Meditation Monday

I remember today 2 years ago,like It was yesterday.I had hit rock bottom.I had 3 kids and if it weren't for them I don't think I would have gotten out of bed most days!I had been so sick,I caught everything and to add to it someone I had come to call a friend had ripped me to shreds emotionally.

A dear friend had been begging me to see her doctor.After seeing other doctors and spending an insane amount of money I relented.It was today  that her doctor looked at blood results from another doctor and said" So how long have you had celiac."
"What" came from my shocked lips and I cried and cried.I am so grateful too my best friend for following the spirit and being there for me when my world was crashing down.I couldn't have done any of it without the love and patience of my husband.I am also grateful to my husband's family  for all their love and help.I am so grateful!I am healthy and happy and have a life I am proud to get up for! Of course none of this would be possible without Jesus and this gospel! I encourag  if you wake up wondering how you are going to make it through another day or you find yourself in a dark place,pray and pray some more.

How to be a more "Radiant Mama".

 I wish I had coined the phrase "Radiant Mama".It is absolutely how I want to be seen!However,Radiant Mama is founded by.Amber Kuileimailani Bonnicihas.She wants every Woman to find her inner spark and dream. Radiant is defined as sending out light,shinning or glowing brightly.

In Mathew 5:16 it reads "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
How can we let our inner light shine?

A Radiant Mama is one who:

Knows her Worth
"The key to a happier life is understanding how valuable you are (and what you value)."
BY Marjorie Ingall
We do not let others define our worth.We decide.

She listens within
Take time to be still.This is difficult to do in our busy busy lives! How can we not find a little time to be a better,healthier,happier Mom? Listen to what I call your "mama senses".We just know things.We know when things aren't right.Like when our noisy toddler ids very quiet all of a sudden.That is when you run to find crayon all over your wall! You have ALL been there! It is learning to listen to you heart and desires and training yourself to do so in your busy life.It is being prayerful and mindful of divine guidance.See How to listen within

She shows her kids by example
Children are always watching and learning even at a young baby.What kind of example are you setting?
She nourishes herself
When I think of nourish I think of both physically and spiritually.We need to exercise our body and our minds.To be nourished by the word of God and too eat healthy.

She dances in possibility and dreams greater possibilities.
Do you  take time to dream and imagine.Whatever it may be,do you believe it is possible?

She knows she is perfect just the way she is!
     

To truly think positively you must first forgive yourself.

I think I know why I am having so many negative feelings creep in to my mind, like a tiny little spider.That negativity is taken and spun into a web where it waits to catch and hold onto more negative thoughts! I do not mean to make it sound like it is hopeless.If you have ever tackled a spider web they are very fragile and breakable.I feel this web of negativity is easily broken ,but it starts with me(you).This will work only if I stop dwelling on these thoughts.I am getting them out of my head as we speak and on paper.As I mentioned yesterday I will be writing these down and turning them into positives.In the process of writing these down I hope to accept these positives.To truly do this I must forgive myself and others who might be contributing to my self doubt and negativity!

I have come to the realization that I have been beating myself up for something I had no control over .I have a lot of guilt for not being there as much for a friend who lost her Mother right after I had my baby.I had a c-section so there was a 4-6 week recovery period.This kept me home a lot!I haven't been able to forgive myself even though this person said they were not mad at me.Life has separated us more and more.I find myself blaming it all on me,and wanting things to be the same.I realize that things can't be the same.Life changes all the time but our path(our ultimate goal) remains the same if we listen to God and what he thinks of us. I can be the kind of friend and person I want to be.I can't control other people.I am who I am because of the people in my life and experiences good and bad in my life.

Whew!That only took me 7 months to say!I feel liberated now that I have put down how I feel.Do you know what? I feel like I have truly forgiven myself.I had to go through a lot of pain and crying,that let's face it was self inflicted.Clear the cob webs and allow those feelings to leave your mind,even if pain follows and don't let it come back.This process could be for a short time or a long time.We all take different amount of time to forgive.It can't be rushed or forced.

