A 30-day Challenge

For those of you who do not want to read to the end ----
Join me in a 30-day challenge of a daily routine.... Pick something you want to achieve, Pick something you want to change; Pick Something you aspire to be--- Just pick something - Keep a Journal of your thoughts and challenges and share along the way at 10-day intervals.   Support my son as he begins his challenge with your own challenge.  Come.... we begin now

This is a rather long post so hang in there with me and read to the end as I promise it will be worth ........ My son called and his doctor informed him that he MUST quit smoking. He has been smoking since he was 13.   This request was not an option and he has embarked on a quest to giving up this habit.   His doctor told him that if he could just make it 21 days he would build the muscles of memory to be able to quit. 

Interesting concept and one I thought about for a few days and contemplated how could I be in this journey with him and support him not only with his challenge but with one of my own.   A friend stopped by the other day and shared with me her 30 day Challenge of an Ab workout. I wanted in.  Today was the first day and a 10 second plank is extremely hard!   Shaking after 10 seconds--- really?

But then I started thinking of how my life was off-track.  Today it hit hard that I am
not where I want to be or doing the things I want to do and spent most of the day doing some serious pondering of my life. These seem to be really hard conversations to have with yourself but at the end of the day I felt like I had a plan and it began with the  30-day Ab Challenge and a small list of other things to accomplish each day.   As I stepped away from my list  I felt really good and for the first time in months could see  a clear path instead of one that was twisty and winding and hidden from view. 

Tomorrow night at Young Women’s our activity is creating  an “Intent Poster.”  This is where you write down, draw, or depict with pictures things you want to accomplish for the year.  In thinking of this exercise for the past week I was drawing a blank until today. 

So at 5:00 p.m. blasting from the TV was the music from  Despicable Me “Happy" and I did my Ab Challenge and wrote my list of a daily routine.    It is a Happy Life and sometimes we get off track and it takes a while to get back on board but when you do-  JEEPERS   it  feels right and empowering.

So, in support of my courageous son who has tried several times to quit smoking, I take on my own challenge of getting my life back on track with (1) Ab Challenge (2) Journal Writing (3) Daily Scripture Study – someone great said (cannot remember who at the moment) when we wonder why our life is not going the way we want it; ask yourself if you have drawn away from the Lord (4) Walking and and some other things that are too close to the heart to share.  Don't wish me luck - instead join with me in your own challenge one step at a time with a daily routine.  In 10 days I hope to hear from you as well as sharing my own thoughts. 

 

 

 

 

Keys to my heart and two weeks of valentines

Happy Valentine's Day

 

Tonight David will come home to
"Keys to My Heart"
We wrote what we love about him on
the back of the hearts

 

 

 

 

For the past two weeks we have been busy with Valentine

Crafts and hosted our Annual Valentine Party

All captured in pictures below

Valentine wreath
repurposed a wire frame -  grey yarn and cut out
pink and red felt hearts



Easy and Fun craft to make
David cut out all the hearts for me
On the back of one of his hearts is "I love you because you
help me with all my crafts and never complain"
Baby Food Jars and chalk spray paint
add a tea light and bakers twine - quick and easy

annual valentine party

Best game ever - paper plates/popsicle sticks
and one balloon.  Balloon Paddle Ball
 We played this for Family Home Evening the next day and
discovered that a balloon filled with helium and a day old (this is the key)
 works the best
 

 

Heart Mailbox Chair Backer
Pottery Barn - love this store!
 

The girls

 

 

 

A yearning for more...

 No pictures, no crafts--- just a simple reflection today while the winds blow and the chimes sing in the background.

Napping is foreign to me and has been for years.  What I would give to actually take a nap (an insomniac cannot nap)!  But today after another restless night a weary mind and body had to at least try.  Though sleep never came there was some rest gained.  The gusty winds brought me back from what should have been sleep ….and I began to think of my children, life, struggles and a conversation had earlier with friends. 

It takes great courage and strength to be more than what you currently are.  For some it is easy to attain what they have always dreamed of and for others it is the journey of a lifetime with a path that is rough and filled with much delay.  

They (my oldest children) are each uniquely different and yet such an inspiration to me.  There is one who I never thought would make it to manhood and he has overcome such odds.  He does not recognize it but he stood face to face and reached within the depth of his soul to stare a “devil” in the face of much adversity and overcome what most have never dreamed of and long for.   Another who again does not recognize his courage has reached within himself and faces his demons every day.  There are days he wins and days where it beats him down.  To them both – they have such a determination to keep going and a longing within them for something better. 

