tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1105560575981848422024-02-20T18:33:06.605-08:00Making It Work, Together! Just a little family blog showing the inner workings of a family trying to make life work out the way it would be best!
Kids, stress, love, pictures, and memories abound in real life! RainbowCircusof1http://www.blogger.com/profile/17388600776586318547noreply@blogger.comBlogger85125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110556057598184842.post-21265890141313700092022-07-14T16:19:00.004-07:002022-07-14T16:19:58.463-07:00It's My Body, Isn't It? <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGTal2SYMITP_3JpPWCy9eEpi3DR6tKlBgsRD1Mc2AIkpNW0BJSoZbVu8uBuOIh63d2lyd_WjpxeSsl70FYuTmwrslHtEdvNQ8mSXPhdK36k9yUmRge6bVydTro31GLGmeBZtaIoTPBrFm4KD1omNmASO4Q8OsVcPSwXOuC1w0Y4UKKqfWgtdwhwt8" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1309" data-original-width="2400" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGTal2SYMITP_3JpPWCy9eEpi3DR6tKlBgsRD1Mc2AIkpNW0BJSoZbVu8uBuOIh63d2lyd_WjpxeSsl70FYuTmwrslHtEdvNQ8mSXPhdK36k9yUmRge6bVydTro31GLGmeBZtaIoTPBrFm4KD1omNmASO4Q8OsVcPSwXOuC1w0Y4UKKqfWgtdwhwt8" width="320" /></a></div><br /><strong><span style="background-color: antiquewhite;"><span style="font-family: Special Elite, helvetica, sans-serif;">Amidst the current political shitstorm regarding reproductive rights for anyone with a uterus in the US. It appalls me to see how my own country has regressed in its laws and how divided we have all become. To avoid making this a political show, I want instead to discuss </span><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-family: Permanent Marker;">Body Image</span><span style="font-family: Special Elite, helvetica, sans-serif;"> and what we have grown up with from family members and media. </span></span></strong><p></p><p><strong><span style="font-family: "Special Elite", helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: antiquewhite;">Let me start by saying I am a plus-sized gal. I have health issues because of this, but that isn't the point of this. The problem here is that I have a lot of shame. I underwent some trauma while growing up, and when it happened, I would go days without eating and then binge in both hunger and comfort, because it was pure trauma and depression that made me forget to eat or so sick to my stomach that the idea of eating revolted me. Because I was binging and hiding my binging from those around me, I gained a lot of weight. When this happened, both my grandmother (also a plus-sized woman) and my mother (another plus-sized woman) commented on it. My family and friends would constantly ask me, "Should you be wearing that with how heavy you are?" and "Don't go out in that, it doesn't cover you well." I was led to believe that if I was judged this much at home, I would get it 10x worse in public. </span></span></strong></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJpNIsRxa3-u_G58-7dcE_RvncOs2YUonHfnN8SPAOEuakWXcaq9-I6q8qCzEjNbLH7rZSS2xbw1VOgbW5yrSohpvt3EdN4fBCJ5VeFBOpQ5KIucCqh3vZYTMSJTLHhCjckLA9sIWgZM4YVlxCD8qoUoHVcul3c9U01DFbjSqRcj3m-zjiUaDXx5-f" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="260" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJpNIsRxa3-u_G58-7dcE_RvncOs2YUonHfnN8SPAOEuakWXcaq9-I6q8qCzEjNbLH7rZSS2xbw1VOgbW5yrSohpvt3EdN4fBCJ5VeFBOpQ5KIucCqh3vZYTMSJTLHhCjckLA9sIWgZM4YVlxCD8qoUoHVcul3c9U01DFbjSqRcj3m-zjiUaDXx5-f=w186-h200" width="186" /></a></strong></div><strong><br />As a result, I avoided going out a lot, and when I did go out, I covered up as much of my skin as possible in the baggiest of clothes to avoid being noticed. I would either not eat or eat very little in front of people and hide and binge food in secret. All this did, in the long run, was create an eating disorder and a few occasions for dressing like a total fool on the hottest of the Eastern US summer days, ( I am talking about layers and denim on days when it was around 100 degrees Fahrenheit. ) I did not make good choices for myself in that time and I now have things I am in therapy for that I am trying to overcome. I have a daughter and the last thing I want her to do it to hate her own body and do things to herself that could cause her harm. I want her to feel good about herself no matter what and to not focus on the outside of herself more than the inside of herself. Do I want her to be healthy, of course, but do I want to shame her into it, no! I want her to make healthy choices for herself and do it because it makes her feel good and makes her feel healthier. So instead of commenting on how her body looks in any way, I give her healthier options without pressuring her. We have implemented a rule in our house where we do not comment on anyone's body. We can complement an outfit, tattoo, haircut or color, or accessories, but we do not mention body parts. Now being someone who grew up scrutinized so much I do find myself occasionally commenting on how my teen could probably use a shower or maybe point out if something is a little short because of how I know the world might react to her and I hate that part of it. I try my best to not say a word unless she asks. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRYykmLN-nI2NICjhROeOyvdCAi6nBhB2q1gO3LgY-ziuKxe_etWXtuoz1gNhx7DvI10El1Fqa2JKvjbTcSNycHh_Zg1_NTuT15eQw6I39OuatamSh6KInuBBLPQsII-WM9n3JXzivmupsMB-UsW-_7KPjDT88vTmHpyPi-1-j6vPCAaPH-YosegLh" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1130" data-original-width="2294" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRYykmLN-nI2NICjhROeOyvdCAi6nBhB2q1gO3LgY-ziuKxe_etWXtuoz1gNhx7DvI10El1Fqa2JKvjbTcSNycHh_Zg1_NTuT15eQw6I39OuatamSh6KInuBBLPQsII-WM9n3JXzivmupsMB-UsW-_7KPjDT88vTmHpyPi-1-j6vPCAaPH-YosegLh=w320-h158" width="320" /></a></div><br />When it comes to how we teach our children something or how we treat them, we need to remember one small thing, "Just because my parents or people in my past did it to me, that does not make it right to do it to someone else!" That includes shaming their bodies, commenting in negative ways that will slowly chip away at their self-worth, and making them feel like they need to hide how they feel in any way. If you are worried about your own health or your children's health and think being more active or making better food choices will help you feel better by all means do just that. Find reasons to take the kids outside for a walk or hike and disguise it as a scavenger hunt or a race. When it comes to making food choices, involve the family, go shopping together for fresh vegetables and let them pick one, go through recipes for healthy meals and have them choose some to try. Make it fun!</strong><strong><span style="font-family: Special Elite,helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></strong><p></p><p><strong><span style="font-family: Special Elite,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: antiquewhite;"></span></span></strong></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj90kjW8i19uaETTEx4P0THN8OtHE_R727odHNvzNwqM4zZ8ukg-6w1MJOOuwjjF2XvAGYe31iSeoogNUkaodlX6-ArUVhwV-kmL2SwdoD5UYK2f2LfvZK52rzMV3hHR95tAw79L39TLtkatGEyW9Um3y1teMakaqBoiLJwSI_ixzFwsbLDic787ExJ" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1572" height="435" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj90kjW8i19uaETTEx4P0THN8OtHE_R727odHNvzNwqM4zZ8ukg-6w1MJOOuwjjF2XvAGYe31iSeoogNUkaodlX6-ArUVhwV-kmL2SwdoD5UYK2f2LfvZK52rzMV3hHR95tAw79L39TLtkatGEyW9Um3y1teMakaqBoiLJwSI_ixzFwsbLDic787ExJ=w640-h435" width="640" /></a></strong></div><strong><br />Now, this is where I start to touch on the dangers and mental health worries I have seen come from Social Media. This is also the moment where you realize I am quite up there in age and I tell you that I was slightly luckier as a child and early teen because we didn't have a lot of social media or even much internet until I was getting into middle school. Even then though it was used mainly for sharing music, chatting (chat rooms were a scary place), and googling things. (Although I was big into using "Ask Jeeves" back then because it made me feel like an important superhero and I had someone who personally responded to my inquiries.) Looking things up was not the breeze it is now though. There was no Facebook or Instagram, we had Livejournal, Myspace, AOL, or Yahoo messenger. Most of the time you didn't know who anyone on the internet really looked like because we didn't really have the easiest of ways to upload our photos because our cell phones didn't have cameras yet. I was not any safer or worse than it is now for children on there so I recommend the longer you can keep your kids off the internet by themselves, the better. Now how does this start to apply to the idea of a positive body image? I am going to throw a rule out for yourself especially if you grew up as I did. </strong><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="background-color: black; color: red; font-family: Permanent Marker; font-size: large;">DELETE ANY SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNT THAT MAKES <br />YOU FEEL BAD ABOUT YOURSELF! </span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="background-color: antiquewhite;"></span></strong></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Special Elite", helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1dbUooAxoGAHd6celyLUZEpUfWzbahQNdxDeQ7H9lgb4lS7qM06ZGyKZUkc1VZf439pftN3Lr94J76B0NxxBHPflI17K1akipth1TLU9vehdLoLC0ZOHW6-cOgD-4tmuU-ZQzgsFdpajzKjBc8yskYlD1pa6ogc78LjDSMSGf1hzEaPuMo5zxl-bj" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1dbUooAxoGAHd6celyLUZEpUfWzbahQNdxDeQ7H9lgb4lS7qM06ZGyKZUkc1VZf439pftN3Lr94J76B0NxxBHPflI17K1akipth1TLU9vehdLoLC0ZOHW6-cOgD-4tmuU-ZQzgsFdpajzKjBc8yskYlD1pa6ogc78LjDSMSGf1hzEaPuMo5zxl-bj=w200-h200" width="200" /></a></strong></div><strong><span