The Road is Filled with Good Intentions.

You set your goals, you decide what you're going to do...then, bam, all of a sudden, out of no where, life throws you a curve ball.  Personally, most of the time, it smacks me right in the face.  (I'm really not a very good ball player.  Just ask my son...oh, hence the previous post where I mentioned not a good idea for us to play catch in the house.)

So, what happens when your intentions are good, but due to circumstances beyond your control your follow through is less that 100%?

I often think about those who are truly succeeding in life.  Those who are CEO's, they've created things, they are making their dreams come true, or they are happily living debt free, etc.  Whatever the "success" is, how do they achieve it?

I think success is taking the ice off your face (from the curve ball), giving the "good intentions" a dirty look (you know the one your kids give you when they don't want to do something, and just pushing through....perseverance.  That is my motto for today.  Perseverance.

May you be able to persevere through whatever trials you have today.

God Bless!

The Long Road

There is nothing like a long drive to help you ponder over a bunch o' stuff.  Although a 6 year old in the back asking "How much longer?"  doesn't necessarily help...lol.

All in all my ride to my sister's house was a peaceful and wonderful drive.  I was able to enjoy the snow and the sun.  I listened to my son practice his reading.  (Mind you he was trying to play his DSI and needed to read the instructions to play this game...ha ha ha.)  You know, as a parent, you do what you have to do with your children.

He also was writing and making up games in the back.  I looked back in the mirror for a moment at one point to see why exactly he was so quite only to see that the back passenger window was COMPLETELY covered in post-it notes.  Many of these notes said "I love Mom" or "Joseph loves Mommy"...how could I be mad??

Other than the fairly smooth ride and the need to stop and go potty (ugh, I hate public restrooms...I hate germs!!), my mind drifted in and out between states and cars.  I wondered and pondered so many things about life.  Am I where I should be?  Am I who I should be?  Am I doing what I should be doing????  What should I be doing??...lol. 

I hope to be on this road of life for a long time and while I'm on it I'd really like to make sure that I'm doing the things I'm supposed to be doing.  I want to make sure that I'm on the right path.  So, what path am I supposed to be on???  Hmmm

May your path be smooth and your road be long.

God Bless!

I'm a total goober!

This is just in case anyone out there wasn't sure about me...I am a total and complete goober!! 

My son worked super hard on school today, so as a treat I allowed him some video game time.  Pretty cool of me, right?  Wrong! 

He reads okay, but not super well yet.  Therefore, I had to read things to him when he got to different points in the game.  This meant I didn't get much done around the house.  Oh, and there was this part in the game where you had to figure out how to cross the bridge...uh, who makes these crazy things anyway,  I was bad at the Atari!!  Really, how many buttons can you have on a controller. 

He kept telling me I was doing it wrong.  Then, I would give him "the look".  Followed by his, "You could just read the instructions!"  I didn't have the heart to tell him that didn't come with "stupid people" instructions.  I googled it online....nothing!  So, obviously it was a simple answer, right?? 

A half a bag of chips and almost an hour later, I solved the mystery.  WOW!  Let me tell you though, my son's excitement and enthusiasm for my accomplishment was so wonderful.  It was one of those quick moments where I felt like super mom!!  (Until I thought about how I could have had another child who was adept in games come over and do it in about 10 seconds....lol.)   

So, it once again has been proven...I am not a game player...hee hee.

God Bless!

Making a list and checking it twice

So, this morning has gone really well.  I started my day by doing something really crazy.  I didn't actually make a list.  (eventhough we all know how much I love the list)  I just decided what I was going to do today.  With 5 things, it's not that big of a list, so even I can remember that.

Here was today's starter list.  I have to finish this before I can do anything else.
#1.  Take a shower
#2.  Paint my toe nails
#3.  Dry load of clothes
#4.  Get clothes out of dryer
#5.  Start give away stack in hallway  (for my other 5 things that are happening!!)

So, this list is finished.  I, of course, did a few other things like fed myself and my son.  We tossed the football in the house.  (Really, not a good idea.)  I played on FB and typed this post.  I got rid of 5 things off the fireplace mantle and off my dresser upstairs. 

Now, for the afternoon I will need to make a new list of things to do.  I'm thinking that it will go something like this.

