This week has had me thinking about, well me. I know it's not the "Minnesota Nice" thing to do, but we all need to do some self-reflecting. It helps us to become better people and figure out what is important in life.
Walking with Erika in her battle with Leukemia has caused me to think about my health and what is most important in life. I find myself staring a little longer at my two beautiful boys & husband, holding them a little bit tighter and sneaking in a few extra kisses. Being there for my husband as he watches his sister & only sibling fight for her life has been an emotional roller coaster. I try to have extra grace for his extra fiesty-ness, I making sure to be available emotionally for him, I pray for him and encourage him. I love how manly my man is, I love that if he could, he would take his sister's place, that he would lay his life down for his family & friends. I don't like how hard it is for him to open up; so I just wait for those few moments that he will let me carry his load (I actually pray that he will have those moments). I am so thankful that Jesus wants to help carry our loads too, so that we can find rest in HIM.
I have also been feeling down about what I have been putting into my body and my lack of exercise. Before Josh & I left for vacation, the first week of April, I was eating well and trying to exercise regularly (Before we found out about Erika). I should know this about myself by now, but I need to exercise on a regular basis. It's my choice drug really (besides my coffee). When I'm not on a normal routine of eating well and exercising regularly it affects all areas of my health. My self-esteem plummets, I'm more tired, I'm less likely to want to be intimate and I probably have my sassy-pants on more often.
I don't know about you, but I am just not an early morning person. My heart wants to be, I dream of all the things I could accomplish if I could get out of bed at 5AM--working out, getting a cup of coffee and sitting in silence and doing my devotions, then getting ready for the day. Right now its just not my reality. Instead, I'm rolling out of bed around 6:50-7AM throwing on some clothes, hurrying to Caribou for a coffee to go, all to make it back by 7:15 for my first little kiddo to arrive.
Tuesday I ate one too many cookies and went to bed at 8PM feeling discouraged about my food choices. Wednesday, on the other hand, was a brand new day! I woke up at 5:45AM feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day. I was able to enjoy my coffee at Caribou and some much needed time with my Savior. I also had an amazing "Ah-Ha" moment. I have been contemplating hiring a personal trainer a couple of times a week. I want to be toned again and would rather run an hour then do strength training. I have decided to have a substitute come two times each week for an hour so I can partake in strength training exercise classes at the YMCA. I went to 'Group Power' yesterday and can barely walk today, but I love that feeling! The other days I can go running outside with my man. I think he is so hot when he runs! He has amazing broad shoulders, the perfect waistline and defined legs!! (He's going to kill me that I just wrote that--it's the truth though!)
I feel excited, renewed, and refreshed about my new workout routine and times with the Lord in the morning. I can be really hard on myself when I don't get work outs in. This is one less battle that I have to fight in my mind. (It's no wonder I can't wake up in the AM.) I'm doing something for myself that will benefit my family and me! When I exercise I make better food choices and don't have to feel like a glutton. I am also going to try to wake up at 6:30AM so I can have my devo time first thing. The past two days I have so enjoyed sipping on my cup of coffee and reading God's word! I think I was feeling like a failed mom and wife because I couldn't get up and accomplish everything I wanted too, but that's Ok that I don't do it in a specific order. I work 50+ hours each week, plus manage my home and try to be the wife, mother, daughter, friend that God has called me to be. Bottom line, for me, is stop comparing!
I challenge you to make some healthy changes in your life. Our bodies are God's temple and he wants us to respect them and take care of them. Also, when is the best time for you to carve out some quiet time with the Lord? Mornings, during nap time or lunch tim, or before bed?
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Blown Away!
Today I was feeling a little bit like "Whoa is Me." When I woke up this AM I was feeling discouraged about some things, weary even though I just got back from vacation, and maybe even a little overwhelmed with life. I felt alone, even though I am not, but I have been internalizing a lot. When I went and checked my email during breakfast a friend of mine has messaged me. She had told me she was praying for us and wanted to help. She also coordinates one of the ministries I help out with at church and said she was going to give me a break the next couple of months. I had plan on emailing her this week to let her know that I need a break from serving until things settle down with Erika. I love the Lords timing!!
Later today another friend dropped off a sensory table and a "Green Thumb/Spring" theme of projects that I can do with my daycare kiddos. Lesson planning takes a lot of time and creativity and I haven't had the energy to do a lot of it, this brought me to tears. Now I have one less thing to think about and more time to spend with Erika & her family!
