This is the typical time of year to reflect and to feel hope for the new year. Looking back two years, I was sitting on New Year's Eve wondering if my marriage was going to make it. 2011 was about deciding the fate of my marriage. Ironically, my word for 2011 was commit. It is clear (in hindsight) that God had a plan for my marriage that year, and it was up to me to figure it out. I committed to many things that year, most important of all, I committed to my marriage. In my heart and soul, I took that foot that was "out the door" and brought it back in to be fully engaged in staying in my marriage and not so lightly throwing around the word "divorce". Infact, I believe I have not used that word outloud to describe my marriage in two years. My husband and I have been through many years of rough times. Some days are still less hopeful than other days, but I can't get over how God keeps reminding me to stay and to continue to try to work at what we have built. So that's what I do. I commit to the man I said my vows to and I take it one day at a time. Sometimes, minute by minute, because that's how we roll!
I talked about my word for this last year, and that directly pertained to grasping at straws to keep myself in line while waiting to put our house up for sale. Patience paid off, I made it through the year, and here we are! A few short months away from putting our house on the market. I am incredibly excited, I am also incredibly overwhelmed! I've been yearning for this for atleast 5 years and now that it's here, it feels like the pressure is on! I am so thankful that I have taken the past few years to start staging my home, though there are definitely still things on the "to do" list, I feel like we are in really good shape for showing this place off to potential buyers!
This year, 2013, is the year. I've put my faith into this year, and I have asked hubby to do the same and we are rolling with it. We have big changes forthcoming and I keep praying and praying and praying that we are on the path that God sees for us. It feels right deep down in my heart, which is why I feel like we are on the right track.
I'm not quite ready to reveal my word for 2013. Though I am excited to share, because it's a good one and I feel it's going to be life changing for me, I am also still testing my patience for 2012, and not sharing 2013's word until it is indeed 2013. :)
Stay tuned!
Monday, December 31, 2012
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Full of thoughts
I have so many thoughts running through my mind as a response to watching a recorded version of "The View" right after the Newtown shootings. There were two interviews, one specifically that was so poised and made such perfect sense, I was about jumping out of bed with agreement! forensic psychiatrist Dr. Michael Welner was talking about so many things, of course he brought up guns and mental illness, because those happen to be the "buzz" worthy arguments. Infact, there have been uncountable comments made about changes that need to be made. This entire time, I've been observing (and yes, doing a little bit of my own argueing) all of the finger pointing and activism. It was fast and furious at first, and now, as with typical pattern, the talk has waned, people have not forgotten, however, it is simply not being talked about quite as much. Everytime something horrific happens, it affects the entire country, we all weigh in and vow that something must be done, and then in a sense, we go back to our everyday lives. I'm willing to guess it's because as horrible as it is, we feel helpless. What if something *could* change. Something right inside of our own homes. Dr. Welner talked about it on The View and I couldn't agree more. We are a violent culture. Everywhere you turn, there are video games, movies, music, all "everyday" type entertainment that desensitizes us and dehumanizes our neighbor. None of it is real and most people can watch it without having it affect them in a way that would have catastrophic affects, so we keep allowing it to inch it's way into our lives. Infact, I have this battle in my own home. My heart changed a few years back, I started growing my relationship with God and in turn, I've stopped filling my soul with things that I find offensive. My husband grew up watching scary movies and he seems to love the gore of it all. He finds nothing wrong with laying in bed, watching these disgusting (in my opinion) shows and movies and gets irritated with me when I won't watch them with him. My argument is "it hurts my soul". There are many things in our daily lives that "hurt our souls" and if we tune in to those feelings and instincts and make changes in our own lives, we will breathe fresh life into those around us.
Long babble short, here is what I have pressing on my heart to share with you today:
Some small changes I urge you to consider making in your home:
1. Believe, teach and practice the golden rule: Treat others the way you want to be treated.
2. Teach your children to value life. All life. No matter who, what, where, when, why, if it's living, treat it with care.
3. Examine the things you are watching and listening to in your home. This includes, music, video games, movies, TV shows. Set guidelines as to what is appropriate and better yet, what is NOT appropriate and stick with them.
4. Teach your children not to tell each other to "shut up" or call each other "names" or say "Oh My G--" every 5 seconds, there are better words in our vocabulary.
5. Teach your kids to remain calm, remind them to take a breath when they are frustrated and to think about what comes out of their mouth.
6. Listen to your children. Validate their feelings.
7.It's crucial to practice what you preach ladies and gentlemen. Kids are sponges. We are their first and best role models. Do NOT do things in your own life that you would not want your children doing. They learn from us.
Long babble short, here is what I have pressing on my heart to share with you today:
Some small changes I urge you to consider making in your home:
1. Believe, teach and practice the golden rule: Treat others the way you want to be treated.
2. Teach your children to value life. All life. No matter who, what, where, when, why, if it's living, treat it with care.
3. Examine the things you are watching and listening to in your home. This includes, music, video games, movies, TV shows. Set guidelines as to what is appropriate and better yet, what is NOT appropriate and stick with them.
4. Teach your children not to tell each other to "shut up" or call each other "names" or say "Oh My G--" every 5 seconds, there are better words in our vocabulary.
5. Teach your kids to remain calm, remind them to take a breath when they are frustrated and to think about what comes out of their mouth.
6. Listen to your children. Validate their feelings.
7.It's crucial to practice what you preach ladies and gentlemen. Kids are sponges. We are their first and best role models. Do NOT do things in your own life that you would not want your children doing. They learn from us.
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
One Word 2012
My word for this year was Patience. one-word-2012.html
I can look back over the last year to see that I have exhibited patience many times. I heard the word patience in my head on numerous occasions throughout the year and it has slowed me down a few times in the process. I take my "word" for the year seriously. I put a lot of thought and prayer into the "theme" that I will follow and have full intentions of making changes in my life surrounding one word. I am an overachiever. I get a "challenge" and I want to complete it with full gusto. I've learned over the years that if I get in over my head, I get overwhelmed and I quit. So, it's appealing to me to choose just one word each year to really focus on without the overwhelmed overachiever coming out. One word is powerful and because I believe changing myself for the better is a journey, the "one word" experience really works for me.
So, to be more specific, I started this year with full hopes of looking at my impulsive self and slowing down. Being patient with myself, being patient with my life, taking the time to really soak up what is around me and to learn to appreciate the moment instead of racing to the next thing. I am still a mile a minute type of person, however, I've learned to really look at my impulsiveness and see it for what it is. I can take a moment of impulsiveness and decide if it's right for me or if I need to sit on it for a while before moving on it.
A huge test of patience for me, has been waiting to move to a new house. When Miles was born, we put ourselves on the 5 year plan. It felt like it would be FOREVER before that 5 years was up, so I worked to push it out of my mind. A little over a year ago, we did the same thing, we made some changes in our life and budget to make sure that when we are ready (when Miles goes to Kindergarten) our ducks would be in a row. This was something that I really had to focus on keeping patience with because I have done it the other way, I've tried to put our house up for sale by owner, and when it didn't sell, I rushed into putting it up for rent. I didn't take my husband's lack of interest to heart, when he stated he was not into the idea of renting. I ignored him and pressed on. As we rushed through this whole process, I was actively viewing homes and touring them and pushing and pushing and pushing!! I felt like if I pushed hard enough, it would happen. It finally took a cold hard tell it like it is lender to tell us we couldn't carry two mortgages and he basically laughed at me over the phone. I was incredibly offended. My dream was crushed right there and that was when I decided we needed to go about this the right way. The calm, straight forward, PREPARED way. We've been working our way towards putting the house up for sale, the kids will start at new schools next year in the district we are moving in to and it FINALLY feels as if things may work out. I have patience to thank. Patience told me to slow down, and to do things the right way. The slow, planned and calculated way. It's best for us and I am patiently yet eagerly awaiting the day it all unfolds for us! I've allowed myself to dream and to plan, and with that, I've been able to really pinpoint a direction. I couldn't have done that without patience because impulsiveness would have won. There is a time for impulsiveness, and I am thankful that I have learned how to figure it out in my own life!
