It's hard work being a CEO...

Recently I became the CEO of a highly recognizable company – The Household.   There were several disgruntled employees (dust bunnies, coffee stains, empty refrigerator, hungry husband), but ultimately they gave in and emphatically brought me on board and welcomed me in to my new position.  This was just a mere few weeks ago and already I feel as though the changes I’ve made have been for the best (not to mention long overdue). 

In my first week, I knew I would be faced with the inevitable- letting go of things that have been a staple of The Household.  This task was of course, quite daunting, and left me with extreme anxiety as I began my job.  Shortly after starting, I pulled out the broom and began sweeping up the mess that had been left for too long.  The dust bunnies were the first to go and didn’t even put up a fight.  They knew their time here was over.  The coffee stains had other plans and proved to be quite resistant.  It was a struggle for power, but I eventually won.  The empty refrigerator was replaced with the help of some much needed resources (which I’ll happily share, soon) and I’m proud to say that business here at The Household is off to a great start in the new year. 

Below you’ll find a list of a few of those changes that deserved immediate attention as well as the solution that has made a positive difference.  My hope, is that as CEO’s of your own companies such Home.Is.Where.The.Mess.Is and Cottage.Gone.Crazy, you’ll find some peace in knowing these resources exist and won’t put a dent in your budget!

 

Problem One:  Empty Refrigerator

Visit this online recipe box and you’ll be ready to fill your fridge and your bellies with easy, no nonsense, healthy choices to those every day classics you forgot existed.  Yes, your meal can look like this:

www.skinnytaste.com
And it IS as good as it looks!

Don’t forget to head on over to the planning department for my favorite meal planner forms to help you with your shopping.  This will save you time and money when walking the aisles of your grocery store.  My tip, plan meals that involve some of the same ingredients over a two week period; one trip to the store and you’re done.  If you’re a CEO of a larger company than mine, you might prefer this.  If you’re lucky enough to have “assistants”, take a moment to look here before embarking on your next trip (the former teacher in me would appreciate you making it a “teachable moment”).

 

Problem Two: Overworked Employees

Right in line with the Empty Refrigerator issue, I found that my one and only employee was working two jobs, with very little to show for it.  I brainstormed and immediately thought of Thankful Thursdays.  Each Thursday I make a different sweet treat for him to share with his boss (GREAT option) or take to his other job.  I’ll start sharing my Thankful Thursdays in the future, but for now, enjoy this little sweet treat recipe from Kacie’s Cupcakes (my “other” job).

Triple Chocolate Peanut Butter Surprise

Prep Time: 5 Minutes

Cook Time: 20 Minutes

Level: Easy

Serves: 16-18 Cupcakes

 

Ingredients:

1 box of triple chocolate cake mix (Ghiradelli)

**Whatever else is necessary to complete the box recipe**

1 box of instant fudge pudding (surprise!)

1 bag of Peanut Butter Cups

1 bag of Reese’s Peanut Butter Chips

Jiffy’s Peanut Butter (or whatever you prefer, those this is the BEST for icing)

1 bag of powdered sugar

½ lb unsalted butter at room temperature (or ½ cup Crisco for that crisp icing)

1 teaspoon vanilla (more to taste if necessary)

 

Directions:

1.     Prepare cake mix as directed on box.  Add ½ the dry pudding mix.  Pour in to cupcake molds (I always spray mine and try not to use liners unless making them for others. I spray my liners, too). 

2.    Unwrap the PB Cups. Push the PB Cups upside down in the middle of each cupcake so that they are flush with the top of the mix.

3.    Bake as directed.  NOTE:  You can NOT put a toothpick through these so always check your cakes starting at 5 minutes before the buzzer is set to expire.  Check often so they don’t burn.

4.    Eat extra PB Cups (check for quality control, of course!)

5.    Let cool for 5 minutes in tin, then transfer to wire rack.  Let cool completely.

6.    Prepare Icing:

a.     Sadly, I don’t have an exact measurement, as I like to just continuously taste until I think it is perfect.  But, start with:

·   1 cup of peanut butter, 1 cup of powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and ¼ cup of softened butter.

·   Beat butter and peanut butter until creamy.

·   Slowly add the powdered sugar by ¼ cups.

·   Add vanilla.

·   Continue until you have reached your desired consistency and taste, alternating between the powdered sugar and peanut butter. Add more butter if you’d like it to be creamier. (I almost ALWAYS use an entire bag of powdered sugar-  ooops! )J

To Ice Cupcakes:  Place in Ziploc bag.  Cut one corner off to make a small triangle.  Squeeze gently and swirl as you go! Sprinkle PB chips on to! 