style="font-family: Special Elite, helvetica, sans-serif;">You don't have to be a part of anything that is not making you feel inspired or happy. This includes unfollowing people who may make you feel bad about your weight, clothes, eye color, or whatever. If it doesn't empower you or bring joy, get fucking rid of it. Please don't assume that because someone says they are body positive that that means they respect ALL bodies. And that is really what we want. We want to feel accepted. But what most of us forget is that we don't accept ourselves 90% of the time. We are constantly comparing ourselves to Bridget on the internet with thousands of followers who is fit and curvy and constantly being showered with compliments and told how beautiful she is. (Apologies if your name is Bridget it was the first name that popped into my head as I am a big fan of the Bridget Jones movies and she makes me think about body image with how her mother makes comments) By the way if you have only ever seen the movies I highly suggest the books to you as they are so good! I really need to find them again as I had left them behind when I moved across the country about 9+ years ago. Anyways back to the subject at hand. </span><u><i><span style="color: #800180; font-family: Poppins;">We really need to stop comparing our bodies to others as if we were all born from the same person and should all look the same.</span></i></u><span style="font-family: Special Elite, helvetica, sans-serif;"> How utterly boring would that be? I know for a fact that I am not attracted to the same kind of person everyone else is, probably not even Miss Bridget. SO why would I ever want my ideal partner to look like theirs? It would make no sense. I know most of you have at least heard the phrase "Variety is the SPICE of life" that should apply to all things equally including people. We all come from different upbringings, ethnicities, cultures, and the like and there is no reason we should all be a size 2 with perfect curves and such. We need to teach ourselves and our offspring that having a body that is different is not a bad thing, it doesn't make us anything less than the magical beings we were born to be. </span></strong><p></p><p><strong><span style="font-family: Special Elite,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: antiquewhite;">A good phrase to repeat to yourself in times when you may not feel so magical or when you feel yourself feeling guilt or shame about how you look is </span></span></strong></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="background-color: antiquewhite;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: Architects Daughter; font-size: large;"><i>"This is my body, it was made for me and only me, I choose how I feel in this body and no one can make me feel bad about it!" </i></span></span></strong></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-family: Special Elite,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: antiquewhite;">Now I am not saying this will change your life or how you think in the 5 seconds it takes to say it, but say it every day, post it on your bathroom mirror or anywhere you can see it always, and say it whenever you receive a negative comment about yourself from someone who literally does not live inside your skin, and eventually, you will believe it and feel it. It will change how you view yourself I am sure of it. </span></span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="font-family: Special Elite,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: antiquewhite;"></span></span></strong></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQARZbN87wqVpsZIXkjN8tkZmzfsu_Dx9ew6QUYtWEDNpo5ILMHxrEeCJ9tpTr0d35DOKmvc1uK0kcG2b9eMt-i1107okZhg_vIzrjl1a33OFb0LTg-c-2wxQM0T7AEFhnh2kyZxF2V-EsIbOfXojbDELJ9tWIJzlRpeYrvhx_O5NhTxKVslmWIco0" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="900" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQARZbN87wqVpsZIXkjN8tkZmzfsu_Dx9ew6QUYtWEDNpo5ILMHxrEeCJ9tpTr0d35DOKmvc1uK0kcG2b9eMt-i1107okZhg_vIzrjl1a33OFb0LTg-c-2wxQM0T7AEFhnh2kyZxF2V-EsIbOfXojbDELJ9tWIJzlRpeYrvhx_O5NhTxKVslmWIco0=w200-h163" width="200" /></a></strong></div><strong>Next, take care of your mental health when it comes to your body, and do things that make you feel good. Now I am not talking about basic needs like a shower or taking a break from things. I mean things that make you happy. For some of you that may be going out and shopping for those clothes, others told you was not right for you. Show them off, wear that shirt, or dress so you are comfortable, and show them how you shine differently when you accept yourself and your own magic. Take a 2-hour soak in a bath while listening to music or meditation and then take the next hour after that to make your skin feel good by getting an indulgent cream or oil and putting that on. If make-up is something you want to put on to make yourself feel good DO IT and show it off to those who appreciate you! Go out to a nice meal and have dessert because you want to and that slice of decadent cheesecake is calling out to you to try it. Don't shame yourself or guilt yourself into starving yourself if you slip out of a healthier lifestyle or work out to the point of exhaustion. None of those things are any good for your mind. The mind is where we start to feel the love for everything, including ourselves. <br /></strong><p></p><p><strong><span style="font-family: Special Elite,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: antiquewhite;"></span></span></strong></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjr0i5bMKvbgTb67YieGU3Jo6YBeyWKt5nQr9VSUv04_kJrmGzhvlFMPBN8Q5youdm7ocPG4Pb9E7uNjXBTy_vndj9j5vPBMfniuxH8t15qv80sAQIebBk-3oIvMWmSbXnPYqy2gWc41ovMjqR24lzqQro_FmSGibJ1V4WlWAPsTld7k9ota5B6LMGi" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="921" data-original-width="1024" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjr0i5bMKvbgTb67YieGU3Jo6YBeyWKt5nQr9VSUv04_kJrmGzhvlFMPBN8Q5youdm7ocPG4Pb9E7uNjXBTy_vndj9j5vPBMfniuxH8t15qv80sAQIebBk-3oIvMWmSbXnPYqy2gWc41ovMjqR24lzqQro_FmSGibJ1V4WlWAPsTld7k9ota5B6LMGi=w200-h180" width="200" /></a></strong></div><strong><br />When it comes to comments on the internet there is something that has always annoyed me and that is when you see someone on the internet talking negatively about themselves and then someone comments "you aren't (fill in the blank), you're beautiful"! This rubs me wrong because unless they have said they are ugly there is no reason to say that they are not whatever they may say because beauty shouldn't be based on whether they are fat or imperfect. Having fat and being beautiful or not opposites at all. I can have fat and be beautiful. I could also have no fat and be beautiful but the rarity of a fat-less person seems to be a superhero-type thing. everyone has some somewhere I am sure. I don't want to leave out the other side of the coin either folks, heavier people can be the same way, there is no reason to tell someone who may "feel fat" that they should eat a cheeseburger or gain some weight. You have no idea what kind of life that person has had and for all you know they are suffering from mental health or even physical health conditions that are causing them to either be or see themselves that way. Instead, maybe ask them how you can help them feel better. Maybe they need someone to talk to that will not judge them. Be kind and an ally, with the way the US is torn apart people need allies and kindness more than ever for a plethora of reasons. It should be your first reaction instead of insults and hate. </strong><p></p><p><strong><span style="font-family: Special Elite,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: antiquewhite;">Honestly, if you take nothing else from this take with you the phrase </span></span></strong></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="background-color: antiquewhite;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">"I choose to love my body, it is for me and me only." </span></span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="font-family: "Special Elite", helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: antiquewhite;">Repeat it daily until you believe it. And if you want to head out to the store in your pjs from the night before and a messy bun because you really want that ridiculously overpriced coffee drink from that chain of wonderful baristas then you do you darling because perfection is inside you and the outside doesn't change that. Be comfortable and put that first over the thoughts of others and their idea of what YOU should do. </span></span></strong></p>RainbowCircusof1http://www.blogger.com/profile/17388600776586318547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110556057598184842.post-39586471294440098812022-05-26T14:21:00.004-07:002022-05-26T14:24:27.984-07:00 Screw You and Your Guns! <p><span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b><i><span style="background-color: white; color: red;"> </span></i></b></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: red; text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ28_Y3bLNO0cqFUGYCE0uLeV25BwZLxe_p9x1VXzBrn77mEjqIvoL-iDQwlbyuYGdpC4sRvjqzPH-kurI5F-heRQn_5OHvbScTMLzZ4za18o3CvHsYMiemWd1sm6hr5hANLpW8nwLxKpAcaCTX2tnBHu7K-Oh17Pd5BL5FrHapZIGsydQPgHcRbC6/s5376/vector-four-sad-children-crying.webp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: #999999;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4093" data-original-width="5376" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ28_Y3bLNO0cqFUGYCE0uLeV25BwZLxe_p9x1VXzBrn77mEjqIvoL-iDQwlbyuYGdpC4sRvjqzPH-kurI5F-heRQn_5OHvbScTMLzZ4za18o3CvHsYMiemWd1sm6hr5hANLpW8nwLxKpAcaCTX2tnBHu7K-Oh17Pd5BL5FrHapZIGsydQPgHcRbC6/s320/vector-four-sad-children-crying.webp" width="320" /></span></a></i></b></span></span></div><span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b><i><span style="background-color: #999999;"><br /><span style="color: #ffe599; white-space: pre-wrap;">This is all I feel right now: sad and sick to my stomach. After reading article after article about the violence in various locations, it just breaks my heart how many innocent people are dying because of our government, our people, and our own stupidity. Due to pandemic fear, people avoided leaving home for fear of getting sick and having to miss work or school, or even risking health issues beyond their control. Our families were kept close to home for their medical safety while we adjusted to homeschooling. TV showed the violence of people fighting against injustices in our country and those who just did not wear masks, get vaccines, or had the common courtesy to stay away from others. In our battle for basic human rights, we fight for the freedom to live, love, and be who we are in our own minds. It is said that every heartbeat is precious and deserves a chance at life, and we fight to have rights to our own bodies. Yet here we are, the 26th day of the 5th month of 2022, mourning the deaths of so many innocent lives taken too soon for no reason at all, and our government still refuses to ensure the safety of these lives they claim are so precious! They try to blame mental illness and then make it difficult for people to get the help they need. To such an extent that they will not even allow women to own their own bodies, they make sure that a sprinkling of cells is brought into the world, but once it is here, they have no interest in it. Basically, our government is nothing more than an absent parent, a partner who walks away from the other when forced to take responsibility and deliver the child. This is the deadbeat parent who would much rather be out drinking and buying guns than raising responsible, thriving, happy children. It is our country and our government who are responsible for those children and adults whose lives were taken as much as the man-child who committed the atrocity. For those who do not believe that this is why we need better gun reform and stricter policies against owning one, they are just as responsible for those parents who woke up without their children, and for those children whose parents were murdered. F*** you and your FREEDOM! We as a people have no rights at all! We have nothing! Do you know how we stop fkn gun violence and school shootings? We take away the MTHRFKN guns! Take them ALL away, give them to the military, and that's it! Bring back swords! Let me see some punk ass teen boy head into a high school with a sword and see how many people die, bet it is way fewer. Give police tasers and mace and leave it at that! If they are too afraid to get shot at themselves then they shouldn't be allowed to have guns! I bet you any money we won't be hearing these horrific headlines anymore. NO GUNS=NO SCHOOL/NO GROCERY STORE/NO RANDOM SHOOTINGS! It is time to charge our government with child support, oh and they are going to have to pay for the help all those families now need to bury the people who died. Since all those government officials want to have their d**** so deep in the mothers of this country they should be helping take care of all the children we have!</span></span></i></b></span></span><p></p>RainbowCircusof1http://www.blogger.com/profile/17388600776586318547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110556057598184842.post-4263636989625907432022-04-21T20:33:00.004-07:002022-04-21T20:33:34.109-07:00Life Feels Different in 2022<p> <span style="color: #800180;"><b>"Back to Normal....when will we be able to go BACK TO NORMAL?" I have heard so many people ask that question in this pandemic world we live in. </b></span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ9C39por5xvM7KncDzW1z0TeQmLCKl9loxkrnjjOx-6kP-IE14EeprypOP17eeLAkdXbrmNRaha9luWurWbHB9k3mEE6jg7skr5yZu_vbTMClAnvxunIM02x8PbikAnFEu3cW0x-spx6wOIz7ZOHJrkYfaJgn4S52TsTlPghX-iwslosVr2Ci8tok/s474/OIP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="474" data-original-width="474" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ9C39por5xvM7KncDzW1z0TeQmLCKl9loxkrnjjOx-6kP-IE14EeprypOP17eeLAkdXbrmNRaha9luWurWbHB9k3mEE6jg7skr5yZu_vbTMClAnvxunIM02x8PbikAnFEu3cW0x-spx6wOIz7ZOHJrkYfaJgn4S52TsTlPghX-iwslosVr2Ci8tok/w200-h200/OIP.jpg" width="200" /></a></p><p><span style="color: #800180;"><b></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #800180;"><b><span style="color: #800180;"><b><br /></b></span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #800180;"><b><span style="color: #800180;"><b><br /></b></span></b></span></p><span style="color: #800180;"><b>I honestly think the answer to that question is very simple........NEVER! <br /></b></span><p></p><p><span style="color: #800180;"><b>We will never be back to "normal" there is a new normal, a more chaotic version of life as we knew it. We have lost so much and gained so much at the same time. </b></span></p><p><span style="color: #800180;"><b></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800180;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFxPuRYZL1gihicZTVJr2fCvYvPh79CYUtV_KbmrH2FQD0aLcpFvQMbQJKmYV993ujg91oBFvy8CU7WERA8c7aAfTPro8nrm1PvbmvKYwknKzCLCDqlIaKVVDCX7qhFusLpfzcAF_HujZ8QDzInIxzRZwmTJHK2tKgA1zIpJTbne2CIRSbh1K-o1bF/s2700/Hobbies.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1704" data-original-width="2700" height="126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFxPuRYZL1gihicZTVJr2fCvYvPh79CYUtV_KbmrH2FQD0aLcpFvQMbQJKmYV993ujg91oBFvy8CU7WERA8c7aAfTPro8nrm1PvbmvKYwknKzCLCDqlIaKVVDCX7qhFusLpfzcAF_HujZ8QDzInIxzRZwmTJHK2tKgA1zIpJTbne2CIRSbh1K-o1bF/w200-h126/Hobbies.png" width="200" /></a></b></span></div><span style="color: #800180;"><b><br />Many of us took up new hobbies and jobs when we lost the ones we had when the pandemic started. So, we have learned new things about ourselves and our ability to survive a change in our whole way of life. </b></span><p></p><p><span style="color: #800180;"><b>A lot of people are gone, passed away during this time, and many without their loved ones by their side. It has broken many and changed families in ways some people will never understand. </b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800180;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4WcsoXLlqy9rW0wPDOfIq0JmE046SjwUK5MwDF3coQgIaKKE1qUC6aqs3FW2K7cIoPq0pykaHRhSLPTcJr32IhNKlxQGxiBTNhRT1etEs-7fEzyj1pxUFdJdFmjRRAiK7jUZYWQG2CJfGu1G6WuvgIKg_DH3TUoNb1Vp0o3SYkVBEUdYDxq0maWmb/s1500/1500x500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1500" height="67" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4WcsoXLlqy9rW0wPDOfIq0JmE046SjwUK5MwDF3coQgIaKKE1qUC6aqs3FW2K7cIoPq0pykaHRhSLPTcJr32IhNKlxQGxiBTNhRT1etEs-7fEzyj1pxUFdJdFmjRRAiK7jUZYWQG2CJfGu1G6WuvgIKg_DH3TUoNb1Vp0o3SYkVBEUdYDxq0maWmb/w200-h67/1500x500.jpg" width="200" /></a></b></span></div><span style="color: #800180;"><b><br /></b></span><p></p><p><span style="color: #800180;"><b>Friendships were tested and some survived even the hardest of the time, but others did not and were broken up and lost. In a way, it is a good thing because you should keep people who build you up and are a positive and empowering gift, not ones that think it is ok to hurt those we love. Life can really change just the way it feels by the change in who you keep company with and share your life with. </b></span></p><p><span style="color: #800180;"><b>For me, the mother to three kids all at different stages of life, surviving the pandemic time and navigating a relationship, household, and the education of my children has been a severe test of my patience, my organization, and my multitasking abilities. </b></span></p><p><span style="color: #800180;"><b></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800180;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIq6Ohcz__yNvu94ECzlNcgOAyMmJRBtVG5voeKYFUBZJhVOeKU9DpPSFIqf_KT2S6eQitQQOXEacQtxtxVIj73l2fZZ-kHaIuJeDIe_pbAO8kDMjR8PUPpIHOW0hVcq5C5Ek7xW6rpD0NUamBLPabuoP_7VGVCLURuWfUbmDMUYLxgm-k-QD1s6hh/s170/R.