Monday, May 6, 2013

April facebook happenings


April 1, 2013:
Happy April Fools' Day. There's an old saying that God protects babies and fools. So do something silly today. If nothing else, it will lift your spirits and improve your mood. - Christiane Northrup

I love this! What silly thing should I do today?

April 2, 2013:
For the Drama Queen or King within us:
Life is not a stress rehearsal. So why practice making daily life a drama when you could create a musical or a comedy? - Loretta Laroche
Eating pizza and watching The Lord of the rings two towers with the family. The girls have never seen it before. They are totally into it, especially Kenzie. They love smeagol! It was very fun to watch their reactions.

April 3, 2013:
In addition to showing gratitude to others, place emphasis on showing gratitude to yourself. - Doreen Virtue

it is so important to show gratitude for yourself. It does feel more fulfilling to have someone tell you why they are grateful for you or something that you have done. Quit waiting around for others to show you gratitude and be thankful for yourself and for what you do! Pat yourself on the back, and give yourself credit.

April 4, 2013:
I am excited to share the things I no longer love or need with people who will love or need them more. - Cheryl Richardson

I am so glad I came across this quote. I have been holding onto something from the past for a long time. I didn't want to get rid of it because the person that gave it to me was a big part of my life, and I loved it, and needed it when she gave it to me. We haven't been a part of each other’s lives for a few years now. I don't think we will ever be a part of each other’s lives again...well at least not in this life anyway. I'm tired of holding onto the past and having it consume me bringing up feelings of sadness, guilt, regret. I'm tired of holding onto to those feelings. I'm letting go of these feelings now. I'm happy to give this item as a surprise gift to a friend that definitely needs it more than me. I know that she will love it!


April 5, 2013:
Feel Abundant
Feeling abundant surpasses the money in your bank account and transcends what others may think of you. Genuinely feeling abundant and successful is possible when you detach yourself from the things you desire and allow them to flow to you - and through you. - Wayne W. Dyer

Well said Wayne Dyer! I'm working on detaching myself from those things that I desire and allowing them to flow to me. Quick I need a hobby!

April 6, 2013:
Happy Conference weekend! I'm so ready to hear some uplifting messages. I Love conference!
April 7, 2013:
I really enjoyed the talks from conference yesterday. Really looking forward to hearing from our Prophet Thomas S. Monsen, and from President Uchtdorf today.
"The best is yet to come" is a great phrase to live by, but the best might also be here, right now. If you live for later, you might totally miss now. -Loretta Laroche
Don't miss now!
This conference has been so uplifting and inspiring for me. I want to try harder in my marriage to be a good wife. I want to try harder to be a better mom to teach my children. I want to try harder and believe and have faith. I want to try harder in all that I do.

April 8, 2013:
Spring break is over. It was so nice to have a week off! It is back to the grind once again. 2 months of school and crossings to do and then we are done! Hallelujah! Oh what a beautiful morning!






Happiness is always possible- the only thing that really holds you back is your mind. You have probably noticed that the happiest times in your life are when you are not thinking. It's a wonderful thing to stand outside your ego, to surrender to the flow, and to participate fully in a hobby, in nature, in meditation, in prayer, in art, in dance, in sport, and in the movement. - Robert Holden

I have noticed this to be true! I always feel so much happier when I'm doing something that I enjoy. Doing something that allows me not to sit and think, worry about all problems going on in my life. It's nice to be up and moving at my pace, in my comfort.




April 9, 2013:
Women are incredibly adept at a martial art called “tongue fu." So when you decide to engage in an argument with a female, keep in mind that you're no match for someone who can take you down with loquacious license. - Loretta Laroche
Yep this is so true!
Dear Husband,
Thank you for fixing the shower head! I love how it works now. You think I haven't noticed, but I have. I have been meaning to tell you for a couple of weeks now, but our schedules are so different. Thank you for all that you do!
Love Your Wife
April 10, 2013:


I forgive myself, and then I move on.
You can sit there forever lamenting about how bad you've been, feeling guilty until you die, and not one tiny slice of that guilt will do anything to change a single thing in the past. - Wayne W. Dyer

It is so important to forgive yourself. Also I just wanted to add and say that I'm so glad to have the Atonement in my life. I can repent, let go of that guilt, and move on happily with my life having love and forgiveness from Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Let go of the past.



