The Lewis family is losing it today. I'm blaming the humidity and 85 degree November day for this one. It doesn't explain the epic tantrums that have become our daily norm, BUT today...it's totally the weather.
And I feel lost and deflated when we lose it as a family. Whether at each other or with each other or alone, I just don't know what to do.
The boy just melted today. And I had no power to change the furrowed brow or the crocodile tears or the mixture of snot that they created. I tried grabbing and holding on for dear life....and that didn't work. It just made him angrier. I tried joking....and that didn't work.
As i walked to my room to pick up the laundry basket, I prayed that I wouldn't lose him. It's too soon to have these struggles. So, I made him help me with laundry. I threw towels at him. Then socks. Then the same socks. Then the same socks. Then the same socks. And FINaLLy he cracked. And smiled. And we played catch with socks for a few minutes. And he hugged me and was passed whatever the heck it was that shut him down for an hour this afternoon.
And my new mantra, "Do you need help or do you need a spanking?" Directed at my mini-me...doesn't work. And I don't mean to brag, but as I was typing this she ripped the shower curtain and bent the curtain rod because she's mad that I had the audacity to make her shower..
Take heart beautiful mothers and sisters and friends... There will be joy again...
Joyfully full of it...seriously, full of it today!
Tiff
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Friday, October 11, 2013
Two years..but I'm not counting
Tomorrow is October 12. This date will forever represent the day that it all changed. And if I said "good change" you would either think I was callous or normal.... Depending on if you have "that" date in your family or not. My daughter doesn't recognize the man in the picture....that's a tough thing to face. His face will forever make me smile.
This is a picture of my dad in 2008. Before my family started remembering dates that change our lives. And October 12, 2011 he went to heaven. I like to say his impatience and curiosity finally caught up with him and he won the ultimate race.
You can read more about it here...
http://www.mykidsmakemesmile.blogspot.com/2009/02/recoverybasketballtvtrains-see-last.html
(I don't know how to do fancy links on this app..sorry)
We were and are again, that nauseating beaver cleaver family that really loves each other. We had a hard couple of years but God has been so faithful and has held on to my family so tightly. Our first date was January 31, 2009. I won't rehash the details. I've blogged about it. So did my sister (www.heleekalesmom.blogspot.com). We've blogged and talked and cried and paid a lot of money to a shrink and we've survived.
And if my dad's death accomplished anything, it was bring us all back to the Savior's feet. Humble. Mourning. Angry. And in need of a little help.
In the beginning, I didn't think I would ever stop counting the days. Then keeping up with the weeks. Or months. But we finally made it to counting the years. I call this healing. We miss him. We will see him again.
My family was so supported by friends and family right after daddy left us. We received so many flowers and plants. And two years later, look what I haven't killed...
The last four were all in the same pot. And I just about killed them. Last year I decided to repot them. And really had to pray about the fact that they could possibly fade away. I struggled with what that would mean. (And if it would make me cry....ugh).
As you can see, they are alive and look back at the pictures, NEW GROWTH. I just noticed it today. NEW GROWTH two years later. What a wonderful surprise and reason to celebrate.
My dad still sneaks up on us. He's like a 6'6" ninja. Sneaking up when we least expect it.
Just exactly when my soul needs it. I stop. Remember. And talk about this amazing man that was lucky enough to be my dad. ;) such a lucky guy....
My mom went to see dad today. To spend time with her best friend of 35 years. And to cry (probably) for the loss we feel. I bet she laughs too because my daddy brought such great joy to everyone around him.
Tomorrow will be a hard day for my family. And next year will be a hard day for my family. We'll have hard (ninja) days in between. We'll laugh at the days ahead and have no fear. Joy will fill our cups and overflow to those around us. And HIS peace will settle on our shoulders.
And soon enough... We'll see Toot-Toot again.
I bet he'll have lots of good jokes to tell us.
Joyfully full of it,
Tiff
Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged; The Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9
This is a picture of my dad in 2008. Before my family started remembering dates that change our lives. And October 12, 2011 he went to heaven. I like to say his impatience and curiosity finally caught up with him and he won the ultimate race.
You can read more about it here...
http://www.mykidsmakemesmile.blogspot.com/2009/02/recoverybasketballtvtrains-see-last.html
(I don't know how to do fancy links on this app..sorry)
We were and are again, that nauseating beaver cleaver family that really loves each other. We had a hard couple of years but God has been so faithful and has held on to my family so tightly. Our first date was January 31, 2009. I won't rehash the details. I've blogged about it. So did my sister (www.heleekalesmom.blogspot.com). We've blogged and talked and cried and paid a lot of money to a shrink and we've survived.
And if my dad's death accomplished anything, it was bring us all back to the Savior's feet. Humble. Mourning. Angry. And in need of a little help.
