Through the Trees

In the past two days we have done two hikes as a family. This isn't a rarity it's something we do quite often. We all get exercise and we have a great time together in this beautiful place that we live. Today we hiked Big Glassy, which I am embarrassed to admit that I have never hiked in my adult life. In fact, probably the last time I hiked it I was only a little older than Violet is now. I remember thinking how steep the trail was and how long it took to get to the top. My kids have done a lot of hiking in the past year and I don't think they found it nearly as intimidating as I had at that age. We made the mistake of letting them wear their new snow boots so the biggest complaint was sore feet from Zeke on the way up. It feels really good to share the love of the forest with my kids. I love the cold breeze in the shade and the warmth of the sun shining through the trees. I love the sound and smell of the dry leaves on the ground. We sat together at the top of the mountain enjoying the view and had a picnic together. I love my little family and I love spending quality time with them.  When we headed back down the mountain Mike and the kids ran ahead, I kept up for a while walking at a quick pace and eventually told them they didn't have to wait for me. Soon they were out of sight, I could still hear their laughter and screams as they chased Mike down the mountain side :) After a while I could no longer hear them and I began to miss them. It's funny, you would think that I would appreciate a quite walk in the woods alone. Instead I realized that they didn't need me in that moment. I thought as I walked in the quiet, that my kids are growing up. Tomorrow Violet goes back to school, the following day I am taking Zeke to check out his new preschool. From now until summer time our lives will be busy and hectic, and the busier things get the quicker time passes. My babies aren't babies anymore, they aren't even toddlers, they are preschoolers!! This year I really would like to make time to slow down. To go on more hikes, have more picnics, read more, play more, cuddle more, and create more special memories. I don't ever want to spend a day were I am ungrateful of all that I have. I love my family!!

Yesterday's hike at Jump Off Rock.

Welcoming 2012

Well, today is the first day of 2012! I usually try not to make resolutions for fear of failure, but in 2011 I became a much stronger, more confident person. I know, this year, that I can do anything that I put my mind to. Last year I didn't write down my goals and I wish that I would have. I remember having so many in mind that I was overwhelmed. I friend of mine told me to list them, but to plan on conquering one at a time. The one's that I remember were loosing weight, exercising, becoming more healthy, crafting more, becoming a better mom and spending less time on facebook. Five out of six isn't too bad ;) In 2011 I was able to lose 20 lbs through eating healthily and exercising. I was able to make Christmas presents this year for most of my family and friends. And I became more involved with Violet's school by volunteering. The only goal that I didn't attain was to spend less time on facebook.

1) This year I would like to continue my journey to become healthier, not to become skinnier or lose weight, but to build muscles, eat well and live well.
2) I would also like to continue to find more time to make crafts. My first projects of the year will be Violet's quilt and decorating Zeke's room. I also want to make a scrapbook.
3) As for becoming a better mom, I have come to realize that everyday is a learning experience and everyday is a chance to become better. I would like to be a better mom, wife, friend and community member.
4) I most definitely would like to spend less time on Facebook and have more face time with my friends and family. Instead of updating my status several times a day I would like to push myself to do a bi-weekly blog about what is happening in our lives.
5) Lastly I would like to find ways to become more financially secure by learning to use coupons more, eating out less, using credit cards less and opening a saving account to save for a down payment on a house.

All of these goals are completely attainable and I believe in myself enough now to make them all a reality in the coming year! I hope for all of you that your next year is filled with hope, love and prosperity despite what obstacles may lie ahead! Only you can make your own happiness. Happy New Year!!

Words to Live By

1) Always be honest with yourself and others. One lie can deem you untrustworthy and it feels awful when someone you love loses trust in you. Honesty is always the best policy.
2) Love yourself! You are an amazing person and you are worth it. You deserve the best the world has to offer and don't forget it. Be your own best friend.
3) Break rules, but make sure the crime is worth the punishment
4) Laugh hard, even at yourself. Mistakes are made to learn from them and when you make one own up to it and be willing to laugh at it.
5) When life gives you lemons make lemonade. Life is hard and awful things happen, but be willing to see the good in it, no matter how difficult it may be.
6) A mind is a terrible thing to waste. Use your brain. If you don't use it you lose it.
7) There are times in your life when you will fall, pick yourself up, dust yourself off and remember that tomorrow is a new day <3!

