1. I am sick and tired of the campaign commercials and phone calls that are going on leading up to the South Carolina Republican primary. It’s constant and it’s exhausting. Political opinions aside, my home has been invaded by campaign commercials and phone calls. And it’s going to be worse in the fall!
2. I’m extremely intimidated by a well-written blog. Or maybe I’m intimidated by bloggers who are great writers. Same thing? Thankfully, I can read these blogs and learn from them. They teach me how to find lessons and value in the little things that happen every day that I may have otherwise ignored.
3. I got a few questions about why we’re reading the Bible through this year. For me, it’s not so I can just rattle off scripture, (though having memorized scripture would be pretty great) but so that the Words are just in me and with me at all times. So I know as much as I can know. So that my actions, reactions and words will be changed because of the Word I read daily.
4. The mommy wars are exhausting. I’m so tired of it. And it makes me feel bad about myself because I criticized someone or because someone criticized me. Isn’t there anything else to talk about? Working vs. staying at home. Sleep training vs. not sleep training. Formula vs. breast feeding. Why are these things even discussions? When someone blogs, tweets, posts on Facebook or calls you to talk about her experience, she’s sharing her experience. (I’m not talking about myself here, I promise.) I just feel like I see it everywhere and it’s constant. Let’s just be supportive and stop questioning why someone made the choice she made. I should have added this to my resolution list! I think it’s natural to feel like a different choice is automatically a challenge to the choices we make, but I know that’s not true. I don’t choose differently to challenge someone else. I choose differently because it works best for my family. And I think most moms to do the same thing. Being a mom is hard enough without having to battle other moms.
5. Hudson was awake 5 times last night. We still aren’t sure why. But each time, we tucked him back in and kissed him. He’d fall back asleep for an hour (it felt like 15 minutes) and then he was up again, crying. So sad. We were all very tired this morning.
6. I really like watching Revenge. But I think it’s actually really cheesy lately. Am I alone? The music, the facial expressions. It’s definitely a prime time soap opera, in my opinion. But I can’t stop watching!
7. I started reading Divergent yesterday- finally! I love having a Kindle on my iPhone. If I get a quiet moment to read, I can just pick up my phone and read a quick chapter.
8. Speaking of TV, I had no idea Idol started back last night until I saw it on Twitter. And I didn’t watch it. I’m not sure that I’m going to watch this season. I said that last season and I still watched. Also, I have abandoned watching The Bachelor. No, thank you!
9. I really need to start working on photo books for Hayes. Actually, I need to be taking more pictures of Hayes.
10. Speaking of Hayes… he is 8 months old! And I need to do his 8 month post!
Just a note about Idol: I laughed and laughed over it last night. Steven Tyler might be a very dirty old man, but his facial expressions are hysterical. The singing was also very, very good last night!
Hope you’re enjoy Divergent 🙂
Yes yes yes a HUGE YES on your # 1 point. The robocalls are driving me nuts. I tried getting on the political do not call list but apparently that doesn’t really do anything. I can’t wait till Saturday so it will stop!! Come November I think I’m just gonna have to go old school and unplug the phone from the wall.
I love Divergent! The sequel Insurgent comes out this fall and I am not so patiently waiting! You should read These is My Words by Nancy Turner next. I think you’d really like it.
I agree that mom’s should stop judging each other. Isn’t motherhood hard enough? We’re all just trying to do what is best for our children and our families. That will be different for everybody. We should be lifting each other up.
I think it is great to immerse yourself in the Word. The more you read the more of the Spirit you’ll have. You’ll be able to have it with you all the time. The more you know the better you’ll be able to make the right decisions. I’m trying to do it too. I want to make changes in my life and be closer to my Heavenly Father and I know that reading the scriptures and praying will get me there.
Forget IDOL, watch the X Factor. Rocked my socks off. Loved it. I’m also obsessed with SUITS. It just started in the UK Monday night and I can’t get enough.
