Parenting – Page 2 – christyleepixx

Family, Gospel Topics, Lifestyle, Parenting, Relationships

When All Your Tears Have Fallen

March 6, 2022March 9, 2022 christyaustin1680

When all your tears have fallen,

And your eyes are done with crying,

It seems like you must move on from this heartache.

You continue on in life, get back into routine,

And yet, somehow, something just doesn’t feel right.

Did I grieve too long, or not long enough?

Did I bottle up my emotions too tight?

Did I think I was stronger or braver than I am?

What’s stopping me from picking up and moving on?

The problem, you see, is all doesn’t return to normal again.

Your life has been altered, forever changed.

What used to be, doesn’t work anymore,

You have to completely start again.

Starting again is a challenge. Anything new is hard.

But little by little,you start your new path, and you find a new way in this life.

Never again, will you be the same, forever changed is your heart.

You can’t pick up the pieces of a broken heart, you have to move on with a fresh start.

Some days will be easier than others, some days will be very hard.

Time doesn’t “heal all wounds,” time creates a new path to move from.

You can’t forget the loss you feel, it’s not what’s meant to be.

Love creeps in when we need it. And through prayer and love, God helps us heal.

It’s ok if you still need to cry, it’s ok if you are sad and confused at times.

Just know your loss is because you loved.

And love will never be the same for you, because you were blessed with a life of love.

You experienced loss from love.

Your heart will always save a piece of that love you lost, and you will be forever changed.

Changed in a way so that you can help others, and lift them from their losses.

Changed in a way so that you can show true empathy to those around you.

Changed in a way to know that life truly is too precious and too short, to hold grudges and get upset.

Forever changed somehow for the better, though your emotions feel raw,

What was meant to be, blessed your life.

And now you yourself, are free to bless others.

Yes, even when all your tears have fallen, you won’t forget how the grief felt,

You’ll spread love and peace around you, and realize, that life is meant to be lived. So that you can spread love and goodness to others.

-Christy Austin

3/6/2022

Family, kids, Lifestyle, Parenting, Relationships

Motherhood Unfiltered: Not Setting Expectations for Your Children Who Are All Different.

February 2, 2022February 2, 2022 christyaustin1680

This is something my husband and I are learning as we parent our three young children.

I’m not saying we shouldn’t have values and expectations for our children. More-so, to be careful with the expectations that you do have for your children. Truly consider the consequences of that expectation.

Will the expectation hurt you?

Or more so, will the expectation hinder your child?

An example of this, is my cute first grade son and his reading.

He has been learning how to read since pre-school (it was interrupted by the pandemic).

My husband and I love to read, and always excelled in reading.

This is not the case for my son.

He is a very bright and intelligent boy. As a mom I see he has such an incredible memory, and he has such amazing critical thinking skills.

But currently, reading has been a challenge for him.

Reading is a frustration for him because it’s hard.

He dreads reading.

We read with him every night, but it’s hard for all of us at times.

We have noticed some improvement, even though it’s small, and I am learning to focus on that.

I realize that me setting a high expectation for his reading, is helping no one.

Instead, I realize I need to praise him for trying every time, because it is hard for him and yet he’s learning to do hard things.

And I am learning to focus on his small improvements. Because those small improvements, over time, add up to be big improvements.

My son is our oldest and we are constantly learning how to “parent,” with him.

I feel bad that my son has felt my stress when it comes to reading…and I don’t want that for him or any of my kids.

So from now on, I want him to keep reading, keep trying, but I don’t want to set an expectation that is untouchable for him at this point.

I see his many talents, which are art, sports, being a good friend, working hard , math and so many more.

Reading will come, I know it will. In the mean time, my parenting advice to myself is to “encourage and support, but don’t set a high expectation that pushes him and me into a frustrating and unreachable zone.”

I don’t know how my other kids will do with reading.

