Show Us Your Life - Favorite books/children books

I have another confession, I haven't been much of a reader. Let me see a show of hands for those of you that had to do Accelerated Reader growing up - GAG ME! I made my one and only big fat "F" in 5th grade on those bad boys, and ever since then I've not liked to read. .....Until I passed the CPA exam.

See, I've discovered that I really do enjoy reading, if it is a topic I can relate with. Don't FORCE me to read, because I won't (I SHOWED my teachers!). Around Christmas, I bought some self-help books. I've made it through a few of them. Also, for Christmas, my mom gave me a book which I read in 2 days!!

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For Those Who Like Business, Accounting, Crazy People or Birmingham, AL - Healthsouth: The Wagon to Disaster

This is a very easy read. It's actually poorly written, but once you get past that, it's captivating. I mean, the CEO of a HUGE company is a complete narcissist, and pretty much crazy. For accountants, the picture paints a true scenario that is the ethical dilemma of a lifetime. And for those from Birmingham, it's really fascinating that one of the largest scandals in time occurred right in our own backyard! It's a must read!

For Those Who Are Single Girls leaping into Step-Motherhood - The Single Girl's Guide to Marrying a Man, His Kids, and His Ex-Wife

So, I never dreamed I'd wake up to find someone who'd ever agree to marry me, much less, allow me to become a stepmother to their child! HELP!! Like previously mentioned, you can see why I sought out many self-help books over Christmas! In searching for books about blended families, all I could find are those that talked about blending your kids with his kids. When I stumbled upon this one, I definitely opted for Express Shipping. I LOVED this book. It tells many stories of women who have been in my shoes. What this book focuses on the most is (1) You better have a good sense of humor and (2) It's NOT about you, so stop taking things so personal!...Umm, I'm still working on it! But, if you know anyone who is in this boat, forget the lovely Place Setting on her registry, buy her this book!

For the kids who are too smart - The King Who Rained

I LOVED this book as a kid. I still have it in my office at home. If you have a child who kinda knows how to spell, this book will drive them CRAZY! See, this book plays off humorous homonyms (I'll wait while you google that...don't feel bad...I found out what it was called on Amazon!).

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Looking forward to seeing some of yours (unless it is some sappy love story or Twilight!). If you have any good Non-fictions, send them my way!!

All Good Things MUST come to an end....

Haley has been playing softball this spring. Wonderful as it has been, we are glad to see it coming to an end! Last night we had her team party at La Fiesta and she was so excited to get her trophy! What an accomplishment!

Haley had a wonderful coach, Coach Al! His two girls were also on the team! He played baseball for the University of Alabama! I knew she'd be in good hands! ROLL TIDE ROLL!

Haley also had the pleasure of being coached by another great guy, Coach Daddy! This was Scott's first attempt at coaching anything! After a few peptalks about this not being the USA Olympic softball team, he finally got his niche and had a lot of fun spending extra time with Haley and the other girls on the team!

This team was very unique (This picture is missing two of the girls.)! There were a total of 5 families on the team (because many were siblings!). Also, this team ranged in age from 4-7, Haley being the youngest. Haley had so much fun being able to play with her partner-in-crime, her cousin McKenzie! I think Haley learned a lot from being on the team and made some new friends too!

Here are a few highlights:

(PS - Thank you Uncle Dustin for your help too!)

We're proud of you Haley!! You stuck it out and finished what you started! You showed a lot of improvement over the Spring and even were able by the end of the season, able to hit some thrown pitches! Even though Daddy would LOVE for you to continue playing, you said it yourself, you're glad this is over (Shhh...me too!). We're (ME!!!!) looking forward to letting you wear your tu-tu really soon!!!

Onward with the Deposits!!!

"Opposites can attract as in magnetism. Or explode, as in matter and antimatter." - Peter David

(The Epitome of Opposites!!)

Scott and I started premarital counseling a few weeks ago. In our first session, the counselor asked that we take the Prepare-Enrich quiz to check our compatibility and see if there were any areas of concern that we needed to discuss further. I couldn't WAIT to take it...that was right up my alley. Scott, well, I had to conveniently clear his schedule so he could complete it. So yesterday, I was so excited to go and find out where we stood.

