We make meaningful (or meaningless) promises to ourselves.
This year I will attempt to be:
A better mother
wife
friend
confidant
and employee
Wishing you a very Happy New Year!
May the next be better than the last.
Here's to change and treating life as one big lesson to learn!
Monday, December 31, 2007
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Gratitude
This past Thanksgiving was such a beautiful one. I was unable to post anything due to the sickness that ran through my house and put me in bed for 3 days. Yes, I said 3 days. My back still aches from having been in one position for such a long period of time.....
I wanted to share an epiphany I had over this past holiday that I think is appropriate that it flows into the next. I was astounded to see how consumed by wealth and "things" we have become. That this season has become, not one of giving, but one of receiving. Even if the receiving is one we do for ourselves.
I was able to see 2 very different families and the value they place on money and labels. I don't really understand this concept because I grew up in a family of 5 (me being the baby) and nothing I received was new unless it came directly from Santa. I thought these amazing gifts were worth millions of dollars, and they might as well have been. Most everything I received was passed down to me from another person. My sister, a family friend, etc.
I really understand the "value" of something in my adult life, because I have had to work hard for everything I have. I am also the first person to say "thank you" when something is passed down to me from another, even if it was used 2 or 3 times before. I am grateful to anyone that feels the need to pass something along to me or my family.
This shouldn't be a comparison of me and others. It's merely an observation of the type of values I want to instill in my children. One that my parents were loving enough to instill in me. Clothing, electronics, purses, shoes, televisions.......in the end, they mean nothing. The most important thing we have is our family and our friends. Our family is our shelter. It is the one place that should be safe and secure. It is the one place where the love is unconditional. I know this isn't always the case for some families, but my opinion is......IT SHOULD BE!
I am grateful for the loving family I was brought up in. That they took the time to teach me right from wrong. To let me experience love, anger, frustration, joy and anything in between. I am thankful that I was blessed with an AMAZING husband that has no limits when it comes to his love for me. For my children who are the joy and sometimes frustration in my life. For their beautiful faces and personalities that brighten up my life every second of it. I am grateful for the friends that let me open up my mouth and let, what seems like, the never-ending emotion that comes out of it. To be the shoulder to cry on and the listening ear.
As Christmas rolls around, I want to add, I am SO eternally grateful for the birth and life of Jesus Christ, who, without him, I am nothing. For the sacrifice that was made, not just for me, but everyone.
I hope that this year we take the time to think about the actual and TRUE meaning of Christmas. It says it in the name.
It's not the "stuff" you can get at 20% discount.
It's the life that was created to set a perfect example for us all to follow.
I wanted to share an epiphany I had over this past holiday that I think is appropriate that it flows into the next. I was astounded to see how consumed by wealth and "things" we have become. That this season has become, not one of giving, but one of receiving. Even if the receiving is one we do for ourselves.
I was able to see 2 very different families and the value they place on money and labels. I don't really understand this concept because I grew up in a family of 5 (me being the baby) and nothing I received was new unless it came directly from Santa. I thought these amazing gifts were worth millions of dollars, and they might as well have been. Most everything I received was passed down to me from another person. My sister, a family friend, etc.
I really understand the "value" of something in my adult life, because I have had to work hard for everything I have. I am also the first person to say "thank you" when something is passed down to me from another, even if it was used 2 or 3 times before. I am grateful to anyone that feels the need to pass something along to me or my family.
This shouldn't be a comparison of me and others. It's merely an observation of the type of values I want to instill in my children. One that my parents were loving enough to instill in me. Clothing, electronics, purses, shoes, televisions.......in the end, they mean nothing. The most important thing we have is our family and our friends. Our family is our shelter. It is the one place that should be safe and secure. It is the one place where the love is unconditional. I know this isn't always the case for some families, but my opinion is......IT SHOULD BE!
I am grateful for the loving family I was brought up in. That they took the time to teach me right from wrong. To let me experience love, anger, frustration, joy and anything in between. I am thankful that I was blessed with an AMAZING husband that has no limits when it comes to his love for me. For my children who are the joy and sometimes frustration in my life. For their beautiful faces and personalities that brighten up my life every second of it. I am grateful for the friends that let me open up my mouth and let, what seems like, the never-ending emotion that comes out of it. To be the shoulder to cry on and the listening ear.
