Just when I thought....

We are in full swing of potty training adventures at our house! Both with my 2 year old and our 3 mos. old puppy. Just when I thought I was at a good stage with all the kids being so self-sufficient at most times....we take a big leap backwards when we add a puppy into the mix! She is so sweet, but a LOT of work. She is coming along really well with the housebreaking.

She is rewarded with a small piece of cheese every time she goes potty outside. My daughter, Mady, on the other hand, works for gummy bears! She has been in "big girl unders" as she calls them for about 2 weeks now and has been so awesome!

I am here to testify that my girls pretty much potty trained over a weeks time and my son, took, well, significantly longer! It's a ton of fun seeing them hit this milestone, but I need a tool belt with wet wipes, Lysol, Spot Shot, and Toilet Paper ready for action at all times! I'm fairly certain I could whip up a cute one of those in waterproof fabric and put 'em on the market :)

Hope you are enjoying the little things today!

New Year, New Goals

I am feeling the energy of a new year. I love the list making and goal setting anyway, but the fact so many others join me in doing this at this time of year is fun. I have yet to pick my "word of the year" as nothing is jumping out at me. I will get back to you on that one.

One of my goals is to stick, really stick, to our family budget. We do a pretty good job of it already, but I am using the "cash in the envelope" method. So far so good. I take out the cash needed for groceries and stick it in the grocery envelope. My weekly allowance envelope has cash I can use for more non-essential items like going out to lunch, art supplies, etc. I love seeing money left over in the envelope at the end of each week! There's something about seeing the cash versus using a debit card or credit card that makes it more real. It hurts a little more to hand over the cash, so you think twice about buying something you don't really need.

Since I'm trying to save money, I've found all kinds of interesting, some more work than they are worth, ideas for saving money on household cleaning products, cheap meals, etc. I am taking some to heart and others are pretty cumbersome that I will leave for another lovely soul to use, like shaving a bar of ivory soap to make your own laundry detergent. Maybe someday, but not with 3 kids under 7.

My first switch in the laundry department is to use distilled white vinegar in our wash machine instead of fabric softener. It works great! You don't smell the vinegar on the clothes and you get rid of the static clean and soften your clothing. The dryer sheets have left our house. I made my husband a believer after a few successful loads of wash.

What do you do to save your family money?

2 Snow Days in a Row!

Well snow was in the forecast, and snow it did! I believe we had about 9 or 10 inches, so not too bad, but baby its cold outside! I have been at home with the kids for the last 2 snow days from school. We are all in need of some fresh air.

Tomorrow I'm back to school and first day back of the Spring semester teaching. I have 5 courses to teach and all the other fun stuff that comes along with academia. I love the flexibility it affords, but with that comes long hours of preparation, presenting and grading. Can't have your cake and eat it too I guess.

What's going on in your neck of the woods?

Ready for a Quick Roadtrip

My husband and I are heading to Kansas City for a quick road trip to see the Chiefs v. Ravens play off game! Not a huge football fan but going with a group of friends for a quick weekend getaway is always a fun thing....and I will most definitely try to work in some Red Velvet Cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory while we're there! We have an 80% chance of snow today and tomorrow and a 100% chance of snow on Monday here. I don't know about you, but I am planning on some sledding happening soon! I just hope my parents pack a toothbrush and extra clothes in case they get stuck here with the kids and we get stuck in K.C.!

How I do love the snow! It's the ice and wind chill I could definitely do without! Guess you can't get everything your way.


Have a blessed day!

Welcome 2011!

After quite a long hiatus, I am back. I wanted to start off the new year with a renewed commitment to blog. I've been quite busy with my family, work, and trying to eek out time to create, that I have prioritized right over blogging. Funny thing is, so many times I would sit and read my dear friends blogs and smile as I felt connected across the miles. I read a little and then moved on to put out a fire I'm sure. Point is, I could have posted something on my own blog!! So here I am.