 

In a rush?!?!  Use a store brand container of icing, add peanut butter, whip and go! J

 

Problem Three: BORED CEO

Don’t let the day to day routines get you in a rut.  Remember, CEO’s take vacation days, too!  Get out and enjoy things (and the company of others) that make you happy.  I recommend at least once a week.  Gather with other CEOs and consider it a business meeting!

 

A small CEO meeting along the shores.  We were "planning" for sure!

I Choose Faith

Recently a friend posted an article that, quite frankly, hit a nerve.  Perhaps it’s because I had only a couple hours of sleep from anxiety of a new semester, only enough time for one cup of coffee this morning instead of my usual three, or that my stomach was growling.  But it hit that nerve and my thoughts suddenly gushed out in the form of words which found their way on Facebook.  My friend, bless her heart, never saw it coming.  

I wasn’t mean in my post.  Nor did I attack her.  However, I did want to stand my ground, which had just been firmly pulled out from underneath of me.  My world, the one I had spent the past 14 years building (I became a follower at 16), was not only questioned but mocked.  Suddenly, the woman who is always quiet and poised became loud and heard.  (That’s the thing about us southern women; we can only hold our tongues for so long.)

Here is what I said (because one must always own what they say):

Of course, I would be the one that has to come up with a response to this post (which is in the works). However, just to touch on the end... we all believe in something. That something can be God or it can be nothing. Suggesting our beliefs should not be worn outside our homes and church is upsetting. Why should we not wear who we are when those who don't believe are always letting the world know exactly how they feel about God?  If those that don't believe in Him can discuss Him so freely, then why can't I?

To which her response was:

I think (without being able to go back and reread at this moment) that the point she's driving at is that we get criticized all the time for verbalizing our beliefs in nothing. We get told frequently that we're going to Hell, or that we're damming or children, or we're sinners, etc. it very rarely goes the other way. I would never criticize someone for their belief in God, but i do ask that those who believe keep their judgments to themselves. Talk about God all you want, but do not force him into my life or pass judgment onto me for not believing the same way.

Oh I should’ve had that second cup of coffee:

Sadly, it does go the other way. The entire article called us believers, liars. It was a rant that went on to tell us all that we have sold our kids on a lie, made fools of ourselves, and our children are the reason the world is the way it is. Though each are entitled to their own, I'm tired of hearing from non-believers that they are offended by the strength of our faith and the voice that does not shake. I do not pass judgment on you for the way you wish to raise your child, but please, do not pass judgment on us because we have chosen a different path.

She, also a big time caffeine fan, and probably having withdrawal, then said:

I totally disagree. She simply stated how she sees things. She did not call anyone out. She simply stated the other side of the coin. She never once said that anyone who believes in God is a liar, just that she cannot believe and these are her logical reasons why.

I've never EVER passed judgment on anyone who does believe, and certainly have never called anyone a liar, a fool, etc. But what I have heard, TO MY FACE, is that I'm evil, damning my child to an eternity of fire and brimstone, and that we deserve that. REALLY? Whether I believe in Heaven/Hell, God/Satan or not...is that something a so-called "good Christian" should say to another human being, regardless of religious belief?

I'm not offended by the strength of anyone's faith. I am offended when they say the things aforementioned. I am offended when they try to force my child to believe. (For example, when an adult told Maddie not to say "Oh my god!" because it was wrong to take HER lord's name in vain and she was committing a sin.) I am offended when they say I'm a bad person because I think differently than they do. You don't need to believe in god to be a good person, who serves others and teaches their child/ren to do the same. Atheists experience a different kind of religious persecution, the same as many Christians have throughout the years.

And… I threw in the towel.

Until now…

 

I respect this person.  She is an extremely talented professional photographer, an amazing mother to a spunky kiddo, and a phenomenal wife (I assume because I’ve never heard otherwiseJ).  I would consider her my friend (and hope she does as well and hasn’t bought a voodoo doll since I decided to open my mouth).  She also happens to be a nonbeliever who has chosen to raise her child without religion.  Hence, the reason she posted the article in the first place. 

