Joy in the Mundane

Headband by: The Sassy Olive

Routines: we all start getting into a rhythm of them as kids, right? I still remember my middle and high school 'getting ready' routine, which all began with my dad turning on the night light in my fish tank. I would hear the 'click,' and immediately open my eyes. That routine changed and shifted as I graduated, went to college, and now as a full-time mom and teacher. Life looks a lot different then it did when I was I was younger, but my new daily routines pretty much stay the same, day after day, month after month.

During the week, I have two alarms set on my phone. I press snooze on them both, staying in bed way too long. I go into our bathroom, our black cat follows, I close the door, and I do all my 'getting ready' steps. In my classroom, my students repeat the same norms and procedures every single morning. We stand behind our chairs, fix our posture and recite:

Be respectful.
Ignore negative behavior.
Follow directions the first time asked....

My toddlers too, have a pretty standard rhythm of life--breakfast, play time, snack, more play time, lunch, nap... Their bedtime routines are the same; they always want their favorite blankets, Lion and baby doll. They know the schedule and that's what they thrive on. I know you have your own rhythms of life too. Maybe you're a morning person (uggg) and you wake at the same time each day; drink your coffee and catch up on the news (or get in the Word!) Perhaps you prefer to get a workout in before your job begins. Or maybe you come home straight from work, change clothes and head to the gym? Whatever it is, however your average day appears, does it ever get boring?  

Lara Casey said, "When we work heartily for the Lord, the mundane becomes meaningful, and the bigger tasks are given greater energy and focus.” Lately, I have been struggling with sorting my thoughts and organizing them into creating purpose. I know God has gifted me with several attributes, but where does He want me to START? Lara also said, "“Do one thing at a time. Do it well. Or just get it done. Done is better than perfect, and doing one thing well is better than doing a thousand mediocre things.” 

I tend to get wrapped up in my head (and heart). I feel things deeply: words, emotions, thoughts, comments, conversations. A few days ago I visited the gym and as I was stretching, I caught my own eye in the full-length mirror. I was in a complete and utter haze. I didn't know what I was thinking, I felt sad and blue and blah and then I thought, "Ashley, just pray." I headed to the treadmill where I ran a very slow two miles, and began:

Jesus, I don't even know what I'm thinking. I feel so disorganized, so muddled. Please give me peace, help me to find joy that only You can bring. Give me the strength to keep putting my feet forward, help me to radiate You, wherever I go.  

And then throughout the weekend, I continued that prayer. Our weekend consisted of our normal routines and followed the same structure as it normally does. As much as I love my children, I deeply cherish their nap and bedtimes. During their rest, I painted a desk, read more of Make it Happen, journaled, and just prayed. Here I am, at the beginning of my work week, and I promise myself today to find joy in the mundane. There is purpose in even the smallest tasks, and I am confident that the Lord will be at work through them. I don't even think twice when I wash my hands throughout the day, but for my daughter, it's one of her biggest delights! 

 What type of energy are you going to radiate today? My Monday will be a fairly typical one. Our kids will eat dinner around six-thirty, have their baths, and be in their beds around 7:30pm. At the end of the day, I won't have climbed a mountain or watched a beautiful sunset from the white sands of a beach. I won't have published a book or produced a record smashing album. But I'll have taught and loved my students well. I will have hugged my children tightly and have tried to encourage the adults in my life in any ways that I can.

I'll still have lots of thoughts in my head, but I pray that I will continue giving them to the God who made me. One step at a time, day by day, and I think He'll make it more and more clear the radical that He has planned for my life. Not that being mom, teacher, wife, (insert a hundred more titles here) are small tasks--they're not. And yours aren't either. Instead of getting caught up in the haze of each one, I encourage you to fulfill your duties with zeal and heart.

How are you today, friends? What are the first five things that pop into your head as you've finished reading this? What is on your to-do list today or for this week? Are there tasks in your life that are starting to feel mundane or ordinary? Send me an e-mail, comment below and let me know how I can pray for you this week!

Precious in His Sight

And he said, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven." -Matthew 18:3

I've had the blessing of wearing my Mom title for almost four years and there's quite a few things I've learned. The biggest and most mind-blowing one though, has been this:

My children know how to love and they love SO well.

