unfortunately some sunburns!

 

 

 

Overall, it was an awesome day as a family celebrating two very special kids and what they mean to this family!

 

 

The First Day of Second Grade...

 

Today my boy started second grade! I can't even believe that this is happening! How is he old enough for second grade. Scratch that.... how am I old enough to have a second grader?!

Gavin was super excited (and a little bit nervous) this morning. Megan, unlike last year, was all smiles. Although she will definitely miss playing with him, she is super happy to be the "only child" during the day again! And mommy... yeah, well... although I've been counting down the days until he started, I definitely got a knot in my stomach as I walked away from his classroom and in true emotional Lauren fashion... a few tears were shed. These kids may drive me crazy but I sure do love them a ton and I feel blessed to have this chance to be at home and to spend so much time with them!

Second grade comes with new rules, expectations, friends, etc. So as my boy begins this new school year I want him to remember these 5 things...

1. Don't worry about what everyone else thinks. Just be yourself and don't try to change for anyone! You are an AWESOME kid and people will like you for who you are!

2. You are capable. Don't worry about the hard stuff. Ask for help when you need it and just do your best! You thought first grade was "gonna be sooo hard" but you made it through it... and very well I might add! There are lots of people who will help and support you along the way.

3. Don't worry about the bullies, the kids who call you names, or treat you bad. "Let God deal with the things they do, cause hate in your heart will consume you too!"

4. Everybody has bad days. Nobody is perfect. If you don't get the best grade, if you make a bad choice, or you just are feeling down... it's not the end of the world. There's always tomorrow.

5. You are LOVED! By so many people and most importantly by God.  Always know, that no matter what happens or what choices you make, you will never stop being loved!

The Library Rocks!

My kids LOVE going to the library. Whether it's going for a special story time or just going to pick out books. We go every Wednesday and my kids get super excited to pick out their own books! I'm pretty sure we leave every week with at least 30 books if not more! And the crazy thing is... we always read them! Now when you pick that many books in a week you can get some pretty interesting books. I do my best to preview their book choices but occasionally I'll miss a couple and we end up coming home with books like...

 

Yeah... that one was just a lovely read. But hey, it's true... everyone poops! Occasionally the kids will pick a book that they absolutely LOVE! Maybe it's super funny, maybe it has fun rhymes, or maybe it just appealed to them in this season that they're in. When we find one of those books I do my best to add it to the list of "make sure we buy this one!" This past week, the kids picked up a book and fell IN LOVE with it. I'm not gonna lie... this books is AWESOME! If you get a chance make sure you check it out. It's' informative, educational, and SUPER FUN to look through no matter what your age!

 



 

Seriously... how fun is that?

 

 I've been really trying to study for my Praxis II test (because apparently I'm not nearly as smart as one would think) and I had requested a study book be sent to the Wake Forest location. When I went in this week to pick it up I found out about another awesome aspect of Wake County libraries! As I was checking out my book, the lady asked me if I knew about the Praxis prep test offered on their website. Ummmm, NO! Turns out they have a prep test on their website (and for that matter a BUNCH of different school related, job related, you name it practice tests) for FREE!!! Those practice test books at Barnes and Noble are like $40! Needless to say I was thrilled and plan on taking advantage of that lovely service at some point next week! A big THANK YOU to the nice librarian for sharing such helpful information and a big high five to Wake County Public Library for giving me yet another reason to love you!

Comparison....

I think we all deal with comparison to some degree or another. However, I guess I feel like as a mom it is so much worse! I constantly find myself comparing myself, my family, the way I do things, choices, etc. to everyone else. Although one may believe that I am independent and unaffected by others, this just isn't true. To be honest... deep down inside... there is this part of me that wants to make everyone happy all the time! It shows up in my life in some of the stupidest ways....
For example:
* I often find myself worrying that if I don't reply to every tweet, comment on facebook, or email that people will get mad. Or maybe they will think I'm mad at them. Or maybe they just won't talk to me anymore
* I worry about telling people no. I might offend them by not going to a birthday party, helping with an event, etc. and we'll never be invited or sought out again
*After meeting new people, I wonder... What did they think about me? Did I come off too strong?
* Does my kids behavior make people never want us to show up anywhere for anything?

I know it's really petty. And just writing about it reveals how incredibly silly it sounds. But it's true. Comparison has become my reality. In fact, even when I do the best I know how to, even when I make a decision I feel comfortable with, sometimes I find myself back peddling just because of comparison.

I felt extremely comfortable in my decision to quit my job and stay at home with the kids. Well... until another mom questioned why I send my kids to the dreaded public school if I'm gonna be at home all the time. After all... isn't my degree in education?

Although I'm sure there are side effects to our food choices, my family seems to be fairing out pretty well. We make good choices when we can (and when the bank account allows) and also have our fair share of not so great for you things. I felt comfortable with allowing my children to eat McDonalds from the food court on a crazy afternoon. Well until another mom sat down beside me and pulled out a brown bagged lunch of super healthy (and I'm sure all organic) food and proceeded to give me the "I cant believe you would let them eat that!" look from across the table. Mom fail.

I understood that our family was in a way financially that didn't allow for big, exciting vacations. I was ok with just taking mini weekend vacations over the summer. Until another mom started talking of the elaborate Disney vacation they were going on shortly after school started.

Why do I let comparison get to me? I know I shouldn't, but I do. So to all of you moms who just have your act together, good for you. Please remember that what's good for your family isn't always what's best for other families and that when you flaunt your business everywhere it really feels more like you are just rubbing it in our faces!

On a another note...tonight Gavin meets his 2nd grade teacher for the first time! While Gavin is super excited, this momma has huge anxiety! I really hope his teacher this year is as amazing on his 1st grade teacher was!

Here is our usual "Meet The Teacher Night" gift we bring each year. This year we added hand sanitizer bottles to our monogram soap bottles. I actually like the sanitizer ones better believe or not!

I didn't realize how much I missed blogging...

Yep, it's true! My friend made the choice to start a blog for her family instead of posting her whole life on Facebook and it was just enough to jog my memory of when I used to blog. I immediately went back to my blog and basically "relived" my life over again. It was so refreshing and I'm so glad I did. Then I saw an advertisement online and saw that you can actually have your blog put into a book! How neat is that? Needless to say. I got the itch. So here I am. Here's hoping I can stick with it because honestly... some things are worth remembering!