I am an extremely talented napper, amazing mother to a thousand dust bunnies, and also a phenomenal wife (because he better not say otherwise).  I would consider myself her friend (and have NOT bought a voodoo doll because that would just be mean!).  I happen to be a believer who has chosen to follow and serve the Lord.  Hence, the reason I’ve posted this response to the original article:

I Choose Faith

I write this as Mumford & Son’s “I will Wait for You” plays loudly, bringing to life the words of my heart.  I remember the first time hearing the lyrics and the tears that flowed as I heard myself speaking to God through their song. 

“Well you forgave and I won’t forget.  So tame my flesh and fix my eyes…and I’ll kneel down and wait for now.  I’ll kneel down.  I will wait for you.” 

 I have heard this song a thousand times since and each time it gives me chills and brings me to tears.   I wonder how many others have heard this song and found themselves wondering where God fits in to their lives.  Perhaps they hear God speaking to them…

I will wait for you. 

Our God is patient.  He waits for each of us.  He waited 17 years for me.  And if he has to wait a lifetime for you, he will. 

Like a father, he waits for all of his children to come home.

Why do I believe this?

I believe because I can’t imagine living a life for no purpose other than to die.  If there is no Heaven or Hell, then why exist?  Why work so hard to leave a legacy for our children, if in the end, it won’t matter?  If there is no consequence for the life we lead and no reward for the path we’ve chosen, then why do believers (and nonbelievers) place so much emphasis on “doing what’s right”?  If, when our life is over there is nothing, then what harm is there to have spent a lifetime as a reflection of the love God has shown us?  I believe because to me, there is no other choice. 

And, when I have children, they will hear his words and know his love.  It will be up to them to make the decision as to whether to accept Christ in their hearts and follow a life of faith.  I will not make the choice for them.

And you?  If you have made a choice not to follow Christ, then my faith should not bother you; for you do not believe in such things as Heaven or Hell.  The cross that hangs around my neck should hold no meaning to you and therefore should be of no offense.  And when I say, “God bless you” when you sneeze, do not be angered for those words are of no value to you.   

But when you say…I want my children to be free not to believe and to know that our schools and our government will make decisions based on what is logical, just and fair—not on what they believe an imaginary God wants… understand that those terms can only be defined by right and wrong, which was established by God.

Still have doubts?  Read this!

Oh SNAP!

 If you've ever driven through a small, southern town on a Sunday afternoon, you've probably noticed a porch full of people- families gathered together after church.  Grandchildren are running around, parents are sipping sweet tea, and the youngest is always perched on the lap of the oldest in attendance.  The south is notorious for Sunday gatherings, though I'm sure they're not the only ones.



My grandmother, southern and modest, having her leg shown
after my Papa pulled up her skirt.

In our family, Sundays were always spent at my grandparents' home, either swimming in their pool during the spring and summer months or fighting for the corner spot on the couch in front of the fireplace the rest of the year.  There was always sweet tea, brownies, and chocolate candy despite the fact my grandfather is diabetic.  It was the comfort of being with family, the ease in which we came and went, and the release of stress that occurred when you walked in the door that I cherished most.  The memories are etched in my mind I just wish I had some to hold.


My grandfather, not really a fan of cameras, is hardly in any of the pictures I do have.  Now that I am 2,000+ miles from home and my grandmother has passed, I wish I had more.  Which brings me to the reason I'm writing today:  take pictures.



Like my grandfather, I also hated being in pictures (though I was always about snapping them).  I never like my outfits, hair... basically, I never liked the way I looked.  And so, I always found a reason to leave the room when a camera was around or turn my head right as a picture was being snapped.  That is, until I realized that life is not forever. 

Some time after my grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's (which you can read about here), I realized how important these family relics were.  I made my plea as we gathered for holidays and my grandpa, finally understanding, smiled for at least a few.  By the time we were married, my grandmother barely knew who I was.  I never got a picture of us together with her in my wedding gown (something I will regret forever), but rushed home after our honeymoon to take one in their yard.  Her hair was ruffled, her makeup missing, and her clothes mismatched.  She would've died if she knew what she had looked like-  to me it is one of my most cherished pictures.  She is real and that picture gives me a look in to what I hope will one day be our future-  standing with our grandchildren after they're married. 



With my grandparents celebrating our first week of marriage. 

So now, I beg you, take pictures.  Lots of them. And then... BE IN THEM!  You may not like the way you look, the awkward face you've made, or the lack of perfect hair and make-up.  But, the person taking it loves you the way you are.  And one day, they will be all that's left.  Have them taken by friends, family, and finally- professionally!  One day, you will be happy you did!