As Christmas rolls around, I want to add, I am SO eternally grateful for the birth and life of Jesus Christ, who, without him, I am nothing. For the sacrifice that was made, not just for me, but everyone.
I hope that this year we take the time to think about the actual and TRUE meaning of Christmas. It says it in the name.
It's not the "stuff" you can get at 20% discount.
It's the life that was created to set a perfect example for us all to follow.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Facial Laceration
That is officially what the doctor's diagnosed Noah with this past Sunday night. Let me start at the beginning.
My neighbor has an XBox game Guitar Hero. That game ROCKS! He brought it over so he and Jon could "jam" together. Sophie also likes to play Guitar Hero, but doesn't quite comprehend the guitar "strumming" and how to make it correspond with the "fret" pushing, so I was helping her. Noah was standing in front of the tv dancing to the music, as he tends to do whenever music of any kind is playing.
Noah is a bit bowlegged and has issues with falling. He also has issues with taking the impact to those falls on his head and face. That evening was no exception. All of a sudden he fell right into the XBox. He fell and the XBox fell and I knew any second the cries would start. So in preparation for the cry I went over to pick him up and give him kisses and hugs, when to my horror I see a gaping hole to the left of his bottom lip and blood POURING out of it!
Once the bleeding stopped, Noah didn't even seem like he was affected by the injury. Jon kept telling me that we should just put a butterfly bandaid on it, but I was certain that wouldn't do the trick, so Jon had me call the Emergency Pediatrician. Sure enough, she told me we needed to take him to the Emergency Room. Ugh!
After 1 hour in the waiting room, we were taken to a room and told he would need 2 or 3 stitches. Because of his age, and the fact that he had NO idea what was happening, we had to strap him to a back board and velcro strap him down to it. Cloths were wrapped around his face to keep the area sterile.
Noah & I were absolutely traumatized! Jon held his hands and I rubbed his belly. We sang "Jumbo Elephant" and that seemed to help, but the real calming was done when Jon turned on the camera to show him pictures of his "sissy". Suddenly things were ok. The doctor was able to do the stitching and once he was released, the nurse was kind enough to bring a grape popsicle.
Although I doubt it, I hope this is the 1st and last visit to the Emergency Room!
My neighbor has an XBox game Guitar Hero. That game ROCKS! He brought it over so he and Jon could "jam" together. Sophie also likes to play Guitar Hero, but doesn't quite comprehend the guitar "strumming" and how to make it correspond with the "fret" pushing, so I was helping her. Noah was standing in front of the tv dancing to the music, as he tends to do whenever music of any kind is playing.
Noah is a bit bowlegged and has issues with falling. He also has issues with taking the impact to those falls on his head and face. That evening was no exception. All of a sudden he fell right into the XBox. He fell and the XBox fell and I knew any second the cries would start. So in preparation for the cry I went over to pick him up and give him kisses and hugs, when to my horror I see a gaping hole to the left of his bottom lip and blood POURING out of it!
Once the bleeding stopped, Noah didn't even seem like he was affected by the injury. Jon kept telling me that we should just put a butterfly bandaid on it, but I was certain that wouldn't do the trick, so Jon had me call the Emergency Pediatrician. Sure enough, she told me we needed to take him to the Emergency Room. Ugh!
After 1 hour in the waiting room, we were taken to a room and told he would need 2 or 3 stitches. Because of his age, and the fact that he had NO idea what was happening, we had to strap him to a back board and velcro strap him down to it. Cloths were wrapped around his face to keep the area sterile.
Noah & I were absolutely traumatized! Jon held his hands and I rubbed his belly. We sang "Jumbo Elephant" and that seemed to help, but the real calming was done when Jon turned on the camera to show him pictures of his "sissy". Suddenly things were ok. The doctor was able to do the stitching and once he was released, the nurse was kind enough to bring a grape popsicle.
Although I doubt it, I hope this is the 1st and last visit to the Emergency Room!
Thursday, November 8, 2007
My Family
My grandmother passed away last week. October 29, 2007. She was 91 years old and had been suffering with physical pain for as long as I could remember, so her passing was a blessing.
I know this may sound morbid, but I was really excited for her funeral. I was excited because this meant that my entire family was going to be able to get together, after years of time and distance.
I had the BEST time. My grandma was the oldest of 4 children and while her brother had passed away 3 or 4 years ago, her 2 sisters were able to make it out for the service. It was an amazing thing.
