One Little Word 2014

My word kinda jumped out at me this morning. I have been contemplating a few different words and trying to make one fit, but this morning I saw the word PUSH and just knew that was it. I then found the definition: a vigorous effort to do or obtain something. and knew that was what I wanted for this year. I plan to PUSH myself physically and spiritually with "vigorous effort" in hopes that I am in a more healthy place physically and spiritually a year from now.

Have you chosen a word for this year? If, so, care to share?

Random Updates...

So this post is a random, catch all for the past I don't know how many months. Clearly, I have missed posting about each of the kids most recent birthdays, and they all had one, but this is going to focus on noteworthy events that have happened since the first of the year.

 First, {k} had his tonsils out in Jan. Here is a before...

 and here is the after. :) Clearly, he wasn't all that worse for wear after the procedure. The following month was tougher for him than for his siblings when they got their tonsils out, but he recovered just fine in the end.

 The end of the school year brought {A} earning Honor Roll for his class. He was one of only a handful of kids in his class to earn honor roll. We are very proud of how hard he worked in school this year.

  

 {A} participated in the school choir this year also. He would meet about 40 minutes early two days a week, and practice. They had 3-4 concerts throughout the year, and were even able to sing at the Capitol Rotunda during Christmas time. He loves to sing!

 

{a} graduated from Preschool in May. She had a wonderful teacher, and a super fun experience! She will now join her brothers in school this year, as a kindergartener!!

 My Grandpa {G} passed away in July. He was 93 and had had a wonderful, long fulfilling life. He went rather quickly, for which we are all grateful. He is now celebrating with Grandma {L} in Heaven. Love you Grandpa!!

July also brought {K} turning 8. This meant he got to have a friend birthday party. He invited 8 friends from school/church and had such a fun time! The most favorite activity were these bubble snakes. They dipped the end of a sock into a light bubble/water mix and then blew in the end of a water bottle. These cool "snakes" would then appear.

{K} made the choice to be baptized. He was baptized and confirmed by his dad and we then had a small gathering of family and close friends for dinner after. We are so proud of you, {K}!!



The following is a synopsis of what I have had to deal with this summer: (I wrote this to a friend in an email)
 While we were gone camping the end of June, I ended up getting mastitis in my left breast. It is very rare for women to get mastitis if they arent nursing, but apparently it can happen. So far it has been two weeks.  They cultured it last week and it is staph. Not good. Last friday a surgeon cut a two inch slit just to the left of my nipple in hopes that the infection would have somewhere to drain. I head back to the surgeons office today for a checkup. It really isnt getting better. In the meantime i have had a rash from the antibiotic. I am so ready for all this to be behind me.
 Next, I wrote:
 Really long story short, we finally made the decision to see another breast care surgeon(who is 1000 time better than the first) and she was willing to try and diagnose the problem, instead of just trying to get rid of the problem. She did cancer biopsies and thankfully they are all negative. She did however, diagnose my breast infection/inflammation as glanulomatous mastitis(GM). It's basically mastitis in my glands. Then, on top of that, I ended up getting erythema nodosum(EN). This is basically an umbrella term for a hypersensitivity/inflammation reaction to (blank). The blank can be infection, inflammation, reaction to antibiotics or any combination of the above. It was extremely painful bruise-like sores all over my legs. I could hardly walk, kneel and whenever I put my legs down I could feel the blood rush to my legs. She put me on prednisone, and I am pleased to share that the meds began working almost immediately. The leg pain is completely gone, and the bruises are looking wonderful(compared to what they did look like).
The surgeon found an article that links the GM to the EN, so that proved to her that they are connected somehow. The GM is a pretty rare kind of mastitis, so she is sending me to a rheumatologist for further consultation to determine if I have an underlying auto-immune something going on.


So, there you go. Major update from our family. Now, on to back to school!! :)

{K} is a star!

I know, I haven't posted in so long, and I need to post on a birthday and such, but today I get to celebrate {K}. He was on the news last night! His class all made weather presentations and then our local news station came and video taped them all. Then the weatherman has played one each night for the past week. Well, last night, {K}'s presentation was played! He was so cute. It was really fun to watch his presentation and to hear him talk about his question. He worked really hard on his question/answer and then made a really nice powerpoint to tell all about his question. His question was: Why doesn't a tornado tip over? His answer: because the force of the wind keeps it up.

Way to go, {K}!!

:)

This picture is of {K} and some of his class when all the first and second graders presented a music program called "Going on a Bear Hunt". It was an adorable program. {K} got to have two speaking parts. It was so neat to watch him. He is so much more confident and brave this year and I have really enjoyed watching him blossom over the past year.

seeing changes...

This year I am working on being mindful. For the month of January, I am specifically working on saying my morning prayers. I have been HORRIBLE at this the past few years, but I have decided that one main goal for me this year is to get to know my Heavenly Father better. The best way I could think of was to talk to him. So, I am using Sister Beck's advice, and literally rolling out of bed each morning and saying my prayers before my feet even hit the floor.
I am so happy to report that I have seen a noticeable difference since I started doing this. First, I am actually remembering, and then actually taking the time to say my prayers. I have also noticed a change in my days. I feel more relaxed and kind. I am so grateful.

