Take back your Turf Thursday-How to do anything one bite at a time

I want you each to imagine you have a jumbo sized candy bar.Let's think how you are going to eat it.Do you savor each bite?Maybe you are really hungry and inhale it?Perhaps you want to save it?Maybe you aren't hungry at all?

"Life is like a box of chocolates.You don't know what you are going to get"Forest Gump

I am here to say Life is like candy bar.You should enjoy it one day at a time.No need to do it "all".You may try to do it "all" at one time.Now who wants chocolate?.......I digress....

Life can be fast and demanding.You may want to slow down( enjoy your candy bar)but how?The problem is not that we lack knowledge but we don't know where to start.I am going to help you START:

S-Simplify
T-Tackle
A-Assess
R-Re-adjust
T-Try again.

You can get your favorite candy bar in many sizes.If you don't want a jumbo candy bar,what about a regular size one or a mini?These sizes are like our to do lists.They can be long or just a few items.The trick is to not bite off more than you can chew!As Moms I think we try to take on too much.I like my lists to incorporate 3 areas.They are My health,my family,and my home.Each of us is different.You find what works for you.Here are examples of 2 to do lists.I hope this further illustrates my point of not biting off more than you can chew.
#1
Clean house
Exercise
Preschool
#2
Breathe/yoga 10 minutes
Wipe kitchen counters
Sweep and vacuum kitchen and Living room
Laundry

Which list do you like better?
The first list is too vague.It is biting off more than you can chew.The first step is to SIMPLIFY.The second list is broken down into manageable goals.

Once you have your 3 areas of the most important things to you,and your goals what us next?
TACKLE IT!

Tip-
Do your least favorite first and reward yourself.This will keep you motivated.It is like you are taking a bite at a time and savoring the last few bites.

After you finish that day or at the end of the week,ASSESS and look back on your goals.Look at what you value.Also look at what you accomplished and what might need some tweaking.Here is where RE-ADJUST comes into play.

Look at you MIT'S(Most important use of your time) first.Has what you found important changed.Do you need to be more specific in our goals?

The most important thing is to TRY AGAIN.Do not give up.Taking your life and to do's one bite at a time can be satisfying and very efficient.Start today and take that first bite!

Now that I am finished with my post it really is time for some chocolate!Happy indulgence.:-)

Meditation Monday-2 ways to fight against depression today

These last few weeks have been tough ones!I slowly feel myself diving back into depression.I am hoping that it will not require me to have to be on medication again.I do feel like it is out of my control though.I don't like that.My heart and mind have been weakened.So now I want to make it stronger.

Here are a few words floating around in my mind
                               OPEN

           FORGIVENESS      NEGATIVE    
                               GUILT

        FAILURE             ENERGY
                      HIDE                    TALK
                               TRUST

These words can easily tell me how I am feeling.I can ask myself the following questions:
Is my heart opened?Am I being honest and open with MYSELF and my SPOUSE?

What am I holding on to?Am I hiding or want to HIDE?

Is my thinking NEGATIVE or POSITIVE?

Do I feel GUILT?

How can I get more ENERGY?

Who can I TALK to or TRUST?Am I talking to people?

Everyday I feed,change,clean up after the baby and kids.I do this while being so exhausted from being up withe the baby who has been in our bed for months.I feel tired,unmotivated and empty.I know in saying this I feel even more guilty for feeling this way.However I know I am not alone in this struggle.I don't want it to just be words I write here but raw emotion.I want you,my reader,to be able to relate.I am ready to push the reset button.....

There is nothing wrong with STARTING OVER.It sounds scary,and it can be sometimes.It is not admitting defeat, but admitting that something isn't working.It is looking at things in a new perspective.I want to be honest with myself here.For now I am just coping with it all,but depression doesn't go away over night.So I will write in my journal/blog and pray and pray some MORE.

