My family has a new blog.
If I haven't already emailed you the link, leave me a message or email me and I will get it to you.
Just a disclaimer...This doesn't mean I have renewed my love for blogging. And I definitely haven't recommitted myself to posting more often. It's still my blog, for my own purposes and on my time. For me, it's more enjoyable that way.
But if you want to see my cute kids and how fast they are growing up I hope you continue to follow us.
1/29/12
1/11/12
Reflection...Resolve
I really love a new year. It must be the OCD side of me that likes to keep things nice, tidy and fresh. I get excited for another opportunity to organize my life. I also enjoy reflecting on the previous year and celebrating my successes as well taking inventory on where I still need to get better. I like holding myself accountable and writing my goals down really helps me to do this.
Here were my goals for 2011 and how I did with them...
- Be better at holding Family Home Evening, including short lessons not just treats. Although we didn't do this every Monday, we did make a good effort to teach the kids about the scriptures using the Gospel Art Kit. We could do much better, but I'm happy with the progress we are making.
- Be more forgiving and less judgmental. This one's always going to be a struggle for me, but there were many times I took a step back from a situation and made a conscious effort to change the way I was thinking about someone. I remind myself I too have MANY faults that I wouldn't want others to judge me by. That helps put things into perspective but I could be less quick to jump my judgmental notions. I think I'll keep this one on my list for 2012.
- Learn Illustrator Making lots of progress on this one. I've taken two courses already and am enrolled in a third one next month. I've taken on many projects that I would have been terrified to do before and have learned a lot along the way. I'm doing more business projects these days but I still love anything to do with design.
- Finish 2009 & 2010 blog books. Yikes, I am so behind. I failed in 2011. However, I did complete by books for 2009, 2010 and 2011 the first week of 2012. Yeah, I'm so excited to have these done.
- Get dressed more often and work out clothing does not count. I know I am going to struggle with this one. I'm definitely better than before, but there is something so cozy about my workout clothes and a hoodie. At least I'm working out, right?
- More reading to my children. With Caden in first grade I was somewhat forced into this one. We read lots of books every week and when Caden is done reading, Abbie swoops in right behind him making sure she gets her fair share of reading time too. I think we're good here.
- Learn to say "No" when my plate is full or I just don't want to do something. Yes, I've done better but this one is going to be a life-long goal for me.
GOALS FOR 2012
- Organize and clean out filing cabinet - Ugh, I am dreading this. It's full of "stuff" that I know I don't need and it's going to take awhile.
- Drink ast least 60 oz. of water every day - For Christmas I bought all of us nice, insulated water bottles ( I can't believe how expensive they can be) that we are taking with us wherever we go. We've been doing really well so far, but Scott and I each put on a few pounds at first of pure water weight. Luckily, we lost them but you could tell our bodies were holding onto it since they weren't getting as much as they needed.
- Step up workout regime - I been doing Physique 57 for 16 months now and I still love it. But, I think it's time to mix things up a bit to give my body a new challenge. I'm adding a little running (which I absolutely despise) into my schedule as well as some other fitness activities. I want fitness to become a lifestyle for our family and not just something on my to-do list everyday.
- Be in bed by 10:30 and everyone up by 7:00 - I'm a late night owl but I pay for it in the mornings. We all love to sleep in until the lastest possible moment. With kids in school I'm trying hard to be up, making a well rounded breakfast (not just cereal) and have the house picked up and few household chores done by the time the kids get on the bus. It feels good to get so much done so early, but again, I'm going more for a lifestyle change and not just a few good days here and there.
- Be better prepared spiritually. In every calling I've ever had in the church I am constantly reminded that if I am prepared spiritually, everything else falls into place. In Primary there have been times I put a lot of effort into my sharing time (props, object lessons, being creative, etc.) thinking it will grab the kids' attention and they will learn. However, the times I have felt the Spirit the strongest and have felt most successful in my calling were the times I used the theory "less is more" and just prepared myself spiritually and let the Spirit work through me. It isn't about me at all or what I did, the Spirit will touch those I teach when I invite the Spirit into the room through preparation and prayer.
Happy New Year!
Here were my goals for 2011 and how I did with them...
- Be better at holding Family Home Evening, including short lessons not just treats. Although we didn't do this every Monday, we did make a good effort to teach the kids about the scriptures using the Gospel Art Kit. We could do much better, but I'm happy with the progress we are making.
- Be more forgiving and less judgmental. This one's always going to be a struggle for me, but there were many times I took a step back from a situation and made a conscious effort to change the way I was thinking about someone. I remind myself I too have MANY faults that I wouldn't want others to judge me by. That helps put things into perspective but I could be less quick to jump my judgmental notions. I think I'll keep this one on my list for 2012.
