Thursday, December 30, 2010

Illustrator Class ~ Day 25

I did it!!! I register for an Illustrator class and I am so excited. I have wanted to learn how to take my art and creativity and put it on the computer but have been limited by my skills. I feel like I am taking a step in the right direction. YIPEEE! Yup, I will say it again YIPEEE!

My new thing for the day is going back to school. I have to say I am ecstatic!

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Blue Nails, Whats the big deal ~ Day 24



Part of trying something new every day, is trying new things that might make me uncomfortable. I don't know what it is but I do not like my finger nails painted, my toe nails yes, my fingers no. It makes me uncomfortable, it looks strange to me, it reminds me of the 90's and I hate it. It literally makes my skin crawl. Today after looking through different fashion blogs, and beauty blogs, I thought why not, I need to get over it. I went with what they label as the lastest trend; blue, grey, black and even matte polish. I decided on blue. Even as I painted it, I was ready to take it off, but I am determined to keep them painted for at least a few days. Check them out, blue nails, big deal, hell yeah it is. Well see how I feel tomorrow.

Knight and Day ~ Day 23

Last night we watched the movie Knight and Day with Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz. I have to say the first 15 minutes I wasn't sure what I thought, but by the end of the movie I was smiling and both of us enjoyed it. There was a lot of action, but at the same time it came across like a romantic comedy. Both of us liked it, a good rental. It was a funny flick, not meant to be a heavy drama.

My new things for the day, a new movie and I started a new book. The book doesn't count until it is finished though, that will keep me motivated to stay with it. :)

Monday, December 27, 2010

Ooey Gooey Butter Cake ~ Day 22

My new thing today came about because my BFF since 4th grade called. Yep, we still joke and say BFFs because we have known each other that long. She knows what I am thinking before I say it, and knows every story about me. My whole family thinks of her like family. She couldn't get rid of us if she tried.

Well, she is in Bass Lake for Christmas with no internet. She calls with a favor, "Can you find Paula Deen's Ooey Gooey Butter Cake for me online?" So I do, and start asking questions while I read her the directions. What is this cake, why is it so important, and should I try it? Her answers were as follows: It is amazing, seriously soooooo good, we absolutely need to make it, and yes, yes, you should definitely try it, it is that good.


Our new thing for the day was Paula Deen's Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Gluten free style. Butter baby, Paula loves the butter. http://www.pauladeen.com/recipes/view2/gooey_butter_cake/ I substituted the yellow cake mix for a Pamela's gluten free vanilla cake mix and added an extra egg. It was VERY GOOD. Paula's seems a little more gooey than mine but I knew my family would say ooey if it was too gooey. I thought it was perfect. My neighbor came over and ate two pieces, can anything made with butter taste bad? The fact she said MMMMM MMMM several times made me think it was a hit. It is worth making, try it for yourself this week, you won't be disappointed.

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Jo Malone's Orange Blossom ~ Day 21

We had our annual gathering at our friend’s home for Christmas. This has become a tradition for us over the past few years and I look forward every year it draws near.

My friend and I both have three girls, all very close in age. They are more like family than friends, and each Christmas we gather together to exchange gifts and have our own Christmas celebration. We had another wonderful evening with great food and great friends. Sarah is my friend who understands me and often seems to spoil me too. She will go out of her way to do things to just make me smile or feel special, not just with a gift, but with her actions and her words. If I ever need to talk or to laugh she is there, she is truely one of a kind. Tonight she surprised me with something she knew I really, really, wanted. I mean I really, really, wanted it bad. Her first question Christmas morning was "Did you get that perfume you are dying for?" I answered "No, but I did get a lot of things I am super happy about." Little did I know she had already gotten it for me.


My new thing for the day was the most wonderful scent of Orange Blossom by Jo Malone. If it isn't something you haven't smelled, you need to, it is heavenly.

