31 in 31 - Day 2

Ironically, I took a picture this morning that I had in my head of what I wanted today's picture to be; I won't say what it is because I might take it again on another day and add it :-)  Instead this one just "happened".  I took my boys on an adventure today - we went to a Farmers Market and than to the mall.  We had lunch together - Josh and I shared, Nate got his own applesauce :-)  Than we did some window shopping.  I took time to put $0.75 in one of those little kiddy rides - Bob the Builder; Josh was very intrigued.  Than we went to the "plastic food playground"!!  You know the one - in the middle of the mall with plastic eggs, bacon, and other breakfast foods for kids to climb all over?  We had gone one other time and Josh was extremly overwhelmed with it all but not today - as soon as we got in there, he took off to play.  The nice thing is that Nate is a HUGE crawler and he is pulling himself up on everything so he got to play just as much.  We all had so much fun - my 21 month old dare devil stood on things with shaky feet, jumped off of things with courage, and always came running back to me just to make sure life was good :-)  Seriously, I hadn't backed out of the parking spot when my little guy was out cold LOL  Wouldn't it be great to rest like that?  To sit down and have your eyes be rolling back in your head before you had time to know it was happening?  Most nights, I lay there for an hour or more - oh to be like a toddler :-) 

So here's my picture for the day - what's yours?  Let me know so I can check it out!!

Song of the Week - "He Is" by Mark Schultz

The song I have chosen this week is "He Is" by Mark Schultz.  The first time I heard this song I just couldn't get it out of my head; now everytime I hear it, I crank the radio and recently picked up the soundtrack so I can work on it for a special.  I love the simple truth of "He is", "He was" , and "He always will be" - no matter what!!!  Not to mention that Mark Schultz is such an awesome singer and songwriter!  This song was not availabe through my player for now so I added it as a Youtube video.  When you go to play it, make sure and pause my regular player so you don't get dueling songs! (The players are at the very bottom of this blog so just keep scrolling!!!)

31 in 31

Recently I saw this idea posted on a blog that I follow (Living our Love Song) This blog is written by a woman who has faced a great trial recently and I have enjoyed reading blog - she is very honest and open about her life and the hurt they have felt but also shares the joy she is finding.  I was encouraged by her to incorporate this into my blog so here goes!  (Check on my list of blogs I follow to link up to her blog!)

The idea is to take 31 pictures over the course of the next 31 days and post them.  Now, I would LOVE to be a great photographer (it's on my list of 40 things to do before I'm 40!!) but currently I am limited by my lack of talent and my regular camera but that isn't going to stop me!  I am starting this challenge today - to look for that one picture each day that represents me; or stands out; or makes me think.  I want to LOOK for it , not just take it. When I am done, I'm going to take those 31 pictures and put them into a photo book . . I'm thinking about writing a story (now there's a challenge) so it can become one of the books my kids read too.  We'll see if that happens since I'm only so creataive!  But I also started thinking about other times this idea would be great:
1) The birth of a new baby - take one picture for the first 31 days of the new life and put them into a photo book to share
2) Graduation - take pictures the last 31 days before your child graduations (or YOU graduate) and place them into a photobook.  What a great way to remember all of the excitment from those last 31 days. OR your childs first 31 days of K-5???
3) Birthdays - either the 31 days before the birthday - ending with that shot with the cake or start with the birhtday and the first 31 days of the new "year".  I think this would be great for milestones - if you are turning 40 - take pictures of your last 31 days in your 30's. 
4) What about Christmas?  I decorate my whole house for Christmas over the course of November - so maybe the 31 days of decorating to show the transformatoin from "regular" to "holiday" - what a great coffee table book for the holiday??
5) Just the every day - aren't there always times we  wish we had taken more pictures - so start today and for the next 31 days, pick out that one shot, and create a memory of the next month. 

If you chose to take this challenge - make sure and post a comment so I can follow your 31 days too!!

