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.
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.
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.
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.
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!!!
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."
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.
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.
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.
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