Sunday, February 12, 2012
Family Fun
Spent some quality time with Ava tonight. Chris and I let her bust her paints out before bed. It was nice to just sit there as a family and paint while listening to music. Ava kept asking for 'more colors'. I promised her a caterpillar. (and yes i know i spelled it wrong, its hard to fix a mistake like that when painting. Lol!) Here are the grand results!!
Thursday, February 9, 2012
I will...
Conquer 2012!!
I will own it!
How will I do that?
Well I want to be reasonable so I have decided to set 2 goals in each area of my life. I don't want to set the bar to high and then fail. I want to make achievements in my life. I figured I would start in February when other people are just starting to fall off the wagon from their New Year's Resolutions. I wanted to put this down in permanent record somewhere to help motivate myself. I will also print a copy and put it on my mirror in my bathroom and try and hold myself accountable. But I figured if those around me knew about it as well they could encourage or discourage me as needed.
Spiritually:
*Read at least 1 scripture every day.
Now obviously I hope to read more than that. But I figure if the goal is to get the scriptures into my hand everyday that it will enable me to read on further and make them part of my daily life. I think I sometimes get caught up with the expectation that I need to read X number of verses or chapters by a certain date and that I set myself up for failure. I just want to nourish my relationship with the scriptures and develop a way to make them present in my daily life. However many verses that may be!
*Attend the TEMPLE 4 times this year.
Last couple of years have been rough but not unbearable. I miss having a temple closer like Arizona. With upcoming construction on the Indianapolis temple I realized distance is not an excuse, just a convenience. I love the feeling of peace and contentment that comes from sitting in a warm, white, comfy celestial room. The feeling of completion when I complete someones work. But really I love the spiritual mending that I can only get from a visit to the temple. I need to get there. Doesn't matter if it is Louisville or Chicago or if Chris can come or not. I just need to get there.
Physically:
*Cut out Pop
There are so many factors to take into account here. The term empty calories comes to mind. Plus it makes me burp and feel fuller than what I really am. I don't need the caffeine since it takes away from my water intake. I also don't need the extra sugar, coloring and additives. I want my internal organs to end up a little happier then where they are at the beginning of this year. Do I like the flavor? Why yes I do. Reasonably do I think I will NEVER have a pop ever again. No. No I don't think so. I do enjoy a nice hard Coke every now and then. I just don't want it to become such an accepted option as a beverage choice. I want it to be infrequent. Like, less than 1x per month. There is something to be said for a nice cold pop at a Fourth of July picnic. :-) So that being said, I want to intake few to no soda pop. Which I hope leads to fewer pounds on the scale, increased water intake and feeling a little healthier.
*Move my body and involve my children as much as possible.
Yea, yea, yea, I know this goal statement is vague. I had a hard time trying to set a time bound or specific restriction on this. Since becoming a parent I have realized there is only so much one human can do and I don't want to overwhelm myself with numbered goals. But at the end of the day I realize that I am Fat. Obese. Overweight. Chunky. Fluffy. Heavyset. Whatever you want to call it I am not super fond of my reflection these days and it isn't a looks issue as much as my wiggly parts pretty much gross me out. I may be not be skinny but I am smart. I know things in my life will need to change for this problem to be addressed. There are 2 tried and true things I can do to alter the outcome. diet and exercise. I am choosing to focus on the exercise part because now that I am a parent of a 3 year old I am realizing how perceptive children truly are. And I think I am a bad example to my daughter.
I need to move. I don't want a decreased energy level. I don't want sore or stiff joints. I WANT to feel freer in my body. I don't want to get winded doing remedial crap. I WANT my children to know and experience an active lifestyle. I have a membership to the YMCA. I need to rock that thing. I own a bike. I need to make it operable and attach the cart and take my kids out for a ride. I LOVE playing Soccer. I need to dig out the ball and take my daughter out to a field to start kicking it around. And the real shame, I own an elliptical machine that has never been used. I HAVE to get it out of the box and sweat my heart out on it. I want my children to crave activity. I want them to not be afraid of hard work. I want them to adventure. I want them to be proud of me. I want to be around along time for them. And it's not just that I want to be around for them but I want it to be quality time. Sweat = Success. I need to get moving. Starting 02/13 at my job I am participating in a health challenge for 12 weeks. That should be a good jump start for my accountability.
Relationship:
*Court my husband.
I am married to an amazing individual. He is tender, loving, kind, smart, funny, talented and under appreciated. I love being a family but I do miss quality 'us' time. This goal seems easy enough when you say it aloud. But it is WORK. Hard work. But worthy work. I want to set aside time to court my husband. I want to ask him on dates, steal kisses and tender moments. I want to spend time with him experiencing life away from our recliners. I want to dream with him. I want to do life with him. But it is hard to do that when we are stuck on repeat. Get up-drop off kids-go to work-pick up kids-make dinner-play and watch TV-bedtime ritual. Plus we don't have any days off together with our current work schedules. That is great for child care, horrible for our 'us' time.
Simple ways to achieve this:
+Tell him I Love Him every single day and seal it with a kiss.
+Hold hands as much as possible.
+Turn off the TV and play a game, do a project or makeout. LOL
+Get outside-meet at the monon after work and go for a quick 20-30 walk before we pickup the kids.