#1.  Do some math with my little man.
#2.  Do a load of whites (although...does that count as more than one??)
#3.  Throw away 5 things off kitchen counter.
#4.  Vacuum living room.
#5.  Work on a crochet blanket with my son.  (We won't finish this, but we'll work on it for 15-20 min...or as long as he lasts.)

So, this is where I am for the day.  I hope your day is moving as smoothly as mine is so far.

God Bless!!

5 Little Things

I am really shocked at how the getting rid of 5 things a day has motivated me.  (See post from yesterday...or maybe the day before, I've lost track of time.) 

I started small.  I got rid of 5 things from my purse.  From there I realized that I could get rid of 5 more things from my purse.  So, to the trash can I went.  Yesterday, I am happy to say that 20 things found a happy home in my trash can.  That was all from my purse.  Mind you, that was bubble gum wrappers, receipts, and store flyers...but still, awesome, right?!?!

I was so excited from the purse purge that I went to the fridge.  Okay, so 5 things found their way to the trash from there.  Woo Hoo!  Totally rockin, right?  I thought so.

By the time my husband got home from work, the place looked amazing.  That's what you were thinking, wasn't it?  Well, you would be wrong.  I took on the master bath cabinets next.  Holy cow, what was I thinking?  I threw away all kinds of crap.  What was I doing with all of that stuff anyway?  If you can't answer it, you know that I sure can't.  I tore the cabinet on my side all out.  I consolidated things and threw out things.  It was enlightening.  Whew!  I found some soap that had fallen over and spilled...ugh!!

By the time I went to bed, I was pooped...absolutely, tee-totally pooped. 

This morning, I got rid of some more things.  :)  I gave all of my kids barbie dolls and barbie supplies to an adorable little girl who is super excited about having more.  (Way more than 5 things there...yeah!)

The evening brought another cleaning sweep.  More things in the trash...and with everything finding the trash...I just feel like a weight is being lifted off me.  It's awesome.

So, here's my conclusion.  I am totally happy if I only throw away/give away, etc. 5 little things a day, but if I feel so motivated to do more...than so be it.

Happy purging to anyone else joining me on this journey & God Bless!
   

Insecurities

Why is it no matter how old I am I sometimes feel insecure?  Take this blogging for instance...I worry that what I write is less than stellar.  Pathetic, isn't it?  Oh, and then I get frustrated because I want more people to read what I write.  What is this high school all over?  What a stinkin' nightmare?!?!  Really,  not kidding here.

My husband and I always talk about these things.  He talks about how I had more friends in school than I did and I roll my eyes and say the same thing to him.  Then, we do the same thing for now.  We talk about how he has more friends and I talk to children all day.  Ha.  Great conversationalist, aren't we?

This is my life.  I'm still, wait for it...ready...human!  I know, crazy, right?  I'm insecure.  Many days I feel (how does that Beauty and the Beast song go?? oh..) "Flabby, fat and lazy.."  hee hee   It's just part of it.  Of course, there are days, when I feel like super mom, but that doesn't happen super often...but, sometimes really I do feel awesome!!  Woo Hoo.  (It's like 1 day every month when I've had way too much chocolate a soda...lol)

I think that it's really important to realize that everyone has these days.  And, as Christians we should spend time each day trying to lift other people up.  So, I'm going to work at being more uplifting with other people.  Maybe a compliment a day to 1-2 people at least would be a great start. 

Just a thought.....

God Bless

5 Things a Day

I have too much stuff in my house.  The problem is I keep bring in more stuff!!  So, I'm thinking that for every "thing" that I bring into the house, I need to take one thing out.  Obviously this excludes food...it eventually goes out in the end.  HA HA HA HA  Sorry, that was terrible.

Oh, and I think I need to also remove 5 other things from my house a day.  Whether it be 5 pieces of paper or 5 pieces of clothing.

You know, really I think the five things could go so much farther.  I think I can take it to a whole new level.  We all know I like lists.  What if I limit my lists to 5 reasonable things to do per day.  Then, when I get those finished, I can make a list of 5 more.  Hmmmmm.

Okay, time to throw things away.  If you see my kids by the trash, please let me know I've taken this a step too far!

God Bless

My boys and their toys

So, I'm watching my boys play my husband's Christmas present.  Yes, I said Christmas present.  I told my husband what I was getting him and after a few days of "Oh, I really don't need that,"  he and his son went and picked one up a few days early...lol.

Yes, we officially have a PS3 in our home now.  It's definitely not for me.  I have no desire to play the games at all, but it's really funny to watch the two of them playing. 