What do I write in my journal?I write my feelings and negative thoughts so I have a starting point.I recognize that I need help and ask for it!This is hard,but to the un-motivated Mom dishes,laundry and clutter build up and become even more overwhelming.When you acknowledge our pain and frustration you are starting with a new happiness blueprint.With any blueprint you must have a foundation.Find out what makes you happy.Write down a few things that are really important to you.Tell yourself you choose to be happy and will do one thing towards that happiness.

Next make a small goal so you can achieve it.See how you feel and reward yourself.Then make another goal.By doing so,you are putting up walls of security and acceptance.Little by little you will find your happiness,because you built it!This can take days,weeks or months.This is not a fix all.You may need to see a doctor to receive medicinal help and relief.

Your happiness is a choice.Depression can take that choice from you.It doesn't mean you can't fight back and against it!

Letter G-G is for grass and green(infant and preschool lesson)

We have had some sunny days lately.:-) The snow has melted and you can actually see the grass!So we are getting closer to Spring so I thought we would do a little lesson on "What grows on trees?"
Scripture:Each of us feels small like a seed,whether it is our faith, or as individuals.If we nourish and allow gods light we will grow and spread our branches.We can become who we are meant to be.
Faith is like a little seed
1. My faith is like a tiny seed
(Hold thumb and index finger close together.)
2. That is hard for me to see.
(Make circles around eyes with thumbs and index fingers.)
3. But when I read the scriptures
(Open hands in front of self.)
4. Faith grows inside of me.
(Put both hands on chest.)
5. And when I say a prayer
(Fold arms.)
6. I feel it in my heart.
(Put hand on heart.)
7. My seed of faith becomes a tree
(Put hands together above head.)
8. When I do my part.
(Point thumb at self.)
Letter:G
Number:
Nursery Rhyme:The Green grass grows all around

There was a hole, (repeat)
In the middle of the ground, (repeat)
Prettiest little hole, (repeat)
That you ever did see, (repeat)

The holes in the ground and the green grass grew all around all around and the green grass grew all around

2. and in that hole...there was some dirt
3. and in that dirt...there were some roots
4. and on those roots...there was a tree
5. and on that tree...there was a limb
6. and on that limb...there was a branch
7. and on that branch...there was a nest
8. and in that nest...there was an egg
9. and in that egg...there was a bird
10. and on that bird...there was a wing
11. and on that wing...there was a feather
12. and on that feather...there was a bug

For baby:roll a ball on carpet,tile and grass.Let the baby explore and feel the different textures.Just make sure the baby doesn't make a snack of the grass!Blah!
A sensory bin of beans or seeds would also be a good activity.Again,just watch close!
My little one is really moving now!He crawls and pulls himself up to stand.
 
Art:
Picture collage

Cut pictures out of adds and glue onto tree,bush or ground.Talk about how they are homes to different animals and a place to find food.Great for practicing with scissors and fine motor.
Learn about where fruits and vegetables grow.They start out as a seed.Plan our Garden for Spring.

Green onion experiment: Take the end of a green onion and put it in water.Then watch over the next few days and weeks as it regrows!

What I learned from a bypass surgery,and why you can't let life "pass you by"

The definition of bypass is to take a detour, alternate route, alternative route, diversion, or shortcut.For a bypass surgery the doctor creates an alternate route for the heart by grafting new veins from somewhere else in the body.Watching my family member go through this bypass surgery has been pretty tough!I didn't know they had to break the sternum to get to the heart!

You know what though?......

These surgeries give a person a whole new heart.This person has another shot and time to maybe do what they have been procrastinating.Another shot?Sounds good to me!Sound good to you?

Each day I think you get another shot.It is a chance to make this day better than yesterday.You could just let each day pass you by without much thought of what you put into it.The alternative,making goals and choosing to be positive and happy sound much better.It is even more better for our heart.To have a heart open to possibilities and inspiration.The opposite can also be true.The opposite means your heart is closed,unhappy and uninspired.How much do you know about your heart?Listen to it and it will lead you in the right direction!

Here are 3 sure fire ways to live life and have a more open heart
1.Wake up with gratitude in your heart.Be grateful for another day.Find something to look forward to!
2.Stop being, thinking and breathing negativity!You are your worst enemy!Am I right?You can be so hard on yourself or think things are hard,which they might be,but it too shall pass.You will be ok!
3.Make the most of your time.Don't say to yourself "someday I will"What if you never get to someday?

