Coffee Cozy Giveaway

My friend at Coffee Shop Journal, turned me on to a blog today that is giving away these cute "coffee cozy's" so check out the LIFE AS WE KNOW IT blog, and enter for a chance to win.

Have fun.

Hip Mama

Ooops?

Have you heard? There has been this weird "oops" on my blog lately. It's very annoying, and I couldn't figure out where is was coming from. Now I know! It's the Flickr slideshow at the bottom of the blog. I'll take care of it some time this week. Weird, huh?

Ooops!

Revolutionary Road Review

If you visit often, you might have seen my New Years Resolution Post, and that one of our goals for the year is a once-a-month (at least) date night. Hip Hubby and I had the opportunity to catch a movie, coffee & dessert this past weekend. Here's my attempt at a review.

I love period type movies--the setting, the clothing, the linguistics and colloquialisms of the time. It could be any period, say before the 60's or 70's.. I once fancied a history degree, and going on and teaching in a University setting--I Know, probably not the most "Hip" thing you've ever heard from me. What first attracted me to the movie, was the 1950's setting, and the premise that it related to a married couple.

April and Frank Wheeler live in the suburbs. Frank commutes to work in the city. April stays home with the kids. April had once been a budding actress--her dreams set aside when she married, and Frank, without any real ambition in life, found himself in a well-paying mediocre job at the same company his father had worked for.

I can relate to April, played by Kate Winslet. Winslet did an amazing job of portraying a wife and mother--feeling trapped by the day-to-day monotony of suburban life. The build-up in the frustration of her existence was perfect. April wanted a spark, excitement and purpose injected back into her marriage and personal life experience. Frank, was played by Leonardo DiCaprio. In my opinion, DiCaprio's performance was less than stellar. Frank, also unhappy with the cards he had drawn--but unlike April, had no drive or belief in himself that he could be anything more than he was--succumbing to the rat race and infidelity.

In an effort to overcome their stagnant existence, they plan a trip to Europe to "find themselves". They enjoy the excitement of change and anticipation of a different future for their family. One filled with purpose, adventure, and the idea of being superior to their current surroundings. When life throws them a curve ball or two, and plans change, April spirals downward in hopeless frustration, unable to see anything beyond her-self and her despair.

The movie ends uncomfortably. As we left, I was struck by a couple of things, first of all, it was strange. It was oddly disappointing, because, despite not having many expectations, I was at least thinking it would have a typical somewhat happy ending. Instead, I was left thinking, okay, that was--sad. There was infidelity in the movie, which I can't stand and I felt the theme could have come across without it. The plot was good. I didn't like the ending. I thought Kate Winslet's acting and character portrayal of April was excellent. I did feel that the characters early relationship could have been better developed. The cinematography and consistency with the period culture was excellent.

After having a few days to think about the movie, I understand the frustration April felt, and the need to find purpose and fulfillment in life and marriage. We all feel that way at one time or another. I have felt the despair, not over the same exact situations as April, but I understood the depth of hopelessness that she felt in her position in life. However, I have a savior in Jesus that gives me hope and purpose. I was sad for the ending, not just because it was tragic, but that the outcome didn't have to be. Mediocrity isn't a necessity--even if you live in the suburbs with a few kids and a husband that works 9-5. The need for a loving God was acutely evident in the movie--not because He was there, but because He was so starkly absent.

Revolutionary Road: 2 1/2 Stars

Hip Mama

10 Things Taken for Granted when Pregnant!

1. Bending down to put on my shoes...or anything on the lower half of my body.
2. Going to bed...and falling asleep without an alien in my belly deciding it's disco fever time.
3. Energy.
4. Small Boobs...although I complain about that when I'm not preggo too. Ha. Never Satisfied!
5. Shaving my legs.
6. A glass (or 2) of Wine.
7. Running & Playing with the kids.
8. Walking Long distances w/out holding up my belly.
9. Picking my kids up for hugs...at least.
10. Finding a comfortable position without propping myself up with 10 pillows.

Ha! I enjoy being pregnant...but I was thinking about this last night as I sat on the floor of the shower-laughing-while shaving my legs. Hope you all have a great week.

Hip Mama

Week 30: Countdown to Baby #4

This is me and Lily, week 30. Technically 10 weeks to go, but since all my chilluns were born, 2, 3 & 4 weeks early, I'm hoping she'll last until Mid-March. She is very active, especially at bedtime, when I'm exhausted and want to go to sleep. I can already tell this little girl is going to have A LOT of personality.



If you are thinking about us, send up a few prayers that I won't get to anxious about the delivery, that God will bring provision for the things we need to get prepared for the baby. I still don't have the basics yet...clothes, crib, car seat etc...but it will all work out I'm sure.

We are all super excited about our newest addition and her arrival this spring! Almost daily one of the kids asks me how long it will be until she is here. I'm surprised by their excitement and anticipation. I haven't noticed even a tinge of apprehension among them.

I thought I would give a little shout out to my awesome Hip Hubby...who comes home from work daily and is SUCH a BIG help. I love him so much...and I'm so thankful he puts up with my craziness. :)

Thanks for not just being an amazing husband and daddy, but a wonderful and compassionate friend, you're still my one and only! I thank God for you everyday (almost--ha) I love you!

Hip Mama

Wordles & Games

Create Your Own Wordle Here

Over at the Coffee Shop Journal is an excellent writer, and a dear friend...and this activity was fun, so I thought I'd try it too.

See my bloggy friend, PHOTOQUEEN...for the game....so here is mine.

My name - Hip Mama

Boy name - Harry

4-letter word - HECK

Girl name -Hillary

Occupation - Hair Dresser

Color - Hazel

Something you wear - Hip Huggers

Beverage - Hard Cider

Food - Hot Dogs

Something in the Bathroom - Hair straightener

A Place - Houston

Reason for Being Late - Having 3 kids to get ready before I leave

Something you Shout - Hey You!

