Delainey had another snow day today. Jim and I both had to work. Luckily, I have a wonderful friend who is willing to watch D during snow days and delays. This friend has truly been a God sent person in our life...she was there for us so many times last year during Jim's cancer...always willing and ready for whatever we asked of her. When I picked D up today, this friend's house was so neat and tidy...no signs that two seven year olds were there....let alone her other two girls.
When I got home, I looked around my house. I am not trying to make comparisons, but I guess that I am. My house is not neat and tidy. It isn't dirty, but it is cluttered. It is unorganized. It needs work. I want my house to be a haven for my family. I don't want to have to move clean laundry from the couch when we sit down. I need a plan to get my house so that it is "drop-in ready".
I have tried to do FlyLady, but she stresses me out for some reason. A good friend gave me her cleaning lists. I love lists, but all those cleaning lists overwhelm me. I need to get myself fully onboard with a system in order to get my family fully on board. I need to start small...and branch out. I need to focus on one room and make lists for the family. Jim is a huge help around the house, but he likes to have a list. And I hate making him lists because I want him to see what needs to be done without me telling him to do it. Do you see why I get overwhelmed so easily when it comes to cleaning my house?!
Today, I am going to start with my computer area. It is in the living room and it is piled high with papers..and stuff. I am going to sort those papers today. And I am going to file them. Then I am going to get all the other junk off the computer area cleaned up. I will feel that I have accomplished something. I will keep the computer area cleaned....I will! Then I will move on.....
If you drop-in to visit, don't expect a neat and tidy house...maybe some day, but it might take a while for that to happen. Just know that you are always welcome to visit. The house might not be neat and tidy, but it is filled with love for those who come to visit.
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Sunday, January 19, 2014
Balance...Delainey's way!
My word of the year, Balance, is also my family's word of the year. That word means different things for each of us and we all need to find our own balance. I have a binder of things that I am including in my plan for balance. Part of Jim's balance is managing work and home a little differently this year. For Delainey, this means running a 5k...for the family. Yes, Delainey wants the three of us to run a 5k this year. So, for the love of my child, I am making plans to run a 5k.
I have always had friends who are runners. I know people who run 5k's, half marathons, marathons, ultra-marathons...I don't understand those people, but I like them anyway. Seriously, I like the idea of running, but the thought of running, not so much! The thought of running makes me want to crawl back into my bed and hide.
I am starting to plan now. I am moving a little more each day. That in itself is huge for me...I have a job in an office, at a desk. I drive 2 hours a day on top of being at work 9 hours a day. That is a lot of sitting. In March, we are going shopping for running shoes. And then we run. My plan is to use Couch to 5K to train with. I know others who started this way, so that is my starting point. Since I have finally gotten a smart phone, I can download an app to help me (yes, until recently, I still had a phone, just a phone), if I can figure out what that means exactly.
My friend Liz, from Eternal Lizdom, is planning on running with her daughter. Liz and I don't live close enough to train together, but we can encourage each other...and wonder what on earth our daughters have gotten us in to! I have friends, both runners and non-runners who I know will encourage me. And I know that my family will be my biggest source of encouragement.
We haven't found a race for us yet, but I know that we will. I have confidence that as a family we will accomplish this goal that Delainey has set for us. But in the meantime, if you see me lagging behind Jim and Delainey, give me a little encouragement...or a ride to catch up to them!
I have always had friends who are runners. I know people who run 5k's, half marathons, marathons, ultra-marathons...I don't understand those people, but I like them anyway. Seriously, I like the idea of running, but the thought of running, not so much! The thought of running makes me want to crawl back into my bed and hide.
I am starting to plan now. I am moving a little more each day. That in itself is huge for me...I have a job in an office, at a desk. I drive 2 hours a day on top of being at work 9 hours a day. That is a lot of sitting. In March, we are going shopping for running shoes. And then we run. My plan is to use Couch to 5K to train with. I know others who started this way, so that is my starting point. Since I have finally gotten a smart phone, I can download an app to help me (yes, until recently, I still had a phone, just a phone), if I can figure out what that means exactly.
My friend Liz, from Eternal Lizdom, is planning on running with her daughter. Liz and I don't live close enough to train together, but we can encourage each other...and wonder what on earth our daughters have gotten us in to! I have friends, both runners and non-runners who I know will encourage me. And I know that my family will be my biggest source of encouragement.
