Peace

How are those resolutions coming along?  I strongly dislike the word "resolution".  I believe that we are who we are and we really can't change too much, and we really don't need to (with the exception of hardened-criminals).  The problems come about when we decide we're not happy with who we are.  Quite philosophical, huh?

Think about it.  We EAT when we're upset, sad, angry, bored, etc and we gain weight.  And then we're fat and ugly (we think) and we eat some more.  We SPEND MONEY because something, we feel, is missing in our lives and we end up broke.  When, in fact, if we all chill out a bit and take an outsiders view...we're not that bad.

Here's what I pray for...peace of mind. 

Here's what I pray for for my children...their happiness and peace of mind and for me to quit nagging them to be the person I think/thought they should/would be.

I digress...getting back to the peace of mind thing.  I truly believe that every prayer ever said can be reduced to having a peaceful self.

My "resolution" this year has been to help God out with my earthen peace.  I'm doing what I can to identify the things that make me nuts, inpatient, upset, angry, etc...and find a way to eliminate those things or at least deal with them in a grown-up and intelligent way.  That's opposed to going bat-shit crazy when one of the kids leaves a sock on the floor in the wrong place at the wrong time.  Am I preaching to the choir or what here?!  That's okay you don't have to testify.

Here are my triggers (well, the ones I've identified anyway) in no particular order...

LAUNDRY

Problem: it's never done.  DUH!

Solution: by washing, folding, and putting away 3 loads everyday I can stay on top of the piles.  This way I don't spend an entire Saturday doing laundry only to have the hampers full again by Sunday evening.

KIDS AND CHORES

Problem: endless complaining, crying, and whining about what needs to be done.  It's really not endless, it's just really annoying.  Then I fall into my lecture about third world children and how lucky the are to live with me.  Then my face hurts from talking. Then I'm grouchy.

Solution: LISTS!  When the kids get home from school there is a list waiting.  The list has everything each child has to get done before TV/computer/wii/ds time.  Shockingly, this works very well.  I have done this in the past but kinda slacked off.  Need to be more diligent with this task.  When the kids get "the list"  they know what's expected.  No surprises.  Mom doesn't nag. STUFF.GETS.DONE! 

MEAL PLANNING

Problem: coming up with what to feed my family is the biggest stresser in my life. (Pretty good life I've got.)  If I don't have a plan by the time everyone walks in the door from chores, it's chaos and I'm a freaked out wreck.

Solution: Monthly menu!  I did one today for the next SIX weeks.  I feel so in control!  I'll share it later.

COMPETITION

Problem: OBVIOUS!  Those who aren't competitive...you need to sponsor some sort of "in-service" and invite me!  It's not as bad as it used to be...but it can be improved upon.

Solution:  Stepping back.  Relax.  Deep breaths. Teach my kids and myself to be the best that they can be and angels could do no more.  Last summer I tries to talk #1 OUT of taking a certain 4-H project to Achievement Days.  I shared that it wasn't purple ribbon worthy... he says, "Isn't it about making things together and spending time together?"  My heart broke and smiled at the same time.  Clearly, he has a better handle on life than his mother does.

RELAXING

Problem: I DON'T DO IT!

Solution:  Make myself do it.  Currently, I'm addicted to "Angry Birds" (only after the kids go to bed of course).  This includes making time for myself to be creative and not feel guilty when I paint, sew, craft, and the ginormous list of creative things I like to do.

HOUSEKEEPING

Problem:  I don't see the beautiful house that we live in.  I see the dirt!

Solution:  I hired a fabulous woman to come every other week to clean my house.  I LOVE HER!  The night before she comes, we have a "picking up" party.  Everything is put in its place.  I come home to a spotless house.  WOO HOO!  This has also given me time to work on clutter and cleaning things that would normally be overlooked. 

That's enough of my rambling.  Hope I've inspired someone.  Hope someone can identify with this craziness.  Gotta go...load number 3 is dry!

Becky



Weight Schmeight

 Before I begin:

My apologies for addressing this ugly subject, but I had to use these great cow pictures.

Onward:

If you know that by the end of the holiday season you are going to feel a bit wide through the middle like this old gal...

Check out this chick's blog to help you mind your intake.

Roni's Weigh

and her food blog...

Green Lite Bites

She's inspirational and REAL!!

Keep the Chex Mix and Divinity binging to a minimum so that we can maintain our svelte bikini beach bodies.

My goal from November 1 to January 1 is to not be consumed by social eating extravaganzas.  I can do this!  I CAN weigh the same on January 1 as I did on November 1. 

