Yesterday I told my daughter "thank you for doing that!" and then went about my business of pulling stuff out of the car. I didn't think anything about it. Later I said something like, "did you get those papers out of the car?" and she said mom you said "thank you" when I did it.
With a look that clearly said she thought I was going senile, she walked away. After assuring myself I am not going crazy, I wondered why I didn't remember it.... and then I realized I was just going through the motions. I wasn't giving her true appreciation for her action.
It was a minor incident, obviously, but it got me thinking that we as a society, parents, friends, and strangers do it ALL the time.
A stranger holds the door for you- Thank you!
Your husband fills the tank with gas- thank you honey!
Your child was being nice to a kid- I appreciate what you did.
You get the idea... the list could go on. and on. and on.
The point is, when we are specific with our thank you's, our appreciation reaches their inner being and they want to do it again.
Ok, hear me out....
Someone holds the door for you- Thank you for being such a gentleman, you don't see it much anymore.
Your husband fills the tank with gas- Thank you for filling my car, it makes it so much easier to not have to worry about it through the week.
Your child was being nice- You know I really appreciated it when you helped that boy after he fell, I bet he felt really special having someone like you there.
You see the difference??
When we offer specifics, it allows the person we are thanking to know we are serious. We noticed something they did and it wasn't just a knee-jerk reaction of, "thank you"... we showed true appreciation by commenting on something specific they did.
Not only do they notice it, and will probably do it again, but it also helps the person "thanking". We start thinking positively about the people that surround us. We start noticing the littler things and will recognize why we are saying "thank you" in the first place. It helps us to have a grateful heart.
I don't want to thank my kids, my husband, or even strangers in a meaningless way anymore. I want them to know exactly what and why I am thankful. I want my kid to know I am not only watching them, but appreciating them in very specific ways.
My goal is to remember that a "thank you" isn't enough anymore.
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Thursday, January 22, 2015
Being a Mom is SO Hard
It is true. Being a mom is by far the hardest job I have ever held. It is a 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year job. It is not nine to five or twelve on, twelve off... it is all day, and often times, all night.
It. Never. Ends.
The days are filled with chauffeuring from A to B... to C and D, it is the rushing, whining, and being the referee constantly... They are filled with fears and uncertainties, and an exhaustion that often cannot break the blurry surface of wakefulness.
Being a mom is so hard...
I have no idea how working moms do it. I truly don't know... They still have to pay bills, do laundry, make dinner, go to the doctor, and get up in the middle of the night with a sick 2 year old. They have to pack lunches, help with homework, and clean house. My hat goes off to you, working mom, truly you amaze me. I do not know if I could have it in me to do both.
I do know, without a shadow of a doubt, being a stay at home mom is no joke... I mean seriously, we get peed on, yelled at, and deal with irrational defiance from cranky toddlers. Day in and day out. We wrestle the diapers onto the alligator baby, and can never stay on top of the house work. It is like this little dance, it consists of mommy trying her best to have a decently clean house, and then the the kids step into the Waltz right behind her, just waiting to get under her feet and trip her up... It has got to be in the "How to be a Kid 101" book that us parents do not get a copy of.
We rarely get adult conversation. I mean seriously I don't know how many times I have asked my husband if he needs to "go potty" before we head out the door, or make him "ask nicely" for something... bless his heart, he normally just ignores it.
When us moms do hang out with real adults it is often like hanging out with someone who has Turrets...
"Yes we went to the movies last week and I loved the part where, get off that right now!!... where was I? Oh right they were walking on the beach and he told her, quit throwing the ball in the house!... so anyway what did you do last week?"
Needless to say they aren't the conversations that heighten an IQ by any means. And to top it all off, we do not make a single dime for the work we do...in fact, we often are under appreciated far too often from our lovely subordinates... who knew they wouldn't be graciously thanking us every night for all the hard work we did for them that day?? And then politely go to sleep for a full 12 hours as payment.... yeah. right.
Being a mom is so hard...
It is the knowledge that you have SO much to teach them, in so little time. It is the fear of the unknown, and often the fear of the known, that keep us awake when the house is finally asleep... It is the fever that won't go down, or the first time on a bike without training wheels, that make our hearts beat fast and squeeze with worry.
It is the first day of school and the sending them off into the world where you aren't there anymore to referee. It is the hurt feelings and broken hearts that a boo-boo kiss won't fix anymore...
