I came across this site today while blog stalking. Yes, I like to stalk other people's blogs. What? That makes me sound slightly unstable? Perhaps.....
At any rate, this lady is simply amazing. I love her ideas - they are truly inspiring.
So take a quick look if you have some time.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Where Did it Go?
I have the good fortune to volunteer in my girls' classroom once a week. I find this to be an invaluable opportunity to get to see how my girls interact with others, gauge how they are performing in class, etc.
Last week their regular teacher was out sick so they had a substitute. She had just finished reading a story to them and began talking about the fact that the author and the illustrator had also been kindergartners at one time. She started asking the children what they wanted to be when they grew up and, of course, the answers varied widely from "worker at McDonald's, to a doctor, to a Mom. The obvious point being that they could be anything they wanted to be if they were willing to put in the time to make it happen.
You have probably heard about what Oprah calls an aha! moment. Well this was mine. I sat there pondering what I had wanted to be when I "grew up" (although I am not even sure I know what that means) and realizing that I hadn't achieved it. And then I began to wonder why.
Why do those 25 kids in that kindergarten class genuinely believe they can be whatever they want to be and where does that belief go? Why is it when you get to older you let go of that belief? Why do you allow your dreams to go by the wayside? And, furthermore, does it have to happen?
I guess for me those dreams collapsed when the reality of life set in. I started working when I was in 10th grade and had a job until I had my children. I got used to money, used to having what I wanted when I wanted and my dreams seemed like something of the past. Please don't misunderstand me. These were conscious choices and decisions I made. Nobody forced them upon me. I guess like many other people the "rat race," got the best of me.
So here I am, almost 38 years old, wondering some days why I gave up so easily. I do not regret anything that has happened in my life. I am a firm believer that everything in your life happens for a reason. Good, bad or indifferent there are lesson to be learned. And I love being a wife and a mother. I believe there is no greater calling. But what else could I have taught my kids, how much better of a wife could I have been, could I have contributed more to society if I would have followed my dreams?
The lesson for me from this aha! moment is to hold tight to my dreams. I will no longer allow someone to tell me I can't be who or what I want to be. I will follow my heart. I will try not to worry about what other people think or allow their judgements to cloud my pursuits. I intend to dream big, follow through and be the best ME I can.
Last week their regular teacher was out sick so they had a substitute. She had just finished reading a story to them and began talking about the fact that the author and the illustrator had also been kindergartners at one time. She started asking the children what they wanted to be when they grew up and, of course, the answers varied widely from "worker at McDonald's, to a doctor, to a Mom. The obvious point being that they could be anything they wanted to be if they were willing to put in the time to make it happen.
You have probably heard about what Oprah calls an aha! moment. Well this was mine. I sat there pondering what I had wanted to be when I "grew up" (although I am not even sure I know what that means) and realizing that I hadn't achieved it. And then I began to wonder why.
Why do those 25 kids in that kindergarten class genuinely believe they can be whatever they want to be and where does that belief go? Why is it when you get to older you let go of that belief? Why do you allow your dreams to go by the wayside? And, furthermore, does it have to happen?
I guess for me those dreams collapsed when the reality of life set in. I started working when I was in 10th grade and had a job until I had my children. I got used to money, used to having what I wanted when I wanted and my dreams seemed like something of the past. Please don't misunderstand me. These were conscious choices and decisions I made. Nobody forced them upon me. I guess like many other people the "rat race," got the best of me.
So here I am, almost 38 years old, wondering some days why I gave up so easily. I do not regret anything that has happened in my life. I am a firm believer that everything in your life happens for a reason. Good, bad or indifferent there are lesson to be learned. And I love being a wife and a mother. I believe there is no greater calling. But what else could I have taught my kids, how much better of a wife could I have been, could I have contributed more to society if I would have followed my dreams?
The lesson for me from this aha! moment is to hold tight to my dreams. I will no longer allow someone to tell me I can't be who or what I want to be. I will follow my heart. I will try not to worry about what other people think or allow their judgements to cloud my pursuits. I intend to dream big, follow through and be the best ME I can.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Sounds Painful
Today my husband, Dan and I celebrated 13 amazing years together. It's surreal. I had no doubt in my mind that we would make it, but I don't think you can even wrap your head around 13 years together when you are young.
Last night while we were discussing how amazing it is to be married to me, I asked if he would like to renew our vows. He thought I said remove our bowels (another thing you don't know when you are young - that your man is going to be deaf one day). After I laughed for about 10 minutes, he told me he would prefer that to renewing our vows. I know, ladies. He is a romantic devil.