My next negative thought I want to start working on is that I can't make my home the way I want it to be because there is too much junk,I am tired and the kids aren't cooperating!My fear too is that if I make my house more manageable can I keep it that way?Does this sound familiar to anyone else? Why can't I do it all? I would love to have comments about this.Maybe we can help each other!Let me walk in your shoes for a while.

What is keeping you stuck? How to identify it and then act.

According to the article 10 things you can do today to improve your life ,we need to identify what’s keeping you stuck.It is then suggested further, and I quote:

1) "Stop and see what it is that’s keeping you stuck right now. Oftentimes it’s a blind spot you can’t see, so taking time to mull things over helps you see more clearly. Is it a decision you’re afraid to make? Are certain people bringing you down? Are you in a cycle of negative thinking?"
2) "Look around you to how this blind spot is touching your life. Is it only at home? Or just at work [or] school? and finally"
3)" Listen to what your heart and mind tell you about what you need to do. Learning to reflect on your inner thoughts and feelings will help you trust putting them into action."

I have made my goals and am more clear every day what I want.When I read the above article it really was an eye opener that I am afraid to make some pretty big decisions,mainly because it means starting over and possibly feeling alone.It is so hard to make friends as an adult.I love my kids and doing school with them but I need some adult conversation.Since we moved it has been hard to keep the friends I made.I feel like I have really tried to do things.I think this started the whole spiraling down.This in turn its really making my negative feelings drag me down.So what now?

I need to ask myself these hard questions and be willing to act on the answers,which is going to be hard for me.I need to get these negative feelings out on paper and turn them into positives.

Have you ever battled with your thoughts?They are like huge road signs telling you what it's ahead if you continue on your current path.
While this battle is raging I become more upset.As I become more upset I draw inward and a storm starts to rage.I recently  went for a drive to see the colors changing on the leaves.We were met by a torrential down pour of rain and then hail.It is no different then how I
feel now.I have brought this rain of unhappiness and negativity that I fail to see the end and the sun waiting to peak out through the clouds.These storms can leave as fast as they came.To accomplish that end,I cast away slowly the negative thoughts and things in my life.I continually strive for my goals!I never give up!

Even a storm can be beautiful!

Take back your Turf Thursday -Just start!

Last week I made a list of things most important to me.Did you give it a try?If not I would encourage it because it is a very strong motivator to have a goal of where you want to end up! If you just say I want my house clean it seems daunting and very unattainable.For example I know my kids rooms have been driving me crazy! I have been spending as least 5 minutes a day.There have been days that was all I could or wanted to do.Today I spent a half an hour in my son's room and man oh man boys are disgusting!I need to help him before roommates or his poor future wife has to deal with that! I have time though right.The idea is to just start!Start small and work up to your goal!Yes,it takes more time but you won't burn out as easy.
I told my son that I worked on his room.He replied with a heartfelt thank you and then he said"You work too hard Mom" Every Mom's dream to hear! But when I asked him to pick up the papers and garbage in one area he said NO!Moment over,crushed.and I am back to reality.However they have had t.v. ,friends and video games taken away until they clean.I'd they leave it up to me it will be a while!

I think that I am going to move the time to 7 minutes and keep my kitchen table clean. I saw this really cool organizer someone made to put books and things that are on the table.

Here is another organizing miracle I have found.It is a way too store stuffed animals and have more seating too!You want to know how?

That is right! A bean bag !!!!! Genius right? I 

only wish I had thought of it!The frog is trying to escape!
 Do you have any organization tips to share?

When you have a bad day.How to turn it around.

Today was a gloomy day and I watched my motivation go right out the window.I did go for a walk before the rain,but no sun! Not even a glimpse.I opened all my windows and blinds and turned on the lights.We did go to the library and got some books.I have some great ideas for next week!
What do you do when you have one of those blah days?
Maybe put away those to do lists and try this list and just let the day unfold.I don't know who to give credit for this but I love it!If someone knows let me know so I can give them credit!
Wouldn't it be great if our day could focus on serving others?What if we could have more quiet moments to ourselves?I want to try this list, or make one up of my own.It is our attitude that makes us choose what we do each day!

