A Southern Accent

The Old Book Smell

2012-02-16T23:14:00.000-05:00

New print in the shop inspired by a quote I came across online. Who knew? Perfect for that book-lover in your life, or to hang in a library or office!

My Loves

2012-02-14T11:00:00.002-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day to my two boys! Love you very much!

This morning, I drew hearts on Walker's waffles with syrup.

He said, "Mom, did you get that idea on the computer?"

I responded, "No, I came up with that one all on my own."

Maybe I need to step away from the Pinterest boards? Ha ha ha...

Boy Valentines

2012-02-13T10:00:00.002-05:00

If you have a son like me, he's pretty weary of the whole Valentine's day thing, so something mushy just isn't gonna fly. He's in that stage when any mention of a girl embarrasses him to no end.

And if you are like me, you'd prefer not to buy the pre-made character Valentines in the store just because you need another excuse to get your craft on. In fact, I've avoided the Valentine aisles completely to avoid the tug-of-war that could ensue if Walker were to see the Star Wars section.

After some pinning and searching on good old Pinterest, I finally landed on the perfect idea for a Valentine via Dandee Designs - bugs, jars and hearts. She has a template for the jars posted on this link, but I made mine a little larger so I could add two bugs. I actually picked the bugs up in the party favor section at Wal-mart, so they aren't hard to find at all.

Check them out, officially Walker tested and approved...

Meow

2012-02-10T15:15:00.002-05:00

Have you seen that new show "My Cat From Hell" on Animal Planet? Although Reese looks so angelic here, we could seriously use help from Jackson Galaxy (The Cat Whisperer) in our house.

My best friend refers to him as the Devil Cat.
As in, "Hey, is that Devil Cat of yours still alive? When is it going to die?"

He doesn't like people too much. Really doesn't like my mom. He hisses at her when she comes around. And he once chased a friend of ours out of the house when he came over to feed him when we were out of town.

And don't put him up against a dog. He would probably take em any day.

He has mellowed a little in his older years. The last couple of weeks, he's actually started sleeping at the foot of the bed instead of in the closet. He really can be sweet, but I think he mostly just chooses not to.

Reese actually sat still long enough for me to take his picture the other night. Fifteen years old and I've finally captured some good pics of him.

Because Sometimes They Need a Little Nudge

2012-02-07T17:00:00.000-05:00

Dear beautiful, loving, wonderful mother-in-law,

I know you'll read this before anyone else, so I'd like to take this chance to put a bug in your ear to put a bug in your son's ear about my requirement to adorn my demure lobes with something to make them a bit more adventuresome and bold. I think it's a supreme tribute to our love and would go beautifully with a note in which he confesses he unending love for his bride.

AKA: I need some new earrings. Tell Mike for Valentine's Day.

Love you!

Me

P.S.: They can all be found at Nordstrom.

MBA in Mothering

2012-02-02T15:00:00.001-05:00

2012 has been much better related to behavior. It goes to show sometimes we really have to work to be a great parent, and we don't always have the answers.

I don't know how many people I talked to and consulted with and asked for advice about how to ensure this little cutie would be a better listener, respect adults, control his compulsiveness and respect personal space. I read books, blogs and I prayed... and prayed... and prayed.

And so far, his precious, patient teacher has said he's having a great 2012.

I've seen more smiles, I've had more patience and we're certainly seeing results.

It's been a learning experience for me for sure. I grew up thinking that how to be a perfect mother just magically comes to you - something that every mom has in her. To an extent, I think that's part true, but I also think we can always become better at everything we do.

And I guess, before the Internet, books, close neighbors, Facebook and blogs, generations before us just figured it out on their own and it did just "come to them." And we turned out just fine.

But good Lord, how in the world did they do it?

Not To Leave You Hanging...

2012-02-01T17:10:00.006-05:00

Sorry I'm just now getting back to y'all on the results from my second mammogram last week. I have been so busy the last couple of days I haven't even had time to check in.

To start, I'm fine. Everything is OK. It was a bit nerve-wracking and VERY eye-opening, but I'm OK.