+Schedule dates out of the house at least 1-2x a month.
+Get up early together for a breakfast date while the kids are still sleeping.
+Bench our cell phones at the door and at bed. Lose the distractions. Set aside a pre-determined technology time that we both agree to.
+Read scripture and pray 'together'.
+Take an 'us' trip 1x this year.
+Meet for lunch 2x a month.
+Start an appreciation board.
*Call or communicate with family and far off friends.
Since we do live in an age where everything is so technology driven the death of a live conversation has been dying a quick and awkward death. In short I need to pick up the phone and call people. At least 1-2x a week I need to pick someone to 'catch up' with. Especially my family. No reason why we can't talk more.
A good example of why I need to do this: I recently visited my friend Nicole that I have been friends with forever. Since we were small children. But we have grown apart a bit. We haven't been very good about phone calls and such. But when we get back together we fall into old times again. I love that. I am always happy to see her and feel bad that we haven't been in contact sooner. She deserves more attention. She is important to me. Even if I just shot her a text message or Facebook email every now and then I think it would help. I don't want to miss the life that is happening to everyone around me.
Mentally
*Work towards Financial FREEDOM.
For me this doesn't mean being debt free tomorrow. It means becoming responsible for my spending. I have tossed around the idea of taking a Dave Ramsey class with Chris. And I haven't ruled it out. Timing is tough for that type of 7 week commitment.
Right now I hate the unknown bill paying process we employ every month. It's like the bills line up like criminals in a firing squad and Chris and I both start firing. Problem is when the gunsmoke clears there is criminals still standing and neither of us knows who the other was firing at...and we are out of bullets!!
I want to feel organized. I want to sit down with my spouse and see where my money is at and where it is going every month. I want to make goals and work towards them. I want to be able to track progress so I don't become oppressed from the unknown. I may never be rich...I just want to be responsible.
Ways I may try to do this:
+Family Planning/Bill paying Binder
+Dave Ramsey class
+Bi-weekly money talks/budgeting with my hubby
+Put money away and actually save it.
+Make a budget
+Try effective couponing
*Put my house in order.
For me this is one of my BIGGEST sources of stress. I know how to clean. And when I get motivated I do it well. I guess it's motivation that is the problem. I do have a solid case of lazy-buttitis. Usually when I get home I choose to spend time with my kids or watch TV over chores.
The end result. A dirty cluttered house. Now, I know I am a far cry from 'Hoarders' status of junk and filth but it is overwhelming nonetheless. I start to thinking of what needs to get done and then it snowballs. Need to clean the pantry out > also need to clean fridge >then I'll need to steam mop the floors >need to clean out garage--can put stuff in the basement but I need to clean out the basement first > Need to setup dog kennel in the basement, etc. I have those feelings that I will never get ahead. I am beat before I ever started!! I wish I could afford to take a week off work, have my children still get watched during the day and organize/clean my house 1 room at a time. I would stock the shelves of my local Goodwill with donations! But realistically this is going to be more like a 1 room a month project! In the meantime I need to tackle some sort of basic weekly cleaning schedule for the small stuff.
Possible actions to take:
+Chore chart
+Cleaning product station in each room
+Take a long weekend to work on the big projects.
+Liberally donate excess belongings
+If it has been a box for years I likely don't need it.
+Not go it alone. I need my hubby on board. And he does such a great job cleaning when he gets motivated too!
+Focus on one project at a time
+Once I get something organized don't let it get out of control again!!!!!!!
Now I know there is soooooo much more I need to work. But I am taking it step by step. Will I be successful in each of these goals. Probably not. I doth love to Procrastinate!! But either way. I have a focus, a goal. I am ready to start scratching the surface. Help and encouragement is always welcome.
I will own it!
How will I do that?
Well I want to be reasonable so I have decided to set 2 goals in each area of my life. I don't want to set the bar to high and then fail. I want to make achievements in my life. I figured I would start in February when other people are just starting to fall off the wagon from their New Year's Resolutions. I wanted to put this down in permanent record somewhere to help motivate myself. I will also print a copy and put it on my mirror in my bathroom and try and hold myself accountable. But I figured if those around me knew about it as well they could encourage or discourage me as needed.
Spiritually:
*Read at least 1 scripture every day.
Now obviously I hope to read more than that. But I figure if the goal is to get the scriptures into my hand everyday that it will enable me to read on further and make them part of my daily life. I think I sometimes get caught up with the expectation that I need to read X number of verses or chapters by a certain date and that I set myself up for failure. I just want to nourish my relationship with the scriptures and develop a way to make them present in my daily life. However many verses that may be!
*Attend the TEMPLE 4 times this year.
Last couple of years have been rough but not unbearable. I miss having a temple closer like Arizona. With upcoming construction on the Indianapolis temple I realized distance is not an excuse, just a convenience. I love the feeling of peace and contentment that comes from sitting in a warm, white, comfy celestial room. The feeling of completion when I complete someones work. But really I love the spiritual mending that I can only get from a visit to the temple. I need to get there. Doesn't matter if it is Louisville or Chicago or if Chris can come or not. I just need to get there.
