Here's to 2016

2015 has been such a great, life changing year- mostly thanks to a little boy named Griffin. I kind of hate to see it end, but I'm already excited about some happenings in 2016- The Voice auditions (Yep. You read that correctly. I don't know what I've gotten myself into, but I'm going to try just to say I did!), "Dancing for Our Stars" for The Baddour Center, and vacation in Punta Cana! 

I came across this printable yesterday on someone's Facebook page,

and I've decided to put my answers here to share with you. That way, when I start slacking in a few weeks, you all can help hold me accountable!

So, I purpose to:

Embrace positivity and selflessness 

Engage in more prayer time 

Be a better wife, mom, worker, friend, but ultimately just be ME and be okay with who I am

Believe that good things do come to those who wait (aka BE PATIENT!)

Break my sweet tooth, my sweet tea addiction, and negative self image

Daily spend time with God 

Do more exercising 

Let Go of "what if's"

Learn to be content 

Live a healthier lifestyle and Live in the moment- stop living for the next major life event 

Give more time and attention to what is most important 

Grow stronger physically and spiritually and Grow closer to God, my family, and friends. 

So, there you have it, folks. I'd love to read your lists and see what you purpose to do in the new year. Here's to 2016! Happy New Year! God bless you!

Things I Wish Someone Would've Told Me about Being A Mom

I'm not one to wear my emotions on my sleeve, but I have been holding these thoughts in for awhile, so I have got to share them before I drive myself crazy. Here are a couple of things I wish someone would've told me about becoming a mom: 

1) That having friends when your a mom is hard! - You would think by 28, I wouldn't care about being accepted or fitting in, but truth be told, I do. Motherhood has made having friendships and a social life much more difficult. I was aware of the difficulty going into motherhood, but it didn't ever really sink in until Griffin was here. I long to have girl time (which is easier said than done). People don't think I notice, but I realize I'm not their first choice to hang out. I may be totally wrong, but I feel like I'm only included sometimes out of sympathy. I'm not nor have I ever been "the cool kid" or most popular, but the friendships I had before becoming a mom have seemed to be pushed to the back burner, and they take much more effort to work. I was quite a social person pre-baby, and I'm having a hard time adjusting to not getting to be quite so social. 

2) That motherhood makes you anemotional  basket case! - I used to laugh when my mom would cry over sappy commercials or movie scenes with cheesy, happy moments, but now, it doesn't take much to make me teary- sad or happy tears! Before Griffin, hearing bad news (especially about children) would make me sad, but now it just makes me fearful and overly heartbroken.  

3) That motherhood will teach you to slow down and enjoy the little moments - In our fast paced world, we miss the little moments quite frequently because we live for life's next big moments. I don't know if it's just me, but time has seemed to go by faster since I've had Griffin. It feels like he was born just yesterday, and in 12 days he will be 9 months old. If I blink, he'll be in kindergarten! I've learned to savor every little moment of down time I have with him (and with Cody, too). 

Maybe I'm not the only mom out there that has felt this way or thought these things. If you're a mom, what has motherhood taught you? Feel free to share your thoughts!

A Month of Thanksgiving: Days 25 & 26

The past few days have been spent enjoying time together with family and eating some good food, so I haven't had time to post. Since Thanksgiving is officially over and we're moving on to Christmas, this is going to be my final thanksgiving post, and since it is my last post (and I have two days worth of catching up to do), I'm going to just list the remaining things I have to be thankful for:

My health

My education

The Baddour Center- especially the residents who teach me life lessons daily

EVERY family member- not just immediate family but aunts, uncles, and cousins, too

My past- every lost friendship and ex-boyfriend, all of my past experiences (good and bad), every failure (and success, too) has shaped me into who I am today.

I hope you and yours had a blessed Thanksgiving! Just because Thanksgiving is over doesn't mean we stop being thankful. There is always something to be thankful for. There is always something good about each day; sometimes we just have to look a little harder to find it. I challenge you to ALWAYS find the good in your day! 

A Month of Thanksgiving: Day 24

Today, I am thankful for my grandparents, for the memories made with them and for their guidance and encouragement. I've only grown up knowing my granny (my dad's mom) and my granddaddy (who is actually my stepgrandad- I'm thankful that he accepted me and loved me like one of his blood grandchildren). I have so many special memories with them that I could share- from spend the nights to after school visits and talks. Such sweet times that I will always hold dear. 

There's also another lady who has been like a grandmother to me- Ms. Geraldine Laughlin. Long story short, I came to know and love her about 5 years ago when I needed a place to stay during my internship. Cody and I both have a special place in our hearts for her. She has such a servant's heart and love for The Lord, and it shows. She cooks us dinner every Tuesday night, and we look forward to our weekly dinners with Ms. G! She is the main reason Senatobia is home. She will never know how much of a blessing she has been to us!