Also, I started using MyFitnessPal.com It is a wonderful calorie counting website. I understand it is similar to the Weight Watchers online program, only this site is free. I have a whole new understanding and appreciation for calories. It tracks my food/water intake and also tracks my exercise. I am seeing numbers change on the scale!! :)

i joined...

I am declaring my commitment to losing 10 pounds in the next 12 weeks. I am excited to see how much I can lose and what changes I can make to make myself healthier. Plus, there is a chance I can win $$$! Who doesn't love an incentive like that? :)

I DID IT!

As a bonus item for my COMPLETE word this year, I COMPLETED a 5k run this weekend. It was hard, exhausting, and exhilerating! My Sister-in-law came in from out of town to run with me, and I am so grateful! She is such a positive, fun running partner, and I am so grateful she was there to talk me up when I was ready to quit! We ran our race in 36 minutes, which I am VERY proud of, considering we walked about 2 minutes during the course of the run. Thank you {J} for joining me! Let's plan our next race!
I am especially proud of the fact that I actually followed through on something I started. This seems to be a difficult thing in my life, so I am excited that I finished this goal! I began training this spring, maybe around 16 weeks ago, and worked really hard to be ready for this day. Running has been something I have wanted to try for a while now, and finally decided I would give it a try. A friend suggested I try 'Couch-to-5k' and it worked like a charm! I am still in awe that I can run that far in such a short training period! To make things even crazier in my brain, I have decided that I enjoy this running business. WEIRD! :) I doubt I will ever find the desire to run longer distances, but I suppose crazier things have happened. :)
I appologize to all those I didn't tell, sorry gma, but I really was ok with not telling too many people. That way, I didn't have to be accountable to them, I guess. However, I will make it known, that I plan to sign up for a Women's Race coming up in Sept. I had better hit the pavement hard, because this race has a killer hill in it! :)

update on {A}

{A} has had a busy couple of months. First, he turned eight in Feb! He had his first friend birthday party. We had 3 friends over, and those 4 boys were crazy and noisy! But, boy did they have fun!



















Because he turned 8, that means he gets to join Cub Scouts.














He quickly earned his bobcat award at the first pack mtg.













Next, he chose to be baptized. He had lots of family join us for this special day! Congratulations {A}! We are so proud of your choice to be baptized!















The next pack meeting was the annual Pinewood Derby! {A} and his Dad built a really neat Hummer car to race! He raced very well. While he didn't win first, he did get the "Best Big Rig" Award. Way to go!































Finally, {A} and his 2nd grade class had a program entitled "Think Spring".





















I just had to add these cute pictures of {a} and {K}. I am sure there is more I need to write about, but this will do for today. Enjoy!

so as I contemplate this "change" in my thinking, I was struck by a post from another LDS gal who just had baby #3 here. I think she has a wonderful way of words, and I love the way she mentions that she "chose" to be in this situation--and that she is loving every second of it.

making progress

I think I have made progress already on my ONE LITTLE WORD. I am finding that I am a kinder person lately. I need to thank my HF for little inspirations to work this one this year. :)

ONE LITTLE WORD

So, I have decided. I have taken much thought this year to what my ONE LITTLE WORD would be. This has been a difficult, yet easy decision. (If that can actually be)... First, I knew what direction I wanted to head, I just wasn't sure which word would best be THE WORD to help me remember my personal goals for this year.
So, without further ado---

WHISPER Whisper \Whis"per\ verb
1. The act of speaking in a quiet voice.
2. To prompt secretly or cautiously; to inform privately

So, my goals for the year are, one, to consciously choose to speak in softer tones. I have decided that yelling is to only be used when actually necessary. Crazy, I know. Second, I hope to be in a place spiritually so that I can hear the spirit whisper to me.

I challenge each of you to choose ONE LITTLE WORD for yourself. I love how it makes me actively think about something that I need to improve and then to take the time regularly to think about that word and the goals associated with it and what I am doing to better myself.

eta: ok, so update on yesterday. I snuck a set of paper dolls for {a} and nothing for the boys. {A} did great! He basically just sat there. {K} was BORED!!! He layed on my lap and kept telling me he wanted to go out and get a drink. I swear, that kid is a broken record. I pulled out the paper dolls for {a} after I was done wrestling with her and I have decided that maybe 2 is too young for a little girl to appreciate the fine art of paper dolls. All she wants to do is stack all the clothes on top of the doll, and then SHOVE them all back into the bag. She really doesn't understand that if you bend the dolls or shove them into the bag that they wont be pretty, fun dolls to play with next week. Oh well. She bonked her head about 5 minutes before the end, so I took her and {K} out in the hall and then to the bathroom. All in all, I think it was a much better decision than I ever imagined. So, I think we will try it again next week.


now that we have "late church". (Late being 11 at our building) I have extra time on my hands to make blog postings... YEAH. (insert sarcasm here) I would really rather be just finishing sac meeting right about now than being here WAITING to go to church. DH has decided that the kids don't need toys to entertain them during sacrament meeting anymore. We'll see how THAT one goes today.