Being a mom is the toughest, most rewarding job on the planet. It is so scary, it is tiring, it is exhaustion and frustration, and a love so deep you could never reach the bottom... because there isn't one.
Being a mom could make you want to pull your hair out and cry with proud tears in a single moment. It is knowing that you mold these little hearts, and precious minds, into full grown adults... you get the job to teach them and more importantly, learn from them... Their wonder and innocence is intoxicating. In the short 6 years I have held the hardest job in the world, I have learned far more than I did in my lifetime before becoming a mom. These children teach me about happiness and forgiveness, belly laughs and imagination. They teach me about love and friendship, and seeing everyone as equal... The list goes on, but one thing I didn't realize when I became a parent, is that I would have some of the most inspiring teachers out there.
Being a mom is SO hard, but it is worth every single beautiful, scary, honest, exhausting, wonderful moment I have had the honor of being a part of. It is a job I want to cherish for the rest of my life.
If you are a mom, keep doing what you do, know you aren't alone, and you aren't crazy.... we have all been there! Trudge through the tough, and cherish the sweet... it is worth more than gold and silver and everything in between.
Being a mom is so hard.. and I wouldn't trade it for the entire world!
It. Never. Ends.
The days are filled with chauffeuring from A to B... to C and D, it is the rushing, whining, and being the referee constantly... They are filled with fears and uncertainties, and an exhaustion that often cannot break the blurry surface of wakefulness.
Being a mom is so hard...
I have no idea how working moms do it. I truly don't know... They still have to pay bills, do laundry, make dinner, go to the doctor, and get up in the middle of the night with a sick 2 year old. They have to pack lunches, help with homework, and clean house. My hat goes off to you, working mom, truly you amaze me. I do not know if I could have it in me to do both.
I do know, without a shadow of a doubt, being a stay at home mom is no joke... I mean seriously, we get peed on, yelled at, and deal with irrational defiance from cranky toddlers. Day in and day out. We wrestle the diapers onto the alligator baby, and can never stay on top of the house work. It is like this little dance, it consists of mommy trying her best to have a decently clean house, and then the the kids step into the Waltz right behind her, just waiting to get under her feet and trip her up... It has got to be in the "How to be a Kid 101" book that us parents do not get a copy of.
We rarely get adult conversation. I mean seriously I don't know how many times I have asked my husband if he needs to "go potty" before we head out the door, or make him "ask nicely" for something... bless his heart, he normally just ignores it.
When us moms do hang out with real adults it is often like hanging out with someone who has Turrets...
"Yes we went to the movies last week and I loved the part where, get off that right now!!... where was I? Oh right they were walking on the beach and he told her, quit throwing the ball in the house!... so anyway what did you do last week?"
Needless to say they aren't the conversations that heighten an IQ by any means. And to top it all off, we do not make a single dime for the work we do...in fact, we often are under appreciated far too often from our lovely subordinates... who knew they wouldn't be graciously thanking us every night for all the hard work we did for them that day?? And then politely go to sleep for a full 12 hours as payment.... yeah. right.
Being a mom is so hard...
It is the knowledge that you have SO much to teach them, in so little time. It is the fear of the unknown, and often the fear of the known, that keep us awake when the house is finally asleep... It is the fever that won't go down, or the first time on a bike without training wheels, that make our hearts beat fast and squeeze with worry.
It is the first day of school and the sending them off into the world where you aren't there anymore to referee. It is the hurt feelings and broken hearts that a boo-boo kiss won't fix anymore...
Being a mom is the toughest, most rewarding job on the planet. It is so scary, it is tiring, it is exhaustion and frustration, and a love so deep you could never reach the bottom... because there isn't one.
Being a mom could make you want to pull your hair out and cry with proud tears in a single moment. It is knowing that you mold these little hearts, and precious minds, into full grown adults... you get the job to teach them and more importantly, learn from them... Their wonder and innocence is intoxicating. In the short 6 years I have held the hardest job in the world, I have learned far more than I did in my lifetime before becoming a mom. These children teach me about happiness and forgiveness, belly laughs and imagination. They teach me about love and friendship, and seeing everyone as equal... The list goes on, but one thing I didn't realize when I became a parent, is that I would have some of the most inspiring teachers out there.
Being a mom is SO hard, but it is worth every single beautiful, scary, honest, exhausting, wonderful moment I have had the honor of being a part of. It is a job I want to cherish for the rest of my life.