Earlier this week I was talking to Josh about getting a cleaning person to come every other week to the house. Running a business in your home requires a lot of cleaning, and with our new "normal" of life I haven't has as much free time nor the energy. Another friend, TODAY, wanted to do "something" to help us out during this time and asked if she could come clean my house. I felt like my jaw dropped and I started to laugh. I told her what I had expressed to Josh, and how her timing was so perfect. She is coming next week to help me!
The reason I am writing all of this is to share with you that the LORD's timing is perfect!! He hears our cries, he knows our hearts, our desires and needs. He makes himself known at the most amazing times. All of these little angles today have blessed me more then they know. I feel so energized by them and KNOW that THIS battle belongs to the LORD. I think it's so important to be in tune with the Lord's voice; or that prompting you get in your soul that you need to something. It's so cool to see the fruit that comes out of that obedience and how it effects other people's lives for the better. I hadn't expressed any of these needs to these ladies; they approached me!
"...but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
Isaian 40:30-31
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
Matthew 11:28
I invite you all to follow my sister-in-law, Erika, and her family on her journey with her fight against Leukemia. She has a Caring Bridge site where they do an amazing job of keeping us up-to-date and how we can pray specifically for them. I have been blown away by Sam & Erika's faith throughout this whole process, their love for one another, and how united they are in their marriage.
Winning for Erika!
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/erikarodriguez
Later today another friend dropped off a sensory table and a "Green Thumb/Spring" theme of projects that I can do with my daycare kiddos. Lesson planning takes a lot of time and creativity and I haven't had the energy to do a lot of it, this brought me to tears. Now I have one less thing to think about and more time to spend with Erika & her family!
Earlier this week I was talking to Josh about getting a cleaning person to come every other week to the house. Running a business in your home requires a lot of cleaning, and with our new "normal" of life I haven't has as much free time nor the energy. Another friend, TODAY, wanted to do "something" to help us out during this time and asked if she could come clean my house. I felt like my jaw dropped and I started to laugh. I told her what I had expressed to Josh, and how her timing was so perfect. She is coming next week to help me!
The reason I am writing all of this is to share with you that the LORD's timing is perfect!! He hears our cries, he knows our hearts, our desires and needs. He makes himself known at the most amazing times. All of these little angles today have blessed me more then they know. I feel so energized by them and KNOW that THIS battle belongs to the LORD. I think it's so important to be in tune with the Lord's voice; or that prompting you get in your soul that you need to something. It's so cool to see the fruit that comes out of that obedience and how it effects other people's lives for the better. I hadn't expressed any of these needs to these ladies; they approached me!
"...but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
Isaian 40:30-31
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
Matthew 11:28
I invite you all to follow my sister-in-law, Erika, and her family on her journey with her fight against Leukemia. She has a Caring Bridge site where they do an amazing job of keeping us up-to-date and how we can pray specifically for them. I have been blown away by Sam & Erika's faith throughout this whole process, their love for one another, and how united they are in their marriage.
Winning for Erika!
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/erikarodriguez
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
My Little Nutroll!
My Little Nutroll, is another name for my sweet & sassy Shane. I decided that I need to document all of the crazy things he has been up too or I will forget in a couple of months...I blame it on my "mom" brain!
1) Shane LOVES the water. It doesn't matter if it's the dog's water dish, the toilet, bath, pool he will be in it. Some funny water moments have been watching Shane drink like a puppy out of Hunter's water dish while Hunter eats his food. He also thinks that he needs to immerse his face into the dish. I have caught Shane on a weekly basis throwing his nuks, books, and toys in the toilets. He also loves to take logan's cup and drink the toilet water. Our toothbrushes have been victim to being dunked in the toilet and then sucked on by our little Poopsie! He has no fear in the pool. He thinks he can swim like Logan, so you can not take your eyes off of him.
2) He loves Hunter! Hunter is our 7 year old chocolate lab. When Shane wakes up in the AM he typically asks for "puppy." Hunter and Shane swap saliva on a daily basis. Shane loves to snuggle with hunter, lay on him, jump on him, and go for rides on him. If he is sad and we mention the word "puppy" it immediately calms him down. Hunter brings joy to Shane's life!