Also, I am still pondering my ONE LITTLE WORD. Getting close though, narrowing it down...

BECOME--revisited

It's nearly the end of 2009 and it's time to revisit my word for the year. BECOME. I feel I have made great strides in "becoming" a better mom, wife, and housekeeper. DH might not agree with the last one, but I do. I am still trying to decide my word for 2010. Check back in about a week, hopefully I will have settled on one by then. :)

JaDell

so yesterday was my bday. (hippo birdie two me!) Had a fun day. {A} drew up a "plan" of what he wanted and then asked DH to help him execute! :) It was so cute! We all went to Best Buy and bought me a new camera--yeah!-- and then they stopped at Zurchers while {a} and I waited in the van. Then when we got home, I was asked to go downstairs for a few minutes while they got it all set up. They tied the balloons to the chair and piano, hid behind and called me back upstairs. When I came into the room, they all jumped out and said "surprise!" It was fun and totally matched {A}'s drawing. I thought it was very thoughtful of him to think of me like that. DH also bought me a cake, a card, and 2 paring knives. I feel quite spoiled this year!

Also, the other day, {A} and I were struggling with each other and he got sent to his bedroom for a timeout. When he came out, he handed me a note and this is what it said: "I thenk you are being to hord on me to day!" You know, he was right! So, I got down on my knees, told him I was sorry, that he was right and most of all thanks for communicating with me and for not yelling at me about it! Sometimes it takes my 6 year old to kick me in the rear! Thanks {A}!!!

Now that I have a new camera, maybe I can update with picts real soon!

two days ago I inserted my foot into my mouth. I found out about it today. I feel so STUPID! Since I don't think I will be able to apologize, I would like to here... I am sorry. Not my place. I apologize!

I hope this is a lesson learned that I wont have to learn again.

HIP, HIP, HOORAY...

...school starts in 4 days!!!!!!!!

Yeah, I am a little excited. :) I am looking forward to a new routine, {A} being at school full time, {K} going to preschool, just {a} and I for 4 hours a week. I am also hoping to work off these extra pounds that are hanging out around my middle. We got a Wii over the weekend and I plan to buy a Wii Fit soon. DH and I are planning to work out together a few nights a week. Wish us luck! :)

We had a wonderful summer playing and hanging out. Now it's time to buckle down and get focused again on my word for the year, Become. I have seen some small changes so far, now it's time to refocus on scripture study, my homemaking skills, and my patience level. :)

coupons

so, I have a new hobby. Couponing... I love it! It is such fun to see the savings fly off the screen! I have been tracking my savings since May 12. I have spent $234.28 and saved $202.65. I know that doesn't sound all that great, except when you look at it this way: Not including my one actual grocery shopping at WinCo, I have spent $96.75 and saved $198.65. So, some of what I bought were necessities like mustard and Kraft dressing. and some were wants like Capri Sun and S'Mores stuffs. But, the way I see it, is that summer is here and this will make summer a bit more exciting. It's been quite a challenge to pick only the best deals and not just buy to save, ya know??? :)

book giveaway

There is a wonderful book entitiled "Living Debt Free on One Income". and there is a giveaway for one lucky person to win! Go here to learn all about it!

Easter

Please take a moment when you hve no other distractions an watch this. It is part of my favorite talk at Conference and it is so appropriate for this Easter Season.

You can watch it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpFhS0dAduc

a whole lotta nothin....

today is Monday. I am once again feeling a bit of spring in my heart. Not spring like boing, boing spring. Spring like renewal, rebirth, fresh, new... I love my family.

Yesterday, I enjoyed a wonderful holiday with my family. I was keenly aware that H&L and their kiddos weren't there, but I was also grateful that the rest of us are healthy, nearby, we enjoy each others company enough that we WANT to be together. I don't feel an obligatory "showing" from anyone. I am especially grateful for C for picking up the location assignment last minute. Again, grateful. I know that we all have our trials, but I also know that with Jesus Christ, His atonement and His resurection all things are possible.

I made mention at the dinner party that we need to do this more often. Well, we do! I don't see my brothers often enough, and I need to. I feel a deserate need to reconnect with them and their wives. I am SO excited for summer when H&L come to visit. I can't hardly stand it! I miss them desperately.

I look out the window and see a beautiful blue sky peeking out from behind fluffy white/grey clouds. I plan to gobble up every spring day that is offered me this year! I have a strong desire for lots of "sweater weather".
I am feeling something deep within me. A change, perhaps? I hope so. I long for closer friends, deeper relationships. I dream of friends that don't move away. Or that I don't move so the friendships I do have don't wrinkle a bit out of lack of convenience. I am not sure that any of this is poinant to anyone but me, but today I feel a soul bearing is in order. I am now going to leave this post at that, and head off to hug my beautiful 3 year old!

spring

today I am feeling renewed. I am holding my children a little closer today. My spirit is feeling refreshed. I am ready to take on March and all that it offers me. ie. spring break, painting the front room--and possibly the bathroom. I am especially excited that March offers me flowers. today I am renewed.