She has always succeeded in everything she attempts.  From an observer it appears to come with such little effort.  But she will tell you it has been hard work and perseverance.   Her life has been one filled with adventure and many blessings and a recognition that the Lord has been with her in every step of the way.  

When she was in middle school she would play this game with her friends---Out the door she would come walking like a model and pretend as though the cameras were flashing and people were calling her name ….. It was hysterical… she has never settled… always searching for a new adventure… always trying new things ….and always listening to the voice that guides and directs her. 

As I write this I see how they have each inspired me to be more than I am, more than I have ever wanted to be, and more than I thought I could ever be.   Through their determination, strength, perseverance, and courage I have found a renewed outlook, an awakening within, and a fresh perspective on dreams I thought were dead, non-existent, and unattainable.  

But isn’t it so that within each of us,  is that need to keep going, to never give up, and to see the best in everything, and believe that at the end of the rainbow is something  special just for us.  If only for a moment or a second – that is all we need to keep going. 

To my oldest three - who would have thought that you would become the teacher and I the student. 

Plush Memories - something real that lasts forever

Stuffed animals – we each had one or several and remember them well when asked.  They were our comforter in the night, a confidant and playmate for tea, pirates, dress-up and adventures.  They shared our lives as children and we could not imagine a day or going to sleep without them.

As we aged they were forgotten or replaced and carefully packed in a box to be stored in a remote area of the closet.  Years would go by before we would remember them or even open the box.  But when we did – childhood memories would flood our minds and tugs at the heart would emerge of long ago. We would hold in our hands a ragged and worn dear old friend.   Even in adulthood we cannot imagine parting with something so small yet significant.

My plush friend was a clown – a handmade sock clown with button eyes and patchwork material.  Sarah has a pink bunny that her daddy bought when she was two months old.  Bunny is everything to her.  She sleeps and travels with bunny and absolutely adores him.



 

Bunny and Clown

Courtney had Bugs – her favorite gift one Christmas.  She is now 24 and expecting her first child but Bugs is tucked safely away in a box in her old bedroom.  Jared's was a handcrafted Care Bear and Christopher a white lion.


Courtney and Bugs



Jared and Care Bear

Though we are grown and no longer require or need our beloved friend we will always remember with tenderness the security they provided and the love we felt when they were tucked beside us. This was and still is something real.

 What was your favorite stuffed animal?



Sarah with Bunny always right beside her

 

still....


 



 

 

Every Love Story is Beautiful... But Ours is My Favorite

I love thee to the depth and breadth and height my soul can reach

Elizabeth Barrett Browning


sorry, picture is really old

 How do you find the right words to sum up how much I completely love you and to tell you how thankful I am that YOU are MY Valentine Forever.   Our story to me never ever gets old or boring! You came into my life when I thought there was nothing.  My life began with you.

My 14 things I love the most……

1.    Your ability to build and fix everything and anything

2.    You standing in the driveway giving me your  “I Love You” sign language symbol each and every time I leave the house to go anywhere

3.    Your willingness to do anything I ask (you have only said “No” twice in our entire marriage and of course you were right!)

4.    Your accepting my weaknesses and faults and loving me just the same

5.    When you wrap your arms around my waist and kiss my neck

6.    The little notes and presents you live around the house and in my car

7.    The touch of your hand in mine

8.  The way you gently push my hair behind my ear

9.  Your total and complete goofiness that makes me laugh and smile

10. Your adoring love for our daughter

11. When I look up and see you watching me

12. Knowing I can depend on you

13. Telling me I am gorgeous and beautiful

14. How you take me in your arms and tell me that you are forever in love with me! 

Now for the post -- here is our love story……. I honestly didn’t know it would turn out this way…….my father told me no one would want to marry me….