If you are a mom, keep doing what you do, know you aren't alone, and you aren't crazy.... we have all been there! Trudge through the tough, and cherish the sweet... it is worth more than gold and silver and everything in between.
Being a mom is so hard.. and I wouldn't trade it for the entire world!
Friday, January 16, 2015
5 Small Things that Make a Big Difference in Your Happiness
I think there are so many things we try to get accomplished to be successful. We want our house clean, our meals planned, our kids well-behaved, our work outs complete. We want our jobs to be great, our personal items organized, and our budgets actually stuck to. We want it all. It is as simple as that, whether you're a mom, dad, have one kid or six. If you are single or married for 50 years... we all want to feel at the end of the day we DID something worthwhile. And about 90% of the time we don't feel that sense of accomplishment. We often feel like failures stuck in a never ending to-do list.
Of course there are days I am grateful I hit the gym... or rather the shower. There are plenty of days I am proud there is a hot dinner ready when my husband gets home. There are days I am sure, you are proud of the paper you wrote or the craft you completed. I think we all find happiness in a few things every day...
But how do we feel like every day was successful? How do we end the day with a true feeling of happiness?
In my opinion it starts with these 5 small things, that make a big difference...
1- Smile.
It is as simple as that. Smiling has been proven to change your mood and your confidence. It makes you feel attractive, and look attractive. It makes you relax a little more and stress a little less. Smiling makes you feel welcoming, and often brightens other peoples days, your children, your spouse, co-workers, and even strangers. We tend to be more subject to happiness when we allow ourselves to smile. It truly is a miracle written all over your face... so smile today :)
2- Help someone else.
It could be as simple as holding the door for someone else. It is handing a dollar to the homeless man, or better yet serving at the homeless shelter. It could be as little as letting a frantic mom with small children get in line in front of you, or as big as paying off a strangers layaway at Christmas time... Helping makes us feel like we are making a difference in someone else's life. And we are. So today, and everyday, do something for another person... not for personal gain, but out of the kindness of your heart.
3- Be Grateful.
There are so many things to complain about in this world, and a traffic jam because of an accident isn't one of them. Be grateful it wasn't you. Show gratitude when someone does something kind for you. It takes some practice, but if you can change your thinking about the world and be humbly grateful for the things you have, the people in your circle, and the world where you reside, I truly believe your happiness level would rise exponentially. We often feel entitled to things. Instead of being thankful for the life we lead, we find things to complain about... little things like our coffee wasn't made right, or our clothes are old. We tend to think life isn't good enough or fair enough, we think our husbands aren't helpful, or our kids are crazy... What would your life look like if, when you found yourself complaining, if you immediately stated three things you were thankful for in any given situation? I believe it would make a huge difference in the outlook on your life, and your mind would start to see the good in all things. Try it, and see what happens.
4- Exercise.
I know we have all heard it and if you're anything like me you tend to think watching an episode of Downton Abbey would be far more gratifying... but it has been proven that even as little as 7 minutes a day could battle depression, improve body image, and help you have an overall satisfying feeling of accomplishment. I am not even talking the gym, home work out, or strenuous jog. I am literally saying that spending 10 minutes outside walking with your children, or twice around the block with your spouse would make you feel more confident. I am saying that if you allow your body a quick 10-15 minute movement period during the day, you will feel happier and healthier. I think we all could come up with that little of time. I know I will.
5- Alone Time.
And no I don't mean watching a show or finally getting 5 minutes to scroll through Facebook during nap time. I mean truly being alone.. in your heart and head. Some people meditate. Some people pray. Others just sit there and do nothing... but I believe in this technology driven world, where rarely a minutes goes by without something being watched, texted, or sent... we truly need to just breathe, and be alone. I don't do it enough that is for sure. Often being alone allows you to relax and find your own self in the chaos of this world. Being alone has been proven to alleviate stress and calm nerves. Meditation has huge health benefits for the body, and prayer for the soul. I believe if everyone spent some time alone, it would have huge impacts in the home, work, and everywhere in between. Start with 10 minutes. Be alone... and see what happens.
I am certain there are more things to do to be happy. I know there are more things that I could do that would make me feel accomplished. But these five things are ones I am trying to work on every single day. They are simple, but effective. I want to go to bed every night with the knowledge that I made a difference in my own life, and others. To me, that is enough.
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
Why are we so judgmental?
Judgement sucks...
