Dear Halloween, Thanks for being good to us.

Dear Halloween,


I just wanted to take a little minute to say thanks for being so good to us this year.
We enjoyed every minute of your candy corn, pumpkin spice, costume wearing, Hocus Pocus watching, haunted house, trick-or-treat goodness. Don't tell the others, but you're my favorite holiday. Everyone else is like, 'Oh, Christmas, come quickly!', and I'm over here like, 'Halloween, I miss you already'. Until next year, dear friend.

Love,
McCall

I Get It

If you follow me on Twitter or Instagram or Facebook or here, then you may have noticed that I haven't said much about the recent events in Connecticut. 

And while I realize it's been a while, I can guarantee that to the people directly affected, it feels like it was yesterday. 

I've been absorbing it. Taking it all in. Trying to make some sort of sense of it. 

Trying to understand. 

And while my heart breaks for the families of those with lost loved ones, my heart also breaks for the teachers, both those who survived and those who did not. 

I remember my third year of teaching. 

That year our training emphasis was on the students who are really hurting and the safety of our school. 

We talked about, we researched it, and we watched the Columbine footage. 

Not the news footage or a documentary of sorts, but the actual footage from inside the school on the day of the infamous Columbine tragedy was played for all of us to see. 

And I knew. 

As a teacher, it's hard not to love your students. 

The government tells us it's wrong. 

As teachers, we are supposed to find the perfect balance between caring for them for up to eight hours a day as their own mothers would and not crossing the line. We are supposed to wipe their noses, dry their tears, and help them with their struggles. We are supposed to comfort them, encourage them, and nurture them.

But we aren't supposed to love them. 

Thanks to a few teachers gone rogue, the rest of us risk great judgement if we use the word 'love' and 'my students' in the same sentence.

But all of the good teachers I know break this rule. 

We DO love them, often times as though they were our own children. 

And that year, I had the most exceptional group of students that I will ever have. 

And I loved them. 

So while the principal talked to us about the importance of 'having a plan' in times of distress and 'the right thing to do' at the first threat to us and our students, I clearly remember not having to think about what I would do;

there is no doubt in my mind that I would have done whatever I had to in order to protect my students, even if it meant risking my life. 

These precious kiddos were a part of my heart. 

I invested everything I had into them. 

I considered them family.

I would have been willing to go to war for them.

I loved them unconditionally.

I respected them.

I related to them.

They were my kiddos.

And to this day, seven years later, they are still a huge part of my life. 

I still love them. 

I would still do whatever I could to protect them. 

I would still sacrifice whatever I had to for them.

They are still my kiddos.

And while I realize that I have not been directly affected by the tragedy in Connecticut, it's the stories of the teachers that make it most real to me.....because I get it. I understand their hearts and their desire to protect those they love. I relate to them.

And I so truly respect them. 

Year 32: What I Learned

I turned thirty-three on Monday. 

Another year older and *ahem* wiser, right? 

Let's hope so. 

Thirty-two was a huge growing year for me. I learned so much about myself, about others, and about service. 

I also got a better idea of the person I hope to one day become. 

Here are some things I learned this past year:

*This year I learned that no matter how much we like to think we are in control, we simply aren't. 

*I learned that God is so much bigger than $7000. He will provide every single penny that is needed when you are truly trying to serve Him, as He did for us this spring and summer as we prepared to go to Uganda.

* I learned that sometimes unexpected adventures are the very best kind. 

*I learned that it's impossible to be everything to everyone. We have to make choices. We have to compromise. We have to say no sometimes. 

*I learned that people really, really, really like cake batter dip. 

*I learned that I have more self control than I ever thought possible. 

*I gained a whole new appreciation for moms with little ones in the hospital.

*I realized that sometimes we bring failure upon ourselves. We invite it into our lives and let it forward its mail to our houses. Boo on this. 

* I learned that sometimes it's okay to do things that are scary and out of our comfort zones. 

* I discovered that being patient is really, really hard for me. 

*I was reminded that motherhood is the most challenging and most rewarding job on the planet. 

* I learned that God calls us all to different things. What seems of the utmost importance to me, isn't even on someone else's radar. And when something is so important to you and not so important to those in your life, it can be extremely hard. It will hurt my feelings every single time.

*I saw firsthand the hardships others are facing every day and learned that somethings in life you will see and  never, ever forget. 