Christmas Blessings ~ Day 20

Christmas was amazing. The girls woke up at 7 am ready to rip it up, literally. Watching their faces and my husband’s face while opening presents, was the best feeling on earth. The excitement and joy they receive from even the littlest things brings such joy to my heart. It makes all the madness of shopping, traffic and late nights of wrapping worth it.

This year I received a few new things that I have never owned before, or had since a child. First was a sleeping bag, my very own. I haven't had one since elementary school, that one was red with a giant Garfield on it. My new one is green, no Garfield this time. I am officially ready for camping this summer.

Next was a blue tooth. Yes, you probably can't believe I haven't gotten one already but I always hated it when people walked around with one it their ear. I could never tell if they were talking to me or were on the phone. It drove me crazy. My husband thought it was about time I got one, and I think he is right. I tried it on yesterday and I kept tripping out because I felt like I needed something in my hand, so I grabbed a cloth and started to clean the counter. I am sure it will take time to get use to.

I also got a mp3 player, all I can say is I am stoked. I can't believe how small those things are. The last player I had required a tape, and when you went for a jog or walk, the deck was so heavy it would start to pull down your pants. I was blessed this year, my family really took time to look for things they thought I would love, it was very much appreciated. I feel very lucky.

Our whole family had a new thing this year. We had Christmas dinner with a very good friend on our street. It is hard not living close to family, especially around the holidays but sometimes great friends become like family, and they really help make the holidays something special. So off we went with our ham over to our neighbors. Not only is she an amazing cook, but an amazing friend. We all had a wonderful time and left with a FULL belly. I had to include pictures of the beautiful meal she made.




I feel so blessed in life. Today included so many new and fun things, but the best parts are the family and friends we share it with.

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Chocolate, Chocolate and Chocolate ~ Day 19

Last night we spent Christmas Eve at our Friends home. I really miss my family that live in another state, but felt very fortunate to spend time with such wonderful friends. It seems we spent the evening talking and taking in chocolate of all kinds.

The new things for the evening include chocolate gluten free brownies with peanut butter chips, and a yummy chocolate martini. Both were outstanding.





Two new things for the evening and wonderful friends to share Christmas Eve with. It was a fantastic day.

Friday, December 24, 2010

Starbucks - Day 18

What kind of person are you? Do you go to through the line at Starbucks looking for something different or do you already know what you want 30 minutes before you get there. When it comes to Starbucks, I know what I want before I arrive. If it is the winter months I want a Decaf Soy Pumpkin Spice Latte with whip on top please.

I got in line with my husband and was arguing with myself. Yes, I was protesting something new. Why try something new when I already know what I like, why chance it? I may hate it, I may waste $5 dollars on a latte I don't like. Besides, it is just a coffee, why not do something else. The goal is not to stick with the same old, same old, it is to try something new, so damn it, I did it. It doesn't have to be a huge thing, it just has to be a new thing. It is to the break the patterns and the routine and to enjoy new things.



All I can say is, Caramel Brulée Lattes are AWESOME, I love the candies on top. It was my new thing for the day.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Calling all my Peeps!!!!

I am looking for some fun new things to do this new year. If you have any ideas or things, food, places to go, things I shouldn't be living with out, activities or anything, send them my way. I would love to hear them!!

Shepherds Pie ~ Day 17

I have always wanted to make Shepherds pie but never have because of the meltdown I knew would follow. For some crazy reason, 2 of 3 children in this house hate mash potatoes. Tonight I decide too dang bad, mamas making a Shepherds pie!!

I got the recipe off of food network http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/shepherds-pie-recipe2/index.html It had 5 stars, so I had hope. I altered a few things, gluten free flour instead of regular all purpose, ground beef instead of lamb and 1 cup of corn instead of corn and peas, because well, I was all out of peas.



The outcome was a surprise success. Even though it had mashed potatoes, the kids ate it and they all loved it. My oldest asked for seconds and my two that "didn't like mashed potatoes" mixed it all up together and threw it down. Our six year old kept telling me, "I can't believe I like this, it must be a different kind of mashed potatoes." "Sure it is", I said winking at her.

