Randomness

You won't find any useful tips in today's post.

No helpful recipes or organizing solutions.

Not even a link to another fabulous blog that could help you with something.

Basically, this is just a random post with random photos and random thoughts.

Sometimes I just gotta clear my head by writing stuff down. And lucky for you, this is my creative writing venue these days.

First up...I despise the DMV.

Actually, I don't really have anything against my particular DMV office. Because BOTH (did you read that correctly, I said BOTH) times I have visited them this month to renew my driver's license they have been very friendly.

They sent me away with no new license, but they were friendly about it.

Sadly, I STILL do not have the ridiculously stupid crazy proper documentation to renew my license. Apparently since 9/11 you now have to show certified documents (e.g. no photocopies) of your birth certificate or passport as well as your marriage license if you changed your name when you got married.

So, even though I have my original Social Security card, certified birth certificate and a billion other documents (including my current valid driver's license!!!!) I had to order a certified copy of my marriage license because the one I have is a certified photocopy (stamped and everything). UGH!!!!

Okay, moving on...

As a lot of you know, I am a big fan of Instagram. It's a fun way to show Brian, my parents, and in laws the little things that we do throughout the day, without telling the whole world on Facebook. The only problem in Instagram is that I follow some pretty amazing bloggers. Women who get paid for blogging. Women who are sponsored by companies like Target and Michael's Crafts and Pottery Barn! So sometimes their posts make me feel like I need to get on the ball and redecorate my closet with beautiful wallpaper and a hanging crystal chandelier, or host a fabulous party with color-coordinated striped paper straws, or do some super fun craft with my kids that results in the most amazing Christmas ornament in the world.

Then reality sets in and I think, "None of that is going to happen, so I just need to be happy for them and enjoy what I have in life."

It can be a difficult leap sometimes to go from coveting what others have - especially in this world of social media where everyone's "fabulous" life is shoved in our face 24/7 - to being content with where you are in life. But I am striving to do so. And the first way I am doing this, is not going overboard with Christmas.

My entire family and most of my close friends know that this has been a challenging decade year for us financially. Brian's business has been up and down, and we have to sacrifice some things since I do not work outside the home. I know in my heart of hearts that everyone one of my family members and friends would prefer something heartfelt and special for Christmas over something expensive. I truly do believe that. So, I am making a pact with myself that we will not go in debt this Christmas season just to have extra wrapped gifts under the tree. My gift choices will be special, meaningful, and something the person will really use/want.

Okay, last bit of randomness for you today...

Here is a picture dump from the last week or so. Some are from IG, some are new. Either way, I hope they bring a smile to your face. :)

We were invited by our neighbors to go sailing last weekend. They have a huge, beautiful sailboat with two bedrooms, a kitchen, a living area, bathroom/shower...it's amazing. The weather was yucky all day, and then just as we all boarded the boat and left the marina, the sun peeked through the clouds and we had a beautiful sunset sail.

(L to R) Me & Brian, our neighbor Kathie, the boat owners, Tom & Bahama, and Kathie's hubby, Brad. Not pictured are our other neighbors Kristen & Dave.

Tom actually let Brian put his hand on the wheel for a few minutes. Ha! Ha! But Kristen sailed us most of the evening.

Brian & Dave sitting on the front of the boat.

Speaking of sunsets, we've had some amazing ones lately. Beautiful pinks and purples in the sky. This particular evening, the sun was setting just right over the pond outside our house. We told Payton & his friend Avery to stand together for a picture. This is what we got:

How precious are they??

And for no particular reason, I give you two adorable shots of my little guy...

I'll never get tired of seeing this tiny tushie in tiny underwear. TOO cute!

We were walking on a fishing pier and he just grabbed my hand. I don't ever want to forget this moment.

Another moment I'd like to tattoo in my memory is watching Payton lead worship in his church class. He knew every word, every motion to the song. He led with such enthusiasm and happiness. I can only pray he continues to so openly share his faith with the world.

See, I started off this post in a pretty bad mood. But now I'm ending it with such a warm, grateful heart. Writing is so therapeutic for me. But so is looking through a week's worth of pictures. I appreciate you sticking with me even on these not-so-exciting posts...because sometimes, 

life is a box of un-sharpened number 2 pencils...

 

...and sometimes it's a box of Mr. Sketch scented markers.

 

Today, I'm gonna make it a vibrant, scented-marker-kinda-day! 

{Promise I'll be back next time with a more useful post...and less bad analogies} :)