They are driving cars and crashing into things.  There is much laughing and wiggling around as they try to get their cars to do what they want them to do.  My son is also adding some extra car and crash noises when he does things....so cute.

I think this will give me some time to blog and crochet.  This could be a win-win.

God Bless!

I'm back and on the Road to??

Well, after a few days off for the holiday season there were many conclusions that I have drawn.  Here they are.

1.  I have an addictive personality.  Whether it be blogging, facebook, scrapbooking, eating, cooking, etc...I am there!!  Now, why oh why can't that translate into exercising, spiritual development, and other really wonderful and worthwhile things?

2.  My husband and I need to go on more dates.  I really enjoy when we have time out and away.  It's so easy to get caught up in everyday things and not enjoy each other.

3.  I worry so much that I am ill equipped to teach my children.  I am always concerned that I am not doing enough or that my children are not going to do well.  Over the break, we received my middle daughter's reading test results.  She did really, really well.  I was very happy.  She has been homeschooled since K and she's now  in 3rd grade.  This was her first state test.  Ahhhh.  I'm okay.  Whew--ha ha ha

4.  I'm scared of dying.  I had to go to the emergency room over the holidays.  No, I didn't cut my finger in the kitchen again.  Before I left the house, I found myself kissing my children and thinking what if this was the last kiss they got from me.  I was worried for them.  I was okay for me...but I was worried for them.

There are so many things that I could go on and list, but I won't right now.  Right now, I am reflecting on what I have written and hoping that I can make sense out of what I have discovered.  I think that is what is truly important with self discovery--what you do with the information.  Where do you go from here?

Good luck on your road of self discovery and God Bless!

I love the library!!

If you haven't been to the library lately, you should go.  I absolutely love the library.  Although, I'm not sure who likes it more...me or the kids.  :o) 

Our biggest dilemma, when we go, is deciding how many books we can check out.  The kids always want to check out more than me.  Don't get me wrong, I love that..but whew..it makes our library basket over flow at home.

So, that being said, my eldest is checking out 5 this time.  My middle daughter is checking out 1 HUGE book.  And, my youngest...he has a whole pile of them.  He decided he wanted to read about fire trucks this time.  We went back for one book and it was down hill from there....twelve books later....lol.

Now, some of you may think wow that's not much!  Uh, we are taking it easy this week since we are having company.  There is no reason for them to have tons of books.  The plan is for them to visit with their cousins.  :o)

I hope you all visit and enjoy your library.  If you live close by, please go to one of our incredible branches here.  We have an amazing library system!!  (Go Columbus Metropolitan Library System!) I am so lucky to live here.

p.s.  I have two great friends that work at the library---HI!!  You guys rock!

Happy Reading and God Bless

Being positive & Thankful

I'm trying to be positive today.  Here goes...

I'm positive that I have at least 8 loads of laundry to do.
I'm positive that my nose is runny and it will be raw from the blowing by the end of the day.
I'm positive that I need to go to the store and it will be busy.
I'm posistive that my list will not even be close to getting finished today.
I'm positive that when my sister comes, the floors will still need to be mopped, the rooms dusted and laundry will still be dirty.

whew...

I'm thankful that I can do those 8 loads of laundry.  I can go up and down my stairs.  I have children that God has blessed me with.
I'm thankful that I am able to wipe my own nose.  How lucky am I that I only have a cold this holiday season?  There are so many others who are so very, very sick this day. 
I'm thankful that I can afford to go to the store today.  I will be buying cans of food for the outreach at church today also.  I'm thankful that I can help others.
I'm thankful that I have things to do.  I can't imagine having a life where I sit and feel like I'm empty and alone with nothing to fill me.
I'm thankful that my sister is coming.  I'm thankful that she doesn't care or judge about my messy house and dirty floors.  She loves me for who I am.  I am thankful and blessed to have a sister who loves me through thick and thin (even when we hate each other...lol) no matter what.

Thank you for sharing a moment with me and God Bless!

Facebook Inspires Me...

There are days when I'm sitting at home feeling sort of alone in this world.  I know I'm not, but I still feel like I am.  Over and over I tell myself that it's completely irrational.  How can I feel all alone in this world when I'm always surrounded by people?  Somehow, I manage.

I feel like I don't fit it.  I feel as though I don't belong.  I still feel like a teenager who isn't quite sure of what to say when they are standing around the "cool kids" at school. 

