I found a new slogan for the phase of life I am headed into, so it's made me sit back and reflect on the last 5 years of slogans and what they mean to me. When I actually sit down and look at these, it's interesting how they pretty much sum up parts of my life... Mostly big and life changing events... I adopted my new slogan yesterday.... Here is the last 5 years of my life in a nut shell.... You'll start to notice a recurring theme.
Keep it simple stupid! - 2004/2005
-I had Grace in 2004. Jake and I sat down and asked ourselves what was really important to us in life. Family and our relationship. We had to focus on our family, and literally simplify our lives in just about every area. I needed to work hard, step back, and FOCUS!!!
The simplest solution is the best! (Ocaam's Razor)- 2006/2007
-Jake and I were being called to a new church. I started serving and really getting into ministry. I was so passionate about so many different aspects of my life, I began to run wild and started making things a lot more complicated than they needed to be. I read the book "Simple Church," which was actually a life changing book for me. I know it was specifically written for the church, but I have been attempting to apply those same concepts into every area of my life. I also had my very long and drawn out miscarriage during this phase, which of course was incredibly difficult. I fortunately healed and grew from that experience. I had to ask myself during this phase: What is my purpose here in life? What do I need to stop doing that has nothing to do with why I am here? I needed to work hard, step back, and FOCUS!!!
Life is a roller coaster, hang on for dear life and enjoy the ride!2008/2009
-These were the best years, and worst years of my life. The best being that I had my baby girl, Faith. I was also being used by God more than ever. I was passionate about what I was doing and excited! Jake and I bought our first house, which we still love! The worst because I was going through more spiritual warfare than I ever had in my life. Faith was suffering from major asthma, allergies, and eczema and was EXTREMELY sick (I'm sure we hit 15+ ER visits those years)!!! Grace was getting strep at least once a month. I lost a close friend, and broke my ankle which left me sitting on the couch for what seemed like forever! I needed to work hard, step back and FOCUS!!!
Life is like a marathon-although often times we live it like a sprint. 2010/....
-I read this yesterday in my devo. and thought it was perfect for what I am headed into in this phase of my life.... So far, Grace got her tonsils out and Faith is making TREMENDOUS progress in her health... Hopefully during this phase, I will literally train for and run a marathon which will represent my life as a whole. Besides the fact that it is on my bucket list, and I'm not getting any younger, it could really help me to connect to the symbolic meaning of this slogan in a concrete way. I guess another phrase that could work here is "slow and steady wins the race." I have to "keep my eye on the goal" of living my life with passion and purpose, and teach my children how to do the same. The key to this phase is training. That is the hard part for me. I want to just jump up and run the 26 miles. I'm expecting a full dose of "TESTING MY PATIENCE" in this part of life... All in all, I have to work hard, step back and FOCUS!!!!!
FOCUS, FOCUS, FOCUS
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
"These are the times you'll always remember..."
My whole family was in the living room watching American Idol. Judging the contestants and enjoying Simon's remarks. Grace was on the floor, Jake was on one side of the couch, Faith in the middle, and I was on the other side.
Faith scooted over really close to me, put her arm around me, laid her head down and started cuddling with me. It was so sweet! Jake looked over and said to me, "These are the times you'll always remember!"
I wish the story ended there, but oh boy, there was more truth to that than Jake knew. At the moment that Jake finished his statement, Faith started projectile vomiting all over me, at least 4 times! Ha! Ha! We laughed, which was a good distraction, because I so would have thrown up all over Jake, and then probably cried!! LOL!
That was definitely a time I'll always remember!!!
Faith scooted over really close to me, put her arm around me, laid her head down and started cuddling with me. It was so sweet! Jake looked over and said to me, "These are the times you'll always remember!"
I wish the story ended there, but oh boy, there was more truth to that than Jake knew. At the moment that Jake finished his statement, Faith started projectile vomiting all over me, at least 4 times! Ha! Ha! We laughed, which was a good distraction, because I so would have thrown up all over Jake, and then probably cried!! LOL!