My new thing for the day was Shepherds pie and I am heading back for seconds.

Yogi Tea, a Monkey Bar, and a Mineral Soak ~ Day 16

Have you ever been at a store and thought...hmm I would like to try that! Well, that is what I did today. I tried 3 new things.

Whole Foods has such an amazing selection of food. I love to just walk around and look at all the different things they have. Our first new thing was in the bakery. I got the girls cupcakes and myself a monkey bar. Going gluten free is hard in the treat section, but this was gluten free and some how the combo of coconut, bananas and chocolate chips sounded good. Well, almost anything with chocolate sounds good. I did like it, but it was a little too sweet for me. Although, anything with chocolate it good. Next time the gluten free whoopie pie has my name all over it!

Next I bought Yogi's sleepy time tea to help me ease into bed at night and, oh my, the tea was so good. I would say it was the best sleepy tea I have ever had. This is going to be something I continue to buy, it is something you need to go out and get yourself. It is that good. The Aura Cacia Aromatherapy Mineral Bath was awesome too. I choose Tranquility. The smell filled the bathroom and into my bedroom. I laid in the bath thinking..."this is the life." There is something about a bath that can wipe clear all the stresses and worries of the day. It is almost like a reset button. A cup of tea and a hot bath, who could ask for more after a long day.

My new things for the day monkey bar, tea, and the tranquility mineral bath. A happy end to a crazy day.

Monday, December 20, 2010

Crab for Dinner ~ Day 15

Inspired by Julie and Julia, the movie I watched last night, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and cook something I have never cooked before. I was at Costco and they have whole crabs for a very good price. Although the look of them scared the children, I decide "why not?". I grabbed two and stressed the whole way home.

I don't know what it is about seafood that scares me. Don't get me wrong, I love to eat it, I just have no idea how to cook it. I went to college in Monterey and my husband and I use to love to go out to eat at the local restaurants and seafood was our favorite.



The man at the counter told me to steam it with onions and garlic and I would love it. Worried I may some how mess it up, I looked and looked online for suggestions. Finally after 30 minutes I went with the onions and garlic. Well, the funniest part about the whole thing is they were already cooked. You would think I could figure that out but like I said, I do not cook seafood. Regardless, I steamed the crab for 15 minutes with the garlic and onion and have to say it was AWESOME. Everyone loved it but our youngest who still was freaked out by the whole thing.

We bought crab tonight and cooked it and loved it!!!! It was so easy, definitely something I will do again. Maybe next time I will try buying it live. Talk about freaking out the children.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Homemade Ornaments ~ Day 14

I laughed so hard tonight watching Julie and Julia, a movie I have seen several times and love. I can relate to so many things in both women's lives and I find myself writing down quotes through out the movie that make me laugh or that scream "me". My quote for the day, "I probably need a deadline. Why? Because it will be like everything else I do, and lets face it, I never finish anything. It's true. you know why, I think it is ADD. It is why I am so bad at housework. Oh is that it?" Written for Julie and Julia yet a statement that would come straight from my mouth. So true Julie, so true!!! :) That is also why I gave myself a deadline, to stick with it and to be held accountable. To know that someone, if only one person a day would read this and know. Who ever you are out there, thanks for reading. It is what keeps me writing and trying new things.

Today's new thing included the whole family. To my wonderful mother and mother in law. If you are reading this....STOP NOW. You do not want to ruin your surprise from the girls.

We all sat around the table cutting snowflakes, singing and talking. I finished my gift cards for my nieces and nephews who are now at an age where a giant candy bar and cash makes them smile bigger than spiderman pjs my 4 year old nephew is going to love. I could explain what we made or just show you pictures. I am sure pictures would be much easier.




I laminated them so they would hold up for years to come, and we all had fun. Even my husband, who is not so much of the arts and crafts guy, proved to be the master snowflake maker. Although, he just arrived home and the craft stuff is still on the table, and I just heard him mutter Holy Shit. ADD or not, I think I will clean that up tonight.