Meditation Monday-6 ways to have a vacation from your vacation

How to have a vacation after your vacation

I didn't really go on a vacation but it was a long road trip,late nights and a different routine.I find myself happy to be home but overwhelmed with the tornado of things to do.We went to see family under stressful circumstances.A heart attack and triple bypass surgery.The person is doing well but I had to leave so I feel a sense of loss and missing seeing them everyday.It was such a quick,and last minute trip that my house did not get a thorough cleaning.It is kind of depressing.So now what?The kids don't have school today.We are tired and a little blue.

I would think the first thing to do
1.unpack and start the laundry.
2.Think about what the first thing you do normally when you wake up and do that first.For me that is laundry.
3.Write a list of all you need to do and do a couple each day.
4.Go to bed earlier to get back on track.You only work against yourself if you are tired.Give it time and you will get back into the swing of things!
5.Don't push yourself. Schedule in some relaxing and find some away time just for you.
6.Start slowly.Do a little each day and reward yourself after.Take a walk and reward yourself.Do some laundry and reward yourself.

Reaching in Reaching out-Week 7 (14 days and 14 ways to show love-Day 12

It has been a hard week!Ever since I got the news about the heart attack I have been preoccupied, stressed and self centered.We all worry about our loved ones.It is natural.It’s easy for me to feel out of control with worry and worst-case scenario thinking.In time of high stress and loss you need to take care of yourself.

See extreme self care for yourself for some great ideas to not let the worry or sadness get the best of you.

As I sit here reflecting I realize my husband has done whatever I needed.Granted,I have been at the hospital a lot!But what have I done for him?My kids?He has held me while I cried and taken the kids when I crashed with exhaustion!

I am hoping tomorrow finds me well rested and more aware of my husband and kids!I could go on a walk with just my husband or write a letter expressing my appreciation.It is easy to forget to ask "how are you?"or how do you feel about all of this?I can play with my kids and snuggle with them.

If you haven't asked yet,ask what makes your husband and kids feel loved and happy?

Prayer for today
That they would be free from stress.
This is really fitting considering all the stress we have been under!

Home
I am trying to keep up on the basics but not a lot of time for my home.:(For today do something in your home that makes you feel less stressed when you walk in.You could pick up or straighten something.

Reaching in and Reaching out-Week 6(14 days and 14 ways to show love-Day 7-10

Day 7,8,9,10

I have gotten very behind on my posts.It has been very stressful.Someone has had a heart attack and now what to do next has been pulling at my heart strings.I am afraid I have not been as selfless as I wanted for my Spouse.I was suposed to make him breakfast in bed,but I was up all night battling my tears.What did he do?He made me breakfast.That is love!Love is being able to look past your wants and needs and serve your Spouse or kids.Did you know you can serve your family?It means dropping everything even being right,when you hear,I need YOU.

Yes you matter
Open arms and heart
Understanding and forgiveness

Our Valentines plans had to be posponed because of this family emergency.Still if a birthday,anniversary or other special occasions need to be cancelled or changed,you can still make sure your with the one you love.Times of difficulty can bring you together.Make sure that feelings aren't hurt or of a resentful nature.Just enjoy time together and make that the priority.Let go of the idea of having a perfect anniversary and just be grateful they are with you during this difficult time.

Reaching in and Reaching out-Week 6(14 daysand 14 ways to show love-Day 6)

Image belongs to Kristianne Rushton 

Betty Larrea,yoga instructor and writer, says:

"Each time I get on my mat, I am opening my heart to myself. I become more aware of myself ~ physically, emotionally, energetically. I am fully aware of my body, its strengths and its limitations. I can see where I am holding tension in my body, where I can let go more, ease up more, connect more and love myself more."

