non-cheesy slideshow songs

Every year for Christmas I give my in-laws a picture slideshow of our year in review. The whole family is basically one big paparazzi team, so we always have plenty of pictures to share. As hard as it can be gathering the hundreds of photos from family activities throughout the year, the more difficult part is finding the perfect songs to play in the background. I don't want anything too cheesy and I really don't want 90's graduation songs, so I often find myself ready to tear my hair out after hours of song searching. However, by some Christmas miracle I always end up finding the greatest three or four songs to add to my slideshow for the year. 

I've compiled a list of many of the songs I've used over the past five years' slideshows. These are great alternatives to the cliche sappy and dated songs we're all used to hearing or the overly lovey ones more fit for a wedding video. Give them a listen when you have a chance and prepare yourself for the sudden urge to create a picture slideshow for someone in your family. 

COUNT ON ME / by Bruno Mars

IF THERE WAS NO YOU / by Brandi Carlile

YOU ALWAYS MAKE ME SMILE / by Kyle Andrews

FATHER + DAUGHTER / by Paul Simon

HOME / by Andrew Simple

WE GOT LOVE / by Ernie Halter

THREE LITTLE GIRLS / by JJ Cale and Eric Clapton

BETTER TOGETHER / by Jack Johson

THE BEST THING / by Jeremy Kay

YOU MAKE ME HAPPY / by Lindsey Ray

WE BELONG TOGETHER / by Randy Newman

YOU'RE MY BEST FRIEND / by Queen

I'D RATHER BE WITH YOU / by Josh Radin

93 MILLION MILES / by Jason Mraz

my favorite bear

When Hallie told me she wanted to be a bear for Halloween this year, my first thought was, "But bear costumes aren't cute!" Of course I didn't say this out loud. I nodded my head, smiled, and knew it was only a matter of time before she would change her mind. It was bound to happen, right? Wrong. 

Instead of going the traditional route of a bulky, baggy bodysuit animal costume, I came up with something a little more comfortable and...let's be honest...a lot cuter. I wasn't sure what exactly Hallie had in mind when she imagined herself as a bear and was nervous about her reaction when she saw the finished product, but she loves it. Phew! 

Of course there are always a few bumps in the road when it comes to anything dealing with Hallie. She was really upset about her hair - because bears don't have long hair and they don't wear pigtails or ponytails. She also refused to wear underwear with her costume because, hello mom, bears don't wear underwear! After a few discussions we agreed on a ponytail and underwear. Wonderful. 

Though I wish I could take credit for coming up with the entire ensemble on my own, you know Pinterest had a hand in it all...

The ears were based off of this awesome tutorial. 

The idea of a girly bear costume was based off of this panda costume. 

The sweatshirt was purchased here and the quality and price are both super. I'm thinking about buying some more in other colors. 

And that fur skirt? That idea was mine and I seriously want to make one for myself. Sooo soft!

I hope everyone has a happy and safe Halloween! And don't forget to sneak some of your kids' chocolate in my honor. You know you want to. 

what i've learned from watching curious george

I'm going to come right out and say that I let my daughter watch TV. Regularly. It saves my sanity on a daily basis. I have been known to put my foot down when it comes to certain shows though, like ones where the characters talk like babies, or if there are characters who bully, or shows that don't teach us anything by the time the end credits are rolling. And believe it or not, there are a lot of them out there.

One of Hallie's favorite shows is Curious George, which I love. The more I watch this show, the more mental notes I find myself taking. The parenting advice in that show is subtle and certainly unsolicited, but it is solid gold. I don't know how I feel comparing my three-year old daughter to a monkey (although most days she insists she is one), but there are noticeable similarities. I actually feel kind of foolish writing this, but here are a few lessons I've learned while observing interactions between The Man in the Yellow Hat and his lovable monkey, George.

1. Be Patient. Sometimes it's hard for me to remember that just because Hallie understands a lot of things, that doesn't mean she understands everything. It takes time for her to get from one activity to the next, from the front door to her car seat, from downstairs to upstairs, because there is so much to take in and figure out. George is the same way. There is always something to distract him, but TMITYH (you got that, right?) always shows patience and understanding as he waits...and waits...and waits.

2. Don't Raise Your Voice. George gets into trouble. It's what he does. He's a monkey living in a man's world. Unfortunately, our children are young, innocent, curious kids living in a fast-paced, high-stress world as well. So whenever I feel the urge to yell at Hallie for getting into the same kind of mischief that any other kid would get into I ask myself, "How would TMITYH handle this?" Seriously. Call me crazy, but I've seen enough episodes to know he wouldn't freak out. He'd be gentle and calm and he'd talk it through, which leads me to...

3. Take Advantage of Teachable Moments. When George does something wrong, TMITYH makes sure to explain why it was wrong and what can be done to make it right. He takes the things that George doesn't yet understand and turns them into teachable moments so that George will understand them. Does that mean he will do it perfect the next time? No, but the seed has been planted. And that's the least I can do with Hallie. I want her to know things and think about things and comprehend them. It might take a few tries, but it's also surprising what information a three-year old brain can absorb the first time around.