Our new thing for the day was homemade ornaments for our family, I really hope they enjoy them.

Grilled Cheese and S I T C ~ Day 13

I haven't had a grilled cheese since I was a kid. I just didn't see what all the hoopla was all about. My husband makes them for my kids but I was never interested. The kids were begging for them tonight and so I decided to try one myself. I used both a cheddar and a sharp vintage cheddar mix and browned them on both sides with butter. Yes, I know probably not the healthiest choice but I am trying something new and if I am going to do it, I am going to do it right. It was delicious, I see what that fuss is. I even used my Gluten free Udis bread and it was so good I was tempted to make one for breakfast. I didn't, but sure thought about it.

The next new thing was Sex in the City 2. That movie made me laugh out loud several times. A little raunchy at times, but over all a very good movie that made laugh, appreciate being a mom, and love my lovely hubby.

Two new things, Grilled Cheese and Sex in the City, both a thumbs up.

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Surprise Gifts for Special People ~ Day 12

I spent the afternoon shopping for two special someones, and it is going to be a big surprise. As a mother I know that too often Christmas is about our kids and with such a tight budget, there is little to go around. I'd love to get everyone something special but with funds tight, it can be pretty hard. This year I wanted to focus on two people who are very important to me. I can't say anymore because they read my blog but two very important women in my life are going to receive special gifts, something I hope they love and something that is long over due.

My new thing for the day was shopping for two lovely ladies, It was a GREAT day!!

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Treat Baskets and Caroling ~ Day 11

Well, I finished my treat baskets today, and I am so whipped. I was baking for 6 straight hours. After I was finished with the baking and decorating, the girls and I went and delivered them with a carol, Joy to the World. We love to sing but singing on the porch of someone's home is a new thing for this family, and I will say that it can be a little intimidating. Thank goodness the girls show no fear, I on the other hand, made no eye contact. If you will listen, they will sing.



It was worth the work, the mess, and the frost bite. The girls seemed to love it they are hoping to go singing again tomorrow night. Maybe not tomorrow night but this is definitely something we will do again next year.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Chocolate and Caramel Dipped Marshmallows ~ Day 10

Chocolate and Caramel Dipped Marshmallows need I say more. I found this recipe on a site called One Charming Party http://onecharmingparty.com/2010/12/09/holiday-treats-chocolate-and-caramel-dipped-marshmallows/.



I decided to make goodie baskets for my girls teachers and amazing friends in my life. I thought this looked delicious, and not to mention I LOVE marshmallows. It wasn't a hard sell.



One hour later, I'm finished. I have chocolate on my clothes, face, I smell of peppermint, I burnt my finger, have a large blister but let me say, they are sooooooo good. They were pretty easy to make, but the burn is all my fault. The caramel just look so good and here is a reminder, melted caramel sticks like glue from a hot glue gun..bad idea. What can I say, I am a hands on girl. Mine may not look as pretty as the ones on the site, but they sure taste UMMM UMMM Good!!

My new thing for the day Chocolate and Caramel Dipped Marshmallows.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

New Ring ~ Day 9

Today I got to go over to my friends home, the fabulous fashionista Holly. This is something we have talked about doing all year and finally did it. She is not just an amazing person with fun and spunk, but what I would like to call a mama fashionista. She is the mother of three and she always looks good, she is beautiful both inside and out. When I really needed a lift today she made me laugh, smile, and even gave me a little gift which is my new thing for the day. My husband said, hmm it is a little big but my girls all yelled squealed and asked to wear it. I must say I felt the same way the girls did. I love it! It is fun and spunky, just what a girl needs.