So here is day one - August 11, 2010 - This picture is of my dog, China; my very scared dog who has no where to hide except behind this chair now that we keep more doors closed.  There was a HUGE storm this morning and she was just a shaking like crazy - this  picture just makes me feel so bad for her :-(

Reading List

One of the things that I really enjoy doing is reading.  I grew up in a family where we read every day; TV wasn't a big deal until I was in Junior High but we always had books.  My dad read to me every day - the whole Little House Series, Heidi, and more so it is no wonder I still love to read.  My library used to be huge but I have had to narrow it down the last few years to make room for kids - I went from 6 book cases to 2!!!  I went through my shelves a few years ago and took out all of the books I didn't really enjoy.   Now I am currently "reading through my library" to decided if there are more books I don't enjoy.  For fun, I am reading Wanda Brunstetter currently - she writes a lot of books about Amish.  I have to be honest and say I think all of the books I have been here are going up for sale on Half.com (I sell a lot of books on Half.com) . . .they are ok but I find that they are pretty simply written and, now that I"ve read them 3 times, I don't think I really care to read them again nor do I want to add to the sets I have either.  But, I'm also challenged to get away from the "fun reads" and read some books that teach me something or are deeper, more difficult to swallow - no brainers are good but my brain needs to stretch first.  So, one of my goals is to read a book a month - amazingly right now, I have books on my shelf that fit this challenge category and that is what I pulled from - most of them are books I feel I "should" read even though I'm not thrilled about them LOL  So, here's my list!

1) Along the Infant Way by Ezzo and Ezzo - This is a book that came  recommended to me by many people.  When I had Josh - I skipped straight to the meat of the book to read about schedules but never went back and read the rest of it.  I feel like I need to for my own benifit and so I can answer other's questions about this book and the topic.  Even though I'm almost out of this stage currently, I think the info is still probably good!

2) Along the Toddler Way by Ezzo and Ezzo - I planned to read this book before Josh turned 1; well that didn't happen. Luckily it is a SHORT book!!  Wonder what I"ll learn?

3) Humor for a Womans' Heart by a Variety of Artists - I just thought that after the above two books, I needed to lighten it up.  My mom gave me this book and said it was funny.

4.)In the Sanctuary of Outcasts a Memoir by Neil White - I started this book and had to put it down.  Couldn't really get into it but again, my parents both said it is a great book; something totally differant than either read and they weren't too sure about it at first.  I'm going to take the challenge on it and see if I can get through it! This is probably the one I"m the most leary about so who knows??
5) Woman Leaving the Workplace by Larry Burkett - My Pastor's Wife gave me this book to read when I was struggling to leave work and all of the things it would mean - not because I didn't want to leave work but because of WANTING to leave and making it work on one income.  I meant to read it before I quit but just didn't have the time so there is no time like now to read it :-)

Now, I am not currently recommending any of these books since I haven't read them - I'm just making my list which will take me through December.  I'm already working on my next list and am a little more excited about some of those . . .but first I must read these so that is my motivation!!! 

My challenge to you is what are you reading to stretch yourself, stretch your mind, challenge yourself.  It is easy to read the simple stuff - the stuff that takes us to another place.  But what about the books that make you focus?? 

How I've changed the way I pack

This past weekend my husband and I went away overnight.  In the past, I had gotten into the bad habit of using either bags (those re-usuable cloth grocery bags or misc bags I had around the house) or baskets to pack our stuff.  I would start out with twobags thinking I could pack all of Darryl's stuff in one and mine in the other . . than I would add a third for toiletries . .. and forth for shoes . . .a fifth for snacks . . you get the idea.  Than, when we would get to the hotel or where ever we were staying, we looked like bag people hauling in all of these bags.  I got "smarter" after a while and used a laundry basket to put all the bags in (wow, doesn't that look impressive LOL)  Even though he has never said anything, I know my husband did not enjoy carrying all of that stuff nor how it looked when we walked in anywhere.  So this time, I planned.   I decided, I didn't care if I needed to take our big suitcase even for one overnight trip, it would look better to roll in one large suitcase than to carry in 24 little ones.  But, I was able to pack a bathroom bag and a carry-on size suitcase.  We even had room left over.  Usually I cannot use the bathroom bag because stuff will not fit so, I organized it this time around. 