   It seemed like a lifetime of waiting to find one another.   In High School we had similar friends and attended the same Ted Nugent concert but our paths never crossed and our existence of one another remained a mystery.    Somehow destiny brought us to the same place of employment.  Our first encounter would be in a class I was teaching on 7 Habits for Highly Effective People- he was one of forty participants and to me just a name on the roster.  It would be two years later before our paths would cross again and both our circumstances in marriage had changed.  While interviewing his staff for a Team Building Exercise he walked into the break room and began talking about his children and the weekend.  I looked up and said, “You are divorced?”   It would take him two weeks to get up the courage to ask me to lunch.  Our lunch date was at Houston’s (no longer open but we are still together).   I knew at lunch that we would be married.  He on the other hand wanted nothing to do with marriage and definitely no more children (he had two and I had three).   But I knew in my heart that one day we would be married.  Jump forward to a January warm day in Texas playing putt-putt golf – standing behind me he says, “would you marry me if I asked you?”  I pretended not to hear (I know that is so wrong, but I wanted him to propose).  Several weeks later on February 13^th (he wanted to ask me on Valentine’s Day but was too excited to wait) this wonderful and charming man on bended knee asked for my hand in marriage.   We were married on May 6th, 2000 (easy for keeping up with the anniversary). 

Our life would begin and for me a life of what seemed so natural as though we had been together for eternity.  But combining a family was one of the hardest things I have ever done (that is definitely another story).  There were many struggles, heartaches and disappointments.  Now that the kids are grown the differences and struggles seem so trivial.   As life would have it not all ended in a happily ever after but we made it through and intact as a couple.

Our biggest surprise was the birth of Sarah.   He was adamant about not having more children and I did not press the point.  However, on a quiet day at the same moment we both felt a sweet spirit was waiting to come into our family.  It was somewhat as a shock to us both.  Very quickly I became pregnant only to lose the pregnancy 12 weeks later.  The baby was to be born on his birthday and the loss hit us both very hard.  Shortly after the miscarriage I would become pregnant again only to lose the pregnancy at nine weeks.  Our hearts were heavy as we pondered whether to try again. 

While driving home one day from errands he would take my hand and say, “we do not have to try again, you have been through enough.”  In tears I said, “I would like to try one more time and see.”  It would be a year later before I got pregnant.  Our deadline was my 45^th birthday.  If there was no positive pregnancy then I would have my tubes tied.   Pregnant again!  This is also another story and quite remarkable but for another post.  I will jump to the end – Sarah is now seven and arrived healthy and has changed our lives forever. 

He is my one and only and holds my heart. He is my Happily Ever After.  

 

Happy Valentine’s Day

 

Remembering Audrey

The bus ride home seemed endless with cold blasts of  winter pouring through the cracks in the windows.    Finally my stop -- It was time and I did not want to miss one minute.  Taking the stairs two at a time I sat on the edge of the bed and turned on the small black and white TV.  It was Audrey Hepburn week.   For me that week was an introduction to what would become some of my favorite movies and of course my favorite movie star.  Years later I would share this love with my children who in turn found her just as fascinating.

This Sunday, January 20th, will be 20 years since the death of a timeless icon.  She had a style all her own, she was graceful, charming, and enchanting.  Her quotes have become legend as is her beauty.

 

To honor this Oscar-winning star -- the editors of Time Life have released a reissue of Life's Classic Illustrated Biography from 1993 and titled it "Remembering Audrey  20 years later."

Her quotes to live by

My daughter wearing her Audrey Style



Texas Bluebonnet Award.  Introduce the young to Audrey


 





Saying Good-bye to 2012

As 2012 comes to a close, I find myself as most of us do reflecting on the year.  It was a year of firsts and discoveries and “Am I the only one who thinks this way?”

As you look back do you ever wonder did I do enough? What would I do different? Maybe, next time, and Thank Goodness.

I discovered Downton Abbey thanks to my daughter Courtney.  I discovered a love for  working out and playing the harp.  I rediscovered a favorite pastime of reading.  I experienced a first of taking swim lessons with my daughter Sarah and enjoying doing laps.  I discovered Red Beet Eggs while in Pennsylvania (these are the best).  I discovered Naked Basics Palette by Urban Decay. I found an acupuncturist who has saved my life (thank you Heather for recommending her).  I discovered KC Donuts (absolutely the best donuts ever).  And that I LOVE paper straws. 

 

I discovered the charm and peace of the Amish country and fell in love with the covered bridges, the stay at an old farmhouse and the best cinnamon rolls made by Florence,  sitting on a front porch at night only hearing the crickets chirp, and sleeping on sheets that have been hung out to dry on a clothesline (so nice). 

 

 I discovered that a dream of wanting nothing more than to be a stay home mom has it challenges just like working full time.  Some days I wondered what I did all day - That timing is everything and sometimes schedules are not necessary. 