My new thing for the day... tea at my friend Hollys home and my new ring.


note to self....my hands are looking old and are in desperate need of lotion

Monday, December 13, 2010

Christmas Cards ~ Day 8

I have a little secret. It is almost embarrassing to admit. I haven't sent out Christmas cards in about 2 to 3 years. I guess it had to do with a lot, but cost and time all seemed to be a factor. I really appreciate all my family and friends who continued to send me cards and pictures even though I was such a jerk, and did not do the same. This year is different. I got a great shot of the kids in front of the tree, got on to Costco’s site, and whap bam boom, clicked that order button. Whala, a Christmas card!! I know I love getting cards, and love cards with pictures, so I decided it is about time I get off my butt and start sending some Christmas cheer!

My new thing for the day was doing something I should have never stopped doing, my Christmas cards. May sounds silly, but I am excited to pick them up.

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Fame ~ Day 7

I love the arts, especially the performing arts. I can't explain how it makes me feel to see a live performance, it is almost electrifying. I thought at one time that the only thing I would want to do would be to perform in theater and when I see others dance, act and sing it just brings that joy back into my heart.

Now, you are probably wondering what Fame has to do with any of that. Tonight my new thing was watching the movie fame. Although it didn't get the highest ratings, I really enjoyed it and love watching a film where people were chasing their dreams through a variety of the performing arts. It was a feel good movie, and I enjoyed it!! When it ended I had a smile on my face, and a desire to search and see what productions will be coming to town.

A new movie for tonight, my new thing for the day.

Pizza, Party and a Game of Farkel ~ Day 6

Last night we got home late and to honest, I was much too tired to write. We had another fun filled night with friends, food and a new game whose name reminds me of a smurfs cartoon character or something someone says when they stub their toe.

Last night my husband and I went on a date. We headed to a local pizza place we both hadn't been to before, and it was outstanding. I was told this summer that I needed to stay away from gluten for health reason. Gluten is in EVERYTHING! This has really limited where I can eat, what I can eat, and let me tell you, I miss pizza. Pizza and sub sandwiches call my name several times a month. Finding a local place, that served gluten free pizza and subs, made my day!

After our pizza date we went to a friend’s house for a game of Farkel. Never heard of it, never played it, but it was so much fun. There were two tables set up and about 16 players. We all laughed, rolled dice and yelled out FARKEL when we could no longer play. My friend Wendy made me a pear martini, something I had never had before, and it tasted more like a treat than a drink. I swear that girl has skills, she is an amazing cook and now I am adding drink mixer to her title. I had an absolutely wonderful time and had a chance to get reconnected with a very good friend, this was definitely an added bonus to the day.

My new things for the day including AWESOME pizza at the Olde Pizza Shoppe, a pear martini, and the crazy game of Farkel.

Friday, December 10, 2010

The Best Birthday EVER ~ Day 5

My morning started with breakfast in bed, and a morning where my husband took care of getting the children ready for the day. One child ended up staying home, she was sick earlier in the week and I was giving her one more day to kick the flu, one had the day off, and one went smiling and giggling on her way to class and I didn't have to do a darn thing. Thanks to my husband, I woke up feeling wonderful.

I received a phone call later that day from a friend, inviting us to the movies. My daughter saw the doctor, was in the clear, I had all three girls with me now, so why not? So off we went and met our friend and her three girls. Movie choice, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. There we were, my friend Sarah, myself, and our 3 girls each in tow, a total of 6 little ones lined up in their seats, candy in hand, and smiles from ear to ear. It was the first time I had ever taken my 3 year old to the movies and she even loved it. This was all Sarah’s doing. She was making not just my Birthday special for me, but special for all the girls. She is one of the most giving people I know. I just sat there feeling so happy. I could feel their joy.

After the movies we made a trip to see Santa. We got the girls pictures done, plus a group shot. This is now a tradition that we will keep for years to come. My youngest jumped up on his knee and the two older girls crowded around him with wishes and sparkles in their eyes. "We have been good girls Santa", they told him. My oldest, who is 8, still very much believes in Santa. I know this will not last for too much longer and her sweetness and innocence touched my heart. It is a moment that froze in time. It will stay in my heart forever, when she is 16, when she is 24 and when she is 42 I will remember her face and how much hope and innocence it held in that very moment. Those are the moments people call priceless.