Who's with me?

Let's start exercising BEFORE Jan. 1st.  That way we don't look quite so cliche at the gym in Jan.

Or we could make cookie dough and watch Christmas Vacation while eating every last wonderful spoonful.

What's it gonna be?

I'm still on the fence-

Becky

Overscheduled.

So... I have completely over scheduled myself for the last week in October.  It's no one's fault but my own.  I AM NOT A VICTIM! {She says with resounding strength!}  Instead of pulling up my boot straps and fulfilling my obligations, I chose to spend a bit of precious time on Facebook.  Honestly, I may spend 20 minutes a month on Facebook.  Is that bad?  Some would say yes.  But I {with resounding strength} say "NO".  It's okay to be different.  Really, it is.

During my 15 minutes of down time, I checked on my dear friend Lucy.  She just so happens to be my dear sister-in-law.  She's brilliant and has an incredible sense of humor.  {and, no, I'm not just writing that because she's reading this!}  Lucy posted this link:

http://www.grist.org/living/2011-06-28-the-medium-chill

You have got to read this entire post.  I think most of us can relate.  The comments about hoarding kind of slapped me in the face.  That's ok... the truth hurts.  But this guy is SPOT ON with the whole social group thing.  Now you're curious, aren't you?

Check it out!

Have a great non-keep-up-with-the-Jones' kinda day!

Becky

p.s. Thanks, Lucy. I needed that!

Sweat Equity

M calls and says he'll take 1 through 4 to the corner station for a snack!!  Hooray - Happy Dance!  That was the best news I'd had in the 72 hours that we'd been snowed in.  #5 was sleeping - imagine the things I could get done in the 45 minutes they'd be gone. 

He had one request before he left {anything for this wonderful man that would grant me 45 minutes of solitude}.  "Could you fill the bucket with snow?"  Why does he need a 5 gallon bucket filled with snow - I thought to myself.  I said sure with slight hesitation but not willing to question.  They left. I quickly got suited up so as to not waste ANY time.  I walked out the door to find...

The payloader was sitting in the drive.  Seems as though the snow from in front of the garage that can't be "gotten" with heavy equipment needed to be scooped into THE BUCKET.  I'm here to tell you that's a darn big bucket and there was a heckofa lot of snow that needed to be shoveled.

M's nature is to solve my problems.  I'm guessing the complaints I've made about the extra 10 pounds I've found around my waist after mainlining chex mix, sugar cookies, cream cheese, and sausage for the last 8 weeks gave him the idea to help me out with my obvious need for exercise.  It worked.  Took me 20 minutes of hard labor (maybe not so terribly hard).  I felt great afterwards and I may have broken a sweat at

 -24 degrees.

Here's to no pressure keeping the gym membership and a little motivation to just get up and move a bit more.  Easier said than done - I know, I know.

Blessings - B

Goodwill Hunting

Saturday we loaded up the van and took the family to "town". Dad had his usual farmer-never-leaves-the-farm kind of stuff to do and then he graciously gave me and the sisters 30 minutes in the Goodwill store. You can't beat a Goodwill when lookin' for a junk fix!

Here's what I found:

The little white mirror will look splendid in the sisters' room.

The old file box is FABULOUS - don't know where it's going but it's fabulous!
The bulletin board goes to #1's bedroom. He always has artwork and projects that need showcasing!

And my favorite thing of all... the old frame. I have some old flashcards and burlap that will reside in that beauty (pics to follow).

All of this joy and treasure for only $16.46!! We also picked up a life jacket for our peddle boat adventures, a few clothing items, a jump rope, and a pink fisherman's hat for #3.

Next Topic:

So... last night M and I were talking about trying to lose a few more pounds. He mentioned that it's my fault he's gained a little fluff because I keep junk food in the house!! How can I not when he comes in throwing cabinet doors open yelling, "I need something to eat!" THIS IS COMING FROM THE MAN WHO ATE 1/2 POUND OF BACON, 3 EGGS, AND A LOAF OF BREAD FOR BREAKFAST every morning when I met him. Ok, ya wanna change things? Be careful what you ask for.

My challenge to me: I have $90 in my wallet right now. For the next 2 weeks I will not (or make an effort not to) spend any money on groceries. Don't get me wrong - my family will not starve. We have a freezer full of meat and plenty of other goods in the pantry. However, the junk food always goes first... week #2 could get ugly! I'll let you know.

Blessings-B