Friday, November 11, 2011
Sunday, October 9, 2011
...my little football man...
I've never seen a little boy so excited about sports (so young) in general, but he especially digs football. He claps as soon as it comes on TV and watches happily with his uncle and his daddy. Not counting Cars, it's probably his favorite thing to watch.
Last week he went with us to the high school homecoming game. Here he is with his daddy, ready to go.
I found his super cute "Just try and tackle me" shirt in St. George while we were there a few weeks ago, I couldn't resist.
He sat on the steps with his cousins. (I wish I'd gotten a picture of him with Spencer who doted on him the entire time.)
He clapped, pointed, oohed and aahed enthusiastically nearly the entire game.
The rest of these pictures are how I found him tonight (In the super soft, comfy jammies bought for him by Uncle Jared) at Grandma's house. He was excited to see me, but only so long as I didn't interfere with the game. When I paused it, he squealed and kept squealing until I let him watch the game again. 
(As you can see, he's still pointing enthusiastically)
I don't know about you, but to me, this looks like the very picture of relaxation.
I love this little man. I can't help but smile when I see how his face glows. For football. For Cars, (which is why we've watched it no less than 50 times in the last week). At the discovery of so many things, new to him. Even in the depths of depression which still haunt so many of my days and nights, I can't help but smile. I thank my Father in Heaven every single day for my joyful, football watching, miracle boy.
Last week he went with us to the high school homecoming game. Here he is with his daddy, ready to go.
I found his super cute "Just try and tackle me" shirt in St. George while we were there a few weeks ago, I couldn't resist.
He sat on the steps with his cousins. (I wish I'd gotten a picture of him with Spencer who doted on him the entire time.)
He clapped, pointed, oohed and aahed enthusiastically nearly the entire game.
The rest of these pictures are how I found him tonight (In the super soft, comfy jammies bought for him by Uncle Jared) at Grandma's house. He was excited to see me, but only so long as I didn't interfere with the game. When I paused it, he squealed and kept squealing until I let him watch the game again. 
(As you can see, he's still pointing enthusiastically)
I don't know about you, but to me, this looks like the very picture of relaxation.
I love this little man. I can't help but smile when I see how his face glows. For football. For Cars, (which is why we've watched it no less than 50 times in the last week). At the discovery of so many things, new to him. Even in the depths of depression which still haunt so many of my days and nights, I can't help but smile. I thank my Father in Heaven every single day for my joyful, football watching, miracle boy.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Housework - Gag!
I was recently directed here from a comment thread on another blog, I read the post I'd been directed to; it's great, I highly recommend it. Then, I skimmed the side bar for anything of interest.
This popped out at me. Gag, is certainly one of the first reactions that comes to mind when I think of housework. That or cringe.
Then I conveniently think of something I need at the store, and while I'm at the store I decide we should go to Salt Lake and watch a movie or go to dinner. And I end up eating too much, including dessert. So when I get home, I'm a little fatter and my house is still dirty.
I don't know that I'll even go to the website she suggests in this post (if it still exists), but I really loved the suggestions she listed. Here they are for those of you who either don't want to go to the other site, or don't know how. (Don't be offended, I'm totally talking to my mom and she knows it!)
"You can't organize clutter; you have to get rid of it! In order to find peace in your home the clutter has to find a new place to reside.
Release your clutter. Spend just 15 minutes a day de-cluttering. When you bring home something new; get rid of something old."
Another thing she says is keep your kitchen sink clean ALL THE TIME. And it's amazing what a difference this one chore makes.
Her basic mantra is that we have to have routines/habits in place. If we don't, we can spend all day cleaning then the place just gets messy again immediately. But if we've developed routines/habits that we do almost automatically, we can keep the mess at bay.
Here is my daily schedule (to quote from an article I once wrote): think of it as B,B,C,D,F, which sounds like a poor report card but which stands for: Bed (make it), Bathroom (a quick swish and swipe while you're in there getting ready), Clutter (quick pick-up, especially working on the "hot spots" that gather stuff to them--I do this pretty much all day), Dishes (keeping the sink clean and empty), and Floors (sweep daily). There are many other chores we have to do of course (for example, she also talks about conquering Mount Washmore), but even if I do only these five things every day, I can keep the appearance of a tidy home and not panic if someone comes over unexpectedly.
Housework is a huge obstacle in my life, it's gotten to the point where I've quit even trying to stay afloat and just let myself sink below the surface. I'm hoping that this gem of a discovery will help me find a place to start.
This popped out at me. Gag, is certainly one of the first reactions that comes to mind when I think of housework. That or cringe.
Then I conveniently think of something I need at the store, and while I'm at the store I decide we should go to Salt Lake and watch a movie or go to dinner. And I end up eating too much, including dessert. So when I get home, I'm a little fatter and my house is still dirty.