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="96" data-original-width="170" height="96" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIq6Ohcz__yNvu94ECzlNcgOAyMmJRBtVG5voeKYFUBZJhVOeKU9DpPSFIqf_KT2S6eQitQQOXEacQtxtxVIj73l2fZZ-kHaIuJeDIe_pbAO8kDMjR8PUPpIHOW0hVcq5C5Ek7xW6rpD0NUamBLPabuoP_7VGVCLURuWfUbmDMUYLxgm-k-QD1s6hh/s1600/R.jpg" width="170" /></a></b></span></div><span style="color: #800180;"><b><br />I am a creature of habit and when this all started, having that habitual day schedule I had maintained for a while disrupted, well it kind of fucked with my mind and caused me to go into a bit of a panic mode. </b></span><p></p><p><span style="color: #800180;"><b>Now the time I took advantage of to clean and such around the house had to be spent making sure the kids were attending online virtual learning with several different teachers and printing out worksheets and making sure homework was turned in. </b></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3gld3EKQ8A4QuFZVFX6NrsNmTZapnuHB_p2o5UJ8IBuHqG8Qjd-7feG8ofcpAt2jRDzrOrMmsDByO1VjsRzAuvkFcZns_UIW12HLucrYaWWRhezD5tt7HirmvoKIunDdlWJEhTzz16sqLqSKjoHXJa5eGNS_8DCyPMJpJ9Ii9JewreKtNTL4Wz6xs/s960/1756197072-314835_4395191524673_453606515_n.webp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3gld3EKQ8A4QuFZVFX6NrsNmTZapnuHB_p2o5UJ8IBuHqG8Qjd-7feG8ofcpAt2jRDzrOrMmsDByO1VjsRzAuvkFcZns_UIW12HLucrYaWWRhezD5tt7HirmvoKIunDdlWJEhTzz16sqLqSKjoHXJa5eGNS_8DCyPMJpJ9Ii9JewreKtNTL4Wz6xs/w142-h142/1756197072-314835_4395191524673_453606515_n.webp" width="142" /></a></div><span style="color: #800180;"><b>Along the way, in the time I had for myself, I decided to really take stock of who I am and what I need in my life to be truly happy. I don't mean in the physical sense like trinkets and doodads that beep and such, but the qualities in my life and the hobbies that make me feel within my element. I had plenty of days that knocked the wind right out of me during the time when people I loved were lost along the way and I learned that life can change so quickly that you never really know how much time is left. So why the fuck not just do what adds joy to your life and find a way to make it work for you. See I am one of the lucky few who has a great support system to cheer me on and pick up the slack on the days I just cannot seem to pull it all on my own. <br /></b></span><p></p><p><span style="color: #800180;"><b></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800180;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAYNReLP5q-Kngoa7OsdSSRwlz91C7JcFm1Ujp6fleVXkocMSgokLG5fTzlvwN2RT9Uq9g33AWOCaA3NEFrYN9Xb7M_evuth3WwCjb3DA855OmC9HgTk6Kz6LamBKW9eFL6d6h2pFh0nj2J4yx1TrjYbkMjWshrB_yOAnmjuSPTDmLVWfMb3heQ61v/s2709/R%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2709" data-original-width="2709" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAYNReLP5q-Kngoa7OsdSSRwlz91C7JcFm1Ujp6fleVXkocMSgokLG5fTzlvwN2RT9Uq9g33AWOCaA3NEFrYN9Xb7M_evuth3WwCjb3DA855OmC9HgTk6Kz6LamBKW9eFL6d6h2pFh0nj2J4yx1TrjYbkMjWshrB_yOAnmjuSPTDmLVWfMb3heQ61v/w200-h200/R%20(1).jpg" width="200" /></a></b></span></div><span style="color: #800180;"><b><br />I truly learned a lot about myself and who I am deep inside. I have learned to express my fears and my feelings whenever I needed help. I found ways to be more active and to really enjoy life. I found my passions and started finding ways to ignite and keep the fires of my joy burning by incorporating them, into my life more and more each day. I have been learning so many new things like languages, artists, small business owners, and people who are like me and are working on both their physical and their spiritual journey through life be that however they so desire. </b></span><p></p><p><span style="color: #800180;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp6v2REjX4bfGAg9Dni1VslpOeSsyIRxFRifeIa8Cez_vtldnfcdJdq3NFUY7-vzLQyB1UfQLf_HzAsIclHR0ZqiiRP70D0us7QDtjtEcaLKBj_GnD-mZRD3RYxM7D-WWy1ai0FF_-eSSDbvFEyF_FE7Jmvjqp9k3Lr4nKg4C1aaDnb76Is0Y8bnN9/s737/ef4fa9c5fa346b1736f81466db576a40--just-be-you-it-is.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="737" data-original-width="736" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp6v2REjX4bfGAg9Dni1VslpOeSsyIRxFRifeIa8Cez_vtldnfcdJdq3NFUY7-vzLQyB1UfQLf_HzAsIclHR0ZqiiRP70D0us7QDtjtEcaLKBj_GnD-mZRD3RYxM7D-WWy1ai0FF_-eSSDbvFEyF_FE7Jmvjqp9k3Lr4nKg4C1aaDnb76Is0Y8bnN9/w151-h151/ef4fa9c5fa346b1736f81466db576a40--just-be-you-it-is.jpg" width="151" /></a></div><span style="color: #800180;"><b>All of this has changed me, has changed my family, has changed the entire world, and there is no NORMAL to our lives except whatever it is we do now and moving forward. Stop looking back, look forward, and make changes that will make you happy! Stop worrying about what is normal and know that however you are living your life IS NORMAL! <br /></b></span><p></p><p><span style="color: #800180;"><b>As always, thanks for being here and reading my ramblings! Feel free to comment on something that changed in your life over the last few years. </b></span></p>RainbowCircusof1http://www.blogger.com/profile/17388600776586318547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110556057598184842.post-43427827749140778062021-10-10T15:12:00.002-07:002021-10-10T15:12:57.694-07:00Another Pandemic Holiday Season<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: #ffa400; font-family: Permanent Marker; font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: #800180;"><i><u>Happy Spooky Season! </u></i></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhsaFk3Ao71Gf4jpCxSUN1K5Vq8V4RPm_zUvZMZowmVQWhOm6urKVBXjIZdlJ2Fa1ewCK3HLlS1lOcoums83dEZpJT9LkbDWKUhZNqfU9bn0qaBjO6Pm9rpAycA_TIhP4BJqrcLnI6Cvo/s940/October+2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="348" data-original-width="940" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhsaFk3Ao71Gf4jpCxSUN1K5Vq8V4RPm_zUvZMZowmVQWhOm6urKVBXjIZdlJ2Fa1ewCK3HLlS1lOcoums83dEZpJT9LkbDWKUhZNqfU9bn0qaBjO6Pm9rpAycA_TIhP4BJqrcLnI6Cvo/w530-h230/October+2020.jpg" width="530" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #783f04; font-family: Prompt; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtPl7kIV8H2qLTCdLjnNXRbyZlNLC2-gFUQTy78LSjm4IG7_Yytq2TE1tyd11knI_KF5EDWrxk5wmOtBxXJWMU8EvoCwdIN90KcvhBO2y3LfdpD3XmIADkMyoFPlB-fVKuzvEyqEviwZo/s474/OIP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="474" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtPl7kIV8H2qLTCdLjnNXRbyZlNLC2-gFUQTy78LSjm4IG7_Yytq2TE1tyd11knI_KF5EDWrxk5wmOtBxXJWMU8EvoCwdIN90KcvhBO2y3LfdpD3XmIADkMyoFPlB-fVKuzvEyqEviwZo/w200-h141/OIP.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>We are coming up on another wonderful holiday season that is only going to be filled with SLIGHTLY more togetherness for those that are able to travel or be with people they were not able to be with last year during this time. <br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #783f04; font-family: Prompt; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghlLYxKTjJOeiVSQMMKJHeME2dbe2mmHPjhbKSO7hcVfccQGQ3oOqZzdsxQTdZDdLKnctcSUJY7uDY35v-LsGUliQ7VYmGnCL42v70a1bgWzn8hHO-wEQ-6mDQj_YYmCC058lzipKrUDk/s416/istockphoto-1040965578-170667a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="416" data-original-width="416" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghlLYxKTjJOeiVSQMMKJHeME2dbe2mmHPjhbKSO7hcVfccQGQ3oOqZzdsxQTdZDdLKnctcSUJY7uDY35v-LsGUliQ7VYmGnCL42v70a1bgWzn8hHO-wEQ-6mDQj_YYmCC058lzipKrUDk/s320/istockphoto-1040965578-170667a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />For my family here in my home, we have some fun plans coming up for this season and we cannot wait to do them. This includes celebrating Halloween with a costume walk around the neighborhood (weather permitting), a spooky scavenger hunt with goodie bags and treats to find, some fun cookie decorating and goodie making, a family pumpkin picture painting activity, and of course making decorations and getting the house all spooky! (I still need to purchase some lights but I am working on it). SO we will be super busy the next few weeks getting the house together and preparing for all the fun to come. <p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Prompt; font-size: medium;">This really is my favorite time of year because I love the colors, scents, and sounds of the season combined in all the different ways you can do so. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkqnt-9n9_ROz9mNFGhyJFUlOYB4IBTEgBf_zgltNj-rbScnZeCBMOj66F-vBaQzBJvtzRggSSoHnmoq2GeIHiyg35ksrpk-9uvj_M0mCclEaSbpC1klWk-YlW4zGAIL4sO1sflFpXmVM/s474/autumnleaves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="242" data-original-width="474" height="102" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkqnt-9n9_ROz9mNFGhyJFUlOYB4IBTEgBf_zgltNj-rbScnZeCBMOj66F-vBaQzBJvtzRggSSoHnmoq2GeIHiyg35ksrpk-9uvj_M0mCclEaSbpC1klWk-YlW4zGAIL4sO1sflFpXmVM/w200-h102/autumnleaves.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Prompt; font-size: medium;">Of course, this year also comes with its own stressors of the kids being back in school (with masks and with the older ones vaccinated), thinking about all the planning that comes with the holidays when we go from one to another within a month of each other. </span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtbmykzYV6qtnAw9q-vQOvqIbvecfdbttZlKcyIQai2AC-DdG1gNZQCJmR4gpakSyJ8d_zBqQmnGykFPvnm5UI1zcuGMBNO_zi87UWhrZtRURSbc9GV9bivpx6ORiu1bu1_Tgwu9TJHTo/s900/clipart-checklist-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="900" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtbmykzYV6qtnAw9q-vQOvqIbvecfdbttZlKcyIQai2AC-DdG1gNZQCJmR4gpakSyJ8d_zBqQmnGykFPvnm5UI1zcuGMBNO_zi87UWhrZtRURSbc9GV9bivpx6ORiu1bu1_Tgwu9TJHTo/w200-h120/clipart-checklist-14.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Prompt; font-size: medium;">There is one major difference this season and year though, I am more prepared than I have been in a long time. I have made lists and done research about things the kids have mentioned wanting and about what I want for Christmas, I have thought about the dishes we will prepare for Thanksgiving, and I have already ordered the rest of the items I need for Halloween apart from the lights that I still have to get. <br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Prompt; font-size: medium;">So while the holidays and even the regular days are not 100% back to "normal" we have a great start to this year's festivities and I am excited to see how many new memories we make. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Prompt; font-size: medium;">Hope you all have a safe and healthy holiday season. I will check in around Halloween to post some spooky fun content. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh88SCIssxVJecQAVwEp4Rhc5cEwVMhRJN3NbTMWXVC6ui5Rd8KZegvv8jaNL-HbvW5obDJf4ZHzh37-DXeMl92jwqLFxMxShp3yipJU4nBcw2dXDOc9M7K_Nshh0cl4dJjnXb0x0c6Gew/s2048/R+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1583" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh88SCIssxVJecQAVwEp4Rhc5cEwVMhRJN3NbTMWXVC6ui5Rd8KZegvv8jaNL-HbvW5obDJf4ZHzh37-DXeMl92jwqLFxMxShp3yipJU4nBcw2dXDOc9M7K_Nshh0cl4dJjnXb0x0c6Gew/s320/R+%25281%2529.jpg" width="247" /></a>Happy Haunting! </div><br /><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Prompt; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p>RainbowCircusof1http://www.blogger.com/profile/17388600776586318547noreply@blogger.com0Seattle, WA, USA47.6062095 -122.3320708-21.805666359222748 97.0429292 90 18.292929199999975tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110556057598184842.post-55374182490981565332021-01-09T16:56:00.006-08:002021-01-09T17:15:44.261-08:00Creating A New Focus for 2021 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64ME8N2n5XF21roYnncUAwO2ziZGtmr0jG7lij_IDuawd7zCcAgGtmV8DZDtd9jlYxFW9xm6qYhnJST28eDA30YeiL8kZQzRI70hy8iJiD_UMrH4fC51tTudUu2F7p0RNV0Z-QbofIqA/s1440/135774893_417544902801872_3442135199332107243_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64ME8N2n5XF21roYnncUAwO2ziZGtmr0jG7lij_IDuawd7zCcAgGtmV8DZDtd9jlYxFW9xm6qYhnJST28eDA30YeiL8kZQzRI70hy8iJiD_UMrH4fC51tTudUu2F7p0RNV0Z-QbofIqA/w200-h131/135774893_417544902801872_3442135199332107243_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>As the sun rose on the new year it felt different. Social media wasn't flooded with resolutions to disappoint us halfway through the year, instead, there was a quiet, more careful approach to the year. We seemed to step into 2021 like a deer into a quiet clearing, our ears listening for danger, our feet ready to run into hiding. <div><br /></div><div>2020 had stirred up our anxiety, fear, and sense of self-preservation. With all the losses that 2020 brought we may wonder what this year has in store. So we tip-toed in and now are waiting to see what happens. </div><div><br /></div><div>At this point, I have made a decision to take it one day at a time. I will fill out my calendar with the important things, still make plans when possible (and as safe as can be), and embrace the year for improving myself and my family even more than we did in 2020. </div><div><br /></div><div>I was able to work with my family to have a pretty smooth last year so I feel like we really are in one of the best places to embrace this year with all we have. Knowing that we are still in the midst of the Pandemic and that it isn't safe to be with friends or distant family makes it a little bit glum for planning the year. We know we won't be able to celebrate any of the spring birthdays with anyone but our household, but for us that is okay, it means we will save some money, we will be safe, and we can always use the money later for planning something fun or the holidays at the end of the year. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZstP1liI4LRqFgPMDryabajdVaAQDUsZ3HZoQRF6PzLE5dEsAtfy5eUQDkQ6e8F9hRFamspAGrigjjBvfha97zpk0PcQpsvPqIPcxi6jC902blNxJPdnjkgz9ZcdrWR_2bsFfDKuFf4E/s2048/136439515_230929078519301_1870796606010033895_n.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1689" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZstP1liI4LRqFgPMDryabajdVaAQDUsZ3HZoQRF6PzLE5dEsAtfy5eUQDkQ6e8F9hRFamspAGrigjjBvfha97zpk0PcQpsvPqIPcxi6jC902blNxJPdnjkgz9ZcdrWR_2bsFfDKuFf4E/w264-h320/136439515_230929078519301_1870796606010033895_n.jpg" width="264" /></a></div>Instead of making resolutions this year, I came up with a list of "New Year Practices". This is a list of things that I would really like to work on and hopefully achieve a regularity of accomplishing. A few of these I started working on in the middle of last year. Now I have them written down and I can see them daily when I open up my household binder! <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Here is what I want to work on. </div><div><br /></div><div>1. Making meditation a daily habit. </div><div><br /></div><div>2. Communicating my feelings so I don't hold them all in. </div><div><br /></div><div>3. Getting some plants. (Not only will this be a fun thing for me because I love gardening, but also is good for my mental health and the quality of air in my home if I get the right ones.) </div><div><br /></div><div>4. Make healthier choices. (For this particular practice it includes small choices like not snacking on bad foods to larger choices like what workout to do for the best results.) </div><div><br /></div><div>5. PURSUE MY PASSIONS! (This includes everything from my photography, blog, vlog, art, and writing.) </div><div><br /></div><div>I think that each of these is easy to achieve with a little planning and hard work. </div><div><br /></div><div>Another resource I am happy to have found is the email list of <a href="https://4hatsandfrugal.com/">4 Hats and Frugal - Family Finance Expert</a>. If you join the email list and read the blog you can get a free printable on Fridays as well as all kinds of useful information for using to live your best life. As a bonus to being one of her loyal followers, I was able to take advantage of a recent freebie that is the backbone of my year being what I want it to be! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjyL8DhVXZTl4TJu0lVtC7goeMlMA6logHmdyJOkOzNQtzCUqObgtd87Vwn1glHI1eLZtkdRvM1lauzAb_1O4396xDY2Q2iugJbk0v2_TWJC1C1x5TFwQt2a0ifOcghqc2Bgt7kRHdiOA/s2048/136064168_496511034664550_7011675034893651261_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjyL8DhVXZTl4TJu0lVtC7goeMlMA6logHmdyJOkOzNQtzCUqObgtd87Vwn1glHI1eLZtkdRvM1lauzAb_1O4396xDY2Q2iugJbk0v2_TWJC1C1x5TFwQt2a0ifOcghqc2Bgt7kRHdiOA/w200-h200/136064168_496511034664550_7011675034893651261_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>One of my favorite things to do to keep track of what I have to do is use lists and planners and low and behold....a freebie of a printable PLANNER! </div><div><br /></div><div>Now just as the title of the planner says I can be a more "Focused Mom". It has all the parts I need to organize my house for the entire year! </div><div><br /></div><div>If you like lists or want something to keep track of how busy life can get I highly suggest you get yourself a planner. Sometimes you can find a printable version online but if all else fails check Amazon or even just google it. There are tons of cute and functional ones out there to motivate you to organize! </div><div><br /></div><div>Another tool I tend to utilize is a large whiteboard, I am working on also getting a corkboard to go beside it but right now I use it for writing our menu for the day, decorate for the holidays, school schedules when we are getting used to them, and any other notices we need to be able to see in that day. </div><div><br /></div><div>I think to find some balance this year we have to be prepared for whatever we may have come our way. </div><div>For some of us, that means organizing into planners and calendars so there are no surprises. We have to log when our payments of bills are due and try to put something aside in savings for unexpected bills. For the last couple of years by doing this we have been ready for any financial necessities, extra bills we add, and even for the holiday season to splurge a little more on gifts. This year I am going to make sure we stay on top and since the budget is always being checked against what is spent, we are always on top of things. We may not be the richest of families but we live a life that isn't unhappy. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #04ff00; font-family: courier; font-size: x-large;">We do what we CAN with what we HAVE! </span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>It has worked for the last 4 years since our family changed and it has been great. Life has thrown its fair share (plus some) of lemons at us but all in all, I feel like our family has stuck it out pretty well only improving with time like a good cheese. (yeah I am not a wine drinker but love a good cheese) </div><div><br /></div><div>Just take this year and put into practice some ideas you have always dreamt about. Take it one day at a time, one task at a time, and don't forget to breathe and take time to dream! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnZM2m4CY7jZrsYJGOqY01G4a0G9XbHx1LYjjegKOxj-_0UV-ZJFhON8L8q4ogQVKCsLj4da0gqbOTTIjbu_fZafPwiAZBwRdSgZk_bRj71NumRq9ZjOsJhmgz1pZ9x37eMsKl2o0ZNW4/s217/OIP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="216" data-original-width="217" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnZM2m4CY7jZrsYJGOqY01G4a0G9XbHx1LYjjegKOxj-_0UV-ZJFhON8L8q4ogQVKCsLj4da0gqbOTTIjbu_fZafPwiAZBwRdSgZk_bRj71NumRq9ZjOsJhmgz1pZ9x37eMsKl2o0ZNW4/w476-h297/OIP.jpg" width="476" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>RainbowCircusof1http://www.blogger.com/profile/17388600776586318547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110556057598184842.post-8054149769793204552020-12-01T16:39:00.001-08:002020-12-01T16:39:44.908-08:00A 2020 Pandemic Holiday<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEintLIUp6K_4-ZTQ5naaOwjHrwtRKsOtVljOqCwyP13lknDytKDVwfH11eX2SJQUwmv5IN0ue5zlZVfN0WSw342k3F2H9AJKQU4PrsYKdeog-mlaRlFMqpiOOXSMyC34r5XawbgMO-4z2Y/s1024/Take-Time-To-Breathe-Quote1-750x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="750" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEintLIUp6K_4-ZTQ5naaOwjHrwtRKsOtVljOqCwyP13lknDytKDVwfH11eX2SJQUwmv5IN0ue5zlZVfN0WSw342k3F2H9AJKQU4PrsYKdeog-mlaRlFMqpiOOXSMyC34r5XawbgMO-4z2Y/w146-h200/Take-Time-To-Breathe-Quote1-750x1024.jpg" width="146" /></a></div>So…take a few seconds to breathe because I know 2020 has been a "heartless b*tch". Unfortunately, I don't think that we are that close to returning to normal yet and though the year is almost over there is still a lot in store for us, so we need to make the most of what we have in our lives and use it to our advantage. <br /></div><div><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>This year it seems that we need some holiday cheer fiercely! We need to get our trees up, do our shopping, add our lights and sparkly garlands, start baking goodies and try to find something to make us smile amid all the sh*t the year has brought us. A lot of us have lost loved ones, spent holidays, and birthdays at home without those we wish we could be with. We've lost jobs, lost friends, and watched the country fall apart during a record-breaking election! It has been hard but not all is lost. </div><div><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLnQj9Ub8XW77fc2G-S03rrIt_pjBc9OrMaXtpRyu9KIXmo5JuTKMnERt8UO4fDIrGIZCqpGb5quNKQzPw5OjSuIxKLtzshmE25bu2VmZgdarlPsBxb_UsyuTSXE2i55HQheKnX8BoiFA/s1328/Screen-Shot-2017-09-19-at-22.18.46.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1328" data-original-width="1318" height="96" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLnQj9Ub8XW77fc2G-S03rrIt_pjBc9OrMaXtpRyu9KIXmo5JuTKMnERt8UO4fDIrGIZCqpGb5quNKQzPw5OjSuIxKLtzshmE25bu2VmZgdarlPsBxb_UsyuTSXE2i55HQheKnX8BoiFA/w95-h96/Screen-Shot-2017-09-19-at-22.18.46.png" width="95" /></a></div><span style="white-space: pre;"> <br /></span>My family has been lucky. We budget very well, are up to date on our bills, did not suffer any job loss in our home, and have been able to breeze through distance learning like we were meant to do it. Honestly, I owe most of our luck to the fact that my significant other already worked from home, I was already a stay at home mom, and I had supplies on hand for schooling at home because my kids love to learn and love to craft. For us the sadness this year came from missing birthday parties, not being able to visit family or friends, not being able to be outdoors in public places, the annual activities around the holidays that happen in our area, and for the kids, actually being in their classrooms with their teachers and friends. </div><div><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf0Np7q0n9WmLJgZ9_oPQKR643yIE806ns28pr1nCFOfufS0x8guYJY4DcB5oTWmlx6hdu8u3szGL5g9TyBcZulWIhUuX26zdh0ldPrVXOpNJHKG-ZNqbC7cl_loQ6xPeUxA_0Ct4KaRU/s398/128043407_459976258322493_4670448800830460016_n.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="398" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf0Np7q0n9WmLJgZ9_oPQKR643yIE806ns28pr1nCFOfufS0x8guYJY4DcB5oTWmlx6hdu8u3szGL5g9TyBcZulWIhUuX26zdh0ldPrVXOpNJHKG-ZNqbC7cl_loQ6xPeUxA_0Ct4KaRU/w200-h200/128043407_459976258322493_4670448800830460016_n.png" width="200" /></a></div><br /></span>That's why this holiday season we are doing our best to make it as most like our traditional along with some new traditions thrown in. We have already started trickling the decorations out so we can see what we need, what might not have made it to this season, and what we have new to put out. Over the next couple of weeks we will be decorating, doing fun Christmas crafts and activities, getting visits from our elf Marshmallow, and baking all the fun goodies that bring us those feelings of nostalgia that we long for so much this year especially. </div><div><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>My favorite memories of growing up with my Ma for Christmas meant making all kinds of cookies and cakes and treats and making gift boxes for friends and family members. We would decorate her tailoring shop, our house, and even our rooms sometimes. The best day was always Christmas Eve because that meant all the family was stopping by and we were opening all kinds of gifts we all had to pass out. We would cook up some kind of pasta dish we didn't have much like lasagna with sausage and meatballs or stuffed shells. There would be treats and punch and so much laughter and love and gift-giving! In my opinion, it was even better than Christmas morning (until I had kids). I miss it some days but now that I am a mom I am able to do some of those traditions by using my Ma's recipes, decorating, and making it all special and love-filled. </div><div><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>As this month goes on I will try to update here with some fun family holiday ideas, recipes, and gift ideas. </div><div><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></div><div>Hope you all have a safe and happy holiday. Please wear your masks when outside the home, do not travel if you don't have to, wash your hands and stay socially distant so maybe next year we can all be together again! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPTqDYQshuOZFcPkbmpSc5ifdLKgEiczQNyMJSxN3nLhXvKfIkaAk-2UTHF9xNurilIXqU5Ea4bXWJBHX3tMzbbS3zeOlLAp99EHsGAIeviguI_kDBUGHlSffM52VDEKtHDpnnxVUgRBU/s398/128349396_392547732182794_31964121232487368_n.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="396" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPTqDYQshuOZFcPkbmpSc5ifdLKgEiczQNyMJSxN3nLhXvKfIkaAk-2UTHF9xNurilIXqU5Ea4bXWJBHX3tMzbbS3zeOlLAp99EHsGAIeviguI_kDBUGHlSffM52VDEKtHDpnnxVUgRBU/s320/128349396_392547732182794_31964121232487368_n.png" /></a></div><br /></div>RainbowCircusof1http://www.blogger.com/profile/17388600776586318547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110556057598184842.post-41886233537528321202020-08-18T19:55:00.002-07:002020-08-18T19:55:16.488-07:00Soon Summer Ends <p> ...<span style="font-size: xx-large;"><i><u>And School Online...BEGINS! </u></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9jbcjQxKLSYRxR8pzwUtWC9p3pGgUr0EsZjyGdi5ls1Pu_Nlg0QffHW0iVOP2I74fSq9UoQnEVjY_KygnEzIDPNw30xh1eVbIJ68qIscFbULPNn8DXiQ64N7tXHkIbi9aTzLsieXcTTo/s179/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="179" data-original-width="179" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9jbcjQxKLSYRxR8pzwUtWC9p3pGgUr0EsZjyGdi5ls1Pu_Nlg0QffHW0iVOP2I74fSq9UoQnEVjY_KygnEzIDPNw30xh1eVbIJ68qIscFbULPNn8DXiQ64N7tXHkIbi9aTzLsieXcTTo/w179-h179/download.jpg" width="179" /></a></div><p>In just a few short weeks we start a school year of distance learning due to the Covid-19 pandemic that is rocking our world right now. </p><p>To get ready for this "distance learning" as it is being called I am making lists of supplies needed, schedules that can keep us on track, and fun activities to tie our learning into our day to day to keep it fresh in their minds!</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPBHHgSmTmHS99F5TMioZ5w_ohvxmZ9sYII6XPv4fzWL531T5jQrrKTEi8qRFzuJni9tXtRKg4Yr8Z1fM3A33sdo-2qmgi_nOis4s9zl4uGm5JgGdi13HiwnR4k2tDUoZ6aSQRNc44qi8/s239/download+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="239" data-original-width="179" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPBHHgSmTmHS99F5TMioZ5w_ohvxmZ9sYII6XPv4fzWL531T5jQrrKTEi8qRFzuJni9tXtRKg4Yr8Z1fM3A33sdo-2qmgi_nOis4s9zl4uGm5JgGdi13HiwnR4k2tDUoZ6aSQRNc44qi8/w143-h191/download+%25282%2529.jpg" width="143" /></a>It shouldn't be too hard to get them started online since we ended last school year with it, but I know there are some changes and we are ready to tackle whatever comes our way. </p><p>My youngest has started reading chapter books to prep him for second grade and continue on with his reading skills (which are awesome by the way). I have printed out worksheets that work on his ability to follow directions and practice his writing skills (we had also improved these tenfold at the end of the year) and plan to get some special pencil grips for him to help him continue on with his progress!</p><p>We plan to enter into this school year with a fresh attitude for success. No matter what the year throws at us we are going to stay positive and find a way to make it work. </p><p><br /></p><p>Stay tuned for my school supplies list for online learning and other tips and tricks for making the school year start smoothly if you too are distance learning this year! Coming later this week! </p>RainbowCircusof1http://www.blogger.com/profile/17388600776586318547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110556057598184842.post-44915867989317666132020-06-17T21:03:00.000-07:002020-06-17T21:03:00.963-07:00Simple Butter Drop Biscuits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHLcJl_wtkspKmU-koRYa7C3WHhX028AlGOt_e4t7nSA0cY2pNh8zwPRqs-mVzUcpV4DzBLG0FTTArzl6cOk5G4YGK1Kw_lqJ-6gom-YWaTg1G5PWxS4bgKde5JQiRS06u1_BaXRn5WLk/s1437/103126088_341263506844071_6938373397968492476_n+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="1437" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHLcJl_wtkspKmU-koRYa7C3WHhX028AlGOt_e4t7nSA0cY2pNh8zwPRqs-mVzUcpV4DzBLG0FTTArzl6cOk5G4YGK1Kw_lqJ-6gom-YWaTg1G5PWxS4bgKde5JQiRS06u1_BaXRn5WLk/s320/103126088_341263506844071_6938373397968492476_n+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><font color="#ba67c8" face="courier"><b><i>****I don't know about you, but I myself absolutely love buttery crumbly biscuits with my sausage pepper gravy and this recipe is the best for it.