4. Let Them Make Mistakes. Sometimes when I watch this show I think, "None of this would have happened if TMITYH just kept an eye on George. At all times. He's a monkey for crying out loud!" But that's not how we live our lives, is it? There are days when we just have to let our children go about their own little world, which oftentimes lead to them learning a lesson the hard way.  Spill your drink once or twice (or ten times) and hopefully you'll learn to be more attentive at the dinner table. (If my husband is reading this, he's sure to be laughing hysterically because, even at 28 years old, I still spill my drink at least once a week during dinner.) Nevertheless, the idea is the same. Let them fall, let them mess up, let them lose a game and it will teach them to be more brave, more careful, and more dedicated to make it right.

5. Anyone Can Be a Friend. I am always pleasantly surprised at how many friends George and TMITYH have wherever they go. Age, gender, ethnicity, or background don't matter: a friend is a friend is a friend. And within those friendships are endless opportunities to teach, learn, share, grow, and sometimes be downright silly. That kind of relationship is something I really want Hallie to experience in her life.

6. Explore the World Together. This one is my favorite. TMITYH and George split their time between the big city and the wide open country, but no matter where they are the find something new and exciting to do and learn. Always looking for a new adventure, George uses his curiosity and amazing monkey energy to go, go, go until he has explored a new part of his world and shared it with TMITYH, who is always, always excited to embrace it and experience those simple, joyful moments together.


So there you have it. Lessons learned from a monkey and a man who wears a whole lotta yellow. I guess this is what happens when you are a stay at home mom for this long...

tuesday

Ever since Hallie started preschool, I feel like my week doesn't start until Tuesday. She's out the door, learning ABCs and 1,2,3's at a rapid pace, leaving me home alone to cram as many things into three hours as possible. I don't think I've ever crossed so many things off of my to-do list in so short a time. Tuesday is the new Monday.

The weekend was a great one. Had a few moments here and there that reminded me of how blessed I am to be a mom, a wife, a daughter, and a sister. I also got a text from one of my closest friends that brought tears to my eyes. A simple act of kindness, even when not intended to be anything big, can make quite the impact. 

In other news, I am now a smart phone owner. Why buy the 5 when you can get the 4 for free? With that, I am also an Instagram-er. And I love it. Feel free to follow if you'd like - jordanlee22. Sharing pieces of my world through photos is surprisingly invigorating. 

Happy Monday Tuesday. 

the "next" button by google reader

If you use Google Reader to keep up with the blogs you follow, I have a treat for you. Or...maybe I'm the last person on earth to learn this cool trick. We'll see.

Google has a "Next" button that you can add to your toolbar to navigate your unread blog posts instead of logging in to Reader and seeing them all in list form. I like the button much better because I don't feel like I have to catch up with every blog all at once. I click the button when I have a few extra seconds and I read whatever post it takes me to. Also, I get to see the blog, which is one thing that I've missed since using Reader.

To get the button, follow these three simple steps:

Step 1.
While logged in to Reader, click on your Settings icon in the upper right corner. Then click on Reader settings.

Step 2.
Click on the Goodies tab.

Step 3.
Scroll down a bit until you find the "Next" button. Drag and drop it onto your toolbar.

It will look like this:

And you're done. You can thank me later. Or tell me I'm a bit behind the times. Whatever.

loving lately / fall

1. watching Felicity episodes on Netflix / combine one of my all-time favorite fictional characters and so much drama you can cut it with a knife and you've got an excellent show to watch as you unwind at the end of the day. Also, let the record show that I absolutely loved it when Felicity chopped off her hair.

2. jon mclaughlin / I've always been a fan but I especially love his latest album, Promises Promises. He sings his stories so well, I can't help but stop in my tracks to get a better listen.

3. Better Homes and Gardens wax scents / I might get a lot of heat for this, but I love these $2 bricks so much better than the Scentsy brand. They're cheaper, you can buy them at Walmart or online, and you aren't dealing with a consultant pressuring you into buying other products. Their selection isn't nearly as big, but their seasonal scents are delish and last just as long in the warmer. Our current fave is Spiced Pumpkin Pie.

4. crocheted scarves / the chunkier the better, right? 'Tis the season.

5. JCPenney / have you shopped here lately? I'd heard about their revamp earlier this year and finally walked through a store the other day. They have the cutest kid clothes at great prices. I'm urging Hallie to hit another growth spurt so I have an excuse to shop it up.

6. almonds / I'm trying to snack healthier and my new go-to mid-day boost is a mix of almonds and dried apricots. They taste yummy and I feel so happy putting them in my belly.

Your turn. What else is out there to love?

life at home

I've been notified by a few readers that I need to blog more. Or at all.