My son Pierson will turn four in June, and his baby sister Reese, is two. As toddlers; teeny, tiny little humans, they are ready and willing to love just about anyone. My oldest brother Nathan, thirty-three, was born with Cerebral Palsy. He resides with my parents and has many other special needs that factor in with his disability. His speech is altered immensely, and because of his extreme Osteoporosis, his movement is unstable. He loves to play on the computer and when he gets excited, he jumps up and down and flaps his hands back and forth. He loves music and when people read to him, that is one of his deepest love languages. He is loud, he is different, and yet by my children who can't quite understand, he is loved.

Since being able to form prayer requests on his own, Pierson never leaves Nathan out. He thanks God for him each night and prays that he won't get sick (a dangerous and common occurrence for my brother!) When we are in Michigan, he watches Nathan closely, but doesn't stare in a rude or disrespectful way, he is sincerely curious of his Uncle. Reese never hesitates and gives him 'head hugs' (Nathan's favorite way to show affection) and she eagerly tells him, "Love you!!!"

When I was a child, I was super protective and defensive of my brother. We would go into stores or restaurants and there were always people who would literally gawk at the site of him. Any chance I got, I hissed, "Stop STARING!" at them. In middle school, a boy I was talking to said, "No, your other brother," and I flat out punched him in the arm. He wasn't even trying to be offensive, he just didn't know how to word, 'your brother with special needs,' or perhaps didn't think he needed to. Flash forward twenty years, I'm still the baby sister, but now I'm also Mom--and it's my job to continue teaching my children how to love everyone, even and especially those who appear different than themselves.

So what will happen when I introduce my kids to their family member who is transgendered? What will their reaction be when they see that person, who was born a man, who they know as a man, who now identifies as a woman? This is no small discussion. This is not a simple conversation, nor one that I can even remotely come up with scenarios about. At this time, I'm just not ready. In my head, I want them to be a little older and to be able to rationalize complete sentences and questions that they may have for us. Pierson is somewhat of an anxious kid, and sometimes I worry that this introduction will scare him. That he will fear more of the unknown and things that he cannot articulate at such a young age. At two and three, our kids are just learning about body parts in general and the difference between boy and girl, man and woman. But I think that I know in my heart, deep down, that no matter when it happens or in what circumstance, Pierson will just love.

My husband and I love the Lord and we strive in every aspect and area of our lives, to be teaching our children to do the same. Unless you change and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven. In our twenties and thirties, a lot of life has happened to us. We've witnessed drug use, we've been around people who party too hard, we know stories of abuse, neglect, abandonment. We know the rights and wrongs that we want to live our lives by, and we know what we believe. We have a Biblical upbringing and understand what the Scriptures mean. We are bombarded with social media, with hateful posts, with gossip and with adults disagreeing over how life should be lived.

Our childlike innocence therefore, has been altered. We see black and white but we also see shades of grey. As adults, sometimes loving others doesn't come quite as easily, it becomes more of a choice. We have to choose to love. Many people don't understand my brothers' needs; I'm sure to some he seems strange or abnormal. But Jesus created him and I believe that He made Nathan the way he is for many reasons; one of them to show others how to love someone who is different. And because I believe in Jesus, I choose to love the rest of the population who is different as well. This doesn't just mean handicapped and transgendered people--this includes so much more. I make the choice to love those who look different, act different, who have completely opposing political views, who love the same sex, who aspire to be a different gender, who don't believe in my God, and those who heck, may not even like ME, at all.

Because I believe in these things, I will constantly strive to teach my children to do the same. There should not be judgment, there should not be any reason to love anyone less or differently. I am so far from perfect, and so are you. I'm in need of so much healing, as are you. I may not quite be ready to introduce my very young children to our family member as a she, but I'm confident that when we do, they will have innocent and open hearts.

You know reading this, that there has been excessive conversation about the transgendered community. But why? Why must we focus on a minority when we ourselves, have so many specks in our own hearts? I don't have any answers about what will happen, about the 'what IF' so many fear--if bathrooms in public places will change, if dressing rooms change, if locker rooms in schools will change, IF... But I believe that Jesus would never waste His time arguing or trying to prove His point, on ANY worldly topic. I know that He is the answer to our brokenness, and that loving every single person, is the very first step. And you know what else? He chooses you? I choose you.

How will you choose to love? With a childlike innocence, with an open heart and open arms? What an example my own children are, and how I pray that I continuously allow for their life lessons to shape and grow mine. Together, we await His Kingdom.

