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So, I feel somewhat lame. I have become obsessed with the acquisition of an American Girl Doll for Nia.
When I was young, I really wanted a Cabbage Patch Doll. It was the huge rage at the time. I felt so special when I got one for Christmas. It was a big deal. I feel like the American Girl Doll is that way for our girls.
Now I spend considerable time scouring eBay and Craig's List looking for an acceptable American Girl that I can feel good about without making the full dip in the wallet and shelling out for a brand new one.
By the way, I did buy Nia a cabbage patch doll a couple of years ago. She could care less about it. :) She has a doll similar to the American Girl Doll though and she absolutely loves it. She dresses her, takes her with us when we go places, and puts me on babysitting duty when she goes to school. Ahhh... the life of mom. If it's not watching the kids, it's watching their toys.
:)
Monday, October 5, 2009
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Friday, July 10, 2009
Balance
I recently finished 7 Habits for Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey. It is probably one of my all-time favorite books. There are so many things in there that can make such an impact on my life. In some ways, it's hard to know where to start. :)
In any case, one thing that it has helped me to do is really center myself on my guiding principles. I am working on my personal mission statement which, ironically, I have centered around Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness (no, not my blog, silly - the unalienable rights identified in the Declaration of Independence).
Part of this process for me is finding balance in my life. Through this exploration, I have come to realize that I need to truly identify what Balance means to me.
I used to think that Balance meant stopping work when the kids got home so I could really focus on them. What I have come to realize is that my definition is skewed. You may say, "Duh, I could have told you that" and yes, writing it down like that I realize it's pretty obvious, but it didn't feel that way. :)
I am working on re-defining what balance means to me. So far, I think the biggest thing that it means is not focusing so narrowly on one thing that everything else falls by the way side.
When I work, I have a tendency to focus on one thing at a time and I have a great ability to shut out everything else. Unfortunately, that everything else may be my kids, dinnertime, a phone call I've received (no more multi-tasking while I'm on the phone), etc. I think that achieving better balance means not wearing my blinders except when really appropriate (i.e. conference calls - again, no more multi-tasking on these either) and changing the focus of my attention for some of those interruptions. It may result in some of my work taking longer in some cases, but I think I will feel better about the results.
What does balance mean to you?
On a different but related note, I think multi-tasking is overrated. It seems to me that it results in doing neither task very well. Have you tried multi-tasking while on the phone (other than dishes)? I don't recommend it. To you whom I have spoken with while multi-tasking, I am very sorry. I am trying to change. :)
I would love to hear what balance means to you and any thoughts you have on multi-tasking.
:)
In any case, one thing that it has helped me to do is really center myself on my guiding principles. I am working on my personal mission statement which, ironically, I have centered around Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness (no, not my blog, silly - the unalienable rights identified in the Declaration of Independence).
Part of this process for me is finding balance in my life. Through this exploration, I have come to realize that I need to truly identify what Balance means to me.
I used to think that Balance meant stopping work when the kids got home so I could really focus on them. What I have come to realize is that my definition is skewed. You may say, "Duh, I could have told you that" and yes, writing it down like that I realize it's pretty obvious, but it didn't feel that way. :)
I am working on re-defining what balance means to me. So far, I think the biggest thing that it means is not focusing so narrowly on one thing that everything else falls by the way side.
When I work, I have a tendency to focus on one thing at a time and I have a great ability to shut out everything else. Unfortunately, that everything else may be my kids, dinnertime, a phone call I've received (no more multi-tasking while I'm on the phone), etc. I think that achieving better balance means not wearing my blinders except when really appropriate (i.e. conference calls - again, no more multi-tasking on these either) and changing the focus of my attention for some of those interruptions. It may result in some of my work taking longer in some cases, but I think I will feel better about the results.
What does balance mean to you?
On a different but related note, I think multi-tasking is overrated. It seems to me that it results in doing neither task very well. Have you tried multi-tasking while on the phone (other than dishes)? I don't recommend it. To you whom I have spoken with while multi-tasking, I am very sorry. I am trying to change. :)
I would love to hear what balance means to you and any thoughts you have on multi-tasking.
:)
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Separation
In continuing my thought process about the changes I've been going through, I wanted to discuss the separation between body and spirit.
In testimony meeting on Sunday, one of the more colorful personalities (in a good way) bore her testimony. Some of what she said really struck me - she talked about turning 60 and how her body is wearing out, getting plumper, etc, but her spirit is millions of years old and is still strong.