After Santa, we went on to dinner at PF Changs and once again this was Sarah’s doing. We all sat and laughed and the girls sang Christmas songs at the table. At the end of our meal came dessert. YUM is all I can say. We got up to leave and I walked to the table that was seated next to us to apologize if the girls were so noisy. We were celebrating and sometimes it is hard to keep the noise level down. The older couple told me we had made their meal. That they enjoyed the girls so much and that both my friend and I are so blessed. "How lucky you are", they said, "to have such beautiful loving children." That right there was the icing on my cake.

To end the day my youngest was in her very first Christmas program and she stood on stage with such pride. Smiling and winking at her Daddy, singing as loud as she could. It is hard to believe she is getting so old.

At the end of the day I can honestly say this is one of the best Birthdays I have ever had. My new things for the day included a new movie, Santa group shots, chocolate moouse dessert with dinner and a first time performance from the youngest in our family.
Thank you to my husband, my daughters, my friend Sarah and to all my family and friends for their Birthday wishes. 36 ROCKS!!!

Thursday, December 9, 2010

My Gratitude Journal ~ Day 4

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow. ~ Melody Beattie

My mother and I purchased the book Simple Abundance written by Sarah Ban Breathnach some years ago. I would even say it has been close to almost 10 years since I first purchased this book. It has so many good insights and good ideas but one of my favorites is the idea of a Gratitude Journal. In this Gratitude Journal you write 5 things you are grateful for everyday. These blessing could be the smell of your favorite candle to the roof over your head. This is to help you focus on the blessing and abundance we have in our lives because we all have things to be grateful for everyday. It helps you focus on what you have rather than what you don't. I really love this idea, and is something I would like our whole family to focus on this coming year.

Today my new thing for the day was buying three gratitude journals for myself and my two oldest girls. We sat down together and wrote 5 things and shared them with each other and tonight we will share them with you.



I am grateful for:
1. Running into friends at the grocery store, I actually enjoy this!
2. I am thankful that even though my parents don't live close I can still call them every day and that they are still here and a part of my life
3. I am thankful for my oldest brother who always comes running in any emergency, stays calm and takes charge of the situation.
4. Hands down, for a hard working loving hubby,
5. I am thankful for 3 wonderful healthy children.

My 6 year old said she was thankful for
1. Sarah giving her so many stickers
2. Her mommy
3. Her daddy
4. Her sisters
5. School

My 8 year old said she was thankful for
1. Food
2. Her Sisters
3. Her Christmas tree
4. Family
5. Uncles and Aunts
6. Toys
7. TV
8. A Home

The best apart about this is my 8 year old wanted to know if she could write more than five. She told me, "There are so many things I am thankful for mom, I am not sure this book has enough pages."

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Homemade Christmas Cards Save Me From Grumpville ~ Day 3

I woke up this morning with a headache the size of Texas, my stomach was in knots and I was TIRED. You ever wake up and think....lord please just give me another 20 minutes. This was one of those mornings. The afternoon went OK, but I swear someone must have kicked the crap out of me while I slept last night because every bone in my body hurt. I came to the conclusion by 4:00pm (yes it took me until then when I passed out during my daughters reading of Junie B. Jones) that I must have some sort of bug.

I am the first to admit I do not like being sick. I just do not have the patience for it. It makes me grumpy and bah hum bug and cranky to say the least. I went all day without doing something new and then at 7:15 we had a visitor. Our friends drop by some sweet treats for the holidays, her children sang us a song and it put a smile on all our faces. That is when I realized a great way to get rid of my foul mood, do something nice for someone else. I wanted to do something that would make someone smile like what they did for us. Since the flu was waging war againist my body, I knew singing tonight was out of the question but something else came to mind. Something that brought about my Christmas spirit. I decided to make Christmas cards for my nieces and nephews. I remember being so excited to receive something in the mail as a child and I hope this does the same for them. I went online and found a cute design, Rudolph singing his heart out. I hope this will put a smile on their faces.