About a year ago, facebook came along.  I wasn't an instant fan.  I'm not a technology person.  Give me a computer and I can turn it on...and that's about it.  I've enjoyed email in the past, but I don't like to always communicate through email.  I think it's cold and distant.  Email is a great way to get thoughts and words out quickly, but things can be taken out of context.  I think in person or on the phone communication is always the best way to go. 

That being said, after a while with facebook I realized what an amazing tool it could be.  It breaks down barriers.  There are people from all walks of life who talk to each other.  You can connect with old friends and make new ones through your current friends.  It's absolutely wonderful!!  I do think that you should use caution because many of the various applications, etc.  Just like with anything in life can be time consuming and can take you away from other things you should be doing...trust me I had to finally stop playing the games because they just suck you dry!  ugh

Okay, now why am I going on and on about facebook.  Well, I really enjoy listening to other people talk about their faith on facebook.  It is sometimes the kick in the pants that I need to jump start my day.  No, I don't believe I have to re-post a quote or I'm not going to heaven.  I just love seeing faith so open and free.  We are so lucky to be able to speak about our faith.  What an invaluable tool in sharing our life, faith and our beliefs.

Today I was inspired by a post on facebook.  "God can turn your tests and trials into your testimony."  I have a couple of friends who are going through a great deal right now.  I'm not naming names, but if you're reading this and you need prayers...then, I've lifted you up in prayer as I've written this.

Remember those who are struggling today and God Bless

I've been thinking.

I know, I know...that's a really scary thing.  I think that I want to try and post three different things each day.  First, I can ramble and post about random thoughts each day.  (I need a pressure relief valve for all of these loose things in my head.)  Second,  I think where we are in school or a homeschooling project or idea might be fun.  Finally, I'm thinking that I want to share something faith based everyday.  It might be a scripture, thought or song for the day.  I might even throw out a fun project idea for the time of year. 

These are just things I've been rolling around in my noggin.  It's not much, but it's mine. 

For those of you reading, thanks for sharing this moment with me and God Bless.

Step away from the pan, step away from the pan!!

This is what I was screaming inside my head as I scooped up my 3rd plate of mushrooms, onions and chicken.  Ugh!  I'm shoving it in my face right now and I'm going to finish it because I've been taught to clean my plate.  I swear it has nothing to do with the fact that I have NO willpower when it comes to food. 

Oh, oh here's one.  I went to the store last night craving something.  Everyone realizes that's a big fat NO NO...right??  Well, obviously I wasn't listening to the voices in my head.  (My therapist said those would eventually go away with the medication--hmmmm.)  So, my daughters and I went into Wal-Mart, which is crazy right now (just a quick fyi).  We were doing fine until I went down the juice isle.  :(  It was downhill from there people.  It was so sad.  I'm sure you're thinking what did you do???

I wanted it all.  I couldn't decide.  So, I got two bottles of cran-apple, 1 bottle of white grape juice, 1 bottle of dark grape juice and 1 bottle of peach grape juice.  UGH!!  Usually when I do something crazy like that I can walk around the store and convince myself that I'm being absolutely silly and need to put it back.  (chips and Oreos frequently hit my basket like this...)  However, it was nasty out...so I hurried us to the exit.

I'm sitting here with my 3rd plate of food and a cup of juice.  Ha Ha Ha.  You know what?  It's SO yummy together.  I put all the other juice away and I'm saving it for when my sister comes to visit.

Prayers to those that don't have money to buy groceries and don't have the luxury of filling their plate a 3rd time.

God Bless

Why I should never start cleaning.

So, I made my list today. I'm totally a list person. Sometimes I will complete something that I didn't have on my list and then add it to my list just so I can mark it off. (I know you do it too!!) Anywho, today on my list was clean out the dishdrainer. Seems innocent enough, right? NOT!!

It has morphed into some absolutely crazy kitchen project. How does this happen? I emptied the drainer...only to realize that the mugs that had been sitting in there really didn't fit in my cabinet. SO, I moved the mugs around in my cabinet which began a heated debate with my children, which somehow I lost, on whether or not we should get rid of any mugs. Then, the shifting of cups, moving of plates...the list goes on and on. I'm still not finished, but I had to stop the madness and review quizes, read a story, go over plurals, discuss fact vs. opinion and make lunch...woo hoo!!