Thanks for the fun....link your list and/or Wordle in the comments....

A Break in the Silence

Elijah & Elisha by Michael D. O'Brien

I know I have these momentary lapses of silence...where I can't seem to get my mind around a starting point for a post. It's usually because I'm struggling. Writing, or blogging makes me feel. Sometimes I just don't want to feel. However, pushing the thoughts and struggles of life down deep inside me doesn't make me feel any better either. Just numb. I desperately wanted to wait to post until I had something positive to share, something fun, something uplifting. Well, that's just not where I am at. My Blog was started on the basis of being REAL. And I guess I just need to get back to basics. I think if I am just real and share the bumpy patches in my life, it will make room for the sunny patches.

My parents divorce, even though I am an adult--with children of my own, is heartbreaking. Being away from "home" is difficult too, because I want to be there for my Mom and my little sister and in moments like these the distance gap seems to grow wider. My mother-in-law came for a visit this past week. We had a great time...but it made me miss my family even more. To make a long story short(or at least to save you from all my whining), I have been in the midst of a personal pity party, if you must know.

However, today I decided, at the suggestion of my bloggy friend photoqueen to subscribe to the Proverbs 31 daily devotional. Today's verse (which I posted on the blog) was really what I needed.

“You give me your shield of victory,

and your right hand sustains me;

you stoop down to make me great."

Psalm 18:35 (NIV)

For whatever reason, I pictured ( and 1st read the verse---like this--) the Lord SWOOPING instead of STOOPING. Today the Lord SWOOPED down--can you see the picture? Like a mighty blazing charriot in the times of Elijah. He reminded me that He is my shield...a mighty warrior standing guard to protect me from the enemy's nasty arrows of poison. He feeds me, clothes me, protects me and carries me when I just can't walk any farther.

Lord,

Thank you for SWOOPING down and saving me today. You are an amazing and mighty God. You have NEVER let me down. I have let you down, and yet you stand by me commited to see me through each battle. You continue to mold me into the woman, mother, wife, daughter, friend you want me to be. You salve my wounds, and tend my every need. You give me victory over my enemies...despair, depression, failure, insecurity etc...Because of You, I am not defeated! And you are LIFTED UP! Your love consumes me, comforts me and makes me whole.

Thank you.

New Year's New Goals

I'm not a big fan of New Year's Resolutions, but in the interest of blogging, and "putting pen to paper" I thought I'd share some of our thoughts and desires for this year. My husband and I have had some on going goals this year, which we are continuing.

• The number one priority for our family at the moment is Financial Freedom. We are a long way from our goal, but we have resolved to work hard and really honor the Lord with our finances as he leads us toward Freedom from debt.



• A personal goal of mine lines up with the latter. I really want to work on growing my Juice Plus business. I was making an extra $400-500 a month, but with Homeschooling, and other responsibilities in Florida, I let it slide and I'd like to build up to at least that point again...applying the extra $ toward our debt and savings. Thankfully, I'm not starting over completely, since I'm still making almost $200 per month now. Follow-up and consistency are my biggest issues relating to work. I truly believe in the product and I have soooooo many close friends that have been very successful with JP, far exceeding my own goals, and it's easy to talk about. (Who doesn't need more fruits and veggies?-affordably.) So if you're looking for a way to make a little extra moolah, and get healthier at the same time, let me know. He, He...(you know I had to add that) :0)



• My next goal is to be more consistent, not just in business, but in my prayer life, and spending time with God.



• I'd like to spend more quality time with each one of my children--by themselves--getting to know them more deeply on an individual level.



• A date night with my husband once a month would be nice.



• A romantic weekend get-a-way, once this year, sans kiddos.



• Oh, and get back into my Fly-Lady Routine...most of the time.

I'm trying not to set goals that are TOO specific...only because if I get too specific...and can't achieve them...well you know the drill.

If you haven't already set some goals and blogged about them, what are some of yours?

Hip Mama

Happy Birthday Sweet Girl

Another Birthday celebrated by our sweet girl who just turned 8. You are growing up into such a beauty inside and out! I love that you enjoy drama so much and are doing so well in school. Daddy and I are especially proud that you love Jesus and have such a desire to learn about him more...wanting to read your Bible and spend time with him.

You, and Daddy and I are having a few little growing pains here and there, but I realize that's because you are growing wings...learning who you are and developing your strong personality. You are unique and special. Lovely in God's eyes and ours. You are our first born. You will always have that place in our hearts and we love you more now than we ever have. Our love for you grows with you and gets bigger and deeper and wider each year that passes.

Sweet Quinny, you have big dreams, a sweet spirit and desire to serve Jesus. No matter what you want to do in life, I know that with the Lord you can do anything that pleases Him. Keep smiling, laughing and enjoying life. Our prayer for you has always been that you Love God and Serve Him! You are doing that already, even at 8. The Bible says, Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but be an example to the believers....We pray that this is your desire this year and in the years to come.

Happy Birthday! We Love You!

Happy Birthday Little Man

Just a quick tribute to my precious son. I love you so very much and I'm blessed to have you in my life and be your Mommy. What a priviledge! Every day you make me smile and praise God for the Life that began in my womb...and now I'm charged with raising a strong, bold, man of God.

My prayer for you has always been that you would change the world through your love of the Lord. That you would make an impact on the lives of others and Glorify the Father who gave you to us. You are mine for the moment...but I realize you are His. A precious and unique vessel for the Lord. I pray God would give your Daddy and I wisdom as we teach you and train you up to know Him. I pray that He who began a good work...will carry it on to completion, despite all of our imperfections and mistakes.

I Love You! Happy 4th Birthday son.