As I type this post I am watching Glee, yes I am a closet Gleek. Since I can remember I have loved the arts. In my very early days my sister, Kourtney, and I would make up dance routines to songs on our Raffi record player (remember what those looked like) and preform them to our parents. At Christmas time my sister, Eva, would write a play and all of us would perform it Christmas Morning. I loved being in the school musicals in middle school and started dance when I was nine and haven't stopped yet. (I have slowed down, it now consists of dance parties in the basement.) I loved to belt out Mariah Carey and Rachel Lamp songs and sometimes even the Star Spangle Banner and Amazing Grace in the garage. (the car is my new stage) My dad and I would sing duets in the recording studio and I even sang in the choir in high school and college.
I LOVE going to plays, musicals, dance performances & concerts. When I watch the arts it stirs something in my soul; I get lost in it--I just can't get enough of it. I have always dreamed of being on a stage singing or dancing in front of a huge crowd. I used to pray that God would give me a singing voice that would captivate people--a voice good enough to be on stage. He obviously has a different plan for my life. I am slowly exposing my boys to this world and would just love it if they have a passion for it too!
Worship music has been an awesome tool for me to draw nearer to the Lord. When I hit the pavement with my running shoes, I have my iPod on with worship music as my play list. I am easily captivated by his creation; his tapestry. I find myself talking to him--thanking him for all that he has done and given to/for me, repenting of my sins, praying for others and asking him for his guidance. The music drowns out the distractions of the world; it enables me to focus on the most important person in my life. I have peace that I'll never be on a big stage performing in front of a crowd, but I know that the arts will always be a part of my life.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Thursday, May 26, 2011
I just set the timer...
It's amazing the power of these words. The moment I tell my daycare kiddos, "OK, I'm going to set the timer" they all work together in a brilliantly matter and quite fast too, to get the room cleaned up. I've never said that there would be a consequence if they didn't have the room cleaned up, but they automatically go into fight or flight mode...and I love it! So the next time you are trying to get your kids to clean their mess try that phase!
(that's all I got today, can you believe how short it is?!)
(that's all I got today, can you believe how short it is?!)
Monday, May 23, 2011
Awesomeness=My hubby!
Sunday I was living the dream...an ENTIRE day of just me and my main squeeze, Josh! We set off into the sunrise--well kind of, more like a terrenchel rain storm, and headed on a shopping trip. (Of course we swung by the 'bou for my latte fix) I had been expressing to him that my love tank was low and was in major need of quality time with him. Our first stop was IKEA. If you have been reading my blog you will know that we are in the process of re-decorating our living room, so on the agenda was picture frames, picture frames, storage shelving unit and more picture frames. We were in there for 2 hours. I love walking through there and dreaming together. At some point we would like to get new furniture in our bedroom and when Shane is older the boys will share a room, so we were planning on how we would decorate.
My other item on my check list was "summer play clothes" that consisted of shorts, tees and tanks. I have a tendency to be prideful and don't always like the way my legs look; especially in shorts. This summer, however, I have vowed to wear them. I need to get over myself and instead of suffering from the heat just put on a pair of shorts! Josh was so sweet as he listened to me say, "Do these look OK, do they make my legs look fat? Are you sure? Promise? You know you can tell me?" He even help pick some out! I did find four pairs. Shorts are good motivation to continue running. We shopped Old Navy, H&M, Jcrew, Len & Banana Republic. I was able to do some damage; I should be set for awhile. Josh didn't even say "no" once. (He needs to come shopping with me more often ;)
The entire day couldn't be entirely perfect...Our next stop was Costco. We have decided to get a membership; so excited! I was trying to be a good wife and entered Costco, Maple Grove into my GPS system on my phone. I was the navigator and was reading off the directions to Josh. Twenty-five minutes into the drive to "Costco, Maple Grove" we are going through Chaplin, Anoka and had passed the 694/94 exit. I wanted to believe that my directions were right so I wasn't ready to admit to my flawed phone. I kept thinking that maybe they were having us take the back roads and not drive thru the town. (that's the part of me that really wants to see the best in everyone). Josh had had enough. He was ready to throw my phone out the window. We ended up with an hour detour and missed going to Costco since they closed at 6pm--so bummed! We then headed to Bennihana's for dinner. I think this is what got Josh through all of the shopping. He had been dreaming about eating sushi all week. We walked in the door and they didn't have an open table until 8pm! No bueno!