That was definitely a time I'll always remember!!!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
GREAT DEALS - Couponing, My New Obsession!!
Okay, so my friend Heather introduced me to the world of coupons and, I am now obsessed. I guess there could be worse things for me to obsess about... This is right up my alley... BARGAINS BARGAINS BARGAINS.... Anyway, here are some little bargains I found today...
FREE FOOD
*IHOP Shortstack, Free Today, they just ask that you think about making a donation to the Children's Miracle Network, the box is located at the front of the store to drop a donation in
*Free Fresco Taco Coupon from Taco Bell http://static.tacobell.com/drivethrudiet/coupon.html
Homeland (double coupons with card)
*$1/2 Nexcare Bandaids... the Disney Princess and Handy Manny ones were on sale for $.51 making it $.02 for 2
http://coupons2.smartsource.com/smartsource/index.jsp?Link=5S2ZUA6PWPEPO
*$1/1 Premium Crackers and Any Can of Chili.. Crackers on sale for $2.49 bought can of hot dog Chili for $.99 making it $1.48 for both crackers and chili (this is on a tearpad in front of the crackers)
*$.50/1 Kids Oral B Stages or Kids Crest Toothpaste, when I went to Homeland today, the High School Musical Oral B Stages was on sale for $1.41 making it $.41 http://www.couponclippingcrew.com/
**not sure if the toothpaste and bandaids are on sale at every store, or just the one on 122nd and MacArthur...
Crest
*$1/1 Quaker Oatmeal on sale at crest for 2/$4 (only have to purchase one) making the oatmeal $1 (can use more than one coupon) http://www.quakeroats.com/products/product-offers-and-promotions.aspx
*$1/6 Dannon Light and Fit 6 oz. yogurt, on sale for $.33 per container making it $.98 for 6 http://coupons2.smartsource.com/smartsource/index.jsp?Link=5S2ZUA6PWPEPO
*$.55/1 Ziploc Slider Bags on sale for $1 making them $.45 http://www.couponclippingcrew.com/
*$1.50/2 Ziploc Containers Small Ziploc Containers like pictured on coupons are $1 making it $.50 for 2 sets of small containers http://www.couponclippingcrew.com/
*$1/1 kelloggs fruit flavored snacks (can print up to 4) at Crest 2 for $3 (only have to by one)... making them $.50 (they are $2.89 a piece at homeland) ... http://www.snackpicks.com/
*$.50/1 Minute Rice on sale for 2/$3 (can buy one for $1.50) making it $1.00 per box
http://www.couponclippingcrew.com/
Walmart
*Yo Baby Yogurt (single cups) are at walmart for $1.01 making it $.01.. I used 2 coupons and it worked... (granted I just tasted it and it is disgusting, but hey worth trying if it's free...) http://www.stonyfield.com/promotions/?promoid=DOTXB8&prod=yobaby&j=8386657&e=
*$2/1 Land O Frost Premium Lunchmeat $3 at walmart, making it $1 (it is $2.99 at Crest making it $.99) http://www.landomoms.com/
Walgreens
*$2/2 Right Guard Deodarant plus is BOGO free at Walgreens, I got the kind Jake uses 2/$2.87 http://print.coupons.com/couponweb/Offers.aspx?pid=14602&zid=yf73&nid=10&bid=alk0223100210bc8402cf712314
*Printer Cartridge Refill for $5.99 on Friday (2/26) Coupon is on black and white print out at the photo desk
*Free 8X10 on Thursday (2/25) Coupon is on black and white print out at the photo desk
Couponing Lesson - Coupons can't be used/scanned if the barcode is printed in red... I learned this the hard way at the cashier because my printer ran out of black ink and printed in red... Going to Walgreens on Friday to get my ink refilled, then I've gotta reprint my coupon and go get those bandaids!!! :)
AND DON'T FORGET TO GET YOUR FREE SHORTSTACK AT IHOP TODAY!!!!!
