Outta Here!

We are on our way to the SUNNY SOUTH! I am excited to sit on a beach, have other people cook and clean for me and to just be with my sweetie!

Be back in a week or so!

The Tree

The tree.

Does this tree look like any of you feel? It actually looks a lot like me lately. This poor tree has been in my basement. Ignored. Neglected. No one has given it any attention for much too long. It has patiently waited for someone to care about it. It held on to it's leaves as long as it could. It then decided that maybe it could lose a few and it would help it. Well, it finally was ignored so much that it started losing lots and lots of leaves.

Yesterday I decided to bring the tree upstairs. I was going to decide if it was going to be able to be saved or if it would have to be thrown out.

Have any of you ever felt like this poor tree? Like you have been ignored, abused and left to fend for yourself?

Well, let's take a good look at this poor tree. It has been ignored and abused. Most of it's leaves are gone, the ones left are bedragled and barely holding on. You must look more closely. This poor tree is trying to repair itself! It is trying so hard to hold on and do what it was put here to do. Grow leaves!

As I brought the tree up I really looked at it to see if I thought it was "worth the effort". Well, that poor little tree with 2/3 of its leaves on the floor has new little tiny leaves trying oh so hard to bud from the dry, dry, dry branches.

Maybe this tree is a reminder to all of us. We need to remember why we were put here. What is our calling, our job, our reason? The tree has inside of it to grow leaves. We were put here to magnify our inner light. To help others find their light. It is deep inside all of us. We need to let it out.

So if any of you are feeling like my poor tree, withered and neglected, remember that we all have that light within us. It is just up to us to let that light out and find ways to help it grow. We can't hang out in the basement waiting for someone else to water us. We must do it by ourselves. No one else has the ability to change us, only we can do that. So get out of that dark basement, find something that waters your soul. Find something that will help you to let your little green leaves grow.

(watering the tree wouldn't be a bad idea either!)

Sunday-Peaceful? Still waiting!

Sunday, a day of peace. A day of worship, a day of feeling the Spirit.

Well, that is the goal of any Christian mother---does it always happen? Not at my house. I want to say that I failed miserably at my Saturday preparations. Well, I actually did average. I did get all clothes ready and children bathed. Packing the bags- no, getting up extra early, no(set alarm and layed there!). We did make it to church on time. However, we had a very tense teenager moment while at church. I won't bore you with details. Not a huge deal but a huge reaction. Mostly from me, probably more than necessary.

To say the least the Spirit was not strong for me or my child. I have no answers as how to touch or reach, I am at a loss. It is a lonely and scary place to be. I am sorry to all parents that have already raised children and to all who are going through it now. Mom, I am sorry that all your children were mean and ugly and that everything was your fault.

Sometimes don't you just want to go and take a long, long nap and wake up when they are pleasant and you are not stupid and the reason for every problem in their lives is not yours? I do. I also want someone to really tell me what to do instead of smurking because they have been there. I want someone to actually have some guidance, true wisdom that actually helps. The smurking just makes me realize that I am part of a club. A club that most have gone through. A club that we join involuntarily. I don't want to just be part of the club, I want to have some guidance to get us to the other end of the club.

Not the best Sunday at my house.

Saturday Is a Special Day

Saturday is a special day, it is the day we get ready for Sunday. We clean our house, and we shop at the store, So we won't have to work until Monday. We brush our clothes, and we shine our shoes, And we call it our get the work done day. Then we trim our nails, and we shampoo our hair, So we can be ready for Sunday!

Do any of you remember this song from when you were little? I do! I sure do wish that I was better at really preparing myself and my life for Sunday. We go to our church meetings early(9:00am) so there isn't a lot of time in the morning to get extra things done-it is difficult enough to get 5 bodies dressed and combed and in the car on time.

What are a few things that would help me prepare for a more peaceful Sunday?

1. Children bathed(most of them still like to take night time so--if I just remember it is great!)
2. Have church/diaper bag packed.(Books for baby, snacks, scriptures, paper, pencils, manuals etc) When I don't have this done(usually) I am rushing about and it makes us late.
3. Make sure everyone's church clothes are clean and ready---socks and shoes are a nightmare!
This is harder than it sounds. My angels are getting big enough to really do much for themselves and they balk at doing anything early!(wish me luck!)
4. Get myself up earlier than I think is necessary! This is SO hard for me. I struggle with mornings anyway so I just don't get up and moving like I need to.

Do any of you have anymore suggestions that would help me to have a peaceful Sunday? I can use all the help I can get. I am trying to go to my sweeties church after ours so it is a long day. The angels are really very good, so it works out mostly well.

I am going on a cruise next Saturday! So, this week I am not going to add any new habits for Smart Habit Saturday. I am going to try and get ready for our trip--and get my family ready. For those interested check back in--Lara, the Lazy Organizer is going to look at my pantry mess and give some suggestions. Who knows she may start hiring her services out!!! Here is a sample of my messy pantry! (Yes that is a pile of organizing bags from Lara-they are wonderful if you use them!)