The counselor started by asking us how we thought we fell into the categories. Scott and I are very realistic with our relationship and with each of our faults, so we told him that we felt as though we were compatible, however knew of our faults and probably there were areas of work. He was pleased to tell us that we were categorized as the best, a "Vitalized" couple which is defined as a happy couple with high positive agreements, have many strengths, and a few growth areas. ONWARD WITH THE WEDDING DEPOSITS! :)

Scott and I were excited to hear the results. He briefly went over some of the questions we answered differently and gave us the opportunity to discuss some of those. Then, he wanted to discuss the personality profile that was associated with the test. We all had many laughs with this one...the counselor also mentioned that he had the same personality profile as Scott and his wife, who also in an accountant, had my same personality traits. Haha, can you say God thing? :) Shocking as it may be, Scott and I had completely different personality traits, polar opposites you might say. We were completely different in social, change, pleasing, and emotional steady and were nearly the same on organized.

I was so baffled that he and I are complete opposites, yet are so compatible. The counselor went on to tell us how important it is to know each other's personality types because many of the traits can explain many of the differences we may face now and in the future. He also told us that in many cases, opposites do attract but over time, many of the opposite traits can become contention points in a relationship. He said it is important to be aware of the differences and learn to effectively communicate. The counselor went on to tell us that instead of the 4-6 more sessions of counseling that he normally does, he only saw us needing one or two more!

I'm so lucky to have such a wonderful partner who I can talk to about anything and who supports me in every way! He truly treats me like a princess and is always so thoughtful. Although we are completely different personality wise, I pray that we can continue to laugh through many of the differences! Life may not always be ideal, but I have faith that as long as we continue to focus on the root of our relationship, we can make it through anything together! Scott is truly a God-send to me!

I encourage each of you if you haven't been married yet to explore some intense pre-marital counseling before you take the plunge! Everyone needs it and you might even be surprised what you find out! Also, if you are already married, take the time to invest in your marriage now and talk to a counselor every now and then - like a refresher. The Prepare Enrich website can direct you to someone locally who is trained in the test. Also, this test is for any couple - premarital, married, married with kids, empty-nesters.... Marriage is a serious commitment and it's worth the investment! Life is hectic and it's important to remember why you fell in love in the first place.

Accounting for this Life: To the couples - How do you keep your relationship strong?

Happy Mother's Day! (a few days late..!)

Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms out there!! I'm a few days late, mostly because the weekend was crazy and I didn't have my photo cord to upload my picture!

We had a wonderful Sunday celebrating with my mom and my sister! My mom, being ever so thoughtful, didn't want to go fight the restaurants and she wanted the kids to be able to run around, so we got take out and went back to her house. We had a great time talking, watching the kids, eating, and opening gifts.

This year, my sister and mom were so sweet to include me in their Mother's Day festivities as the role of "step-mom". They both wrote me the sweetest cards encouraging me in my new endeavor and even gave me a few gifts! My favorite gift was a hand-me-down handkerchief of my grandmothers so I could use it for the wedding! It's absolutely beautiful and means the world to me! I also received a text from my best friend Nicki saying, "Happy Evil Step-Mother Day!"...she truly gets me!

We finished up our visit by taking my mom to get ice cream! Can you tell we are all related?

I think we all agreed that it was one of the best Mother's Days we have had together that we could remember!

I am so thankful to have such a wonderful mother. She is truly the most thoughtful, hard-working woman I know. To me, she truly is a Proverbs 31 type of woman. She is always wanting to serve her family through her talents and is always around to give good motherly advice. I always seek her opinions in most everything I do - I wholeheartedly trust her and value her opinion in every aspect of my life. She is a example to both me and my sister in her Christian walk and is a God-fearing woman. My mother sacrificed a lot to raise both me and my sister and it is something that I will never be able to repay her. My hope is that I can take what she has given me in wisdom and through opportunities she helped me to obtain and excel in my career, become a Godly wife, and become the type of mother that would honor her.

I am also so lucky to have a great Mother-in-Law to be! She is truly an encourager to me and always is there to support me and be a listening ear! Many girls aren't as fortunate to have mother-in-laws that they enjoy being around, but God blessed me with one who I love dearly, is great to be around, and who supports Scott and I in so many ways!

Happy Mother's Day to my amazing Mom, my wonderful Mother-in-Law, my sweet sister, and my great sister-in-law to be! You all are amazing examples of what it takes to be great mothers and I appreciate each of your support as I embark on my own journey of motherhood!