I also got to see my cousins. Not all 19 of them, but pretty close.
My Uncle Kirk and his family.
My Aunt Syl and her family.
I was unable to get a picture of my Aunt Fran and the 2 of her 7 kids that made it out.
My family, excluding my brother Dennis.
My grandma was the hub of our family and we were able to celebrate her life together.
I know this may sound morbid, but I was really excited for her funeral. I was excited because this meant that my entire family was going to be able to get together, after years of time and distance.
I had the BEST time. My grandma was the oldest of 4 children and while her brother had passed away 3 or 4 years ago, her 2 sisters were able to make it out for the service. It was an amazing thing.
I also got to see my cousins. Not all 19 of them, but pretty close.
My Uncle Kirk and his family.
My Aunt Syl and her family.
I was unable to get a picture of my Aunt Fran and the 2 of her 7 kids that made it out.
My family, excluding my brother Dennis.
My grandma was the hub of our family and we were able to celebrate her life together.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Lake Powell
Jon and I just went out to the Arizona side of Lake Powell for the wedding of one of my very good friends.
It was awesome.
I went out there with a negative attitude, which is really unlike me. Especially considering it revolved around Lake Powell, my home away from home.
I thought it would be a bunch of kids partying. No real plans for the future. I mean, hey! They had already been engaged for almost 2 years and dating for 13. I almost thought it was never going to happen.
And then we got there. Jaime took us to Antelope Pointe where they have a newly constructed restaurant....floating on the lake! It was truly amazing. I felt like I was a part of something greater than I. It was really great to experience this with Jon and a long time friend.
We had a really relaxing time and I even got to take a nap. I probably shouldn't have taken the nap since I still had a song to memorize before the wedding, but I was really exhausted! Then Jaime and Troy had their rehersal dinner. At their sushi restaurant Blue Buddah.
From the moment I walked into that place I was stunned. They weren't a couple of kids playing grown up. They had really accomplished something inspiring.
They literally built this restaurant. From building the bar, to laying the hardwood floors to constructing the slate tile fountain at the main entrance. Jaime even made all the pillows that were on every seat in the house.
The wedding was beautiful.
I was pleasantly surprised by how grown up my friends had really become.
How focused on a future they were.
How amazingly balanced they are in their life.
I felt guilty for being such a Negative Nancy, but I tried to make up for it by praising her for her accomplishments.
I felt extremely fortunate to be the one she considered above all to stand with her on this special occasion. To be the one to be her biggest fan on the day that was most important to her.
All I can say is, thank goodness for good friends!
It was awesome.
I went out there with a negative attitude, which is really unlike me. Especially considering it revolved around Lake Powell, my home away from home.
I thought it would be a bunch of kids partying. No real plans for the future. I mean, hey! They had already been engaged for almost 2 years and dating for 13. I almost thought it was never going to happen.
And then we got there. Jaime took us to Antelope Pointe where they have a newly constructed restaurant....floating on the lake! It was truly amazing. I felt like I was a part of something greater than I. It was really great to experience this with Jon and a long time friend.
We had a really relaxing time and I even got to take a nap. I probably shouldn't have taken the nap since I still had a song to memorize before the wedding, but I was really exhausted! Then Jaime and Troy had their rehersal dinner. At their sushi restaurant Blue Buddah.
From the moment I walked into that place I was stunned. They weren't a couple of kids playing grown up. They had really accomplished something inspiring.
They literally built this restaurant. From building the bar, to laying the hardwood floors to constructing the slate tile fountain at the main entrance. Jaime even made all the pillows that were on every seat in the house.
The wedding was beautiful.
I was pleasantly surprised by how grown up my friends had really become.
How focused on a future they were.
How amazingly balanced they are in their life.
I felt guilty for being such a Negative Nancy, but I tried to make up for it by praising her for her accomplishments.
I felt extremely fortunate to be the one she considered above all to stand with her on this special occasion. To be the one to be her biggest fan on the day that was most important to her.
All I can say is, thank goodness for good friends!
Monday, August 27, 2007
Living in dorms, paying a mortgage!
I have these neighbors.
They are on the younger side, (if 23 and 25 is younger).
They also tend to live as though they live in college Fraternity Houses.