I can look back over the last year to see that I have exhibited patience many times. I heard the word patience in my head on numerous occasions throughout the year and it has slowed me down a few times in the process. I take my "word" for the year seriously. I put a lot of thought and prayer into the "theme" that I will follow and have full intentions of making changes in my life surrounding one word. I am an overachiever. I get a "challenge" and I want to complete it with full gusto. I've learned over the years that if I get in over my head, I get overwhelmed and I quit. So, it's appealing to me to choose just one word each year to really focus on without the overwhelmed overachiever coming out. One word is powerful and because I believe changing myself for the better is a journey, the "one word" experience really works for me.
So, to be more specific, I started this year with full hopes of looking at my impulsive self and slowing down. Being patient with myself, being patient with my life, taking the time to really soak up what is around me and to learn to appreciate the moment instead of racing to the next thing. I am still a mile a minute type of person, however, I've learned to really look at my impulsiveness and see it for what it is. I can take a moment of impulsiveness and decide if it's right for me or if I need to sit on it for a while before moving on it.
A huge test of patience for me, has been waiting to move to a new house. When Miles was born, we put ourselves on the 5 year plan. It felt like it would be FOREVER before that 5 years was up, so I worked to push it out of my mind. A little over a year ago, we did the same thing, we made some changes in our life and budget to make sure that when we are ready (when Miles goes to Kindergarten) our ducks would be in a row. This was something that I really had to focus on keeping patience with because I have done it the other way, I've tried to put our house up for sale by owner, and when it didn't sell, I rushed into putting it up for rent. I didn't take my husband's lack of interest to heart, when he stated he was not into the idea of renting. I ignored him and pressed on. As we rushed through this whole process, I was actively viewing homes and touring them and pushing and pushing and pushing!! I felt like if I pushed hard enough, it would happen. It finally took a cold hard tell it like it is lender to tell us we couldn't carry two mortgages and he basically laughed at me over the phone. I was incredibly offended. My dream was crushed right there and that was when I decided we needed to go about this the right way. The calm, straight forward, PREPARED way. We've been working our way towards putting the house up for sale, the kids will start at new schools next year in the district we are moving in to and it FINALLY feels as if things may work out. I have patience to thank. Patience told me to slow down, and to do things the right way. The slow, planned and calculated way. It's best for us and I am patiently yet eagerly awaiting the day it all unfolds for us! I've allowed myself to dream and to plan, and with that, I've been able to really pinpoint a direction. I couldn't have done that without patience because impulsiveness would have won. There is a time for impulsiveness, and I am thankful that I have learned how to figure it out in my own life!
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Daily Encouragement.
It's increasingly important to me to be an encouragement to others. I've decided to get more active on my He Guides Me Facebook page. My hope and prayer is that I can post something encouraging everyday on the page. They will not be posted here, so if you need a daily dose of "Happy" please *like* He Guides Me on Facebook! :)
He Guides Me
He Guides Me
Monday, December 17, 2012
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| (Image courtesy of Charlestown Patch) |
I've been praying a lot over the last few days. Most of it relating to Sandy Hook elementary. I am a person that feels called to inspire and encourage others and that is something I take very seriously. As I was asking God to help me to speak only of the good, to bring hope and encouragement at a time of such despair; no real light bulb went off in my head. I didn't have an answer or a revelation of any sort. What I do have is a grip on trying to refrain from replying to all of the negativity that is out there surrounding this matter. There is a lot of finger pointing and I know that deep down everyone is just grasping at anything that can to try to feel they have some control over a situation that was inexcusable and unexplainable. No one with a sliver of a soul could possibly understand what would possess someone to go into a place that is deemed safe and wreak unspeakable havoc on the innocent souls inside. I will say this, there is good where you seek it. This tragedy is no different. The women that literally laid down their lives to save children that were not even their own, the father who spoke out on behalf of forgiveness in honor of his sweet daughter who perished, the K-9 charity that traveled many miles to bring their dogs to comfort the community of Newtown Connecticut, the stories of faith and hope and the beautiful tributes like SNL's Silent Night that is bringing light and support to this tragedy. No one would have hoped for this to happen, but my faith is strengthened in humanity when I see what has transpired over the past few days. I urge all of you, those that are up in arms about laws that need to change, or those in the media who feel the need to cover this tragedy in a sensationalized way, to just take a step back, and look for God. He is there, He is with us, weeping alongside us as He knows America is hurting over this. A father of a Columbine victim spoke today, a woman in Aurora Colorado spoke about when the theater was shot up, these are people that have walked the same path as those that are hurting in Connecticut, they are offering wisdom in a situation that seems impossible that anyone could relate. There is light in the darkness, it is all around us and it's shining brighter each day. Hold on to that, don't let go and move forward as the days come, be the good in this world. We are all here for a purpose, those babies didn't have to die on Friday, it seems their lives were ripped away, it is up to us, all of the survivors to rise up and be better than we were before this horrible piece of history took place.
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Breaking the "rules"
Christmas among many other traditional types of holidays and events comes with many rules. Each individual family forms the rules to make it special for them. It's fun to see all of the out of the box types in these situations.
When I was growing up, Santa did something a little unusual in our home each year. The night we put up our Christmas tree was the night he filled our stockings. It was his way of telling us that he knew we were ready for Christmas. I loved this as a child and when I had my own kids, I wanted to carry that tradition on.
I did it for the first few years until my husband shared he was opposed to this and for whatever reason it really bothered him that we did it this way. Needless to say, once he expressed his feelings about the whole thing, I couldn't in good spirits carry on that tradition. For the past many years, I've diligently filled the stockings on Christmas Eve, to be opened on Christmas day with all of the other gifts.
I find this to be anti climactic so to speak, I mean, the stockings surely get overlooked when there are gifts under the tree that need opening! That's just my opinion! I know there are many who use the stockings to stock up on the "practical" things like underwear, toothbrushes, etc. I tend to put practical things in my stockings too, but mostly the stockings are just a place to put all of the little odds and ends that I think my kids would enjoy, but they are too small to wrap.
Well, this year, I got the urge to fill the kids stockings this weekend. Last night that urge was put into play. I was giddy as I filled the stockings, knowing full well this would be a fun surprise for the kids to wake up to in the morning. We woke up to a gloomy morning and the kids worked their way downstairs. I followed them, and turned the light on in the family room. I was curious to know how long it would take them to notice :) It didn't take long and the excitement was apparent!
We've had a laid back morning so far as the kids enjoy their goodies. Miles was loving his little teeny remote controlled car, I must say, it's pretty cool! It came in a "can" and with lot's of spunk!
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When I was growing up, Santa did something a little unusual in our home each year. The night we put up our Christmas tree was the night he filled our stockings. It was his way of telling us that he knew we were ready for Christmas. I loved this as a child and when I had my own kids, I wanted to carry that tradition on.
I did it for the first few years until my husband shared he was opposed to this and for whatever reason it really bothered him that we did it this way. Needless to say, once he expressed his feelings about the whole thing, I couldn't in good spirits carry on that tradition. For the past many years, I've diligently filled the stockings on Christmas Eve, to be opened on Christmas day with all of the other gifts.