We haven't found a race for us yet, but I know that we will. I have confidence that as a family we will accomplish this goal that Delainey has set for us. But in the meantime, if you see me lagging behind Jim and Delainey, give me a little encouragement...or a ride to catch up to them!
Friday, January 3, 2014
The Power of Words
I am enjoying watching so many friends (and friends of friends) pick a word for the year. I have been picking a word for the year for a while now. When I pick the word, I am never sure how it will turn out or if the word is really beneficial, but looking back on my words, I can see how they all worked in my life.
In 2011, I chose the word "Better". 2011 was a rough year for me. As a family, we were facing a huge relocation....from the city to the country. I didn't want to move. I didn't tell people about it until I had to tell them. Jim moved before me. I had to transfer to a new job. We all had big adjustments to make. I struggled with it each day. I had to tell myself that each day would get better. It was hard, but it did get better. We moved into a house after being in an apartment. I liked my new job. Delainey got to enjoy a large yard. It wasn't a perfect year, but it ended better than it started.
In 2012, I chose the word "Healthy". I didn't want to focus on just weight loss, but on all aspects of the word. Looking back, some could say that the word didn't do much good, as that was the year Jim was diagnosed with cancer. But leading up to that time we had started taking baby steps to a healthier life. We started shopping at local farmer's markets each week. We found a family doctor to take care of us. We found a church home that we are all happy with. We were forming new friendships. We became closer as a family. We formed the building blocks of a healthier life that would aid us in the fight of Jim's cancer.
In 2013, I chose the word "Stronger". Again, I didn't want to focus only on the physical aspect of the word, but my entire being. I do feel that I grew stronger in many ways. My faith became so much stronger as the year went on. Mentally, I am stronger than I have ever been. As a family, we have become strong together. My ties to our community have grown stronger. Physically, I did not grow in strength. I feel that is my one area that my word didn't ring true. I had surgery last year and feel that my body has become weaker rather than stronger. But maybe in order to grow stronger in other areas, the obvious area wasn't as important.
I am anxious to see what 2014 brings in terms of balance. I have my goals for the year, but my goals aren't always the end result of my word. I joked with a friend that sometimes the word chooses you rather than you choosing the word. I feel that way about "Balance" this year. If you have a word for the year, good luck on your journey. I look forward to hearing about your word and the things it brings!
In 2011, I chose the word "Better". 2011 was a rough year for me. As a family, we were facing a huge relocation....from the city to the country. I didn't want to move. I didn't tell people about it until I had to tell them. Jim moved before me. I had to transfer to a new job. We all had big adjustments to make. I struggled with it each day. I had to tell myself that each day would get better. It was hard, but it did get better. We moved into a house after being in an apartment. I liked my new job. Delainey got to enjoy a large yard. It wasn't a perfect year, but it ended better than it started.
In 2012, I chose the word "Healthy". I didn't want to focus on just weight loss, but on all aspects of the word. Looking back, some could say that the word didn't do much good, as that was the year Jim was diagnosed with cancer. But leading up to that time we had started taking baby steps to a healthier life. We started shopping at local farmer's markets each week. We found a family doctor to take care of us. We found a church home that we are all happy with. We were forming new friendships. We became closer as a family. We formed the building blocks of a healthier life that would aid us in the fight of Jim's cancer.
In 2013, I chose the word "Stronger". Again, I didn't want to focus only on the physical aspect of the word, but my entire being. I do feel that I grew stronger in many ways. My faith became so much stronger as the year went on. Mentally, I am stronger than I have ever been. As a family, we have become strong together. My ties to our community have grown stronger. Physically, I did not grow in strength. I feel that is my one area that my word didn't ring true. I had surgery last year and feel that my body has become weaker rather than stronger. But maybe in order to grow stronger in other areas, the obvious area wasn't as important.
I am anxious to see what 2014 brings in terms of balance. I have my goals for the year, but my goals aren't always the end result of my word. I joked with a friend that sometimes the word chooses you rather than you choosing the word. I feel that way about "Balance" this year. If you have a word for the year, good luck on your journey. I look forward to hearing about your word and the things it brings!