The last post was just before I embarked on the Brave Girls camp journey in July. Wow, what a wonderful experience! Highly recommended. In fact, Idaho in general is beautiful. It was my first visit there and it felt very much like the Midwest pace of life I'm used to with lavish countryside, mountains, white water rafting, etc. that Nebraska just doesn't have. I asked my husband if there were any district offices for his job in Idaho and how he would feel about a move. While it sounded fun and adventurous, home will be Nebraska for now.

More on Brave Girls Camp coming later. Warm New Years wishes to each of you!

Unplugged

I am leaving town today to head towards Idaho for Brave Girls Camp. I have business to take care of first and then tomorrow....BGC!

I am a little nervous though I have to say. I can't remember the last time I traveled without my computer... and I am going cold turkey for the sake of unplugging and investing in myself for a week.

I am a little fearful of what that means for my inbox, but it is a freeing feeling to leave it all at home.

Off for now...I'll see you on the other side, you know, post BGC!

Been to Utah on to Idaho

Hello strangers....

Its been awhile as I have been in Utah for the last week. I thought I better post a line to confirm I made it back! I am home for the weekend and then head off to Idaho for Brave Girls Camp!

I had a lovely time in Utah. I visited so many hospitals and clinics that my occupational therapy students go to for fieldwork. Great people there too!

My daughter was able to come along and it was a trip we won't soon forget. Not so much for the entertainment or trying new things. But for the time and conversation, question and answer sessions, sharing a bed, and dessert. I really looked forward to our time and cherish the memories!

Now, next week on to Idaho to Brave Girls Camp. So excited I can hardly wait. I will be computer free all week, so won't be blogging about my experience until I return. I know I will come back bursting with stories!

See you soon!

Contentment in all things, really?

3 great friends and I are in the midst of the book "Calm My Anxious Heart: A Woman's Guide to Finding Contentment in All Things" by Linda Dillow. It has been a tough journey for us to the middle of the book, we are really being challenged with some hard stuff in life right now in general, with work woes, family struggles, and no "me-time".

Content in all things...really? What if someone butts in and messes up your contentment? Well, I would say ignore it or them before. I'm learning though that any anger or resentment from stuffing my discontent turns really ugly inside. It stays with me and bubbles up until something little sets us off.

I would like to say I'm even keeled. And I have so much to be grateful for. But at least once a week, okay, once a day, I am challenged to focus on what is good and not broken, instead of what is currently chapping my hide!

It sounds a little unrealistic, but I have tried to focus on contentment and it really rubs off on those around me!

Indoor Kite Flyer

I am not ashamed to admit that I have been watching America's Got Talent the last few weeks. I've been amazed at some of the people that have come on and shared their passion, and of course, others, that were just a few fries short of a happy meal!



On Tuesday night when I watched there was a young man who was an indoor kite flyer. He handled his kite with his movement choreographed to music. He did an amazing job.



But what I found most intriguing is the fact that he is a man living with epilepsy. He found this creative occupation of kite flying as a way of concentration, stress relief, and relaxation!



I find him to be a completely genuine inspiration! The video link to his performance isn't up yet, but when it is, I'll link it for you to see!

The message to me is profound....don't wait for a perfect day outside to fly your kite, get off your duff and make your own wind!

Balance Testing

Balance testing is something I used to do more when I practiced occupational therapy full time in the hospital...now that I teach occupational therapy students, I try to practice balance!

This week in Kelly Rae's ecourse we are talking about time management and setting schedules.

I can set a schedule, I often create lists and pre think things I need to do. That's not the problem right now. The problem is being able to start the schedule!

Having 3 little ones, a husband, and a full time job I'm constantly relying on a schedule. I can schedule in time for creativity and still not get to it because something comes up.

What do you put on the schedule that you don't get to as often as you'd like?

And on the 7th Day...Rest

My family and friends have often told me I struggle with just plain doing nothing. I have a hard time just sitting and watching a movie. I'm usually scanning a magazine or cookbook, making a grocery list, etc., etc. That is sad....but I'm working on it.

Every year at work we have an end of the school year celebration and the chair of our department makes up fun awards for each faculty member. I would like to say that last year's was "multi-tasker of the year" and I was so proud of that one. But this year "budding artist" award is much more in alignment to where I'm trying to be!