FREE FOOD
*IHOP Shortstack, Free Today, they just ask that you think about making a donation to the Children's Miracle Network, the box is located at the front of the store to drop a donation in
*Free Fresco Taco Coupon from Taco Bell http://static.tacobell.com/drivethrudiet/coupon.html
Homeland (double coupons with card)
*$1/2 Nexcare Bandaids... the Disney Princess and Handy Manny ones were on sale for $.51 making it $.02 for 2
http://coupons2.smartsource.com/smartsource/index.jsp?Link=5S2ZUA6PWPEPO
*$1/1 Premium Crackers and Any Can of Chili.. Crackers on sale for $2.49 bought can of hot dog Chili for $.99 making it $1.48 for both crackers and chili (this is on a tearpad in front of the crackers)
*$.50/1 Kids Oral B Stages or Kids Crest Toothpaste, when I went to Homeland today, the High School Musical Oral B Stages was on sale for $1.41 making it $.41 http://www.couponclippingcrew.com/
**not sure if the toothpaste and bandaids are on sale at every store, or just the one on 122nd and MacArthur...
Crest
*$1/1 Quaker Oatmeal on sale at crest for 2/$4 (only have to purchase one) making the oatmeal $1 (can use more than one coupon) http://www.quakeroats.com/products/product-offers-and-promotions.aspx
*$1/6 Dannon Light and Fit 6 oz. yogurt, on sale for $.33 per container making it $.98 for 6 http://coupons2.smartsource.com/smartsource/index.jsp?Link=5S2ZUA6PWPEPO
*$.55/1 Ziploc Slider Bags on sale for $1 making them $.45 http://www.couponclippingcrew.com/
*$1.50/2 Ziploc Containers Small Ziploc Containers like pictured on coupons are $1 making it $.50 for 2 sets of small containers http://www.couponclippingcrew.com/
*$1/1 kelloggs fruit flavored snacks (can print up to 4) at Crest 2 for $3 (only have to by one)... making them $.50 (they are $2.89 a piece at homeland) ... http://www.snackpicks.com/
*$.50/1 Minute Rice on sale for 2/$3 (can buy one for $1.50) making it $1.00 per box
http://www.couponclippingcrew.com/
Walmart
*Yo Baby Yogurt (single cups) are at walmart for $1.01 making it $.01.. I used 2 coupons and it worked... (granted I just tasted it and it is disgusting, but hey worth trying if it's free...) http://www.stonyfield.com/promotions/?promoid=DOTXB8&prod=yobaby&j=8386657&e=
*$2/1 Land O Frost Premium Lunchmeat $3 at walmart, making it $1 (it is $2.99 at Crest making it $.99) http://www.landomoms.com/
Walgreens
*$2/2 Right Guard Deodarant plus is BOGO free at Walgreens, I got the kind Jake uses 2/$2.87 http://print.coupons.com/couponweb/Offers.aspx?pid=14602&zid=yf73&nid=10&bid=alk0223100210bc8402cf712314
*Printer Cartridge Refill for $5.99 on Friday (2/26) Coupon is on black and white print out at the photo desk
*Free 8X10 on Thursday (2/25) Coupon is on black and white print out at the photo desk
Couponing Lesson - Coupons can't be used/scanned if the barcode is printed in red... I learned this the hard way at the cashier because my printer ran out of black ink and printed in red... Going to Walgreens on Friday to get my ink refilled, then I've gotta reprint my coupon and go get those bandaids!!! :)
AND DON'T FORGET TO GET YOUR FREE SHORTSTACK AT IHOP TODAY!!!!!
