Has anyone else had blogger issues the past week?
Blogger kept giving me error messages from both my computer and hubby's work laptop, and when I could load it - it seemed to not have any of my favorite blogs listed anymore...wiped clean. I was feeling a bit bummed - this was a big week - kindergarten, etc. Plus, I follow so many different friends and bloggers, I was sad at having lost them.
Luckily, it seems to be working again, and my lists are back! I hope to get some pics up and an update soon! Maybe even a video?
Much love!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Friday, August 7, 2009
Friday Five - Boost Edition
I am having a FANTASTIC Friday. It was a great ending to the last 3 GOOD days. I started taking care of my goddaughter E (almost 4 months old) and I can't say enough what a blessing she is to our lives. She enriches us. We've smiled and laughed more the last few days at this new soul in our house. I'm sure we'll have those days of screaming fits, or my "irish twins" (E and Valiant are 10 months apart) needing me at the same time creating some adorable chaos, but this week was such a great start. E fits right on in, no surprise there! I've always loved having my family, or my friends' kids over - so I'm so glad I can enjoy this more daily!
Lovely enjoyed her last weekday of summer before school too. We had her friends over for one last summer playdate. She had fun - I barely saw her lol. It was such a boost to be around kids and friends I haven't seen with our summer business. This summer has almost been maddening with its new events - but great! I'm ready for some routine again. Lovely has now gone for a sleepover at my parents, and Hubby and I are going gate shopping tonight - Valiant became a bottom scooter. It's hysterical! E was the perfect motivator to get her moving! all she wants is E - she calls her "Doggie" (everything smaller than her that moves is a doggie thanks to my sister's Westie dog) and will scoot anywhere to get to E, and attempt to touch her face hehe! I can't leave the two of them alone yet, Valiant does not know her strength! The rest of the weekend is family time, planning for next week's SCHOOL start (ACK!!) meal planning, and mass.
I thought I'd do my Friday Five with some favorite quotes from my daily readings. One of my favorite publications is the Daily Word - affirmations and reflections to remind us of being God's chosen child. They have an affirmation, an explanation, and a passage from scripture. It helps me during my low times, AND my good moments, to find my "rosey" outlook. I believe in the power of positive thinking, and the Trinity gracing it to me. The website gives the same readings I read in my magazine in the morning with my other devotionals.
1. "I am free in mind, body and spirit...spiritual freedom..has no limitations. I can choose how I fill my heart and mind. I can choose how I experience God, how I pray, and how I practice the presence of God in my daily life. Embracing freedom of Spirit, I break through any self imposed limitations and open myself to divine possibility...by choosing encouraging words, uplifting thoughts, and positive habits, I give full expression to my spiritual freedom." For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters - Galatians 5:13
2. "I am the one and only me...I may not think of myself as a creative person but I know that I have unique talents and gifts to share. For instance, art may appear on a canvas, or it may appear in a meal prepared with love. Some hands sculpt clay or play a musical instrument, and some gently hold the hand of a child. Wisdom can be found in books, but it can also be found in quiet conversation across the kitchen table...as I more fully express who I am, I bless others, and blessings flow back to me. I am creative, productive, and open to divine inspiration. I give my gifts to the world." Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit that is from God, so that we may understand the gifts bestowed on us by God. - 1 Corinthians 2:12
3. "I am attuned to the goodness of God...the gentle pattern of raindrops...enjoying a conversation with a friend, joining in laughter with loved ones - what blessings they are! Such simple pleasures are but a few of the abundant gifts from God that enrich my life's experience...I acknowledge my blessings one by one. As I do, I open my awareness to the goodness of God all around me. Truly I am blessed beyond measure." Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. - Psalm 37:4
4. "I am grateful...even if I am going through a challenging experience, I am grateful, for I know that good will come out of it. Will I learn of inner strength that I didn't know I had? Will I gain a renewed appreciation for my life and the people in it? I am grateful for my present circumstances, for I know they offer opportunities for growth. I thank God for the life I have been given and the life I am creating by seeing all the good in all that comes before me." Let us come into His presence with thanksgiving. - Psalm 95:2
5. "Wherever I am, God is, and all is well...if at any time today the order and harmony of some aspects of my life seem uncertain, I clear my mind of all concern. There is no need to worry. Just as season follows season, wave after wave, and sunrise follows sunset, all is well. I honor myself for the perfection that I am as one of God's creations. I know that I am in the right place at the right time. All that I do today and every day is blessed with God's goodness. With gratitude, I affirm: Wherever I am, God is, and all is well." My heart is steadfast O God, my heart is steadfast! - Psalm 108:1
I pray wherever this finds you, you know grace is pouring down on you...and even if the world fails you, or you limit yourself with worries and insecurities (So ME!!!) God will not. You are never alone!
In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit :)
Happy weekend! TGIF!