- Learn Illustrator Making lots of progress on this one. I've taken two courses already and am enrolled in a third one next month. I've taken on many projects that I would have been terrified to do before and have learned a lot along the way. I'm doing more business projects these days but I still love anything to do with design.
- Finish 2009 & 2010 blog books. Yikes, I am so behind. I failed in 2011. However, I did complete by books for 2009, 2010 and 2011 the first week of 2012. Yeah, I'm so excited to have these done.
- Get dressed more often and work out clothing does not count. I know I am going to struggle with this one. I'm definitely better than before, but there is something so cozy about my workout clothes and a hoodie. At least I'm working out, right?
- More reading to my children. With Caden in first grade I was somewhat forced into this one. We read lots of books every week and when Caden is done reading, Abbie swoops in right behind him making sure she gets her fair share of reading time too. I think we're good here.
- Learn to say "No" when my plate is full or I just don't want to do something. Yes, I've done better but this one is going to be a life-long goal for me.
GOALS FOR 2012
- Organize and clean out filing cabinet - Ugh, I am dreading this. It's full of "stuff" that I know I don't need and it's going to take awhile.
- Drink ast least 60 oz. of water every day - For Christmas I bought all of us nice, insulated water bottles ( I can't believe how expensive they can be) that we are taking with us wherever we go. We've been doing really well so far, but Scott and I each put on a few pounds at first of pure water weight. Luckily, we lost them but you could tell our bodies were holding onto it since they weren't getting as much as they needed.
- Step up workout regime - I been doing Physique 57 for 16 months now and I still love it. But, I think it's time to mix things up a bit to give my body a new challenge. I'm adding a little running (which I absolutely despise) into my schedule as well as some other fitness activities. I want fitness to become a lifestyle for our family and not just something on my to-do list everyday.
- Be in bed by 10:30 and everyone up by 7:00 - I'm a late night owl but I pay for it in the mornings. We all love to sleep in until the lastest possible moment. With kids in school I'm trying hard to be up, making a well rounded breakfast (not just cereal) and have the house picked up and few household chores done by the time the kids get on the bus. It feels good to get so much done so early, but again, I'm going more for a lifestyle change and not just a few good days here and there.
- Be better prepared spiritually. In every calling I've ever had in the church I am constantly reminded that if I am prepared spiritually, everything else falls into place. In Primary there have been times I put a lot of effort into my sharing time (props, object lessons, being creative, etc.) thinking it will grab the kids' attention and they will learn. However, the times I have felt the Spirit the strongest and have felt most successful in my calling were the times I used the theory "less is more" and just prepared myself spiritually and let the Spirit work through me. It isn't about me at all or what I did, the Spirit will touch those I teach when I invite the Spirit into the room through preparation and prayer.
Happy New Year!
12/7/11
I'm joining the club...
I've toyed around with the idea of going private on and off for years now, but I always pushed it off because I know it is a hassle for other people. But, after being thoroughly creeped out this week, my gut is telling me to finally do it (or I may just end up changing the name, not sure yet). Not that I post a lot on here anymore, but if you'd like to be included, please leave me your email address or you can message it to me. Everyone is welcome, well almost everyone, unless you're one of the creepy ones. Thanks and sorry for the inconvenience!
11/13/11
Candy Man
I've been putting blogging off for a whole month now. So much has been going on in our lives and I haven't had the emotional energy to sit down and attempt to organize all my thoughts and emotions into something coherent for others to read. To sum it all up let's just say this last year has been full of trials....opportunities to REALLY learn patience and accept the Lord's timing in our lives...ups....downs....and a whole lotta growth. The experiences we've had have really shaped my testimony and I hesitated sharing because I was worried putting something so personal on "paper" would cheapen what the sacred experiences meant to me.
There's way too much history behind the story of where we're at today so the short of it is, a year ago we came across a company Scott felt would be our next step and the right career opportunity for him. For one reason or another, the opportunity came and went, not just once but MANY times. With each disappointment, we wondered why we felt so good about something that wasn't turning into a reality for us. I'm not proud to admit that I wasn't always faithful or hopeful and really struggled with not knowing His plan for our family. I don't do well without a plan and I know, at least for me, faith was something my Heavenly Father was trying to teach me (among many other things). I cried a lot during this last year. There were a few times I felt like I was falling apart from all the stress and I wanted to give up and go the corporate route. I wanted to feel settled and not just picking up small companies along the way that were fun and would help pass the time until we found "the one" that felt right.
