The best advice I've ever been given

I've been given a lot of advice in my life. Especially when it came to college choices (let me take this moment to give a big "Go vols!" for their win in the NCAA tournament!! It's Tennessweet 16!), ministry, and heaven help, when you start having children. (That's one part of pregnancy that I was NOT prepared for! So far, the second baby seems to come with less unsolicited advice.)

As many pieces of advice have been invaluable, there are three different things that have been said to me that I echo in my mind often and always bring me to a place of reality. (And they came from 3 of my favorite women!)

1. You can't argue with crazy; crazy always wins - Melissa Dorsey

Any time I have gotten myself all bent out of shape and think of "what I'm going to say...", I'm always reminded of this especially when I'm reading things on social media that people are obviously feeling strongly about and other people start to argue with them and by the end of 259 comments, people are cussing, calling names and getting tons of "likes" for an extra-cutting remark. The argument ends and nothing is solved except that a relationship has ended and two parties have labeled the other as "hateful". 

Or maybe it is a person that suddenly gives you a piece of their mind and you have NO idea where their accusations have come from. This is where Lee's quote, "perception is reality" comes to play. How someone perceives a situation is what they think is true. And they're not gonna change their minds. I've also found that the crazy comes out in me the fastest when I let the crazy in my head. So, don't argue with crazy; crazy always wins. (And thanks to y'all that have put up with me when I've been the crazy.)

2. Don't go to the doctor if you have zero intention of taking their orders. - Meg Ashby

Second opinions may occasionally be sought after, but if I'm going to go to the doctor, sit in the waiting room for an hour, get an exam, and pay my co-pay, I'm going to take what the doctor says as some type of seriousness. People make a career doing what they do because they know something about it. And if I know all there is to know, why would I go ask? If I want opinions about running, and am faced with a professional runner or an ice skater, I'm going to listen to the one that has studied the races, tried out lots pacing techniques, has run thousands of miles, and thinks about running all the time.

I have zero medical training (okay, a few nuggets of audiology training that can help with ear problems, but that doesn't really count as being a "medical professional".) Some of the worst news from the doctors I've gotten was the bed rest diagnosis (I've been blessed with great health), but knowing that my doctor went to school for many many years to know what's best for mommas and babies, I listened, and I was able to keep that baby cooking for a bit longer. And paid my copay. 

3. Your #1 goal as a mother is to raise and teach your children how to be independent adults. -Jeanne Lowe

As a mother, I have found that there are multiple things that would just be easier if I did it myself. But, I think back to the things I was taught to do as a child that made a transition to adulthood so much easier. (Helping with laundry, learning how to cook, setting the table, etc.) Not only did I learn basic tasks, I also learned that the world and the people in it, didn't revolve around me, but that I was a small part of a greater world and I had to contribute to do my share. People were counting on me (both as a kid and as an adult) to do my job and if I did my part, everything worked more smoothly and the stress was alleviated.

I have also found this very helpful when it comes to emotional milestones. With Nina, there have been days where I want to hold on to the days of the past, and I remind myself that The Lord has given me this opportunity to raise up children that will love Him, will love his creations, and will come to learn and embrace their personal gifts. That's my job: to disciple, teach, and encourage. When she moves out of our house, hopefully she will know many basic tasks that she can pass on to her children. (The kid has already asked how long she has to wait until she can use the stove.)

The thing I am most grateful for is that these women pour their lives and wisdom into my life and the lives of others. 

And I'm so glad they're never the crazy. 

Fly to the Desert for Fun in Las Vegas

As I mentioned in my last post, I was pairing with Kendra to do her favorite travel spot. Here she is! 

Fly to the Desert for Fun in Las Vegas

 

Despite its reputation as Sin City, Las Vegas has a broad selection of things to do. Sometimes, I bring the kids along and enjoy family shows and activities. Other times, I go on business but take the time to hit a spa or a couple of great bars. Whatever brings you to Las Vegas; there will be plenty to keep you occupied throughout your stay.

 

1. The Spa at Aria Las Vegas

Although Vegas boast’s several quality spas, my favorite is the spa at Aria Las Vegas. This spacious resort is the perfect place to get away from the bustle of city life. As soon as I step inside, I feel the stress begin to melt away. Of course, lying on the warm stones of the Ganbanyoku beds takes the relaxation even farther. This spa also features a wide variety of massages and treatment options.

 

2. Wining and Dining

There are thousands of places to eat or grab a drink in Las Vegas. My favorite pairing involves a juicy steak and red wine. As a special treat, watch the water show from a table at SW Steakhouse. Scotch lovers will enjoy selections at Tom Colucchio’s Craftsteak. Affordable prices and delicious Italian food are always available at Fiamma Trattoria.