A Month of Thanksgiving: Day 23

Today, I'm thankful for laughter. It doesn't take much to get me to laughing!  My favorite movies are comedies. Unfortunately, I tend to laugh at others' expense (i.e. If you trip and fall, I'm laughing first then asking if you're ok. Sorry, I'm that person.) and at inappropriate/childish things (i.e. If you squeeze the ketchup bottle, and it sounds like the bottle is passing gas, I'm laughing). I can also laugh at myself- believe me, I have a lot of "blonde" moments! I'm usually the only person to get my sense of humor, and that's ok. I've heard people say this about difficult circumstances- "You have to laugh about it or else you'd just cry." And it's true! There have been a few situations in my life that I could've been down and out about. However, I chose to laugh about them instead, and it made getting through them a whole lot easier! Laughter is definitely the best medicine. 

A Month of Thanksgiving: Day 22

G.R.I.T.S., an acronym for Girls Raised in the South, and today, this girl is thankful for her southern roots. 

I'm thankful for the "raisin'" I've gotten in the South- to say yes ma'am/no sir and  to wave hello to the vehicle passing by or say hello when walking past someone. I'm thankful to have been brought up in a small, country town. Yes, it was one of those towns where everyone knew your business before you even knew it was YOUR business, and growing up, I wanted nothing more than to get out of there. I did move away (not too terribly far away though), but it's funny how the older I've gotten the more I appreciate it and want to be back. 

I'm thankful for all of the things the South has tought me to love- Jesus, sweet tea, good music, SEC football (Hail State!), good food (catfish, BBQ, homemade biscuits with chocolate gravy), and taking things slow and enjoying life. 

People can say what they want about the South- that since we talk slow we must be dumb (not true- I can break out my ACT score and college GPA, if you'd like), that we don't wear shoes and/or have teeth (that's only a minute few!), or that since we're also known as the Bible Belt we must all be Jesus freaks (while I wish that were the case, it's not so).

I've traveled all over- from California to New York to Mexico to Romania- and while all of those places are wonderful, the south has a special place in my heart. Dorothy had it right- there's no place like home! 

 

A Month of Thanksgiving: Days 19, 20, & 21

I've got to quit getting behind. But hey, at least I'm sticking with my posts! 

Day 19- I'm thankful for coffee. I am not myself unless I start the day off with a cup of joe... or two, on some days. Thank God for coffee and for my Keurig that literally takes seconds to brew it. 

Day 20- I'm thankful for my friendships that have stood the test of time. I have a few friends that have been my friends for decades. We can go without talking or seeing each other for months, but when we do talk/see each other, we pick up right where we left off. You know who you are (at least I think you do!). I'm so glad to have y'all in my life; life would be boring without you, ladies! 

Day 21- I'm thankful for Christmas. I know, I know... Thanksgiving is not even here yet, but we're practically a month away from Christmas! I broke down and put up the tree today, so I'm really feeling the Christmas spirit! This is my favorite time of year. I love listening to Christmas music, seeing the lights and decorations, feeling the cool weather, going to all of the festivities that surround Christmas, spending time with family and friends, and buying gifts (and getting them, too- let's be honest here). But I especially love the meaning behind this wonderful holiday- the night our Savior and Lord was born. Without God giving us the gift of His son, we would not ever see heaven- and that's only should we choose to accept Him. I don't know about you, but life can seem pretty crummy sometimes. However, what encourages me most and helps me keep pushing forward is knowing that I have the hope of heaven and that my life belongs to The Lord. I hope that you  have the same reassurance and hope. 

A Month of Thanksgiving: Days 16, 17, & 18

I've got triple the catching up to do in this post, so here goes nothing! 

Day 16- I'm thankful for Girls' Bible Study. It is the highlight of my Mondays. I get to hang out with some awesome girls and ladies and sing, pray, and study the Word of God together. I enjoy getting to share in this time with our youth girls and watch them grow in their faith. It's a very sweet time, and not only do I get to enjoy it, but Griffin does, too. He gets passed around and loved on by all of the girls! 

Day 17- I'm thankful for the cooler weather. Although I'm a beach bum at heart, it takes the cooler weather to make me get into the holiday spirit a little more. It's getting there, slowly but surely! 

Day 18- I'm thankful for First Baptist Senatobia. I'm thankful for all of the friends we have made there who are now more like family. Since Cody and I don't have family immediately nearby, we really rely on the friends we've made in our church family. I'm thankful that we have a pastor who preaches the truth from God's Word and takes a firm stand on that truth, as well as the rest of the church staff. I'm thankful that Griffin will be able to grow up in this church. I'm thankful to be able to serve in the music ministry and youth ministry. I'm thankful to just be a part of such a great group of Christian people! 