3) Shane is my daycare bully....right now. I know I shouldn't label him, but he is in a phase. He's learning boundaries and the concept of kind hands. Shane is no stranger to time out. As soon as he has broken a rule he instantly points to the time out wall. He loves to steal the kid's nuks or blankets and take off running with them, all the while he still has one in his mouth and one in his hand. When changing diapers, he loves to tower over the kids and wait for the perfect moment to belly flop on them. Thankfully I am on to his ways and can intervene. He is learning how to share and occasionally hits for no reason.
4) Despite Shane's sassy side, he is one of the favorites of the daycare kids. Yesterday when he was at "Naughty Boy Tuesday" the kids were wishing he was home. He has a sweet side and his personality is contagious. In my opinion, it's hard not too love him. His smile melts you and he exudes joy! He is also a dancing machine!
5) He still adores his older brother. At times I think he is already seeking Logan's approval. He loves to sneak into his room and play with all of his toys. Logan, however, is not so fond of this, but still thinks its an awesome idea for them to share a room. (I think Logan is more excited for bunk beds!) He wants to sit on the stools at meal time just like Logan. He cries when he doesn't get to go where his big brother goes.
1) Shane LOVES the water. It doesn't matter if it's the dog's water dish, the toilet, bath, pool he will be in it. Some funny water moments have been watching Shane drink like a puppy out of Hunter's water dish while Hunter eats his food. He also thinks that he needs to immerse his face into the dish. I have caught Shane on a weekly basis throwing his nuks, books, and toys in the toilets. He also loves to take logan's cup and drink the toilet water. Our toothbrushes have been victim to being dunked in the toilet and then sucked on by our little Poopsie! He has no fear in the pool. He thinks he can swim like Logan, so you can not take your eyes off of him.
2) He loves Hunter! Hunter is our 7 year old chocolate lab. When Shane wakes up in the AM he typically asks for "puppy." Hunter and Shane swap saliva on a daily basis. Shane loves to snuggle with hunter, lay on him, jump on him, and go for rides on him. If he is sad and we mention the word "puppy" it immediately calms him down. Hunter brings joy to Shane's life!
3) Shane is my daycare bully....right now. I know I shouldn't label him, but he is in a phase. He's learning boundaries and the concept of kind hands. Shane is no stranger to time out. As soon as he has broken a rule he instantly points to the time out wall. He loves to steal the kid's nuks or blankets and take off running with them, all the while he still has one in his mouth and one in his hand. When changing diapers, he loves to tower over the kids and wait for the perfect moment to belly flop on them. Thankfully I am on to his ways and can intervene. He is learning how to share and occasionally hits for no reason.
4) Despite Shane's sassy side, he is one of the favorites of the daycare kids. Yesterday when he was at "Naughty Boy Tuesday" the kids were wishing he was home. He has a sweet side and his personality is contagious. In my opinion, it's hard not too love him. His smile melts you and he exudes joy! He is also a dancing machine!
5) He still adores his older brother. At times I think he is already seeking Logan's approval. He loves to sneak into his room and play with all of his toys. Logan, however, is not so fond of this, but still thinks its an awesome idea for them to share a room. (I think Logan is more excited for bunk beds!) He wants to sit on the stools at meal time just like Logan. He cries when he doesn't get to go where his big brother goes.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Check 1, 2, 3...Check
Don't worry I won't burst out into song or rap for that matter; I just wanted to check in! I had great intentions when I first created this blog, like posting weekly, but life always gets in the way. There have been many times when I would be thinking about a blog post or be in a moment that should have been blogged, but life has kept me distracted! I don't have anything too exciting to share but thought if I started typing that this would turn into a purposeful post.
One thing that has been on my mind is how thankful I am. To make it more specific, how thankful I am for my business. God continues to blow my socks off. I have to give him all of the credit for blessing me with amazing families all the way down to my business name--Agape Kids. From the first day I was an official daycare provider to now three years later, the Lord has provided over and beyond what I imagined. Every time there has been a change to a families schedule or kiddos going off to school, the Lord always provides me a new family to fill in the gaps. For instance, a few weeks ago I decided that I should try to add a couple more kids to my daycare. I had lost 2.5 to Kindergarten and never filled their spaces. I began praying on a Monday and by Friday someone had emailed me about daycare. The next week I was speaking with a friend and lead me to another family looking for daycare. Wow, I serve an awesome God! I'm really excited to have these new kiddos start!