We ended up eating at Biaggi's and had a wonderful meal. This is going to sound really vain but our waiter couldn't believe I was almost 30! I had a glass of wine with my dinner and was carded. He proceeded to tell Josh and I then he couldn't believe it. It was very flattering. (He got a good tip and was a really good waiter too...just so you know) There was a family of 4 sitting across the aisle from us and their kids were being kids. Josh and I looked at each other and just laughed. We felt like we were newly married again; carfree, remember those days? (these days are wonderful too, just different.)
We arrived home around 10PM. Nana & Papa Greg had the boys from the AM-6PM and then MeMe and Papa Jeff took over until we got home. SO thankful for family!! The boys had a wonderful time and I think the grandparents did too.
So, tonight after work we were all excited to start hanging pictures. We had purchased this new 3M product that doesn't require nails, it's velcro to hang pictures. Well, lets just say that my sweet hubby spent 2 hours prepping, hanging, re-hanging (it wasn't quite right) to only find that the velcro does stick to the paint on the frames. So after all of his hard work, we have one picture hung on our soon to be frame gallery.
The rest of the week my darling husband has something going on. I casually reminded him of that and reminded him of how fast he is at putting things together. At 10PM he begins to put together our new shelving unit that goes in a bedroom downstairs. He is SO sweet and it seriously took him 20 minutes--the man has skills!
So yesterday was pure bliss for me. I have decided that Josh and I need to spend an entire day together more often. I assured him that it won't always be shopping and in fact he gets to pick the next outing!
I'm signing off for the night. Keep checking back, photos will be posted soon!
My other item on my check list was "summer play clothes" that consisted of shorts, tees and tanks. I have a tendency to be prideful and don't always like the way my legs look; especially in shorts. This summer, however, I have vowed to wear them. I need to get over myself and instead of suffering from the heat just put on a pair of shorts! Josh was so sweet as he listened to me say, "Do these look OK, do they make my legs look fat? Are you sure? Promise? You know you can tell me?" He even help pick some out! I did find four pairs. Shorts are good motivation to continue running. We shopped Old Navy, H&M, Jcrew, Len & Banana Republic. I was able to do some damage; I should be set for awhile. Josh didn't even say "no" once. (He needs to come shopping with me more often ;)
The entire day couldn't be entirely perfect...Our next stop was Costco. We have decided to get a membership; so excited! I was trying to be a good wife and entered Costco, Maple Grove into my GPS system on my phone. I was the navigator and was reading off the directions to Josh. Twenty-five minutes into the drive to "Costco, Maple Grove" we are going through Chaplin, Anoka and had passed the 694/94 exit. I wanted to believe that my directions were right so I wasn't ready to admit to my flawed phone. I kept thinking that maybe they were having us take the back roads and not drive thru the town. (that's the part of me that really wants to see the best in everyone). Josh had had enough. He was ready to throw my phone out the window. We ended up with an hour detour and missed going to Costco since they closed at 6pm--so bummed! We then headed to Bennihana's for dinner. I think this is what got Josh through all of the shopping. He had been dreaming about eating sushi all week. We walked in the door and they didn't have an open table until 8pm! No bueno!
We ended up eating at Biaggi's and had a wonderful meal. This is going to sound really vain but our waiter couldn't believe I was almost 30! I had a glass of wine with my dinner and was carded. He proceeded to tell Josh and I then he couldn't believe it. It was very flattering. (He got a good tip and was a really good waiter too...just so you know) There was a family of 4 sitting across the aisle from us and their kids were being kids. Josh and I looked at each other and just laughed. We felt like we were newly married again; carfree, remember those days? (these days are wonderful too, just different.)
We arrived home around 10PM. Nana & Papa Greg had the boys from the AM-6PM and then MeMe and Papa Jeff took over until we got home. SO thankful for family!! The boys had a wonderful time and I think the grandparents did too.