Physically:
*Cut out Pop
There are so many factors to take into account here. The term empty calories comes to mind. Plus it makes me burp and feel fuller than what I really am. I don't need the caffeine since it takes away from my water intake. I also don't need the extra sugar, coloring and additives. I want my internal organs to end up a little happier then where they are at the beginning of this year. Do I like the flavor? Why yes I do. Reasonably do I think I will NEVER have a pop ever again. No. No I don't think so. I do enjoy a nice hard Coke every now and then. I just don't want it to become such an accepted option as a beverage choice. I want it to be infrequent. Like, less than 1x per month. There is something to be said for a nice cold pop at a Fourth of July picnic. :-) So that being said, I want to intake few to no soda pop. Which I hope leads to fewer pounds on the scale, increased water intake and feeling a little healthier.
*Move my body and involve my children as much as possible.
Yea, yea, yea, I know this goal statement is vague. I had a hard time trying to set a time bound or specific restriction on this. Since becoming a parent I have realized there is only so much one human can do and I don't want to overwhelm myself with numbered goals. But at the end of the day I realize that I am Fat. Obese. Overweight. Chunky. Fluffy. Heavyset. Whatever you want to call it I am not super fond of my reflection these days and it isn't a looks issue as much as my wiggly parts pretty much gross me out. I may be not be skinny but I am smart. I know things in my life will need to change for this problem to be addressed. There are 2 tried and true things I can do to alter the outcome. diet and exercise. I am choosing to focus on the exercise part because now that I am a parent of a 3 year old I am realizing how perceptive children truly are. And I think I am a bad example to my daughter.
I need to move. I don't want a decreased energy level. I don't want sore or stiff joints. I WANT to feel freer in my body. I don't want to get winded doing remedial crap. I WANT my children to know and experience an active lifestyle. I have a membership to the YMCA. I need to rock that thing. I own a bike. I need to make it operable and attach the cart and take my kids out for a ride. I LOVE playing Soccer. I need to dig out the ball and take my daughter out to a field to start kicking it around. And the real shame, I own an elliptical machine that has never been used. I HAVE to get it out of the box and sweat my heart out on it. I want my children to crave activity. I want them to not be afraid of hard work. I want them to adventure. I want them to be proud of me. I want to be around along time for them. And it's not just that I want to be around for them but I want it to be quality time. Sweat = Success. I need to get moving. Starting 02/13 at my job I am participating in a health challenge for 12 weeks. That should be a good jump start for my accountability.
Relationship:
*Court my husband.
I am married to an amazing individual. He is tender, loving, kind, smart, funny, talented and under appreciated. I love being a family but I do miss quality 'us' time. This goal seems easy enough when you say it aloud. But it is WORK. Hard work. But worthy work. I want to set aside time to court my husband. I want to ask him on dates, steal kisses and tender moments. I want to spend time with him experiencing life away from our recliners. I want to dream with him. I want to do life with him. But it is hard to do that when we are stuck on repeat. Get up-drop off kids-go to work-pick up kids-make dinner-play and watch TV-bedtime ritual. Plus we don't have any days off together with our current work schedules. That is great for child care, horrible for our 'us' time.
Simple ways to achieve this:
+Tell him I Love Him every single day and seal it with a kiss.
+Hold hands as much as possible.
+Turn off the TV and play a game, do a project or makeout. LOL
+Get outside-meet at the monon after work and go for a quick 20-30 walk before we pickup the kids.
+Schedule dates out of the house at least 1-2x a month.
+Get up early together for a breakfast date while the kids are still sleeping.
+Bench our cell phones at the door and at bed. Lose the distractions. Set aside a pre-determined technology time that we both agree to.
+Read scripture and pray 'together'.
+Take an 'us' trip 1x this year.
+Meet for lunch 2x a month.
+Start an appreciation board.
*Call or communicate with family and far off friends.
Since we do live in an age where everything is so technology driven the death of a live conversation has been dying a quick and awkward death. In short I need to pick up the phone and call people. At least 1-2x a week I need to pick someone to 'catch up' with. Especially my family. No reason why we can't talk more.
A good example of why I need to do this: I recently visited my friend Nicole that I have been friends with forever. Since we were small children. But we have grown apart a bit. We haven't been very good about phone calls and such. But when we get back together we fall into old times again. I love that. I am always happy to see her and feel bad that we haven't been in contact sooner. She deserves more attention. She is important to me. Even if I just shot her a text message or Facebook email every now and then I think it would help. I don't want to miss the life that is happening to everyone around me.
Mentally
*Work towards Financial FREEDOM.
For me this doesn't mean being debt free tomorrow. It means becoming responsible for my spending. I have tossed around the idea of taking a Dave Ramsey class with Chris. And I haven't ruled it out. Timing is tough for that type of 7 week commitment.
Right now I hate the unknown bill paying process we employ every month. It's like the bills line up like criminals in a firing squad and Chris and I both start firing. Problem is when the gunsmoke clears there is criminals still standing and neither of us knows who the other was firing at...and we are out of bullets!!
I want to feel organized. I want to sit down with my spouse and see where my money is at and where it is going every month. I want to make goals and work towards them. I want to be able to track progress so I don't become oppressed from the unknown. I may never be rich...I just want to be responsible.