April 11, 2013:

Take a moment and choose carefully:

The stress of change is merely energy being redirected toward good. Hang on.
- Cheryl Richardson
I have to keep reminding myself that good things come from change.
Well in your face temptation. I beat you, and I exercised! I'm so glad that's over for the day. I feel so much better!

April 12, 2013:
Just focus and keep aiming:


People who follow their joy discover a depth of creativity and talent that inspires the world. - Robert Holden
I have really been noticing this a lot lately with a few people around me. It's been fun to watch and cheer them on! Deep down I really do want to do something that inspires the world. What are my joys, and passions, and talents? Something to think about....

See those tiny branches growing on the trunk?  Those are called suckers.  They divert nutrients for optimal tree growth. 
As I continued my walk I reflected on all the suckers in my own life…the things that divert energy for an optimal life.
Here’s just a partial list of what came to mind:
§  Compulsively checking emails, Facebook and texts
§  Trying to make everything okay for everyone
§  Fear that I’m not leading people effectively
§  Criticizing myself for my looks, how I parent, how I don’t have a garden this year…
§  Worrying…about anything.  
§  Taking phone calls when it isn’t convenient for me to stop what I am doing
§  Clutter
§  Doubting myself
§  Wanting things to be different than they are
You know what?  It’s time to prune the suckers!!!! –Dr. Deb Kern
 
Wow would you look at that? My list of life suckers matches hers exactly. I would love to prune the suckers!

Ha-ha I wish:

Mowed my yard, and weeded the front flower bed. It feels so good to get that out of the way! We're going to eat Little Caesars Pizza and crazy bread, while watching The Odd Life of Timothy Green to celebrate the girls getting good grades on their report cards. Good job Kenzie and Maddie! Oh and for dessert brownies with cream cheese frosting. Yummy!!!
 
April 14, 2013:
The stress of change is merely energy being redirected toward good. Hang on. 
- Cheryl Richardson
I don't need to fear change, good things come from change.
I wish we could have General Conference every week. I just like the idea of being spiritually edified while being comfortable in my own home.
 
I love this:

April 15, 2013:
 
We spend a lot more time exercising our bodies than we do exercising our brains. What good are tight abs if we have a flabby brain? Keep your mind pumped by learning new things, doing puzzles, reading, or mastering a new language. Its sweat free, and you don't have to take a shower afterward.
- Loretta Laroche
I want tight abs and a tight brain!
 
Sending love to Boston:

I loved how she put this:
May angels descend on Boston to create miracles for all those who need them. 
-Cheryl Richardson
Angels are there and miracles are happening.

April 16, 2013:

If you want to find your true purpose in life, know this for certain: your purpose will only be found in service to others, and in being connected to something far greater than your body/mind ego. - Wayne W. Dyer
Service is great! It makes me feel great, and at peace. =)

April 17, 2013:
Did anybody else have the same problem I had of wanting to smash your alarm clock in? I seriously wanted to smash it! I always start to feel this way towards the end of the school year.
Life is like a buffet. Indulge in everything it has to offer, and sample little tastes of all that's wonderful. - Loretta Laroche
I'm going to indulge!
 