No I am not talking about judging others dress, social status, or decisions...although we all know how easy it is to do. And that we shouldn't.
I am not talking about "mommy wars"... I mean come on! I cannot comprehend why there is even such a thing. I am a christian, I nursed, my kids eat fast food every once in awhile, and I love them unconditionally. You are Mormon, bottle fed, and your kids eat healthy... yet you love your kids unconditionally. Why do we think it is our right to judge what another mom deems right for her family? It boggles my mind and it truly has to stop... but that is not what I am talking about either.
It isn't the judgement of our spouse, partner, or significant other. But we do it. Shame on us. Shame on you and shame on me. It is our job to uplift our spouses and encourage them... We committed to love and protect them and if we talk behind their backs about their failures and shortcomings, then we truly need to look inside and change something deep. Quit nagging and speak with love and respect... Even though this is important and should not be overlooked, it still isn't the judgement I am so disgusted with.
It is me. I am disgusted with me. I cannot believe how often I look in the mirror and hate certain things about me. The dark under eyes that were so graciously passed down from generation to generation. The belly that literally wiggles. My thighs have more stripes than a zebra and my hair is just... gross. I see every single thing that is unattractive like it has flashing neon signs screaming "Look! you are UGLY!!"
That may be a little dramatic, but you get the idea. And if you are one to be grateful for you and what you are, then I am truly so proud of you. You've got the right idea... But that isn't me and it is so very wrong.
Why are we the hardest on ourselves? Why do we see our physical, emotional, and spiritual down falls and think, "I am not good enough!" It is so absurd that we see other people in such a different light than our personal one. We seem to view ourselves in a 20x magnification when we see everyone else in a normal mirror.
We need to be patient with ourselves. We need to quit seeing everything "wrong" and focus on what is right. I have a strong and healthy body. I love the shade of my eyes, and I think my heart is in a good place to help others. I am unique, and I am made beautifully... This is what I will focus on. What about you?
The main reason I am vowing to change is because I want my children to know what confidence looks like from the inside out. I want them to see their own beauty in their heart and on their skin. People will tell them they are not good enough, the media will push perfection... but my prayer is that my kids know the truth. My prayer is that they are confident in their radiant beauty. I want my girls to see their uniqueness as beauty and their differences as ideal... I want my son to find a girl who is confident in her own skin. And I want my husband to see me loving myself. I want him to see me happy. I know he doesn't notice any of my "flaws"... I want to view me like he does.
All of those changes start with me. I am going to stop judging myself. I am going to give myself the grace I so easily offer others. I will give myself the understanding that I hand out like candy, and I will look in the mirror and say, today you are beautiful. Because I am. And so are you.
No I am not talking about judging others dress, social status, or decisions...although we all know how easy it is to do. And that we shouldn't.
I am not talking about "mommy wars"... I mean come on! I cannot comprehend why there is even such a thing. I am a christian, I nursed, my kids eat fast food every once in awhile, and I love them unconditionally. You are Mormon, bottle fed, and your kids eat healthy... yet you love your kids unconditionally. Why do we think it is our right to judge what another mom deems right for her family? It boggles my mind and it truly has to stop... but that is not what I am talking about either.
It isn't the judgement of our spouse, partner, or significant other. But we do it. Shame on us. Shame on you and shame on me. It is our job to uplift our spouses and encourage them... We committed to love and protect them and if we talk behind their backs about their failures and shortcomings, then we truly need to look inside and change something deep. Quit nagging and speak with love and respect... Even though this is important and should not be overlooked, it still isn't the judgement I am so disgusted with.
It is me. I am disgusted with me. I cannot believe how often I look in the mirror and hate certain things about me. The dark under eyes that were so graciously passed down from generation to generation. The belly that literally wiggles. My thighs have more stripes than a zebra and my hair is just... gross. I see every single thing that is unattractive like it has flashing neon signs screaming "Look! you are UGLY!!"
That may be a little dramatic, but you get the idea. And if you are one to be grateful for you and what you are, then I am truly so proud of you. You've got the right idea... But that isn't me and it is so very wrong.
Why are we the hardest on ourselves? Why do we see our physical, emotional, and spiritual down falls and think, "I am not good enough!" It is so absurd that we see other people in such a different light than our personal one. We seem to view ourselves in a 20x magnification when we see everyone else in a normal mirror.