What would your to do list look like?

• Take Time to appreciate the new day
• Take some actions toward my goals
• Do something to improve my health
• Take time to appreciate nature
• Reflect on the moments in your day that you are grateful for
• Spend time in stillness and listen to your inner voice
• Dream as if there is no limit

Letter O and All about me lesson

Scripture:Articles of Faith 1:3
Pearl of Great Price
We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
Letter:O
Number:3
Shape:oval
Nursery Rhyme:Ring around the Rosie

Ages5 and under:In our All about me theme we are talking about faces.Ask your child where their nose,eyes,ears are.

Music and movement:Head shoulders knees and Toes.Hokey Pokey.Ring around the Rosie.

For the baby.He is sitting up on his own and pushing up on all fours.No crawling!Thank goodness!!We did a few activities from Teach my baby.It is a great learning tool for babies all in one kit.I found mine at a thrift store.I was so excited!!We read the book and played with the nesting blocks.My preschooler played with the baby.He kept putting his cars inside and shaking them around.Each block has a mirror so your baby can see his/her reflection.Whatever block he had I would point and say the word and then say Where is your nose.The only thing he copied was when I stuck my tongue out.

Gross and fine motor nature walk:Collect as many things as you can that remind you of Fall.Then take construction paper and construct a face out out of your treasures!They turned out really cute.

Meditation Monday-How to let the light in

I struggle in the winter without sunlight.The light for me is important to many happiness.I feel like I walk in darkness.It is a challenge to get up and get moving.As many of you know I have been doing a little bit of soul searching.I was reading in a general conference talk by Pres.Dieter F. Uchtdorf The hope of Gods light.Do you ever hear or read something that is meant for you word for word?This talk was meant for me.Whatever your darkness may be there is light.Uchtdorf suggests how to open ourselves to God's light.There are 3 ways.Sometimes other people just say it better than I can!
First, start where you are.

"The perfect place to begin is exactly where you are right now. It doesn’t matter how unqualified you may think you are or how far behind others you may feel. The very moment you begin to seek your Heavenly Father, in that moment, the hope of His light will begin to awaken, enliven, and ennoble your soul. The darkness may not dissipate all at once, but as surely as night always gives way to dawn, the light will come."

Second, turn your heart toward the Lord.

Lift up your soul in prayer and explain to your Heavenly Father what you are feeling. Acknowledge your shortcomings. Pour out your heart and express your gratitude. Let Him know of the trials you are facing. Plead with Him in Christ’s name for strength and support. Ask that your ears may be opened, that you may hear His voice. Ask that your eyes may be opened, that you may see His light.

Third, walk in the light.

Your Heavenly Father knows that you will make mistakes. He knows that you will stumble—perhaps many times. This saddens Him, but He loves you. He does not wish to break your spirit. On the contrary, He desires that you rise up and become the person you were designed to be.

"The word "imperfect" actually spells "I'm perfect"
because everyone is perfect in their own imperfect ways."author unknown
I love this!We take each step,each hour and day one step at a time!

Give yourself a break.Take a step forward and slowly let in the light.


Breathe, relax and be calm

6 delicious ways to enjoy Fall(not just with food)

Tomorrow marks the official first day of fall.That means colder weather is on its way.But before this:

Turns into this:

I want to share ways I enjoy fall.First ,hands down has to be the leaves changing colors.We usually take a drive to welcome Fall and it really is quite therapeutic for me to take pictures of the sun shining through the leaves, as if to say something wonderful is going to happen!The crisp air seems to renew my spirit.

2.I love the smells as well as the colors.With the aromas of pumpkin,apples, and cinnamon comes food! It is time to break out the comfort foods and deserts that when you take a bite takes you home.

3.I really love the really hot weather is coming to an end!We can spend more time outdoors We get amazing storms with lightning dancing in the sky.You can take walks and be sucked into all the beauty.When the leaves start to fall we make big piles of them.There are a lot of photo opportunities for this activity.

4.On days of cooler weather or rain I like to start my crafts and really start preparing for Christmas.No Christmas decorations though!The more prepared I am for the busy holidays ahead the better!