So, tonight after work we were all excited to start hanging pictures. We had purchased this new 3M product that doesn't require nails, it's velcro to hang pictures. Well, lets just say that my sweet hubby spent 2 hours prepping, hanging, re-hanging (it wasn't quite right) to only find that the velcro does stick to the paint on the frames. So after all of his hard work, we have one picture hung on our soon to be frame gallery.
The rest of the week my darling husband has something going on. I casually reminded him of that and reminded him of how fast he is at putting things together. At 10PM he begins to put together our new shelving unit that goes in a bedroom downstairs. He is SO sweet and it seriously took him 20 minutes--the man has skills!
So yesterday was pure bliss for me. I have decided that Josh and I need to spend an entire day together more often. I assured him that it won't always be shopping and in fact he gets to pick the next outing!
I'm signing off for the night. Keep checking back, photos will be posted soon!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
the tank...
My sweet little baby is now 22 lbs!! He's officially out of the car carrier and into a big boy car seat---rear facing of course. A friend of mine just had a sweet little girl, Finley Maryn, yesterday and baby fever was beginning to set in. I forgot how much I miss being able to hold my little Shane without him squirming to be set free. There is nothing better then holding your little one, gazing into their eyes, studying their faces and of courses smooching them! Shane is 8 1/2 months now and I can't believe how independent he has become. He's crawling everywhere, wants to feed himself, is showing signs of temper tantrums & literally runs in his walker--he already likes to chase cars and people going by and I'm not exaggerating! Now don't jump to conclusions I'm not about to start "trying" again, but I so cherish the first few months of my children's lives. It goes so fast, but you never get the snuggle time back; or at least not with my boys.
Logan is in a new phase--Mom, me going to marry you. When we are outside playing he is continually picking me flowers (dandelions) to save for our wedding. When I ask what I should wear he tells me my flower dress--the one I wore to church. He informed me that he's going to wear his Buzz Lightyear costume. Of course there will be a dance and Logan has been practicing! I try to tell him that I'm already married and I can only have one husband, but he doesn't care. He actually thinks I should have four! I think I remember learning about this phase of child development in my Psychology class in college. I think it was one of Freud's theories--one a child has an infatuation with a parent. The older he gets, the more glimpses of his sweet side comes up. He still loves to take care of his brother and wants to be my good helper. It's hard to believe he starts preschool in the Fall.
Life is going by too fast. Sometimes I wish I could hit the pause button. I'm look forward to making some new memories this summer. We have a family fishing trip to Canada in July, lots of weekends to be spent out at the cabins ( Ida & Gull Lake), camping at Carlos State Park and spending lots of time in the sun!
What do you have planned for the summer?
Logan is in a new phase--Mom, me going to marry you. When we are outside playing he is continually picking me flowers (dandelions) to save for our wedding. When I ask what I should wear he tells me my flower dress--the one I wore to church. He informed me that he's going to wear his Buzz Lightyear costume. Of course there will be a dance and Logan has been practicing! I try to tell him that I'm already married and I can only have one husband, but he doesn't care. He actually thinks I should have four! I think I remember learning about this phase of child development in my Psychology class in college. I think it was one of Freud's theories--one a child has an infatuation with a parent. The older he gets, the more glimpses of his sweet side comes up. He still loves to take care of his brother and wants to be my good helper. It's hard to believe he starts preschool in the Fall.
Life is going by too fast. Sometimes I wish I could hit the pause button. I'm look forward to making some new memories this summer. We have a family fishing trip to Canada in July, lots of weekends to be spent out at the cabins ( Ida & Gull Lake), camping at Carlos State Park and spending lots of time in the sun!
What do you have planned for the summer?
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Burnt...
This last few weeks I have felt burnt...burnt from work, daily house chores, the mundane of life, the weather, getting back into shape and the list goes on. It doesn't help that our Spring has been little to nothing; we were so spoiled last year. I crave the sun, I'm energized from it and feel like a brand new person when in it's presence (just like Jesus!). Life just seems better and maybe even a little easier when we can be outside without 3 layers on. These past few days I have been "living the dream--the daycare dream!" I have recited that line to almost every parent as they picked up their child(ren). The kids have been on their best behavior, everyone is in much better moods, there have had kinder hands and words and we have been soaking up the sun!! It's days like these that make me appreciate my job even more. I remember when I used to have a desk job and I would daydream about being out in the sun and would find any excuse to be out there, now I can be!