In the beginning, I didn't think I would ever stop counting the days. Then keeping up with the weeks. Or months. But we finally made it to counting the years. I call this healing. We miss him. We will see him again.
My family was so supported by friends and family right after daddy left us. We received so many flowers and plants. And two years later, look what I haven't killed...
The last four were all in the same pot. And I just about killed them. Last year I decided to repot them. And really had to pray about the fact that they could possibly fade away. I struggled with what that would mean. (And if it would make me cry....ugh).
As you can see, they are alive and look back at the pictures, NEW GROWTH. I just noticed it today. NEW GROWTH two years later. What a wonderful surprise and reason to celebrate.
My dad still sneaks up on us. He's like a 6'6" ninja. Sneaking up when we least expect it.
Just exactly when my soul needs it. I stop. Remember. And talk about this amazing man that was lucky enough to be my dad. ;) such a lucky guy....
My mom went to see dad today. To spend time with her best friend of 35 years. And to cry (probably) for the loss we feel. I bet she laughs too because my daddy brought such great joy to everyone around him.
Tomorrow will be a hard day for my family. And next year will be a hard day for my family. We'll have hard (ninja) days in between. We'll laugh at the days ahead and have no fear. Joy will fill our cups and overflow to those around us. And HIS peace will settle on our shoulders.
And soon enough... We'll see Toot-Toot again.
I bet he'll have lots of good jokes to tell us.
Joyfully full of it,
Tiff
Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged; The Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Lemons and Love
Well, you know the saying...."when you buy a bag of lemons at Walmart, you make lemonade with the hope that you can use the time to bond with your son who is struggling." You've heard that right? ;)
So that's what we did Monday. We made lemonade. Just me and my sweet little man. His idea. We googled the recipe just like Martha Stewart would do and make sugar filled lemonade.
And it was delightful. The minutes we spent together as well as the delicious lemonade. I have missed this sweet boy and his smile. I miss having days that aren't tear filled and painful.
In fact, we are having a hard day today. But I'm clinging to that handsome smiling face today and pressing into him until I find a way to love him through this mess of growing up.
I'm claiming a verse my mom reminded me of that got us through a rough patch before....
Ephesians 3:17b-21
And I pray that you [Michael], being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you [Michael] may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all the generations [even this current generation], for ever and ever! Amen.
There some real power in those verses that I need to cling to when I'm deflated and beat down by the burden of parenting my beautiful children.
Joyfully full of whatever I can get....
Tiff
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Almost Famous
This weekend was spent in Dallas with my handsome husband. We went to a wedding for a very dear friend from high school. I got to see my beautiful friends from high school (and elementary school...) and meet Gretchen from the Real Housewives.
Meet Miranda. Friends forever...really, for at least 30 years. I don't know why she is still my friend and I am so blessed by her. You can follow her journey with twin boys here. She also actually took a picture of the beautiful bride...
The picture of 3: Me, Erica, Miranda
Erica is my fabulous friend from high school. She has the coolest life. She doesn't blog because her life is so busy. Her joy flows from her words and actions every time I get to see her.
The beautiful addition to this picture is Amanda. Friend from high school. I don't get to see her enough because she is a real grown up with a grown up job.
And here's where I am almost famous. I think I was telling them that I didn't have cable and hadn't seen their show. But I still wanted a picture to show my sister.
I'm currently waiting for the producers to ask me to come in for a cameo and maybe a re-occuring role. I astounded them with my wit!
Maybe that's a stretch.
The "fiance" walked up to Mike and this is how that conversation went...
Fiance: So, do you know who I am?
Mike: No. Should I? I'm Mike Lewis who are you?
Fiance: You really don't know who I am? I'm on TV.
Mike: Like on the news? I'm sorry, we aren't from Dallas. What channel are you on?
Fiance: .....(silence)....
Mike: We don't have cable. Or a computer at home.
Fiance: That's what she said. Really? We are on the Real Housewives.
Mike: We have an iPad. Could we watch your show on the iPad?
Fiance: Probably. ......(walked away)...
Don't you love my husband???
Joyfully full of all kinds of stuff!
Tiff
View from our hotel room...Hot date! WOo-hoo...
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
What I learned over summer vacation.... By Tiffany Lewis
1. Summer time makes us all HANGRIER than usual!
2. Having Claire (the rock star nanny) for a month of the summer was delightful and was THE WAY to enjoy summer vacation!!
3. We missed Claire during August!
4. My summer bubble was wonderful and empty by my choice. And after I stopped checking my email and phone like a mad woman, I was able to slow down a little and enjoy the nothing.
5. I get lonely when my bubble is empty. (It's not a perfected process). Two more months of summer and I would have it down.