There are 2 guys and 1 girl and when I say it's a Fraternity House it is because the girl also lives as though she is a guy.I have had numerous conversations with the 3 of them letting them know that I have a lot of problems with the way they live. It's actually not the way they live that is a problem for me, (I've certainly lived that life-style and have no room to talk). The problem that I have is when their life-style interferes with my own.One of the guys in the house has assumed the role of "father" and is constantly trying to keep the other 2 in check, but just like a father, the children tend not to listen to him. So I do not have fault with the father figure. He and I, in fact, tend to have some of the same problems with the 2 children.
On Saturday night, the male child was over at our house watching the Broncos vs. Browns Preseason Game. By midnight, I HAD to go to bed or I would not be able to wake up in the morning to teach my Primary Music class. I literally fell into bed and closed my eyes to go to sleep. It seemed like only moments later that I was awakened by the children next door. I looked at the clock to find that in was actually 2:30 am and they neighbors were getting back from the bar. I pulled my pillow over my face, but it seemed to have falled off because I was again woken up. This time it was 3:40 am. I was contemplating whether or not I should pull myself out of bed and walk over the their house to give them what-for, but decided not to when I heard male child tell female child to close the garage door. She did and I fell back asleep......only to be woken up AGAIN at 4:25 am. This cycle continued until 5:30 am!
To say the very least, I was exhausted at church that morning, but I seemed to pull something off because the kids were all receptive. Including Junior Primary. (This NEVER happens).After I got home from church I really flipped out and my venting was to Jon and his friend Mike. Poor guys. Mike was at the house that evening before hanging out with all the roommates, but was not a part of the noise. Lucky for him, because I was ready to rip off his head and blow fire out my mouth in fury. He informed me that at 4:00 am the children had also woken the "father" up and he yelled at them. It obviously worked, just like a fathers reprimanding, because they woke me again at 5:30 am. Jon told me that it would probably be better if I got some sleep and when I am in a more understanding mood, then go over to the party house and let them know how I felt. I agreed.
This morning, as I was packing Sophie up to take her to school, the "father" was outside smoking, so I thanked him for assisting my in the noise control, but let him know that I felt I had been more that understanding to the noise issue and that if it ever happened again, that I would call the police on the whole house. He agreed with me that they deserve it. I suspect that "father" is going to grow weary of the role he has assumed in the house and eventually abandon the family. Can't say that I blame him. If the real estate market was better, I would too.
They are on the younger side, (if 23 and 25 is younger).
They also tend to live as though they live in college Fraternity Houses.
There are 2 guys and 1 girl and when I say it's a Fraternity House it is because the girl also lives as though she is a guy.I have had numerous conversations with the 3 of them letting them know that I have a lot of problems with the way they live. It's actually not the way they live that is a problem for me, (I've certainly lived that life-style and have no room to talk). The problem that I have is when their life-style interferes with my own.One of the guys in the house has assumed the role of "father" and is constantly trying to keep the other 2 in check, but just like a father, the children tend not to listen to him. So I do not have fault with the father figure. He and I, in fact, tend to have some of the same problems with the 2 children.
On Saturday night, the male child was over at our house watching the Broncos vs. Browns Preseason Game. By midnight, I HAD to go to bed or I would not be able to wake up in the morning to teach my Primary Music class. I literally fell into bed and closed my eyes to go to sleep. It seemed like only moments later that I was awakened by the children next door. I looked at the clock to find that in was actually 2:30 am and they neighbors were getting back from the bar. I pulled my pillow over my face, but it seemed to have falled off because I was again woken up. This time it was 3:40 am. I was contemplating whether or not I should pull myself out of bed and walk over the their house to give them what-for, but decided not to when I heard male child tell female child to close the garage door. She did and I fell back asleep......only to be woken up AGAIN at 4:25 am. This cycle continued until 5:30 am!
To say the very least, I was exhausted at church that morning, but I seemed to pull something off because the kids were all receptive. Including Junior Primary. (This NEVER happens).After I got home from church I really flipped out and my venting was to Jon and his friend Mike. Poor guys. Mike was at the house that evening before hanging out with all the roommates, but was not a part of the noise. Lucky for him, because I was ready to rip off his head and blow fire out my mouth in fury. He informed me that at 4:00 am the children had also woken the "father" up and he yelled at them. It obviously worked, just like a fathers reprimanding, because they woke me again at 5:30 am. Jon told me that it would probably be better if I got some sleep and when I am in a more understanding mood, then go over to the party house and let them know how I felt. I agreed.