5.Fall is a time to prepare fir winter I thunk both mentally and physically.In this article Celebrate the Autumn Equinox it is suggested make a list of your inner harvest.I quote "An inner harvest refers to all the achievements and experiences that you have had or felt during the past few seasons. This is a way of restoring gratitude into your life, as you realize what you have done and how you have coped with challenges during the past months."I love this! I am going to do this!!

6.It is almost like clockwork for me at this time off year that I usually start to look inside to see where I am lacking.I am excited to try more meditation and reflection and to increase in spirituality too.

How do you like to welcome Fall?

Friday night date night!

I recently watched 50 first dates with my Hubby.If you haven't seen it you should!Lucy(Drew Barrymore) lost her short term memory in an accident.Henry(Adam Sandler) is an island play boy .It is all about him trying to get Lucy to fall in love with him each day because she forgets about him when she wakes up.My favorite quote from the movie:
"There is nothing like the first kiss."

Since the move and renting our old house,then having the baby;my hubby and I have barely had time for each other. By the time we get kids to bed and clean up we are tired.Sound familiar to anyone else?
This last month we have been making time for each other.If you read last night's post I talked about things that were important to me.Number one was spending time with those I love.We  have been spending almost every night together.We have done foot massages,talking,and we are reading a book together!It is not something new everyday but we are trying to rekindle and get to know each other better!
We have went on several dates.One to the book store where we had challenges,like finding a new recipe to try!

My choice

His choice

Another date We did had a theme of sorts because we are reading together.This date was at home where we cooked dinner together and dessert.We bought a box of gf devils food cake.I added a little more vanilla and cocoa powder and it was the best gf cake I ever had.It goes along with the book we are reading Devils food cake by Josi S Kilpack.She always includes recipes in her mystery books.

What are your plans for your next date night?

Take back your Turf Thursday-How to start anything and start small

The clutter is out of control.I clean somewhere and the next day or even hour there is more stuff!Is it coming out of the walls?My Mom used to talk to us about the house fairy.If we didn't pick up things they would disappear and she would say it was the house fairy.Well....where is she?I must have a house troll or warlock!

Messes happen with kids.It just does!However it really bothers me.I have made a recent discovery.If I can get most of the things up high,then I can limit what is out.Wow shocker!If there are toys hidden in the walls I will know and scare them back in!

Since looking at my house as a whole and a hole to clean,I would feel overwhelmed!I need to make a more reasonable goal don't you think?
How do you start something? 1.Find out what is important to you.2.make a goal(one,not four or ten, one!)3.Baby steps4.be prepared to take baby steps backwards too and accept life and it's chaos!

I wrote down my most important things to me.
1.spend time with people I love
2.Get house manageable(notice I don't say spic n span because that isn't going to happen anytime soon)
3.purge the junk 5 minutes a day
4.get breaks when when I need

As I wrote this list I noticed something.To achieve my first goal I need to do number 2 first because cleaning takes a long time..To manage my house better I need to do number 3 first.I don't know when number 4 will happen.As I write I chuckle then cry.Impossible? No but it will take longer than I hoped.I found this post about simplifying your life.It is suggested to start small and then gradually add on.So first I purge for 5 minutes and then celebrate my success.Then the next week it can be 8 minutes and so on.I also need to try to keep my counters clean so I am going to start in the kitchen by the sink.I think the flylady has good ideas on where to start.Where are you going to start?Post here and we can support each other! I feel a challenge coming on! Maybe?:-P

If you are in a slump what do you do to get out of it?

Letter of the week O-Ring around the Rosie and circles

If you read my last few posts I am in a bit of a rut.I don't know if it is the changing seasons or what.I am still doing preschool but I am trying to find my way again,to accept all the changes there have been lately in my life.I will try to get back on my normal schedule but there is some major construction going on to my blueprint.But without further ado here is the letter: O
Scripture:obedience 
Articles of Faith 1:3
Pearl of Great Price
We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
Number:0
Color:0
Shape:circle
Theme:All about Me
Nursery Rhyme:Ring around the Rosie
Music and movement:
A circle is a crazy thing it has no sides just one round ring.(From Baby Einstein book)Sing Ring around the Rosie.Hold your baby and when we all fall down fall down gently to the ground.You may be playing this one for a while.
Round and round it goes where it stops nobody knows.Say this as you circle your finger over the baby and when it says stop and tickle your baby somewhere in his/her body.They will love the attention.My older kiddos love this too.I love to hear all the giggles it brings.
We also sang Wheels on the Bus.