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Balance
My word journey this year was harder than it has been in previous years. I am not sure why, it just was. I thought I had a word, but I wasn't sure. Jim suggested that we have a work for our family this year...balance. I am good with a family word, but I still wanted a word for me. I searched Pinterest looking for words, I read, I prayed. And one word kept speaking to me.
On New Year's Eve, I still hadn't decided on my word. I was up early and began to think....I surfed....I prayed. And balance is MY word for the year. I am happy to share it with my family, but I am going to own the word for 2014. I spent a lot of time Tuesday morning deciding exactly what balance means to me. I have a balance binder for 2014. On the cover is an 8 petal flower. Each petal is part of what I try to balance all the time. I know that they fluctuate in their need, but as a whole, they need to be in balance.
I have some goals for the year...some a pretty big goals, some are smaller goals. I have a plan on how to reach those goals. I have broken them down into smaller monthly goals. And every month, I plan to evaluate where I am on those goals. I am not ready to share them all yet, but hopefully I will get to that point.
Balance to me is keeping everything in perspective. Hopefully I have a plan to keep my life in balance for the coming year!
On New Year's Eve, I still hadn't decided on my word. I was up early and began to think....I surfed....I prayed. And balance is MY word for the year. I am happy to share it with my family, but I am going to own the word for 2014. I spent a lot of time Tuesday morning deciding exactly what balance means to me. I have a balance binder for 2014. On the cover is an 8 petal flower. Each petal is part of what I try to balance all the time. I know that they fluctuate in their need, but as a whole, they need to be in balance.
I have some goals for the year...some a pretty big goals, some are smaller goals. I have a plan on how to reach those goals. I have broken them down into smaller monthly goals. And every month, I plan to evaluate where I am on those goals. I am not ready to share them all yet, but hopefully I will get to that point.
Balance to me is keeping everything in perspective. Hopefully I have a plan to keep my life in balance for the coming year!
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Solitude
I am a person who needs time alone. It is often hard to find that time with my schedule. I work four days a week. As part of my work week, I have two hours a day in a car alone, but I can't read, do my scrapbooking, or relax during that time. I work the schedule that I do so that I can be home when Delainey is home. It is important to my husband and I that we are with her as much as possible. Jim has a busy work schedule, so when he has time off, it is important for us to spend that time together, as a family and as a couple. Finding time alone is hard. Luckily, I have a husband who gets me and understands my need for time alone.
This weekend, we were supposed to go to Indianapolis to spend time with family. I made plans with a friend for Friday night, with another for Saturday morning. We made plans as a family to go to an event to help the homeless Saturday afternoon. And I just couldn't. I needed to be alone....to read, to scrap, to sleep, to do whatever I wanted to do. So I called Jim....and he encouraged me to stay home. I canceled my plans with my friends...and they supported me. I packed bags for the family, gave them both big kisses and hugs, and sent them on their way. I knew that I would miss them, but an entire weekend...alone, ahhhh!
I did leave the house Friday to do a little shopping. My favorite purchase has been a fold up table. I have my scrapping things spread all over it and I scrapped whenever I wanted. I might even get our Disney trip finished this weekend. I stayed in my pajamas all day Saturday...even when I left the house to get a coke from McDonald's (those cokes are my biggest vice). I planned lessons for Children's Church until Feb 5....which is a huge thing for me lately. I watched sappy movies on tv. I finished a book. I went to sleep in those same pj's. It was an amazing day!
Today, I have to get dressed....I want to go to church. I have a few errands to run. But I plan on coming back home to another pair of pj's. I plan to scrap some more, plan some more lessons, watch more sappy tv movies, read, and maybe even clean the house a little. But I will enjoy the quiet time no matter what I do.
When Jim and Delainey come home, I will be refreshed. I will be ready to spend time with them...my mind calm and focused. I have missed them both, but I have enjoyed spending time with me.
This weekend, we were supposed to go to Indianapolis to spend time with family. I made plans with a friend for Friday night, with another for Saturday morning. We made plans as a family to go to an event to help the homeless Saturday afternoon. And I just couldn't. I needed to be alone....to read, to scrap, to sleep, to do whatever I wanted to do. So I called Jim....and he encouraged me to stay home. I canceled my plans with my friends...and they supported me. I packed bags for the family, gave them both big kisses and hugs, and sent them on their way. I knew that I would miss them, but an entire weekend...alone, ahhhh!