We need to be patient with ourselves. We need to quit seeing everything "wrong" and focus on what is right. I have a strong and healthy body. I love the shade of my eyes, and I think my heart is in a good place to help others. I am unique, and I am made beautifully... This is what I will focus on. What about you?
The main reason I am vowing to change is because I want my children to know what confidence looks like from the inside out. I want them to see their own beauty in their heart and on their skin. People will tell them they are not good enough, the media will push perfection... but my prayer is that my kids know the truth. My prayer is that they are confident in their radiant beauty. I want my girls to see their uniqueness as beauty and their differences as ideal... I want my son to find a girl who is confident in her own skin. And I want my husband to see me loving myself. I want him to see me happy. I know he doesn't notice any of my "flaws"... I want to view me like he does.
All of those changes start with me. I am going to stop judging myself. I am going to give myself the grace I so easily offer others. I will give myself the understanding that I hand out like candy, and I will look in the mirror and say, today you are beautiful. Because I am. And so are you.
Monday, January 12, 2015
Dazed and Crazed
There are so many times that I am unnecessarily overwhelmed.
Now don't get me wrong, life with 3 kids is no piece of cake, but there are moments in the every day life that I allow myself to get short fused and stressed out... and for what?
Because we are 5 minutes later than I planned? Am I stressed to the max because my kids are simply being kids? Yes I know the spilling of their drink (yet again!), and the screaming "mmoommmmyyyy, he hit me!!" grate at my nerves... The constant mess, dishes galore, and the pee... it is literally everywhere!
It all makes me feel dazed and crazed and then I stop and think... isn't this what I signed up for? Isn't this my dream? To be a mom and have the ability to stay home with them? This is THE LIFE! So why do I feel like at times I could just pull my hair out, or maybe accidentally drop them off at GoodWill? (only joking... sort of) There are times I want to just throw in the towel and slap a 'Return To Sender' label on their foreheads (Good thing that isn't an option because I probably would have tried!)
But then I remember that this season of life is something to soak up. Enjoy. Live and learn, teach and finger paint. This isn't the only "season" that will be challenging. They all will be! It is our job as parents to lead by example and teach the really important lessons.
It is the fact that being on time to an event on my schedule is not as important as teaching my child how to react in a stressful situation, even if you're five minutes late because of it. And it is ok she spilled her drink, but my responsibility to teach her how to handle it. They have to make the mistake in order to learn how to handle it... and I have the very important job of teaching them to react a specific way... and that teaching happens through my actions. Not my words.
It has been MY attitude that sucks. Not theirs. They are living and learning how to cope when life throws curves. They are learning that mistakes happen and its ok, it is how you pick yourself and try again where growth occurs... We get to teach them that when life is stressful how to laugh, brush it off, and be a light when everyone else is negative. We GET to teach them how to be successful through trials and chaos. Yet here I am pulling my hair out over her 3rd attempt at tying her shoes... or his inability to get dressed faster than a snail. Here I am yelling "HURRY UP!", instead of teaching them quicker ways to manage their morning. I need a reality check... because they won't be here much longer. A dear friend told me don't think of it as years, but Christmases... reality sets in then. I have 12 more Christmases with my oldest. That's nuts! I have 12 Christmases to teach her all that life has to offer before she's in the world, handling stress and chaos on her own.
I guess I hope one day they look back and say, "I am so grateful my mom and dad showed me how to react when life gets crazy!" I hope they see themselves as lights in a negative world... and I really hope one day I get to witness my kids handling life the way I hope to model to them in the coming opportunities.
Are the day to day life stresses going anywhere? No, they most certainly are not.
But I truly hope to reign in my stress levels and save them for the true necessary stressful times, and not because I heard "MOMMY!!" one too many times. I want to learn to identify true stress in my life, so they can learn to see it in theirs.
Now don't get me wrong, life with 3 kids is no piece of cake, but there are moments in the every day life that I allow myself to get short fused and stressed out... and for what?
Because we are 5 minutes later than I planned? Am I stressed to the max because my kids are simply being kids? Yes I know the spilling of their drink (yet again!), and the screaming "mmoommmmyyyy, he hit me!!" grate at my nerves... The constant mess, dishes galore, and the pee... it is literally everywhere!
It all makes me feel dazed and crazed and then I stop and think... isn't this what I signed up for? Isn't this my dream? To be a mom and have the ability to stay home with them? This is THE LIFE! So why do I feel like at times I could just pull my hair out, or maybe accidentally drop them off at GoodWill? (only joking... sort of) There are times I want to just throw in the towel and slap a 'Return To Sender' label on their foreheads (Good thing that isn't an option because I probably would have tried!)