We looked around the house for circles.We found a clock,door knob,plate and my rings We counted wheels on cars.The baby loved spinning the wheels.I said the same saying above.

At story time we read lots of books .Here is one about shapes good for baby and preschool age!

I introduced the letter O Using magnetic letters.There are a lot of activities you can do with magnetic letters!

1.Spell your child's name

2.Sort letters by color

3.Sing the ABC's as you point to the letters

4 ways to tell if you are on the right path.

Sometimes I wonder.......

Am I on the right path?

Am I doing all I can?

Am I a good Mom,Wife,Sister and Friend?

The following quote is from a blog wakeupcloud.com
"There are days when I feel horrible. I’m afraid, frustrated and angry at the world. It feels like everyone is against me and nothing is going right. When this happens, I take a deep breath and acknowledge what is going on.

I often take a day off observing my thoughts. This may seem counter-intuitive as you’re probably accustomed to push your thoughts away when they aren’t pleasant, but if you want to get rid of them, you have to learn what’s going on."

I like how this was said and it made me do a little searching too! How many of you are searching for the right path? Just make sure it is the path for you and not someone else's.There are ways to find this path and find happiness along the way.There are 4 ways that I want to suggest to making sure you are on the right path for YOU!

1)Recognizing bad habits-Is there something you are doing to cause yourself grief?Do you collect to much physical stuff?Are you drawn to drama?Do you keep picking the wrong friends or getting in same relationships?Digging deep within yourself and asking why is the first and best way to get to the root of the problem.I am never going to be the best Mon in the world,or in America.I am not the best Mom in the state and city I live. I am and cannot do what my neighbors do or even my neighbor next door!Comparing myself is an awful habit and I will always fall short.So what is important to me?When I figure that out I can make realistic goals!

2)Letting things go.We hold on as long as we can.It is just in our nature.We have to much stuff.In relationships we stay even if it isn't a good one.It is familiar so it is hard to take a deeper look at people.Often times we don't really let go we just push it away until next time it surfaces.Our lives are like a garden.We start out with soil and seeds of hope, and dreams.We plant and wait anxiously.We see buds but we still don't know what and when we will see our flowers.In the meantime,weeds pop up(negative thoughts).These weeds try to take over and smother these buds.This can be fear,low self esteem,loneliness,to name a few.If we want our garden to grow we have to get rid of the weeds whenever we recognize them.

3)Meditation or some way to bring you to awareness.This is hard to do because our thoughts keep getting in the way but it is a great way to clear your mind and reduce stress.I wish I could tell you,my readers how.You just have to try to be still,breathe and let go of the thoughts weighing your mind down like a ton if bricks!

4)Last to know if you are really on the path you want to be, there are a few questions to ask yourself:
Are you happy when you wake up?
Do you look forward to your day?
Does your day fly by because you are engrossed in whatever you are doing or does it drag on?
I love being around people and they love being around me?

Meditation Monday-3 steps to a calmer you!

There is too much anger in this world.The way we act towards this emotion varies.Some seem to know when they need to walk away and others become critical,volatile or abusive.It happens to the best of us.Road rage is a good example of a dangerous response to anger.I knew someone who got so mad they kicked a cupboard and broke their toe! Our previous tenants in our rental punched a huge hole in the wall.Angry birds is a popular application today.Speaking of which,there is a great you tube video from angry birds about controlling your emotions.

Anger cannot be contained.If emotions are bottled up for too long they come out all at once like a volcanic eruption! When we are yelling I think that is a sure sign that we are not in control anymore!Who is?I suggest at least 3 steps to get control of yourself again.