Ways I may try to do this:
+Family Planning/Bill paying Binder
+Dave Ramsey class
+Bi-weekly money talks/budgeting with my hubby
+Put money away and actually save it.
+Make a budget
+Try effective couponing
*Put my house in order.
For me this is one of my BIGGEST sources of stress. I know how to clean. And when I get motivated I do it well. I guess it's motivation that is the problem. I do have a solid case of lazy-buttitis. Usually when I get home I choose to spend time with my kids or watch TV over chores.
The end result. A dirty cluttered house. Now, I know I am a far cry from 'Hoarders' status of junk and filth but it is overwhelming nonetheless. I start to thinking of what needs to get done and then it snowballs. Need to clean the pantry out > also need to clean fridge >then I'll need to steam mop the floors >need to clean out garage--can put stuff in the basement but I need to clean out the basement first > Need to setup dog kennel in the basement, etc. I have those feelings that I will never get ahead. I am beat before I ever started!! I wish I could afford to take a week off work, have my children still get watched during the day and organize/clean my house 1 room at a time. I would stock the shelves of my local Goodwill with donations! But realistically this is going to be more like a 1 room a month project! In the meantime I need to tackle some sort of basic weekly cleaning schedule for the small stuff.
Possible actions to take:
+Chore chart
+Cleaning product station in each room
+Take a long weekend to work on the big projects.
+Liberally donate excess belongings
+If it has been a box for years I likely don't need it.
+Not go it alone. I need my hubby on board. And he does such a great job cleaning when he gets motivated too!
+Focus on one project at a time
+Once I get something organized don't let it get out of control again!!!!!!!
Now I know there is soooooo much more I need to work. But I am taking it step by step. Will I be successful in each of these goals. Probably not. I doth love to Procrastinate!! But either way. I have a focus, a goal. I am ready to start scratching the surface. Help and encouragement is always welcome.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
LOL
Chris & I have the great joy of having our Nephews Joe & Jake and Niece Summer here to visit for spring break. As I am 36 weeks pregnant and we are both working we have been trying to think of some fun and creative things to do with the kids. One of the things Chris was taking them to do was go down to the Indianapolis Motor speedway Hall of Fame Museum and then to a 50's Diner afterwards.
I am will be venturing out to take them all to the Indianapolis Zoo. Glad we are supposed to have warmer weather this week.
Chris has been great already at upholding his uncle duties with the boys and staying up late to watch movies with them. Plus he helped me put the girls down to bed.
The girls are amazing. You can tell what a strong bond they have. I know they don't get to see each other much but they stick together like a pair of strong magnets when they do. There is lots of hugging and following one another around. Sweet little Ava can't make a move with making sure Summer is coming too. They got to sleep in the same room last night. I was worried about them staying up and talking (as best toddlers can) but they went right to sleep.
In the middle of the night Summer cried a little in her sleep. I went in a smoothed her hair and whispered comforts to her. At one point I said "Summer don't cry honey" when I heard my little echo from across the room when Ava whispered "Don't cry Summer" Went I leaned over to check on Ava she was sleeping, she must of woke long enough just to help me comfort Summer.
Toddlers are pretty cute with the funny things they say. When the kids were in the car with Chris, Summer called up to Ba Ba and told him she had to go potty (#2). Her brother Joe turned around and said "Can you hold it?" Summer then politely replied "I can't hold it, my buckle is in the way" HAHAHAHA.
Then in a few sweet moments later all I could here in the background was my tender daughter saying "Don't go home Summer, Don't go home." Over and over again. I sure wish these two lived closer to one another.
I am also immensely impressed with how grown and mature my nephews are getting. They are such little men. They are great helpers and even pitch in with the girls. It will be interesting to see how they are with a new little dude hanging around after Eli is born. The boys will then out-number the girls on the Huff side of my family with the grand kids.
I look forward to making more memories with them this week and hope to post some pictures of the visit soon.
Saturday we are having a birthday brunch for Summer and then maybe on Sunday we will paint Eli's room. Robin should be back on Saturday!
Grateful for my family.
I am will be venturing out to take them all to the Indianapolis Zoo. Glad we are supposed to have warmer weather this week.
Chris has been great already at upholding his uncle duties with the boys and staying up late to watch movies with them. Plus he helped me put the girls down to bed.
The girls are amazing. You can tell what a strong bond they have. I know they don't get to see each other much but they stick together like a pair of strong magnets when they do. There is lots of hugging and following one another around. Sweet little Ava can't make a move with making sure Summer is coming too. They got to sleep in the same room last night. I was worried about them staying up and talking (as best toddlers can) but they went right to sleep.
In the middle of the night Summer cried a little in her sleep. I went in a smoothed her hair and whispered comforts to her. At one point I said "Summer don't cry honey" when I heard my little echo from across the room when Ava whispered "Don't cry Summer" Went I leaned over to check on Ava she was sleeping, she must of woke long enough just to help me comfort Summer.
Toddlers are pretty cute with the funny things they say. When the kids were in the car with Chris, Summer called up to Ba Ba and told him she had to go potty (#2). Her brother Joe turned around and said "Can you hold it?" Summer then politely replied "I can't hold it, my buckle is in the way" HAHAHAHA.
Then in a few sweet moments later all I could here in the background was my tender daughter saying "Don't go home Summer, Don't go home." Over and over again. I sure wish these two lived closer to one another.