A Month of Thanksgiving: Day 15

Tomorrow, my baby will be 8 months old. He's beginning to crawl and say "mama" (which makes me super happy), but time is not going by as slowly as I had hoped. Tonight, as I was rocking him to sleep, it really hit me that he's not always going to be little and that he's not going to let me rock him for forever. With that said, I'm thankful for the moments I spend each night rocking Griffin to sleep. It's often one of the only times during the day when I get to sit and pause for just a moment, and I look forward to that time we get to spend together, just me and him.

A Month of Thanksgiving: Day 14

Today, I'm thankful for lazy Saturdays (even though I woke up at 6am- thanks, Griffin- and I've been on call). Very rarely do we stay put on the weekends. We're always going out of town somewhere. (The only reason we probably stayed put this weekend because I am on call!) Our week is fairly busy, so I enjoyed getting to be home and spend the day with Griff. 

 

A Month of Thanksgiving: Days 12 & 13

I'm behind... Again. I've got to get it together! I'm going to keep this short and sweet. 

Day 12- I'm thankful for my bed, that I have a comfy, warm bed. Having a bed is a luxury that I take for granted far too often. 

Day 13- I'm thankful for Fridays! Especially when those Fridays are pay days!  

A Month of Thanksgiving: Days 10 & 11

Here I am again with a double post. I didn't post last night because I was just too tired to think. 

So for Day 10, I am thankful for my in-laws. I don't even really like calling them that because they're more like a second family. I hear people talk about their terrible relationships or dreaded visits with their in-laws, but I'm am blessed to say I don't have that issue. I'm thankful for their love and acceptance into their family. I'm thankful that they are a family of Believers and raised my husband to love The Lord. I'm thankful that they shower Griffin with tons of love (and Cody & me, too). They truly are the best (even if they are Ole Miss fans!), and I love them dearly. 

Day 11- Since today is Veterans' Day, it's only fitting to be thankful for our soldiers' service (past & present). Thank you, soldiers, for sacrificing your lives to protect our country and our freedom. I'm especially thankful to these three soldiers- my dad and both of my grandfathers. My dad served in the National Guard, and both of my grandfathers served in the Army. God bless you all, and God bless America. 

A Month of Thanksgiving: Day 9

Today, I am thankful for music. I LOVE music. Music is what I've been about since I was a little girl. I started singing in church. Growing up, Mom would take my sister and me to sing at the local nursing homes. I was part of the band- played clarinet, did color guard, and worked my way up to drum major. I took piano lessons for 5 years and guitar lessons for 3 years. I've led worship, and I currently play the keyboard for our youth group's praise band. 

I'm thankful that Griffin loves music. He enjoys hearing his mommy sing and play guitar (I think). I hope he continues to love and appreciate music.

I don't plan on ever getting famous for my music abilities (although at one time that was my dream). It's just an outlet for self expression, and I'm thankful I have music to help me express my thoughts and feelings. 

When I went to college, I chose to major in Music Therapy, and now I'm a board certified Music Therapist. I'm thankful that God blessed me with a talent that I'm able to use to help others and to glorify Him. 

A Month of Thanksgiving: Days 6, 7, & 8

Due to weekend busyness, I got behind on my posts, so I'm going to play catch up. Just forewarning, this will probably be a lengthy post! 

Day 6- I'm thankful for Senatobia. No, there's not anything spectacular about it. It's been 5 years since we've been here, and it's taken me (not sure about Cody) awhile to feel accepted and feel like this place is home. However, in this town are jobs we both enjoy, friends that we love like family, and our great church and church family. Those things are what makes Senatobia special. I know this is where God wants us because of all the doors He's opened for us here, so we're thankful He led us here. 

Day 7- I'm thankful for a roof over my head, a warm bed, clothing, food, a running vehicle, clean water, and health. I take these for granted so often. I have a tendency to play the "poor, pitiful me" card when life gets tough, but I have absolutely no reason to complain. 

Last but not least! 

Day 8- I'm thankful for this beauty- my little sister. 

I'm thankful I had you for a playmate growing up- to wrestle with in mud puddles and to jump terraces in the pasture on the go-kart and four wheeler (and get in trouble for doing so).

I'm thankful for all the laughs we've shared- together and at each other's expense. 

I'm thankful we both were blessed musically and could share in making music together. 

I'm thankful that you are such a wonderful Aunt to my Griffin. You've been there since his debut into the world, and you will never know how much it meant to have you share in that experience with me. 

Lastly, I'm thankful for the friend I've found in you. We haven't always seen eye-to-eye, but I'm so glad we've grown closer together as we've grown older. My life would be boring without you. Thank you for always being by my side. I love you, Fafrey! 

