Here's to You...Reality Show Winner's Mom

I've always thought I could dance, ever since I was four years old and sprained my arm break dancing to my neighbor's organ (yes, the kind that you usually only hear in really scary movies and high cathedrals). So, I'm naturally a huge fan of the show "So You Think You Can Dance". And, of course, I was seriously starstruck this last weekend when I got to meet last year's winner of the show, Sabra!

But was was even better is that I met Sabra's mom, Robyn, last year when the competition was starting. I knew before Sabra even made it to the top 20 that she was going to. Not only was it super sneaky to get all the inside info on the show and the contestants (thanks, Robyn), but it was truly special to walk through this experience with Sabra's mom. And she's a great mom...constantly praying for her daughter throughout the experience, taking numerous trips to see her perform, and being genuinely excited about her daughter's accomplishments. This last weekend, I really enjoyed seeing how proud Robyn was of her daugher...so here's to you!

A Good Book and a Good Reading Nook

There's nothing better than losing yourself in a good book...except maybe having a good chunk of noise-free, chaos-free time to read that book (if you're a mom). And everyone needs a good reading space for those few-and-far-between moments. Here's my idea of literary paradise...

I love this pristine and relaxing design by Jessica Helgerson Interior Design.

Any Monopoly fans? How about making your reading space "the Reading Railroad" with this painting by Catherine Conlon.

And your kids need to learn the appreciation of a good reading space! Get creative and design a reading nook out of an extra closet, a space under the stairs, or a corner in their room. Here's an idea from The Nesting Place

So, send the kids outside to play (with dad, of course), grab your favorite comfy blanket, and curl up with your fav sappy story, inspiring non-fictional read, or the latest design mag. Happy reading!

The Namesake

Welcome to my creative outlet. I've been blogging in my head for the past year or so, and I'm running out of room. So, here it is...

The Namesake...
After many revisions (remember, in my poor cranium), I've decided on the title "Crayons In My Briefcase". And here's why...I headed out the door to the office one day and went through the mental checklist. "Computer...check. Cell phone...check. Starbucks...check. Crayons and coloring book to keep my three year old occupied during meetings...check." I realized at that moment how ridiculously fulfilling my life is. I love everything about being a mom. The super fun moments and yes, even the hard moments. And I also love what (else) I get to do for the world (a.k.a my career) at Capital Christian Center. I wondered how many people are like me, and get to practice the skillful creativity it takes to love life as a working parent.

So, maybe you don't enjoy your job but love being a parent. Maybe you don't enjoy either. Maybe you have the privilege of working from home or your job is being a parent...whatever the combination...my cause is to focus on those brief pauses in the race pace of life, and offer some inspiring ideas that celebrate the fast-fleeting moments of childhood.

See ya soon...gotta go color with my three year old.