I am also immensely impressed with how grown and mature my nephews are getting. They are such little men. They are great helpers and even pitch in with the girls. It will be interesting to see how they are with a new little dude hanging around after Eli is born. The boys will then out-number the girls on the Huff side of my family with the grand kids.
I look forward to making more memories with them this week and hope to post some pictures of the visit soon.
Saturday we are having a birthday brunch for Summer and then maybe on Sunday we will paint Eli's room. Robin should be back on Saturday!
Grateful for my family.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
A little stinky to laugh about
So when we were getting ready this morning Ava was sitting on the bed after her bath when Chris came in and smelled a stinky toot that Dixon had let out. Chris lamented "Gosh Dixon, you stink."
Ava then took a deep sniff, grimaced and said, "Dixon stinky. You stink Dixon. Dixon needs a diaper for his stinky."
Needless to say, Chris and I had to catch our breath from the laughing. She is definitely in the stage of making profoundly funny statements. I look forward to what each day will bring from her.
Ava then took a deep sniff, grimaced and said, "Dixon stinky. You stink Dixon. Dixon needs a diaper for his stinky."
Needless to say, Chris and I had to catch our breath from the laughing. She is definitely in the stage of making profoundly funny statements. I look forward to what each day will bring from her.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Talking in her sleep
Around 4:30 AM as I lay there with some pregnancy induced insomnia I started to hear my darling daughter begin talking in her sleep.
She first began calling out for Poppa. As for which Grandpa she was referring to I do not know.
But the real kicker is when she said "Want Chocolate Daddy!"
That's my girl! Dreaming about Chocolate.
She first began calling out for Poppa. As for which Grandpa she was referring to I do not know.
But the real kicker is when she said "Want Chocolate Daddy!"
That's my girl! Dreaming about Chocolate.
Final Countdown
Maybe I will eventually get the hang of this blogging business. I am always so envious of those who have the creative vernacular talent to pour out interesting streams of life's happenings. So I will attempt yet again to document our life happenings.
As of today I have 34 days until my due date. Little Eli Andrew Rodda will be in the world soon and I am enormously curious as to the kind of person he will be. I am so in love with our little Ava I feel like I have high expectations for the little guy. I already love him so much, I know he will amaze me. I look forward to cuddling him and nuturing him. One of my deepest wishes is that I hope this one looks a little like me. Ava looks so much like her daddy and she is a stunningly beautiful child.
When Ava's due date was approaching I felt ready and prepared. This time I can't quite lock down that same feeling of preparedness. I feel like there is so much I need to do still. Wish I could take the week before he comes off so that I can whirlwind through my house and be a nesting fool. Oh well! As long as he has a place to sleep, something to eat and something to wear we will be doing good.
I am very grateful that my husband is so supportive of me. He would do anything for me if I just asked. I am definitely larger in the abdomen this time and I feel like the proverbially whale. I fight the waddle though. I just focus on walking in a straight line. I don't think my hips will ever forgive me for such abuse.
Ava is also excited about her baby brother, although when you ask "who is in mommy's tummy?" she answers "baby brother" and then when you ask "what is his name?" she answers "baby sister" LOL!
Since she doesn't have the same concept of time as we do she doesn't quite get that he will be here before she knows it. She did thoroughly inspect his crib that we put together.
Can't wait to be able to sta home and spend time with my babies!
As of today I have 34 days until my due date. Little Eli Andrew Rodda will be in the world soon and I am enormously curious as to the kind of person he will be. I am so in love with our little Ava I feel like I have high expectations for the little guy. I already love him so much, I know he will amaze me. I look forward to cuddling him and nuturing him. One of my deepest wishes is that I hope this one looks a little like me. Ava looks so much like her daddy and she is a stunningly beautiful child.
When Ava's due date was approaching I felt ready and prepared. This time I can't quite lock down that same feeling of preparedness. I feel like there is so much I need to do still. Wish I could take the week before he comes off so that I can whirlwind through my house and be a nesting fool. Oh well! As long as he has a place to sleep, something to eat and something to wear we will be doing good.
I am very grateful that my husband is so supportive of me. He would do anything for me if I just asked. I am definitely larger in the abdomen this time and I feel like the proverbially whale. I fight the waddle though. I just focus on walking in a straight line. I don't think my hips will ever forgive me for such abuse.
Ava is also excited about her baby brother, although when you ask "who is in mommy's tummy?" she answers "baby brother" and then when you ask "what is his name?" she answers "baby sister" LOL!
Since she doesn't have the same concept of time as we do she doesn't quite get that he will be here before she knows it. She did thoroughly inspect his crib that we put together.
Can't wait to be able to sta home and spend time with my babies!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
My Bucket List
I decided to make a bucket list a while back. I felt motivated to set some goals. As this list is not all inclusive. I am positive that there are dreams that I have not yet had the pleasure to discover. Some of you may think I am crazy. But that's OK. It won't be the first time someone thought that and definitely not the last.