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Mommy Daughter Day is Crucial to Our Survival
I have 2 smart, beautiful daughters. They both have completely different personalities, but I have to admit, I really have it EASY as far as raising them goes!!! I get to stay home with Audree and spend lots of time with her. Emily is in full day K during most of the day... But, about once every 6 weeks or so, my sweet Emily, well isn't so sweet...
During this time, Jake and I can't figure out what in the world is wrong with her. Is someone hurting her feelings at school, is she going through a stage, is her personality changing, what??? I think I pull out most of my hair then too!! :) And then, about 2 weeks later, it hits us, oh she needs "mommy time!"
I feel like I spend lots of time with her, but when I think about it, it's with Audree, the family... someone. She just needs about half a day of alone time with me, and she is good to go for a while!! Today we went to IHOP, went to the hair salon, mall, and then the nail salon. She was on cloud 9!!!!! And I have to admit, I was too!!!!
After our extremely girlie alone time together, she will hang the moon for me if I ask her to!! I just need to remember.... MOMMY TIME!!!!
During this time, Jake and I can't figure out what in the world is wrong with her. Is someone hurting her feelings at school, is she going through a stage, is her personality changing, what??? I think I pull out most of my hair then too!! :) And then, about 2 weeks later, it hits us, oh she needs "mommy time!"
I feel like I spend lots of time with her, but when I think about it, it's with Audree, the family... someone. She just needs about half a day of alone time with me, and she is good to go for a while!! Today we went to IHOP, went to the hair salon, mall, and then the nail salon. She was on cloud 9!!!!! And I have to admit, I was too!!!!
After our extremely girlie alone time together, she will hang the moon for me if I ask her to!! I just need to remember.... MOMMY TIME!!!!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Austin "Suicide Letter" - My Opinion
Here is my opinion concerning the Austin Suicide guy's "suicide letter".... People are giving the guy WAY TOO MUCH CREDIT!!!
Whether his claims are valid, not valid... whatever.... His "creative thinking" was to fly a plane into an IRS building and commit suicide... Wow! That's original...
Oh, and violence, I mean all of the right people are gonna take him seriously now! Ha!
And does he realize that now I AM GOING TO HAVE TO PAY for the investigation, rebuilding, extra security, body scans, etc., etc., that HE CAUSED!?!?!? Not sure, but I thought that was part of what he was fighting...
Ya, let's not attribute too much praise and intelligence to this guy!!
If his purpose was to expose the IRS, he could have lived out the rest of his life figuring out ways to do it... The fact is, HE GAVE UP, cost the people he is trying to defend (every day Americans like us) money, and he won't ever be taken seriously by the "proper authorities."
If you believe in his cause, GET CREATIVE and don't use violence. Be an MLK Jr and die at the hands of others in peace, instead of copping out in violence and suicide!!!!
Whether his claims are valid, not valid... whatever.... His "creative thinking" was to fly a plane into an IRS building and commit suicide... Wow! That's original...
Oh, and violence, I mean all of the right people are gonna take him seriously now! Ha!
And does he realize that now I AM GOING TO HAVE TO PAY for the investigation, rebuilding, extra security, body scans, etc., etc., that HE CAUSED!?!?!? Not sure, but I thought that was part of what he was fighting...
Ya, let's not attribute too much praise and intelligence to this guy!!
If his purpose was to expose the IRS, he could have lived out the rest of his life figuring out ways to do it... The fact is, HE GAVE UP, cost the people he is trying to defend (every day Americans like us) money, and he won't ever be taken seriously by the "proper authorities."
If you believe in his cause, GET CREATIVE and don't use violence. Be an MLK Jr and die at the hands of others in peace, instead of copping out in violence and suicide!!!!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Random Joys
Geek Out Monday
Yes, I said it. Jake and I have embraced the geek inside of us. Every Monday night we have a geek fest after we put the kids down to bed. He works on our home finances and music spreadsheets, and I work on stuff for the kids at church, and facebook of course! We look forward to it and really enjoy what we are doing for some bizzare reason. Well, that is probably because we allow our inner geekiness to come out!!! :)
Dates, Dates, and More Dates!!!!