1.First of all how many of you have tried progressive relaxing?This is where you tighten a group of muscles, like in your toes and then,release.Notice after you progress up your body how relaxed you feel? When we are angry we tense up but unless we control our anger and can get rid of it we don't relax and we don't feel better.Once you recognize when you are angry you can find ways to let off steam.

2.After we have figured out what our body feels like when we are Angry.We need to identify triggers.This can be tricky.For me a diary is always a way to see if there is a pattern and ultimate ultimately the cause of my anger or whatever the problem may be.I am not sure where this acronym originates but it is HALT.The idea is if you are any of the following to recognize it and stop or halt until you have addressed it:
H-hungry
A-angry
L-lonely
T-tired
It is easier said than done but taking a few deep breaths,drinking some water,calling a friend or laying down for a minute can all help us calm our stress and frustration down.We need to take care of our basic needs first!It is no surprise to me that anger is a trigger itself!How many times have we not even know what we are angry about? If it is my kids I tell them to cool off in their room or put them down for a nap.Why is it so hard to manage ourselves?The demands and busyness of our lives are a big factor.Slow down,halt,breathe and think it through.Anger is like playing with fire,you don't know who is going to get burned.

3.Like I mentioned before,it is ok to be angry,but it is how we act to release that anger that matters.It has to go somewhere.My next step would be to suggest you find a healthy outlet.Do you prefer a)physical diffusing by running,swimming or other forms of exercise.I sometimes like to clean. I feel my stress in my hands as I scrub away and I do it fast and I don't even realize it!For some they might be b)more quiet outlet like meditation,yoga.Lastly c)you just need to talk it out with a friend.Try all or some of these if you are not sure.

Anger is unpredictable but it doesn't have to make you out of control.The last thing anyone wants is to be a ticking time bomb!Try to re-teach yourself and redirect this emotion and you can be a calmer happier,healthier you!

Take back your Turf Thursday -finding the light when you are surrounded by dark

Today was one of those days!After a week of no sleep.Also getting our rental up after our renters bailed on us.I woke up with a migraine.I couldn't function.I couldn't try to clean up my messy house due to being at the rental every moment.

After my kids got home all chaos.I was nagging the kids were oblivious! My daughter was pushing all my buttons.I had forgot that a friend was going to pick my kid up for soccer.She showed up I was bawling and we weren't ready! How can I embrace this chaos?

The baby has a infection on his diaper area and as I was pulling up to get his ointment he was screaming in the pharmacy drive through.I turned car off.My battery died because I turned the car off but not the lights.Are you getting an idea of how I felt about my day?

Then I see the most beautiful sights in the sky.I am going to start over cleaning and hopefully getting sleep again.What I realize upon reflection, is after the storm ,when it seems the darkest clouds are overhead, a ray of light breaks through and it is stronger than the darkness.God is always there and always watching.He is my light and my life.

R is for remember,race and roll

Scripture:Exodus 20:12
Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee
Letter:R
Color:Red
Nursery Rhyme:where is baby?(to the tune of where is Thumbkin?)

R is for remember.We started off by talking about all the flags we were seeing.The colors of the flag are red,white and blue.We talked about America.Today we remember 9/11 and the attack on Twin Towers.my kids like most of the kids this generation did not know about the story of 9 /11 so I want to teach my preschooler.I showed him a picture of the towers and we talked about what errors was basically it was a really bad guy or bully.he said did they get put in timeout?So cute right?we talked about heroes and how the people to give up their lives on the plane and in the towers and fighting to save the people were heroes.Then,I found this video on YouTube called Through a child's eye- 9/11 tribute

We did still do some fun letter R activities.R is for race.We had fun racing each other to see who was the fastest.We also ran outside to see how far we can run in 10 seconds.In addition we also play the game to see who could be quiet the longest.R is for run.What other things can you race?Cars?Airplanes?What boy wouldn't love that?

