Baby, Family, Lifestyle

True Life Parenting: Expectation vs. Reality

Again with throwing out ALL the expectations, parenting fits into this as well.

Didn’t we all have those dreams and ideas of how parenting would be?

And it’s not necessarily that our dreams are taken out completely, but when it comes to the “reality” of parenting…our dreams of parenting change.

Basically, until you become parents you seem to have an idea in mind as to how it will be to raise your children.

Then—you see reality, and sometimes the only thing you can do is laugh and know that all is well, nothing is perfect including “parenthood.”

Having expectations just puts more pressure on parenting which stops you from enjoying all the moments.

Here is a list of EXPECTATION VS. REALITY in our current parenting life.

-Expectaion: I will never allow my child to throw crazy, spoiled and spontaneous tantrums because they will know that my parenting style does not allow it.

Reality: My children ALL have moments of crazy and monumental tantrums and I have no control over most of them. In fact, I have learned the better way to handle it is to walk away and not “REACT,” say a prayer, and then try my very HARDEST to talk to them gently about their poor behavior and set a consequence.

Expectation: My children will eat very healthy.

Reality: If my kids have a “taste” of a fruit and a veggie a day, I am ecstatic!

Expectation: My child will be wise beyond their years. As a former school teacher I will do all I can to have my children reading and writing and learning advanced academics before kindergarten.

Reality: My son specifically does not enjoy learning from me–his mother. I have to gear up to try my very best to get him to do ONE line of a new letter. He can write his name but sometimes forgets a letter. And you know what? I am completely satisfied because I know he is smart and will do just fine if he isn’t the very top of his class in kindergarten. He learns on his own time in his own way.

Baby girl in her onesie!

Expectation: My children will not go out in public unless they are fully clothed and groomed properly.

Reality: My baby wears just a onesie most of the time, I am happy to get out the door with me carrying some shoes for the kids, and if they have some attire on, life is good—matching clothes has been thrown out the window! Having hair done is a bonus!

Expectation: I will have a wonderful and delicious home-cooked meal for my entire family to enjoy six days a week.

Reality: My son rarely eats what the rest of us do so I start feeling like a short order chef and often get overwhelmed by the idea of what to cook for dinner.

Expectation: As a mother I will always look my best — hair, makeup and cute clothes on.

My kids recent pictures July 2020

Reality: My go-to outfit is a t shirt and sweats, a headband and a pony tail often grace my hair, and if I get a full face of makeup on —I’m extremely lucky!

Expectation: majority of my house will be clean and my kids will have set jobs to help keep the house clean.

Reality: my house has toys everywhere and at the end of the day, my kids do the basics to help clean, but they are still a bit little to help with all the household chores. So, yes my house is not the tidiest these days , and that’s ok.

My littles happily playing with toys and making a mess.

The list goes on but I just have to say … I write this to remind all of you that life doesn’t go as planned.. whether in your parenting life, work life, or whatever it may be.

It’s ok if you’re “expectations” aren’t your reality.

Should you stop creating goals and expectations ?

Nope?

Should you give yourself some grace ?

Yes.

And can I tell you something more…

I am very happy with my reality in our parenting life, it’s ok with me because at the end of the day… our little family is happy and healthy.

So before you get worried about all the “expectations” you aren’t living up to… remember that you’re not alone.

Give yourself a break.

Enjoy the little moments of your cute kids, it goes oh so fast!

xoxo,

Christy Lee

Lifestyle, Miscellaneous

Things I’m Afraid of…

We all have things we are afraid of in life, so in this post I’m going to disclose all the things I’m terribly and deathly afraid of.

Let’s think about it, is it ok to be afraid of things?

Yes.

However, we do have to learn how to conquer fears at the same time.

How do you deal with all the things you’re afraid of in life?

1. Snakes— I know it’s a common one but we are talking deathly afraid. There is no amount of money you could pay me to hold, touch or be close to a snake!

2. Swimming in the open ocean. Yes I have done this, but the older I have gotten, the more fears I have such as: sharks, sting rays, jelly fish and more so.. drowning. I’m not the most confident swimmer and had to get pulled out of some large waves once as a young girl —and I still have such a fear of the ocean.

3. Disappointing people. This is one I’m constantly working on, but I’m definitely afraid of disappointing people. This fear of disappointing people can cause issues with trying too hard to be perfect too. It’s an inward battle I consciously have to make but I’m always afraid of being a big disappointment to people I care about.

4. Spiders— similar to snakes, at least I can smash most spiders if I absolutely have to, but seeing them crawl around gives me goosebumps!

5. Tornadoes. I’ve never been in one but the idea of them is nerve-wracking and scary.

6. Major heights- this means I will NEVER sky dive bungee jump, rock climb, etc. I’m too afraid of heights and can’t grasp how it would be fun.