HAPPY MAIL!

Do you remember when you were little and lots of letters came in the mail? I do! I remember being in college in Hawaii and going to the post office daily. We would wait with our friends to see who got a letter from home, who got one from a missionary(always the favorite) who got a care package. I was one of the lucky ones. My Mom and my future Mom in law wrote me lots of letters.The missionary--not so much(but I still have every one of them!) I also received care packages. I would receive coloring pictures from my little nieces. They would do leaf drawings, pictures of their family. They were very little. I still have those pieces of art that came in the mail. One time I was really missing the fall leaves so my smart Mom sent me a baggie full of dry leaves. It was the best smell in the world for a homesick girl.

Today snail mail is a thing of the past. Children today do not have the sheer joy of opening a little note from a friend. Email has taken over. Blogs and web pages have replaced handwritten notes.

However, Good Old Fashioned Snail Mail is still the best! I am lucky because occasionally my sweet Momma still sends a little note in the mail. Sometimes she even sends my angels a package.

Yesterday was a HAPPY MAIL day! My sweet niece, Brittany sent us a valentine. It was full of sweet nothings and had No words of any kind! This sweetie has been in a rough place in her life for a few years. She is just not sure of who she is or what she wants to do or should do. She is our little lost girl. She is in many a prayer. This little envelope of goodies from her brought tears to my eyes because it was so sweet, so Brittany. I hope that it is a good sign.

Think about someone you love and actually get out an envelope, a piece of paper and a stamp. It may be the very best $.39 you will ever spend. It could change a life!

Really Yummy Brownies!

If you haven't had enough treats for Valentine's Day here is a yummy recipe that is sure to please! Make it anytime, it is easy and wonderful! (the picture doesn't do it justice!)

Texas Sheet Cake (or-Really Really Yummy Brownies!)
Preheat oven to 375*

Brownies
2 Cups granulated sugar
2 Cups flour
½ tsp.salt

1 Cup butter or margarine(2 sticks)
1 Cup water
3 Tbsp. dark unsweetened cocoa

½ Cup sour cream
2 eggs
1 tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. cayenne pepper (yes-really! It is good!)

In a large bowl combine sugar, flour and salt. Set aside.

In a small saucepan bring water, butter and cocoa to a boil, remove from heat.

Add liquid ingredients with dry ingredients. Blend well.

Mix sour cream, eggs, baking soda and cayenne pepper (mix well)
Add to the cake batter, blend well.

Grease and lightly flour large jelly roll pan.

Bake at 375* for 20-25 minutes—Do not overbake!

While brownies are baking make frosting to put on top while still hot.

Frosting
¼ Cup butter or margarine (1/2 stick)
1/3 Cup cocoa
2 Cups powdered sugar
¼ Cups milk
1 tsp. vanilla

In small saucepan, heat butter, milk and cocoa. Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Mix until free of lumps.

Spread frosting on warm/hot cake. (It is a glaze type frosting)
These are really yummy so be prepared to eat too many!

This is why we keep doing it!

Do you ever wander around your house picking up other peoples stuff, mopping the floor, doing dishes, laundry etc. etc. etc. and wonder why? Well, I listened to a song on Lisa Bearsons blog(she is the founder of Creating Keepsakes magazine) and it made me cry. This is why we keep doing it!



Click here to listen to song
Keeping Sheep
I have a little flock of sheep
And they are mine to tend and keep.
And I must guard them every day
For little lambs, when left alone,
Will lose their way.
So many voices say to me,
A sheep fold is no place to be.
Your time in there is dull and slow,
And lambs leave very little room
For you to grow.

Chorus:
So if I ever start to stray,
Deceived by thought of greener pastures,
Remind me, Lord, that keeping sheep
Will lead to happier ever-afters.
Will lead to happier ever-afters.


Oh, surety there will come a day
When all the lambs have left my side,
And I am free to roam about,
And go exploring other meadows,
Green and wide.

Yet something whispers in my heart
That when my sheep have left this pen
I'll long to stroke their little heads,
To draw them close to me
And have them young again.

Repeat Chorus

So while they still are in my care
I pray that I will clearly see
These little lambs within my fold
Are tender gifts the Master Shepherd
Has given me.

You can learn more about the CD here

This little gem is worth a lot!

Little Missy brought this little gem to me--am I a blessed Momma or what?

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

give all your sweeties an extra hug and kiss!

4 1/2 miles!

I am getting stronger! I hope that it lasts!
Today I ran 4 1/2 miles! I am still slow but I did it and didn't die! I hope that I am not sore tomorrow!

Scary thoughts

Thought provoking---I read an entry today that caused me to really stop in my tracks. These blogs are open to anyone. Good and BAD. Is it a good idea to have pictures of my children available to any nut out there? I am considering this seriously.
I have also realized that this strange cyberworld can become addicting--and why? I have many many projects and ideas that could use my time. This seems to be another thing that takes too much time. Just a thought. I may not be back for awhile and I may remove what is already here.