I discovered a lot about myself and my family.  I discovered that I am braver than I thought and weaker than I imagined.  That being in the moment is more important than getting to the end.  That spending time appreciating the little things matters because these happen all the time.  That knowing deep within for the first time I feel as if I have come home.  That mending bridges and reconnecting and putting pride aside do more for your well-being than vitamins.  I have discovered that slowing down is best for your mental and physical health. 

 

 

I have discovered that there are many things I want to do, can do, and will do if I allow my heart to guide me.  That some things are best let go of……

I have discovered that life is full of challenges such as broken cars and appliances, disappointments, heartaches, and feeling of doubt.

Through 2012 the ups and downs I have made some wonderful friends and cherish the old friendships and found there is something good and charming in each person.  I have watched and observed and marveled in the strength and courage of the woman around me.

Though life is never easy and definitely full of trying times which only make us stronger I look forward to 2013 with the wonders and discoveries that have yet to be experienced, to those whose path will cross mine and the things I will learn, the blessings, the trials and the ability to meet it with a courageous heart.   

In those quiet moments between the movement from one experience to the next I cherish the love that has been shown unto me and the loving God who opens my eyes and brings into my life not just what I want but exactly what I need (even though I may not know it). 

 Happy New Year to you all

Baptism - It's Great to be Eight

Between birthdays, Christmas, and trips we also scheduled into the busy month of December a Baptism.  This was such a special day with family and friends -- special talks  by her Primary Teacher and her big Sister.  Music by Cindy on the harp, played Sarah's favorite primary songs.  The best part- a room full of support for this sweet little girl.  Later that evening ---  Sarah memory for the day:----   "David (her brother-in-law) asked me earlier if I felt different and I said, No.  But, mamma, afterwards I felt  really clean." 



Program from  CardsEtcetera Etsy Shop
http://www.etsy.com/shop/CardsEtcetera



Programs from MeckMom etsy shop

http://www.etsy.com/shop/MeckMom

 



Cupcakes and Truffles from Dough Girl Bakery
https://www.facebook.com/DoughGirlBakery



She loves Grandpa

 

Big Sister and husband David were in town for Christmas and more importantly the Baptism 

 

Moments That Matter Most

Every man gives his life for what he believes.
Every woman gives her life for what she believes.
Sometimes people believe in little or nothing
yet they give their lives to that little or nothing.
One life is all we have and we live it as we believe in living it. Then it is gone.
But to surrender what you are and live without belief, that's more terrible than dying. Even more terrible than dying young.
                                                              Joan of Arc



Love your children......
Love your life.......
Love your family.......
Love Yourself........

I am thankful for all my family and friends. Thank you for---- always being there --- remembering, --- encouraging words,  your support --- being so incredible and awesome  --- being gracious and kind --- being such an inspiration --- being the best you can be --- your love --- just being YOU! 

 Happy Thanksgiving

Conclusion of Melanoma and Floppy Hats. Small talk with Sarah

On October 2nd I wrote a post on Melanoma and Floppy Hats.  Yesterday the stiches were removed  from the more extensive procedure of taking a 0.5 cm margin of normal skin surrounding the lesion.  The pathology report came back and all looks wonderful.  Thank you to everyone who sent me emails and words of support.    Apparently, this is more common than I had thought.  So many of you shared similar experiences and I found comfort in knowing that I was not alone. That which we are in need of and seeking will find a way to us.  Thank you for finding me. 

 On a lighter note --- Small talk with Sarah……..

Sarah:  Do you like ice-skating?

Me:  Oh yes, I loved to ice-skate. We would ice-skate every day after school as often as we could. 

Sarah:  Do you like roller-skating?

Me:  Not as much.  I would like to do some of those things with you

Sarah:  you are special, mama

Me:  looking at her inquisitively

Long Pause

Sarah:  You are unique

Me:  Yes, Sarah, I am



"What shape would the world be in today if everyone settled for being average?" --Lucy van Pelt



 

Be the HERO of your own story

A small authentic moment was shared today with a friend who sold clothing items to a thrift store and books to a second hand store.  The total financial gain was $10.10.  To most of us this would seem inconsequential and not enough to even buy a tank of gas.  For this individual today was as though they climbed a mountain top.  My friend suffers from a social anxiety disorder and the smallest of encounters with the human race can literally stop them in their tracks.  As we drove to the first place I waited in the car as they went in and conducted the transaction without incident except for the intense beating of the heart and sweaty palms.  When it was time to go back into the store they needed a few minutes to gain the courage, strength and composure to accept the offer.  With momentum the next stop was completed with ease.    This person took a risk today no matter how small it was and confidence was gained.  It is with small things that greatness is obtained. 