Boxes are still being unpacked and I'm overwhelmed by the bare walls that are crying for some love and decor. Pinterest has become my best frenemy as I dream up a plan for all of this empty space...only to realize a shopping spree is necessary in order for it to become a reality. I do have a lot of picture frames, though. Is a gallery wall in every room too much? Probably.

The joyous fantasy of Hallie reuniting with her ridiculous amount of toys and stuffed animals played out even better than expected, as the glee and excitement still hasn't worn off two weeks later.

Perhaps my favorite part of this move is how seamlessly life has gone back to the way it once was. Preparing dinners and the family snuggles on the couch and the morning routine. It feels good and right and happy.

I was hoping life would slow down once we got into a house and started to feel at home. Suddenly I realize that at home is when life is craziest.

My goodness, I sure love crazy.

home

After a ridiculous house hunt (for a rental, nonetheless) we finally have a place to almost call home. Next weekend cannot come soon enough. It has been seven months since I slept in my own bed, did my own meal planning and grocery shopping, and haven't lived out of a suitcase. 

Our house in Texas was blue - a hideous, dirty, old blue. Hallie remembers that house well and talks about it almost every day. Seven months later she still misses the house and, probably more importantly, all of her stuff that filled it. I can't help but smile that our new house is a little bit blue too. A newer and brighter blue, representative of our new and brighter future as a family. 

As hard as it has been living with family this year, I am glad we had the opportunity to stay with both my parents and Clay's parents. We owe them an unthinkable amount for taking us in. The experience was part fly-on-the-wall and part Family Relations 101. You learn a lot about the love of your life by watching them interact with their parents and siblings and vice-versa on a daily basis. I think Clay and I can appreciate each other's little quirks and habits a little a lot more now.

I imagine the day we move into our house will be like Christmas. Unpacking boxes and discovering things we forgot were ever a part of our past life. And, of course, we'll dig for treasures that we've been missing and dreaming of since January. (I'm talking about my box of shoes, those poor neglected beauties.) I can't wait for the cheers and excitement that are sure to come from Hallie as we open boxes of toys and stuffed animals and puzzles. She has been more than patient and has surprised us all with how well she has comprehended this stage in our life. A stage that is on its way out as we make room for the next big step - finally having our own home sweet home again. 

my grandpa

My grandpa passed away last week. It was sad and difficult and emotional and happened fast. I was able to share my favorite memories with him, laugh with him, and say goodbye to him before he passed. What a tender mercy that was and something I will always remember. 

This picture was displayed at his funeral yesterday. Nobody in the family had ever seen it before, but it has become an instant favorite for anyone who knew my grandpa and how much he loved my grandma. I can't wait to get my hands on a copy and display it in my own home - a tribute to perhaps the sweetest and truest love, one that began over 60 years ago. 

My grandpa was a tease and a joker, but he knew what to take seriously. He valued the littlest joys and showed kindness to everyone. He made whoever he was talking to feel important, remembered, and loved. He lived a simple life, but just one look at his smiling face would tell you that he knew he lived the best kind of life. 

In the quiet moments since my grandpa's funeral I have reflected on what makes me happy and what I show the most appreciation for in this life. I want to live my life the way my grandpa lived his. I am so grateful that I had a close relationship with him and can always look to his example of compassion and love. He truly was an incredible man. 

I love you, Grandpa Jenkins.

thoughts and plans

[images of our summer - july 2012]

We are gearing up for our annual summer trip to Wyoming. It’s fair time, when the whole family (all seven kids + a couple spouses + kids) plan a visit to town and chaos always ensues. I just love fair week. There will be rides and funnel cakes and cowboys and game nights and a serious lack of sleep. This year we’re also crazy enough to cram in a family photo session. I’m lucky my in-laws are so rockin’.

Clay and I celebrated our 8th anniversary this week with a dinner date at one of our favorite restaurants. Then, of course, we hit up Maverick for some slurpees (coke flavor for him, cherry for her) and went for a drive. I love doing this with Clay. We have the best conversations while slurping our drinks and going wherever the steering wheel takes us. We have a fancier anniversary outing planned next month, after we recover from the fair week festivities.

I can’t help but smile everyday at where we’ve ended up after such a difficult year. The other night I had a hard time falling asleep, so I started counting all the ways I saw God’s hand in my life throughout the course of just one day. I listed one thing after another after another and I fell asleep before I got even close to running out of blessings. It gives me goose bumps, I tell ya!

Fair week also marks the beginning of the end of summer. It’s bittersweet, but a time I always look forward to. This year is no exception. So much has happened this summer and the craziness is far from over. We are still living with my parents but are hoping August will be the month we find a house. Hallie starts preschool in September. And, believe it or not, we are crossing our fingers that an actual family vacation will happen before long. This will be the first since Hallie was born and an event we have talked about and dreamed of for far too long.

Good stuff is happening around these parts. It’s a beautiful thing.