Saturday, June 9, 2012
{3 months old!}
...well, almost. Kellen will be 3 months old on Monday, and yesterday I decided to take a few photos with our DSLR. I'm not great at getting him to pose, so I just set up a (very wrinkly) sheet as a backdrop and let him do his thang! I think the photos turned out pretty cute.
Friday, June 8, 2012
An update from the life of LL
Sorry I've been somewhat MIA lately! The past few weeks have been hectic. Actually, crazy is a good word to describe it as well.
At the end of last month, I lost my job, along with at least 24 of my fellow employees. It's a long story that won't all be recounted here, but it's a doozy. To boil it down a bit - it started with some huge company changes that meant most of us would lose our jobs anyway, got muddled by extremely poor executive communication, got inflamed by an enraged company president who just flat didn't want to let us know the truth, and ended with a large number of "random" firings as a "punishment" for those who wanted to know what was going on. If that doesn't make sense to you...don't worry. It doesn't make sense to me either.
I'm upset that I didn't deserve to lose my job, but more than anything I have this sense of relief that I no longer work there. I can actually sleep at night now. It's amazing. I think it's equally amazing how people band together in these situations. A lot of us have grown much closer, and so many people are helping me find a new job. God is doing great things in my life.
I may find a job soon, or it may be a while. Either way, God is taking care of my family, and I'm getting to spend all my hours with Shaun and Kellen, which is just perfect.
So...thank you to everyone praying for me, please continue to do so. Thanks to everyone who's given me job leads, and if anyone else has anything please let me know! And last on my thank you list for now - thanks to everyone who's bought and IFYL shirt lately. You're really helping us out!
At the end of last month, I lost my job, along with at least 24 of my fellow employees. It's a long story that won't all be recounted here, but it's a doozy. To boil it down a bit - it started with some huge company changes that meant most of us would lose our jobs anyway, got muddled by extremely poor executive communication, got inflamed by an enraged company president who just flat didn't want to let us know the truth, and ended with a large number of "random" firings as a "punishment" for those who wanted to know what was going on. If that doesn't make sense to you...don't worry. It doesn't make sense to me either.
I'm upset that I didn't deserve to lose my job, but more than anything I have this sense of relief that I no longer work there. I can actually sleep at night now. It's amazing. I think it's equally amazing how people band together in these situations. A lot of us have grown much closer, and so many people are helping me find a new job. God is doing great things in my life.
I may find a job soon, or it may be a while. Either way, God is taking care of my family, and I'm getting to spend all my hours with Shaun and Kellen, which is just perfect.
So...thank you to everyone praying for me, please continue to do so. Thanks to everyone who's given me job leads, and if anyone else has anything please let me know! And last on my thank you list for now - thanks to everyone who's bought and IFYL shirt lately. You're really helping us out!
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
{ Thankful Tuesday - Remembering Grandma Alice }
Last night we unexpectedly lost Shaun's sweet Grandma Alice. It came as a shock to all of us, and I'm still trying to wrap my mind around the idea that we won't be able to drive down to Cement to visit her.
Looking back on the six years I've known Alice, I'm thankful for all I've learned from her. So today's Thankful Tuesday is a peek at a few of the things about Alice that I'm most grateful for:
1. She listened. I mean...she really listened. She was one of those people who asked how you were doing and actually wanted to hear the answer. If you needed someone to talk to, she was always there.
2. She made special time for all the little ones in our family - grandchildren, grandnieces and nephews, and her great-grandson, Kellen. I remember when Madison was just a wee one, she kept grabbing Alice's hand and leading her away from the others and over to the window. Madison pointed and said over and over, "Alice...sheeps! Sheeps!" They sat there for a good while as Grandma talked to Madison about the goats (or "sheeps" according to Madison). Out of everyone in the family crowd that day, Madison knew that her great-aunt Alice was the one who would take that time with her. I don't think they realized I was spying on them the whole time, but I couldn't help it. It was just too sweet. :)
3. She baked like nobody's business. Seriously, one piece of her butterfinger pie was never enough. I remember when Shaun and I first started dating and we were driving out to Cement where I would meet his family (all 75+ of them) at a party, he kept telling me how great his grandma's baking was. Her yummy baked goods always held a special place in our hearts...and our stomachs.