A Month of Thanksgiving: Day 5

I am very blessed to have these two for my parents. 

Here are multiple reasons (definitely not all) why I am thankful for them:

- most importantly, for their Christian leadership and influence in my life and for requiring my sister and me to have our tails in church every time the doors were open 

- for their guidance and encouragement, Anything I've ever wanted to accomplish in life they've always told me to go for it and been my biggest fans. 

- for being selfless and sacrificing their wants, their time, their energy, their hard earned money to provide for my sister and me, to drive us all over town to get us from dance lessons to cheer practice to piano lessons to band practice, to make sure we had what we needed (and a lot of times what we wanted)

- for their Godly example of a marriage relationship by sticking it out for 29 years and choosing to love each other even when the going gets tough.

- for showing Audrey and I unconditional love and not killing us when we acted like heathens

- and lastly, for loving Griffin and helping Cody and me along this journey of parenthood. You've given us a wonderful example to follow.

I know a lot of times we've made you question whether or not you raised us well, but personally, I think you did a wonderful job. No, Audrey and I are not perfect, but you have instilled in us Biblical truth and a love for others. You can't do much better than that. I am forever thankful for you and love you so much! 

A Month of Thanksgiving: Day 4

Today, I am thankful for my fur baby, Dixie. 

I remember the day she was given to me. Cody was SO not happy that I took her, but I couldn't say no!  She was the cutest thing I had ever seen with her long floppy ears and droopy eyes. 

A month or so after having her, we had a little scare- she was diagnosed with parvo. I am very thankful she was one of the lucky few who pulled through- thanks to early diagnosis and to the care of some awesome vets! She has definitely made my life a little happier. 

I know a little boy that loves her just as much as I do, and she loves him, too! Im thankful Dixie has taken to Griffin so well. She thinks he is HER baby! 

Dixie, the Ross family wouldn't be the same without you. I'm thankful for all the licks, cuddles, walks, rides, and adventures we've shared. They say a dog is man's best friend, and that you are, my sweet girl! 

A Month of Thanksgiving: Day 3

Day 3 belongs to this little guy right here- my son, Griffin. 

Cody and I prayed that God would bless us with a child. We tried for about a year before it was the right time.

Although I just KNEW I was going to have a girl, God chose to give us a boy. And this little fella has stolen my heart completely! 

He has taught me a kind of love I never knew I could feel. My heart just melts every time he smiles or laughs at me or wraps his little hand around mine. I'm thankful that God made me Griffin's mommy. I'm thankful for every moment I get to spend with him-even if that means it's at 3am. 

Little does Griffin know, but God has used him to teach me lessons- in patience, gentleness, joy, selflessness (to name a few). I'm thankful for these past 7 months that I've spent with Griffin. It's been the craziest, most wonderful adventure, and I'm looking forward to continuing on our journey together in the years to come. I love you, Griff!

 

A Month of Thanksgiving: Day 2

Today, I am thankful for my husband, Cody.  

We began dating in November 2007. I was a sophomore at MUW. He was out of college and working on the coast. 

We had been dating for 2 1/2 years when he finally decided to ask me to be his wife. Best decision he ever made! :) Just kidding, but seriously, it was the best yes I've ever said. 

We were engaged for a year and then tied the knot on May 14, 2011. 

During that entire time of dating and being engaged, and even the first seven months of our marriage, we had a long distance relationship and only saw each other every other weekend. It was tough, but it taught us trust. It made the time we did spend together that much sweeter. Thankfully, God blessed Cody with a job in Senatobia and allowed him to be able to move home and be with me. 

We've been married 4 years now, going on 5, and we've got to experience a lot of things together- buying our first home, enjoying some great vacations, and going on our first mission trip together.

However, the most exciting and rewarding experience we've shared together happened this year when we found out we would become parents to our son, Griffin.

 

Cody was with me every step of my pregnancy. He went to just about every doctors appointment, and when the time came for Griffin to be born on March 16, he never left my side. He encouraged me throughout the process and stayed strong for Griffin and me. 

Not only is he the best husband, but he is the best father to our son. I believe he may just love Griffin more than me, and that's ok!

This post makes our relationship look like a fairy tale. It's not. We have our moments when it's hard to choose to love each other, but we do. We frustrate the heck out of each other most days but  can turn right around and crack each other up. However, Cody is the best. For many reasons. He loves Jesus. He works hard- not only does he work a full time job but also volunteers on the fire department. He has a servant's heart- he will go out of his way to help anyone. He's funny. He makes sure Griffin and I are taken care of. He loves me- even on the days when I'm the most unlovable, he loves me. 

Cody, I love you, and thank you for being everything I need in a husband and everything Griffin needs in a dad. God knew what He was doing when He gave me you. I am thankful for you!