1. Be a grandmother.
2. See the pyramids in Egypt.
3. Do a Polar Plunge.
4. Serve a mission.
5. Be a contestant on the wheel of fortune
6. Skydive
7. Overcome my fear of rivers and maybe bridges.
8. Ride a motorcycle
9. See the mighty redwoods
10. Camp in Yellowstone
11. Build a tree house
12. Eat sushi in Japan
13. Help build a home for someone in need.
14. Own & run a bed and breakfast with my best friend.
15. Write a book
16. Hike the hills of Ireland
17. Fly a plane
18. Plant a tree and live long enough to see it grow twice as tall as me.
19. Eat Swiss chocolate in Switzerland.
20. Drive a Ferrari
21. Take a hot air balloon ride
22. Learn to play the piano
23. Learn to sew
24. Go deep sea fishing
25. Learn to scuba dive and explore a shipwreck
26. Swim in Jellyfish Lake
27. Enjoy the view from the top of Machu Picchu.
28. Swim with dolphins.
29. Ski without falling down
30. Sleep under the stars
31. Learn to juggle
32. Take a Gondola ride in Venice
33. See the Aurora Australis and the Aurora Borealis
34. Run a half marathon
35. Take a zip line through the Jungle.
36. Visit Victoria Falls
37. Attend Mardi Gras or Carnival
38. Visit Stonehenge
39. Walk on the Great Wall of China
40. Visit the Taj Mahal
41. Go to Disneyland
42. See Mount Rushmore
43. Learn to knit
44. Picnic in Central Park
45. Be completely debt free
46. Slow dance under the Eiffel Tower
47. Send a message in a bottle out to sea
48. Memorize a love poem
49. Go one month without TV.
50. Complete a journal/photo for 1 year.
51. Become proficient in Yoga
52. Put a prayer in the Wailing Wall
53. Watch the AFI's top 100 films
54. Have a library in my home
55. Give a Gallon of blood
56. Attend an Olympic Games
57. Adopt a child
58. Stay in an underwater resort
59. Stay in an ice hotel
60. Relax in Fiji
61. Walk barefoot on a Black Sand Beach
62. Visit Pearl Harbor
63. Learn to Paddle surf
64. Visit the Liberty Bell (Maybe lick it)
65. Attend a General Conference.
66. Attend a session in the Salt Lake Temple
67. Trace both sides of my family back to the 1600’s
68. Kiss the Blarney Stone in Ireland
69. Stay overnight in a haunted place.
70. Drive the Autobahn
71. Make my own cookbook
72. Learn how to take a compliment well
73. Attend a Kentucky Derby
74. See the Red Wings play in Joe Louis Arena
75. Visit every Major League Baseball Park.
76. Catch a tossed fish on Fisherman’s Wharf or Pike’s Place Market
77. Foster a dog.
78. Volunteer in a retirement home.
79. Throw a coin in the Trevi fountain in Rome.
80. Visit a concentration camp sight and say a prayer for those that lost their lives there.
81. Visit the Acropolis.
82. Stand at the top of a volcano.
83. See the Ringling Brothers Circus.
84. See the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade live.
85. Enter a baking contest and place.
86. Celebrate my 100th Birthday.
87. Celebrate my 50th Wedding Anniversary.
88. Help somebody accomplish a goal from their own list.
89. Interview my parents on video for family history.
90. Pay for my kids to go to College.
91. Stay in a 5-star hotel.
92. Eat a spicy noodle breakfast in Vietnam.
93. Visit Norway/Sweden with my husband where his Grandma/Grandpa are from.
94. Grow a Secret Luscious Garden of Flowers
95. Grow a Giant Pumpkin
96. Be MY ideal weight. Not a number on a chart
97. Have Lasik surgery so I can ditch the glasses.
98. Eat a Mangosteen.
99. Go to Sundance with my husband.
100. Drive the California coast from top to bottom.
101. Live life to the fullest & Never have any regrets.
I of course reserve the right to add to and take away from this list. I don't want to live life inhibited. I want to have a treasure chest of stories to share with my grandchildren. I want to die satisfied with life. And I want to make it back to my maker with as much knowledge as I can.