As with any celebration that marks the passing of time I began to reflect on the past and on our years together. It suddenly hit me how your definition of "romance" changes over time. I used to think it was romantic to get cards or flowers or jewelry for "gift-giving" occasions. Somehow the more material things I received the more it meant he loved me.
There were some years in the beginning of our marriage that we would make a big purchase for the house or go on a vacation in place of gifts for anniversaries or birthdays. However, when the actual birthday or anniversary came around I was devastated if I didn't get something. It seems so foolish and spoiled when I say it. I am embarrassed that I wasted time being mad.
Nowadays, romance for me has an entirely different definition all together. It's romantic to have a husband that loves you, supports you, and listens to you cry when you try month after month to conceive and can't. A true romantic cleans up after you when you finally do get pregnant but spend the entire pregnancy sick in bed.
Romance is when you are SO tired and depressed after the birth of your twins that your husband sacrifices sleep and life all-together to take care of you and your babies. It's romantic when he changes diapers, bathes kids, snuggles them and loves them.
A romantic man finds a way to comfort you after the death of his own mother. Often putting aside his grief to help you through yours. Years later this same man stands by you as you deal with the death of your own parent. Offering guidance, advice, a listening ear and a strong shoulder.
True romance is a husband who takes time out of his morning to prepare breakfast for his kids and helps get them out of the door. Then, turns right around and does the same thing at lunch.
People constantly tell me how lucky I am. Believe me, I know. I am blessed far beyond measure. Rare is the person these days who can say they are married to someone who supports them in anything and everything they do. I am fortunate to have found that in my spouse. I am also blessed that he loves me in spite of my faults and always makes me want to be a better person.
Thank you, Dan for the most amazing years of my life. I love you forever and always.
Last night while we were discussing how amazing it is to be married to me, I asked if he would like to renew our vows. He thought I said remove our bowels (another thing you don't know when you are young - that your man is going to be deaf one day). After I laughed for about 10 minutes, he told me he would prefer that to renewing our vows. I know, ladies. He is a romantic devil.
As with any celebration that marks the passing of time I began to reflect on the past and on our years together. It suddenly hit me how your definition of "romance" changes over time. I used to think it was romantic to get cards or flowers or jewelry for "gift-giving" occasions. Somehow the more material things I received the more it meant he loved me.
There were some years in the beginning of our marriage that we would make a big purchase for the house or go on a vacation in place of gifts for anniversaries or birthdays. However, when the actual birthday or anniversary came around I was devastated if I didn't get something. It seems so foolish and spoiled when I say it. I am embarrassed that I wasted time being mad.
Nowadays, romance for me has an entirely different definition all together. It's romantic to have a husband that loves you, supports you, and listens to you cry when you try month after month to conceive and can't. A true romantic cleans up after you when you finally do get pregnant but spend the entire pregnancy sick in bed.
Romance is when you are SO tired and depressed after the birth of your twins that your husband sacrifices sleep and life all-together to take care of you and your babies. It's romantic when he changes diapers, bathes kids, snuggles them and loves them.
A romantic man finds a way to comfort you after the death of his own mother. Often putting aside his grief to help you through yours. Years later this same man stands by you as you deal with the death of your own parent. Offering guidance, advice, a listening ear and a strong shoulder.
True romance is a husband who takes time out of his morning to prepare breakfast for his kids and helps get them out of the door. Then, turns right around and does the same thing at lunch.
People constantly tell me how lucky I am. Believe me, I know. I am blessed far beyond measure. Rare is the person these days who can say they are married to someone who supports them in anything and everything they do. I am fortunate to have found that in my spouse. I am also blessed that he loves me in spite of my faults and always makes me want to be a better person.
Thank you, Dan for the most amazing years of my life. I love you forever and always.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Good Times
Today I had the good fortune of attending the baby shower for the March of Dimes Teddy Bear Den.
I have to tell you what an absolute honor it was to be in the room with so many amazing, talented, and kind individuals. So many people willing to take time from their busy lives to help those in need. It was truly inspiring.
All the way home I thought about how much emphasis we tend to put on the negative. We hear it on the news, read it in magazines. In fact, I dare say that many of us (myself included) tend to focus on all the things going "wrong" in our lives as opposed to all of our blessings. But today I was witness to the goodness in the world and it was wonderful!
So thanks to Service Soapbox for this amazing opportunity. And to all of my fellow bloggers...thanks for the inspiration!