Luckily, my husband is a very patient man, with me...himself...and the Lord. He knew the course he wanted to take but he also knew it would happen when the Lord felt we were ready. He is so wise and I am so lucky I have him.
I'm not sure we've learned all the things He wanted us to. I know I still have many weaknesses to work on but I also know, if we are humble, the Lord will continue to mold and shape us through our challenges and rough patches. In no way is this post the "life couldn't be better" spiel. I've learned better. Our life is good, very good for many reasons. But it's also good because of those rough patches and the growth that comes from them. I guess you could say we're learning to celebrate all of it...the successes and the challenges because if we're doing all that He asks of us, in the end it's all for our benefit.
I never EVER thought I would say this, but Scott is officially a candy man. If you're in the market for a RIDICULOUSLY, CREAMY, OLD FASHIONED CARAMEL, look us up!
There's way too much history behind the story of where we're at today so the short of it is, a year ago we came across a company Scott felt would be our next step and the right career opportunity for him. For one reason or another, the opportunity came and went, not just once but MANY times. With each disappointment, we wondered why we felt so good about something that wasn't turning into a reality for us. I'm not proud to admit that I wasn't always faithful or hopeful and really struggled with not knowing His plan for our family. I don't do well without a plan and I know, at least for me, faith was something my Heavenly Father was trying to teach me (among many other things). I cried a lot during this last year. There were a few times I felt like I was falling apart from all the stress and I wanted to give up and go the corporate route. I wanted to feel settled and not just picking up small companies along the way that were fun and would help pass the time until we found "the one" that felt right.
Luckily, my husband is a very patient man, with me...himself...and the Lord. He knew the course he wanted to take but he also knew it would happen when the Lord felt we were ready. He is so wise and I am so lucky I have him.
I'm not sure we've learned all the things He wanted us to. I know I still have many weaknesses to work on but I also know, if we are humble, the Lord will continue to mold and shape us through our challenges and rough patches. In no way is this post the "life couldn't be better" spiel. I've learned better. Our life is good, very good for many reasons. But it's also good because of those rough patches and the growth that comes from them. I guess you could say we're learning to celebrate all of it...the successes and the challenges because if we're doing all that He asks of us, in the end it's all for our benefit.
I never EVER thought I would say this, but Scott is officially a candy man. If you're in the market for a RIDICULOUSLY, CREAMY, OLD FASHIONED CARAMEL, look us up!
10/10/11
Go Team!
Soccer is already over and just in time for us to escape the COLD weather that has been creeping up on us. Scott and Caden made a deal that if Caden practiced hard and scored a certain number of goals throughout the season he would be rewarded with some kind of Lego toy that I can't pronounce. We thought we were going to get off easy but Caden came through and scored the last goal he needed during his final game. Of course, he wanted to leave the game the second he scored to go purchase his toy but we made him finish out the game and a fun season with his team! Their coach was unable to coach the second half of the season so Scott volunteered and he had so much fun, he's already looking forward to the spring when he'll have his own team.
9/15/11
I'm a soccer mom...again
Three years ago we attempted to put Caden on a soccer team. He hated it. He didn't like playing with a team or by the rules so during his first game he sat down in the middle of the field and refused to get up. Needless to say, Scott and I were humiliated and vowed he was never playing soccer again.
Fast forward three years and he is begging to play again with his friends. We had a long talk about not giving up and finishing what you start, blah...blah...blah...He promised he would do his best!
He had his first game a few nights ago and it was really fun. He had no idea what he was doing (our fault since we pretty much gave up on soccer based on our first experience with it) but he loved being in a uniform and running around with his team. In fact, he was having so much fun out on the field we had to remind him several times to stop dancing, doing handstands and climbing the goal post and keep his eye on the ball and get agressive. I haven't laughed that hard in a long time.
Three years ago. Isn't he so cute? This is before he knew what he signed up for!
Scott's lecturing this three year old to get back on the field and play the game.
After refusing to play, he's in timeout on the wall.
This time around...
Fast forward three years and he is begging to play again with his friends. We had a long talk about not giving up and finishing what you start, blah...blah...blah...He promised he would do his best!
He had his first game a few nights ago and it was really fun. He had no idea what he was doing (our fault since we pretty much gave up on soccer based on our first experience with it) but he loved being in a uniform and running around with his team. In fact, he was having so much fun out on the field we had to remind him several times to stop dancing, doing handstands and climbing the goal post and keep his eye on the ball and get agressive. I haven't laughed that hard in a long time.