6. Even if you get up early ALL summer to work out and sweat, you can still get the summer suppleness.
7. I hate the summer suppleness.
8. If my children do not have food in their mouths at 11 and 3, ugly things will come out of their mouths.
9. Their momma also needs said snacks at said times for the same said reasons. ;)
10. I like being tan.
11. I especially like when my tan is for a week in Destin with my whole family.
12. Tennis is a new sport that our family enjoys. Especially for combatting #7 and supporting #10. Also, I don't feel as dumb wearing tennis skirts since I played 3 whole times this summer.
13. Katelynn's bucket list includes: red buckets, green buckets, blue buckets, and pink buckets. (Spelled bukets). She may not understand what a bucket list is. We may not have explained it to her because we thought it was so funny.
14. Giggling with my family is my favorite summer activity.
15. Just being with my family is my favorite place to be.
What did you learn over your summer vacation??
Joyfully full of it,
Tiff
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
2. Having Claire (the rock star nanny) for a month of the summer was delightful and was THE WAY to enjoy summer vacation!!
3. We missed Claire during August!
4. My summer bubble was wonderful and empty by my choice. And after I stopped checking my email and phone like a mad woman, I was able to slow down a little and enjoy the nothing.
5. I get lonely when my bubble is empty. (It's not a perfected process). Two more months of summer and I would have it down.
6. Even if you get up early ALL summer to work out and sweat, you can still get the summer suppleness.
7. I hate the summer suppleness.
8. If my children do not have food in their mouths at 11 and 3, ugly things will come out of their mouths.
9. Their momma also needs said snacks at said times for the same said reasons. ;)
10. I like being tan.
11. I especially like when my tan is for a week in Destin with my whole family.
12. Tennis is a new sport that our family enjoys. Especially for combatting #7 and supporting #10. Also, I don't feel as dumb wearing tennis skirts since I played 3 whole times this summer.
13. Katelynn's bucket list includes: red buckets, green buckets, blue buckets, and pink buckets. (Spelled bukets). She may not understand what a bucket list is. We may not have explained it to her because we thought it was so funny.
14. Giggling with my family is my favorite summer activity.
15. Just being with my family is my favorite place to be.
What did you learn over your summer vacation??
Joyfully full of it,
Tiff
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Loving on me
My family has "acts of service" the heck out of me this week. Just when I needed some love.
Free car wash! And after I dried it, it was lovely and clean...
But before this, my handsome husband acts of serviced this for me....
BAM! A deck to sit on and hang. He even strung Christmas lights in the tree so it's lit up.
So, in the midst of my temper tantrum because of my children's less than acceptable behavior, I was still so very much loved.
How have you felt or seen love this week? Soak up the hugs and kisses and clean cars you can. (And remember them when the sarcasm is spoken freely)
Joyfully full today....whew!
Tiff
Free car wash! And after I dried it, it was lovely and clean...
But before this, my handsome husband acts of serviced this for me....
BAM! A deck to sit on and hang. He even strung Christmas lights in the tree so it's lit up.
So, in the midst of my temper tantrum because of my children's less than acceptable behavior, I was still so very much loved.
How have you felt or seen love this week? Soak up the hugs and kisses and clean cars you can. (And remember them when the sarcasm is spoken freely)
Joyfully full today....whew!
Tiff
Monday, August 19, 2013
But sometimes they don't....
My kids make me smile...but sometimes they don't.
I have picture to post of the 3 1/2 minutes that they haven't argued today but I'm just too exhausted to even try to start uploading the pictures.
How many days until they go to school? Don't get me wrong, I will cry and miss them and be sad that summer is over....but today...I'm not feeling that sadness...at all!
Are you feeling this way too?
Oh good. Solidarity sister. We can make it. The stress and excitement of the new school year may be overloading us. Or maybe we can only handle 69 days together before we totally lose it. Whatever it may be, I hope that you are able to stop yelling for a few minutes during this last week of summer...
I have picture to post of the 3 1/2 minutes that they haven't argued today but I'm just too exhausted to even try to start uploading the pictures.
How many days until they go to school? Don't get me wrong, I will cry and miss them and be sad that summer is over....but today...I'm not feeling that sadness...at all!
Are you feeling this way too?
Oh good. Solidarity sister. We can make it. The stress and excitement of the new school year may be overloading us. Or maybe we can only handle 69 days together before we totally lose it. Whatever it may be, I hope that you are able to stop yelling for a few minutes during this last week of summer...
And remember that moment when he said he loved you....
And she made a squirrel face with a 3 fingered peace sign....* I have no idea what she is doing.
And then remember that most of the time they do make you smile.
Maybe not today....
Striving for Joy and grasping at peace for 6 more days.
Tiff
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