As I type away, Shane is talking away in his bedroom--he's supposed to be sleeping. This last month he's nap schedule has been so off. I can't quite figure him out. He typically naps two times a day (totaling 3-4 hrs) and is in bed around 7-7:30PM. This month he will either refuse to nap completely, or not nap in the AM and barely sleep in the PM, or nap in the AM and sleep a little in the PM, or he will nap like a champ both times and once he only napped in the PM but slept decent. If he doesn't sleep in the AM, he is crabby and if he doesn't nap in the PM he is crabby. If I don't get him to sleep by 730 he is crabby. His behavior would lead me to believe that he still needs two naps and an early bedtime. Any suggestions/tips would be great!
One thing that has been on my mind is how thankful I am. To make it more specific, how thankful I am for my business. God continues to blow my socks off. I have to give him all of the credit for blessing me with amazing families all the way down to my business name--Agape Kids. From the first day I was an official daycare provider to now three years later, the Lord has provided over and beyond what I imagined. Every time there has been a change to a families schedule or kiddos going off to school, the Lord always provides me a new family to fill in the gaps. For instance, a few weeks ago I decided that I should try to add a couple more kids to my daycare. I had lost 2.5 to Kindergarten and never filled their spaces. I began praying on a Monday and by Friday someone had emailed me about daycare. The next week I was speaking with a friend and lead me to another family looking for daycare. Wow, I serve an awesome God! I'm really excited to have these new kiddos start!
As I type away, Shane is talking away in his bedroom--he's supposed to be sleeping. This last month he's nap schedule has been so off. I can't quite figure him out. He typically naps two times a day (totaling 3-4 hrs) and is in bed around 7-7:30PM. This month he will either refuse to nap completely, or not nap in the AM and barely sleep in the PM, or nap in the AM and sleep a little in the PM, or he will nap like a champ both times and once he only napped in the PM but slept decent. If he doesn't sleep in the AM, he is crabby and if he doesn't nap in the PM he is crabby. If I don't get him to sleep by 730 he is crabby. His behavior would lead me to believe that he still needs two naps and an early bedtime. Any suggestions/tips would be great!
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Pin It!
I have officially caught the bug--the Pinterest Bug!! The New Year and warm weather has got me in decorating mode. I know it's only January, but I already have "spring fever!" This could be a good or bad thing. I've been dusting, organizing and dreaming of how I want to redecorate our home. I love that Pinterest allows me to save all of my finds on one website instead of over crowding my bookmarks on my computer. What a concept, it's brilliant really!
At night I find myself "pinning" ideas for our bedroom and what my dream kitchen would be. Josh and I have started the Dave Ramsey budget/lifestyle so there is a special fund set aside to re-decorate our room. I've always envisioned our bedroom being a sanctuary, a place that I could retreat too and leave my worries and stresses at the door. This, however, is not the case. Our bedroom is my least favorite room in the house, but I plan to change that this year.
Look forward to future blogs, when the re-decorating begins! What are your favorite ideas/pictures to pin?
At night I find myself "pinning" ideas for our bedroom and what my dream kitchen would be. Josh and I have started the Dave Ramsey budget/lifestyle so there is a special fund set aside to re-decorate our room. I've always envisioned our bedroom being a sanctuary, a place that I could retreat too and leave my worries and stresses at the door. This, however, is not the case. Our bedroom is my least favorite room in the house, but I plan to change that this year.
Look forward to future blogs, when the re-decorating begins! What are your favorite ideas/pictures to pin?
Monday, November 7, 2011
A Month of Meals...
I have lead Josh to believe that I'm a sub-par cook...until I opened up the October issue of Real Simple and read "A Month of Easy Dinners." My transformation in the kitchen happened a few weeks ago when I was doing my weekly shopping. As I waited in line I checked out the magazine racks. One of my favorite one's is Real Simple. I of course bought the magazine and meal planning has never been easier. The magazine supplies you four weeks of meals and your shopping list for each week!
All of the meals I have made so far have been wonderful! My domestic divaness is shining through! Josh has been impressed and Logan has asked me who made the meal. I have always known how to cook, but I am horrible with coming up with new ideas. My grandma told us growing up, "If you can read, you can cook." I love these meals because I don't have to think about what to make. I also love that a lot of the recipes are cooking with fresh produce.