Three years ago. Isn't he so cute? This is before he knew what he signed up for!
Scott's lecturing this three year old to get back on the field and play the game.
After refusing to play, he's in timeout on the wall.
This time around...
9/9/11
Baby Girl Goes To School
I fear I have given Abbie a bad rap on my blog since most of the time I am commenting on her not so nice behavior. Not today. Today she is a big girl who went to preschool and we both couldn't be happier about it. She's been wanting to go to school ever since Caden went to preschool two years ago. She finally got her turn and she did great. She was a little hesitant at first but after a quick pep talk (and bribing her with a celebratory lunch at McDonalds) she confidently left my side with no tears and no whining. Success!
She kept checking the door to make sure I hadn't left yet.
She kept checking the door to make sure I hadn't left yet.
8/29/11
Alter Ego
I jinxed myself. Those mellow days with Abbie were short lived and today we endured a full blown battle of the wills.
I need parenting classes. I'm not kidding either. My children are so different, and what worked with Caden is not working with Abbie. I'm running out of ideas, energy and patience. Everyone keeps telling me it is the age, but I'm not so sure it is. I am beginning to think it is just her hard personality and my lack of experience.
Today I feel defeated. It is bedtime and I haven't even showered or gotten dressed for the day. Pathetic, huh? I spent a good hour and half attempting to work through a temper tantrum (yes, sometimes they last that long). I am trying really hard not to give into her demands, to be consistent, stand my ground and yet show her the patience and love she deserves. Today, I barely survived her and she barely survived me. There are times when she looks me straight in the eye and smiles as she does something naughty. She knows what she is doing and I'm afraid she might enjoy it a little bit.
She's finally in bed for the night and I just want crawl into bed, pull the covers over my head, cry and pray that she grows out of this.
I've done my research and read my fair share of parenting books. I've tried all sorts of things but nothing seems to work long term. How do I deal with the extreme temper tantrums and her desire to get into trouble? Somebody please point me in the right direction or at the very least let me know that I am not the only one dealing with this sort of personality.
Will my sweet little Abbie always have this alter ego?
I need parenting classes. I'm not kidding either. My children are so different, and what worked with Caden is not working with Abbie. I'm running out of ideas, energy and patience. Everyone keeps telling me it is the age, but I'm not so sure it is. I am beginning to think it is just her hard personality and my lack of experience.
Today I feel defeated. It is bedtime and I haven't even showered or gotten dressed for the day. Pathetic, huh? I spent a good hour and half attempting to work through a temper tantrum (yes, sometimes they last that long). I am trying really hard not to give into her demands, to be consistent, stand my ground and yet show her the patience and love she deserves. Today, I barely survived her and she barely survived me. There are times when she looks me straight in the eye and smiles as she does something naughty. She knows what she is doing and I'm afraid she might enjoy it a little bit.
She's finally in bed for the night and I just want crawl into bed, pull the covers over my head, cry and pray that she grows out of this.
I've done my research and read my fair share of parenting books. I've tried all sorts of things but nothing seems to work long term. How do I deal with the extreme temper tantrums and her desire to get into trouble? Somebody please point me in the right direction or at the very least let me know that I am not the only one dealing with this sort of personality.
Will my sweet little Abbie always have this alter ego?
8/25/11
New Beginnings
Summer is officially over in our house. Caden started 1st grade today and he's beyond excited. He carefully selected and laid out his outfit, his backpack was full of new school supplies, we discussed his bus routine in detail and he was given a beautiful blessing by his Father last night. He's confident and ready.
I was a little nervous about Abbie being home all day by herself but so far, so good. She's my handful, if you've never heard me mention that before, and the thought of having to entertain her for eight hours all by myself scared me a bit. But she has been so mellow and agreeable today. Hmmm, I'm not going to jinx myself but maybe all she needed was a little one on one time with her mama and no big brother around to interfere.
It's been a good day. I love new beginnings and a fresh start. Next up...fall, my favorite season! I'm anxious to see the leaves turn, to feel the chilly air and to start baking.
I was a little nervous about Abbie being home all day by herself but so far, so good. She's my handful, if you've never heard me mention that before, and the thought of having to entertain her for eight hours all by myself scared me a bit. But she has been so mellow and agreeable today. Hmmm, I'm not going to jinx myself but maybe all she needed was a little one on one time with her mama and no big brother around to interfere.
It's been a good day. I love new beginnings and a fresh start. Next up...fall, my favorite season! I'm anxious to see the leaves turn, to feel the chilly air and to start baking.