***</i></b></font></div><div style="text-align: center;"><font color="#ba67c8" face="courier"><b><i><br /></i></b></font></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="background-color: #f4a900;"><font face="trebuchet">You will need: </font></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="background-color: #f4a900;"><font face="trebuchet"><br /></font></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="background-color: #f4a900;"><font face="trebuchet"><b></b></font></span></li><li><font face="trebuchet"><b>1/2 cup butter (I like to use cold and shred it in with cheese grater) </b></font></li><li><font face="trebuchet"><b>2 cups AP Flour</b></font></li><li><font face="trebuchet"><b>1 tbs baking powder</b></font></li><li><font face="trebuchet"><b>1/2 tsp salt</b></font></li><li><font face="trebuchet"><b>3/4cup + 2 tbs milk (can use any kind, I've even used Almond milk) </b></font></li><li><font face="trebuchet"><b>1 egg (beaten)</b></font></li></ul><font face="trebuchet"><b style="background-color: #f57c00;"><div style="text-align: left;"><font face="trebuchet"><b style="background-color: #f57c00;"><br /></b></font></div>Steps to yumminess:</b></font></div><div style="text-align: left;"><font face="trebuchet"><b style="background-color: #f57c00;"><br /></b></font></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="background-color: #f57c00;"><font face="trebuchet"><b></b></font></span></li><li><font face="trebuchet"><b>Preheat oven to 450*F</b></font></li><li><font face="trebuchet"><b>Grease cast iron, small baking sheet with parchment or round cake pan. (if using for biscuits with sausage gravy I recommend bacon grease it is awesome!) </b></font></li><li><font face="trebuchet"><b>Combine dry ingredients, shred or cut in butter until looks like a coarse meal, if you work fast you can do it with a fork first and then fully incorporate with your fingers (please wash and dry first rinse in cold to cool hands) </b></font></li><li><font face="trebuchet"><b>SLOWLY add milk while stirring. </b></font></li><li><font face="trebuchet"><b>Form into a round (lumps lol) and put close together in the pan, I like to make a kind of flower shape for it. ((See picture above))</b></font></li></ul><span style="background-color: white; font-family: trebuchet; font-weight: bold;">Brush tops with beaten egg and bake for 12 minutes or until browned and baked through. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: trebuchet; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: trebuchet; font-weight: bold;">**Tip* You may want to keep milk handy to moisten dough a little more if it seems dry, this will help them crumble a little less if you want to use them to have sandwiches or if you enjoy them like I do with a little honey or fresh fruit jam* </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: trebuchet; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f4a900; font-family: trebuchet; font-weight: bold;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f4a900; font-family: trebuchet; font-weight: bold;"><font size="5"><i>This is also a great recipe to let kids make, just measure out the ingredients if they are under 7 and let them mix as the recipe states. If older than 7 supervise them measuring themselves to give them the practice. </i></font></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><font face="trebuchet"><b><br /></b></font></div>RainbowCircusof1http://www.blogger.com/profile/17388600776586318547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110556057598184842.post-23537348702636536902020-06-17T19:58:00.002-07:002020-06-17T20:02:30.954-07:00English Muffin Bread<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmnQTlRIgfY6PAffAci11LM2sBsX43fxAL2zYvLTO0rsDrQIsH7L0_-TpoffLHgp5qTp9YgbeFymRSHvl_VAWOcF_Ds49mf24Bl3bKL44fWa4NlV9MKiyJt3EfEA6f6o399YbanavqqlQ/s1600/101314520_539342150070657_8750723070752194560_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmnQTlRIgfY6PAffAci11LM2sBsX43fxAL2zYvLTO0rsDrQIsH7L0_-TpoffLHgp5qTp9YgbeFymRSHvl_VAWOcF_Ds49mf24Bl3bKL44fWa4NlV9MKiyJt3EfEA6f6o399YbanavqqlQ/s320/101314520_539342150070657_8750723070752194560_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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To make this AWESOME toasting bread you will need:<br />
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<ul>
<li><b><i>1 tbs Honey </i></b></li>
<li><b><i>1/4 tsp. Baking powder</i></b></li>
<li><b><i>5 1/2 cups AP flour</i></b></li>
<li><b><i>2 tsp kosher salt (if using table salt use 1 1/4 tsp) </i></b></li>
<li><b><i>2 tbs yeast</i></b></li>
<li><b><i>2 1/4 cups milk</i></b></li>
<li><b><i>1/4 cup water (warmed) </i></b></li>
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{Butter and cornmeal to grease and coat loaf pans)<br />
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<span style="background-color: orange;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "courier new", courier, monospace;">Steps:</span></i></b></span><br />
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<ul>
<li>Mix yeast, honey, and water and set aside. (don't let sit too long) </li>
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<li>Stir salt, baking powder, and flour together.</li>
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<li>Add milk and 1 cup of the flour mixture to yeast mix, blend well and continue to add flour mixture until you have a soft sticky dough. </li>
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<li>Spoon into two loaf pans and set someplace warm and moist until doubled in size, (30-45 minutes) </li>
<li>Preheat oven to 425*F, sprinkle tops of loaves with cornmeal and bake 15-20 minutes. The loaves will be browned and sound hollow when tapped. </li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW8hrV7z1n0VdLqzf5MsSkRgArBx3KwJktB_nFSM_Vl2xYekg5m4ZeEG4RwSbuYHfjr54KXLK3ZYZAXcFi4yd_uAk9HxLvSGFALiHlSpHCzOyQFxLto5SJbPI7EGdXrJiDbScnh-yQdZA/s1600/101179874_560577481315657_9104476080697245696_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW8hrV7z1n0VdLqzf5MsSkRgArBx3KwJktB_nFSM_Vl2xYekg5m4ZeEG4RwSbuYHfjr54KXLK3ZYZAXcFi4yd_uAk9HxLvSGFALiHlSpHCzOyQFxLto5SJbPI7EGdXrJiDbScnh-yQdZA/s400/101179874_560577481315657_9104476080697245696_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><i><u><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Let cool COMPLETELY before slicing and toasting! Enjoy !!!!</span></u></i></b><div><b><i><u><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></u></i></b></div><div><b><i><u><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></u></i></b></div><div><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: large;">*************************************</span></div><div><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: large;">This bread is a family favorite and we tend to go through it quite quickly, my suggestion is to double the recipe or make an afternoon of this with the kids because it freezes really well if you wrap it twice in plastic then in aluminum foil. </span></div>RainbowCircusof1http://www.blogger.com/profile/17388600776586318547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110556057598184842.post-13247793078386101042020-03-29T15:11:00.003-07:002020-03-29T15:48:05.895-07:00Being Scared of the World, While being a MOM! Hi, if you are reading this that must mean the boredom and need to stay busy has gotten to you and you have stumbled across my wonderous blog. If that is the case then...WELCOME!!! If you are a follower or a fan thanks for sticking around during this crazy time in the world!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxk4dfX6arD_qunmTDvpD8pJaCs70xQ1MWxXz-g4LSSuReUIrk7PL9kcePuWwEwlj48bPBH8FBpq2BhryJCqa881cKwBfF64Zm_6of21LjLuVdpF7N7_kxFq2kVeSDy2lp-6YP_SdjYi8/s1600/972be199f2e67342a8a47fc7e274c5c3a85f41d2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxk4dfX6arD_qunmTDvpD8pJaCs70xQ1MWxXz-g4LSSuReUIrk7PL9kcePuWwEwlj48bPBH8FBpq2BhryJCqa881cKwBfF64Zm_6of21LjLuVdpF7N7_kxFq2kVeSDy2lp-6YP_SdjYi8/s200/972be199f2e67342a8a47fc7e274c5c3a85f41d2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
If any of you are like me then you are also a parent at home with kids that would normally be in school during the day so things may be a little out of whack for you! Well, guess what...<br />
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THAT IS OKAY!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMsHi_KhEZsNyag8cr5PNAOSspr5zNuzjHWr3_A0Pqfhj5aW5FL7afnKGyVx6Vxi0UxGPwjjYYH0E9QTetEAxDi2LT7k8fdfq8vzKLKo0ckheLH70JAAUrG4AwM9D8hfUCIKYtyotnHG8/s1600/maxresdefault.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMsHi_KhEZsNyag8cr5PNAOSspr5zNuzjHWr3_A0Pqfhj5aW5FL7afnKGyVx6Vxi0UxGPwjjYYH0E9QTetEAxDi2LT7k8fdfq8vzKLKo0ckheLH70JAAUrG4AwM9D8hfUCIKYtyotnHG8/s200/maxresdefault.jpg" width="200" /></a>The world is super crazy and scary right now and not having it all together is the kind of thing we all have in common right now. There are so many people who are trying their hardest to be teachers, improvisational cooks, keep the house in order and make sure that everyone is keeping up on their hygiene. It is hard, especially with so much fear and uncertainty in our futures. We need to stop pushing our selves to keep the same schedules and to-do lists and embrace the looser side of the days.<br />