But then I remember that this season of life is something to soak up. Enjoy. Live and learn, teach and finger paint. This isn't the only "season" that will be challenging. They all will be! It is our job as parents to lead by example and teach the really important lessons.
It is the fact that being on time to an event on my schedule is not as important as teaching my child how to react in a stressful situation, even if you're five minutes late because of it. And it is ok she spilled her drink, but my responsibility to teach her how to handle it. They have to make the mistake in order to learn how to handle it... and I have the very important job of teaching them to react a specific way... and that teaching happens through my actions. Not my words.
It has been MY attitude that sucks. Not theirs. They are living and learning how to cope when life throws curves. They are learning that mistakes happen and its ok, it is how you pick yourself and try again where growth occurs... We get to teach them that when life is stressful how to laugh, brush it off, and be a light when everyone else is negative. We GET to teach them how to be successful through trials and chaos. Yet here I am pulling my hair out over her 3rd attempt at tying her shoes... or his inability to get dressed faster than a snail. Here I am yelling "HURRY UP!", instead of teaching them quicker ways to manage their morning. I need a reality check... because they won't be here much longer. A dear friend told me don't think of it as years, but Christmases... reality sets in then. I have 12 more Christmases with my oldest. That's nuts! I have 12 Christmases to teach her all that life has to offer before she's in the world, handling stress and chaos on her own.
I guess I hope one day they look back and say, "I am so grateful my mom and dad showed me how to react when life gets crazy!" I hope they see themselves as lights in a negative world... and I really hope one day I get to witness my kids handling life the way I hope to model to them in the coming opportunities.
Are the day to day life stresses going anywhere? No, they most certainly are not.
But I truly hope to reign in my stress levels and save them for the true necessary stressful times, and not because I heard "MOMMY!!" one too many times. I want to learn to identify true stress in my life, so they can learn to see it in theirs.
Friday, January 9, 2015
Why we chose to do "Reset Sunday"
We have dubbed it the term "Reset Sunday" but I am certain we are not the only family who practices something similar to this... or I should say intends to practice. We haven't actually started. It just hit me kind of hard a couple of nights ago that our kids are not getting any younger. They're schedules are not ever going to be easier than they are at this moment. The homework, band practice, sports, and friends are eventually going to rule our days and nights. So Mathew and I discussed how we could recharge and be more prepared for each week.
Which brings me to today, where we have begun our normal weekend countdown, we've got plans tonight and tomorrow, and like every other weekend it will be over long before we are ready... so this is me, telling all of you, that on Sunday we will reset. We will plan and do the things that need to be done to hopefully feel ready to take on the week.
What will it look like for our family?
-First there will be minimal screen time on Sundays. I don't like to say never, because it is so absolute and leaves no room for flexibility, which often leads to failure. But our goal is very little to no screen time on Sundays.
-After church/lunch Anna will nap and we will do something fun with the older two. It could be a game of Twister, teaching them to bake something, or doing a chore-list. It may be working on the garden, or reading a load of books...we don't know yet, but it sounds like fun and adventurous to me.
-We plan to have clothes set out for all the kids. Mathew is going to plan his work out goals for the week and then set up accordingly. I intend to make a meal plan for the coming week and shop on Sunday.
-We are going to clean out the car and reset the diaper bags and backpacks.
-And in the evenings we will go to the park, do homework, maybe even sit and just talk... I know, astounding, right?
I guess this is kind of a declaration, in hopes that we actually stick to it for the long haul. I think it would help us come together as a family, and spend some quality time with each other.
Not every one here has kids, or is married. But I bet everyone could use a "reset" day. I challenge you, wherever you are in life, to pick a day and choose how you want to reset. It doesn't have to look like ours, but it could have some true refreshing qualities and give you and yours the ability to hit the week running... it could literally mean the difference between a dreadful Monday or a happy one. Or at least that is what we are hoping for!
Here's to new ideas and fresh beginnings!
Which brings me to today, where we have begun our normal weekend countdown, we've got plans tonight and tomorrow, and like every other weekend it will be over long before we are ready... so this is me, telling all of you, that on Sunday we will reset. We will plan and do the things that need to be done to hopefully feel ready to take on the week.
What will it look like for our family?