This led me to the thought process of this: Our bodies are really just "houses," albeit special ones (thus the word "temples"), for our spirits. But they are not our spirits. The increased weight on my body doesn't necessarily reflect an "increased weight" on my spirit. Yes, we have a responsibility to take care of our bodies and I'm trying to do that. But my body is temporary (for now) while my spirit is not.
Growing up, I gained a lot of self-confidence in my appearance. Obviously that is not particularly healthy and has now added to difficulty in self-acceptance when my body is not what it used to be.
What I (and hopefully you, now) need to realize is that there is a separation between body and spirit. The old adage "Don't judge a book by the cover" is true. My body may, or may not, be a reflection of my spirit. Certainly in some cases I would say that it can be, but we don't always know and therefore should really try to see past the outer shell.
With that said, that doesn't mean I should let my body go and not worry about it at all because it's the spirit that counts. That is not true. I have a responsibility to care for what God has given me, which includes my body. But there are some things beyond my control and I have to accept that and do the best with what I've got.
Again, I think the key here is mentally recognizing and accepting the separation between body and spirit. My body is not who I am - my spirit is. I should be most concerned about the "health and appearance" of my spirit. My body, while important, is second to that.
With that said, I think I have a beautiful spirit. Not to toot my own horn, but I think I am a nice person and I love being obedient. I try my best to do my best and that makes my spirit pretty. :)
:)
In testimony meeting on Sunday, one of the more colorful personalities (in a good way) bore her testimony. Some of what she said really struck me - she talked about turning 60 and how her body is wearing out, getting plumper, etc, but her spirit is millions of years old and is still strong.
This led me to the thought process of this: Our bodies are really just "houses," albeit special ones (thus the word "temples"), for our spirits. But they are not our spirits. The increased weight on my body doesn't necessarily reflect an "increased weight" on my spirit. Yes, we have a responsibility to take care of our bodies and I'm trying to do that. But my body is temporary (for now) while my spirit is not.
Growing up, I gained a lot of self-confidence in my appearance. Obviously that is not particularly healthy and has now added to difficulty in self-acceptance when my body is not what it used to be.
What I (and hopefully you, now) need to realize is that there is a separation between body and spirit. The old adage "Don't judge a book by the cover" is true. My body may, or may not, be a reflection of my spirit. Certainly in some cases I would say that it can be, but we don't always know and therefore should really try to see past the outer shell.
With that said, that doesn't mean I should let my body go and not worry about it at all because it's the spirit that counts. That is not true. I have a responsibility to care for what God has given me, which includes my body. But there are some things beyond my control and I have to accept that and do the best with what I've got.
Again, I think the key here is mentally recognizing and accepting the separation between body and spirit. My body is not who I am - my spirit is. I should be most concerned about the "health and appearance" of my spirit. My body, while important, is second to that.
With that said, I think I have a beautiful spirit. Not to toot my own horn, but I think I am a nice person and I love being obedient. I try my best to do my best and that makes my spirit pretty. :)
:)
Monday, May 25, 2009
In the eye of the beholder
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Don't know who said it (and am too tired to google it) but it is true. Just like reality is in the eye of the beholder. My reality is not your reality. It's all based on perception.
So, as the beholder (for the purpose of this blog), what is beauty to me?
Beauty is confidence, optimism, taking care of your body and your spirit. Beauty is not in a size. In fact, I think we would agree that we have seen examples were a size 0 (or less) is not beautiful.
I think beauty is also in acceptance. I can accept my body for what it is and take good care of it. I feel beautiful when I take the extra time to put a little bit of makeup on and look nice. I may not be able to be a size 6 again, but putting on makeup and dressing nicely is something that I can do and feel good about.
I know this is a work in progress. This week was more challenging in this regard in some respects. But, I tried to keep positive and remember to focus on eating for health rather than eating for size.
I am also trying to encourage my family to be healthier. We are teaching the kids how to ride bikes this summer and Jason and I are buying bikes (it's been 13 years since I owned one!). I have also been more insistent that my son eat healthy foods. He doesn't like ANY fruits or vegetables except applesauce and bananas. Thus far, I have been somewhat lenient on him not eating those so long as he is eating some other healthy things (his favorite is string cheese). I am determined to change this though. I would be interested in any thoughts, comments, or advice that you have in this regard.
If (and for some it is just a matter of when) you find yourself in this same place I am in, struggling with weight or size, remember that half the battle is in your perception and focusing on being healthy rather than a particular size or weight.
:)
So, as the beholder (for the purpose of this blog), what is beauty to me?
Beauty is confidence, optimism, taking care of your body and your spirit. Beauty is not in a size. In fact, I think we would agree that we have seen examples were a size 0 (or less) is not beautiful.