This morning, as I was packing Sophie up to take her to school, the "father" was outside smoking, so I thanked him for assisting my in the noise control, but let him know that I felt I had been more that understanding to the noise issue and that if it ever happened again, that I would call the police on the whole house. He agreed with me that they deserve it. I suspect that "father" is going to grow weary of the role he has assumed in the house and eventually abandon the family. Can't say that I blame him. If the real estate market was better, I would too.
Friday, August 10, 2007
Envy
I hate to admit that I am suffering from a little bit of envy.
I have this AMAZING friend that has a really beautiful life and I seem to be aching to live vicariously through her. As I read her awesome blogs, I wish that just for one day I could walk a mile in her shoes. Feel what she feels and experience her admirable sense of creativity.
Since there really is no cure for this emotionally dibilitating disease, I have decided to cure it with a few things. I plan to strive to live my life better and to the fullest. I plan to work hard on being more creative. I plan to spend more time loving others and less time worrying about why my life isn't as pleasant as everyone elses. I also plan on sitting here at me computer and putting together a list of 10 things that are good about me; that set me aside from everyone else I know. I also hope to make this list as unique as possible! Here goes......
1. I make friends really easily because I have a bubbly personality that someone told me "lights up a room" :) (I like that one)
2. I can sing music that puts my children to sleep
3. I know how to make small children quickly consider me a friend rather than a stranger (danger).....is that good or bad?
4. I tend not to take life and situations too seriously and so it is easy to let go of my anger
5. I'm a good talker
6. I'm a good listener
7. I have a knack to look at pictures and draw acurate replica's
8. I'm a loyal friend
9. I love my family more that anything else in the entire world
10. I can step out of the box of my life to see where I need improvement, and work diligently on improving it
I have to say.....that was extremely difficult. Every time I listed a pro, a con would slip into my mind just to make things difficult! I tend to peak and valley in my life and currently I'm platteauing somewhere in Death Valley.
I had heard somewhere that Oprah recommended making a list of the things you were thankful for in your lives. I'm modifying that to my personal bonuses. It isn't that I'm no good, it's just that sometimes I forget what a valuable person I can be. ENOUGH of my pitty party.
Maybe I need to carry around a camera more often, just so I can remember all the beautiful things that there are to see! I need to go find my warm fuzzy place!
.......Thanks Aub for all your inspiration!
I have this AMAZING friend that has a really beautiful life and I seem to be aching to live vicariously through her. As I read her awesome blogs, I wish that just for one day I could walk a mile in her shoes. Feel what she feels and experience her admirable sense of creativity.
Since there really is no cure for this emotionally dibilitating disease, I have decided to cure it with a few things. I plan to strive to live my life better and to the fullest. I plan to work hard on being more creative. I plan to spend more time loving others and less time worrying about why my life isn't as pleasant as everyone elses. I also plan on sitting here at me computer and putting together a list of 10 things that are good about me; that set me aside from everyone else I know. I also hope to make this list as unique as possible! Here goes......
1. I make friends really easily because I have a bubbly personality that someone told me "lights up a room" :) (I like that one)
2. I can sing music that puts my children to sleep
3. I know how to make small children quickly consider me a friend rather than a stranger (danger).....is that good or bad?
4. I tend not to take life and situations too seriously and so it is easy to let go of my anger
5. I'm a good talker
6. I'm a good listener
7. I have a knack to look at pictures and draw acurate replica's
8. I'm a loyal friend
9. I love my family more that anything else in the entire world
10. I can step out of the box of my life to see where I need improvement, and work diligently on improving it
I have to say.....that was extremely difficult. Every time I listed a pro, a con would slip into my mind just to make things difficult! I tend to peak and valley in my life and currently I'm platteauing somewhere in Death Valley.
I had heard somewhere that Oprah recommended making a list of the things you were thankful for in your lives. I'm modifying that to my personal bonuses. It isn't that I'm no good, it's just that sometimes I forget what a valuable person I can be. ENOUGH of my pitty party.
Maybe I need to carry around a camera more often, just so I can remember all the beautiful things that there are to see! I need to go find my warm fuzzy place!
.......Thanks Aub for all your inspiration!
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