I find this to be anti climactic so to speak, I mean, the stockings surely get overlooked when there are gifts under the tree that need opening! That's just my opinion! I know there are many who use the stockings to stock up on the "practical" things like underwear, toothbrushes, etc. I tend to put practical things in my stockings too, but mostly the stockings are just a place to put all of the little odds and ends that I think my kids would enjoy, but they are too small to wrap.
Well, this year, I got the urge to fill the kids stockings this weekend. Last night that urge was put into play. I was giddy as I filled the stockings, knowing full well this would be a fun surprise for the kids to wake up to in the morning. We woke up to a gloomy morning and the kids worked their way downstairs. I followed them, and turned the light on in the family room. I was curious to know how long it would take them to notice :) It didn't take long and the excitement was apparent!
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Acilia has been listening to her new Taylor Swift CD and I am thrilled that "Santa" snuck in last night to surprise the kids with their stockings overflowing. On the Santa note, Acilia is experiencing her first year "in the know" and she has been thoroughly enjoying being in on the "secret" while still keeping up the fun for her little brother and other children. It's been fun to watch her as she smirks to herself at the mention of the Jolly old man! Miles this morning did ask if I was the one who filled the stockings this morning. I said yes I did, because I wanted to give Santa a break. Moms are allowed to do that you know! :)
Friday, December 14, 2012
In Memory
We are America
Evil can try to break us,
We must rise. Hold on to the faith that
we have
and know deep in our hearts that better
things will come
Evil won't win
It may knock us down, it may set us
back
But we are a nation that will pick up
and move forward
stronger than before
Evil will not win
We won't let it.
Lives were lost today
Innocent lives. In a senseless tragedy.
We can shake our heads in disbelief, we
can say we will never send our kids to school
We will send them, we must. This nation
is built on pushing through.
The hard times, the tragic times, the
times that make us question everything.
The times that shake us to our core and
scare us out of our minds.
We must be strong.
Unity be with this nation.
This is a time to pull together and
find the good will inside.
It's there in each of us. Don't allow
evil to dim the light inside of us.
We are here, to make a difference.
Each one of us has a purpose.
Each one of us has a purpose.
Find the good in every situation.
Tomorrow is a new day.
A day of promise.
We have the hope that tomorrow will be a better day.
We have the hope that tomorrow will be a better day.
~Karrie Viscogliosi
God bless all of those affected by the
Sandy
Hook Elementary School Shooting.
~12/14/12~
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Fun little facts about me
1. I LOVE word searches. So much so that my daughter gets them in school (not as assignments, but just for fun) and then brings them home for me to do them :)
2. I am a lefty. However, I do not write "inverted or hooked".
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21. My dog Remo is 12, my heart already aches at the thought of him not being with us anymore. He is my first baby and I treat him that way every chance I get! :)
2. I am a lefty. However, I do not write "inverted or hooked".
3. I enjoy helping others. In any way I can. The more unusual the better! (Kidney donation, egg donation, you get the idea) ;)
4. I get anxious when things are out of order in my home (been having some anxiety over the washer/dryer being out of it's cubby, because the dryer is broken!)
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| Our bathroom has looked this way for over a week! |
5. We have a space heater in my son's room, because his room is not insulated, I go to bed every night praying that it doesn't start a fire.
6. I love ice! I chew on it too!
7. I get a great sense of satisfaction when I purge the house of things we don't need! Often times though, I purge more than I should have and my husband always catches me because he needs something I have tossed!
8. I am gung-ho about starting projects, but struggle to complete them!
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| Finish painting? I need too, the wall has looked like this for about two months! EEK! |
9. I spend a lot of my time dreaming about the future!
10. I love babies! And, I have quite a few tricks that have led some to call me the "Baby Whisperer"
11. I love Christmas shopping! (Probably because it's a good excuse to give in to my little touch of shopaholic ways!)
12. I am a full on 100% no matter what animal rights advocate! It sickens me to hear of people abusing/mistreating animals!
13. I don't tolerate violent or scary movies/TV at all. It haunts me and makes my spirit ache. I think it drives my husband nuts because he is all about the Sons of Anarchy and gory violent movies etc!
14. I'm a list maker! My thoughts are usually all jumbled up until I get it down in an organized list.
15. I pray while I am in the shower :)
16. I drive nice cars because my husband likes Cadillac. I am much more of a "practical" vehicle type of girl.
17. On that note, when I found out my car had a heated steering wheel, I thought it was absolutely absurd, but now must admit with these cold winter mornings, it's a really nice perk!
18. I am a gun owner. I grew up target shooting but couldn't ever bring myself to hunt.
19. I love long walks. I could walk for hours without stopping. It's like a meditation for me!
20. As much as I love our rescue pup Franko, his shedding drives me absolutely batty!!
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| Love you anyway Franko! |
22. My husband complains that I don't give him enough attention. He's right, it's easy for me to dote on my kids and my pets, it's hard to dote on my husband though, this is something that frustrates me! Especially since I know he is "needy" that way.
23. I eat chocolate, a lot of it, I like Hershey's Kisses that have been in the fridge! Mmmmm! I am eating them as I type this ;)
24. My favorite word is "Serenity"
25. My favorite mantra is "It is, what it is." I seek to live with this belief with anything and everything!
25. My favorite mantra is "It is, what it is." I seek to live with this belief with anything and everything!
Friday, December 7, 2012
A new journey
You may or may not know the meaning behind the name of this blog. "He Guides Me" is my testament to how God speaks to me in my life and how I can do work for him. Having this openness in my relationship with God, I believe is what leads me on a wonderful journey of purpose in my life. I've had many opportunities to help God complete His missions for me and I look forward to each one that He reveals to me!
It's been on my heart to help children. Specifically teenagers. For a while my heart was on opening our home to a teenager that is in need of adoption. There were some logical aspects that came forth that led me to believe that it's not the right time for us to do something like that. However, the ache has not gone away. I feel for these kids who will soon be "let go" from the system due to their impending 18th birthday and I felt helpless, until today.
This morning, I was speaking with a classmate about my desire to help a teen in need of a family, she stated she felt the same and also had the same reservations. Our conversation was a sort of "in passing" experience and I didn't think much of it. That's how it always goes, I have things happen, and they don't make "sense" until something else comes that makes the lightbulb glow bright in the "AHA!" experience.
I left my class and headed to pick Miles up from school. I was sitting in my car reading the August issue of Family Circle (yes, I am a bit behind on my magazine subscriptions) an article came up and I was drawn to it. "The Teen Whisperer". Underneath it read "Dozens of former foster girls have found a safe home- plus plenty of love and guidance- thanks to Lauri Burns, mother of the parentless.
Are you thinking what I am thinking?? It was clear to me my mission to be. God spoke to me through the timing of my conversation with my classmate and then following it up with this article that I "stumbled across" less than 20 minutes after that conversation.
I am excited to see how this unfolds!
It's been on my heart to help children. Specifically teenagers. For a while my heart was on opening our home to a teenager that is in need of adoption. There were some logical aspects that came forth that led me to believe that it's not the right time for us to do something like that. However, the ache has not gone away. I feel for these kids who will soon be "let go" from the system due to their impending 18th birthday and I felt helpless, until today.
This morning, I was speaking with a classmate about my desire to help a teen in need of a family, she stated she felt the same and also had the same reservations. Our conversation was a sort of "in passing" experience and I didn't think much of it. That's how it always goes, I have things happen, and they don't make "sense" until something else comes that makes the lightbulb glow bright in the "AHA!" experience.