1. Be a grandmother.
2. See the pyramids in Egypt.
3. Do a Polar Plunge.
4. Serve a mission.
5. Be a contestant on the wheel of fortune
6. Skydive
7. Overcome my fear of rivers and maybe bridges.
8. Ride a motorcycle
9. See the mighty redwoods
10. Camp in Yellowstone
11. Build a tree house
12. Eat sushi in Japan
13. Help build a home for someone in need.
14. Own & run a bed and breakfast with my best friend.
15. Write a book
16. Hike the hills of Ireland
17. Fly a plane
18. Plant a tree and live long enough to see it grow twice as tall as me.
19. Eat Swiss chocolate in Switzerland.
20. Drive a Ferrari
21. Take a hot air balloon ride
22. Learn to play the piano
23. Learn to sew
24. Go deep sea fishing
25. Learn to scuba dive and explore a shipwreck
26. Swim in Jellyfish Lake
27. Enjoy the view from the top of Machu Picchu.
28. Swim with dolphins.
29. Ski without falling down
30. Sleep under the stars
31. Learn to juggle
32. Take a Gondola ride in Venice
33. See the Aurora Australis and the Aurora Borealis
34. Run a half marathon
35. Take a zip line through the Jungle.
36. Visit Victoria Falls
37. Attend Mardi Gras or Carnival
38. Visit Stonehenge
39. Walk on the Great Wall of China
40. Visit the Taj Mahal
41. Go to Disneyland
42. See Mount Rushmore
43. Learn to knit
44. Picnic in Central Park
45. Be completely debt free
46. Slow dance under the Eiffel Tower
47. Send a message in a bottle out to sea
48. Memorize a love poem
49. Go one month without TV.
50. Complete a journal/photo for 1 year.
51. Become proficient in Yoga
52. Put a prayer in the Wailing Wall
53. Watch the AFI's top 100 films
54. Have a library in my home
55. Give a Gallon of blood
56. Attend an Olympic Games
57. Adopt a child
58. Stay in an underwater resort
59. Stay in an ice hotel
60. Relax in Fiji
61. Walk barefoot on a Black Sand Beach
62. Visit Pearl Harbor
63. Learn to Paddle surf
64. Visit the Liberty Bell (Maybe lick it)
65. Attend a General Conference.
66. Attend a session in the Salt Lake Temple
67. Trace both sides of my family back to the 1600’s
68. Kiss the Blarney Stone in Ireland
69. Stay overnight in a haunted place.
70. Drive the Autobahn
71. Make my own cookbook
72. Learn how to take a compliment well
73. Attend a Kentucky Derby
74. See the Red Wings play in Joe Louis Arena
75. Visit every Major League Baseball Park.
76. Catch a tossed fish on Fisherman’s Wharf or Pike’s Place Market
77. Foster a dog.
78. Volunteer in a retirement home.
79. Throw a coin in the Trevi fountain in Rome.
80. Visit a concentration camp sight and say a prayer for those that lost their lives there.
81. Visit the Acropolis.
82. Stand at the top of a volcano.
83. See the Ringling Brothers Circus.
84. See the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade live.
85. Enter a baking contest and place.
86. Celebrate my 100th Birthday.
87. Celebrate my 50th Wedding Anniversary.
88. Help somebody accomplish a goal from their own list.
89. Interview my parents on video for family history.
90. Pay for my kids to go to College.
91. Stay in a 5-star hotel.
92. Eat a spicy noodle breakfast in Vietnam.
93. Visit Norway/Sweden with my husband where his Grandma/Grandpa are from.
94. Grow a Secret Luscious Garden of Flowers
95. Grow a Giant Pumpkin
96. Be MY ideal weight. Not a number on a chart
97. Have Lasik surgery so I can ditch the glasses.
98. Eat a Mangosteen.
99. Go to Sundance with my husband.
100. Drive the California coast from top to bottom.
101. Live life to the fullest & Never have any regrets.
I of course reserve the right to add to and take away from this list. I don't want to live life inhibited. I want to have a treasure chest of stories to share with my grandchildren. I want to die satisfied with life. And I want to make it back to my maker with as much knowledge as I can.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Old school toys...
I sometimes sit and watch the girls and try and think back as far as I can to my earliest memories. I wonder what & when they will begin to develop those cognitive memories. One of the things I remember most from my early childhood years is the toys I played with. I look at the spread of choices the kids have now and I wonder if it is to much. I loved some of the simple toys I played with as a child.
Recently I went to Toys r'us to pick up some Vick's Vapor shot plug in refills. (Hardly anybody carries them but I love them, Thanks Jamie!). Even though my quest was to only get that one item I went into shock from the sheer stimuli power of this store. I walked by one of the end caps to a row and saw a small popcorn push toy. You know the ones that have a long blue handle with a clear domed bubble on the end with two wheels and colored plastic balls on the inside. Then when you push it the wheels cause the balls to pop like popcorn in the middle.
I loved to pop-pop-pop my way around the room as a kid. I remember playing with one that was banged and beaten. The clear plastic dome was all scratched and hard to see through but still pop popped like a champ.
I decided to buy a pink one and bring it home for the girls to play with on Monday. Chris stayed home sick and so his mom brought the girls back over before I got home. I walked in and took the toy out of the bag and showed the girls how to use it. Wonderment filled their eyes
Within seconds Summer was zooming around the room vaccuming with her popper. Ava was excitedly chasing after her trying to get a turn. When Ava finally caught Summer we had to break the baby fight up so Ava could get a turn. Baby wars then ensued. Chris and I quickly decided to take the toy away and that the next day I would be spending another lunch break at Toys r' us to purchase a 2nd popper. I picked up the original colored one.
Needless to say on Tuesday night the girls were estatic. And Chris and I get to learn to love the sound of popcorn popping all the time.
Recently I went to Toys r'us to pick up some Vick's Vapor shot plug in refills. (Hardly anybody carries them but I love them, Thanks Jamie!). Even though my quest was to only get that one item I went into shock from the sheer stimuli power of this store. I walked by one of the end caps to a row and saw a small popcorn push toy. You know the ones that have a long blue handle with a clear domed bubble on the end with two wheels and colored plastic balls on the inside. Then when you push it the wheels cause the balls to pop like popcorn in the middle.
I loved to pop-pop-pop my way around the room as a kid. I remember playing with one that was banged and beaten. The clear plastic dome was all scratched and hard to see through but still pop popped like a champ.