For baby:For the next activity we need a bowl and a ball. I put the ball inside the bowl the baby was delighted to watch as he tried to grab the ball. It is a great practice for fine motor skills and you get so excited when he would get the ball.He is 7 months now and is sitting up pretty much on his own.At one point he flipped over the bowl and started drumming on it.My 3 year old wanted to join in so he got whole bunch of pots and pans and they were drumming together as we sang nursery rhymes we also for class to the rhythm of the nursery rhymes.

For the next activity we gotta ball and passed it back and forth to each other.R is for roll.He is doing plenty a rolling around and scooting all on his own.Big boy!

Meditation Monday -Why don't we go for it?

It seems like it was not long ago I Ieft my parents to move and get married to a place where I didn't know anyone. All my childhood friends gone.I only knew my husband and his family.When I moved I had bronchitis and I was lonely.But, I just had the happiest day of my life,why was I having such a hard time?
To make any kind of decision requires some sacrifices.Some of life's choices require a leap of faith.If only we had a crystal ball to see if we will be happy with our choice.These choices can be hard and accepting the outcome of them is even harder.What if we know what we want to do but we don't do it? I knew I wanted to write this blog but I didn't do it for a while.Why don't we just jump in? There are 3 obstacles we must overcome before we make a hard decisions.They are the following
1.Negative thoughts.No one can hurt us more than ourselves.A few negative thoughts and we are ready to put on the breaks! However this first obstacle is important because, then we feel we have thought it through.If we think of all the negative then we think of the positive.However,sometimes we are positive until these negative thoughts creep in.If we decide to move forward then the second obstacle comes into play.2.The roles we play.We are mothers/fathers,wives/husbands,homemaker,friend and so on.When we hit this obstacle we fear it will affect these roles or they just occupy our time till that is all we have time for.Think of for each role and its jobs.Visualize that for each role and its jobs you are handed a book.Pretty soon it is too much and you have to let something good go.
Last if we make it past 1 or 2 ,the last obstacle is the hardest to overcome.3.Not taking action.We have to get past the thinking and planning and do it!There are many reasons to not take action after we have thought it through and made sure we have time.It can be fear,or not knowing where to start.Maybe our family or friend has expressed concern and now we are having second thoughts.We may be all ready and then we push it and pack it away in the back of our minds.Then it is really hard to do it and it is a dream we have that one day we will.
I wish I knew how to overcome these obstacles.I could give you a "how to" formula.Sometimes it just takes time.Other times we just keep getting stuck on these 3 obstacles and we cycle through them over and over.At some point we accept it and decide whatever happens we will endure.Once there is true acceptance we can jump in!

If you are holding back from doing something ask yourself truly why?Are you stuck in this same way of thinking?Is what you think is holding you back really just you and fear? I hope if you have put something off that you will look at it again and leap.Do you really fail if you are trying?Or do you fail because you quit trying?

Breathe,relax and be calm

Take back your Turf Thursday-How to make your to do list dissapear.Ta da!

How many of us have a long to do list everyday? Isn't it discouraging when half of it stares you in the face like a dark cloud hanging over your head.I have caught myself on many occasions saying "I have so much to do!"I sounded like a broken record.Not to mention it is so discouraging not to get everything done.A while ago I posted about a system I use with note cards.I sorted all my jobs into yearly,monthly,weekly and daily.It seems with 4 small children I have a hard time doing the daily things.I still use this system.If I don't get to all my cards I move it to the next day and the next day until I get to it..There are only a few tasks that have to get done like laundry,dishes and things like paying bills or for a church activity or a party.You can't have a party if you didn't decorate or make/buy the cake.Appointments also take time and grocery shopping.They are also more time consuming.On days when I have appointments and shopping I do not set myself up for failure by having a huge to do list of things I have to do that day.

Now here comes the fun part! Set your timer for 15 minutes.Those who have been following me know I love timers! Why does this crazy lady like timers? I like them because it gives me a time frame in which to complete a task.What if I am not done when the timer goes off? Stop look at what you have done and decide if you want or can keep going.In a dramatic announcement of sorts the word ta da is often used.One day I worked really hard to clean the whole house while my husband was away.When he got home I couldn't wait to show him.He walked in and I said ta da.I. dawned on me then how happy I was because he was thrilled and I felt a sense of accomplishment and pride. I don't have to do lists anymore.I have ta da lists.Look at what I have done today!Then you should feel good about it and hopefully a little less stressed or overwhelmed.You are that much closer to your goals.