Today to show love:

For MYSELF
I love yoga.I love how I can just focus on what my body is doing abd I can let it all go.I wanted to focus on opening our heart to love and be loved.It is also important to be selfless in giving this love.6-simple-yoga-poses-to-balance-and-open-the-heart-chakra/

For my HUSBAND
How do you love your Spouse with your whole heart?First open your heart to love.Make time for one another.Beware of being too critical and damaging his or your heart.Know where your spouses has vulnerability and help him feel secure and never use his weakness in an argument or against him!

For my KIDS
Let your kids see that you notice them for the good things they do.Let them know how they have touched your heart today.Pretend like you hold their heart in your hand.You wouldn't yell or be rough in any way.Hearts can break easily.Are you too exhausted to open your heart and feel like you have to fix everything?When do you stop and notice what is really going on?We need to show them kindness and self control, if we want them to adopt these same traits.Again I ask how has your child touched your heart today?Don't forget to give them a hug!


For the HOME
If we want our homes to be happy we have to make it that way!Cutter is,in my opinion the opposite of a happy home.The number of people needing advice about clutter is growing.So is the number of people willing to give that advice.What works for one person might not work for another.But your happiness really does depend on it!So here are some sure fire ways to fight the battle of clutter and keep it away for good!
1.Walk around your home and take a notebook with you.Next you are going to write an area that is cluttered and making you unhappy.
2.Write down next,why it is making you feel that way and what you would rather see.You could also include how you want it to function.Getting it in paper puts it in perspective.I can look at my kitchen and say I really want to cook but there is so many dishes and papers I can't think.It makes me tired and unmotivated.
3.Once you know your problem areas it is time to tackle them one at a time.Notice if your mood is lightening up or not.This is a sure fire way you know this is an area if frustration for you.
4.Pick a spot and set a time limit.Start looking at what the clutter is?How is it getting there?Does it have a home?
5.If it is homeless you need to find it a home.Then put it there.This is the start of a new habit.It will take a while to make it permanent.
6.This is the part where we shout for joy! If you have cleared that area,you need to keep it clean.Put something a note anything to keep you from putting clutter back!
7.Try not to move on to another area until you are no longer tempted to cover that surface.You should get to the point where something comes in and it is dealt with immediately.

Letters to my Girl Friday

Dearest Friday,

It has been a while since I have written a File it Friday.I love the concept of looking back on our week and try to end it on a good note.That way when we search for it in the file cabinets of our mind we sort of end up with a source of reference.Love the concept but hate the name!

Soooooo. .........

Say hello to my Girl Friday!Who is that?She is defined as this:
A 'go to' girl; a female who will help you get things taken care of; a female you can rely on when you are in need of extra assistance; a female who acts as a 'jack of all trades' and is capable of doing almost anything; a girl you can count on when you are overwhelmed with your own chores and the duties must be done; a girl who does most of the leg work on a project, but never takes (or gets) credit.

There is just something great about Friday!So I am pretending it is my reliable friend.It is something to look forward to.

Since it is hard to make it through the week on our own,I want to thank those who helped me get through it!My wonderful husband is always someone I can count on,day or night.We have both been up with our sick baby with RSV.I also am grateful to my neighbor for watching the kids so I could go to yoga!

3 accomplishments
I have been such a Mombie! I was able to focus a lot on my husband this week.I made a treat  for Scouts.I was able to get a hot meal on the table every night.

Goals for this week
1.Catch up on the laundry
2.Work on paper clutter
3.Exercises at least once this week

Reaching in and Reaching out-Week 6(14 days and 14 ways to show love-Day 5)

According to Pantajali’s Yoga Sutra 2.33, “When the mind is disturbed by improper thoughts constant pondering over the opposites is the remedy.”

For MYSELF
We are not perfect.It would be easy to see ourselves as incomplete.I battle fatigue that leaves me drained and discouraged.I suppose I could wallow and pity myself.At times I do go that route,but it never ends well.To love others and make them happy,first you must love yourself.So I want you to think about your imperfections and embrace them!Look in the mirror.Now really look!What do you love about your face?Look deeply and search.I want you to think I am beautiful!