On the radio this morning I heard a woman talking about going to a vacation bible camp this week to speak to a group of gradeschool kids. The theme of the camp was God's creation. She talked about what happened each day, but really focused on the last day. The 7th day when God looked at all that he had created and said, "I think I'm going to rest now".

Taking a cue from my friend Louise on her blog today and the radio story I thought that's a great little question for us all....

Do we allow ourselves a "7th day"?

Whispers from Chocolate

If I didn't directly mention it yet....I am in the midst of week 2 of Kelly Rae's e-course on launching a creative business. I am thoroughly enjoying each day, feeling inspired and energized about ideas floating around in my head. It is always so much fun when my thoughts are echoed by other little whispers.

Last Saturday night my husband and I were out on our hammock enjoying the cool weather and stars. We were eating little Dove chocolates, which I LOVE! I don't know which part is better, the chocolate or the little inspiration on the inside of the wrapper!

I ate a chocolate #1 and the quote said "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams" I smiled.
I ate chocolate #2 because you know you just can't stop at one, and that quote said "You are the only thing stopping you from your dreams". I laughed and insisted my husband open one up so I didn't just happen to pick up a bag of Dove chocolates with a "dream theme" inside.

Sure enough, his quote had nothing to do with dreams, but with the measure of character or sometime like that! Anyway, does Dove have a clue what they're doing to me?

I know its not the most nutritious choice, but I can't wait to get back into that bag and eat more chocolate just to see what the quote says. I know, I know, we all have burdens we must bare, and chocolate eating is mine :) At least until the bag is gone!

Has chocolate spoken to you lately? What is it saying?

Quit the Comparison

I have had a contemplative couple of days and quit the comparison is a thought that keeps coming up! I have tried to give myself a bit of time to think about setting goals for the creative ideas flowing in my head and have had a heck of a time finding TIME :)

I am in Kelly Rae Robert's ecourse right now and loving every moment! The most challenging part is following along and really pushing myself to journal along my answers to her probing questions. I have really enjoyed the process, but feel like I could enjoy it more if...or if I was able to.... and begin comparing my ideas, thoughts, circumstance, etc., etc., with those around me.

I just need to quit it, but easier said than done. Funny thing is yesterday's message at church was called "Quit Comparing"! Boy, that isn't a whisper, its a pretty loud shout!

I will keep working on it, but it is hard! I find myself comparing myself with others in work, family, church, neiborhood, school, etc. situations. I am trying to first become more aware of the times I do it, and then I will tackle the intervention!

Do you find yourself comparing your art, kids, house, talents, etc. with those around you?

Happy Thursday!

Rain, Rain I Love it today! It has been raining all day, and even though my daughter's 1st grade field trip to the nature retreat center was cancelled due to it, I still love the rain! I think the best part of it is that it forces me to slow down. One of my most favorite things to do it to take a nap with the windows open and smell and listen to the rain. I love the cool breeze that comes in and whispers "its okay that you're taking a nap instead of doing something else right now". I wish I could just learn to slow down and enjoy a little nap on days when its not raining out too.

Note to self, you can do this whenever you choose :)

Mother's Day Gift

Mother's Day Gift...One that will keep on giving!



I am getting all geared up to begin the much anticipated e-course offered by Kelly Rae. I received this as a gift from my family for Mother's Day. I can't wait to get started! I am looking forward to learning from Kelly Rae's stories and wisdom from lived experiences in her creative business journey.



The e-course "Flying Lessons: Tips and Tricks to Help Your Creative Business Soar" (great title :)) lasts 5 weeks and I'm hoping that I get in to the routine to not only go through the course on a weekly basis, but carve out more time for getting my hands messy and creating!


The course starts on May 30th and there is still time to enroll! I'm sure it will be an amazing experience. To find out more about the e-course visit Kelly's blog at: htt://kellyraeroberts.blogspot.com

Mother's Day Message

I always look forward to going to church, but especially on Mother's Day. Our church celebrates mothers with a special gift for each mom, and I get so excited trying to guess what it might be each year.

Each mom received a necklace with a little charm that says, "Live Your Dream". Okay, God, not whispering so much as you are speaking with an "inside voice".