*I learned that I am extremely thankful that God is pushing me out of my comfort zone and breaking my heart for what breaks His. 

*And I was reminded that fear is a crazy, crazy thing. 

Most importantly, thirty-two for me was the year God really broke my heart for Africa. 

Can't wait to see what He does in year thirty-three. 

***And if you'd like to know what I learned in year thirty-one, you simply have to look here.***

And don't forget about the Noonday blog train. Here's a link to today's post and here's what else is to come to this week. 

Here's hoping your year is fulling of learning, of growth, and of stepping out of your comfort zone. 

Our Spring Break in Pictures

Spring break is officially over, but it sure was fun while it lasted.

In short, it looked  little something like this:

Here's hoping your break was as full of yummy treats and fun moments as ours was.

Happy Sunday funday to you and you and you.

Year 31: What I Learned

- After watching my two girls, I learned that I'd give just about anything to have a sister.

-I learned that sometimes teaching makes me grumpy. By this I mean, I have a tough time watching kids make bad choices, be ugly to one another, and waste away this time in their lives. I'm not very good at 'sit back and keep your mouth shut while they make their own mistakes', and thus, the grumpiness frequents my house.

-I learned that having a hurt back is not fun for me or my family. It will cause Libby to say things like, "My mom is always sick", and this will hurt my feelings every.single.time.

-I learned that I can in fact go a month without eating Mint Oreos. It may not be fun, and I may not like it, but it can be done.

-I learned the value of a dishwasher after living without one for the past six months.

-I learned that some friends are truer than others.

-I learned that every relationship, friendship, and family has troubles. They don't always get along. They don't always agree. They may not even always like each other. Fortunately, some things in life are worth fighting for, and relationships are one of these things.

- I learned that a year is way too long to go without seeing your best friend.

-I learned that in some aspects of life I am super strong and can handle more than most. I also learned that about some things I am overly sensitive.

-I learned that moving is not nearly as much fun as it seems like it will be. It's an illusion, and yet I fall for it every. single. time.

- I learned that not everyone will relate to my desire to help Africa. Not everyone will understand. Some will even question and judge. Specifically, they will say things like, "Why are you so worried about Africa when there are so many people and children here who need help?". This will hurt my feelings, but there are two things that will keep my chin up: 1. I fully believe God has created a special place for Africa in my heart. I cannot explain where it comes from or the overwhelming love I have for these people. 2. Not everyone has the same heart. Some people are aching to reach out to St. Jude or the ASPCA or the American Heart Association. I happen to believe it's great that we all have different cares and concerns; a whole lot of injustices can be helped that way.

-I learned (we'll call this one a work in progress) that I don't have to defend my decisions or likes and dislikes to everyone. As long as I know I've done the best I can with what I have and the gifts I've been given, that is enough.

-I learned that even the best mothers sometimes take time for themselves.

-I learned that being a grown-up is sometimes no fun at all.

- I learned that some years are growing years. While these years won't be much fun, they will push me to be and do better. They will help get my priorities in order and help me realize what it is I really want out of this one precious life I've been given. These will be the years I look back on later and remember the most, because I learn and develop a whole lot more during a 'growing year' than do during a year that I'd label as nice and easy.

-I learned that no one's life is as perfect as it seems. Every one of my friends is fighting her own battle. And while some battles may seem harder or even more glamorous than others, whatever it is, it's a big deal to her. And a good friend is there with you through whatever it is. I want to be that friend for the ones I hold dear.

-I learned that being a mom is hands down the hardest job ever.

-I learned that whether I am working or taking a year off to spend with my babies, being a mom is still a full-time job. There are good things and bad things to both and both scenarios are tough at times.

-I learned that friends can come in any age.

-I learned that blogging makes me really, really happy.

-I learned that Libby is growing up to be so much like me that I'd better be overly aware of everything I say and do from here on out.

-I learned that it's okay to not try and pretend to be of the supermom variety.

No lying, thirty-one was not my easiest year.

But thirty-two is off to a bright start.

My word for this year: SIMPLIFY. More to come on this.

If you are one of the bucket loads of people who have wished me happy birthday today, thank you, thank you, thank you. You have made me feel so very special.

Here's wishing a happy Saturday (or what's left of it) to you and you and you.

Today I'm linking here and here. Care to join me?

30 in my 30's

Today is my thirty-first birthday, and if you've been keeping up, you'll know that I've spent a good bit of time thinking about how I want to spend today.