7/23/11
Summer Happenings
Scott and I are really into Instagram right now. I'm tired of carrying around my heavy DSL camera so most of our summer has been captured by iPhone. Here's what we've been up to...
We bought season passes to Lagoon and are taking full advantage of them. It doesn't have the charm, magic and cleanliness of Disneyland, but there are so many fun rides for the kids and us adults. And the water park isn't a bad way to end our hot, sweaty day either. Caden's thoughtful and selective about the rides he goes on, only doing his absolute favorites and always holding out for the next best thing. Abbie, on the other hand, does them all. She's fearless and approaches each and every one with the same enthusiasm. My two little people couldn't be more different!
Our Abbie girl turned three and we celebrated with a little family BBQ and strawberry cupcakes. She is such a blessing to our family. Yes, she is a handful. Yes, she has more energy and attitude than I can appreciate right now but she is my little sunshine and her smile and laugh are contagious. She's working hard at teaching me to be a better, more patient mother and as hard as many of my days are with her strong, independent personality running the show, I love her to pieces!
Caden is almost done with summer school. I've been busy running him back and forth everyday, but we really wanted to make sure he didn't lose the reading skills he left kindergarten with and we were hoping he would start first grade with a good head start. We're so proud of him for all the reading he has done this summer and for advancing three reading levels in only a few weeks. He's excited to start school again in the fall with a new teacher and class. Caden's pretty mature for his age (not sure yet if this is a good or bad thing). He's very thoughtful and calculating in his approach to life. He constantly weighs out the expected investment vs the expected payoff to help decide his course of action. He definitely takes after his dad in this way!
Scott and I celebrated eight years together with a delicious dinner at LaJolla Grove and seeing the latest and greatest Harry Potter movie. I know this sounds so cliche but I really can't believe it's been eight years. It seems like just yesterday we were texting flirtatious comments to each other and he texted, "hey, let's make out". True story. How he won me over with that line, I don't know but I do know I am just as smitten with him today as I was back then. Things haven't always been perfect for us, sometimes we've had to sacrifice and struggle to find our way, in many ways we still are, but I couldn't ask for a better partner to enjoy this journey with. I'm so grateful Scott followed his heart and brought our family to Utah. I would have never thought we would end up here, let alone love it. Of course we miss our family and friends in Vegas, but for now this is our home and we've grown in ways I don't think we could have in any other place. It's been a great eight years!
We bought season passes to Lagoon and are taking full advantage of them. It doesn't have the charm, magic and cleanliness of Disneyland, but there are so many fun rides for the kids and us adults. And the water park isn't a bad way to end our hot, sweaty day either. Caden's thoughtful and selective about the rides he goes on, only doing his absolute favorites and always holding out for the next best thing. Abbie, on the other hand, does them all. She's fearless and approaches each and every one with the same enthusiasm. My two little people couldn't be more different!
Our Abbie girl turned three and we celebrated with a little family BBQ and strawberry cupcakes. She is such a blessing to our family. Yes, she is a handful. Yes, she has more energy and attitude than I can appreciate right now but she is my little sunshine and her smile and laugh are contagious. She's working hard at teaching me to be a better, more patient mother and as hard as many of my days are with her strong, independent personality running the show, I love her to pieces!
Caden is almost done with summer school. I've been busy running him back and forth everyday, but we really wanted to make sure he didn't lose the reading skills he left kindergarten with and we were hoping he would start first grade with a good head start. We're so proud of him for all the reading he has done this summer and for advancing three reading levels in only a few weeks. He's excited to start school again in the fall with a new teacher and class. Caden's pretty mature for his age (not sure yet if this is a good or bad thing). He's very thoughtful and calculating in his approach to life. He constantly weighs out the expected investment vs the expected payoff to help decide his course of action. He definitely takes after his dad in this way!
Scott and I celebrated eight years together with a delicious dinner at LaJolla Grove and seeing the latest and greatest Harry Potter movie. I know this sounds so cliche but I really can't believe it's been eight years. It seems like just yesterday we were texting flirtatious comments to each other and he texted, "hey, let's make out". True story. How he won me over with that line, I don't know but I do know I am just as smitten with him today as I was back then. Things haven't always been perfect for us, sometimes we've had to sacrifice and struggle to find our way, in many ways we still are, but I couldn't ask for a better partner to enjoy this journey with. I'm so grateful Scott followed his heart and brought our family to Utah. I would have never thought we would end up here, let alone love it. Of course we miss our family and friends in Vegas, but for now this is our home and we've grown in ways I don't think we could have in any other place. It's been a great eight years!
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