This is so true:
Put Your Ass Where Your Heart Wants To Be.  – Written By Steven Pressfield
If you wanna get strong, go to the gym.  If you wanna get fast, go to the track.  If you wanna get rich, go to (I’ve never figured that one out).  The point is: where the body goes, the spirit follows.  Therefore, move thy butt.  Put your ass where your heart wants to be.  If you want to paint, don’t agonize, don’t ikonize, don’t self-hypnotize.  Shut up and get into the studio.  Once your physical envelope is standing before the easel, your heart and mind will follow.  If you want to write, plant your backside in front of the typewriter.  Don’t get up from the chair, no matter how many brilliantly-plausible reasons your Resistance-churning brain presents to you.  Sooner or later your fingers will settle onto the keys.  Not long after that, I promise, the goddess will slip invisibly but powerfully into the room.  That’s the trick there’s nothing more to it.
Where the body goes, the spirit follows. Therefore, move thy butt. Put your ass where your heart wants to be. -Steven Pressfield
 
Holy Mother! It's so cold outside. I went to go pick up McKenzie's jacket at a friend’s house. I instantly regretted getting out of my car. It was like that scene in Groundhog Day when Bill Murray gets into the shower and instantly jumps right back out because it is so freaking cold. It looks like I’m going to be wearing my snow pants to crossing. Oh warmer weather where art thou? Come on seventies, high sixties, even high fifties. No more of this 40 degree crap. I know 40 is better than 20 degree. Anything is better than that!
I feel accomplished today! It’s time to kick back, and relax for a bit.
April 18, 2013:



I really love this!  Reading is so important.


Happy Birthday to my Dad! He would have been 63 today. I hope he knows how much we love and miss him. I'm glad that I know that we will see him again someday.
 April 19, 2013:
I tossed and turned last night trying to get to sleep. Matt, my dear sweet husband texted me at 1:30 in the morning asking if I was still awake. I could have chosen not to answer him back, but I did because I am a worry wart. Nothing serious thank goodness, all he needed was the bank routing number so that his disability money would go into our main bank account. Good for him for being on top of it and taking care of it. Just wish it hadn't been at 1:30. I didn't get to sleep until about 2:30. The funny thing is I came across this quote yesterday:
If you can't get to sleep, don't toss and turn and wonder why you can't. The more you try to figure it out, the less likely you are to actually fall asleep. Get up and do something to distract yourself. You'll soon feel yourself getting drowsy.
- Loretta Laroche
I could kick myself for not taking that advice. I told Matt about it, and he just laughed and said see I was just trying to help you! I replied saying I didn't want to get out of my nice warm comfy cozy bed and have lights on. Next time I'll read or something. There really is no point in tossing and turning. Plus I was a little ornery this morning. I was tired, it was cold and gray, and I didn't want to be at crossing. I was one of those crazy people talking to themselves while going and turning on my light this morning. Thinking negative things, and then I just had enough I told Satan to shut up and get off of my back and to leave me alone along with all of his little followers. I felt better after saying that! I think I will tell him that more often.


April 20, 2013:
Happy Birthday to my Two Little Sweet Pea M&M'S McKenzie and Madisynn! You fill my life with joy, and I love being your Mom. I can't believe I have a 9 and a 7 year old. Where has the time gone? I don't have toddlers anymore; they have gotten so big and independent!
 April 21, 2013:
Be consistently aware of the need to serve God, and serve others in any and all of your actions. That is the way of the miracle worker. - Wayne W. Dyer

we can all be miracle workers. I am a miracle worker.


April 22, 2013:




April 23, 2013:



You choose your thoughts, and you choose your future. Right now, in this moment you can choose to create a different future. The choices you make here and now are what shape your fate and destiny. One new perception, one new belief, one new affirmation is all it takes to begin to experience your world differently.
- Robert Holden
Choose wisely!

April 24, 2013:


Wish we could create the perfect teacher for each of our kids.  I’m having a little bit of anxiety as I'm filling out the placement information forms for both of the girls for next year. I want them to have fun experiences, actually learn, and not be yelled at.
I remember my 2nd grade teacher. She was awful. She was a yeller; she didn't care if she made you cry. There was this one time we had all of the second graders come into our classroom to watch reading rainbow. The lights were off, the show had started, and I was quietly whistling along with the opening song music. My teacher starts yelling who is whistling? Stupid me I slowly raised my hand. She yelled at me to go stand out in the hall. I was so embarrassed. I cried out in the hall as she yelled at me there. I can't remember everything past that point. She might have had me even stand out there during the whole show.