Lovely enjoyed her last weekday of summer before school too. We had her friends over for one last summer playdate. She had fun - I barely saw her lol. It was such a boost to be around kids and friends I haven't seen with our summer business. This summer has almost been maddening with its new events - but great! I'm ready for some routine again. Lovely has now gone for a sleepover at my parents, and Hubby and I are going gate shopping tonight - Valiant became a bottom scooter. It's hysterical! E was the perfect motivator to get her moving! all she wants is E - she calls her "Doggie" (everything smaller than her that moves is a doggie thanks to my sister's Westie dog) and will scoot anywhere to get to E, and attempt to touch her face hehe! I can't leave the two of them alone yet, Valiant does not know her strength! The rest of the weekend is family time, planning for next week's SCHOOL start (ACK!!) meal planning, and mass.
I thought I'd do my Friday Five with some favorite quotes from my daily readings. One of my favorite publications is the Daily Word - affirmations and reflections to remind us of being God's chosen child. They have an affirmation, an explanation, and a passage from scripture. It helps me during my low times, AND my good moments, to find my "rosey" outlook. I believe in the power of positive thinking, and the Trinity gracing it to me. The website gives the same readings I read in my magazine in the morning with my other devotionals.
1. "I am free in mind, body and spirit...spiritual freedom..has no limitations. I can choose how I fill my heart and mind. I can choose how I experience God, how I pray, and how I practice the presence of God in my daily life. Embracing freedom of Spirit, I break through any self imposed limitations and open myself to divine possibility...by choosing encouraging words, uplifting thoughts, and positive habits, I give full expression to my spiritual freedom." For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters - Galatians 5:13
2. "I am the one and only me...I may not think of myself as a creative person but I know that I have unique talents and gifts to share. For instance, art may appear on a canvas, or it may appear in a meal prepared with love. Some hands sculpt clay or play a musical instrument, and some gently hold the hand of a child. Wisdom can be found in books, but it can also be found in quiet conversation across the kitchen table...as I more fully express who I am, I bless others, and blessings flow back to me. I am creative, productive, and open to divine inspiration. I give my gifts to the world." Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit that is from God, so that we may understand the gifts bestowed on us by God. - 1 Corinthians 2:12
3. "I am attuned to the goodness of God...the gentle pattern of raindrops...enjoying a conversation with a friend, joining in laughter with loved ones - what blessings they are! Such simple pleasures are but a few of the abundant gifts from God that enrich my life's experience...I acknowledge my blessings one by one. As I do, I open my awareness to the goodness of God all around me. Truly I am blessed beyond measure." Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. - Psalm 37:4
4. "I am grateful...even if I am going through a challenging experience, I am grateful, for I know that good will come out of it. Will I learn of inner strength that I didn't know I had? Will I gain a renewed appreciation for my life and the people in it? I am grateful for my present circumstances, for I know they offer opportunities for growth. I thank God for the life I have been given and the life I am creating by seeing all the good in all that comes before me." Let us come into His presence with thanksgiving. - Psalm 95:2
5. "Wherever I am, God is, and all is well...if at any time today the order and harmony of some aspects of my life seem uncertain, I clear my mind of all concern. There is no need to worry. Just as season follows season, wave after wave, and sunrise follows sunset, all is well. I honor myself for the perfection that I am as one of God's creations. I know that I am in the right place at the right time. All that I do today and every day is blessed with God's goodness. With gratitude, I affirm: Wherever I am, God is, and all is well." My heart is steadfast O God, my heart is steadfast! - Psalm 108:1
I pray wherever this finds you, you know grace is pouring down on you...and even if the world fails you, or you limit yourself with worries and insecurities (So ME!!!) God will not. You are never alone!
In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit :)
Happy weekend! TGIF!
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Small Successes and Thankful Thursday
Good Morning! "It's gonna be a bright....bright...bright sunshiny day!!(with a 40% chance of rain here)
I'm up enjoying the sun while it lasts - It is supposed to be a rainy week, but of COURSE it chose to rain on the only day it said it would not, while we were at a picnic with friends! Well, darn! We'll see what surprises the weather has today!
It's been a great week thus far! I've managed to get a few things done! Here are 3 things!
1. I started watching my goddaughter E yesterday. Our day here went swimmingly! She was so easy, fit in well, and was a trooper (doing a piano lesson AND Kindergarten orientation) with our schedule. I felt so successful balancing this first day with a 5 year old, 13 month old, and 4 month old. (Does it still count when I sadly was updated by her mom J that she then cried the whole evening till she crashed in bed at 6:30pm??? I feel terrible....I guess yesterday was too much of a change for her). I'll be anxious to hear her evening update tonight!
2. I'm on week two of a boot camp on my Wii Active. I have not missed a scheduled day. It feels good to do something and stick with it! Today is another work out day with tomorrow being a rest day. I always look forward to rest day...lol!
