And so it begins...

Kindergarten. WOW. How does it happen so fast?

Catching up and moving on...

I realized I needed to post this photo for those of you who remember this post from May of 2008. Really funny to me how it reflects where we are at these days. In a "time out" of sorts. Sorting, still unpacking, trying to have some stability, enjoying new changes, and trying to just be for a while. I am working on catching up on my blog. Thinking it's a good thing to go back once in a while and catch what I may have missed (like this photo). That way, I feel like I can move on. A good clean out is good. Organizing thoughts and plans is a fun thing to do. So, enjoy the photo and be looking for lots more posts coming up soon as I work my way through all of my old posts. I look forward to moving forward with you. XO

P.S. I miss times like these.

AND, wow...what a great reminder to self I need right now!

AND, really still liking this...
"It takes a lot of courage to release the familiar and seemingly secure. To embrace the new. But there is no real security in what is no longer meaningful. There is more security in the adventurous and exciting. For in movement there is life. And in change there is power.
-Alan Cohen

Some photos that make me smile...

Been having a tough time over here, but these make me smile. Lots going on, lots to do, lots to pray about, lots to fix, lots to learn, lots to work on, lots to solve. I know with God, it will all work out just fine. XO

I wish...

That everyone could get along.
For a rainbow everyday.
For everyone to feel healthy and happy all the time.
For world peace.
That things didn't wear out, people didn't die, and...
For more time in the day.



So, the other day Emery and I were in the drive-thru at McDonalds. As I go to pull out, this man in a truck behind me yells, "Get out of the way!" Ok, how rude. Wow. I really think something sad is happening to our world. It seems that people are getting more impatient these days. I really think we all just need to slow down and have some patience with each other. After all, we are in this together, yeah? What happened to the days when people took their time and actually had time? What happened to the days when people actually cared for the real answer and not just, "good" to the question "how are you?" No, really...how are you? I purposely do not do the self check out lines because I need to deal with a real person. I don't like the automated phone systems because I need a real person. I like people. I like talking with the check out lady or guy and really understanding how their day is going. I like getting to know the people at my favorite restaurant and having them use my name when I come in. I like running into people I know and like in stores or elsewhere. Ones that really care. I know there are good people in the world. Please join me in saying "amen" to that and I dare you next time you ask someone how they are, really expect and listen to how they really are. And, if you are that guy in line at McDonald's, understand that the lady in that car may be trying to deal with a 6 year old yelling at her to get the cool toy out already. Or, the person going too slow in your lane may just be trying to get his Grandma somewhere safely. Just think about how you would wish to be treated. How many more of you out there agree with me that we need more love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control in the world? Amen.

Shut down days

“Sometimes the most urgent thing you can possibly do is take a complete rest.”
--Ashleigh Brilliant

So, I had one of those days yesterday when you just don't feel like doing anything but resting. Apparently I was exhausted because I had absolutely no motivation! And, was very overwhelmed. I think it's ok sometimes and somedays to have "shut down" days. We need them. Rest is good. Because I allowed myself this, my motivation kicked into gear about 5pm and I cleared one corner of the kitchen counter, picked up from Friday night fun, and vacumned. Yeah! I am feeling so much better today even with the laundry overtaking our home because of plumbing issues! Checking out a few blogs also helped me to not feel so alone. Do you ever have "shut down" days? Oh...and btw...it's my 40th birthday today! WOW.

Hope.

Been busy, busy clearing our way towards lots of new dreams. I just know it's gonna be good! Will do a catch up post soon with lots of photos, k? Until next time...


"Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken winged bird that cannot fly."--Lanston Hughes

"I can see clearly now, the rain is gone."

So cool. That song keeps running through my head these days. Loving it. Been clearing a lot lately. It sure has been helping me in more ways than one. Took most of today to clear out our spare bedroom where a lot of clutter had built up. It's so fun to be able to walk in the hallway and also that room without running into things! Gonna take a break tomorrow (Sunday = rest day for me) and get back at it Monday. I am loving that clearing my clutter is also clearing my mind of negative thoughts too. Guessing more quiet time and this book are also helping a bit. Before I go for tonight, I want to share a story with you...