I am not a trouble maker. I think that the fact that I was even whistling was awesome. I was excited to watch reading rainbow and I liked the music. I think that I really struggled with being in her classroom the rest of the year. I also think that's part of the reason why I struggled with school. My Mom has told me several times that she really regrets not moving me into another classroom.




April 25, 2013:


April 26, 2013:



 
April 27, 2013:

Don't become obsessive about anything! It will only make you feel like a dart that's always trying to hit the bull's - eye. - Loretta Laroche
I am a shining star and I surround myself with people who encourage my brightness. - Cheryl Richardson

It is ok to shine. I am shining.
 
April 29, 2013:
Are you the sort of person who lights up a room when you walk in, or when you walk out? - Robert Holden
this is a very good question. I hope I am a person who lights up a room when I walk in. I would feel pretty bad if the room lit up after I walked out.
All is well again. We have peanut butter in the house again! Hooray!!!
 April 30, 2013:
This is so sad, but true:


What are you doing TODAY to get out of your safe harbor?

Today is another chance to remember what is really important. "Dear God, please help me Not get distracted again. Thank you Amen." - Robert Holden

I've got to quit getting distracted on things that don't matter. I've got to remember to focus on the things that are important.
 Mom knows all:

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Planet Play

Last Friday Matt and I decided to take advantage of our pass of all passes.  One of the places you can use them at is Planet Play.  You pay $1 for each person and you get unlimited times to play Mini Bowling, Glow In The Dark Mini Golf, Go Carts, and Laser Tag.  The girls had no idea that we were going until I got home from crossing.  "I came in and said who is ready to go?"  The girls were like what?  It was funny!  Matt told them to eat a snack, go to the bathroom, and then we would leave.

We got to Planet Play at about 2:30.  It was perfect, not very crowded at all.  The girls wanted to do the Go Carts first, but they weren't open to do until 3:15.  We decided to go play Mini Bowling.  We had some issues with getting our balls, and getting everyone on the screen to play.  I think someone went to complain about it to the front desk and they sent someone to come out and help.  Once we got everything figured out and running smoothly, it was fun.  I really like Mini Bowling a whole lot more than regular bowling.  The first game we played without the bumpers.  Madisynn was funny to watch. She was all over the place with that little ball.  It ended in the gutter almost every time.  McKenzie did really well.  I was shocked!  She got a couple of strikes, and she beat me.  The second game we pulled up the bumpers.  Maddie did a little better with them, but still managed to get gutter balls.  Poor thing!  Matt won both times.  I came close to beating him the second game.

The next thing we did was go wait in line to do the Go Carts.  McKenzie was barely tall enough to drive her own car.  Maddie was not tall enough so she got to ride with me.  She was kind of bummed about that.  I told her maybe she would be tall enough next year, and that made her feel better.  Maddie and I got to drive before Matt and Kenzie.  We had to wait for the first round a single drivers before it was our turn.  When it was our turn we pulled out around the track and lined up on the gray start and finish line.  We were told the rules and then the race started.  Maddie and I came in 3rd place!  She was excited, and so was I.  It was fun!

Next to drive was the group that Matt and Kenzie were in.  The single driver group.  I was kind of worried about how well Kenzie would handle it.  She was first in line to go out on the track and Matt followed her.  Matt pulled in front of McKenzie so she could follow him to where they needed to start.  She handled that well.  Then they were told the rules and they were off.  Matt was in the lead, McKenzie was last.  I could tell she was scared. She was really timid about going fast and going around the turns.  She was in the middle of the track and people were trying to pass her.  She just kept going her pace and she finished just fine.  I'm glad that she tried!  I gave her a big hug and said good job when she came to the gate to come out.  She was smiling.

We took a bathroom break, and then went to play Mini Golf.  We got our golf clubs, and balls, and went onto the course.  I think it was only 8 holes.  The game started out nice.  The girls have no idea really how to play.  Madisynn was holding her golf club backwards and just swinging.  McKenzie was holding it right, but just swinging.  NO aiming.  I wasn't hitting the ball hard enough.  Matt was doing awesome.  We got about half way through, and then 3 boys came in.  No adult with them.  I was really hoping that they wouldn't cause any problems.