I showed up for the second, more intensified scans of my right breast Friday, where they found an area on the initial baseline scan. I had to wait forever. That was so not fun.

When I was called, I went through the steps, had my boob squished for a short bit for pics, and then I had to wait.

The nurse was so wonderful. I'm sure she's been present for the delivery of news from both sides of the spectrum. So she was very sensitive to every word and every move I made. She said, "Now I'm going to go meet with the radiologist. Don't be scared or get nervous if it takes a long time. That just means I have to wait a little and he's busy."

So I waited.
And I flipped through a People magazine.
And I waited.

Then the nurse came back with the radiologist. She said, "Everything is OK but the radiologist just wants to talk to you some more and do a physical exam in that area."

First I hear everything is OK, then I hear but...so that made me nervous. He then explained basically what they saw, "You have what we refer to as an asymmetrical density in your breast tissue, which means you have an area that is denser/thicker on your right side vs. your left side." Evidently your breasts are supposed to be mirror images of each other as far as their density, but in 20-30% of people that's not the case. So basically, I'm no longer a specimen of perfection. Oh well...

He did a quick exam and said I was good to go and that he was just being extra cautious. I have to go back in 6 months just to be sure nothing changes, and if everything looks good then, I don't have to go back again until I'm 40.

This growing up thing is for the birds.

On another note but still a little related...I whipped up some cupcakes for a bake sale the Pink Pacers hosted along with a health fair to benefit the Get Real and Heel breast cancer after-treatment program. I saw a cute idea to place the cupcakes in a clear plastic cup for presentation. I dropped a cupcake down in one cup and gave it to Walker to try, and realized it was very messy to get it out to eat. So I found some plastic forks and decided to tie them on the top as well, which turned out cute!

The Real Me...

2012-01-27T10:29:00.000-05:00

Some fun things I've found on Pinterest that are totally me, and maybe I'm a little embarrassed to admit...but hey, we're all friends here right?

What about you guys? Feel like admitting to anything crazy about yourself? Come across any great Pinterest finds that totally nailed your personality and/or quirks??

And, another thing, I didn't create any of these, so evidently there are some other similar souls out there just like me!

Wordless Wednesday: Will Someone Please Play Ball With Me?

2012-01-25T09:36:00.004-05:00

Things We Don't Talk About

2012-01-23T17:54:00.001-05:00

Source: jennycookies.com via Diane on Pinterest

I had my very first mammogram last Wednesday.

I'm 36, so it was my baseline mammogram. The technician pretty much scared me to death. She said almost everyone is called back after their first mammogram because every single little speck is looked at to be sure you are clear and good. Then, if all goes well, you don't have to come back until you are 40. At that point, if anything shows up, they can go back to the baseline and see how it's changed.

Sounds corny, but I consider it a one of life's passages, something that once seemed so far away, but now it's passed.

I remember days my mother would have to go in for her mammogram, she dreaded it so. She'd talk about how uncomfortable it was and honestly, it scared me to think I'd have to endure the procedure one day.

Honestly, I'd been dreading it for so long, but knew if I didn't have it done before I went to my next annual check-up, I would be sure to hear it from my Dr. And no one likes a lecture from their doctor. I fished the referral document from the depths of my purse and called the clinic to schedule an appointment. I thought, hey, maybe they can fit me in this month, maybe not. I'm OK with whatever. When the receptionist responded, "Want to come in tomorrow?" I paused. No, I don't want to come in tomorrow, that is too soon - and totally doesn't give me enough time to mentally prepare for this.

So I said, "How about something next week?" Sure, something next week - that would give me time to e-mail my closest friends and tell them I was taking the big step. They'd e-mail me back and say "yep, I really need to do that too" or "it's not as bad as everyone says."

The thought of my breast being flattened like a pancake was certainly not something I was looking forward to. But, I did it, I survived and no one told me I wasn't supposed to wear deodarent. And I did remember to shave, so one point for me.

It wasn't as bad as I thought, and it shouldn't be something that is so dreaded. It saves lives. It gives us a chance to fight that ugly monster we call cancer. It gives us just a little bit of control over what's happening inside, which feels good to me.