My new thing for the day was making Christmas cards for my wonderful nieces and nephews. The truth is I haven't sent Christmas cards to the kids before, Christmas cards are normally sent to the adults. Valentines yes, but never Christmas cards. My plan is to stick them in the mail tomorrow and enclose a candy cane. The little ones will actually recieve their cards and they will signed from Santa. The older kids cards are from us and a little different. The should get them in a few days and I am excited to hear about their reactions. I can honestly say that I am going to bed with joy in my heart.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

The Five Love Languages ~ Day 2

The Five Love Languages was recommended to me by my amazing friend Sarah. Today I finished it and I have to say I learned a lot. It talks about how we all feel love in different ways. Some feel love through Words of Affirmation, some through Quality Time. Others feel love through Receiving Gifts, others Acts of Service and some through Physical Touch. Gary Chapman calls these the love languages. I found out with my husband my biggest love language was quality time. What I desire most is to be able to have quality time together and quality time with the kids. His on the other hand, is acts of service. He works two jobs and works hard at everything he does to express love to his family. Now my job is to figure out ways to express more love to him on his love language and because he loves me he will now read the book and make more effort to do the same. I think marriage is a combination of love and work. We have our highs and lows but we know that at the end of each day there is no one we would rather be there with than each other. There are some days when there is more work but I can honestly say there is ALWAYS love. The love dare refers to this as agape, unconditional love. I have also been reading the Love Dare which is an amazing book. My dare for the day is to do something out of the ordinary for my spouse - something that proves that my love is based on choice and nothing else. To demonstrate love to them for the sheer joy of being their partner in marriage.

So for today I did two new things. I read the Five Love Languages, which I HIGHLY recommended to any married couple and I also cleaned the downstairs spotless for my husband who loves a tidy home. Let me tell you cleaning and scrubbing floors after the kids are in bed is not my first choice, but my hubby is.

Monday, December 6, 2010

Making a List ~ Day 1

Today I had a wonderful conversation with a dear friend. We talked about choices and how these choices that we make every day, affect who we are and where we are at. We shared that too often the things we are told, can affect us years later, and how we shouldn't base our choices on those statements. She had mentioned how she loved the Nike logo Just do it. So many times the choices we make, or even don't make, are based on fear and or insecurities. That sometimes you have to step out and Just do it.

She made a statement about being the heroine in your own life. Picture your life like a movie; what would you want the heroine to do? I thought about that all day today. Too often I think we can even act the villain, telling ourselves we aren't smart enough, thin enough, or even good enough. I love the idea of being the heroine. When I look at my life/movie I would like to see more comedy, more action and more adventure for our family. I would like to have more romance time for my hubby and myself, and I would like my life/movie to inspire others. This evening I sat and made a list, lets call it a plan for my movie. I listed over 100 things I would like for myself, the heroine, to do. Although I started this list, I know that sometimes what inspires a heroine to take that leap of faith is in the moment. We can't always plan the new things that come our way, but if we have an open heart, I feel the possibilities are endless.

My new thing for the day was making a list of dreams and adventures and staring as the lead role in my amazing wonderful life.

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Starting Over

So here I am again, attempting the impossible. I had an interesting year to say the least. I feel like this year has been series of roller coaster rides, but I guess that is life... we have highs and lows but the important thing is to live each day to the fullest and to not take the little things in life for granted. Sooooo long story short...I am at it again. I read through my blog and thought, why did I stop? Life is always going to through you curve balls but sticking with it and deciding not to let it get you down is what will always keep your spirits high. So yes... I am starting over. I am going to try something new every day. Yes....every stinking day!!! I may just list the challenge and the verdict but everyday I will remind myself just how blessed I am because I am.... I am so very blessed.