I left my class and headed to pick Miles up from school. I was sitting in my car reading the August issue of Family Circle (yes, I am a bit behind on my magazine subscriptions) an article came up and I was drawn to it. "The Teen Whisperer". Underneath it read "Dozens of former foster girls have found a safe home- plus plenty of love and guidance- thanks to Lauri Burns, mother of the parentless.
Are you thinking what I am thinking?? It was clear to me my mission to be. God spoke to me through the timing of my conversation with my classmate and then following it up with this article that I "stumbled across" less than 20 minutes after that conversation.
I am excited to see how this unfolds!
Thursday, December 6, 2012
3 years
December 3rd, 2009 forever changed my life. The day I gave a kidney to my husband. 3 years have passed, it's still surreal to me. I still marvel at the fact that I had a kidney that matched what my husband needed. I am still 100% convinced God used me to save my husband's life and I am still 100% humbled by that fact. I can not make clear enough that it was not *me* who gave him a kidney. It was GOD who blessed us both with this amazing experience in our lives. At the young age of 29 years old, I was able to take part in something that I am almost sure will never be outdone the rest of the days that I live. My life had a beautiful purpose and I can never fully display how blessed that makes me feel. Each year that passes, is a huge milestone for both of us. 3 years is a long time, but it's not long enough. No amount of years will be long enough, but each year I start by praying that we have many more years of health with this transplanted kidney that now sits in my husband's body and works it's hardest to stay healthy against some bullying antibodies that try regularly to knock it down.
Al had his three year check up yesterday. He went downtown to the hospital where surgery took place and the news was great! He is doing great and the doctor said he doesn't need to see him for a year. (This is the longest stretch he's been allowed to go!) he will continue with monthly blood work to ensure his numbers stay stable, and of course he takes his daily dose of anti-rejection meds, but that's all normal for a transplant patient and we are thankful!
In the meantime, dialysis days are a memory that we know will be a reality again SOMEDAY but we are thrilled with each and every day that brings health!!
Here are some pictures, "battle scars" right after surgery:
Al had his three year check up yesterday. He went downtown to the hospital where surgery took place and the news was great! He is doing great and the doctor said he doesn't need to see him for a year. (This is the longest stretch he's been allowed to go!) he will continue with monthly blood work to ensure his numbers stay stable, and of course he takes his daily dose of anti-rejection meds, but that's all normal for a transplant patient and we are thankful!
In the meantime, dialysis days are a memory that we know will be a reality again SOMEDAY but we are thrilled with each and every day that brings health!!
Here are some pictures, "battle scars" right after surgery:
And, today, the scars are practically invisible, can you see it?
It's below the words "Be a Donor"...faint, barely visible!
In this picture, the scars are even harder to spot, but there are two in the picture, I can see them, can you?
Now, please excuse me while I go put some lotion on, the dry skin in the pictures has me a little disturbed!!
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Temper Tantrums
I keep hearing about temper tantrums. Perhaps because they tend to coincide with the stress of the holidays? I am hearing the way to deal with them is to ignore them. I am pondering if this is the best advice? Feel free to correct me if I am wrong. I realize the point of ignoring the tantrum is to make the child understand that it's not something that will get attention. Let's be real though, tantrums get attention, they get ugly stares from everyone around you if this child attempts their tantrum out in public, it gets the ears ringing of the parent who is listening to it, heck, sometimes the whole neighborhood can hear it, if it's a nice day and your windows happen to be open!
Tantrums are a part of life. It's the epitome of a child being frustrated with life. We can all relate. Afterall, how many adults would like to throw themselves on the floor in a screaming fit at times? We've learned better ways to deal with our woes and our children will too. With a little bit of patience.
My kids are NOT angels. I repeat, they are NOT angels, but thankfully, I can count on one hand the amount of times my kids have thrown a tantrum, TOTAL between the two of them is less than 5 times. Acilia is 9, Miles is 4.
There is something I like to do with my kids. It's called listening to them. When they are little, I try to stay on top of things that could "promote" a potential meltdown. I mean think about it, if your child is tired or hungry and you have to be in a store or anywhere for that matter, guess what, it's likely your child is going to object and let everyone around them know it! Not because they feel like being a little pain in your side, but because they genuinely have needs that are not being met at the current moment.
More than that though, they are frustrated. They have feelings, feelings of wanting something, feelings of boredom, feelings of neglect (*no parent I know intentionally neglects their child's needs, but when their needs are not being met, the child feels it, that's all I am saying*)
So, a child is frustrated and having a tantrum. Then, their parent, the one who is supposed to love them, ignores their feelings. Feelings are a strong indicator of how a person handles life and the people around them at the current moment. Perhaps, ignoring a child's "cry for help" via their tantrum, is in a sense teaching them that it's NOT ok to have a tantrum, but does it teach them HOW to deal with their frustration? No. It teaches them to feel brushed off.
I talk with my kids. We talk about everything. Including why they feel the way they do about something. I want my kids to know there is a right and a wrong way to handle their feelings and I empathize with them when they are feeling down. I try to be their biggest fan and I really try to help them to problem solve ways to feel better about whatever circumstances are thrown their way. They are taught how to take a deep breath if they are feeling frustrated or their voice goes into whiney territory. We speak calmly in those moments and we work through it.
If you want to try this, please do not wait until there is a full blown tantrum attack because I can guarantee it will fail. Once a child has reached "the point of no return" they really do need some quiet calm down time. Whether it be in their bedroom, or on your lap. You can calmly explain they are having a tantrum and when they can relax enough to talk, you are more than happy to listen to how they feel. You have to catch them far before their frustration level is beyond the point of no return. You will get really good at catching the cues that lead up to the big meltdown! Trust me! Practice Practice Practice :)
It takes some work, but I think you will be happy with the results. Who doesn't want more calm and less tantrums?
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Children learn what they live with
I heard this today, and thought it was worth passing on. Wonderful insight. Choose what you want your kids to grow up like and treat them in the way that correlates with them learning those qualities.
If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.
If children live with fear, they learn to be apprehensive.
If children live with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves.
If children live with ridicule, they learn to feel shy.
If children live with jealousy, they learn to feel envy.
If children live with acceptance, they learn to love.
If children live with recognition, they learn it is good to have a goal.
If children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness.
If
children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.
If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.
If children live with fear, they learn to be apprehensive.
If children live with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves.
If children live with ridicule, they learn to feel shy.
If children live with jealousy, they learn to feel envy.
If
children live with tolerance,
they learn patience.
If children live with acceptance, they learn to love.
If
children live with approval,
they learn to like
themselves.
If children live with recognition, they learn it is good to have a goal.
If
children live with sharing,
they learn generositY.
If children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness.
If
children live with security,
they learn to have faith
in
themselves and in those about them.
If
children live with friendliness,
they learn the
world is a nice place in which to live.
by
Dorothy Law Nolte
Sunday, November 25, 2012
One week ago
One week ago today, I was given $1 in church. Yesterday the amount of donations reached $250!
$250 = 2000 meals for Americans in need. Absolutely amazing! I didn't have a limit in my mind as to how much I wanted to raise, but looking at all of the kindness I have seen this past week, the rush to donate via Paypal or sending it directly to my mailbox to be tallied in the grand total donation, I have high hopes that no matter how much more is raised, my $1 from church last week has grown considerably and with the help of all the kind donors, will make a great impact!
The time has not run out yet, so get involved! I am not making the donation until January 1st. I am asking for just $1, the goal is to see how $1 can grow into a lot more dollars and in turn help more and more people. The donation will be made to Feeding America. A solid charity that helps our fellow Americans have enough food to eat.