I think beauty is also in acceptance. I can accept my body for what it is and take good care of it. I feel beautiful when I take the extra time to put a little bit of makeup on and look nice. I may not be able to be a size 6 again, but putting on makeup and dressing nicely is something that I can do and feel good about.
I know this is a work in progress. This week was more challenging in this regard in some respects. But, I tried to keep positive and remember to focus on eating for health rather than eating for size.
I am also trying to encourage my family to be healthier. We are teaching the kids how to ride bikes this summer and Jason and I are buying bikes (it's been 13 years since I owned one!). I have also been more insistent that my son eat healthy foods. He doesn't like ANY fruits or vegetables except applesauce and bananas. Thus far, I have been somewhat lenient on him not eating those so long as he is eating some other healthy things (his favorite is string cheese). I am determined to change this though. I would be interested in any thoughts, comments, or advice that you have in this regard.
If (and for some it is just a matter of when) you find yourself in this same place I am in, struggling with weight or size, remember that half the battle is in your perception and focusing on being healthy rather than a particular size or weight.
:)
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Dealing with "The Change"
No, not that change, silly! I'm talking about the change that occurs at or near 30.
I really thought that being 30 wasn't going to be that big of a deal. There are many things that I enjoy - I feel like a "real" adult (whatever that means) and am confident in my knowledge, abilities, etc.
But what I didn't realize was the change my body would go through. Gone is my metabolism, gone is my ability to eat that Cinnabon without immediately adding 2 pounds to my body which takes 2 months to take off.
The most frustrating thing? I am more healthy today than I have been since my 1st year in college. But I am also heavier today (by a long shot) than I have ever been in my life.
I've gone to the doctor seeking help and there is a legitimate health issue I have. However, even resolving that has not stopped some of the "changes" I have been going through.
I have spent a lot of thought, anxiety, and time trying to reverse what is going on. The last time I went to the doctor though, changed my perspective.
It is my doctor that helped me realize that my eating habits are healthier today then ever in my life and I exercise more today than I have since my first year in college. It is rather odd to think that I am quite healthy, despite not feeling like it when I look at my body in the mirror.
So how do I deal with "the change?" I change my perspective.
As I have contemplated this, I was reminded of one of my best friends. She was never a size 4, but I have ALWAYS thought she was one of the most beautiful people I knew. Why? Because she took care of her body and her spirit. Her size has nothing to do with it. She has always dressed in a way that would be flattering to her size and shape, always taken care with her skin, hair, and makeup. But more than that, she is one of the most kind people I have ever known and truly taught me what it meant to be a friend. She is someone I love dearly and I have always respected. She is a beautiful daughter of God, not just on the inside, but also on the outside.
Rather than focusing on numbers (such as those seen on the tags of my clothes and the scale in my bathroom), I am focusing on being healthy. True, I don't look like I did when I got married. I will never be a size 4 again. But I can be beautiful at the size I am. Size and weight are not the determining factors of beauty.
I'd like to hear from you - what makes someone beautiful? I'll tell you what I think in a subsequent post.
:)
I really thought that being 30 wasn't going to be that big of a deal. There are many things that I enjoy - I feel like a "real" adult (whatever that means) and am confident in my knowledge, abilities, etc.
But what I didn't realize was the change my body would go through. Gone is my metabolism, gone is my ability to eat that Cinnabon without immediately adding 2 pounds to my body which takes 2 months to take off.
The most frustrating thing? I am more healthy today than I have been since my 1st year in college. But I am also heavier today (by a long shot) than I have ever been in my life.
I've gone to the doctor seeking help and there is a legitimate health issue I have. However, even resolving that has not stopped some of the "changes" I have been going through.
I have spent a lot of thought, anxiety, and time trying to reverse what is going on. The last time I went to the doctor though, changed my perspective.
It is my doctor that helped me realize that my eating habits are healthier today then ever in my life and I exercise more today than I have since my first year in college. It is rather odd to think that I am quite healthy, despite not feeling like it when I look at my body in the mirror.
So how do I deal with "the change?" I change my perspective.
As I have contemplated this, I was reminded of one of my best friends. She was never a size 4, but I have ALWAYS thought she was one of the most beautiful people I knew. Why? Because she took care of her body and her spirit. Her size has nothing to do with it. She has always dressed in a way that would be flattering to her size and shape, always taken care with her skin, hair, and makeup. But more than that, she is one of the most kind people I have ever known and truly taught me what it meant to be a friend. She is someone I love dearly and I have always respected. She is a beautiful daughter of God, not just on the inside, but also on the outside.
