Manic Monday: Leaf

This week Mo has chosen the word LEAF. For more information click here. To join the fun click here.

I'm turning over a new one TODAY! Yes, a new leaf. I have been my own worst enemy for some time now. I work against myself for no apparent reason and most often without even realizing it. Listening to General Conference flooded my mind with wisdom, understanding and my heart with hope and inspiration.

I am a perfectioninst in my own mind (but never in application mind you). My expectations for myself are hardly fair yet I hold myself to them and feel miserable on the inside when I fall short...which is way more often than not. So I create and then harbor feelings of inadequacy and end up feeling like a dog turd.

Today was a reminder that we all face hardships. We all struggle, we all miss the mark, that there is no such thing as perfection in this life and that we are here to learn. We learn by doing and that means making mistakes. I really want to stop being so hard on myself . As I turn over my new leaf I am going to be more realistic with myself, more fully communicate expectations, seek help when I need it and just live my life the best that I can without stopping to see how I measure up in my own mind.

On the B Side: That was way more information then I had planned on but nonetheless I am super excited and also rather motivated to try a little harder to be a little better and quit wasting time on what I am not or what I didn't do. xxox

Manic Monday: Formula

Mo's Manic Monday: Formula

No, this is not another post about the woes of Nutramigen. That would be too easy and it already consumes a significant portion of my brain and pocket book. I continually remind myself that it is worth it for Adi's sake. What I would really like to know is this...

What really is the formula for balancing life?

I am a Mother of 4 beautiful children. I work full time and I manage a house hold. I have a newborn, I juggle Dayton and Ellie's schedule with their Father as well as Kayla's with her Mother. I started back to work 2 weeks ago and am still trying to figure it all out.

I am busy at home helping the kids with homework and reading. I try to stay on top of the laundry and dishes daily. I've officially become a soccer Mom as of the beginning of this month and most of all I would love to be a well rested Mom. If there were 36 hours in each day I might stand a chance.

Until then I remain a Jill-of-All-Trades-and-Master-of-None! While I enjoy the ride, I have no idea what the destination actually looks like.

On the B Side: As busy as life is, I would not change it one bit!

Manic Monday: Club

While I'm not at liberty to write about my time at the club in OC NJ (pre-mish and way cleaner then any cage dancing at the Vortex) it was the first thing that came to my mind.

The next thought seeing the image Mo chose for 'Club' reminds me of my Mom's side of the family; the Shaws. My Grandmother came from a family of 15 as there were 13 kids and she has a twin. Uncle Bob is still alive and just celebrated his 92nd birthday!

The Shaws love to play cards and always play Hi-Lo Jack. I am not much of a card shark myself but always enjoyed watching them play when we gathered together! Every August we would meet at the cottage in Roaring Creek that my Grandfather had built. The original 13 children and their familes would all get together for a weekend of food, fun and lots of cards! I miss home...home home.

On the B Side: My babies are home! We're all excited for a brand new week! This is my last week home with Elles...ever. They are all fast asleep and everything feels complete once more.

Manic Monday #18

Manic Monday......BIG

11:08 PM - June 08, 2005
DREAM BIG BV!

Dear BV,
I heard this song the other day and thought about you. I'll have to download it. Its a great song and even though its not Bono singing it I know you would love it!

When you cry be sure to dry your eyes, cause better days are sure to come.And when you smile be sure to smile wide, and don't let them know that they have one. And when you walk, walk with pride, and don't show the hurt inside, because the pain sill soon be gone.

Chorus:And when you dream, dream big, as big as the ocean blue. Cause when you dream it might come true. When you dream, dream big.

And when you laugh be sure to laugh out loud, cause it will carry all your cares away. And when you see, see the beauty all around and in yourself, and it will help you feel okay. And when you pray, pray for strength to help to carry on when the troubles come your way.

Love, Shellie"

On the B Side: In another time, in another place and on another blog this was an entry that Shellie left for me during a difficult time. The word "big" brought my mind back to this entry. Thank you Shellie for your encouragement as it has carried me many times!

Manic Monday: Bug

"Mom, I'm not going to step on any more bugs because they are alive." says my mostly sweet Dayton on the way into Primary Children's to have his blood drawn a few months back.

Then there's my precious little fire cracker Ellie and one of her infamous and often heard phrases, "Mom, Dayton is bugging me!"

On the B Side: I'm grateful for these little people in my life!

Manic Monday

Today's theme is STRIPES.

Stripes reminds me quickly of the band White Stripes, which reminds me instantly of the movie Napoleon Dynamite, which reminds me of my goofy little two year old who was extremely impressed by the dance scene at the end. He use to watch it closely, try to mimic it and I'm sure if he could have talked he would have asked for a pair of his very own moonie B's!

"We're Going to Be Friends" is the name of the song by White Stripes that is in the movie; however, "Canned Heat" is the Jamiroquai song that Dayton loved to dance to!

He also use to love the one liner, "but my lips hurt real bad" and would his best to say this little phrase from the movie knowing that it always got a huge laugh filled response!

On the B Side: While it's a random association to the word stripes it does make me smile thinking back to our little D man dancing! The time passes quickly but there are some things that even my forgetful mind cannot forget!