I need to take more pics of my 11 month old. I’m not good at pics. I feel sad about that, but I can never remember to take pics of us together.
Love #4!!!
~laura
The first few episodes of Revenge were decent, but then it was like the writers/producers decided to let their teenagers take over for them. It is super cheesy and the acting is horrible, but you have to keep watching to see what happens. Oh well!
I just have to laugh at the mommy wars, except when it’s my “friends” that are getting hurt or attacked, then it’s not so funny, but really, come on, moms… we are all insecure. Quit being mean about it!
Hope Hudson takes a good nap for you today. Poor guy!
I love that little Hazer. I noticed you didn’t ever post his 8 month update, but didn’t want to stress you out in case you forgot 😉 Ha!
xo
I can tell you that the Mommy Wars (#4) are driving me nuts too. I am so tired of women telling me what “God is calling all women to do.” It makes me so frustrated. It’s really just a way of certain women defending their choices as the only right choices. Maybe they are insecure about their choices, and that’s why they feel the need to defend them into the ground. I really don’t know. All I know is that all that judgment on both sides of everything ends up dividing us as women and therefore serves no purpose. I wish we could all respect each other as women who have the right to make their own choices.
(Thanks for letting me vent. 🙂
I like this list 🙂 and i enjoyed Divergent – I hope you like it!
Oh man, I’m missing all of the political chaos by about 50 miles. Phew! lol. And yes, I wholeheartedly agree with #4. It’s driving me nuts too. I rarely even post my personal mom opinions on what has worked for us for fear of the criticism.
Hope you can get some sleep tonight! 🙂
I started reading Divergent last night, too!! I got 5 chapters in and decided since my 2.5 month old was going to be waking up to eat in a few hours, that I needed to call it a night. I can’t wait until I can pick it back up again this evening. I am already hooked!
As corny as it is – you go girl! Do not listen to the negative.
Oh Mommy Wars! I seriously, seriously, seriously feel that every woman does what it best for her own family. I am so not into having a discussion about what I think is best for anyone – how am I to know what’s best for them?
But I will admit to getting offended for other people. Or being bothered by something. I read something yesterday where I just felt judged for not being a good SAHM because I send my kids to school. And then it occurred to me that it might not be how the author intended it? And then I started wondering – why do I expose myself to this stuff on the INTERNET when I already feel pressured about it in real life!?!
Divergent= best book I read in 2011. LOVED it!!! Four (to me) seems like the hottest literary character I have read about. I hope you love it too!!
Yes! I totally hear you on number one about the primaries. Luckily I’m in Iowa, so we’re all done with that hoopla for a little while. It was overwhelming and did get old very quickly though. :/
you are one of the best blog writers I read, honestly. i love that you are honest but not hurtful. you are thoughtful but don’t care what others think. i truly love reading what you have to say.
also, i am tired of the mommy wars. it’s exhausting. what is good for one isn’t good for the majority necessarily. mommyhood is hard enough, we should be helping and supporting each other instead of judging and tearing down.
I love when you do these lists! I can relate to you SO much. =) What is Divergent??? Apparently I need to look it up and add it to my future reading list! Totally and completely agree about #4. We’ve got to stick together and be supportive rather than tearing each other down and constantly criticizing. And about #2…. again I can relate because I’m the same way sometimes. But, your blog truly is well written, personal, honest, relatable, etc. I definitely enjoy reading it and learning from you. =)
E – I think yours is one of the most well written blogs! I know what you mean though. I’m a terrible writer…AKA, I write how I talk! 🙂
1. I was just thinking how if I’m annoying with the political ads being on the border that you must really be annoyed with everything. I’ve been stressing about the DNC since it was announced it was going to be held in CLT. Since I work uptown it’s going to be a nightmare getting in and out of the city!
2. You’re funny, because I always think of your blog as a well written blog! I definitely understand what you’re talking about though. I feel like I’m much funnier in person then I am on my blog! – ha!