 

3. Mandalay Bay

It isn’t difficult to forget that Las Vegas is located in the desert. At Mandalay Bay, you can enjoy the water and relax on a sandy beach. The lazy river is a favorite attraction of mine. Kids love the wave pool. This is definitely my idea of a great place to spend a vacation.

 

4. Cirque du Soleil’s O

Of course, you can’t come to Las Vegas and not see a show. I love Cirque du Soliel. Their show O is staged using a 1.5-million-gallon pool. The water moves as the pool changes shape throughout the performance. The stunts and various characters leave the audience begging for more.

 

I hope I’ve inspired you to book your own trip to Las Vegas. The city certainly offers a large variety of hotels that cater to any family’s needs. Sites like Gogobot make it easy to read user reviews and find some cool tips and tricks. No two trips here are alike, so I’m sure you’ll find some of your own favorite things to share with others. I bet you’ll enjoy yourself so much that you plan a second trip as soon as possible.

 

I'm leaving on a jet plane...

Okay... we're not really. I was asked by Kendra to write a blog about my favorite place I've ever traveled. I've done a decent amount of traveling in my day, so picking a spot was the toughest part. I began to consider my favorite trips:

- Multiple family vacations to Myrtle Beach, SC. (or as we call it here in WV, "The Beach") This would include lots of time with the clan, and tons of fun with Nina (even though she much prefers the pool to the ocean or sand). We're creatures of habit and comfort, therefore "the beach" is always a winner.

- Several trips to Walt Disney World with my 2 favorite times being in 2004 when all 4 Lowes were adults and had an "adult" Disney trip. (All very relative, knowing we still rode as many rides as possible) and in 2009 with just me and Lee as we laid around the pool and decided that it was time to add children to our family (Nina was born 13 months later).

- Several super fun trips to visit Lee's sister and BIL in D.C. (Bless their hearts, they're our permanent tour guides. And cupcake guides. I don't think they mind that part.)

- A few trips to visit my Auntie. (both in Seattle and Brussels) I haven't taken Lee to Seattle yet, mostly bc I know we would be moving there before our return flight. That city is his spirit animal. Or city. Whatever.
- And a family trip this past summer to watch my childhood "little sister" get married in Alaska. Such a beautiful state. If only it wan't so blasted far away! 

I decided to focus it on mine and Lee's weekend getaway spot, Stonewall Resort.

When Lee and I were engaged, we read a ton of books and our amazing friends, JD and Rhonda, met with us regularly to help walk us through marriage to help us think past the bells and butterflies and discuss conflict, finances, children... And we always found some food, too. One of the things we discussed was the need to keep romancing each other after diaper changes were more frequent than weather changes in WV in March.  

I nursed Nina for 13 months, therefore never spent the night away from her. As Lee's 30th birthday approached, we decided we would go away, the two of us, to celebrate. After much apprehension, we left Nina with Grami and drove an hour and fifteen minutes north to this local resort that friends had raved about. 

As we drove in, we found an incredible lodge and we were immediately in love. We checked in, went to have burgers at TJ Muskies that has fireplaces and a cozy environment. We fell in love with their Fripps and Dip (They're not fries and they're not chips. But they ARE addicting and amazing.) and the Smokehouse Burger. (Bacon, smoked Gouda, BBQ sauce, French fries onions. Yum!)

They have an outdoor, lake front fire pit and often have s'mores supplies handy and Adirondack chairs set up. They have an indoor/outdoor heated pool. With hot tubs both indoor and outdoor. There are maps of all kinds of trails, a campground, and a super nice golf course. ("Super nice" is how those of us who always come in last in put-put describe courses that bring people in based on the course alone.) Lee and I love early morning running there.

In the mornings, their breakfast buffet at Stillwater's is top notch. Be sure you don't miss their homemade granola. You will thank me. 

The beds are comfortable and rates are affordable. The spa is top of the line. We've had a couple's massage, a facial, pedicures...  Love it. 

We love that it's so close by and we can make quick, one-night trips. (Very important when you're married to a pastor and Sunday is a work day.) We also love that it's a spot that has everything you need without leaving the property. 

My favorite part is that it has become our weekend date place. We both chose to celebrate our 30th birthdays there and went there for a reset getaway this past fall. It has been the place where we're reminded that before we were "mom and dad" we were "Carmen and Lee". It feels like a quick, mini-honeymoon fully equipped with beautiful views, awesome food, and tons of togetherness. Stonewall is where we fall in love again every time we go.

(Mushy post over.)