I don't know that I'll even go to the website she suggests in this post (if it still exists), but I really loved the suggestions she listed. Here they are for those of you who either don't want to go to the other site, or don't know how. (Don't be offended, I'm totally talking to my mom and she knows it!)
"You can't organize clutter; you have to get rid of it! In order to find peace in your home the clutter has to find a new place to reside.
Release your clutter. Spend just 15 minutes a day de-cluttering. When you bring home something new; get rid of something old."
Another thing she says is keep your kitchen sink clean ALL THE TIME. And it's amazing what a difference this one chore makes.
Her basic mantra is that we have to have routines/habits in place. If we don't, we can spend all day cleaning then the place just gets messy again immediately. But if we've developed routines/habits that we do almost automatically, we can keep the mess at bay.
Here is my daily schedule (to quote from an article I once wrote): think of it as B,B,C,D,F, which sounds like a poor report card but which stands for: Bed (make it), Bathroom (a quick swish and swipe while you're in there getting ready), Clutter (quick pick-up, especially working on the "hot spots" that gather stuff to them--I do this pretty much all day), Dishes (keeping the sink clean and empty), and Floors (sweep daily). There are many other chores we have to do of course (for example, she also talks about conquering Mount Washmore), but even if I do only these five things every day, I can keep the appearance of a tidy home and not panic if someone comes over unexpectedly.
Housework is a huge obstacle in my life, it's gotten to the point where I've quit even trying to stay afloat and just let myself sink below the surface. I'm hoping that this gem of a discovery will help me find a place to start.
Monday, September 26, 2011
... eat drink and be merry ...
... for tomorrow I start the Weight Watchers online program!
This is yet another step in my journey toward a happier, healthier me.
This is yet another step in my journey toward a happier, healthier me.
A friend of the furry persuasion.
I came back from my break to find that we had a new friend in dispatch. Wish I could keep him. He's super cute and (although also very high energy) very well behaved.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Look at that face!!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Monday, September 5, 2011
Back on the wagon again!
Confession...
Several months ago I made a couple of goals, kick the caffeine and run on the treadmill. I don't think I made it a week. Weak, right? I know.
I've decided (and this has been coming for quite a long time) that something drastic has got to change. In my experience, for anything drastic to change, I have to be held accountable, to myself at the very least. So, I'll be checking in here at least once a month, but hopefully more like once a week. I'll list how I've done on my goals and track the progress I'm making.
I've acquired a couple of things to help me on my way. First, I bought these...
Several months ago I made a couple of goals, kick the caffeine and run on the treadmill. I don't think I made it a week. Weak, right? I know.
I've decided (and this has been coming for quite a long time) that something drastic has got to change. In my experience, for anything drastic to change, I have to be held accountable, to myself at the very least. So, I'll be checking in here at least once a month, but hopefully more like once a week. I'll list how I've done on my goals and track the progress I'm making.
I've acquired a couple of things to help me on my way. First, I bought these...
from Strive Running Co. My dad found a jogging stroller for us at a killer price... $5, killer! And since Heavenly is in the academy he needs to be running more than the 10+ miles/week he's already been running, I've got myself a running partner.
One of my co-workers made the decision to quit drinking soda pop starting today and I decided that'd be a great time for me to do the same. He bought us these...
Saturday, August 27, 2011
9 tips for surviving rough times with a smile
I found this article here. I loved this advice, I hope it helps you too.
Question:
How do people stay positive when things are really rough? I know we can’t be the only family struggling to keep our heads above water. Could you give us any tips for getting through the discouragement? How can we stay happy in the face of huge setbacks and problems?
Answer:
I’m so glad you asked this question because you are definitely not alone. Most families are experiencing some fear and stress about their situations right now.
Here are nine tips for surviving rough times with a smile.
1. Understand that even if you can't control outside circumstances, you can decide how you want to experience them. Since negativity will get you nowhere, choose a positive attitude even if it’s ridiculously optimistic. Refuse to dwell in fear.
Consciously choose to trust that you will make it through and gain strength and wisdom from this experience. Every situation makes you a better person and this one will serve you in some way. Choose to believe good things are coming. They might be – you don’t know what’s around the next corner and it’s more enjoyable to expect the best than the worst.
2. Remember this won’t last forever. Life is cyclical and you will always have your ups and downs. Life is a beautiful mix of blessings and challenges. Whether things are good or bad, it won’t last forever. Decide to accept the impermanent nature of life. Those who expect it to always be easy will always be disappointed. Try to embrace the difficult times as a perfect and inevitable part of your journey.
3. Hang out with positive people. Avoid negative people who wallow in their stories of woe. Misery loves company but it doesn’t have to be yours. Choose to associate with people who think positive. Make friends with people who are problem solvers and motivated to create good things in their lives. It will rub off on you.
4. Read encouraging, uplifting books and listen to upbeat, happy music. Choose books that give you a fresh perspective on life and music that makes you want to dance. A library card and listening to the radio are both free. The personal development author and speaker Og Mandino wrote about the night his life fell apart. He thought about killing himself but decided to go to the library instead. He read every book he could find on positive thinking and it changed his life. It could change yours.