Feel free to visit the event I created on Facebook, Feeding America Facebook Event. All of the directions are there. You are invited to join the event and watch as the numbers (hopefully!) continue to grow. It's a fun experience and one that you will want to be a part of. It's a feel good experience and for once it doesn't take anything more than $1. It's not about how much you give, it's about the act of giving. You can make a big difference with just $1!!
I have a wonderful story to share, last night in the mail I received $3. With the donation was a little note, "Hi Karrie! I love what you are doing! I told my children what I was putting money in the mail for & they wanted to donate as well! I hope you have raised a bunch of money!"
Nothing warms my heart more than children that see compassion for the needy and have the desire to do something. We are arming our future generation with the spirit of giving!! How wonderful is that?
If you do not have a PayPal account, do not be discouraged, you can message me or even just comment on this post, and I will email my address to you.
*All images in this post were from Google search "Feeding America"*
Saturday, November 24, 2012
No title
My niece turned 10 this past week. This is the niece that is 6 months older than Acilia. This is the niece that for many years was inseparable from Acilia. We have a great relationship with her because of all the extra time she has spend with us over the years. She is the projection of what we are in for with our own little Acilia and though they are only 6 months apart, there are quite a few noticeable differences that relate to age between the two of them. So, I've been watching my niece Ali as she is blossoming into a tween. It is subtle but the change is very real and she is just beautiful. She's growing up and as I watch her grow, I see little glimmers of what's to come with Acilia.
I will admit, I get caught up in looking forward to the future. I've been this way my entire life and sometimes it's all that gets me through dark times. I suffer from Seasonal depression and with the dark winter months creeping in, November is a tough time for me.
Ali's party was yesterday, overall, it was a lot of fun. We socialized and ate and the kids had fun, Ali was simply glowing as she enjoys getting some extra attention in honor of her birthday. She's double digits now! I can't wrap my head around it. That means my little Acilia will be double digits in a few short months. It goes by so fast. I hold on to that as I struggle through winter.
This winter especially. Our house is going up for sale in March. March, 4 short months away. 4 short months, that feel like a lifetime away! I've been waiting for this day for easily 5+ years! I've grinned and bared my way through these years of bad economy and tight finances during Al's dialysis and kidney transplant days. Almost 2 years ago, I sat my husband down and put a deadline on us. It was to be 2 years from that date, we would be selling this house and moving to a place more suitable for us and more importantly my husband's business. He needs more property so he can grow his business and I pinpointed the perfect area for us to move. It's actually where I grew up. It's an unincorporated area, with various sized homes on various sized lots, smaller lots are about 3/4 of an acre, larger lots of 5+ acres. Being that it's the same area I grew up, my parents still live in the same house and I am there frequently. Each and every time I am there, I ache to have my family living there. We are getting so close to making it a reality, yet it is still not close enough. I see homes go up for sale and would love to look at them, but I know deep down that there is a chance they will not be available to us when the time comes that our house has the "SOLD" sign.
As we were driving to Ali's party last night, I got excited considering how our new address will be much closer to my brother's family's house (my brother lives pretty close to my parent's, less than 2 miles away). I dream of the kids being able to ride bikes to each other's houses and us being able to walk to my parent's house. It's so exciting as I drive in, but then the drive home is always a little bittersweet. We are a 10-15 minute drive away right now and each minute is agonizing for me. My heart aches. It brings me back to my word for 2012 which happens to be Patience. I can't help but think that word is completely appropriate for this time in my life. There have been many many MANY times throughout this year that I have wanted to rush into the move. We have gone that route before, trying to look at houses before we sold our house, trying to sell the house at the bottom of the market, wanting to put the house up for rent just so we could move and get on with our lives. It's maddening! Here we are though, 4 months from putting our house up for sale and it's full steam ahead. I have the confidence in me to say nothing is holding me back. I have put my faith into this, jumping in feet first and I can't even comprehend the thought of it not happening. I won't allow it to not happen. That may be completely bull headed of me, but I feel like I have tested my patience and I just have to believe that it will happen for us. That we will be able to move and that my ache in my heart will be fulfilled with what I've allowed myself to dream for. I have to believe through this faith filled leap that it will happen.
Side note: I can't help but giggle at the fact that this post started with talk about my niece and her big 10th birthday, and it led to my deep desire. I must admit, most of my day is consumed by thoughts about moving. I have been obsessed for quite some time now. If I talked about it as much as I thought about it, I would surely have some people thinking I am crazy!
 |
| About the age of 5 Acilia and Ali Attached like glue :) |
 |
| About the age of 5 they did e v e r y t h i n g together |
I will admit, I get caught up in looking forward to the future. I've been this way my entire life and sometimes it's all that gets me through dark times. I suffer from Seasonal depression and with the dark winter months creeping in, November is a tough time for me.
 |
| About the age of 7, getting their ears double pierced together |
 |
| The age of 9, this past Fall at a wedding. Growing so fast, but still buddies! |
Ali's party was yesterday, overall, it was a lot of fun. We socialized and ate and the kids had fun, Ali was simply glowing as she enjoys getting some extra attention in honor of her birthday. She's double digits now! I can't wrap my head around it. That means my little Acilia will be double digits in a few short months. It goes by so fast. I hold on to that as I struggle through winter.
This winter especially. Our house is going up for sale in March. March, 4 short months away. 4 short months, that feel like a lifetime away! I've been waiting for this day for easily 5+ years! I've grinned and bared my way through these years of bad economy and tight finances during Al's dialysis and kidney transplant days. Almost 2 years ago, I sat my husband down and put a deadline on us. It was to be 2 years from that date, we would be selling this house and moving to a place more suitable for us and more importantly my husband's business. He needs more property so he can grow his business and I pinpointed the perfect area for us to move. It's actually where I grew up. It's an unincorporated area, with various sized homes on various sized lots, smaller lots are about 3/4 of an acre, larger lots of 5+ acres. Being that it's the same area I grew up, my parents still live in the same house and I am there frequently. Each and every time I am there, I ache to have my family living there. We are getting so close to making it a reality, yet it is still not close enough. I see homes go up for sale and would love to look at them, but I know deep down that there is a chance they will not be available to us when the time comes that our house has the "SOLD" sign.
As we were driving to Ali's party last night, I got excited considering how our new address will be much closer to my brother's family's house (my brother lives pretty close to my parent's, less than 2 miles away). I dream of the kids being able to ride bikes to each other's houses and us being able to walk to my parent's house. It's so exciting as I drive in, but then the drive home is always a little bittersweet. We are a 10-15 minute drive away right now and each minute is agonizing for me. My heart aches. It brings me back to my word for 2012 which happens to be Patience. I can't help but think that word is completely appropriate for this time in my life. There have been many many MANY times throughout this year that I have wanted to rush into the move. We have gone that route before, trying to look at houses before we sold our house, trying to sell the house at the bottom of the market, wanting to put the house up for rent just so we could move and get on with our lives. It's maddening! Here we are though, 4 months from putting our house up for sale and it's full steam ahead. I have the confidence in me to say nothing is holding me back. I have put my faith into this, jumping in feet first and I can't even comprehend the thought of it not happening. I won't allow it to not happen. That may be completely bull headed of me, but I feel like I have tested my patience and I just have to believe that it will happen for us. That we will be able to move and that my ache in my heart will be fulfilled with what I've allowed myself to dream for. I have to believe through this faith filled leap that it will happen.
Side note: I can't help but giggle at the fact that this post started with talk about my niece and her big 10th birthday, and it led to my deep desire. I must admit, most of my day is consumed by thoughts about moving. I have been obsessed for quite some time now. If I talked about it as much as I thought about it, I would surely have some people thinking I am crazy!
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Amazing!