Be aware of negative self talk.If you find yourself in a cycle of talking down to yourself;try today to think the opposite.

For my HUSBAND
Sometimes we get into a groove or the"day to day" living that is ok but not exciting or spontaneous.Tonight I am not going to look like an overtired wife.I am going to wear a dress and do my make up.Next,I am not going to say I am too tired to anything.Just one night where he feels loved COMPLETELY and in charge!

For my KIDS
Since we are talking opposites today,why not have a opposites day or no rule day.They can do what they want as long as it is not hurting anyone
on the inside or out.This includes themselves!

Today's Prayer
That my husband and children's faith will increase.

For my HOME
I want my home to be a place where everyone feels comfortable.They want to stay because of what they feel while they are there.First of all since I have been thinking about my home having energy(or lack of) I have noticed something.Certain rooms make me happy and some make me tense up the minute I step foot in it.I guess this isn't too strange right?I never really thought to give some of my rooms a makeover.Get out the lipstick,eye shadow and blush!Not for you but for your room?Huh?Maybe. Some brightly colored pillows or showing off some treasured items may just lighten your mood a bit!

He is my cute little accessory!

Reaching in and Reaching out-Week 5 (14 days and 14 ways to show love Day 4)

Love is not only for your family but for you too!Today what are you going to do:

For MYSELF
Today I want you to take a nap.If you can at least try to rest or nap for 15minutes!How long you nap is up to you.Start small and if you want to increase the time that is fine.Be creative to find a time and a place,especially if you are at work.A nap can give you more energy and rejuvenate the mind and body.

For my HUSBAND
My husband hates coming home to and unhappy messy house.Today I made the effort to stop what I was doing when he got home.I gave him a big hug and kiss.In our meeting on Sunday that was one thing he mentioned that made him feel more loved.It is so simple to do but it dies take effort to not bombard him with screaming kids or tell him how tired I am.If you don't know what your Spouse appreciates just ask him and then do it!See what happens!;-)

For my KIDS
How cooking with your kids can be all the therapy they need!If you teach your kids to cook at a young age you are teaching them to be more independent.There is no better time to praise and admire them.It is also a great way to have one on one time and to LISTEN to them.Sure you make a mess,but you can find many teaching experiences in those moments.It brings everyone together.Cooking also gives your kids a sense of achievement and self confidence."I did this!"
It is even a good way to use extra energy or get your frustrations out.Bake some cookies or let them help with dinner.It takes more of your time and patience but the long term effects are well worth it!
Prayer for husband and kids:
That he would be a strong spiritual leader.

For my HOME
Our home is not too different from a cranky,tired child.When a child is too tired they do not function well and all signs lead to an impending melt down.If a room is cluttered it does not function either.How do you feel when you walk into a messy room?Anxious,irritable and maybe a little lost?Take some time to pick up an area that is not functioning.I know a big one,for me,is my kitchen.If I can function in there it trickles into other areas of the house!Set a time and just go!See it looks better already!

Reaching in Reaching out -Week 5 (14 days and 14 ways to show love-Day 3)

For MYSELF
I want to talk to you of a power within us all!This is the power of self image,how we see ourselves.If you tell yourself good or bad things you start to believe it.So why not get a head start on the day and write some down.When you get a chance read or tell yourself these affirmations.It might seem silly but it is effective!Pretty soon you start to believe!It is not a cure all but it is a good START!

Check out these free affirmations


For my HUSBAND
I have been thinking a lot about when we met.Today I wanted to recreate our first date.I visited him for the weekend.So I stayed with his family.We went bowling for our first Date.Well,the kids wanted to do free skate night fir their school so we were overruled.I was hoping to hold his hand while we skated but it was noisy,our kids don't know how to skate,and one REFUSED to skate at all!Then their were melt downs of all decibels and sizes.Did I mention I had a horrible migraine too!!

What happens when your plans go haywire?

