Mr & Mrs Smith

Our last lesson in Sunday School in 2017 surrounded the concept of mental illness in the context of how, as parents, do we handle this issue in our families. Most seem to agree that mental illness has gotten more prevelant over the years & connect that to the effects of technology, which was the topic of the last 5th Sunday lesson. I didn't have any strong thoughts to share then, but as I pondered it a bit more, I feel like I do have something to offer parents of teenagers, and I think in turn I have to take those suggestions and apply them now with even my littles. Wherever we are in life, there is a roll you can play to be an influence for good. Understanding mental illness is good for everyone, and learning how to assist where possible is essential too. 1. Parents need to be more open. Not about everything, but I remember wanting to feel like an adult in the sense that my thoughts or feelings were trusted & valued. There are things parents can do to widen the door ...

I guess I want to get it all out there regarding photography and me. I've mentioned it before, how I'm so up and down about saying "yes, I'm a photographer". I've always hated labels and titles - sometimes I just want to be . I know we have interests and talents for a reason and since I sometimes feel like the person with the one talent, I definitely don't want to be caught burying it, whatever it might be. Some people say it's photography. I guess people could see how much I loved it and even back to my freshman year of college, people asked me why I didn't major in it and I had a really good practical and logical response for them. A college boyfriend was convinced I was hiding and scared, and there may have been truth to that (but he was also a jerk). The photo major card just didn't line up for me, yes I could have made it happen, but I didn't want to knock down marble to get to it. I was comforted in the path I chose. College was ...

I bought Organic Soy Milk (it's the only Lactose free milk Aldi had that day) and have been suffering with sub-par cereal the last few days hoping to see if I am in fact reacting to Lactose. Last night my stomach did not turn itself inside out {is this how other lactose intolerant people feel? my mom says I reacted poorly when I was a wee babe but it hasn't affected me since, until the last year or so}. But today, without much thought, I rushed to the fridge and swigged out of the half gallon I bought. I miss it . Don't judge me for drinking it straight. Mr Smith doesn't drink milk. And I like self torture. I hate all wanna-be milks. But I think lactose is the least of my worries. Anyone else married to a end of the world gloomer doomer? Mr Smith's nighttime whisperings are absolutely nerve wracking. Because it's not that I don't already believe in the scriptures and the prophets, but I have this way of, like most of Americans, color coating the future ...

I don't mean to harp on this idea of death, BUT as you would assume, it opens questions.  I want to talk about my beliefs on life after physical death. I think people care about it - even though most would rather not think about it & just play the game of wait & see. Because for most - it's just heaven or hell &  the average person doesn't think they are bad enough to go to hell. Some believe if you're not baptized in their church (or I guess their religion?) you're going to hell. You tell me, but either way I can tell you I think differently.  However, it's hard to talk about gospel principles & not get deep into it. But that will only open more doors & more questions which is a GREAT thing BUT we will be here all day. And you will be overwhelmed (if you even read it all). I will be overwhelmed. So I'm not ready to discuss that yet. I have to figure out how to tell the main ideas, which has always been my weakness on Language tests....

I ordered a glider. THE glider. It's Grey & White so it matches perfectly & didn't take me gnawing off my leg to pay for it. (not saying people would actually pay for legs, just my legs ;) And who said money can't buy happiness? Okay, maybe not happiness, but a little bit of excitement. Mr Smith wanted our recliner back in the living room so I've been nursing on the floor. Because yes, I still have to nurse before 7 AM, sigh. A mother who feeds her child - send her to the gallows! (for all those who think there is nothing wrong with feeding a babe of 5 months before 7 AM, there is. My child is not consistent and obviously I fail at sleep training) I'm not depressed about it (people should stop assuming I'm depressed when I whine. I don't want to have to stop whining). I just can't wait to get my sleep back mostly because lack of sleep makes you emotionally unstable. BUT even if she did sleep until 7 AM (so help us she did once), my boobs still s...

This is for my cousin, Shannon: It doesn't look like I've changed much . . . but alas 6.5 weeks to go! And on that note, those big purchases will be coming soon, next in priority is a breast pump . Can't get much weirder than that. So, ladies, is this what I want? Medela Advanced I'm not sure why there are such big gaps in some of the Medela choices. Then there are ones like Ameda Purely Yours AND others . . . (I really don't like researching them) I really don't even want to make this purchase or even think about what this means. But alas, I know it must be done. [And I know some of you say manual is just fine. I don't believe you. I also know some of you say rent from the hospital until you get nursing down, but I think I'm straying away from you too.] I also understand I can find a used one and buy the parts, so if I get lucky I'll go that route, but I still need to know which one, from you, mothers, who have gone before...