I did leave the house Friday to do a little shopping. My favorite purchase has been a fold up table. I have my scrapping things spread all over it and I scrapped whenever I wanted. I might even get our Disney trip finished this weekend. I stayed in my pajamas all day Saturday...even when I left the house to get a coke from McDonald's (those cokes are my biggest vice). I planned lessons for Children's Church until Feb 5....which is a huge thing for me lately. I watched sappy movies on tv. I finished a book. I went to sleep in those same pj's. It was an amazing day!
Today, I have to get dressed....I want to go to church. I have a few errands to run. But I plan on coming back home to another pair of pj's. I plan to scrap some more, plan some more lessons, watch more sappy tv movies, read, and maybe even clean the house a little. But I will enjoy the quiet time no matter what I do.
When Jim and Delainey come home, I will be refreshed. I will be ready to spend time with them...my mind calm and focused. I have missed them both, but I have enjoyed spending time with me.
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Christmas Traditions
I have posted before about some of our Christmas traditions. This year, we are trying to include some more activities that are closer to home for us. We still hope to get to the Indianapolis area to do some of our favorite things, but after almost 3 years here, it is time to be more local!
Since we all love looking at light displays, we made our first trip to "Lights under Louisville". It is amazing! We went on a weekend, so we couldn't use a coupon, but it was well worth the $25 dollars for us. We loaded up on snacks and enjoyed the sights. There are different sections of displays in the cavern...a section for Santa, one for the manager scene, on of toys, one for Hanukkah...with appropriate music for each section. We didn't have a long wait since we went early in the season, but even if we had to wait, it would have been worth the time!
We are going to try to find time in our schedule to head to Charlestown, Indiana. It isn't far from us and looks amazing. Carriage rides, Christmas lights, ice skating, train rides, and Santa....sounds like Christmas fun to me. Even if we do nothing but check out the lights, it sounds like it will be worth the drive (about 45 minutes for us). I found a cute activity sheet on Pinterest with a light display scavenger hunt for us to do on the drive there as well.
I have seen information about "Christmas at the Galt House". It looks like fun, but it doesn't feel budget friendly by the time everything is paid for and done. I am not sure that we will make it there this year, but it is definitely something I would like to check out in the future. I am hoping that next year my friend Rachel and I will be able to take our girls out for a day trip!
In our town, there is a house with a huge light display (on a very small yard). The lights are timed to music set on a radio channel. We have already stopped by once and I am sure that we will stop by again to watch and listen. It is really pretty, but I would hate to live close to there...the lights are really bright. And we are not the only ones in the area who park along the street to watch and listen.
We added ornament making to our tradition list as well. If you are one of the lucky ones, this year you will get a cinnamon ornament from us to hang on your tree (and supplies are limited). They smell good, look fun, and have been made with love by Jim, D, and myself. With Pinterest around, there is no limit to the kinds of ornaments that we can make in the future!
We are also doing a Jessie tree this year. It is a fun devotional with ornaments to hang on a tree that go along with the daily Bible reading. We have 2 Advent calenders going this year. One is a prayer card...we choose a different family to pray for each day. The other has activities for us to do each day. Sadly, neither of them involve chocolate and D is not happy about that at all. We don't do this daily because I am a slacker, but we try to get at least every other day and stay caught up that way....
We love Christmas at our house and everything that it brings....snow, trees, lights, gifts, cards. But we keep in mind the true reason for this season....
Since we all love looking at light displays, we made our first trip to "Lights under Louisville". It is amazing! We went on a weekend, so we couldn't use a coupon, but it was well worth the $25 dollars for us. We loaded up on snacks and enjoyed the sights. There are different sections of displays in the cavern...a section for Santa, one for the manager scene, on of toys, one for Hanukkah...with appropriate music for each section. We didn't have a long wait since we went early in the season, but even if we had to wait, it would have been worth the time!
We are going to try to find time in our schedule to head to Charlestown, Indiana. It isn't far from us and looks amazing. Carriage rides, Christmas lights, ice skating, train rides, and Santa....sounds like Christmas fun to me. Even if we do nothing but check out the lights, it sounds like it will be worth the drive (about 45 minutes for us). I found a cute activity sheet on Pinterest with a light display scavenger hunt for us to do on the drive there as well.