Yes, I did get the letter that they saw something a bit off, and I have another appointment this Friday. But as the technician said, it's pretty common to get called back, and I'm not nervous about it. My mom, on the other hand, e-mailed, called and texted me numerous times this morning to remind me to schedule that follow up appointment (as moms do).

So what's my point? (And I do have one)

If you're putting it off, don't.
If you're wanting to take control of your health, do.
If you've heard stories of how bad it is,
think about how bad it can be.
And that's pretty much it.

*The American Cancer Society recommends that a woman obtain her first baseline mammogram between the ages of 35 to 40. After the age of 40, she should receive a yearly mammogram.

2012 Pantone Color of the Year: Tangerine Tango

2012-01-20T12:45:00.000-05:00

Tangerine Tango 2012 by southernstuff featuring vintage evening dresses

Southern Sayings Series

2012-01-19T21:23:00.000-05:00

Now that's a mouth-full!

I had some requests to add another piece to the southern sayings series, to make three that could be framed side-by-side. Mike and I brainstormed a good "southernism" and finally landed on "I'm Fixin To". A very common saying in the south for sure!

It's now available in the shop as a individual print, or you can buy the whole set of three southern sayings! Would look adorable framed beside each other in a hallway, bathroom, kitchen - pretty much anywhere!!

Visit the shop to purchase your prints now!

Whirlwind Weekend

2012-01-15T23:14:00.000-05:00

Walker and I sped off to the beach this weekend for a quick trip to see my in-laws, niece and niece's fiance! Yes, we have a wedding to plan - and I'm so excited! They are getting married at the beach in the fall (which gives me plenty of time to get skinny, and motivation to do so). And I think it will even give me enough time to find something to wear.

It was a quick trip, but relaxing all the same. My sister-in-law's father-in-law died Saturday morning and my niece had to leave earlier than expected. But we did pick a location, which is very exciting.

Walker missed his daddy, couldn't wait to get back home to watch football with him, but he did get in some target practice with the BB gun Pappa gave him. We start 'em young down here in the south.

We got home around 4:00 this afternoon. Mike and I unpacked the car and I headed to the mall. The boys were good to go with NFL on the tube, and I needed some retail therapy - specifically, shoes. I think just about everything at the mall was on sale, except the pair of shoes I purchased. I could seriously spend hours in Nordstrom. They kicked me out when the doors closed at 6:00. And I still smell good from all the perfume samples I tried. Givenchy Dahlia Noir was my fave, in case you cared. Good Valentine's day present, yes? Someone tell Mike.

Tomorrow I'm meeting my gorgeous, fabulous, athletic neighbor to go walking at 5:00 am. Shoot me. We did it last Thursday, and I was glad I got it out of the way, but the thought of it right now at 11:00 pm on a Sunday night doesn't excite me too much. But if I'm gonna get skinny by fall (and participate in that little triathlon thingy I signed up for), it's gotta start somewhere. Preferably, not at 5:00 am in the morning, but there you are.

And off we go...have a great week!

Spiffing Things Up A Bit

2012-01-10T17:30:00.000-05:00

With the new year typically comes new motivation for me to get moving on home projects. Our house is 26 years old and we've now been here almost 6 years. We waver back and forth between moving in a year or two, or sticking around and adding all the bells and whistles we want.

Since we only have one child, we don't need a huge house, but the one thing I'd love to have is a screened-in porch - so I wouldn't be eaten alive every time I walk outside between the months of April and October...

But in the meantime, I continue to make tweaks and changes around here. Mostly because it's fun for me, mostly because I'm OCD and when I get an idea in my head I must follow through with it...

So, thanks to some moola from my dad and the hubby for Christmas, I accomplished a couple of projects over the holidays. Two major rooms I'm focusing on this year are the master bedroom and the downstairs bath.

First up, downstairs bath:

When we moved in, the downstairs bath had awful blue and green wallpaper, green fake marble sink top and ugly floors. I immediately bought a new, white sink top, put down peel and stick tile for the floors and laboriously scrapped wallpaper off the walls.I ripped that huge glass square mirror down and hung a cute round one, and added a couple of pics of Walkie to cheer it up a bit.