3. I've managed to focus more on hubby this week - more talking, more listening, more time. Some weeks I feel we are more connected than others - and I don't like the times we are not on the same page, or feel like roommates. We love each other dearly...we just have to keep putting US on the list too.
What are 3 successes for you? Fill free to post them!
Thankful Thursday
This week I am thankful for.....(in no particular order!)
1. feeling more rested!
2. the good feelings I get from Lovely's new school for the year.
3. All the teachers currently getting ready for another school year - home school and schooling alike. I appreciate all the time you sacrifice.
4. honesty.
5. God's generosity in all areas of my life. He is so Good!!
6. That I'm still giddy and "happy happy happy" over a friend's dream job! I can feel the stress lift from them from my house!
7. my parents - that they are here, healthy, and still enjoying life.
8. my family.
9. my new time with baby E :)
10. feeling God stirring hope in me during my more inward, lower moments.
11. moments that can still be special anywhere - including hiding from rain in parked cars in parking lots. It was still so nice to be "together" and chat, even with losing out on a picnic. It was still a gain!
Off to attack my day!! Much love!!!
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
"Lovelyisms"
I need to post some "Lovelyisms". Lovely had two funny things happen in conversation I want to remember. She also had one cute one tonight as well.
'ISM' 1 - from that funeral last week:
(We were eating at the luncheon following the service. Everyone at this service was older, so Lovely was a welcomed conversation piece to these older folks)
Mrs. B: So Lovely, anything exciting about to happen to you soon?
L: I'm about to start Kindergarten at __________. I get to take my back pack, and play on the playground, and see my teacher.....and and and (she goes on and on...)
Mrs. B: WOW! Are you kidding? That is just so wonderful. You are getting to be such a big girl!!
L: Um, I'm not kidding.
(apparently she's not picking up on general conversation cues vs. serious intent yet - HAHA)
'ISM' 2 - Post church this Sunday outside
Lovely and Daddy were playing together off to one side. I was holding Valiant talking to another family. All of the sudden Daddy comes up to us laughing and pointing at Lovely playing with a friend from her preK (who goes to our church too).
Me: What's so funny? (Everyone looking at him)
Daddy: You see Lovely playing with T over there? Well he just came up and the two of them had this conversation:
T: Hi Lovely! How are you? Wanna come with me and play "Power Rangers"???
L: SURE (she was so excited)!!! What's a power ranger?
T: I don't know.
L: OK. (off they go play....)
We were cracking up at their excited conversation (Daddy said it was spoken in the most perky voices possible). I loved they were happy to play something they knew nothing about!! We told his parents and they told us he is the only boy in a family of girls, so they forget to watch more boy shows, but he gets hand me downs from friends with characters on the shirts, etc. He'll ask what the characters are, but aside from their names - doesn't always know what they "do." But, that doesn't stop his, and Lovely's, imaginations! I love that!!! Kids ROCK!
'ISM' 3: This evening at a picnic
Tonight we had a picnic with friends at a local park. As the sun was setting, the rays would shine from behind the clouds, making the edges shine, and rays peaking out and reaching for earth (so pretty!). Lovely looked up and saw such a shimmery cloud and exclaimed: "Look mommy, it's God!! He's smiling at us!!"
Yes HE is! Kids are so wise!
'ISM' 1 - from that funeral last week:
(We were eating at the luncheon following the service. Everyone at this service was older, so Lovely was a welcomed conversation piece to these older folks)
Mrs. B: So Lovely, anything exciting about to happen to you soon?
L: I'm about to start Kindergarten at __________. I get to take my back pack, and play on the playground, and see my teacher.....and and and (she goes on and on...)
Mrs. B: WOW! Are you kidding? That is just so wonderful. You are getting to be such a big girl!!
L: Um, I'm not kidding.
(apparently she's not picking up on general conversation cues vs. serious intent yet - HAHA)
'ISM' 2 - Post church this Sunday outside
Lovely and Daddy were playing together off to one side. I was holding Valiant talking to another family. All of the sudden Daddy comes up to us laughing and pointing at Lovely playing with a friend from her preK (who goes to our church too).
Me: What's so funny? (Everyone looking at him)
Daddy: You see Lovely playing with T over there? Well he just came up and the two of them had this conversation:
T: Hi Lovely! How are you? Wanna come with me and play "Power Rangers"???
L: SURE (she was so excited)!!! What's a power ranger?
T: I don't know.
L: OK. (off they go play....)
We were cracking up at their excited conversation (Daddy said it was spoken in the most perky voices possible). I loved they were happy to play something they knew nothing about!! We told his parents and they told us he is the only boy in a family of girls, so they forget to watch more boy shows, but he gets hand me downs from friends with characters on the shirts, etc. He'll ask what the characters are, but aside from their names - doesn't always know what they "do." But, that doesn't stop his, and Lovely's, imaginations! I love that!!! Kids ROCK!