Here's what I've come up with (for real this time, not like yesterday): 

 I want to spend today celebrating this one life I've been given.

I want to think about the things I'm proud of, things I regret, moments I would love to relive, and moments I wouldn't repeat if you paid me with a lifetime of unlimited Starbucks.

And I've made a list.

You see, for the longest time, I kind of felt like thirty was old.

 And...well....that just can't be true. I certainly don't FEEL old.

And there are still so many things I've never done and things I want to do one day.

In short, I've still got a whole heaping lot of living left to do.

And I'm hoping this list will help.

After being inspired here, I've composed a list of thirty things I want to accomplish while I'm in my thirties.
Obviously, this isn't EVERYTHING I want to accomplish, just a few specifics I hope to check off my even bigger life list.
Some are going to be easier to cross off than others,

which is why I'm glad I still have nine years to work on them.

So, without further adieu, here are my thirty things: 

1. Take Libby to see a play.

2. Find and purchase a pair of jeans I absolutely adore.

3. Spend a day at the pool with my mom.

4. Keep my whole house super clean for one week straight....and the kids have to be here all seven days.

5. Take Libby to her first concert.

6. Get a dog.

7. Have a Friends marathon.

8. Go camping as a family.

9. Learn to actually play my guitar.

10. Spend a day reading at the beach.

11. Get an awesome tan.

12. Read Ramona Quimby: Age 8 with Libby.

13. Be comfortable with my after-baby body.

14. Have a family photo shoot and be happy enough with how they turned out that it's hard to choose which ones to buy.

15. Laugh until I cry.

16. Be able to run around the block without wanting to keel over and die.

17. Send a postcard to PostSecret.

18. Do something that's completely out of my comfort zone (in a good way, of course).

19. Give someone I love a fabulous gift for no reason other than to say 'thanks for being you'.

20. Send a different card to a different friend every day for a month.

21. Learn the Single Ladies dance.

22. Eat dessert first.

23. Have a family game night.

24. Have a girls' weekend.

25. Reach 500 blog followers.

26. Start making some dolla dolla bills y'all from my b-l-o-g.

27. Write something and have it published.

28. Learn some more about my grandmother's childhood.

29. Do something to help the people suffering in Africa.

30. Decide what I want to be when I grow up.

***I'll be highlighting them as they are completed. ***

Happy birthday to me and good luck, right?

Well, if you're inspired as well, which would be so totally cool, do tell.

And share a link. It would make my day to read your list.

And don't worry, as I complete them I promise to share

....and I have a feeling one of them will be crossed off very, very soon.....

Oh, and one more thing before you go:

I still have two giveaways going on through the end of the day, as well as a linky party.

You can find them here, here, and here.

Wish me luck as my mom and I head out on our adventure today, and worry not- I promise to share all about it.

And I'd LOVE to know which one of my thirty things you're most interested in or most looking forward to reading about one day.

 And comments sound like a GREAT birthday present (hint, hint).

   

If I Could Do Anything....

We've survived one birthday this week, and tomorrow there will be another.

Seriously, how is it possible that I'll be thirty-one in a matter of hours?

I remember when I used to think thirty was SO O.L.D.

And I don't feel thirty.

By that I mean, when someone asks me how old I am, it's all I can do not to blurt out "twenty-four" without thinking.

What exactly did I DO in my twenties that makes me feel like I'm eternally stuck there?

It's not that I MIND being thirty+, it's just that I don't FEEL thirty+.

Regardless of how I feel, however, tomorrow is a-comin'.

And I'll be spending it with my mom...going on a mystery date of sorts.

For basically the first time in my life, my mom has managed to keep a secret from me.

She's got something planned,

 and I have absolutely no clue where we're headed or what we're gonna do once we get there.

So, today I'm imaging and pretending.

And if I could spend tomorrow doing ANYTHING I wanted, with no time or money or reality to stop me, here's what I'd do:

I'd go back to the place where I spent most of childhood:

Isn't this church beautiful? It's where I went to school from pre-k to eighth grade. I spent nine years there and met some of the most wonderful people I've ever known during that time. And I haven't visited since 2004. Unfortunately, a piece of my heart broke when it burned down in November. And if I could do anything tomorrow, I'd spend some of my time visiting it one last time.

I'd also sit and watch these two play for a bit.

And by play, I mean no fussing, no fit pitching, and no having to say 'no' and 'stop that'.