First, I had two plastic containers that fit side by side in the bag:

Now, one of the containers, I use every day.  It sits on my "vanity" shelf in my closet and holds my make-up and such.  I added my contacts/glasses to it.  Than in the other one I put things like our deoderant, medication, shaving stuff and so on.  This keeps all of those little things together.  When we got to the hotel, I just pulled out the containers and placed them on the sink; everything stayed together so it made packing to go home easier as well.

Than, I used the space left around the sides and top to add those things that don't fit in the containers:

Things like my body spray, hair gel and body wash fit along the side, shampoo and hairspray slide down along the front (not visable in the picture) leaving room on top for hair burshes.  The only thing that I don't fit in this bag now is my hairdryer (yes, most hotels have one which works for most people but, due to my curls, I must use a diffuser which only fits my hairdryer!)  My hairdryer fits nicely into our suitcase :-)

What a differance taking time to pack neatly did for us this weekend.  This bag hooks over the handle of it's matching suitcase, which than rolls making transporting very easy.  My husband thanked me several times for taking the time to do this - he commented on how nice it was to not have to carry all of that stuff!!

40 Things I want to do before I turn 40

I was reading another blog recently and I saw a post about 30 things she wanted to do before turning 30.  It got me thinking about things I would like to accomplish before I turn 40.  Now, let me clarify one thing first - I am not turning 40 for a LONG time!!  I have a little less than 2 years before I turn 40 - actually 21 months to complete 40 things so, that means I better get moving because 2 things a month is a lot!!!  I've thought about this list for a few days, read it over to myself and my husband and think that this pretty much nails it on the head.  What this really is when it comes down to it is the smaller version of the "Bucket List".  Did you see that movie?  I did and it really did make me think at the time - Darryl and I even made bucket lists on the way home from the movie.  Do I have any idea where those are now?  NOPE!!! LOL  When I made this list I tried to be half way realistic - sure I would love to spend the week in Paris with my husband but that is not going to happen in the next 21 months . .. I do the budget, I know ;-) !  These are things that, if I keep them at the forefront of my mind. .. . keep them in front of my eyes . . .I really think I can accomplish them.  Listed below are those 40 things with some explanation.  I am also going to post a simple list (no explanations) on the side of my blog and as I accomplish them I will let you know!  So, when is your next birthday . . .or your next "big" birthday.  What things do you want to accomplish?  I think as a stay-at-home mom . . or maybe especially as a stay-at-home mom . .. it is so easy to forget about our goals, our dreams, and our wishful accomplishments in order to make sure that our spouse and our children get all of theirs completed and live fulfilled lives.  Sure, I get fulfillment from helping them but I need time for myself too in order to persue those things I have an interest in.  Not only will it make me a better person .. . it will make me a better wife and a better mother to have life experiences too.  I have a friend who tells from time to time that I need to take time for myself; maybe I need to listen!  Darryl and I were just talking this weekend while we are enjoying some time with just the two of us and I told him that I really want to start going to scrapbooking crops again.  I stopped going when he started working two jobs because I felt quilty about leaving him to put the two kids to bed; it's a lot of work to do by yourself especiallly when you are exhausted.  He is willing to do it - I just feel bad; but now that I've told him that, I feel the freedom to actually leave him with the kids - who cares if they are still up when I get home :-) 