7. How great is Divergent?! I read it in 1 weekend! I just couldn’t put it down. What is it with me and post apocalyptic teen lit?
Also…How is Hayes 8 months old?!
I SO agree with you on moms battling other moms. I see it on twitter more than anything and it drives me crazy. I almost tweeted that I didn’t get why moms cared so much about how other moms parent & raise their children–but I was afraid I would start a mama war. No need. We are all doing the best we can, right??
I’m finishing the last book in The Hunger Games and I think Divergent will be next. I can’t wait to start it!
Erin, I am SO with you on #4. It’s actually the very reason I tweeted this last night: “Remember, most people are just trying to do the best they can with what they’ve got.” I just got so tired of watching moms attack other moms’ choices for everything from breastfeeding to baby clothing. And the number of moms that hide behind Christianity while judging and criticizing? Ugh. We’re all just doing the best we can. It’s sad and exhausting and I’m SO OVER IT! One of my big goals for 2012 is to clean the negativity out of my life wherever I can. I want to surround myself with kind, positive and supportive moms. Ones who don’t make fun of, criticize, or take jabs at other moms. The “unfollow” button and “unsubscribe” buttons are there for a reason; I’ve used them before and I plan to use them more this year!
Phew. I feel better now. 😉 Hugs!
Thank you for your honesty! I love it. So refreshing. I am a new mom to a 7 month old and I have loved reading your blog and hearing your insight! Your boys are adorable!
Oh goodness..the mom wars! So terrible. Someone I really like tweeted how much easier it would be to stay at home and I had to laugh. I’m positive some SAHMs would LOVE to work sometimes and drop their child with a caregiver. I have the opportunity to work from my mom and dad’s home most days with Carsyn. There are days she’s literally crawling up my leg while I’m talking on the phone and doing payroll…easy peasy, right 😉 I also hate that some working moms feel they miss “first moments”. (My sister struggled with this) I’m 99% sure Carsyn took her first step in the church nursery…the ladies felt so terrible about it, but I honestly thought it was funny.
Revenge is getting corny….the whole engagement dancing in the rain thing?? over the top! I still love it though!
Love you Erin and your blog!
You know I love your posts like this. 🙂 Except they make me write the longest comments known to man and I feel the need to apologize for that. HA!
#2 – You are a well-written blog and are constantly writing about things that give me something to think about and on top of that, you write about fun things as well! Don’t sell yourself or your writing skills short. 🙂
#3 – Amen. Hiding his Word in our hearts…what goes in is what will come out. How awesome if my first reaction to something/someone could be His words vs. my own. His love vs. my criticism/opinion.
#4 – Another Amen. This makes me tired. I don’t understand it at all. I don’t ever want to get wrapped up in it or sucked into a conversation that’s all about putting someone else down. I’ve started just skipping right over those tweets/blogs and resist the urge to respond. Takes me back to #3…what goes in is what comes out…we all need to read our Bible more. LOL
Happy 8 months, sweet Hayes!!
I think you are a wonderful writer! I always look forward to your posts.
I HATE the mommy wars. As a new mom it is extremely frustrating have to defend my choices for my family.
Revenge is my guilty pleasure. I want to be rich and live in the Hamptons!
I feel the same way about Revenge, but also can’t stop watching. I keep DVRing the Bachelor but then I never watch it. I guess I’ve given that one up. We also missed AI last night, a cardinal sin in our house! HOW DID THAT HAPPEN?
Agree about Revenge! I’m still watching, but it’s getting campy.
My four year old has been up a lot at night lately. He comes in crying and saying he’s having bad dreams. It’s really hard for me to know what to do. He’s clearly scared, and I feel bad just throwing him back in his bed. But at the same time I don’t want him to get used to sleeping with us or getting up at all hours of the day and night. We’ve prayed with him, and I’m hoping this is just a phase that passes quickly.