It is easy to judge or jump to conclusions when we come across something foreign or strange to what we have experienced.  By taking the time to know each other, stand in each other’s space or shoes as you would say, and listen to a view that differs from our own, we begin to open our eyes, and learn new and wonderful things not only about ourselves but others

I asked them, “How does it feel.”  They replied, “I feel great.”   Our fears are not a divine gift but hold us hostage and prevent us from fulfilling our dreams. Banish the doubts and reach beyond the fear.  Within each of us there is a dream waiting to be discovered and waiting to be fulfilled. 

Sometimes we need friends to carry us, guide us and stand beside us.  But in that final moment we stand alone and only we can take that leap as we look within and know the choice belongs to us.  Our hero lies in the depths of our soul and pushes us each day to do the things we feel we cannot.  A simple gift of courage and strength allows us a glimpse of what can be if we open our hearts to see.  At the end of day when we look in the mirror we are and we must be our own Hero.

 What a blessing is was for me to today to witness and be a part of this small miracle.  The moment for this individual is here and gone but leaves a lasting mark and a memory that will change them forever. How can it be described?  It cannot.  Do we find the people we need when we need them?   Do we attract our future and are drawn to that by a similar means?  This person was turning a corner and knew change was inevitable.

http://bitsofwisdom.org/2011/03/03/be-your-own-hero/

 

Happy Girls are the Prettiest

Backward, turn Backward, O Time,

in your flight, make me a child

again just for tonight

                      Elizabeth Allen

Setting:  Bathroom getting ready for Young Women's Meeting and Sarah is looking into the mirror

Me:  Sarah, what are you doing?

Sarah:  Looking at myself

Me:  You sure are beautiful

Sarah:  I know

Me:  How do you know?

Sarah:  Hands held out  "The Mirror"

 

I looked at her with awe and amazement.  Was there a way to capture this moment of how she felt right now --  self-esteem and being strong – knowing who she is – looking in the mirror and loving her image?   Was there a way to protect her from what the world would soon deliver to her in a few years of airbrushed glossy magazine covers and the onslaught of commercials that would make her question her own beauty? 

I stood at the mirror with her and glimpsed into the past --A gangling teenager, crooked teeth, glasses, red hair, freckles and blushing all the time.    Many times I wanted to just hug the wall and disappear.  There were hundreds of awkward moments and feelings of inadequacy. Basically, I was uncomfortable being me and why not as the world around me validated my thinking and feelings.  Scripts were written and played every day that were imbedded into my very being.    

Fast forward many years --- my husband came in the room and said, “when you walked in the door tonight you looked really sexy.”  At first I looked around the room to see who he was talking to because it certainly could not be me.  Once I figured out it was me (since I was the only one in the room) I said, “Really?” 

It takes effort to rewrite a script that you have lived with for so long.  It is like a comfortable sweater that once you put on you do not want to part with it.  This place is easy and soon becomes your comfort zone.  It has taken years to look in the mirror and smile back at my reflection and to honestly say, “I love you and you are beautiful.”  Slowly the script is rewritten and the old sweater is no longer needed or necessary.   There are hints of those old scripts that catch me by surprise but then I remember I am the only one who can change it --I am a Daughter of God. 

To all the beautiful women I know and who read this today.  Cherish yourself, honor yourself, and know that you are beautiful.

 “The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides."  Audrey Hepburn

www.itlooksgoodtome.com

Neighborly Love

Mondays are RAK on our street

Garbage day on our street means you only have to take the garbage cans to the curb.  Once emptied our neighbor rolls our garbage cans from the street to our backyard where our two rambunctious dogs reside. This in itself is kind and thoughtful.  But he shares the kindness by performing the same act for three other neighbors each week.   It is such a sweet gesture of neighborly love.  I am not sure how long he has been doing this and cannot remember ever thanking him.  So, today we did a  sidewalk chalk drawing and maybe tomorrow a Fall Apple pie.  What do you think?   

Do you have a neighbor who performs Random Acts of Kindness?




inspiration for this from lillightomine.com