Rather than focusing on numbers (such as those seen on the tags of my clothes and the scale in my bathroom), I am focusing on being healthy. True, I don't look like I did when I got married. I will never be a size 4 again. But I can be beautiful at the size I am. Size and weight are not the determining factors of beauty.
I'd like to hear from you - what makes someone beautiful? I'll tell you what I think in a subsequent post.
:)
Thursday, May 14, 2009
We Love Music
We love music at our house. We sing, we play the piano, we even play Rockband on the Xbox (I'm a killer drummer). I took these videos of the kids on Mother's Day with my Mother's Day Flip Video camera.
:)
:)
Friday, May 8, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
On the Road Again
This has been a whirlwind of a week. Sunday through Tuesday I was in SLC and Thursday through Saturday I'll be in Meridian, ID.
Is it just me or does life seem to continue to speed up at an exponential rate? It feels like it just keeps getting faster and faster and frankly, it's tiring me out!
Is life spinning faster for you?
Is it just me or does life seem to continue to speed up at an exponential rate? It feels like it just keeps getting faster and faster and frankly, it's tiring me out!
Is life spinning faster for you?
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Tulips
Tulips are my most favorite flower. They seem so peaceful to me.
We went to a Tulip farm yesterday and I got some amazing shots. I hope you enjoy them. :)
We went to a Tulip farm yesterday and I got some amazing shots. I hope you enjoy them. :)
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Dreams
I received this link through an email yesterday and it has just blown me away. I have watched it more than once.
This is truly a testament to many things:
1) You can fulfill dreams no matter what age
2) "Never judge a book by it's cover"
3) Share your talents - you can inspire others
Watch Susan Boyle amaze the world. (And notice that this has gotten nearly 6 million hits!)
:)
This is truly a testament to many things:
1) You can fulfill dreams no matter what age
2) "Never judge a book by it's cover"
3) Share your talents - you can inspire others
Watch Susan Boyle amaze the world. (And notice that this has gotten nearly 6 million hits!)
:)
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Dear Mr. Bug/Virus distributor
Dear Mr. Bug/Virus distributor (no, not you computer bugs/viruses - I'm talking about illness),
I don't know how my family's name got on your list, but I would like it removed. Since the end of December, we have received much more than our fair share of bugs and viruses and frankly, I don't think it's funny.
I'm sure someone thought it would be a funny prank to play on us: putting our name on this list. But it's not. Not even a little. Do you know how much money we have spent on Kleenex, Doctor's Visits, Medication, and electricity required to run the TV 24/7 for sick children? Plus, add in the time I haven't been able to work either due to one of my children staying home (because of course they wouldn't both be sick at the same time and therefore believe that I am their playmate), myself being sick, or naps required during the day because of loss of sleep due to one of the aforementioned scenarios. You are costing me a fortune! Not to mention the space in the landfills now filled with my (or my children's) used kleenex. You are definitely not helping global warming or the spotted owl issues.
Sure, a cold now and then is ok, it happens to everyone. But one right after another, interspersed with vomiting flu (and occasionally projectile vomiting) is way past the norm.
I call on you to immediately cease and desist your distribution of bugs and viruses at my home. If you fail to heed my call, I will be forced to take serious action including (but not limited to) flu shots every year hereafter, sole supporter of the Vitamin C industry, and obsessive like behavior in use of Lysol wipes and spray.
Best regards (as in you best regard my warning),
Andi :)
I don't know how my family's name got on your list, but I would like it removed. Since the end of December, we have received much more than our fair share of bugs and viruses and frankly, I don't think it's funny.
I'm sure someone thought it would be a funny prank to play on us: putting our name on this list. But it's not. Not even a little. Do you know how much money we have spent on Kleenex, Doctor's Visits, Medication, and electricity required to run the TV 24/7 for sick children? Plus, add in the time I haven't been able to work either due to one of my children staying home (because of course they wouldn't both be sick at the same time and therefore believe that I am their playmate), myself being sick, or naps required during the day because of loss of sleep due to one of the aforementioned scenarios. You are costing me a fortune! Not to mention the space in the landfills now filled with my (or my children's) used kleenex. You are definitely not helping global warming or the spotted owl issues.
Sure, a cold now and then is ok, it happens to everyone. But one right after another, interspersed with vomiting flu (and occasionally projectile vomiting) is way past the norm.
I call on you to immediately cease and desist your distribution of bugs and viruses at my home. If you fail to heed my call, I will be forced to take serious action including (but not limited to) flu shots every year hereafter, sole supporter of the Vitamin C industry, and obsessive like behavior in use of Lysol wipes and spray.
Best regards (as in you best regard my warning),
Andi :)
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