-First there will be minimal screen time on Sundays. I don't like to say never, because it is so absolute and leaves no room for flexibility, which often leads to failure. But our goal is very little to no screen time on Sundays.
-After church/lunch Anna will nap and we will do something fun with the older two. It could be a game of Twister, teaching them to bake something, or doing a chore-list. It may be working on the garden, or reading a load of books...we don't know yet, but it sounds like fun and adventurous to me.
-We plan to have clothes set out for all the kids. Mathew is going to plan his work out goals for the week and then set up accordingly. I intend to make a meal plan for the coming week and shop on Sunday.
-We are going to clean out the car and reset the diaper bags and backpacks.
-And in the evenings we will go to the park, do homework, maybe even sit and just talk... I know, astounding, right?
I guess this is kind of a declaration, in hopes that we actually stick to it for the long haul. I think it would help us come together as a family, and spend some quality time with each other.
Not every one here has kids, or is married. But I bet everyone could use a "reset" day. I challenge you, wherever you are in life, to pick a day and choose how you want to reset. It doesn't have to look like ours, but it could have some true refreshing qualities and give you and yours the ability to hit the week running... it could literally mean the difference between a dreadful Monday or a happy one. Or at least that is what we are hoping for!
Here's to new ideas and fresh beginnings!
Thursday, January 8, 2015
Hoomlook?!
Why Hoomlook?
I have gotten enough personal messages asking why Hoomlook, I figured the rest of you are fairly eager to know...
It seems a little weird and a lot of nonsense. But I like it. I like it because when I asked my distracted child what mommy should name her new blog Jacob said, staring at a pile of Legos, "Hmmm Look!" And I thought well that isn't helpful... maybe I should just call it "Squirrel!" (If you've never seen the movie Up then I apologize, it is worth seeing by the way).
And while asking my 6 year old, Lydia, what I should name mommy's blog she looked straight at the thing she was wanting to play with after school (she happens to be very concrete in her creative thinking) and said, "how about Hook Loom" (a hand weaving plastic square). Yes, exactly what I want to promote... hand weaving.
When I approached my 20 month old she simply said "more!" because she desperately needed more goldfish... not helpful.
But the point is, I don't need some fancy or catchy name. It would probably help, but I don't need it. I wanted my children to help jump start the beginning of this journey... so with their invaluable guidance, The Hoomlook Life began. And it is crazy and weird, it is distracted and concrete. It is full of these blessings I call children and I wouldn't have it any other way.
So here you have it. The Hoomlook Life. Take it or leave it ;)
I have gotten enough personal messages asking why Hoomlook, I figured the rest of you are fairly eager to know...
It seems a little weird and a lot of nonsense. But I like it. I like it because when I asked my distracted child what mommy should name her new blog Jacob said, staring at a pile of Legos, "Hmmm Look!" And I thought well that isn't helpful... maybe I should just call it "Squirrel!" (If you've never seen the movie Up then I apologize, it is worth seeing by the way).
And while asking my 6 year old, Lydia, what I should name mommy's blog she looked straight at the thing she was wanting to play with after school (she happens to be very concrete in her creative thinking) and said, "how about Hook Loom" (a hand weaving plastic square). Yes, exactly what I want to promote... hand weaving.
When I approached my 20 month old she simply said "more!" because she desperately needed more goldfish... not helpful.
But the point is, I don't need some fancy or catchy name. It would probably help, but I don't need it. I wanted my children to help jump start the beginning of this journey... so with their invaluable guidance, The Hoomlook Life began. And it is crazy and weird, it is distracted and concrete. It is full of these blessings I call children and I wouldn't have it any other way.
So here you have it. The Hoomlook Life. Take it or leave it ;)
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
This Crazy Life I Lead
Today I got the inspiration to start a blog... I mean don't get me wrong, I am not some crazy person who just happened upon the choice. I love to write. I love to encourage. And I painstakingly adore my children... who happen to star in a lot of my ramblings.
With that being said, I will fail. Many people will dislike what I say, and many won't care. But I decided, with some love and encouragement, that I do not need an audience or support from many, I don't need to please the world or even myself. If I help, inspire, or make one single person smile than it was worth taking this huge leap of faith into the unknown world of writing.
So without further ado...