Who's Clapping?

Thoughts: I've been having a lot of them lately.

Most of the time, (honest moment), I feel like I'm 'in a rut' writing wise, but this is mainly because I have ten million things and thoughts scuffling around in my head, and processing them into a well-constructed and solid post, is super challenging. I'm sure you're with me; in the age of social media, the Internet being at our fingertips, the endless amounts of scrolling...

 We see SO much.

We compare SO much.

I've talked often about seasons of friendships and how life can just be funky. The ebb and flow of who sticks by our side (and whose side WE stick by), changes, all the time. But there are some friends that just stay; regardless of the amount of time we are able to spend together, regardless of our different opinions and beliefs. I have one girlfriend in particular who used to be my teaching assistant for my first two years in the classroom. On day one, I thought, "I am going to love this lady!" But then life, as it always does, proceeded to change--she took a different job, I was moved to a new school, and the seasons continued to press onward. Living on opposite ends of town, having completely different hours of availability, and not working together anymore means that we don't see each other often. But a couple of weeks ago, I took some goodies to her brand new house, we plopped down on the couch, and talked for HOURS!

During the conversation, she said something that has just stuck with me, a phrase that has been all gurgled in my mind but that I didn't know how to actually put into words, until she said it: 

"Be aware of who isn't clapping when you win."

I have another friend, she is climbing her way up the Blogging Ladder, and she works her tail off in everything she does. We meet for breakfast or lunch, text often, and as busy as she is, she has never put her successes above mine and vice versa. We write to a different platform, we were raised very differently, our ages are different, our words are different. When I have questions about websites and codes and social media, she excitedly lends a helping hand. She has never withheld information from me in fear that I would steal her thunder BECAUSE she doesn't allow for comparison to override our friendship. And when she told me some of her big and upcoming work assignments, I didn't slump over in a puddle of discouragement BECAUSE this girl deserves it!

Who is clapping?

Who is hugging you when you win? Who is holding your hand when you lose? The friend that I visited has told her daughter that phrase since she was tiny. And now that I have kids of my own, I really think it is going to be a mantra that I pass down to them--I don't want them to have friends who constantly compare. I don't want them to fear success OR failures, because I pray that as their seasons shift and change, the right friends will be placed at the right times.

There is so much room for negative headspace, especially with Facebook and Instagram. We find ourselves comparing, wondering why so and so is better than we are; why are they so successful? Why do they have more followers than us? Why does their house look brighter, their walls whiter, their clothes cuter, their bodies BETTER? But I just feel so DONE with these lies. You are you and I am me, and instead of competing with one another, I am ready to celebrate our accomplishments.

Maybe yours is that you'll run a mile straight without stopping. Or you'll start that blog that you've been day-dreaming about. Maybe it's that you've been featured on another site, and someone else found encouragement through your words. Maybe it's that you've struggled with sadness and have felt too blue to move, but you decided TODAY to get out of bed.

Be aware of who isn't clapping when you win.

And then take a deep breath, thank God for creating YOU, and hug a little tighter the ones who have stayed by your side. And as you journey, focus your attention on becoming a better version of yourself. Use what you see on your screen for inspiration, or turn the screen OFF. I have talents and so do you. I pray that you will find them, use them, and then help me celebrate others in this overly competitive world we live in.

*What are some ways that you cheer others on? What types of things encourage you the most in your friendships? Do you have a friend today, that you should text or call, just to say, "Hey, you're doing GREAT!" I hope you'll share this post, that if something resonated with your heart while reading, that you would tell someone else! YOU are wonderful and YOU are going to do amazing things, I have so much faith in that promise!*

Sick Days with Little Remedies®

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone.  #MyLittleRemedies #CollectiveBias

So one thing I noticed REAL quick when I became a mom is that the whole 'sick day' philosophy just doesn't apply to me anymore. Moms don't get sick days! But what I also have noticed is how much I remember my mom's sick-day remedies. The hot water, honey and lemon concoction, resting in her big, comfy, king sized bed, the cuddles and extra hugs. So when my toddlers are feeling yucky, these are usually among the first that I do.