So here's where we stand now.

I know, pretty boring. And I could have at least closed the toilet lid for the pic...oh well...

So since that was basically just lipstick for the pig, I'm doing it up a little nicer this time around. New wallpaper (because the walls are in horrible shape). New tiles for the floor and some fun accents via accessories and a fun shower curtain. As you can see, it's not a big space - basically the guest bathroom/powder room for downstairs, but it has a shower, so considered a full bath. Pretty much all I've nailed down for now is the wallpaper..but that was long process in itself...

I looked and looked and looked for wallpaper that wasn't going to kill my budget. The first wallpaper I picked was about $450.00 for two rolls, so I had to come back down to earth and choose something else. This pretty silver-backed grasscloth gives a little bling and some texture at the same time, so I'm excited to see it go up - and two rolls run you about $70.00. That, I can handle.

It's ordered, so now I've just got to find someone to get it up on the walls - I do not do wallpaper and don't think I will ever attempt it myself. Can't wait to show you the after pics once it's up!

Until then I'm still on the search for ways to spruce up the rest of the room. I'm definitely putting down white or off-white ceramic tile, but haven't pulled that trigger yet. I find bathrooms so hard to pull together, so I'm eager for any fun shower curtains or bathroom decor ideas you've seen. Anyone else bathroom-challenged like me?

Begin Again

2012-01-07T11:06:00.000-05:00

Source: google.com via Holly on Pinterest

Yep, it's that time again when we start anew. A chance to begin again I suppose, with new goals and new perspectives on things. As in most years, I've got a couple of goals for myself. Some I've already started working on, some I really need to get going on and some that are going to kick my butt this year!

I received this quote in my e-mail earlier this week and I think it's going to be my mantra for 2012:

At any moment, you have the ability to dramatically change any area of your life, or follow your heart's deepest desires. It's yours to create, any way you want it. Craig Townsend

I really like the idea that I can have an effect on my own destiny (outside of what God has planned of course) at any point and time and it's really up to me to make things happen. All it takes is a change in my mindset - which sounds so very easy, but often I find that changing myself is always the hardest task to achieve.

Sometimes I find myself feeling sorry because I don't have that promotion I really want, don't have the perfect house, the perfect dog/son/husband - but quite frankly - who does? And if we had perfection in those areas, we'd certainly probably complain about something else.

So my goals for this year are:

Spend less time with my phone.
I've gotten an awful habit of picking up my phone to check e-mail, play a little game, check Facebook or send a text just because I can. When I'm at home with Walker and Mike, I want to be fully present, which I can't be when the phone is always there. So, yesterday I actually deleted Facebook and all my games from my phone. I made a effort to put it on the shelf when I walked in the door and not pick it up until after Walker had gone to bed. And I survived.
Exercise more.
Yeah, yeah. I know what you're going to say - she says this every year. And I do. So this year, I'm totally going to bring it because I've actually signed up for the Ramblin' Rose Triathlon in Chapel Hill in October this year. And I told all my friends on Facebook. And now I'm telling you. Cause if I tell everyone, I have to do it and can't chicken out. This race is just for women and everyone says it's a great way to start getting into shape. The triathlon includes a 250 yard swim - 9 mile bike - 2 mile run. Yep, it's on.
Read more parenting books. Remember previously, Walker was having some issues at school as far as behavior. We've really been working with him on keeping his hands to himself and teaching him personal space and he's getting there. I've been reading the book "Raising Your Spirited Child" and there are so many great ideas in there for how to be a better parent to a child that is a bit more outgoing, energetic and strong-willed - stuff I would never have thought of on my own - and let's face it, most moms I've tried to talk to about it just deny their children have any issues instead of conversing with me on the subject. So, I've learned that the way my parents raised me may not work with my son, and that the world is a lot different now and we have to adjust. Next up on my list is "How to Talks so Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk". To be continued...
Focus. Yes mom, as you've said, I'm probably ADD. And I have OCD issues and constantly thinking of things in my head. I've found that it's sometimes hard to sit at a desk all day when you're like this and sometimes I'm not as focused on things as I need to be. So I'm making a conscious effort to call myself out when I'm not focused on what's at hand, and redirect myself to one thing at a time (most of time).
Read more scripture. I always thought life was supposed to get easier as you get older, more established and more financially secure, but I'm starting to get this whole "more money, more problems" thing. And to not drive myself into a worrisome, anxiety-ridden fit, I must lean on the Lord more...and I just realized this contradicts #1, but I installed an app on my phone that has a devotion and scripture for each day of the year. Since my phone is the first thing I grab when I wake, I'm going to make a habit of clicking on this app first thing. Getting some religion, it's good for me.