I have to tell you what an absolute honor it was to be in the room with so many amazing, talented, and kind individuals. So many people willing to take time from their busy lives to help those in need. It was truly inspiring.
All the way home I thought about how much emphasis we tend to put on the negative. We hear it on the news, read it in magazines. In fact, I dare say that many of us (myself included) tend to focus on all the things going "wrong" in our lives as opposed to all of our blessings. But today I was witness to the goodness in the world and it was wonderful!
So thanks to Service Soapbox for this amazing opportunity. And to all of my fellow bloggers...thanks for the inspiration!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Come to a Baby Shower!
I can't tell you how thrilled I am to be involved in a wonderful new venture. Service Soapbox is trying to change the world one blog at a time by planning charitable events benefiting a variety of worthy causes. Becca Dulgarian of Blue Cricket Design and a number of other AH-mazingly talented bloggers are joining forces to plan service events to contribute to the cause.
On Saturday, April 24, they will be hosting a "babyless" Baby Shower to benefit the March of Dimes Teddy Bear Den. The Teddy Bear Den helps to prevent birth defects by giving low-income women baby-related incentives (diapers, baby clothes, wipes) for participating in prenatal care and for avoiding unhealthy behaviors like smoking and drinking during pregnancy.
So grab some baby swag and come join us as we gather items for this wonderful organization. There will be food, prizes, and of course...FUN!
Everyone who donates an item to the Teddy Bear Den will be eligible for a truly amazing giveaway that takes place April 25th. The giveaway is sponsored by several vendors including D'Lea Designs, Ulta, Target, and Walmart just to name a few. Oh, and did I mention I get to donate some goodies as well? If you can't attend, but would like to donate an item to the March of Dimes please visit Service Soapbox for details.
On Saturday, April 24, they will be hosting a "babyless" Baby Shower to benefit the March of Dimes Teddy Bear Den. The Teddy Bear Den helps to prevent birth defects by giving low-income women baby-related incentives (diapers, baby clothes, wipes) for participating in prenatal care and for avoiding unhealthy behaviors like smoking and drinking during pregnancy.
So grab some baby swag and come join us as we gather items for this wonderful organization. There will be food, prizes, and of course...FUN!
Everyone who donates an item to the Teddy Bear Den will be eligible for a truly amazing giveaway that takes place April 25th. The giveaway is sponsored by several vendors including D'Lea Designs, Ulta, Target, and Walmart just to name a few. Oh, and did I mention I get to donate some goodies as well? If you can't attend, but would like to donate an item to the March of Dimes please visit Service Soapbox for details.
Friday, April 2, 2010
My Brain Hurts
I am in St. George this weekend with family for the Easter holiday. I wish I could say I was using this time to rest my mind, but I would be lying. All I can think about is how I want to explore this town from one end to the other to see what crafty treasures I can find.
I don't know how you feel, but for me there is nothing more fun and exciting than to walk into some quaint little store and see what people have created. I am always astounded at just how talented people are.
I must tell you that because I am fairly new to this boutique/craft business I am still not 100% confident in my abilities. I am trying to work on that and hopefully, with time, that will get better.
A big THANK YOU to all of the people at various boutiques who believe in what I am doing and are giving me the chance to be successful. And to my supportive friends and family who have listened to me, encouraged me, and been there for me when I have questioned whether or not I can do this. I am one lucky girl!
I hope all of you have a wonderful holiday weekend.
I don't know how you feel, but for me there is nothing more fun and exciting than to walk into some quaint little store and see what people have created. I am always astounded at just how talented people are.
I must tell you that because I am fairly new to this boutique/craft business I am still not 100% confident in my abilities. I am trying to work on that and hopefully, with time, that will get better.
A big THANK YOU to all of the people at various boutiques who believe in what I am doing and are giving me the chance to be successful. And to my supportive friends and family who have listened to me, encouraged me, and been there for me when I have questioned whether or not I can do this. I am one lucky girl!
I hope all of you have a wonderful holiday weekend.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Welcome!
Well here it is, folks.
Without further ado, I present MY. BLOG. Seriously, does it take other people this long to make it happen?
I am thrilled to be able to share some of my creations with you. Please take a minute and look around. If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or criticism (oh NO you don't), I would love to hear from you.
Have a great day!
Without further ado, I present MY. BLOG. Seriously, does it take other people this long to make it happen?
I am thrilled to be able to share some of my creations with you. Please take a minute and look around. If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or criticism (oh NO you don't), I would love to hear from you.
Have a great day!
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