Real Simple has been so kind to post the month of recipes on-line..http://simplystated.realsimple.com/tag/month-of-dinners/
Recipes have left us with extra food almost every night. I am making food for 3 adults and 2 children. So far I have made the following recipes...
Salmon with Gingery Green Beans & Bok Choy
Tomato Soup with Roast Beef, Cheddar, and Horseradish Panini
Chicken with Potatoes, Bacon, and Cabbage
Tortellini with Buternut Squash, Mushrooms, and Fontina
Pasta with Sausage and Tomatoes
If you are unable to find the recipe, let me know and I will email it to you.
Enjoy! I hope that these meals make your life more simple--it has mine!
All of the meals I have made so far have been wonderful! My domestic divaness is shining through! Josh has been impressed and Logan has asked me who made the meal. I have always known how to cook, but I am horrible with coming up with new ideas. My grandma told us growing up, "If you can read, you can cook." I love these meals because I don't have to think about what to make. I also love that a lot of the recipes are cooking with fresh produce.
Real Simple has been so kind to post the month of recipes on-line..http://simplystated.realsimple.com/tag/month-of-dinners/
Recipes have left us with extra food almost every night. I am making food for 3 adults and 2 children. So far I have made the following recipes...
Salmon with Gingery Green Beans & Bok Choy
Tomato Soup with Roast Beef, Cheddar, and Horseradish Panini
Chicken with Potatoes, Bacon, and Cabbage
Tortellini with Buternut Squash, Mushrooms, and Fontina
Pasta with Sausage and Tomatoes
If you are unable to find the recipe, let me know and I will email it to you.
Enjoy! I hope that these meals make your life more simple--it has mine!
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Four
October 18th is a date that will always be close to my heart; it's the date that I became a Mom! Today my son, Logan, turned four year's old. Today is also the first time that his Birthday hit close to my heart. I felt a sense of loss in the sense that he will soon be attending school full-time. I won't have the luxury of having him all day during the week. My little boy really isn't so little anymore. He's maturing so much I can hardly stand it.
I love Logan's heart. He has such a tender side to him. I love that at dinner he needs to stop and take hug breaks or still loves to give me extra kisses. I love that he's so sweet to his brother and can't wait to share a bedroom with him. I love that he thinks our next child will be a girl. He tells me that when Shane gets a little bit older then I'll have a girl baby. That's all he wants--one brother and one sister. (I'm secretly praying for two girls, but don't tell Josh!) I love that he calls me out on things like if I forget to put my seat belt on right away in the car or I don't follow through with a promise right away (good or bad). I love that he sleeps in his underwear (and dance, wrestle, eat, etc). I love the joy that fills his heart and his laugh that makes his nose crinkle up. I love that he still prays for his armpit, thanks to his daycare buddies teaching him how to make noises out of it. I love that he calls his bike with training wheels his "trick" bike and that he loves to be rough and tough with his daddy. I love how he make's sure that I'm OK since the passing of my dad. Weekly he's asking me if I"m still sad and then we are able to talk about Papa Mike.
Being Logan's MOM is truly an honor. I can't wait to see the plans that the Lord has in store for his life.
"Be strong and courageous, (Logan), for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you."
Dueteronomy 31:6
I love Logan's heart. He has such a tender side to him. I love that at dinner he needs to stop and take hug breaks or still loves to give me extra kisses. I love that he's so sweet to his brother and can't wait to share a bedroom with him. I love that he thinks our next child will be a girl. He tells me that when Shane gets a little bit older then I'll have a girl baby. That's all he wants--one brother and one sister. (I'm secretly praying for two girls, but don't tell Josh!) I love that he calls me out on things like if I forget to put my seat belt on right away in the car or I don't follow through with a promise right away (good or bad). I love that he sleeps in his underwear (and dance, wrestle, eat, etc). I love the joy that fills his heart and his laugh that makes his nose crinkle up. I love that he still prays for his armpit, thanks to his daycare buddies teaching him how to make noises out of it. I love that he calls his bike with training wheels his "trick" bike and that he loves to be rough and tough with his daddy. I love how he make's sure that I'm OK since the passing of my dad. Weekly he's asking me if I"m still sad and then we are able to talk about Papa Mike.
Being Logan's MOM is truly an honor. I can't wait to see the plans that the Lord has in store for his life.
"Be strong and courageous, (Logan), for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you."
Dueteronomy 31:6
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