And I think that's about all I can handle for now..stay tuned...

Happy New Year!

2012-01-04T23:33:00.000-05:00

Happy new year from the Woodall family!
I guess it's still considered the new year...still the first week of the new year at least!

I know, I've not been around lately...but you all know how crazy the holidays can get. What with all this cuteness happening, it's no wonder I couldn't manage to sit down in front of a computer and blog...

I had a little over a week off from work and it was great. Spent some great time with the family, my little man, and actually got some house projects completed! Can't wait to share!

December was also crazy because of the success of the shop - I had more than 200 orders in December! Wow! Thanks for all of your support and interest - I'm adding some new prints soon and will share when they are available!

I also went to a fabulous Pinterest Party (pics to come), was awful sick for 4 days, made some yummy food (recipes to come) and lost 5 lbs over the holidays! How does one do that??? (see awful sick for 4 days)

So, here's to 2012. I've got some fun things happening and some big goals for this year...so stay tuned!

Christmas Decor from the Dollar Store

2011-12-14T09:23:00.002-05:00

One of my favorite Christmas decorations is my small collection of nativity scenes. They are cute little limoges boxes with sweet details and scenes of the birth of Christ.

What I love most about them? They are from the Dollar Store! They sell a new one each year and I always run by there and pick one up. I think they are so sweet and for a dollar - you can't beat it!

These little boxes also make great gifts for Sunday School teachers, neighbors and friends!

That Darn Elf

2011-12-13T12:06:00.000-05:00

Ahhh, the Elf on the Shelf, yet another wonderful tradition to get us into the Christmas spirit. Yes, it's great for the kids and manages to somewhat keep them in check, but it stresses me out. I lie in bed at night reminding myself that I did, indeed, move the elf and yes, he hasn’t been in this spot before and no, I don’t think the dog can get to him.

Meet JoJo, our cute little Elf on the Shelf. Yes, he’s of the plush variety because three years ago when our little elf went back to the North Pole after Christmas, he never came back (AKA, I packed him somewhere and still haven’t discovered his location). So what better excuse for me to replace the original plastic, creepy elf with the cuter version available via Amazon.com?

And in the true spirit of “I’m the most creative mom around”, I’ve tried out some of the gazillion elf ideas I’ve seen online. I immediately discount any that involve food (see aforementioned dog) and stick to the basics. In one genius move, I actually sprinkled flour all over the counter and assisted JoJo in making a snow angel, leaving him lying on the counter to be found the next morning. It was adorable, and Mike and I both knew Walker would be thrilled to see this the next morning.

Imagine my surprise when awaking in the middle of the night, heading to the kitchen for a glass of water, and finding a coating of white dust all over the floors and counter. And there was poor JoJo, lying in the floor, covered in doggie drool. Thank goodness it was me and not Walker that found this horrible crime scene. Hence, I now have fears that Walker will wake up one morning and Lucy (who has an extreme fondness for stuffed animals and evidently flour too) will have mangled and ripped the elf to shreds. And I cannot even imagine the trauma that would do to my little guy.

It took Walker a couple of years to really get into the whole elf thing and this year he’s really excited about it. So much so, the first thing he does when he wakes up is look for JoJo. He then announces his location and drags me out of bed to show me what JoJo’s been up to.

To assist you in your efforts to outdo all of those ho-hum elf escapades that "everyone else is doing", here's one of the most creative ideas around...a message on the wall from your family elf.