Today I was outside from 9:30-3:30PM!! I even am sun burned! So I hope each of you can be renewed by this amazing weather and find time to take in God's creation and thank him for all that he has creative for us. Thank him for giving us the sun that energizes us and for the lushness that is so appealing to the senses. As I went for a run pushing my boys in the stroller I was admiring the green lawns, the smell of fresh cut grass, the beautiful lake and the buds on the trees.
Today I was outside from 9:30-3:30PM!! I even am sun burned! So I hope each of you can be renewed by this amazing weather and find time to take in God's creation and thank him for all that he has creative for us. Thank him for giving us the sun that energizes us and for the lushness that is so appealing to the senses. As I went for a run pushing my boys in the stroller I was admiring the green lawns, the smell of fresh cut grass, the beautiful lake and the buds on the trees.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Mother's Day Reflection...
Happy Mother's Day!
What an honor it is to be called "mom!" Today I was reflecting upon my first Mother's Day and all of the mother figures that have been in my life---wowzers, I am blessed! I don't know why I have been privileged enough to have met so many amazing mentors. They lead such exemplarily lives & are Godly women. Being a mom is overwhelming at times at it's a comfort to know that I have their unconditional love and support.
Children truly are a gift from God. My life is so full with Shane and Logan in it. I couldn't imagine my life not being a mom. I feel extra blessed that I get to be a daycare "mom" to 16 other children. I get to play a role in their lives and leave a lasting impression. I pray that I will have an impact on their lives & my own children's lives for God's kingdom. That I can plant seeds and watch them grow into Godly men and women.
This morning my husband wrote me a very heartfelt Mother's Day card, it actually brought me to tears. Life has been busy for the Timm clan lately and my love tank has been on low for awhile. The words that he wrote where exactly what I needed to hear. I need to be affirmed by him, and I needed to know that what I am doing as a mom and a wife matter. Sometimes we forget to tell our spouses what they mean to us and how thankful we are for them; we take them for granite and just assume that they know. Josh's timing today couldn't have been more perfect! It also has encouraged me and reminded me to let Josh know how thankful I am for him and how much he means to me.
I want to wish all of the mom's & soon-to-be mom's a very Happy Mother's Day! Thank you Nancy, Ruth, Mary & Violet for being amazing role model's in my life. I'm so blessed to have so many mom's and a grandma that have lived selfless lives and have been there for me through it all. I hope to leave a legacy like yours to my children. I love you so much!
What an honor it is to be called "mom!" Today I was reflecting upon my first Mother's Day and all of the mother figures that have been in my life---wowzers, I am blessed! I don't know why I have been privileged enough to have met so many amazing mentors. They lead such exemplarily lives & are Godly women. Being a mom is overwhelming at times at it's a comfort to know that I have their unconditional love and support.
Children truly are a gift from God. My life is so full with Shane and Logan in it. I couldn't imagine my life not being a mom. I feel extra blessed that I get to be a daycare "mom" to 16 other children. I get to play a role in their lives and leave a lasting impression. I pray that I will have an impact on their lives & my own children's lives for God's kingdom. That I can plant seeds and watch them grow into Godly men and women.
This morning my husband wrote me a very heartfelt Mother's Day card, it actually brought me to tears. Life has been busy for the Timm clan lately and my love tank has been on low for awhile. The words that he wrote where exactly what I needed to hear. I need to be affirmed by him, and I needed to know that what I am doing as a mom and a wife matter. Sometimes we forget to tell our spouses what they mean to us and how thankful we are for them; we take them for granite and just assume that they know. Josh's timing today couldn't have been more perfect! It also has encouraged me and reminded me to let Josh know how thankful I am for him and how much he means to me.
I want to wish all of the mom's & soon-to-be mom's a very Happy Mother's Day! Thank you Nancy, Ruth, Mary & Violet for being amazing role model's in my life. I'm so blessed to have so many mom's and a grandma that have lived selfless lives and have been there for me through it all. I hope to leave a legacy like yours to my children. I love you so much!
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