I was taking a bath earlier and looked up to see Emery's swimming trunks dripping. They are hanging to dry from the pool. My first response at the water falling at me was fear. I cringed and closed my eyes. Then, I thought of Kelly Rae's class and facing fears. So, I purposely watched that water drop fall. And, guess what? It did NOT fall on my face. And, you know what else? It was not just one drop...it was a triple drop...a large one that on the way down broke into three. It was so beautiful. It was art. Sounds kinda corny, but I thought it was pretty cool and a very good illustration of how when you face fear, most of the time you end up seeing things that are so beautiful that you never would have even imagined seeing if you had not. So cool. Thanks again Kelly Rae.

Where we have been lately...

Absolutely loving our local pool. Just being in the cool, fresh, blue water clears my head. Excited that Emery started swimming on his own today. WOW. After only 3 lessons! So cool. How is your summer going? Have you been in the water yet?

Dear world, please slow down.

This girl has been doing a whole lot of thinking lately. Good stuff. The one thing I am sure of is that we all need to slow down. On that note, I am going to be clearing a lot these days. Clearing emails 723 of them btw, clearing dishes off the counter that got unpacked, clearing the clutter, clearing boxes, clearing my favorites bar, clearing my head) Maybe clear should be my new one word for this year! Guessing it's going to be hard to have stability (my first one word for this year) before all the clearing. Learning these days that it's all about progression. First things first. I am going to take my time to do what I need to do even though I feel like with life happening so fast all around me; that I might miss out. It will be ok. I just know I need to do this to make room for some really special stuff to come my way. I'll keep you updated on how it's going. Who knows, maybe I will finally be able to post the before and afters on our kitchen remodle soon! What about you. Do you think the world needs to slow down a bit too? XOXO

Ads from my school days...

Curious which one you all like better? Leave me a comment and let me know, k?

And, oh my goodness...how much he has grown! WOW.

"Look Mom! It's wiggly-jiggly!"

Ok, how cute is he!? These new soaps we got the other day at the grocery store. I liked the cheap price. Who would have known he would love the shape! So cool. Oh, and btw...his next sentence was, "Mom. We should buy more of these!" So fun.

Visiting an old friend.

So, this class is so amazing. The women are inspiring and thoughtful and sweet. Kelly is the best. The true sense of her deepest soul open for all of us to see is such a breath of fresh air in what sometimes can be a stagnat world. More people should dare to be so open. We would all be so much better off. I have been soaking it all in and while I am still not ready to produce anything new with so many things in my life right now are already started and not finished, I have enjoyed taking some time to re-visit my work from school and prior play. I think I will share these with you as I can. These two pieces are just me playing in Corel paint. Such an old program, yet very fun. I have so much to learn, but I like the rawness of these two. Hope you enjoy! Loves...

Go! Sign up now. You will be so glad you did.

Join me on my journey with Kelly Rae and others! Click on that cute little button over there (pointing to the right) for more information. XO

Yep, it's official AGAIN!

So, his second tooth came out on Saturday morning. Wow. They sure do grow up too fast! I keep telling him to slow down but he keeps telling me he can't. Time just passes and passes and passes, doesn't it? Peace to you.

We are back!

So, isn't Utah just gorgeous!? WOW. We sure did enjoy our trip. Family, a very beautiful wedding, time off, fun, and lots of relaxing. Just what both of us so needed! Getting back into our routines here at home and trying real hard to not get overwhelmed by so much that needs to be done. Emery did wonderful on the planes back. I am so proud of him. And, wow...I cannot believe how grown up he looks in the plane photo! They sprout WAY too fast!!!!

Catching glimpses...

Of me. Loving that I am actually in this photo too via my shadow. So cool! Emery is enjoying the snow so much. I think it's melted now, but he would love to go again...

My favorite photos so far...

Really, really enjoying this process of a week in the life. I look forward to putting it all together. These are my favorite photos so far. Just Emery rolling on a hill, but I like the simpleness of it. A kid, a simple fun thing to do, and his joy. All good.

My little artist...

Nice, quiet days at home and look what happens. I am learning the art of calm and to appreciate.

Happy Easter to all...

May it be full of hope and joy and peace for all mankind. Amen.

You know you are frazzled when...

Oops! All day my friends...all day! Wow. I wondered why I got some weird looks yesterday! :)