From the website: If you have a naughty Elf-on-the-Shelf living at your house during the holidays, then this little creation might be just the latest trick that he/she has been looking for. Your Elf can write a personal note to your child/children ON YOUR WALL with his magic red graffiti paint! Note is made from high quality indoor vinyl which can be easily removed at the end of the holidays. I will send installation directions with the Graffiti.

You can choose from "I'm Watching you! Be Good" ($20) or Custom Note of your choice up to 15 words. ($30). Her last day for Christmas orders is tomorrow, December 14, so get your order in now!!

Christmas Past

2011-12-08T11:15:00.001-05:00

Enjoy them while they're little...they grow up so fast.

I'm scared belief in Santa will not much longer last.

That twinkle in their eye, that giggle and that smile -

Christmas is so magical, especially with a child.

Before you came, the holidays were simply about me.

But through the joy you bring, I can clearly see.

I no longer make lists of stuff I think I need,

But load my cart with gifts for which I've heard you plead.

It is true what they say, and you've probably heard it too,
But I never had such fun at Christmas before you.

Christmas through your eyes is so much more exciting,

And never will I hope in Santa we'll be doubting.

Christmas Is On!

2011-12-06T22:22:00.000-05:00

I think I just ordered my very last Christmas gift! The decorations are up and I've been listening to Christmas music since Thanksgiving, so I'm officially in the spirit!

I'm very OCD about getting my decorations up the Sunday after Thanksgiving. So we zipped home from the beach Sunday morning, bought a tree that afternoon, and I got it up by bedtime. I love decorating the tree, so that's the fun part for me!

And I love shopping - anyone who knows me certainly knows that about me...It's the wrapping that stresses me out! So, up next - Christmas goodies (while not gaining 10 lbs), Christmas parties - and of course - MORE DECORATING!!!

There are some amazing goodies and decorating ideas on Pinterest. Here's my Christmas board to check out and get some inspiration to get you into the holiday spirit too!

Let's get ready to celebrate the best birthday of the year!!

Crafty Christmas: A Fisherman's Wreath

2011-12-05T17:15:00.000-05:00

What's the perfect Christmas decor for your favorite fisherman or beach-dwelling family? Why, a Fishing Bobber wreath of course!!

I originally saw this idea on Pinterest and knew it would be perfect for my in-laws home at the beach. Over the Thanksgiving break, while at said in-laws house, I took a couple of minutes to create my own version of the "Fishing Bobber Wreath" (not very catchy, I know, but I have no idea what else to call it).

A quick trip to the dollar store yielded a smallish artificial wreath form the perfect size for a mini wreath that fit directly above the front door. As for the fishing bobbers, they were a bit trickier to find. I assure you, the folks at the local sport supply shop looked at me a bit funny when I asked "is this all you have" when I reviewed their fishing bobber supply and came up short. Thankfully, Walmart had an abundant supply of bobbers and they were much cheaper.

A glue gun, some perfectly placed bobbers and a cute little bow from some Walmart ribbon, and wal-lah, there you have it. Christmas at the beach!

Goes perfectly with the crab-pot Christmas tree gracing their front lawn!

These guys are extremely popular down at the beach right now and available in several different sizes.

Alas, I did not make this, but you can order your own here!

Kiss My Grits Winners and New Print in the Shop!

2011-12-02T20:56:00.001-05:00

Hi there! Sorry I've been a bit tardy announcing winners of the the Etsy Kiss My Grits prints! The shop has been crazy busy this week and I'm just trying to keep up with all of the orders!

So, the winners are:

Megan (Tales of the Trees)
Laura (The Land of Syd and Ben)
Angie
Faison (Fat to fabulous... and everything in between.)
Mrs. Jansson (The Jansson Family)

Congrats to all! You'll be getting an e-mail from me with the high-resolution file for printing!

I also got some inspiration to create another new print for the shop. I can't wait to print this one out and hang it in my kitchen. I think it's something we should all remember. Have a great weekend!!!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-30T22:35:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving at the Beach

As Seen in Southern Living...