4. She showed me what quiet strength is. I've heard that saying many times, but I never truly knew what it meant til I got to know her. Most strong people you meet are bold and outspoken, but Grandma Alice was the kind of person with a personality an outsider might find easy to misread. She was a rock of good sense, love, and the kind of grace only God can give.
5. She was, as Shaun and his sister have said, the matriarch of the family - a shining example of a Christian, a generous soul, a caring heart, a true role model for us all.
Looking back on the six years I've known Alice, I'm thankful for all I've learned from her. So today's Thankful Tuesday is a peek at a few of the things about Alice that I'm most grateful for:
1. She listened. I mean...she really listened. She was one of those people who asked how you were doing and actually wanted to hear the answer. If you needed someone to talk to, she was always there.
2. She made special time for all the little ones in our family - grandchildren, grandnieces and nephews, and her great-grandson, Kellen. I remember when Madison was just a wee one, she kept grabbing Alice's hand and leading her away from the others and over to the window. Madison pointed and said over and over, "Alice...sheeps! Sheeps!" They sat there for a good while as Grandma talked to Madison about the goats (or "sheeps" according to Madison). Out of everyone in the family crowd that day, Madison knew that her great-aunt Alice was the one who would take that time with her. I don't think they realized I was spying on them the whole time, but I couldn't help it. It was just too sweet. :)
3. She baked like nobody's business. Seriously, one piece of her butterfinger pie was never enough. I remember when Shaun and I first started dating and we were driving out to Cement where I would meet his family (all 75+ of them) at a party, he kept telling me how great his grandma's baking was. Her yummy baked goods always held a special place in our hearts...and our stomachs.
4. She showed me what quiet strength is. I've heard that saying many times, but I never truly knew what it meant til I got to know her. Most strong people you meet are bold and outspoken, but Grandma Alice was the kind of person with a personality an outsider might find easy to misread. She was a rock of good sense, love, and the kind of grace only God can give.
5. She was, as Shaun and his sister have said, the matriarch of the family - a shining example of a Christian, a generous soul, a caring heart, a true role model for us all.
We are sad that you've left us, Grandma Alice, but we rejoice in the knowledge that you are by God's side. We love you.
"The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." - Psalm 34:18
Monday, May 7, 2012
{Memory Monday - Baby Giggles}
The past week was rather eventful - I got my hair chopped off (thanks Jessica!), had a garage sale, went to my friend Kacie's baby shower, and had dinner with some family members we don't see often, but the best part of the week by far was Kellen's cute antics!
My little guy's been giggling up a storm this week. He's been quite the giggle box since he was about 4 weeks old, but lately it's been nonstop! He giggles at Shaun and me, at his mobile, at his favorite toy (his seahorse. It's a big hit with him!)...it's always insanely adorable. :)
My little guy's been giggling up a storm this week. He's been quite the giggle box since he was about 4 weeks old, but lately it's been nonstop! He giggles at Shaun and me, at his mobile, at his favorite toy (his seahorse. It's a big hit with him!)...it's always insanely adorable. :)
Earlier tonight I gave him a bath, and it's by far his most beloved part of the day. He splashes, talks, smiles, and laughs the whole time. I let him stay in for a while after we're done because he enjoys it so much. I hope he grows up to be a fish in the water like the rest of the (blood related) Ladymons! I can't even go underwater without holding my nose, and I can barely swim. :( Kind of stinks since I'm built like a swimmer lol.
It's moments like we've had this past week that I'll remember forever. The smile on Kellen's sweet little face that makes my heart melt is one of those things that can turn the worst day around. Each time he talks to me (we have great conversations) I feel more successful than a billionaire, because I have the best family in the world. God has blessed me with so much.
This is home
Now I'm finally where I belong
Where I Belong
I've been searching for a place of my own
Now I've found it
Maybe this is home
This is home
- "This Is Home" by Switchfoot
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
{Thankful Tuesday - Take 4}
It's that time again! Today I'm thankful for...
1. Haircuts. Seriously. My hair was driving me nuts - in my face all the time, impossible to fix...you get the picture. I'd been admiring Emma Watson's short hair for quite a while and finally decided to try it. Photos to come soon!