I was given $1 in church today. They handed $1 to each person who attended this weekend. We were encouraged to do something good with that $1. Clearly, it's a fun challenge and I wanted to excel. I wanted to make my $1 grow into a hearty donation because to be honest, $1 on it's own doesn't amount to much. I started looking up ideas on how to spend $1. I found a fun little list that was titled 101 ways to spend $1. There were some funny ones on there, clearly not all of them were charitable ideas. Then I came across one that stated I could feed a whole family in India for $1!
I did a quick search for donating $1 to feed families in need and came across Feeding America! Right on their home page it states "$1=8 meals!" Well, that's pretty cool! I didn't feel right about only donating $1 though, afterall, I thought if *I* could donate $1, who else could? The idea for a donating event was born!
I popped onto Facebook, and created an event!
I would love for you to join me by donating $1 or at the least, follow along and see how much I am able to donate on January 1st which is the date I decided to "send the donation" to Feeding America!
Go to the link below to see the progress!
Feeding America Charity Event
I did a quick search for donating $1 to feed families in need and came across Feeding America! Right on their home page it states "$1=8 meals!" Well, that's pretty cool! I didn't feel right about only donating $1 though, afterall, I thought if *I* could donate $1, who else could? The idea for a donating event was born!
I popped onto Facebook, and created an event!
I would love for you to join me by donating $1 or at the least, follow along and see how much I am able to donate on January 1st which is the date I decided to "send the donation" to Feeding America!
Go to the link below to see the progress!
Feeding America Charity Event
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Crossroads
I am at an emotional crossroads. Blogging is very much about being real for me, but there are some things you just don't "blog" about, they are more "private journal". It's been easy over the years to know what to blog about. I get messages from God or I have inspiration I want to share. I would like to think I've built my blog on that. It's a very real part of my life and I find it thrilling, which is why I choose to share it.
To be real and honest though, there are sides of my life that I do not portray here and that is a bit unsettling to me. When you put yourself out there on the Internet, it's calculated. You have choices as to what you choose to share and what you choose to keep to yourself. After all there are a lot of eyes that read these pages and with sight, comes potential judgment. I follow numerous bloggers who are authentic and really put themselves out there, only to be criticized for what they say or what they do in their own life. I don't like being criticized, it hurts my feelings and I am relieved that so far this blog has not met criticism. That could be a good thing. But, let's be truthful, my husband criticizes me quite often, and he's the person who lives with me. So I am left asking myself, am I being my real self to the outside world? Or am I being myself with my husband. To be further and brutally honest, I don't like who I am with my husband. He brings out things in me that I work to tuck deeply away. Things I would say and do as a child, where the intention was to hurt others. I am not that person anymore. I want nothing to do with being a person that hurts others on purpose.
I am pretty sure these feelings are still coming from my last appointment with my therapist. She went "there" with me, and really touched a nerve that I haven't quite worked through yet. I found truth in what she was saying, but it left me really wondering who I am! The "me" I know is selfish by nature and will say hurtful things to win an argument The "me" I know stopped at nothing to get what I wanted and would bend the rules to make things work with my comfort. No concern for others. That was me as a child. Now, I would like to think I've grown and matured over the years and as an adult, those things wouldn't describe me anymore. I am not a spiteful person, but I like control in my life. It's my comfort. After many many many MANY years of suffering from anxiety (It started in 1st grade) I have found that I've made many habits to control my ANXIETY, when in turn, I am also accustomed to some habits that by default control those around me too. Prime example, I am usually the driver when we go places. Why? Because it's comforting to me to be behind the wheel. I've spent many years trying to work through those habits and to let go of the control a little bit more. It leaves me in a place where I am comfortable giving in to allowing others to have their say in what makes THEM comfortable too. This change occurred when I really was awakened to having a relationship with God. I've been a believer all of my life, born and raised Lutheran. I went through the motions as a child, never quite "got" it until my daughter Acilia was in Kindergarten. The light bulb went on and I gave my life over to the One and ONLY God. It was a whirlwind from the start. My whole life changed, my feelings about things changed, standards I set for myself have changed, the way I treat people has changed. I whole heartily believe I have grown to be a better person. There is a part of me that is still me though, that selfish, defiant little brat comes out once in a while and though I do understand that is my "root", it's also what I am trying NOT to be. It's easy to be kind to people in the outside world. It's easy to smile at someone who's action has just inconvenienced my day, because I don't have to see them again and we can both go on with our day. That person possibly knowing what Grace looks like, me knowing that I handled myself in a Godly way. It's a feel good type of experience.
Then, I come home. My home, my intimacy, where I strip away the "look" of the day and get into my "ugly" self. This is the person my husband sees. He sees me when I am relaxed and unguarded and vulnerable. I take what he says so literally and that is a thorn in our relationship. He's a joker, he says things to ruffle feathers and to get a rise and to push buttons. I know this about him, and I still can't control my reactions. That bothers me to my CORE! I am a put together person, I thrive on being my best and then at my worst, my husband is the first person that brings out my roots. The selfish, the stubborn, the ugly words that hurt.
I loathe that side of me, and I loathe that my husband sees it in me. I loathe that he thinks that's who I am, when I so desperately try to genuinely change and have been successful at it with everyone, BUT him.
Who am I? I so naturally can be graceful out in the world, dealing with thousands of people each day and smiling the whole way, and then I come home and the one person whom I said my vows to, I can't be my changed self. I am broken because of it. It eats away at my soul. I would love nothing more than to be the person I am to the outside world, it comes 100% naturally in that setting. Why can't I naturally reveal that to the man I am married to? My husband is my trigger. He pushes me to my limit of patience most times and when I break, I either take it out on him, or I distance myself. I find that distancing myself atleast helps me to not say things I regret, but it also does not fix things either. Double edged sword, lesser of two evils.
I realize that these are feelings I could probably keep to myself. Infact, they are feelings I've kept to myself for years. However, when something spends a lot of time in my mind, I am a firm believer it's probably on someone else's mind too, which is precisely why I am sharing this. If my words can help even one other person, I am fulfilling my calling to encourage others.
Enjoy your weekend Friends!
To be real and honest though, there are sides of my life that I do not portray here and that is a bit unsettling to me. When you put yourself out there on the Internet, it's calculated. You have choices as to what you choose to share and what you choose to keep to yourself. After all there are a lot of eyes that read these pages and with sight, comes potential judgment. I follow numerous bloggers who are authentic and really put themselves out there, only to be criticized for what they say or what they do in their own life. I don't like being criticized, it hurts my feelings and I am relieved that so far this blog has not met criticism. That could be a good thing. But, let's be truthful, my husband criticizes me quite often, and he's the person who lives with me. So I am left asking myself, am I being my real self to the outside world? Or am I being myself with my husband. To be further and brutally honest, I don't like who I am with my husband. He brings out things in me that I work to tuck deeply away. Things I would say and do as a child, where the intention was to hurt others. I am not that person anymore. I want nothing to do with being a person that hurts others on purpose.