But I can tell you that I will remind myself to do the same with my girls; encourage and support, and focus on all the improvements.

Parenting is an amazing journey, but it also can be difficult from time to time. We are all learning and growing together in this fun adventure we call parenthood.

xoxo,

Christy Lee

Good Reads, Gospel Topics, Lifestyle, Parenting, podcasts, Relationships

2 Books On My Amazon Wish List..

January 20, 2022January 20, 2022 christyaustin1680

I love getting excited about books I would like to read.

Interestingly enough, both these books were brought to my attention through social media, either through a podcast or instagram.

I am excited about both of these books and hope you are too!

The first book I hope to order soon is written by Jody Moore entitled “Better Than Happy: Connecting With Divinity Through Conscious Thinking.”

Jody Moore is a life coach and a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I personally love her podcast entitled “Better than happy.”

I have learned so many insightful things from Jody Moore. She teaches many different things, but can help anyone navigate through stress, frustration, and hardship. She is encouraging and a delight to listen to. I know her book will be incredible.

At the price of only $14.95, you can’t wait to snag this impactful book.

2. “I Like Me Anyway: Embracing Imperfection, Connection and Chris t “ By Brooke Romney is another book I am excited to read soon!

Brooke Romney has a huge following on social media, she has great tips for parenting, raising teens, self help, and more.

Romney talks about ways to increase your personal peace, something we could all learn more about.

Even Better? You can order this book for only $12.59!

I hope you enjoy reading these books too. Once I am finished reading them I will give you my full review, but I am sure these books won’t disappoint.

Enjoy!

xoxo,

Christy Lee

Beauty & Skincare, Clothing & Accessories, kids, Lifestyle, Parenting, Relationships

5 Items You Will Love For Valentines Day!

January 11, 2022January 11, 2022 christyaustin1680

Valentines is such a fun day to celebrate.

I found some great items from Jane.com that I am sure you’ll enjoy for Valentines.

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!

How cute is this 14 Things I Love About You Scratch Off?!

This cute scratch off comes with all the items needed to write on the paper then to apply the scratch off sticker on top.

This could be such a fun way to show your kids, spouse, or anyone how much you love and care about them.

The price for this cute item is only $12.99 shipped. Grab it before it’s gone!

These Valentine Days graphic tees are a must have for the upcoming holiday!

At the price of only $19.99 shipped these cute tee’s will be fun and stylish.

Plus there are a wide variety of styles to choose from.

Look at these cute and adorable Valentine Itty Bittties signs.

You get to choose 2 signs for $14.99 shipped, which is a great deal!

Having these cute signs is a fun way to decorate your home for Valentines.

Check out these cute Large Valentine’s Prints.

These cute prints ship for only $7.97

These prints add such a fun, farmhouse look to any home.

This cute Valentines Day Garland can add just the perfect touch of color to any home.

And at the price of only $8.99, this is a great deal to grab one of these cute garlands.

You could hang the garland on the mantle or string it on a shelf.

Can you believe Valentine’s Day is only about one month away?!

Enjoy!

xoxo,

Christy Lee

Baby, Family, kids, Lifestyle, Parenting

A Children’s Book All Mother’s Need To Own!

December 24, 2021December 26, 2021 christyaustin1680

This book “You’ve Got This Mama!” by Megan Park is incredible!

The book is so relatable to all mothers who have ever had young children or any children at all!

This cute book is a reminder that being a mother is a full time job with hard days, but oh so wonderful days as well.

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!

I personally have a hard time reading it without getting emotional, it’s beautifully written.

The illustrations are beautiful too, and my kids love it when I read it to them.

And at the price of only $11.99, you’re getting a great deal for a wonderful book!

Hope you enjoy it!

xoxo,

Christy Lee

Family, Gospel Topics, Lifestyle, Parenting, Relationships

Teaching the True Meaning of Christmas to Children

December 20, 2021 christyaustin1680

My six year old son asked what I’d like for Christmas …and I told him that I enjoy giving gifts more than receiving ..so I didn’t really want anything.