Am I in college again??? Seriously thanks to our good friends, Amy and Andy, our church, Northview Community Church, and Jake's sister, Katie, we have gone out 3 times this week!!!! The first date we went to Poblano's (my favorite) and Barnes and Noble, the second Taco Cabana and saw "The Book of Eli," and the third we went to the OKC Thunder game with Amy and Andy!!! I mean, we have been totally spoiled. This is like college all over again.. Movies, bookstores, dinner, and a game....with another couple... Who says I have to grow up? Well, I can live in denial for a little while anyway! :)
Girls Love Flowers
Beautiful Red Tiger Striped roses for me and single pink roses for the girls....I don't know what it is about a girl getting flowers, but it has the same effect on my 5 year old that it does for me. A bright smile where your eyes light up...Flowers just make you feel like a princess, it is romantic, and honestly just makes love that much sweeter!!! Thanks Jake for putting smiles on your princesses' faces!!!!
Walking on My Back
Now, I know this sounds strange, but ahhhh it was great!!! Emily walked up and down my back and helped Audree do the same. It was wonderful for us all. The girls felt like they were on a "moon bounce" (guess I've gotta lotta fluff), my back was being popped, and well, there's nothing like spending time with your kids on the floor!!! We all get the mutual feeling that says... I would rather be here playing on the floor with you than be anywhere else in the world. When I look back after my kids are grown, those are the moments that will mean the most.
Diet Root Beer and TV
I have a definite addiction to TV. I used to be embarassed to admit that I spend that much time watching TV, but I am soooo passed that. I just thoroughly enjoy it! Let me name all of the shows I like to watch....Lost, The Bachelor, Modern Family, The Middle, Medium, Big Love, Frasier, 30 Rock, Parks and Recreation, Community, ghost shows, AFV, Extreme Home Makeover... Can't even name them all!!!! I love them because, Jake and I get to sit for a couple of hours together, on the couch alone, sipping on a long neck diet rootbeer and watch these shows together. I can't explain how much we enjoy this down time together, but I do know that it has been crucial to Jake and I's ability to stay connected as a couple with all the craziness around us....
Pallets, Extreme Home Makeover, and AFV
A thick pallet using all availabe comforters and blankets, with all of the pillows in the house piled on top, coupled with Extreme Home Makeover and AFV describes our family somehow. ah... its just us... on a pallet, cuddled together, enjoying the show... family memories are made on that pallet!!!
It's these random things that make my life full, joyful, and rich. We all know that the day to day battles, strains, stresses, fights, sass, drama, etc... is weaved in and out of those random things, but the random and simple things that happen daily are where I find joy!!!
Yes, I said it. Jake and I have embraced the geek inside of us. Every Monday night we have a geek fest after we put the kids down to bed. He works on our home finances and music spreadsheets, and I work on stuff for the kids at church, and facebook of course! We look forward to it and really enjoy what we are doing for some bizzare reason. Well, that is probably because we allow our inner geekiness to come out!!! :)
Dates, Dates, and More Dates!!!!
Am I in college again??? Seriously thanks to our good friends, Amy and Andy, our church, Northview Community Church, and Jake's sister, Katie, we have gone out 3 times this week!!!! The first date we went to Poblano's (my favorite) and Barnes and Noble, the second Taco Cabana and saw "The Book of Eli," and the third we went to the OKC Thunder game with Amy and Andy!!! I mean, we have been totally spoiled. This is like college all over again.. Movies, bookstores, dinner, and a game....with another couple... Who says I have to grow up? Well, I can live in denial for a little while anyway! :)
Girls Love Flowers
Beautiful Red Tiger Striped roses for me and single pink roses for the girls....I don't know what it is about a girl getting flowers, but it has the same effect on my 5 year old that it does for me. A bright smile where your eyes light up...Flowers just make you feel like a princess, it is romantic, and honestly just makes love that much sweeter!!! Thanks Jake for putting smiles on your princesses' faces!!!!