2. My sweet baby's laugh. It can brighten any day and is the most adorable sound in the world!
3. My husband's help. Shaun is always there to help me get everything done AND keep my sanity. Earlier this evening my sweet boy decided to go on a crying spree (never really figured out the reason. I think he was just super-tired and resisting sleep), and after a while of me walking around with Kellen and bouncing him up and down with no luck, Shaun took over so I could have a break. It's nice to know I'm never alone in this whole parenthood thing! :)
4. My Scottish heritage. At the Kirkin' of the Tartan on Sunday (that's a Scottish church service to you confused readers out there) the preacher reminded us of the time during the Act of Proscription when Scots weren't allowed to wear their family tartans or do anything associated with their cultural heritage. They were so dedicated to their family identities that they would secretly take scraps of their tartans to the pastors to be blessed. I'm so proud to be a part of a people who refuse to be crushed by persecution!
5. Hospital refunds. I received a bill that didn't make sense, so I called the account services number at the hospital, and they told me that I was actually owed a rather large refund! I don't quite understand how this mix-up occurred, but I'm glad to get some money back!
1. Haircuts. Seriously. My hair was driving me nuts - in my face all the time, impossible to fix...you get the picture. I'd been admiring Emma Watson's short hair for quite a while and finally decided to try it. Photos to come soon!
2. My sweet baby's laugh. It can brighten any day and is the most adorable sound in the world!
3. My husband's help. Shaun is always there to help me get everything done AND keep my sanity. Earlier this evening my sweet boy decided to go on a crying spree (never really figured out the reason. I think he was just super-tired and resisting sleep), and after a while of me walking around with Kellen and bouncing him up and down with no luck, Shaun took over so I could have a break. It's nice to know I'm never alone in this whole parenthood thing! :)
4. My Scottish heritage. At the Kirkin' of the Tartan on Sunday (that's a Scottish church service to you confused readers out there) the preacher reminded us of the time during the Act of Proscription when Scots weren't allowed to wear their family tartans or do anything associated with their cultural heritage. They were so dedicated to their family identities that they would secretly take scraps of their tartans to the pastors to be blessed. I'm so proud to be a part of a people who refuse to be crushed by persecution!
5. Hospital refunds. I received a bill that didn't make sense, so I called the account services number at the hospital, and they told me that I was actually owed a rather large refund! I don't quite understand how this mix-up occurred, but I'm glad to get some money back!
Monday, April 30, 2012
{Memory Monday - Take Two}
This week I'll be recounting some Iron Thistle Scottish Festival memories, since it was Kellen's first Scottish fest!
Shaun and I took Kellen out to the festival all three days, and he did great...apart from the biggest diaper blowout he's ever had. I figure I can forgive him that!
I was afraid I wouldn't really wouldn't be able to do much dancing, but I ended up doing seven dances (I think. I kind of lost count). Then Lauren and I took some time on Sunday to work on our Hornpipe and Bluebonnets! It's so much fun to have another dancer to work with again. It's also fun to come offstage and give my sweet baby kisses!
We got to watch some great bands this weekend, including Scotland Rising, Flowers of Edinburgh, and Beyond the 9. During all this we discovered that Kellen is really good at sleeping through bagpipe music. I hope he outgrows that by the time he goes to OSAS (Ohio Scottish Arts School)! The morning wake-up call is given by a piper every morning at camp. By the way...he WILL go to OSAS, whether as a dancer, piper, or drummer. Any of those would be acceptable!
On a more serious note, I learned a valuable lesson this weekend. A creepy guy in his 50s or 60s who shows up at EVERY Scottish festival in Oklahoma and practically stalks us dancers was there, as usual, and I happened to mention him to an off-duty police officer who was volunteering at the gate. He told me that if someone gives me the creeps, I'm probably right to be creeped out. I pointed out Mr. Creepy Guy, and as it turns out the cop, who tracks down child predators, knew him. He's a registered sex offender who wasn't even supposed to be allowed at such events. I've definitely learned to trust my instincts! If someone seems off, there's probably a reason.
This weekend was loads of fun and I'm sure I've left out most of the good stuff, but I'm exhausted! I'm sure I'll have more to add later. :)
Shaun and I took Kellen out to the festival all three days, and he did great...apart from the biggest diaper blowout he's ever had. I figure I can forgive him that!