Smart Habit Saturday!

Here it is almost time to think about how our goals are going. I have really struggled with my goal of writing my blessings down. I am not sure why that has proved so difficult, yet is has. So, I am going to keep my little notebook nearby and try to incorporate it. This may take many, many SHS to become a habit.
I have decided to revert back to some very very basic things. My bathrooms are disgusting! I used to be so good about swishing and swiping daily. I actually would make sure that I went to all the bathrooms(4) in my house sometime during the day so that they would all be cleaned. I am a true believer in the swish and swipe. Running the toilet brush around the bowl and wipeing the rim with a wipe or a piece of t.p. makes it so that the toilet is never really dirty. Lara has been working on her toilets for a few weeks now. So, I am going to take that on this week! Go to the Lazy Organizer for more Smart Habit Saturday ideas.

Letting go of Perfection!

Wow 100 posts! That is a lot of words!



I have been thinking about my last post-about not shrinking. Well, here goes.



I am a picture taker(I would write another word but creepy men do searches). I am not a professional. I love to take pictures. They are not always perfect. For a long time I have thought that I needed to get better and better before I would hang them on my walls. Well, I found a quote that made me think differently.



The answer is sacrifice. You have to give something up in order to get results that excite you and inspire the artist within. You must give up perfection! Perfectionism only provokes fear and fear is what holds us back in pretty much every area of our lives. I love the way Joe Buissink puts it when he says "There is no such thing as a perfect image, only a perfect moment". He is so right. If we allow our creativity to be tied up by the "rules" of photography, we'll find ourselves bored; creating those mediocre images that look just like everyone else's. Tara Whitney



So, I printed out a few of my less than PERFECT pictures. I even put one that isn't in sharp focus but yells of my angel baby's personality into a large frame.



Guess what? It made me happy!

Never Shrinking

During this crazy week of mine I am trying to find things to eliminate to reduce stress. It is difficult to do, however, I am getting better at saying no. Do any of you have problems saying no? Do you want to please everyone? I was reading today and came across a quote that I have had on my fridge for months. It made me look at it again. It is rather profound. You may need to read it a few times over a few days to really understand it.


Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light not our darkness that frightens us.

We ask ourselves “who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?”
Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn’t serve the world. There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.

It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

Marianne Williamson


I showed this to my friend Lara and she asked if I really believed this. She said that she feels that we are all insecure and don't feel good about ourselves. I agree with her. However, I think that life may actually cause us to have those insecurities. We all get so hung up on fitting in that we forget who we are. We allow other people to be our voices. I really wish that I had an answer that would help us be able to raise our children so that they wouldn't have to go through the rediscovery of self. I don't know how. I have a child in middle school. It is a difficult age. She wants to belong so much that she may be willing to perhaps do things that she doesn't really believe in. She is just so fragile that she doesn't know which way, so whomever is loudest she might follow. People will give you the line "teach them the correct ways and principles and they will make the right choices." I do not always believe that. I believe that this world is difficult and sometimes we make bad choices even when we have been taught better.

I hope that I can teach my children that they are Children of God. That they have a special purpose on this earth that only they can accomplish. I hope that they will grow and develop and know that they are loved, even if they choose poorly. I also hope that I teach them that I will love them even if I don't like their choices. I think that for young people that is a hard concept to grasp. How can someone love me if I have done something wrong? Because you are my child. Think about this from our Heavenly Father's perspective. He loves us despite our failings. We are His children. He is disappointed and saddened by our choices but He loves us still. He also provided a way for us to repent and change and come back into His light. His light radiates from anyone who has it. It shows in their countenance. It is that sparkle in someones eyes. It is what draws us to certain people.

I am going to really try and focus on not shrinking. We all have gifts to give. It may be making someone else laugh. It may be a simple note in the mail. We all have a special gift that we need to use. We are all CHILDREN OF GOD. He has a grand plan for us. I hope that I can have His light in my countenance.

Monday already!

Well, here it is Monday again. I actually like Monday but sometimes I seem to need a rest from the weekend! Today has felt like one of those days! My family went skiing on Friday night and all day and night Saturday. Sunday I attended church from 9-3:30. I just can't quite get the energy to have my Monday be as productive as I would like!
Perhaps it isn't only the weekend. I was looking at my planner and realized just how busy my week is. It is one of those weeks that I have something going on every single day-more than normal. I have something every single morning when I usually go to the gym. That I do not like! How am I ever going to get faster if I can't actually get there?
How do you stay focused when you are so busy? I know that we all create some of our schedule problems. I also realize that sometimes we are busier than others. So, my question is how to we stay focused on our family, our faith, when we are so busy that the messes just have to wait?

I have been thinking about my Smart Habit Saturday post--since it is Monday. I really had an emotional week last week. I did not really incorporate writing down my blessings. So I am beginning again! I do want to report (to who I am not sure) that my counter habit is getting better! Mom, you would be so proud of me!
If you want some entertaining reading follow the link Smart Habit Saturday for some more great habits.