Walking on My Back
Now, I know this sounds strange, but ahhhh it was great!!! Emily walked up and down my back and helped Audree do the same. It was wonderful for us all. The girls felt like they were on a "moon bounce" (guess I've gotta lotta fluff), my back was being popped, and well, there's nothing like spending time with your kids on the floor!!! We all get the mutual feeling that says... I would rather be here playing on the floor with you than be anywhere else in the world. When I look back after my kids are grown, those are the moments that will mean the most.
Diet Root Beer and TV
I have a definite addiction to TV. I used to be embarassed to admit that I spend that much time watching TV, but I am soooo passed that. I just thoroughly enjoy it! Let me name all of the shows I like to watch....Lost, The Bachelor, Modern Family, The Middle, Medium, Big Love, Frasier, 30 Rock, Parks and Recreation, Community, ghost shows, AFV, Extreme Home Makeover... Can't even name them all!!!! I love them because, Jake and I get to sit for a couple of hours together, on the couch alone, sipping on a long neck diet rootbeer and watch these shows together. I can't explain how much we enjoy this down time together, but I do know that it has been crucial to Jake and I's ability to stay connected as a couple with all the craziness around us....
Pallets, Extreme Home Makeover, and AFV
A thick pallet using all availabe comforters and blankets, with all of the pillows in the house piled on top, coupled with Extreme Home Makeover and AFV describes our family somehow. ah... its just us... on a pallet, cuddled together, enjoying the show... family memories are made on that pallet!!!
It's these random things that make my life full, joyful, and rich. We all know that the day to day battles, strains, stresses, fights, sass, drama, etc... is weaved in and out of those random things, but the random and simple things that happen daily are where I find joy!!!
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Back in the Blogging Spirit
Nothing like leg pain to get me back in the blogging spirit!! I have come a loooong way since I last posted... I think I was still in physical therapy thinking I'll never be able to walk correctly again no less run!! Well, I know this is a surprise to anyone who knows me, but I'm a little stubborn.
I decided to R U N again... Yep, that's right!! I am running!! Well, I have injured myself, so I'm on a temporary break, but only for a few days I hope!!! I used to run in High School... Wasn't that good, but I loved distance running.... I have to go all or none, so I thought....I need to get movin' so I've gotta run!!!
It's been sooo fun! (Once I get started....) I've been going after I put the girls down to bed and it's been my own personal oasis of quiet kid free time!!! My friend Amy, invited me to do a 10K leg of the Memorial Marathon in April, so I have upped the miles and pace a little too quickly... Nursing a little runner's knee and shin splints now, but I'm determined to get back on the road, slowly, and get myself into gear!!! Now, I won't mention that when I run, I am now having to wear 2 knee braces, an ankle brace, and have hardware in my ankle!!!! I can't and won't take the hint though!!! LOL!!
Until next time....
I decided to R U N again... Yep, that's right!! I am running!! Well, I have injured myself, so I'm on a temporary break, but only for a few days I hope!!! I used to run in High School... Wasn't that good, but I loved distance running.... I have to go all or none, so I thought....I need to get movin' so I've gotta run!!!
It's been sooo fun! (Once I get started....) I've been going after I put the girls down to bed and it's been my own personal oasis of quiet kid free time!!! My friend Amy, invited me to do a 10K leg of the Memorial Marathon in April, so I have upped the miles and pace a little too quickly... Nursing a little runner's knee and shin splints now, but I'm determined to get back on the road, slowly, and get myself into gear!!! Now, I won't mention that when I run, I am now having to wear 2 knee braces, an ankle brace, and have hardware in my ankle!!!! I can't and won't take the hint though!!! LOL!!
Until next time....
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