Apparently this ta da list is not a new thing.I want to give credit where credit is due.I found a site where you can you create a ta da list.They are retiring the original ta da list but have a good replacement!

How to rock out with letter R

 Scripture:Exodus 20:12
Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee
Letter:R
Color:red
Shape:Triangle
Nursery Rhyme:Where is baby(tune of where is Thumbkin)See my previous post for words and actions.
Music and movement-
Song to introduce Names:Hi my name is Joe (insert child's name)
I live in a button factory with my Mama and my Papa and my family.
One day,my boss came up to me.
He said "Hi Joe,are you busy?
I said"No."
Turn (or push)the button with your right hand.
Repeat and when you get to turn the button add with your left hand,right foot,left foot,head or instead of hand you could do elbows.Be creative with this wacky song.
R is for running.Have kids run in place or in a circle.They could also race down the hall or classroom.
R is for rocket.Have child crouch down and count backwards 10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1...blast off!My little guy loved this one.He is ready to blast off with cars in hand.

Craft:Rocket with child's name
Need:red construction paper and whatever colors you want.Make a medium size triangle and a large rectangle.Then make smaller squares to put each letter of their name.We need 5 squares for my Preschooler.

Then assemble your Rocket. Put triangle on top of rectangle.Then take your squares and have child arrange in order his name.

We had to do these straw rockets.All you need is paper and a straw.It was really cute to see my 3 year old take a huge breath in and then barely blow into the straw.He also kept biting it so it blocked the air.Kids are too funny!When my older kids got home they begged to make some too!The one on the top my 8th grader made on his own design.He is also really good at paper airplanes!

Here is another variation that we tried.

If you give a boy some cars........

If you give a boy some cars.....

My little 3 year old has been begging me to play cars.We made ramps.We raced.Ready ....set....go! Go starts with G.I made lines on a paper and right away he knew I was making a parking lot.In some of the stalls I wrote letters B,U,G and R.There are days where the lesson plan goes out the window.I asked him to park his car in the letter B spot and so on.We talked about how it was rectangle.I made a bigger spot to park his tractor because it was too big for the other spots.

He will want to make a parking lot!

After they park they will want to sleep.

When they wake up the cars will want to go for a swim.

The boy and his Mom will talk about what sinks and floats.

He will want to make a boat.

When he is done in the water.He will dry off his cars.

Chances are if you give him more cars.....

He will want to make a parking lot.

This week we are learning respect.
Scripture:Exodus 20:12
Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee
Letters:G and R
Nursery Rhyme:Where is baby?written by Kristianne R.(to the tune of Where is Thumpkin)
Where is baby(put your hands over your eyes)
Where is baby?
There he/she is(take hands down so baby can see your face and a big smile)
There he/she is.
How are you this morning?(shake gently right hand or foot)
Very well, I thank you.(shake left hand or foot)
Run away (put one hand over your eye)
Run away(put other hand over your other eye)
Repeat

Tomorrow we start working on names and the letter R.

A spa day with with your daughter that is a must!

Want to know what to do with your daughter,cousin,niece,sister or your best friend? I am going to show you how deliciously fun and easy it is to do! Sit back breathe and prepare to relax!

1.Make a mask for not only you and your guest but for their dolls too! I used cornstarch and water to make a paste.My daughter loved it!

2.We made this edible  chocolate facial
All you need is cocoa powder,honey and Greek yogurt!

3.We soaked our piggies in warm bath salt.You can buy some or make your own.That can be part of the day.Her doll had her own chair.LOVE it!

4.Toes glistened with polish.We used pom poms to separate our toes.

5.Our nails on our hands wanted to join in! Cute hand shot of my little girl who is growing so fast!

6.We ended by enjoying chocolate kisses and real ones.Awwwwww. Of course we had extra of our facial to dip fruit in.

Now we are all pampered and relaxed.Dad and the rest of the clan came back and now......