I have seen information about "Christmas at the Galt House". It looks like fun, but it doesn't feel budget friendly by the time everything is paid for and done. I am not sure that we will make it there this year, but it is definitely something I would like to check out in the future. I am hoping that next year my friend Rachel and I will be able to take our girls out for a day trip!
In our town, there is a house with a huge light display (on a very small yard). The lights are timed to music set on a radio channel. We have already stopped by once and I am sure that we will stop by again to watch and listen. It is really pretty, but I would hate to live close to there...the lights are really bright. And we are not the only ones in the area who park along the street to watch and listen.
We added ornament making to our tradition list as well. If you are one of the lucky ones, this year you will get a cinnamon ornament from us to hang on your tree (and supplies are limited). They smell good, look fun, and have been made with love by Jim, D, and myself. With Pinterest around, there is no limit to the kinds of ornaments that we can make in the future!
We are also doing a Jessie tree this year. It is a fun devotional with ornaments to hang on a tree that go along with the daily Bible reading. We have 2 Advent calenders going this year. One is a prayer card...we choose a different family to pray for each day. The other has activities for us to do each day. Sadly, neither of them involve chocolate and D is not happy about that at all. We don't do this daily because I am a slacker, but we try to get at least every other day and stay caught up that way....
We love Christmas at our house and everything that it brings....snow, trees, lights, gifts, cards. But we keep in mind the true reason for this season....
"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior,
which is Christ the Lord
And this shall be a sign unto you; you will find the babe
wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger."
Luke 2:11-12
I hope that this Christmas season is filled with love and joy for you.
Snow Day!
Who doesn't remember waiting for radio stations to announce snow days when you were in school? If the weather was really bad, school would be canceled the night before, so you could stay up late and sleep in the next morning. Some days, I would be up and ready before school was finally called off. I even had a snow day once in college...that was one of the best snow days! Now, the school calls to let us know if there will be a snow day or delay. Then, we grow up and work really doesn't allow for snow days anymore.
Yesterday, I did take a snow day from work and Delainey had one from school. I have a pretty long daily commute and it starts pretty early in the morning. I decided when the ice started covering my house that the risk of driving to work was not worth it. After hearing horror stories of people traveling in my area, I am so glad that I stayed home. The county that I live in actually declared a local travel advisory, basically restricting travel to emergency travel only. My last snow measurement yesterday evening was 6 inches, with plenty of ice underneath.
Jim was actually scheduled off yesterday(but he was "on call" just in case he needed to be at work), so we used our snow day to have a family fun day...and it really was fun for the three of us! After a quick emptying of the dishwasher by Delainey, I made pancakes for breakfast. It was nice to have a quiet family breakfast during the week, that never happens for us. D and I made some cinnamon ornaments to give as gifts, but they still needed to be decorated. We covered the table with plastic and got out our glitter glue to have craft time. I think that all three of us enjoyed making the ornaments sparkle.
Delainey and I fixed a lunch of snacks...some veggies, cheese, crackers, sausage, pickles, and olives. We left them out so that we could munch throughout the day. Jim and D went out to play for a bit...it didn't last long as D lost her sock and decided to remove her boot to fix it. Barefoot, snow, cold...not a good combo! They came in to warm up with some hot chocolate and a game of Yahtzee (yes, I kicked butt). D had a little piano practice, Jim had some tv time, and I did a little reading.
Delainey and I fixed a lunch of snacks...some veggies, cheese, crackers, sausage, pickles, and olives. We left them out so that we could munch throughout the day. Jim and D went out to play for a bit...it didn't last long as D lost her sock and decided to remove her boot to fix it. Barefoot, snow, cold...not a good combo! They came in to warm up with some hot chocolate and a game of Yahtzee (yes, I kicked butt). D had a little piano practice, Jim had some tv time, and I did a little reading.
We finished our snow day with some pizza, addressing Christmas cards, and watching "It's a Wonderful Life". Pirate Daddy tucked Delainey into bed and Jim and I finished the day watching a movie in bed (and yes, I fell asleep before the movie ended...as usual). It was good day for the Predmore family!
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