They would just sit, and smile, and laugh, and be my precious little angels.

After that, I'd spend some time at a place that looks a little something like this....

...and I would call my grandad, who died just after Libby's first birthday.

I'd talk to him about when he was young and when he met my grandmother.

I'd ask about his undeniable faith and tell him over and over again how much I love him and how thankful I am for him stepping in as my father figure during that time in my life when he was the only one I had.

Then I'd find a place that serves these. They'd be fat free, of course.

And packed full of vitamins, obviously.

Just like this would be:

You see, tomorrow I'd have a bottomless cup of warm peppermint mocha.

 I'd drink it all. day. long.

And it wouldn't bother my not-so-great after almost dying from e-coli kidneys one little bit.

And all day I'd feel like this:

And I'd take a little trip here, coffee and good book in hand.

And when I got tired of reading, I'd sit, stare at the waves, and do some of this:

And at some point tomorrow, I'd see or hear something that's as funny to me as this is:

And then all of my best friends would join me at the beach.

We'd play in the waves, look for seashells, and laugh and laugh and laugh.

In fact, we would smile so much that on a REGULAR day, this is the point when my face would officially hurt from over-using my smile muscles.

There's also be a point (or several) during tomorrow when I'd be rocked to the core with inspiration to do and be and live better.

And undoubtedly, I'd spend some time doing some of this:

And, at the end of the day, I'd sit back with a full belly and a full heart and a face filled with a smile and stare out at something that looks like this:

And I would feel overwhelmingly.....

p.s.) Love the pics in this post? You can find them and tons more that are equally as great here.

2010: The Faves

It's no secret that the end of the year is approaching at light speed. And I've spent a little time this past week thinking about the ways little blog o' mine has grown throughout these last twelve months, as seeing as how this time last year I had less than twenty followers, I'd say she's grown quite a bit. And in case you're new around these here parts or if you just want to relive the highlights, here are what I consider to be the best of Lee, Me, and the Girls from 2010.

Rockstar by Morning
Summer's Rollin' On In
Those Dang Pinchers
The Former Me
Spending My Time
Here, Kitty Kitty
Dear McCall, age 18
Lib's Got a Little Somethin' to Tell You
Those Dang Pinchers
I Am That Mom

I would love to know which one's your favorite.....

And if you do a post on your blog with YOUR favorite posts for the year, leave a link, and I'll check it out.

And be sure to come back tomorrow....there's a big post in the works.

Shake Like You Paid For It

I got a birthday comin' up....like in eleven days.

 And I find that the older I get, the more I think about days gone by....anyone with me on this?

 I think about things I'm glad I did, things I wish I hadn't done, and things I wish I'd gotten a chance to do.

And as much as I love my babies and my life as a mom in suburbia, there are still a few things I can't help but miss.

One in particular calls to me in the night.

Hi, my name is McCall, and I miss dancing.

 By this I mean, I miss those nights when the girls and I would get all dolled up and head out to nowhere in particular, but you can bet that wherever we'd end up would have speakers that keep the cops in business and music so good that you can feel the beat in your sleep.

There's just something about those moments when the music is so loud that dancing is really non optional.

Had I known at twenty-one that my dancin' days were limited, I would have made sure to have more of them, and I would have blinked less, because while it feels like this picture was taken not too long ago, it was actually taken ten years ago this month.

And should the birthday fairy visit me, I know exactly what I'll ask for....

I just want just one more college night on the town with my girls....

...one more night with no bedtime.....

....and no automatic alarm clock....

....and no worries or stress waiting on me when I wake up.

Just one more night to shake it like I bought it....

...and I should be all set to go another ten years shake free.

So birthday fairy, I've got my dancin' shoes all dusted off and ready....

and I'll leave the light on for ya.

WINNERS and Christmas Days Gone By

First off, we have winners. :)

Congrats to CALLIE, comment #5, on winning the Little Buttercup Baby giveaway,

and to SARAH GOLDEN, comment #14, on winning the Cardboard Sheek giveaway.

Will you two please contact me with which item you'd like and your mailing info? Thanks.

And now, Christmas will literally be here before we know it.

And I'd like to take a minute to think about some of my favorite memories of Christmases gone by:

Man, my kid is cute.

And I have to ask-- what is YOUR favorite Christmas memory?????

Happy Thursday and be sure to come back tomorrow-- I have a super cute giveaway in store.