I am pretty sure these feelings are still coming from my last appointment with my therapist. She went "there" with me, and really touched a nerve that I haven't quite worked through yet. I found truth in what she was saying, but it left me really wondering who I am! The "me" I know is selfish by nature and will say hurtful things to win an argument The "me" I know stopped at nothing to get what I wanted and would bend the rules to make things work with my comfort. No concern for others. That was me as a child. Now, I would like to think I've grown and matured over the years and as an adult, those things wouldn't describe me anymore. I am not a spiteful person, but I like control in my life. It's my comfort. After many many many MANY years of suffering from anxiety (It started in 1st grade) I have found that I've made many habits to control my ANXIETY, when in turn, I am also accustomed to some habits that by default control those around me too. Prime example, I am usually the driver when we go places. Why? Because it's comforting to me to be behind the wheel. I've spent many years trying to work through those habits and to let go of the control a little bit more. It leaves me in a place where I am comfortable giving in to allowing others to have their say in what makes THEM comfortable too. This change occurred when I really was awakened to having a relationship with God. I've been a believer all of my life, born and raised Lutheran. I went through the motions as a child, never quite "got" it until my daughter Acilia was in Kindergarten. The light bulb went on and I gave my life over to the One and ONLY God. It was a whirlwind from the start. My whole life changed, my feelings about things changed, standards I set for myself have changed, the way I treat people has changed. I whole heartily believe I have grown to be a better person. There is a part of me that is still me though, that selfish, defiant little brat comes out once in a while and though I do understand that is my "root", it's also what I am trying NOT to be. It's easy to be kind to people in the outside world. It's easy to smile at someone who's action has just inconvenienced my day, because I don't have to see them again and we can both go on with our day. That person possibly knowing what Grace looks like, me knowing that I handled myself in a Godly way. It's a feel good type of experience.
Then, I come home. My home, my intimacy, where I strip away the "look" of the day and get into my "ugly" self. This is the person my husband sees. He sees me when I am relaxed and unguarded and vulnerable. I take what he says so literally and that is a thorn in our relationship. He's a joker, he says things to ruffle feathers and to get a rise and to push buttons. I know this about him, and I still can't control my reactions. That bothers me to my CORE! I am a put together person, I thrive on being my best and then at my worst, my husband is the first person that brings out my roots. The selfish, the stubborn, the ugly words that hurt.
I loathe that side of me, and I loathe that my husband sees it in me. I loathe that he thinks that's who I am, when I so desperately try to genuinely change and have been successful at it with everyone, BUT him.
Who am I? I so naturally can be graceful out in the world, dealing with thousands of people each day and smiling the whole way, and then I come home and the one person whom I said my vows to, I can't be my changed self. I am broken because of it. It eats away at my soul. I would love nothing more than to be the person I am to the outside world, it comes 100% naturally in that setting. Why can't I naturally reveal that to the man I am married to? My husband is my trigger. He pushes me to my limit of patience most times and when I break, I either take it out on him, or I distance myself. I find that distancing myself atleast helps me to not say things I regret, but it also does not fix things either. Double edged sword, lesser of two evils.
I realize that these are feelings I could probably keep to myself. Infact, they are feelings I've kept to myself for years. However, when something spends a lot of time in my mind, I am a firm believer it's probably on someone else's mind too, which is precisely why I am sharing this. If my words can help even one other person, I am fulfilling my calling to encourage others.
Enjoy your weekend Friends!
Friday, November 16, 2012
Recipe time!
Well, we tried a new recipe tonight. I get SO excited when it's a good one, also, it's no coincidence that Kelly is doing a SUYL link up of main dishes, so I must add this to her rapidly growing list!
It's called:
I will post the recipe, but before I do, I must add, I never follow a recipe word for word. I like to personalize it to match our family's likes and disklikes. I will start by saying, I couldn't find spinach fettucine! Too bad, so sad right? I got tri color penne instead and it tasted just dandy, and I couldn't help but think, we added a few veggies with the different color pasta right? :)
Also, I didn't get the oil packed dried tomatoes, why? Because well, I will admit, I don't know what those are and I didn't want to search for them! :) Poof, be gone! Ha!!
Ok, moving on, here is the recipe:
Lucky for me, it's one I can look up online, instead of typing it all out from the one I printed! VOILA! ENJOY!
YUMMO!!!!
It's called:
I will post the recipe, but before I do, I must add, I never follow a recipe word for word. I like to personalize it to match our family's likes and disklikes. I will start by saying, I couldn't find spinach fettucine! Too bad, so sad right? I got tri color penne instead and it tasted just dandy, and I couldn't help but think, we added a few veggies with the different color pasta right? :)
Also, I didn't get the oil packed dried tomatoes, why? Because well, I will admit, I don't know what those are and I didn't want to search for them! :) Poof, be gone! Ha!!
Ok, moving on, here is the recipe:
Lucky for me, it's one I can look up online, instead of typing it all out from the one I printed! VOILA! ENJOY!
YUMMO!!!!
Trattoria-Style Spinach Fettuccine
Makes: 4 servings
Start to Finish 18 mins
Ingredients
- 1 9 ounce package refrigerated spinach fettuccine
- 2 tablespoons chopped shallot or green onion
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 red and/or yellow tomatoes, chopped (2 cups)
- 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup oil-packed dried tomatoes, drained and snipped
- 1/2 cup crumbled garlic and herb feta cheese or peppercorn feta cheese (2 ounces)
Directions
Using kitchen shears, cut fettuccine in half crosswise. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain; return pasta to hot pan.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet cook shallot in hot oil over medium heat for 30 seconds. Stir in fresh tomatoes, carrot, and dried tomatoes. Cook, covered, for 5 minutes, stirring once. Spoon tomato mixture over cooked pasta; toss gently. Sprinkle each serving with feta cheese.
Clean teeth!
My kids had a dentist appointment today.
Acilia has gone many times, but Miles, this was his very first time. He was anticipating it and mostly excited. My kids don't fear the dentist at all, because they haven't had any pain to associate with it yet. So, for them, it's a fun thing to do. Miles has gone with us a few times for Acilia's visits and last time we went, I informed him, he's going to be a big boy and gets to go too! He was so cute, we walked in and he was showing everyone his teeth.
He sat in the chair and anticipated what was next.
He looked so sweet, and enjoyed the ride his chair provided as the dental assistant positioned him for his cleaning. She was gentle and kind and patient and I remember her from Acilia's first visit too. A true blessing when there is someone that can take your child and keep them at ease as they experience something new.
Miles giggled through the whole cleaning. It was so cute. His little feet were moving around a bit too, but overall, he sat nice and still. It was precious and I am glad he enjoyed his first Dental Exam!
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Painting his teeth purple to see how well he brushes
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When she told Miles that she would be cleaning his teeth with strawberry flavored paste, he was thrilled! That's the same flavor he uses at home :) :) :)
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| He held that little mirror the whole time, as he giggled, he would close his eyes and then open his eyes to look in the mirror.
We were sent on our way with a clean teeth bill of health, some stickers and a new toothbrush!
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Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Weather
When I was a kid, my parents used to watch the news to catch the weather. I thought they were SO weird, I mean, why did they have to look at the TV to check the weather? I couldn't figure out why they didn't just walk outside, if it was raining, they would get wet, if it was snowing, they would want gloves, if the sun was out, bring your sunglasses, etc. etc.
Now, in my 30's, I get it. It's weather madness and I have fallen victim! Every morning, when my alarm goes off, the first thing I do is check the weather for the day. I check Weather.com regularly, I even look at and am fascinated by all of the thermometers on signs and in my car. I can't get enough!
It affects my mood too! If the sun is out, I can pretty much guarantee it's going to be a good day. My whole mood is lifted and I have a skip in my step. If it's cloudy, forget it! I feel like a slug!
Illinois is the WRONG state for me. I will tell you why, prime example: Sunday, it was a beautiful, almost record breaking day of 68 degrees. In the matter of a few short hours, we were facing rapidly dropping temps and fell into a low, bitterly cold 27 degrees. All in a matter of 24 hours. Oh, and there were said to be some snow flurries that night too. REALLY? That's just wrong. Not the 68 degrees part. I didn't mind that part at all. I am talking about the bitter cold and the temperature change.