Here's my list :
1. Make a rag quilt (I bought the pattern in 2009 while in Shippshawana . .. .and I really want to make it!)
2. Learn to Belly Dance (yep, you read that right)
3. Take a ballroom dancing class with my husband
4. Be completely current on all scrapbooking projects
5. Finish my first quilt (that I started like 6 years ago)
6. Eat at the 1913 Room (Grand Rapids only 5 Diamond Restaurant . .. actually I think it is Michigan's only one!!)
7. Learn to make the perfect Cheesecake
8. Reach my goal weight (I thought it would be funny to put this one after the cheesecake!!)
9. Read through the Bible in one year (Never have done this; started it many times though!)
10. Plant a vegetable garden
11. Can beets, pickles, tomatoes, salsa and jam
12. Re-learn Claire Delune on the Piano (I played it at my high school senior piano recital)
13. Go to a regular season Lions Game (I would really love to go to the Thanksgiving game but any game would be fine)
14. Go to a bra specialist, get professionally fitted and buy two of the very expensive, perfectly fitting bra's (yes, ladies, you all know what I'm talking about!!)
15. Renovate my kitchen completely from top to bottom
16. Put myself on a bone morrow transplant list (one of those things I always think about but never research)
17. Attend a Sandi Patty concert (Yes I've been to a few but want to go again!)
18. Walk on the treadmill 4 days a week for three months (I usually quit after 3 weeks so many three months would make it a habit and MAYBE I would actually enjoy it by than!)
19. Be making $1000.00 a month from home to help our family
20. Take a cooking class (nothing major - just a one day cooking class or even a few Saturdays in a row just to learn something new)
21.  Take a pohotography class (I've wanted to do this for years but have struggled to find one for amateurs . . hopefully I can find one!)
22. Learn to make Jewelry and make myself a necklacle, bracelet, and a pair of earrings
23. Ride on one of the two Great Lake Boats that go from Muskegon or Ludington to Wisconson and back.
24. Take a train to CHicago and stay overnight downtown
25. See "Wicked" (I love the song "For Good" and would love to see it performed live)
26. See the Rockettes live
27. Watch the Harlem Globetrotters in person
28. Sew an apron (I like aprons but refuse to buy them . . need many for the kitchen, I get so dirty!  Plus I would like a craft apron for when the kids and I make crafts)
29. Cook "clean" for one week (been doing research on this one - don't think it would be a lifestyle change but I would like to see what I can change to make our eating better)
30. Attend a concert in the park (Picnic Pops!)
31. Do a sole sensations treatment on my feet (you know, the little fishy's that nibble on your toes!)
32. Join a book club (on-line or in person) and stick to it for 6 months
33. Invite Lisa LaPlante over for dinner, a local reporter from our local fox channel.  (It is a long story - if I accomplish it, I will tell you the story, if I don't you will never know!)
34. Get a German Shepherd
35. Make three specific photo books (can't give any more details - but when they are completed and given away, I will tell you!!)
36. Learn CPR
37. Eat at the longest breakfast table in Battle Creek (it's a festival)
38. Win a makeover from one of our local stations - either a home makeover or a personal makeover (I always see the contests, tell myself I should enter and never do; so I'm going to actively apply to all of them . . .every one; and see if I can win!!)
39. Potty trian both of my children (YES!!)
40. Take my husband to see the Christmas Lights and ride the train at Crossroads Village and Huckleberry Railroad. (he's never been!!)

If you decide to take on this challenge - drop me a comment on this post and give me your blog address or, if you don't have a blog, ask for an e-mail address and you can send it to me.  I'd love to read it!

"For Good" from Wicked

The first song of the week is "For Good" from Wicked.  Why would I choose this?  It has to do with why I even decided to start a blog - it is a song I first heard when I read the story about Preslee Sullenger whose story impacted me so much.  I was reading Ashley Sullenger's blog as that song started to play and, all I can say is, wow.  I know it impacted me so much at the moment because as I heard the words, I know that Ashley's had chosen it because of her little girl and it became a much more powerful song than if I had just heard it in passing.  Now as I hear the words below and take time to think of my friends, people I met in passing, those that I am able to serve and realize how important each of those contacts are even if it is just for a moment.

"I've heard it said that people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led to those who help us grow the most
If we let them and help them in return
Well I don't know if I believe that's true
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you . . ."

There is much more to this song so I hope you'll take time to listen to it - it has the top spot on my playlist currently :-)


** For the background of my weekly song read the Weekly Song Intro