From Summer to Fall in a Jiffy

I am amazed at how fast the summer came and went! We had a wonderful time together, but now it all seems like a blur. Every weekend has been filled with friends, family and fun! I've recently began crafting again and it feels great! I've lost 25lbs now, but the last 5 were due to having my jaw wired shut. (that's a blog in itself.) We've been making lots of new acquaintances and playing catch up with old friends. for now that's really all I have to say about it. I wish I was better at keeping up with this, and I'll pick it back up after we move, if I'm not to busy with the holidays.

Happiness: A Journey

Do not rely on your circumstances to make you happy. The size of your house, your bank account, your wallet will not make you happy. The number of kids, attention of your husband, or size of your family will not make you happy. The size of your body, your weight, height and measurements will not make you happy.  Circumstances will not make you happy. Only you can be responsible for your own happiness. It doesn’t always come easy. We all have bad days, things happen that are out of our control. Do not focus your time and energy on the negative. Focus instead on the things that you can change. Do not pray for happiness, pray for the ability to make yourself happy.  You cannot rely on any one thing or any one person to make you happy, unless that person is yourself. Life isn’t easy, bad things happen and all of us suffer through hardships.  Do not let life’s difficulties define you. Instead focus on the positive and define yourself with the ability to love yourself and make yourself happy.

Sacrifices we make: Things parents seldom talk about

    From the moment that you find you are having a baby sacrifices must be made: quit smoking, eat healthy, get a job with benefits, become a whale... That child depends on you completely for nourishment, safety, comfort and survival. Once that child is born you will spend the rest of your life with your heart outside of your body. When that child cries you will cry whether it be from joy and laughter or pain and sadness. You may hide those tears but you will be crying on the inside. As your child grows you will grow all the while sacrificing time, friendships, money, peace and quiet. Some people sacrifice so much that they have mental break downs and sacrifice their own sanity. We do all of this, most of us, with out complaining, some of us without noticing or giving it a second thought. We do this because are children are out whole worlds!! With out them nothing would matter!!
   
    Sadly there are still many in this world who have children and sacrifice NOTHING! These horrid people are takers in the worst way. Instead of sacrificing their selfish needs they sacrifice the needs of others. They feed their addictions instead of their children. ( Disclaimer: I am not talking about any of my friends, just started thinking of sacrifices this morning and couldn't get the thought out of my head.) I am talking about people so selfish, that instead of seeking help, they ruin the lives of their families. Drug addicts and alcoholics operate under the precipice of having a "disease." My question for them is if they had cancer or another life threatening disease, would they get treatment? Or would they wither away to nothing while there family suffered? Why is it so hard for some people to make sacrifices for the ones that they love? And so easy for some to sacrifice it all? Is it that some people are incapable of loving? Is the part of their brain, where compassion and empathy lie, turned to mush? Unfortunately there is no simple answer.
 
    We have to do the best we have with the hand that we have been given. No one is perfect, everyone makes mistakes and some people never learn. With that being said.... My children are so lucky!! They will have everything that they will ever need. If I can make a sacrifice for them, I will, every time. Much love to all of you who are a part of our lives. With Love Everything is Possible!!

some sort of epiphany....

    Today I went into a consignment shop with the kids. It was an awesome place with lots of great deals! Before entering I saw a familiar sign that read "please don't leave children unattended." It is a simple request and of course I wouldn't leave my children unattended especially in public. Still knowing that I wouldn't leave them unattended I entered the shop on high alert. Saying things I would often say in public like; "kids stay with me, keep your hands to yourself, don't touch that, don't climb that, come here right now." I probably sounded like a mommy drill sergeant to the lady working there. I actually probably often do in public. I am strict, not enough to were the kids can't have fun, but enough that they will be safe and aware of their behavior. After shopping around for about 15 minutes she said, "They are actually being very good. This is a kid friendly place and we only have that sign up because some people come in here with rotten kids and we've actually had some end up next store because their parents weren't watching them." I thanked her bought a few things and left. She was nice and I really like the store. For those interested it is called Olivia's Closet in Brevard, NC.

    I started thinking about it after I left and I get a lot of compliments on my kids from strangers. Usually when I get those "comments" is when my kids are acting up more than usual and I am fussing at them for it. I almost wonder if those people are complimenting my kids, telling me to chill out or both. It dawns upon me that maybe I sound like a mommy monster, but then I realize..... duh, my kids are well behaved because I am strict. Maybe it isn't only a compliment to my kids, but a compliment on my parenting. I'm not perfect I loose my temper, overreact and have mommy tantrums sometimes, but overall I am a good mother. I am teaching my kids how to live in the real world and have realistic expectations of themselves as well as others. I love to have clear headed mommy moments, God knows they are few and far between. Thanks for reading :)