Because I would like someone to decide for me. I swear, we go to the store, spend enough, carry them up three flights, spend 10 minutes putting everything away and then I'm like "now what" - I have no more energy to even think about the possibilities.  I worry I'm starving my husband. I eat smaller portions and can be satisified off random leftovers and cereal. Mr Smith doesn't like cereal or grilled cheese so I throw my hands in the air. But he will ask you for another piece of chocolate cake. He has locked focus on the newest/lastest dragon book. He'll hate me for calling it that; I just know it's fantasy. And I feel like there is always a dragon in fantasy books. But let's not lose focus. I need your easy, good tasting recipes (that don't make you too fat) Here is what we currently have on our list: enchiladas (these are good & I don't need a recipe and therefore - no extra energy) quesadilas - see above. h...

Just because I have some spare time . . . I'm looking up baby product lists and just getting an idea of what is out there. I always had the hardest time with baby gift ideas, and I feel like it definitely shouldn't be that hard. There are so many little things that are nice to have. Well, in my imagination any way.  I don't have a real, out of the womb child yet, but making a registry mostly for me is fun. I've created a one at a couple stores to start thinking about things I'd like, price comparison, etc... The following are not little things. I want to decide on a baby bag. I never thought I'd care about Vera Bradley, but since I've somehow collected a few things over the past years I went to them out of curiousity. It really is hard to beat their quality and reliability. However, their baby bag doesn't allow for a crossover strap and their messenger bags don't have the sale or retired fabric prints. So, I'm moving on I'm down to...

Picture Mr Smith putting together the pack-n-play. He was so cute. Mostly when he had to read the directions. Do we have a child? Don't ask such silly questions. Hopefully it won't collect too much dust in 5.5 months. We're ready now . . . (but not really) It has a changing thing and a removable bassinet that vibrates.  I'm okay with not needing a changing table.  It will probably mean we won't get a crib for awhile too.  Next we need to hear from our baby/exercise friends a good car seat & jogging stroller (maybe ones that work together)... Any favorites? Then a blanket . . . Then a breast pump . . . Then a diaper bag. . .  Then lots of diapers, toys & cute clothes.  And even a mobile.  Then they get older and there's even more things. Mr Smith is just so thrilled. I'd love to hear about any products that you recommend/absolutely love having. Here is one thing you can do to annoy Mr Smith: go ...

This was supposed to be short. But turned long. I'm sorry. I could be getting my nails done, my hair done and purchasing new make up (that I've never really owned or knew how to use) I'm not saying all humble me for not having little luxuries in life (I can be jealous of Instagram from time to time) But for the most part, we just buy groceries and pay the bills. Maybe a few household items from time to time like a can opener that finally works Okay Okay, and even something big like a plane ticket or that bike trainer we've been talking about for months (and are still talking about) How do families live on smaller incomes? Cause most of America does. It baffles me how lucky we have it. But I really don't get how other people afford to live. That is assuming, they can how they are. We're fine, don't get me wrong. Especially without kids and with me getting a job,  but if I see how quickly money leaves wellsfargo.c...

I spend about 4 hours every morning with job hunt stuff, and then I'm off to have a life. It's easier said than done. In my mind, another job would relieve all stress, but I'm trying. I know I'll never get this time again. I just don't think I'm that great at teaching myself things. Time management is really challenging without a set schedule. So any way, this week I downloaded a trial version of Indesign to try and become familiar with it, just in case said job would like me to be. Here is my first project (because I couldn't think of anything else except for my love for Mr Smith). I then worked on things to add to my Photo page: click here . I wanted something more interactive, but when I use blogger instead of my own website, I don't think I have many options. I would like to create an online portfolio/magazine to include more than just photos, but that sounds like money and nerd smarts.  Any way, do you need a brochure, a card, an ad creat...

I've really wanted an all-in-one Mac for forever. Well, I always wanted a Mac and then I realized they have these all-in-ones now, so I now want that. Any way, it's hard though to justify the major MAJOR expense. Yeah, I have a significant amount of photos and I do a significant amount of edits, most of which I actually get paid for, yet it's still hard. Especially if Eric and I have different needs. We went to the store today and our experience didn't help the Mac cause. You know how they always have 50 employees on staff when you go in there? I always get overwhelmed with that stuff. Mac has a good thing with their image. Of course I know/have been programmed to think it's the most reliable and highest quality, but we asked the same question to three different people and we still didn't walk away with the correct answer. I don't even know what I want anymore. I don't think affording things will get easier. Maybe give us 20 years, but do I want to wai...