IT

So what happens if when I am tagged I never do it therefore never tagging anyone else in return will I be IT forever??

Inspiration

I was looking for a pumpkin chocolate chip bread recipe and I found this blog. I was inspired. I was reading her blog thinking wow this is really good, I cried, I called my husband and told him I loved him, I hugged my children a little longer then normal, I truly took the time to appreciate the blessing it is that I stay at home with my children. I was moved by this woman's strength, her courage, and her ability to overcome life's challenges. I also was touched by her faith and I was grateful that I to know that I am a daughter of a loving and forgiving Father in Haven. I really enjoyed her I am... essay, so much so that I wanted to steal the idea and write one of my own! Instead I am starting reflections. So if anyone wants to join please do! I will pose a question to reflect on and then write my thoughts. I'd love to see others thoughts on the matter! Being that my time is limited I do not have this together yet BUT I will by the end of the week so please check back because I would love to hear your reflections! Until then here is the first question:

what inspires you?

I am always moved by good writing whether it is a good book, or a strangers blog. I love to see emotion or ideas expressed in writing in a way that makes them become tangible. I am inspired by music and the way it can set a mood. I am inspired by smells that take me to places I miss, or remind me of people who made a difference to me. I am inspired by people who stand up for what they believe in even if because of it they are shunned.

Stress and your midsection

Did you know that stress can actually lead to weight gain in your mid section? This got me thinking that I need to distress a little. So I came up with a list of things to do to distress my life. Who knows if it works maybe I’ll lose a few pounds from my gut, or maybe not, probably best not to stress about it!
1. Throw away to do list. I suppose lists and checking things off works for some people. I am not one of those people. Seeing a long list, or even mentally having a long list of things to do stress me out. Instead I try and pick one thing a day I would like to accomplish and work towards that. I find that when I do this I get a lot more done. Maybe because I am not busy stressing about what else needs to be done.
2. Forget would a, should a, could a. Think about I did, I’m doing, and done!
I try not to focus on what is not done, and instead focus on all that I have done. For example I would love my house to look like Martha Stewart herself came to decorate it, but circumstances have left my walls bare and my house definitely lacking on decoration. On the bright side I have hung one set of curtains, painted one wall, and completed a project that one day will make it up on the wall. Oh and I hung my fall wreath on my front door before the end of fall!
3. I know that yes there probably is someone out there that could do it bigger, better, and in less time, but hey I can do it. Whatever “it” is you can do it. You may not be the best and you may need to improve but if you can do it that is a step in the right direction.
4. Find something you love to do and do it. I have remembered since starting this blog that I enjoy writing. I am always thinking of different posts to post and it is something that gives me joy. I am less stressed when I find time, (even if it is thirty seconds on a bathroom break thinking about writing), to do something I enjoy.
5. And of course forget yourself and serve others! It is true that when we help others we feel good and so do they! Everyone knows in a win-win situation like that everyone ends up happy, and a little less stressed!

my transformation to a germ-a-phobe

So previously I mentioned how I was not much of a germ a phobe and often forgot to do things like wipe down shopping carts and use hand sanitizer after playing at the park. That was before my kids started getting sick constantly. Maybe it was because I wrote how they always were so healthy despite my forgetfulness. Well after yet another bout of diarrhea I decided enough was enough, I declared war on all grems. I did already do some things, like I always wash their trays and let them air dry after meals, I use Clorox wipes on everything, and I wash my hands after changing every diaper. To step it up a notch I am using this nifty contraption to keep my hand sanitizer outside the diaper bag. This way I see it and am more apt to use it. I also plan on telling Caden to help remind mommy to wash his hands after playing outside. I think his two year old memory might do a little better then mine. I will try and remember to clean the carts but I think it is more important that the hands get cleaned after. Another thing I plan on doing this winter is cracking a window open every now and again. Yes it is cold up here at the mouth of the canyon but fresh air seems to make everyone feel a little better. I also got a Clorox mop and I will make a more concerted effort to use it every night. It really is quick and easy. And my last strategy is to Clorox wipe door knobs and toys when someone in the family is sick.
If anyone else has anymore strategies for the war on germs please let me know. Here is to a healthy flu season for everyone!

Check it out

So my little boy loves the computer. However he thinks that anytime mommy is on the computer that I should be playing zuma. Now this is my fault because I knew it was something that would keep him and myself entertained so I would ask him if he wanted mommy to play zuma. Well I mentioned this to my friend and she suggested starfall! We tried it yesterday and what an awesome site! Anyone with toddlers should know about this site. He totally was interacting with the site like I had not seen him do with anything else before. Also I learned that he already understands how to use plural nouns. He saw a picture of an apple and said apple. Then when there was a picture of lots of apples he said apples. I also became inspired by the site and want to start teaching him letters by doing things like the letter of the week and doing different things with the letter. He is still a bit young but I think we can have fun with it anyway. So if anyone else has ideas or other sites to check out let me know! Thanks mammajam for always having such great insights to motherhood!

Cuteness amoungst clutter

So upon arriving home from our trip I realized just how cluttered our house has already become! Isn't it amazing how fast stuff accumulates! Having half unpacked suitcases added to the mix does not help the situation. Due to the fact that we had been sick, and then were on vacation, and the list goes on, we have not done as much work on the house as I would have liked. Things like painting and putting up curtains and getting furniture. So aside form our clutter everywhere it still doesn't feel lived in to me. I was letting this get to me and the feelings of being overwhelmed started to creep in. I was looking around at everything I wanted to do but had no energy for and I was about to lose it when I looked at my kids. Both of them looked at me and smiled. It was at that moment that I realized clutter or no clutter I had two adorable kids who love me and want to make me happy. Three cheers for children who cheer you up!

sleepless

It is now 1AM and I am still up! After days of the stomach flu we are getting on a plane and visiting my in-laws. So no internet for a week. I'll be excited to see how everyone is doing when I get back.