7. Lots of blood— I knew I could never work in the medical field because I have had a few instances where I’ve seen too much blood and it has caused me to pass out—- not my thing.

Whenever I get into an elevator I think of this instance and prefer the stairs for this reason.

8. An elevator getting stuck– in high school I was with a large group of people in an elevator and some girl pulled the elevator doors apart to be funny —and we got stuck in the elevator for a while. We were jam packed only for like fifteen minutes but I felt so anxious and claustrophobic.

So I could continue to add on pretty much all natural disasters but I will stop with eight.

Yes sometimes I face my fears and smash spiders, and sometimes I don’t —- never will I hold a snake.

I’ve come to terms that as a 35 year old woman, it’s ok to have fears. As long as these fears aren’t completely holding one back…. we all have our things we are “afraid of.”

And that’s okay.

What are you afraid of?

Until next time!

xoxo,

Christy Lee

Family, Food, Gluten-Free, Recipes

The Best Eclair Dessert/ Gluten-Free

Do you like eclairs? If so, you are going to love this dessert.

Even better? This eclair dessert is gluten-free and many people don’t actually realize it’s gluten-free!

This recipe is great for family gatherings, or larger groups. One thing I can guarantee about this recipe is that it won’t last long!

I would recommend taking at least two hours to complete this recipe since you need the crust to cool before adding the pudding mixture.

If you follow the recipe, you will see it’s quite simple to make this eclair dessert, and I am sure you will add it to your favorites.

Enjoy!

ECLAIR DESSERT

Ingredients:

Crust:

1 C. gluten-free flour (I prefer cup4cup)

1 stick of butter

4 eggs

1 cup water

dash of salt.

FILLING:

1 8 -oz. pkg. softened cream cheese

1/3 cup powdered sugar

1 6-oz pkg. instant vanilla pudding

3 Cups milk

1 8-oz. container Cool Whip

Hershey’s Chocolate syrup

Instructions:

  1. Bring water to a boil then add butter. Once melted, stir in flour. This will form a stiff batter.
  2. Remove from heat and add one egg at a time, stirring to fully incorporated each time (a mixer works great).
  3. Pour into a 9 x 13 inch cake pan that has been sprayed with vegetable spray.
  4. Bake for 45 minutes or until golden brown.
  5. Remove from oven and cool completely.
  6. Mix softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, 1 cup of milk, and package of instant pudding. Mix well.
  7. Add remaining 2 cups milk, gradually mixing in well.
  8. Pour pudding mixture on top of the cooled crust.
  9. Top with cool whip.
  10. Just before serving, drizzle Hershey’s Syrup on top.
  11. Enjoy!!

I would love to hear if you end up making this. This recipe is sure to be a delicious dessert that all will enjoy….AND it’s gluten-free!

xoxo,

Christy Lee

Family, Lifestyle

Confessions of an impatient mom….

Patience is not my strong suit.

Compassion, I do pretty well, loyalty and integrity seem to be qualities I possess… but patience is a struggle.

So how then do I be a good, kind, mom to two toddlers and a baby… when I’m impatient?

Throw in a baby that is sleep regressing, and my impatient gets pretty bad!

My little 3 year old is regressing in her potty training and this mama…. lost ALL her patience today.

I yelled at this cute little girl and took her new doll into “toy jail.”

My patience was gone and my poor little 3 year old was the victim.

My cute little 3 year old daughter who loves to look “pretty”

And then you know what happened after I lost my marbles ??

I felt terrible.

I went to my 3 year old and told her I was so sorry I yelled at her, embarrassed her, and hurt her feelings.

And you know what that 3 year old did ?

She ran up to me and gave me a big hug and a kiss. It melted my mama heart.

Guess who has the best patience ?

My little ones.

They are patient with me learning the ropes as a mom to three littles, and they are patient when I’m short with them and hurt their feelings.

Kids can teach us so much.

Every night I pray to the Lord to bless me with more patience.

And right in front of my eyes, the Lord puts my own children as examples and reminds me how to be patient.

I can’t promise I’ll be a patient mom after this incident.

My weakness has always been impatience.

However, I can tell you I will work harder at not yelling, not getting so quick to get upset … I’ll look to my kids and try to be patient like they are with me.

Mommy and daughter

Bless these little ones who help us with our worst qualities.

From one impatient mom that is trying to recover!

xoxo,

Christy Lee

Clothing & Accessories, Lifestyle

If You Like Shoes, You Won’t Want to Miss This!

With all of my clothing posts sometimes shoes get missed, and I just couldn’t let them happen!

If you follow my posts, you know I like a good deal too.

All of these shoes are under $50 and they are my TOP PICKS!

Act FAST because a lot of these deals won’t last long!

I hope you enjoy these cute and stylish shoes.

It’s fun to make your feet look cute!!

(Disclosure: this blog contains affiliate links. This means that I get commission from any link you click on…but of course it’s at no cost to you!)