Pity Party Pitfalls

"...I do not have a mother." - Our World Vision sponsor child's sister.

Last Fall, Scott and I decided to sponsor a World Vision child. We decided we wanted to sponsor one who had similarities as Haley so she could have something in common with the child. We chose a little girl who lives in Bolivia. She lives with her father and her 5 other siblings. Her mother passed away soon after she was born. She has the same birthday as Haley, only a year younger. She also loves dolls, like Haley. Her name is Blanca. In December, we sent her a care package with some crayons, coloring pages, stickers, a letter and a picture of our family. Yesterday, we received a letter back from her sister (since Blanca is 3) and a picture of Blanca with the package we sent!

The letter said, " Dear Sponsor, My sister is so happy for all the things you sent her. She is happy for all the presents. You are so nice with my sister. She is fine. I like the presents. I do not have a mother. Thank you." ....It completely caught me off guard that the little girl put that in the letter. I already knew of her mother's passing, but it just surprised me that Blanca's sister felt like that was something of importance to put in the letter. Not how the weather is, not what their favorite colors are, not their favorite game...

Lately, I've been having pity parties for myself since my Dad passed away. It is sad to face all of life's events without him and I'm dreading many special times in mine and my family's lives. I should be able to find joy in some of these times, however my joy is overcome with grief. On one hand, I feel guilty being happy and I feel guilty for being sad. Instead of living in the moment and appreciating the moment for what it is worth, I am always struggling internally with these feelings.

When I got this letter yesterday, my heart just broke for these children. These children not only live in horrible conditions and are the poorest of poor, but their family is broken by the loss of their mother. I feel like that was God's perfect timing to show me that (1) I'm not alone in my sadness and grief over losing a parent and (2) I had so many wonderful years with my father - these kids will NEVER know much about their mother. So, stop having a complete pity party!!

I'm glad God lead our family to Blanca. I never thought I could have something in common with a 3 year old child from Bolivia, but God knew that we both would have hurt and a piece of our hearts missing over a lost parent. My prayer is that through the letters, I can express my care for loss as so many of you have for ours.



As Mother's Day approaches this weekend, my heart and mind are on kids like Blanca who don't have many memories of their mother. I'm so blessed to have had many wonderful years with both of my parents. Although my Dad is no longer with us, I have his memories which I will cherish forever.

If you don't already, I encourage each of you to consider sponsoring a child. Consider World Vision or Compassion International. Pray about and it ask that God lead you to a child that you can connect with. God's hand was all over our match with Blanca and I pray that you can find a child that can bless your life as much as you will bless theirs!

Accounting for This Life: How do you get through your own pity parties in life?

Show Us Your Life: How you picked your kids names/future names

Although Scott and I do not have any children together yet, we've talked a lot about the names we would like:

Boy: Stryker Allen?, James?, William?

Scott and I talked about using Stryker as a name last fall. I remember at Christmas I was able to tell my Dad that Scott and I had decided on Stryker and he was so excited! Now that my Dad is no longer with us, the name is even more special and a definite. We've played around with the idea of different middle names. Allen is Scott's middle name, James are both of my grandfathers' names, and William is Scott's grandfather's name. Scott said he couldn't decide, but he wanted something "strong" with the name.

Girl: Ava Denise?

This name just came to me this past weekend. I was at my nephew's t-ball game and there is a little girl on his team named Ava. They called her name to come to bat and it just hit me that I loved it! Scott actually wanted to name Haley that to begin with! Denise is a possibility because it's my Mom's middle name.

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Since I don't have children of my own yet, I'm always wondering what features of mine and of Scott's they will have. For fun, I found a site that will merge faces. Based on the picture below, I may consider adopting!

What a fun first "Show Us Your Life" Friday! I'm looking forward to next week - favorite books/children's books! Looking forward to seeing all of yours!

Out of the Mouth of Babes

Haley - Lindsey, if you and Daddy have a baby, will it be brown?
Lindsey - Well, if I'm white and Daddy is white, then we will have a white baby.
Haley - Oh ok!

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Haley - If I have a baby sister, I want you to name her Bailey.
Lindsey - Well, don't you think that would sound dumb if your name is Haley and her name is Bailey...you know, Haley and Bailey?
Haley - Yeah, good point.