Stop!Hug your spouse.This releases good hormones,called oxytocin.It is released into our bodies.This oxytocin lows both our heart rates and our cortisol levels. Cortisol is the hormone responsible for stress, high blood pressure, and heart disease.Good stuff right?So try to touch your Spouse as much as possible.You can hold hands,cuddle,kiss,touch their arm or knee.

For my KIDS
Children want our attention.The best way to connect with them is when they are going to school or coming home.On the way to school you can ask them questions.Talk to them about a test they might be nervous about!

When you pick them up or they walk in the door try to ask more than "how was school?"Be specific and ask questions that are open to discuss and not fall to the "one word" answer.Ask about their day.What was the best?What did they do at recess.What did they read or learn about?If you know that they are writing a paper ask them about that. Another question could be Did anything funny happen today?I think you get the idea right?It takes practice but you can do it!

When it is study time.Sit down with them and read a book or plan your meals.Then you are right there if they need help.

These are three perfect times to be 100% there!

Prayer for today
That he would stand strong against the pull of this world and the spiritual warfare behind it.

For HOME
Wash the inside and outside of your windows.You will be amazed how much more light can come through.

Reaching in Reaching out -Week 5 (14 days and 14 ways to show love-Day 2)

This month we are talking about Love.There is always enough love to go around.I am talking about LOVE

For ME
I thought it would be fun to do some journal writing.If you are not sure what to write about,here are some ideas to get your creative self going.

Find quotes that inspire you.Look at scriptures,books or online.Think about what they are saying to you?Do these quotes help you better love yourself or others.


For my HUSBAND
We are still reading letters that we wrote to each other.Today I put messages all over our room of what I appreciate and love about him.

This couple has been doing these weekly questions.

1. How did you feel loved this past week?
2. What does your upcoming week look like?
3. How would you feel most loved & encouraged in the days ahead?
4. How would you best feel pursued,intimacy wise, this week?
5. How can I pray for you this week?

My husband and I have a meeting each week where we talk about what we love about each other(at least 3 things),what we can work on as a couple and individually.We also use this time to talk about a specific child.

For my KIDS
Since I was focusing on interviews.Here is one for the kids at http://www.centsationalgirl.com

My Dad used to interview us.He would ask all kinds of questions.I remember most prominently,that he would help us make goals.Maybe that is why I am so goal oriented! I am thinking this tradition should continue!It is important to know the interests of your kids.

Prayer for my kids and husband today:

That they will grow in wisdom.

For my HOME
If you are wanting a change why not paint or get crafty.For example painting your kitchen white could brighten up the space.You may need some bright and cheery during those dull winter months.

After a 4 year remodel of their home,a Scandinavian couple was interviewed by Holly Marder.She is a contributor for Houzz. The wife said "The Scandinavians have this philosophy that if you paint your floors, walls and ceilings white, as soon as the sun comes out, your home is so vivid and bright ... like a burst of sunshine,"  (find rest of article here)

Reaching in and Reaching out-Week 5 14 days and 14 ways to show love

Welcome to my 14 days and 14 ways to show LOVE How am I going to show love


For ME
Reaching in:
 Start your day with LOVE.Breathe it in.Meditate and think of love for you and your loved ones.Try this open your heart Meditation if you need an idea of how to start.


Reaching out:

For my HUSBAND
We talked about where we first met and we got out our memory boxes to look at letters we wrote each other.We met at the Missionary Training Center.This is where all missionaries go for guidance and preparation to go on their missions. My hubby and I wrote to each other while we were on my missions.I am still shocked as I look back to that time that we turned our friendship into a partnership.It was a lot of fun and we involved our kiddos in this one.

Here we are sooo young:

For my kids
Put away the phone and play with them or cuddle.I know that I reach for my phone way too often.It has been something to keep me occupied while I feed the baby and now it has just become a bad habit!I am going to try to be on my phone during quiet time.

I also loved this 31-ways-to-pray-for-our-husbands.I added my kids in there.

 That he and my kids would draw close to God.

For my HOME

Everyone loves a  Makeover - Pick a room and show it some love by rearranging the furniture or  adding new pillows or other accessories.Really pay attention to little details and make a note of any maintenance that needs to be done.