I was afraid I wouldn't really wouldn't be able to do much dancing, but I ended up doing seven dances (I think. I kind of lost count). Then Lauren and I took some time on Sunday to work on our Hornpipe and Bluebonnets! It's so much fun to have another dancer to work with again. It's also fun to come offstage and give my sweet baby kisses!
We got to watch some great bands this weekend, including Scotland Rising, Flowers of Edinburgh, and Beyond the 9. During all this we discovered that Kellen is really good at sleeping through bagpipe music. I hope he outgrows that by the time he goes to OSAS (Ohio Scottish Arts School)! The morning wake-up call is given by a piper every morning at camp. By the way...he WILL go to OSAS, whether as a dancer, piper, or drummer. Any of those would be acceptable!
On a more serious note, I learned a valuable lesson this weekend. A creepy guy in his 50s or 60s who shows up at EVERY Scottish festival in Oklahoma and practically stalks us dancers was there, as usual, and I happened to mention him to an off-duty police officer who was volunteering at the gate. He told me that if someone gives me the creeps, I'm probably right to be creeped out. I pointed out Mr. Creepy Guy, and as it turns out the cop, who tracks down child predators, knew him. He's a registered sex offender who wasn't even supposed to be allowed at such events. I've definitely learned to trust my instincts! If someone seems off, there's probably a reason.
This weekend was loads of fun and I'm sure I've left out most of the good stuff, but I'm exhausted! I'm sure I'll have more to add later. :)
Photo compliments of Dustin Cooper. Shaun was being Sasquatch :D
One of my fave OK pipers, John Imes, decided he could play sitting down. You don't see that every day!
I forgot to bring swords, so an audience member loaned Lauren a pair lol
This is what Kellen did most of the weekend!
All About Irish dance troupe! Little Keyara (bottom left) performed for the first time. I remember when she was just a baby being held by her mom as her siblings performed!
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
{Thankful Tuesday - Take 3}
It's Thankful Tuesday again! I gotta say, taking a day to list things I'm thankful for each week really puts everything into perspective for me. I've been rather grumpy today, so it's a good day to make my thankful list. :)
This week I'm thankful for...
1. Time with friends. Having Tyler and his 4L crew over was a great break this weekend. Seeing old friends and making new ones always lifts the spirits! Especially when those friends tell silly jokes and do all sorts of hilarious things.
2. Peppy music. I've been listening to a lot of it lately! Since the surest way of calming a fussy Kellen is to dance around the house while holding him, I need happy tunes to keep me going. :) My favorites right now are Tyler Carter (of course!), Jackson 5, and The Almost.
3. The upcoming Scottish Festival. I haven't been to a festival since September, so I'm itching for Saturday to get here. If you're in Oklahoma you should come! It's the Iron Thistle Scottish Festival in Yukon at Kirpatrick Farm. Rumor has it I'll bust out a Hornpipe! (I say rumor because I had a baby 6 weeks ago, you know. I might decide I'm too tired lol)
4. Beautiful weather. Shaun, Kellen, and I have been to the park a couple times, sat out on the back porch enjoying the cool breeze, and had a couple cookouts. Loving this spring!
5. Having so many gorgeous photos to document the life of my precious baby boy. I especially love the photos Whitney took! Check out a few of the previews:
This week I'm thankful for...
1. Time with friends. Having Tyler and his 4L crew over was a great break this weekend. Seeing old friends and making new ones always lifts the spirits! Especially when those friends tell silly jokes and do all sorts of hilarious things.
2. Peppy music. I've been listening to a lot of it lately! Since the surest way of calming a fussy Kellen is to dance around the house while holding him, I need happy tunes to keep me going. :) My favorites right now are Tyler Carter (of course!), Jackson 5, and The Almost.
3. The upcoming Scottish Festival. I haven't been to a festival since September, so I'm itching for Saturday to get here. If you're in Oklahoma you should come! It's the Iron Thistle Scottish Festival in Yukon at Kirpatrick Farm. Rumor has it I'll bust out a Hornpipe! (I say rumor because I had a baby 6 weeks ago, you know. I might decide I'm too tired lol)
4. Beautiful weather. Shaun, Kellen, and I have been to the park a couple times, sat out on the back porch enjoying the cool breeze, and had a couple cookouts. Loving this spring!
5. Having so many gorgeous photos to document the life of my precious baby boy. I especially love the photos Whitney took! Check out a few of the previews:
What are you thankful for this week?
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