Now that we have not one kiddo but two, when sickness comes around it REALLY hits hard. Runny noses, belly aches, stomach flus, you name it. Well, Mamas, I discovered a product that I not only really LOVE, but also firmly believe WORKS! With their last flu bug, my 3-year old son was hit the worst. He couldn't keep anything down, was using the bathroom incessantly, and I got to the point of worry. I texted one of my dear friends who is a pediatrician at our local childrens hospital, and also a mom of two herself. She recommended probiotics, so I went to our nearby Target and found the most awesome deal in their Digestion aisle: Little Remedies® Probiotic Plus Electrolytes!

When my kids were babies, I remembered using Little Remedies® Gripe Water for their infant tummy pain, and I also keep their saline drops on hand for the numerous colds and allergies that occur all year round. So when I saw this, probiotics + electrolytes, I was so excited to use a product from a brand that I already love and trust!

When I got home, I mixed one packet of Little Remedies® with 6-ounces of water and mixed until it was dissolved. I cooled it down with some ice cubes and let my son sip it every fifteen minutes. For the first time in hours, he was able to keep something down! Beyond that, he expressed that it tasted so good and was asking for more after he had finished. Throughout the day, he had a few more servings and I began to notice such an improvement in his attitude, demeanor, energy and even the paleness of his skin was beginning to turn back to its' normal color. Hallelujah for a product that greatly maintained his hydration AND helped support his digestive system during this super not-fun sickness! If you're a mama who wants to know exactly what's IN the products you are giving to your child, let me help:

-Little Remedies® Probiotic Plus Electrolytes contains 5 billion active cultures of Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG (simple terms: helps keep the digestive system in balance and supports immune function!)
-The electrolytes provide vital minerals and nutrients to help support hydration (and what I love the most, is that both of these ingredients are put in 1 convenient packet!)
-It's gluten free, and has NO artificial flavors, artificial dyes or parabens
-The flavor has a yummy berry taste and a dissolving powder (that actually dissolves--aka, NO CLUMPS!)
*These statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

And if you want to know how our family of four spends our days when sickness barges in, here are my own helpful hints to survive a day with sick littles:

Hint #1: STAY FLEXIBLE! Sick-days in our house translate to flexibility, and a LOT of it. We are a pretty scheduled family, and naps and bedtime occur at the same time almost every single day. But when there is sickness in the household, we've realized that it is so important to not focus on the schedule. If one of them wants to nap, we let them nap. If they can't fall asleep at bedtime, that's okay too. We will rest with them, sing extra songs, read more books and may need to check on them more than usual.
 

Hint #2: HELP THEM REST! We're probably the fairly typical parents in that we attempt to limit screen time for our kids. That's one of my biggest requests to our babysitters, "Please refrain from letting them play on the i-Pads too much!" But I also know that some days, letting them watch an additional TV show or having an extra ten minutes on the iPad, is just what they need for some much needed rest (for both, adult AND toddlers! ha!) Something that sometimes has a tendency to stress me out when mine are sick, is that the fact that more often than not, my toddlers just don't know how to REST. They are two and three years-old, and their minds and bodies are so active, ALL the time, even when they have fevers or belly and head-aches. What I like to do is make a giant, comfy 'bed' on our couch and let them have their pick of favorite movies. If I can get them to snuggle quietly for thirty to forty minutes, that's always such a plus for me (and for them! We all know that puke isn't picky about when it chooses to let loose, so avoiding it occurring in their toy bins is kinda ideal, right?)
 

Hint #3: GIMME ALL THE CALM + QUIET! Coloring, drawing and reading are also go-to's with them and while they do activities such as these, I'll play soft music in the background. Canned soup (working mom of two, heck no I don't prepare it homemade!), ice chips, and other soft foods are the foods we typically trust. Remember how you felt when you were a sick kid? I know I do, and I remember always wanting my mom. I try hard to put my ever piling 'to-do' list aside on days like these, just so I can be readily available to be their shoulder, their pillow and their biggest hug!

Sick days don't mean easy days. In fact, they're quite the opposite! But they have the opportunity to offer extra cuddles (which I'm always in favor of), and maybe even some extra art for your fridge ;) And with the help of Little Remedies® Probiotic Plus Electrolytes, hopefully the sickness will be even more manageable!

**This BRAND NEW product can be found in the Digestive (NOT baby) section of Target and you will get a $5 Target Gift Card when you purchase! (April 24-May 14) To find more great reasons to love the new Little Remedies® Probiotic Plus Electrolytes click here!