As I sit here eating my soup, which is quite yummy by the way, I'm thinking that I've gotten not much done on my list of things I originally had written down. Why is it I need to see things marked off? I've had a productive day.

Here are some of the things I've done so far.
1. A load of dishes...they are put away too! woo hoo
2. Two loads of laundry...dried, folded and hanging--ready to put away
3. Dinner is in the crock pot going as I type.
4. We are done with school for the day.--although I'm thinking I want them to do more. (mwahahaha--that was my evil laugh by the way)
5. I got out of bed this morning. Okay, I'm just sayin'

This is why I make lists...I'm looking at this thinkin' I need to do more. ugh!! I really think I've made my point. I should NEVER start cleaning!!

Happy rainy day & God Bless

Plants = Good

I'm not sure why, but I really like having plants in the house.  For some strange reason I always feel like I can breathe better with plants in the house.  Seriously, I don't think 1 or 2 small house plants are going to make that much difference.

I currently have 3 house plants and some cuttings (thanks to my little man).  Things are starting to grow and multiply around the house.  I'm talking about the plants people!  We're definately not talking multiplication facts...no one seems to like those either!  Ugh.  That's another post.

As I sit here writing, I'm thinking that I need to expand my plant color palate.  Everything is really green.  Don't get me wrong, I like green.  But, a little splash of color might be nice too.  Hmmm.  That's something to think about.  What kind of plant do I want to add? 

Thanks for sharing a moment with me and God Bless!

Spectacular Sunday!

What an amazing Sunday we had today!  First, I was able to sleep in...woo hoo!  I don't really know how it can get any better than that, do you?  Don't get me wrong, I enjoy getting up and saying "Good morning Lord" vs. "Good Lord it's morning"; however, I really like doing it a bit later in the morning.  I'm just not a morning person.  Although, I'm really not a night owl either.  Hmm, is there such a thing as an afternoon person.  Wait, I really like my afternoon naps.  Okay, I'm good between 11am-1pm and 4pm-6pm.  Catch me during those times and you're good!!

Now, back to my families' spectacular Sunday!  We went to Mass.  My eldest was asked to serve.  She was so excited, she loves serving.  I was honored to teach CLOW for pre K-2nd.  They were so cute today.  :o)  After Mass we found out my middle daughter is going to be able to take server training this week and be commissioned at the end of the month.  She is SO happy.  Yeah!

After Mass, my children and husband went home while I attended a confirmation retreat meeting in the Loft.  It was a very productive meeting.  I like to feel productive.

After the meeting my husband picked me up and we went on a date...to the store!!  Woo Hoo!  We went to Wal-Mart.  Top that!!!  Oh, yeah it was a rockin' time...seriously, it was nice to be together, but people are starting to get crazy this time of year.  We went ahead and bought some staple items that would mean we wouldn't have to do as much "hard core" shopping during the holiday season.  Really, the crowds are crazy!!

Then, my fabulous husband made dinner while I sat around and did nothing.  Nice, right??  We cleaned up and are now watching Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.  Although, as I look around, I'm really not certain where my youngest has run off.  He's probably in his room building something.  Better yet, he probably has the glue, tape, and scissors somewhere and is making some incredible thing that will both fascinate and enthral me.

I am a lucky wife and mother!

Happy Sunday and God Bless!

What happens when...

...I run out of things to say?  No, really I've been thinking about this today.  This whole blogging "thing" is like anything else we all start.  You can't seem to set it down at first.  It's all consuming.  I know, I know, it's like a new toy!! 

Do I have the drive to stick with it?  Can I maintain this?  (What is this a diet or exercise program?  ha ha ha)

It just feels so good to put these words down and get them out of my head.  Don't get me wrong, I don't have that much up there.  But, what I do have up there sometimes makes me crazy.

So, we'll see what happens.  If I have something to say, I'll say it.  If there's nothing up there and I'm empty then my page will be too!!

Happy Readings and God Bless!

Why, Oh Why??

Why is it when the kids leave the room I find myself still watching their shows?  That is SO wrong.  The problem is I won't notice it for a good 15 minutes or so. 

I'll just be sitting there watching them.  The show will be making me laugh...and then IT hits me!  I'm watching cartoons.....aughh!

Happy t.v. watching/or not and God Bless!

A Blogging Dilemma

My first blogging dilemma. How much is too much? I've had a great day. I want to write about it. I'm wondering if I should limit the length of entry. Hmmm.

God Bless!