As a child I think it’s hard to understand the concept of being truly happy to give gifts versus finding happiness in just the receiving of gifts.

We have our children give gifts to their siblings and friends, to practice the importance of giving.

As a family we make our favorite treats and give them away to friends and neighbors.

I think anytime we can remind children that giving and serving makes Christmas special …we are teaching them to be selfless and charitable.

What do you do to teach your children the true meaning of Christmas?

Here is access to a free printable for 20 days of True Christmas.

Merry Christmas !

xoxo,

Christy Lee

Baby, Family, Gospel Topics, Lifestyle, Parenting, Relationships

A Motherhood Quote That Brings Me To Tears Every time…

November 17, 2021 christyaustin1680

As a mother this quote by Mother Teresa starts my emotions flowing.

This quote is just true in every way.

Whether you think of your own mother as you read this, or of your children, or both.. this quote truly strikes a chord.

This quote reminds us that we all come into this world with individual purposes.

Mother Teresa explains that as mothers we want only the very best for our kids, and at the end of the day, that’s wonderful.

And yet, we can’t forget that our children’s’ purpose in life is different from our own purpose.

Even more, watching our children grow can be heart breaking, as we know with growth comes independence.

A mother will always want to protect and shelter her children.

However.. at the end of the day, it’s important to let our children grow and develop into whom they were meant to become.

This quote has such a deep meaning, and it brings me to tears every single time I read it.

xoxo,

Christy Lee

Family, Gospel Topics, Lifestyle, Parenting, Relationships

What I’m Starting to Learn is That We Are All Survivors …

November 5, 2021November 8, 2021 christyaustin1680

What I’m starting to learn is that we are all survivors…

Survivors of what?

We are all survivors of something that impacted us to the core.

Some are survivors of broken up, gut-wrenching, sad and abusive home life’s.

Others are cancer survivors, diabetes survivors, genetic disorder survivors and more ..

Some are survivors of divorce, abandonment, and relationship heartache.

Some are survivors of miscarriage, loss of a child, loss of a spouse, or a sibling, or parent, or loss of a close friend.

Some are survivors of bullying, and loneliness.

Others are survivors of learning disorders.

Some are survivors of racism.

Others are survivors of job loss, disappointment, and turmoil…

While others are survivors of depression snd crippling anxieties …

Could I go on?

Yes—it would take many pages to write them all.

Do we have something to learn from all of life’s survivors?

Always.

We are ALL survivors of something.

No one is dealt a “ride free” card in life.

By the time we reach adulthood… we have all survived a trial or many trials.

And as we continue on in life, there are more trials to come.

We all survive something hard and tough.

Yes, some trials come from poor decisions.

However, many trials emerge through our lives no matter how good and perfect our decisions are.

We ALL experience pain and heartbreak. It’s just the unfortunate part of life’s journey.

So knowing this, we ALL need to be a little more kinder.

We all need to be more thoughtful,

We are ALL living in a world of survivors.

A world where heartache is rampant.

There is not a soul in this world that doesn’t face some sort of trial.

So we must lead with love .

We must fight for others to share empathy.

We must understand that some survivors are hurt so deep that they can’t find peace.

And we have to help be that “peace” in the world.

We must smile more.

We must fight less.

And most importantly, we must remember that God himself knows that each child of His is struggling, and longing for something to lift them up out of the trenches and to bring light into their lives.

Everyday we have the choice, as a survivor ourselves.. how do we help the other survivors?

How do we bring light into a world of darkness?

The answer is simple, it’s Love.

The answer always has been and will forever be love.

Love may not take away all the pain, because pain runs deep.

But love brings the blanket of comfort and peace that is vital in this world.

Be the survivor that loves.

And this world of survivors will see, that love will, and always has been able to set them free.

By:C.N. Austin