And as for the “mommy wars”, I’m sick of them too. Why do people have to be so judgmental? And if you want to judge then keep it to yourself. No need to tweet, facebook, or post critical comments about others.
I completely agree with #4. I feel like the last thing that moms need is judgment from other moms. I’ve found other moms to be a great resource, and it makes me sad that people feel that they have to justify things like sleep training and formula feeding. Parenting is HARD, and I know that moms have legitimate reasons for doing what they do.
Have you heard of the do not call registry? It’s a list of phone numbers telemarketers are not allowed to call. It’s not perfect, but it’s a really great way to slow down phone traffic. It should help with all your political calls? https://www.donotcall.gov/. Hope it works Amen amen amen on the opinions thing. I don’t even have kids and I feel the competitive pressure. We women are silly And Revenge has always been cheesy to me, but you’re right, it’s getting more so! But I, like you, cannot keep away! I love it!
I haven’t gotten sucked into the Bachelor yet, but sometimes I end up there at the end!
i do photobooks ALL.THE.TIME. i create them, let them sit in my account for a month or so & then i just so happen to get a coupon for a ‘free photobook’ to ‘go ahead and finish that book’…..never fails. i’ve never paid more than shipping & i adore my photobooks. they are actually one of my ‘grab in a fire’ items 😉 love shutterfly!
love a list post~i’m a list girl!
Is your camera broken? The photos have been few and far between!
LOVED DIvergent! Hopefully, you’ll like it just as much as I did! I also agree with the ending the “mommy wars”. I don’t know why we, as moms, feel the need to criticize another mom’s choice for…whatever. Every mom is different, every home situation is different, every child is different. So why are we comparing and criticizing other moms?
You know what makes a blog great? That it’s RELATABLE! And that’s EXACTLY what yours is, so don’t worry so much. You’re not a novelist, you’re a blogger. And a GOOD blogger.
Revenge is SUCH a guilty pleasure!!! I want to go back and watch the first episode to see what happened at their engagement party, since I have forgotten now and didn’t know the characters to make note of who was doing what. But then I feel like that will spoil it for me, so I’m just DVR’ing it every week and enjoying every delicious minute of it!
I completely agree about the Mommy Wars. That article on an epidural that went around the news this week had the worst comments. I had one and I’m glad, I have had friends that didn’t and good for them. End of STORY!
xo
I hate the mommy wars too! I wish more moms would be respectful of each moms decisions and not force their opinions on them. What is even worse is having to defend my parenting decisions with my own family.
I saw your posts on twitter about watching what you eat. I think you look amazing. I’m seriously hoping that I look as good as you do after I have this baby. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. If I were to guess by pictures you look like you are already at your pre-baby weight.
I have felt the same way about Revenge lately. Glad to know I’m not the only one!
Happy 8 months Hayes! I need to start on a photo book for P…she’s officially 1 and I don’t have a single scrapbook page put together. I feel awful. I’m also tired of mommy wars – why do we have to defend the choices that we make?! Aren’t they OUR choices? I made choices and I blogged about it and I didn’t defend them – I just shared my thoughts on them. Sometimes people left comments that made me feel like I should defend myself, but I didn’t bother to reply.
The mommy wars *are* exhausting. I’m sorry I ever engaged in them, ever took a side or shared an opinion. Because you are so right — it just doesn’t *matter*. And yes (YES!), there *must* be more for us to talk about. Women, especially mothers, can become close as sisters. When it doesn’t happen, I ask why? and look around for wisdom on it, and it’s just so clear to me that Satan is working his divisive, ugly ways amongst us all. The best way to move forward (oh the clean slate of a new year!) is to just stop participating. I have. God has given me peace about my own mothering, mostly I think because I prayed for it. I know what I’m doing is right for my kids. And that’s really where the story begins and ends, right?
Anyway, hurrah for change.
Happy New Year, Erin. 😉