2011-11-27T22:17:00.001-05:00

Can you believe it??? My "Kiss My Grits" print was featured in the current December issue of Southern Living Magazine! My shop has been overwhelmed with orders and I couldn't be happier! Several people have asked how this all came about...

Two months ago, Southern Living contacted me via my Etsy shop and requested I send them some samples of my work. They said they were collecting ideas for the December gift guide and they liked my prints (gah!!!). I told them that most of the prints I sale are just JPEG or PDF files that I send to people to print out on their own, and just wanted to be sure they understood that. I explained to them the benefits of my digital prints and how they make quick, easy and affordable gifts. They were interested and liked the concept, so I sent the samples along, not getting my hopes up since it would need to go through the editorial team.

So I sat and waited...and waited...and waited...

About three weeks ago I received an e-mail from the wonderful folks at Southern Living that my print had made the December gift guide!! I'll admit, it still didn't feel real until I actually saw it in print..on page 45, to be exact...

The shop has been extremely busy and I appreciate all of the sweets shout-outs and links in blog land! I've wanted my creative abilities to turn into something real, and for now, this reality is pretty darn good.

So, check out the prints (I've added several more in the last week) and pick up a couple for a last minute, affordable gift! The sample above I sent to Southern Living was printed on my home color printer, and the frame came straight from Target! All-in-all, about a $16 investment, which would make great gifts for teachers, family, newlyweds, neighbors - almost anyone you could think of that has a love for the south (or is just plain sassy!!!)

To celebrate this exciting event and Cyber Monday, I'll be giving away five free digital Kiss My Grits prints, so leave me a quick comment here and you'll be entered! Winners will be announced Tuesday morning!

Not Easy Being Mean

2011-11-21T12:12:00.000-05:00

It’s not easy being mean.

I’ve been called mean by my son more than once in his lifetime, but it’s never easy hearing that from your child. Yes, you’re doing what’s best for him, but he doesn’t know. And he doesn’t understand. All he knows is that he doesn’t want to take a shower tonight and no he can’t play football with daddy 10 more minutes. Oh, and “mommie, you’re mean.” He knows how to throw those words around just when I don’t need to hear them.

Walker is going through a “learning to keep hands off other people” phase right now. I think a lot of it is because he is so assertive and rough and so very competitive. I called my mom last week to ask her if I was doing something wrong. Of course she said no, I was a good mom, but she couldn’t tell me the right thing to do. She’s my mom. She’s supposed to have all the answers.

But, as I’ve searched parenting sites, looked at books, talked to others, I realize no one knows the right answer. Sure there are many that think they have them, but I’m not so sure. If you think about it, it really is amazing that we have a book to tell us how to live (the Bible), school for 20 years+ of our lives to give us skills in the workforce, but there’s not one preferred or required reading on how to be a parent.

As I continue to teach my son how to be the best person he can, show him right from wrong and set his limits, I constantly have those cheesy sayings in my head to keep me strong (they actually work for me):

I’m not your friend, I’m your parent.

Little people, little problems. Big people, big problems.

I repeat them over and over again. And I repeat them to Mike too. He’s got such a tender heart. He has a really hard time putting his foot down. But he’s getting better. He hates conflict and guess what - I don't like it either buddy, but as parents it's our responsibility to challenge these little beings. Sometimes that makes us the bad guy/gal, but I'm OK with that because I can see the end goal in mind.

Don’t get me wrong – we don’t have a little hellion on our hands – just a rough and tough, all-boy, little linebacker that doesn’t understand other first-graders aren’t as into wrestling, full-out tackle football and Power Rangers like he is. I’ve never raised a boy, but being a girl an all for 36 years, I can tell they are very different creatures. Only makes sense that men and women are so very different when you look at the differences in boys and girls just starting out in elementary school.

So what's my point here? I'm not completely sure myself, but maybe it's just expressing some parenting frustrations, to show all the other moms out there it's not easy and everyone else is learning as we go.

I'll post this great quote again, which I will be posting in Walker's room very soon since he's now a reading whiz...I think it should be in the back of every parent's mind.