 

Scalloped Slides

If you are scrolling through shoes, your eyes will stop on these cute scalloped slides!

 

This new stylish look is so cute, and comes in a variety of colors.

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These shoes ship for $31.98

To purchase, click here

 

 

Faux Suede Platform Sandals

If you are looking for some cute, simple, slip-on sandals, these platform sandals are perfect!

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The detail on the sides of the sandals are so cute.

And with these neutral colors, these shoes are sure to match anything. 

The price of these cute sandals is only $24.00

To purchase these cute black sandals, click here 

 

 

Platform Casual Sneakers

If you like COMFORT and STYLE, you will love these sneakers!

These sneakers come in a variety of design from cheetah print, raffia, black etc.

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A bonus is the price!

These cute sneakers ship for only $31.98

 

 

Studded Ankle-Strap Sandals 

These stylish ankle-strap sandals are sure to make any outfit pop!

I personally love that they are flat, and would be easy to walk in!

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The price is great at $24.00

To purchase click here

 

 

Double Buckle Slide Sandals

These sandals are very trendy right now, and also look very comfortable!

These particular sandals come in a variety of colors as well.

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The price of these double buckle slides is only $30.98 (shipping included) 

To purchase click here

Family, Lifestyle, Miscellaneous

I have never….

Sometimes it’s fun to learn about each other. I just turned 35 years old and it’s funny to think about some of these things I’ve never done.

I would love to hear what you have NEVER done in the comments below!

I Have Never…..

1. Been to Hawaii and I really want to go! One day..it’s on the bucket list.

2. Made homemade pasta…never learned, and I’m gluten-free so I don’t know if I ever will.

3.Tried coffee. As part of my religion I don’t drink coffee but I like the smell because it reminds me of traveling .. airports have a strong coffee smell.

4. Changed a tire and it’s about time I learn!

5. Skydived and I don’t plan to.

6. Read the Harry Potter series… oops!

7. Lived outside of Utah… I’ve lived in Utah my entire life.

8. Tried sushi. I just don’t eat fish of any sort so I’m pretty positive I won’t enjoy it.

9. Had an ear ache. I’ve heard they are painful and I’m grateful I don’t deal with it.

10. Set a tent up by myself. Probably because my husband is the pro!

11. Failed a class in school… thankfully. I was always the studious type and sometimes stressed too much about bad grades!

12. Been Rock climbing —even though Utah is the perfect place for rock climbing .. heights scare me a bit!

There is more,but twelve is a great amount to share.

Maybe this is the year I try new things… we will see!

Xoxo, Christy Lee

Family, Lifestyle

Sunday thoughts….

As I sit here thinking about what our Sunday consisted of .. it makes me smile:

-We have my husband home, no work to go to.

-The kids enjoy making homemade bread with their dad.

– Having a good visit with family and neighbors.

-Cooking up a yummy roast for dinner with garden vegetables.. Delicious.

-Having church at home and talking about how we can be more like the Savior.

-Being outside as a family on a warm summer night,without a care in the world .. Peace.

It’s a time to reflect on life and a time to connect with loved one and to learn more about our Savior.

Sunday’s bring such peace to the soul in so many ways.

I love that Sunday’s feel different than other days.

It makes it even more special to have Sunday come once a week.

When I think about true, genuine happiness … Sunday’s with church and family are at the top of my list!

Happy Sunday and enjoy the rest of your week!

xoxo,

Christy Lee

Lifestyle

Why we need to laugh everyday ….

With the pandemic going strong I have felt the urge to write a post not just about optimism but about laughing… yes laughing.

I don’t know anyone who doesn’t enjoy a good laugh right?!

I’m sure many of you know that laughing helps your serotonin levels.

Even deeper, we have all been through a crazy, weird, different and hard time…. and a good laugh can bring such an escape.

Did you know during the Great Depression when everyone was broke and out of work … the movie industry thrived?

Why?

Because everyone was desperate for an “escape” or a way to find “peace of mind” when everything around them was stressful and hard.

I tell you this because I think we all can relate. We could all use a bit of an escape from reality and enjoy a good laugh.

This is when I turn to some of my favorite clean comedians.

I enjoy clean comedy because crude and distasteful stresses me, I want something light and funny.

Here are some comedians I turn to:

Ryan Hamilton — he is an Idaho born guy and he is so hilarious!

Jim Gaffigan– overall his material is hilarious and relates to real life

The Johnson Files: Find him over on Instagram and his stuff is clever and entertaining

Juggling the Jenkins– she has fun material for stay at home moms and people with anxiety

Michael McIntyre– a funny English comedian who has a lot of material on parenting.

Brain Reagan– his voice and the way he impersonates makes me laugh.

I’m sure there are more to add to this list and I’d love to hear from you as well!

So my August goal is to laugh everyday!

Not hard, and I think it will be beneficial !

Go laugh !

Xoxo,

Christy