My life is a whirlwind of diapers, snot, and lots of giggles. It is full of discipline, mistakes, and a load of grace. My life is loving and beautiful... and quite often ugly and shameful. I have days that are amazing, and many that are ordinary. I hope to be a mom that teaches love, forgiveness, and grace. I hope to show my children that life is not about how we are treated, but how we treat others that matter. I want them to know that at the end of the day, if you make one person smile it is worth everything. To teach through actions is so much harder than expected, but it is the only way to be done... we show them what life is truly about through our actions. I know I fail in so many ways, but when they are old and grown my deepest prayer is that I led a Christ-like life that showed every single day.
My marriage looks a lot like greasy hair, yoga pants, and a quick temper. I wish I can say those were my bad days, but to be honest they are just my normal ones... good, bad, and ugly. My husband is my better half. He has shown me how to respect myself, and has helped me believe I am worth far more than I ever imagined. I hope to one day be exactly what I should be for him. Until then, I know he loves me with his whole heart, hairy legs and all... and he is amazing for it.
Some days I feel so on top of it all. I rule the world (well at least my small little one)... These days I take pride in my accomplishments, like finger painting and baking. Laundry PUT AWAY (never happens) and clean hair. I have dinner ready and the dishes done... It's so easy to brag about the good days isn't it? Then other days I am totally unwilling to admit to the amount of cartoons that were watched by our 3 lovely children. Or the amount of yelling that happened due to the sloth-like nature of getting out the door. Those days it is easy to pretend that I didn't make some not-so-good choices in my parenting style.
But you know what? I am not going to cover it up. I have good days and I have bad, and I am willing to bet my non-existent pay check that you do too. But if we love our families, and do our best on that given day.... even if it is a complete 7 hour marathon of Doc McStuffins then so what? Maybe they'll be a doctor some day ;) Lets be honest. Lets be supportive. Lets show our true selves...
So with the start of this blog I vow to be honest. And I vow to make mistakes, lets face it, we all do. I vow to do my best and encourage when one needs to be encouraged, love when one needs to be loved and I know some pretty decent jokes, if one needs to laugh. So welcome to the crazy life I lead.
With that being said, I will fail. Many people will dislike what I say, and many won't care. But I decided, with some love and encouragement, that I do not need an audience or support from many, I don't need to please the world or even myself. If I help, inspire, or make one single person smile than it was worth taking this huge leap of faith into the unknown world of writing.
So without further ado...
My life is a whirlwind of diapers, snot, and lots of giggles. It is full of discipline, mistakes, and a load of grace. My life is loving and beautiful... and quite often ugly and shameful. I have days that are amazing, and many that are ordinary. I hope to be a mom that teaches love, forgiveness, and grace. I hope to show my children that life is not about how we are treated, but how we treat others that matter. I want them to know that at the end of the day, if you make one person smile it is worth everything. To teach through actions is so much harder than expected, but it is the only way to be done... we show them what life is truly about through our actions. I know I fail in so many ways, but when they are old and grown my deepest prayer is that I led a Christ-like life that showed every single day.
My marriage looks a lot like greasy hair, yoga pants, and a quick temper. I wish I can say those were my bad days, but to be honest they are just my normal ones... good, bad, and ugly. My husband is my better half. He has shown me how to respect myself, and has helped me believe I am worth far more than I ever imagined. I hope to one day be exactly what I should be for him. Until then, I know he loves me with his whole heart, hairy legs and all... and he is amazing for it.
Some days I feel so on top of it all. I rule the world (well at least my small little one)... These days I take pride in my accomplishments, like finger painting and baking. Laundry PUT AWAY (never happens) and clean hair. I have dinner ready and the dishes done... It's so easy to brag about the good days isn't it? Then other days I am totally unwilling to admit to the amount of cartoons that were watched by our 3 lovely children. Or the amount of yelling that happened due to the sloth-like nature of getting out the door. Those days it is easy to pretend that I didn't make some not-so-good choices in my parenting style.
But you know what? I am not going to cover it up. I have good days and I have bad, and I am willing to bet my non-existent pay check that you do too. But if we love our families, and do our best on that given day.... even if it is a complete 7 hour marathon of Doc McStuffins then so what? Maybe they'll be a doctor some day ;) Lets be honest. Lets be supportive. Lets show our true selves...
So with the start of this blog I vow to be honest. And I vow to make mistakes, lets face it, we all do. I vow to do my best and encourage when one needs to be encouraged, love when one needs to be loved and I know some pretty decent jokes, if one needs to laugh. So welcome to the crazy life I lead.
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