My hopes were shattered when they started playing on the hole we were at.  It is so rude!  Matt nicely, but firmly asked them to wait until we were done with the hole before playing.  It frustrated me a lot.  We got done with the hole and moved along.  Then the boys did it again.  I can't remember if Matt said something or if it was me.  They kind of backed off.  Then when It was my turn again, I hit the ball a little to hard and it went off the course just as the boys walked past on the side of the course.  One of the boys kicked it a little. He didn't mean to.  I was annoyed at myself for hitting it to hard, and annoyed at the boys for walking by.  I couldn't get mad at them.  They didn't come on the course.  I couldn't find my ball, and that really annoyed me, especially since it was supposed to be glowing in the dark.  Matt eventually found it for me, and that made me feel better.  We finished the hole and moved on.

We had caught up with the people that were in front of us, and so we had to wait.  We were polite, and we told the girls to stay off the hole that they were on until they were finished.  When it was our turn the boys came onto our hole again, and started golfing, messing up our game.  I lost it.  I went over and made it clear to stop.  I said "can't you see we are in the middle of playing? Stop it now, and wait your turn.  Show respect."  They were like sorry.  I was mad, and fuming.  I felt bad, for getting after them. but it needed to happen especially after we had already asked them twice to stop.  We would have let the boys go in front of us, but somebody was already in front of us with the same number of people as our group.  They just need to learn respect and patience.

The thing that I have the hardest time with at places like this, is that parents just drop off their kids and let them have at it.  I think it's very important to have parental supervision.  I would never let just drop my kids off and let them have at it.  It's so disrespectful to the workers, and other people there, especially if the kids haven't really been taught to wait, and share, and so on.  The boys eventually just went to the end of the course and got a bunch of balls and started hitting them into the very last hole.  When we came to the last hole they had just finished with the group of balls they had and were going to get more.  I'm glad that we could finish the game without them right by us.

Next we went to play Laser Tag.  I got separated from Matt and the girls because their wasn't enough vests to be on the red team.  I was on the blue team.  I kind of felt stupid.  It was funny though because Matt was the leader of the red team full of little girls.  McKenzie was the oldest on the team.  The other 3 were about Maddie's age.  Matt was guarding their goal, while the little girls were running around wild.  I really had no clue of what I was doing.  I just kept shooting at Matt, and the girls.  I think that I even shot some of my team mates on accident.  Whoops!  Needless to say the blue team crushed the red team.  Nothing to brag about though because I really had nothing to do with it.  I think Kenzie got a higher shooting score than me. LOL  Oh well, it was fun!

The girls wanted to do the Go Carts again.  McKenzie didn't want to drive, but she wanted to ride with me.  We were able to get on right away.  We were able to race against Matt, and a couple of other cars. Matt won, and I think I came in second.  The girls wanted to do it again.  Kenzie rode with Matt, and Maddie came with me.  We got a crappy car that had no power.  I had my gas pedal to the floor of the car and it was still going slow. Matt and 1 other guy lapped me, that's how awful the car was.  I was kind of embarrassed, and frustrated, that people were frustrated with me for being in the way.  I had to let it go, it wasn't my fault the car sucked, and I was in a race after all.  I came in dead last, Matt came in first.

Then it was time to go.  The girls were upset that they didn't get to play any arcade games.  We said it wasn't included, so we won't be playing.  We let them look around at the video games, and said maybe next time we come we will put a couple of dollars in.  They seemed happier after that.  We left and went to redeem their birthday cards from America First Credit Union to use at Chick-fil-a.  They each got a free chicken tenders kids meal.  Matt and I got Panda Express.  We let the girls get a Redbox movie (Ice Age 4) to watch together while Matt and I got caught up on The Big Bang Theory.  It was a really good day.  We had a lot of fun!