I decided to buy a pink one and bring it home for the girls to play with on Monday. Chris stayed home sick and so his mom brought the girls back over before I got home. I walked in and took the toy out of the bag and showed the girls how to use it. Wonderment filled their eyes
Within seconds Summer was zooming around the room vaccuming with her popper. Ava was excitedly chasing after her trying to get a turn. When Ava finally caught Summer we had to break the baby fight up so Ava could get a turn. Baby wars then ensued. Chris and I quickly decided to take the toy away and that the next day I would be spending another lunch break at Toys r' us to purchase a 2nd popper. I picked up the original colored one.
Needless to say on Tuesday night the girls were estatic. And Chris and I get to learn to love the sound of popcorn popping all the time.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Haiti Tragedy Here's your chance to give
My heart is saddened at the recent natural disaster/tragedy that has struck Haiti. We sincerely pray that the people affected will receive immediate and immense assistance. I have not and hope I never will experience this type of disaster in my life. To be battered, bruised, distraught, homeless and hungry... I can't imagine the pain. There are many of God's children that have lost their lives. I pray that their loved ones that are still living will find peace and comfort.
In situations like these I begin to feel inadequate. Like I should be able to swoop into action and help. I wish I could be there digging through rubble, handing out food & water, comforting a heartbroken family. But my circumstances do not allow this.
Instead I try and focus on the things I can do:
*I can pray. I know Heavenly Father is hearing a lot of voices about Haiti right now. But I know he hears ALL of them. He knows each and every ones burdens.
*I can donate. I know I am not rich and as a matter of fact have a lot of bills to pay. But I count myself blessed as I have a roof over my head, a bed to sleep, my health and food in my stomach. So even if I can only spare $20. Than that is $20 more than they had before, it's a meal, a blanket and some water.
There are many organizations to donate to. I choose to donate to my churches humanitarian aid. 100% of the funds donated to the fund actually go to humanitarian causes. Here is a link to a story about the churches actions.
http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/58436/Church-sends-humanitarian-aid-to-Haiti-after-70-earthquake.html
Here is the link if you want to give directly to that same humanitarian fund.http://give.lds.org/emergencyresponse
I can do what I am able to do. But at least it is something.
God Bless the people of Haiti.
In situations like these I begin to feel inadequate. Like I should be able to swoop into action and help. I wish I could be there digging through rubble, handing out food & water, comforting a heartbroken family. But my circumstances do not allow this.
Instead I try and focus on the things I can do:
*I can pray. I know Heavenly Father is hearing a lot of voices about Haiti right now. But I know he hears ALL of them. He knows each and every ones burdens.
*I can donate. I know I am not rich and as a matter of fact have a lot of bills to pay. But I count myself blessed as I have a roof over my head, a bed to sleep, my health and food in my stomach. So even if I can only spare $20. Than that is $20 more than they had before, it's a meal, a blanket and some water.
There are many organizations to donate to. I choose to donate to my churches humanitarian aid. 100% of the funds donated to the fund actually go to humanitarian causes. Here is a link to a story about the churches actions.
http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/58436/Church-sends-humanitarian-aid-to-Haiti-after-70-earthquake.html
Here is the link if you want to give directly to that same humanitarian fund.http://give.lds.org/emergencyresponse
I can do what I am able to do. But at least it is something.
God Bless the people of Haiti.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
There girls were pretty cute on Sunday at church. Summer was such a reverent little angel. She kept her arms folded neatly throughout Sacrament (both bread & water). Meanwhile Ava had a supreme case of the wiggles. I put her down and she was very corageous walking about the aisleway. We were late getting them breakfast so I split up a clementine and fed it to them after Sacrament. Ava managed to smack her head into a chair and Chris snuck out in the hall with her.
The highlight of the meeting is when their cousin Masyn came over to say Hi. Summer squealed with delight and hugged her and kissed her....for about 5 minutes. Summer hadn't seen Masyn in about 2 weeks, since Christmas. When Chris came back from the hallway with Ava they were still hugging. All three of them then began hugging and kissing and started playing ring around the rosey in the back of the chapel. How cute!
When we finally got them to calm down Masyn crawled up in a chair and Summer crawled after her and sat in her lap. Masyn is going to be such a good big sister.
******
I taught my lesson for the Valiants by squeaking my through as I am still sick and have no voice. I am running on 2 weeks of sickness at this point. Sigh. Chris dropped me off at the minute clinic on the way home and it only took 150 minutes to get seen and pick up my prescriptions. I will be very happy when I can kick this and resume some normalcy.
The highlight of the meeting is when their cousin Masyn came over to say Hi. Summer squealed with delight and hugged her and kissed her....for about 5 minutes. Summer hadn't seen Masyn in about 2 weeks, since Christmas. When Chris came back from the hallway with Ava they were still hugging. All three of them then began hugging and kissing and started playing ring around the rosey in the back of the chapel. How cute!
When we finally got them to calm down Masyn crawled up in a chair and Summer crawled after her and sat in her lap. Masyn is going to be such a good big sister.
******
I taught my lesson for the Valiants by squeaking my through as I am still sick and have no voice. I am running on 2 weeks of sickness at this point. Sigh. Chris dropped me off at the minute clinic on the way home and it only took 150 minutes to get seen and pick up my prescriptions. I will be very happy when I can kick this and resume some normalcy.
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