I was so touched by the message this year from our Pastor's wife, Kris that went right along with the gift. She spoke about dreams God gives us, and how we, as moms, sometimes put our dreams on hold, or they seem impossible, and we just give up.

I wrote down notes and verses she referred to, but drifted away to thinking about my dreams currently. I found myself being comforted by her message of dreams coming from God, being blessed by Him, for His purposes. That is exciting!

Travel Suggestions

More travel coming up in my job and I am going to ask for suggestions on things to do as I will have some free time. YEAH! I have to go to Salt Lake City and Provo, Utah and Oklahoma City, OK (not in the same trip, 2 different trips this summer) to visit hospitals and clinics where my occupational therapy students go for their internships. While I am there I would like suggestions of what to do in my down time. If all works out, I would like to take my daughter along and make it a girls trip. She is 7 so huge mountain hikes are not realistic, but I'd sure love to hear what others have done!

I'm all ears!



By the way, the art show I was a part of during the month of April "Part Time Artists" show, proved to be a successful event and I've been asked to create more artwork as a "more permanent" fixture in the boutique! I am very excited for the opportunity and to see where this path will lead!

Hello from Orlando!

Its been far too long since my last post. I have been running around chasing children and grading assignments as the semester winds down at school.

I managed to work in a little fun last week when I went to Orlando for the American Occupational Therapy Association's Annual Confernece.




I had a wonderful time with my friends learning, shopping, eating, and screaming! We spent a day at Magic Kingdom and rode everything we could a few times!


I hope you are working a little fun into your days!

Easter Triathalon

I hope you had a blessed Easter. Yesterday, we had an Easter triathlon...We are fortunate enough to have most of our family in town. However, to visit all of them, in one day, is an event! The kids woke up and found their baskets full of fun surprises.

After the Easter breakfast of champions, a.k.a. sour Twizzlers and lots of chocolate eggs, we headed to Easter service at church. It was awesome as usual! Then to leg 1 of the triathlon, my mom and dad's house. Yummy brunch, an egg hunt, and lots of laughter filled the time.

Matthew was so nice taking Mady around to find eggs. Then off to leg 2, lunch at Josh's dad and step mom's house. Grandpa thought it was a good idea to get Alex a water gun and fill it up inside his house...no photos of this as I was too busy making sure he wasn't drenching any furniture. The boy loves his water guns, which he lovingly calls "my sqwert guns".

Leg 3, final destination, dinner at Aunt Robin's. I could hear the Chariots of Fire theme song as we drove across town. More food, more family, more fun. The kids were exhausted by this time, no naps, new toys, and extra sugar...who has time for a nap, mom?

We love our family, but now I understand why it takes so long to train for a triathlon!

Awe*some Friday!

Last Friday night was a bit surreal. I was one of the featured artists in the Working Artists Show at the Art Mill in town. I was so nervous to go there for the opening. I started to doubt what I was wearing, who would show up, where the art show director would put my stuff. I thought for sure I would be in a lonely, dark, corner in the back hallway. To my surprise, I was pleased to see my artwork in the front window of the shop! You can see it even if the shop is closed! YOWZA! (Not sure how to spell that one, as I don't put it in many emails :)) The sweetest thing I have to say is when my aunt brought my grandpa to the show. Here's a picture of some of my family that came, my mom and dad, grandpa and aunt, and mother-in-law!

I was so surprised and it was the best surprise of the night! I let go of my fears and apprehensions as soon as my parents walked in and I thought to myself...they are here for me! My husband on the other hand had to wait for the "its okay to come in and peak at the artwork with the 3 small children that have the capabilities of doing some serious damage now" . That lasted for a brief moment as they quickly discovered pretzels and M&Ms in the back of the place. Who needed mom anymore?

I am still in the "please pinch me, I must be dreaming" mode. I will have the artwork for sale in the shop until the end of April. I have about 8 pieces in there and 3 sold opening night! I am blessed to be a part of this opportunity. I hope to have more updates as the month goes on. Needless to say its an "AWE"some experience...get it...part of my vision for the blog...capturing "awe" filled moments and this ranks right up there!