'ISM' 3: This evening at a picnic
Tonight we had a picnic with friends at a local park. As the sun was setting, the rays would shine from behind the clouds, making the edges shine, and rays peaking out and reaching for earth (so pretty!). Lovely looked up and saw such a shimmery cloud and exclaimed: "Look mommy, it's God!! He's smiling at us!!"
Yes HE is! Kids are so wise!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
I love me a contest!!
So, you know I LOVE photos, blogs, and contests! This one packs all three!!
The Meanest Mommy is a sweetie! She's offering a great picture deal for those who want to enter. I DO! So please check her out!!
The Meanest Mommy is a sweetie! She's offering a great picture deal for those who want to enter. I DO! So please check her out!!
Monday, August 3, 2009
Day Book - Monday Edition
Outside my window…a dark summer night (it is Monday, just EARLY Monday).I am thinking...what a great weekend it has been for getting things done in terms of clothing my girls and I.
I am thankful for...one of our best friends getting a job he will LOVE!!! AMEN! He so deserved it. His family too. Also, I'm thankful for good friends!!!! Friends who are far too good and patient with me. God IS Good!!!
From the kitchen…tonight was breakfast for dinner. I do have a plan for different nights this week...many are crock pot related.
I am wearing... PJ's
I am creating…a plan for the busy week ahead. I just don't have one yet ;)
I am going…to bed as soon as I hit "publish"
I am reading… a new vampire series. I love Twilight and since I read all those books, I need to fill the void :)
I am hoping…I can get everything done and activities set before Wednesday starts my new and exciting gig - loving on my goddaughter 4 days a week!! I can't believe it is here, and that Kindergarten starts a week from today....GASP!
Around the house…our closet and chest of drawers are organized! As for the house...nope.
One of my favorite things…did I mention reading....so nice!
A few plans for the rest of the week: Busy busy!! Seeing my sister tomorrow (today), having my niece over Tuesday, then my sweet E coming to see me Wed-Friday. I may take Valiant and E with me to visit my old high school where I went and taught. I love visiting my coworker pals on pre-planning, and I can pass E to her dad who teachers there and he can show her off while I show off my babies LOL! Friday, I may host one last play date for Lovely and her friends before she's school bound! (Weeping...)
Here is 'picture thought' I am sharing…
This is my cousin (who at this time was channeling Jesus' signature look as he was about to play Jesus in "Jesus Christ Superstar") who has a song he co-wrote premiering on CMT's "Can you Duet" show finale this Saturday, 7pm. I'm so thrilled! This will be his second national song spotlight! I'm super proud!Night!
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Feminine
I escaped yesterday to the outlet malls and got school clothes for Lovely, and some needed items for me. I got some new outfits, shirts, pants, a dress, and a skirt from some stores I normally could not shop at. They ranged from things I can wear as a mom daily, to things I can spruce myself up with. I hope quality wise, they last a long time! I never shop for me!
The dress really excited me. I got it on clearance, and even though I can only wear it another month or so season wise before saving it for next year...I had to get it. It just made me feel....feminine. I've watched my close friends wear dresses similar to it every warm season, and I secretly wanted to as well. I just never got a dress I felt secure in (I tend to be a "separates" girl with long sleeves to accentuate the "positives" lol. The last one piece "short" dress I bought was 8 years ago for my rehearsal dinner - I have a pic of it on my blog somewhere. It's pink and straight). When my friend D saw me in it...she said "it's a must!" I wore it to church today, and just felt so airy! I figured I may not be wearing this dress much aside from church, so I got Hubby to snap a picture for posterity (no showers or garden parties - ha - coming up lol).
Is there anything you wear that just makes you feel good, alive, pretty? I think sometimes something feminine does revive us a little spirit wise....it's good to feel like a girl!
Happy Sunday!!
The dress really excited me. I got it on clearance, and even though I can only wear it another month or so season wise before saving it for next year...I had to get it. It just made me feel....feminine. I've watched my close friends wear dresses similar to it every warm season, and I secretly wanted to as well. I just never got a dress I felt secure in (I tend to be a "separates" girl with long sleeves to accentuate the "positives" lol. The last one piece "short" dress I bought was 8 years ago for my rehearsal dinner - I have a pic of it on my blog somewhere. It's pink and straight). When my friend D saw me in it...she said "it's a must!" I wore it to church today, and just felt so airy! I figured I may not be wearing this dress much aside from church, so I got Hubby to snap a picture for posterity (no showers or garden parties - ha - coming up lol).
Is there anything you wear that just makes you feel good, alive, pretty? I think sometimes something feminine does revive us a little spirit wise....it's good to feel like a girl!
Happy Sunday!!
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