5. Start a gratitude journal. Focus on what you do have. Enjoy even the smallest of blessings and treasure every simple happy moment. Take time each day to write down five things you are grateful for. You’ll be amazed at how blessed you really are.
6. Work on your spirituality. Research shows that those who practice faith and maintain a relationship with God live longer and more satisfying lives. Turn your worries over to a higher power and practice faith.
7. Laugh as much as possible. Laugh together as a family. Watch funny movies, read joke books and keep your sense of humor alive. Watch "Wipeout" or "America's Funniest Home Videos." For some reason watching other people fail really cheers you up. When we were struggling we often laughed about just how bad off we were. We had nothing more to lose so we just had to laugh at it.
8. Reach out to others who are worse off than you. Get your focus off your own problems. Perform acts of service. Find a place to volunteer. Service will change your perspective. You will feel better right away.
9. Get some help. A little professional help could make a huge difference especially if you are feeling depressed. You are in charge of your destiny so get some help to change the course of your life. There are many life coaches, counselors and therapists in your area to call on.
"A great attitude does much more than turn on the lights in our worlds; it seems to magically connect us to all sorts of serendipitous opportunities that were somehow absent before the change. Our attitude toward life determines life's attitude towards us." - Earl Nightingale
Kimberly Giles is the founder and president of LDS Life Coaching and www.claritypointcoaching.com. She is a sought after life coach who has a popular radio show LIFEadvice on Utah's AM 1430 Saturday Mornings at 8 a.m. MST
Question:
How do people stay positive when things are really rough? I know we can’t be the only family struggling to keep our heads above water. Could you give us any tips for getting through the discouragement? How can we stay happy in the face of huge setbacks and problems?
Answer:
I’m so glad you asked this question because you are definitely not alone. Most families are experiencing some fear and stress about their situations right now.
Here are nine tips for surviving rough times with a smile.
1. Understand that even if you can't control outside circumstances, you can decide how you want to experience them. Since negativity will get you nowhere, choose a positive attitude even if it’s ridiculously optimistic. Refuse to dwell in fear.
Consciously choose to trust that you will make it through and gain strength and wisdom from this experience. Every situation makes you a better person and this one will serve you in some way. Choose to believe good things are coming. They might be – you don’t know what’s around the next corner and it’s more enjoyable to expect the best than the worst.
2. Remember this won’t last forever. Life is cyclical and you will always have your ups and downs. Life is a beautiful mix of blessings and challenges. Whether things are good or bad, it won’t last forever. Decide to accept the impermanent nature of life. Those who expect it to always be easy will always be disappointed. Try to embrace the difficult times as a perfect and inevitable part of your journey.
3. Hang out with positive people. Avoid negative people who wallow in their stories of woe. Misery loves company but it doesn’t have to be yours. Choose to associate with people who think positive. Make friends with people who are problem solvers and motivated to create good things in their lives. It will rub off on you.
4. Read encouraging, uplifting books and listen to upbeat, happy music. Choose books that give you a fresh perspective on life and music that makes you want to dance. A library card and listening to the radio are both free. The personal development author and speaker Og Mandino wrote about the night his life fell apart. He thought about killing himself but decided to go to the library instead. He read every book he could find on positive thinking and it changed his life. It could change yours.
5. Start a gratitude journal. Focus on what you do have. Enjoy even the smallest of blessings and treasure every simple happy moment. Take time each day to write down five things you are grateful for. You’ll be amazed at how blessed you really are.
6. Work on your spirituality. Research shows that those who practice faith and maintain a relationship with God live longer and more satisfying lives. Turn your worries over to a higher power and practice faith.
7. Laugh as much as possible. Laugh together as a family. Watch funny movies, read joke books and keep your sense of humor alive. Watch "Wipeout" or "America's Funniest Home Videos." For some reason watching other people fail really cheers you up. When we were struggling we often laughed about just how bad off we were. We had nothing more to lose so we just had to laugh at it.
8. Reach out to others who are worse off than you. Get your focus off your own problems. Perform acts of service. Find a place to volunteer. Service will change your perspective. You will feel better right away.
9. Get some help. A little professional help could make a huge difference especially if you are feeling depressed. You are in charge of your destiny so get some help to change the course of your life. There are many life coaches, counselors and therapists in your area to call on.
"A great attitude does much more than turn on the lights in our worlds; it seems to magically connect us to all sorts of serendipitous opportunities that were somehow absent before the change. Our attitude toward life determines life's attitude towards us." - Earl Nightingale
Kimberly Giles is the founder and president of LDS Life Coaching and www.claritypointcoaching.com. She is a sought after life coach who has a popular radio show LIFEadvice on Utah's AM 1430 Saturday Mornings at 8 a.m. MST
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