Now, we are back to temps a bit higher than average and though the people that follow how mild temps in the midwest affect nature seem bothered by this weather, I can't say it bothers me at all! Infact, I like it. Not the part about it potentially killing our trees, but the part about how it makes me feel. Warmer than usual weather=Happier Karrie.
Now, in my 30's, I get it. It's weather madness and I have fallen victim! Every morning, when my alarm goes off, the first thing I do is check the weather for the day. I check Weather.com regularly, I even look at and am fascinated by all of the thermometers on signs and in my car. I can't get enough!
It affects my mood too! If the sun is out, I can pretty much guarantee it's going to be a good day. My whole mood is lifted and I have a skip in my step. If it's cloudy, forget it! I feel like a slug!
Illinois is the WRONG state for me. I will tell you why, prime example: Sunday, it was a beautiful, almost record breaking day of 68 degrees. In the matter of a few short hours, we were facing rapidly dropping temps and fell into a low, bitterly cold 27 degrees. All in a matter of 24 hours. Oh, and there were said to be some snow flurries that night too. REALLY? That's just wrong. Not the 68 degrees part. I didn't mind that part at all. I am talking about the bitter cold and the temperature change.
Now, we are back to temps a bit higher than average and though the people that follow how mild temps in the midwest affect nature seem bothered by this weather, I can't say it bothers me at all! Infact, I like it. Not the part about it potentially killing our trees, but the part about how it makes me feel. Warmer than usual weather=Happier Karrie.
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| Courtesy of Google images |
Saturday, November 10, 2012
OLD!
I never thought of 30's as old. To be honest, I don't even think 90 is "old", ok, well maybe...but I turned 32 this past week and 3 days later, I had a doctor appointment. My appointment consisted of being told my height, which is a full INCH shorter than in previous years! Am I shrinking?? Also, I went in for neck and shoulder pain. My neck is locked, has been since Tuesday, my left shoulder has a point in it that has a pressure point that sends tingles down my arm when it's touched, not to mention there are many points along my back that scream when you touch them. I am sick of chronic neck and back pain, so I went in to have it checked out. I was a little apprehensive, I was thinking she would want to prescribe meds or call for an MRI. Nothing of the sort happened. She suggested I go to physical therapy. I walked out quite content with the plan! I also walked out feeling OLD. How is it possible to have daily aches and pains when I am not even considered middle aged yet? It's beyond me! Also, worth noting, I thought I was going nuts. I've had a sort of uncomfortable feeling in my left side. Like I have "something" inside of my abdomen near my rib cage, it's been feeling that way since my nephrectomy, and one day a few months ago, I felt around there, and noticed one of my ribs is loose. I thought I was nuts, thought NO WAY that's possible, but it IS possible and it DOES happen and my doctor confirmed my suspicions by feeling around where I showed her. She said there is one that does infact feel a little bit loose. That's a tad unsettling, but it's not painful and I am so glad I am not losing my mind! Life is interesting. Never a dull moment around here. We like to keep it real :)
Friday, November 2, 2012
Gratitude
It's November (WOW!) and I have had the joy of catching some thankfulness posts on Facebook. It's a great theory, to think each day about what you are thankful for. November is a great time to do that, because by the time Thanksgiving comes, you have a whole wonderful list of your heart's happiness!
I spent a good part of the day yesterday pondering how to put the thankfulness challenge into action, I could have jumped aboard the "thankfulness sharing on Facebook train" but I want my family to participate with me, so I was looking for a simple print out that we could calendar our thankfulness. To my surprise I did NOT find what I was looking for, which is rather unusual for the Internet world! I did however, come across a Gratitude Jar, which I thought was both clever and simple. I visited my favorite store (Hobby Lobby!) and picked up a few supplies: A jar, a paint pen, a little hair clip to add some pizzazz and some decorative sheets of paper. Came home with my materials and got to work!
I think it turned out really cute and we have already started filling it. My plan is to leave it out until Thanksgiving, we will write on squares I cut out of the decorative paper and fill the jar with our thankful thoughts and then share with each other on Thanksgiving!
A new tradition may have been born!
I spent a good part of the day yesterday pondering how to put the thankfulness challenge into action, I could have jumped aboard the "thankfulness sharing on Facebook train" but I want my family to participate with me, so I was looking for a simple print out that we could calendar our thankfulness. To my surprise I did NOT find what I was looking for, which is rather unusual for the Internet world! I did however, come across a Gratitude Jar, which I thought was both clever and simple. I visited my favorite store (Hobby Lobby!) and picked up a few supplies: A jar, a paint pen, a little hair clip to add some pizzazz and some decorative sheets of paper. Came home with my materials and got to work!
I think it turned out really cute and we have already started filling it. My plan is to leave it out until Thanksgiving, we will write on squares I cut out of the decorative paper and fill the jar with our thankful thoughts and then share with each other on Thanksgiving!
A new tradition may have been born!
Monday, October 29, 2012
Oh my wonder!
"Oh my Wonder!" New phrase, maybe it will be famous someday! :)
I sit here blown away. 1. That my daughter is being mentioned in two separate posts, on the SAME day! And 2. Because she is an artist. A real life, jaw dropping amazing artist! The little girl has been blessed with some talent! Keep in mind, she's 9 years old.
The past 4 weeks, Acilia has been staying after school each Monday partaking in a club. It's a fun little thing her school does. The month of September rolls around, a list of available clubs goes home, the kids choose their top three faves (Acilia was adamant she only was choosing one!) and then they rush to turn them in to the principal on the day they start accepting them. It's first come, first served. It's a fun little hustle and bustle and thankfully both times Acilia has participated, she gets into her first choice. This club takes place on Monday's after school through the month of October
This year it was "Everyone's an artist". Acilia informed me the first week they were painting a canvas, but after that, details were barren. Not for lack of trying on my part, but the fact was, Acilia wanted to surprise her old mom with the finished product and she was tight lipped as to what she was painting. The intensity grew each week and today was the big reveal! She came out with a box, inside was her treasure. She told me I couldn't see it..YET. I was a little perturbed because I was excited to see her hard work, but she was enjoying this little secret so much, I let her have it.
She showed the art to some friends and some parents and some teachers, while still keeping it under wraps to me. We arrived at the car, and I finally asked her to show me! She did and this is what I saw.
I sit here blown away. 1. That my daughter is being mentioned in two separate posts, on the SAME day! And 2. Because she is an artist. A real life, jaw dropping amazing artist! The little girl has been blessed with some talent! Keep in mind, she's 9 years old.
The past 4 weeks, Acilia has been staying after school each Monday partaking in a club. It's a fun little thing her school does. The month of September rolls around, a list of available clubs goes home, the kids choose their top three faves (Acilia was adamant she only was choosing one!) and then they rush to turn them in to the principal on the day they start accepting them. It's first come, first served. It's a fun little hustle and bustle and thankfully both times Acilia has participated, she gets into her first choice. This club takes place on Monday's after school through the month of October
This year it was "Everyone's an artist". Acilia informed me the first week they were painting a canvas, but after that, details were barren. Not for lack of trying on my part, but the fact was, Acilia wanted to surprise her old mom with the finished product and she was tight lipped as to what she was painting. The intensity grew each week and today was the big reveal! She came out with a box, inside was her treasure. She told me I couldn't see it..YET. I was a little perturbed because I was excited to see her hard work, but she was enjoying this little secret so much, I let her have it.
She showed the art to some friends and some parents and some teachers, while still keeping it under wraps to me. We arrived at the car, and I finally asked her to show me! She did and this is what I saw.
Amazing right?? I am blown away! Truly a work of art!
And just for good measure, I am sharing with you some more pictures of Acilia's creations, she is mostly into drawing, but this canvas has clearly opened another path!
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