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Are you someone who likes to make lists and cross off everything as you do it? Instead of making a new list each day, make one big list broken into three parts.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS_1Vyun4yW2Q0cSyLdzZtvTMUsNm3c4uY1oK5nS6HVOycq73SFMbG92V9XxMUlL4YfmeUte6kbeJh2oqaM__Ckcz8EijCpQaF6qG-Y0uoYGNwfFMChBKzpyYvKxWqRK53rP51prkpYIY/s1600/Part+1+GOTM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="249" data-original-width="300" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS_1Vyun4yW2Q0cSyLdzZtvTMUsNm3c4uY1oK5nS6HVOycq73SFMbG92V9XxMUlL4YfmeUte6kbeJh2oqaM__Ckcz8EijCpQaF6qG-Y0uoYGNwfFMChBKzpyYvKxWqRK53rP51prkpYIY/s200/Part+1+GOTM.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
In this section, you want to write down the big things to get done before the month is over. This could be writing up your meal plan and shopping list for the following month, cleaning out a closet, reorganizing a room in your home, etc. These are items you can be a little lax on and leaves time for ...<br />
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In this section, you'll put things like laundry, changing bed sheets, cleaning out the refrigerator, vacuuming, dusting, cleaning the bathrooms, etc. These are things that you want to keep up on a little bit more for hygiene reasons and of course so you can keep up with what you may have stored behind that jar of jam or gallon of milk at the bottom of your fridge! (I know I myself am not a fan of finding that leftover pot roast or chicken soup several weeks later when it has developed it's own islands of mold and bacteria residents lol)<br />
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This is the section that will change the most and if you use a whiteboard like I do that makes it much easier to change when you need to. Right now I have small boards for the kids to put their personal to-do lists on and one large one in the kitchen we use for the menu of the day and most other notes. Here you can put things like, work on schoolwork, dishes, prep meals, bake something, and if you want to do smaller lists for the kids and designate a set time for the lists to be checked off, then you can put things like, make beds, get dressed, brush teeth, set table, pick up toys, read two books, etc. Make them quick chores and tasks so that there is still time to be together and reassure them that together you can get through this time.<br />
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I am still working on my board for the next month as this one is pretty much over. I will post that picture with my blog post on Tuesday to bring us into April. Tune in then to see how I played it out and use some of your own creativity and I would love to see yours!<br />
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Now comes my biggest TIP/SECRET/IDEA THAT WORKS FOR ME:<br />
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Take one day and do NOT make a list for that day. Take that day off, spend it with the kids doing fun stuff they choose to do, let them pick dinner that day, make a fun snack, stay in pj's and cuddle watching movies on Disney+, Hulu, Netflix or any other streaming service you might have.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">**side note, I will be making a post about some fun shows and movies I discovered when I ran out of things on the DVR to watch** Should be fun! </span></h4>
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But anyway, take a day to just have fun and try to enjoy the togetherness you can get with your family that life usually doesn't give us a moment for like we would like. It is ok to be afraid of what's to come and what has already happened. It is ok to feel overwhelmed and like you cannot seem to stay on track. DO NOT be hard on yourself. (trust me I know from first-hand experience this does NOT help anything lol) be kind to yourselves and others. We need kindness more than anything right now in the world. I hope this helps you a little bit or at least gives you something new to try to keep some of the sanity at this time.<br />
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See you again soon! Keep reading and we will keep living! <3 </div>
<br />RainbowCircusof1http://www.blogger.com/profile/17388600776586318547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110556057598184842.post-91564906551996238962020-01-29T17:29:00.001-08:002020-01-29T17:29:41.500-08:00Self Care Through JournalingWhile clicking through the internet not too long ago I came across a post that gave me 25 different journal prompts for Self Care. This inspired me to rethink the way I write since I have been suffering from some writer's block and not really been in the mood to continue on with the pieces I was previously working on.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghs64pQTtP41A8vnqe5EqvMAb_suWL3CmgDSMlS6shTrMaT7my4X-QQPsGsb9gep6ygndzqWYUQ8-JlSf1PrJS4aaU9uT-QHgRXW4u-wCbM3nM_RLer_XdldaZBaEmBaJh4HPeAdTWly8/s1600/scprompt1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1142" data-original-width="1600" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghs64pQTtP41A8vnqe5EqvMAb_suWL3CmgDSMlS6shTrMaT7my4X-QQPsGsb9gep6ygndzqWYUQ8-JlSf1PrJS4aaU9uT-QHgRXW4u-wCbM3nM_RLer_XdldaZBaEmBaJh4HPeAdTWly8/s200/scprompt1.jpg" width="200" /></a>So today I am going to share the first prompt, what I wrote and how it made me feel about myself after writing it.<br />
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Prompt 1: What are 10 things you are good at?<br />
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For me, it was a little tough coming up with TEN things that I am good at so I figured this was a good time to really sit and think about the things that I do that I am proud of and feel like I am good at no matter how small it was. After taking a night to stew on the question I made a list and decided to just write about that particular list.<br />
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The first thing that I am good at is taking care of my children! Making sure they are happy, healthy and safe is what I am really the best at in my own mind at least. (I like to think that they would agree)<br />
Two, I am good at coordinating outfits for people. I can put together outfits from anyone's closet and they are always pretty good (having three kids with different styles helps). <br />
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Three, I am good at taking pictures. I love to take them all the time because why not remember as many moments as possible when I am older. I love taking pictures of pretty much anything but there is always a reason for it. I figure if I get old and start to forget these pictures will be a way to remind myself of the times I want to remember.<br />
Fourth, I am good at organizing and color-coding. I like to put things in order, there is a sense of satisfaction at seeing things all lined up and neatly put in place!<br />
Fifth, I am good at sparking up conversations with random people. I do have a lot of anxiety, HOWEVER, if I find something that sparks a compliment or that makes me smile I tend to speak up about it. I just can't help myself sometimes and that is okay, I think everyone should be able to say when something makes them happy with no shame. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_IKfvQkNmqttJRDfZ0zMrPMWHToKbk4LZ8lnNDM383B0B9WYqmr5pSBef4Sgl9nOZx7mJDXH-CtyBx2LqDHtMp49rf8pnZIbt1Qk6ulGosxhCbEFianyxgPxErk-nswPihoFFIlQsLY/s1600/67834-full_mother-cooking-vector-premium-download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="643" data-original-width="626" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_IKfvQkNmqttJRDfZ0zMrPMWHToKbk4LZ8lnNDM383B0B9WYqmr5pSBef4Sgl9nOZx7mJDXH-CtyBx2LqDHtMp49rf8pnZIbt1Qk6ulGosxhCbEFianyxgPxErk-nswPihoFFIlQsLY/s200/67834-full_mother-cooking-vector-premium-download.jpg" width="194" /></a>Sixth, I am a good cook. I love trying new recipes, buying new spices, and trying to convince the kids to explore new things in the kitchen as well. I have found ways to sneak in the "good for you " stuff into their favorite dishes so I know they are getting what they need out of every meal!<br />
Seventh, I am good at crafting. I am good at finding ways to use just about anything for making art. Upcycling things and getting supplies from places like (<a href="http://dollartree.com/">dollartree.com</a>) and (<a href="http://walmart.com/">walmart.com</a>) I can make just about anything I want for gifts, household use or even just fun holiday decorating.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-tQJczftP6EcnvrH98x6R6sN8KhLwo4hyphenhyphenz6GlmfvHg8HQZSc2WrP75zIIn3K8p2fYLCI8NCHiLGi0b4Z080A-EM36imT_ahiBBZk6ymYNJc4bSH2BLsHbmt3vjySXfNyF2WN2S6hCNAE/s1600/multitasking-cartoon-woman-vector-illustration-monochrome-character-cooking-parenting-working-cleaning-shopping-39131678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1390" data-original-width="1300" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-tQJczftP6EcnvrH98x6R6sN8KhLwo4hyphenhyphenz6GlmfvHg8HQZSc2WrP75zIIn3K8p2fYLCI8NCHiLGi0b4Z080A-EM36imT_ahiBBZk6ymYNJc4bSH2BLsHbmt3vjySXfNyF2WN2S6hCNAE/s200/multitasking-cartoon-woman-vector-illustration-monochrome-character-cooking-parenting-working-cleaning-shopping-39131678.jpg" width="185" /></a></div>
Eighth, I am good at multitasking, even right now I am doing about four different things while writing this particular post. I have a great ability to do many things at one time with the most ease. I probably do it more than I should but it comes in handy when you have more than one child, a really great significant other and a household to keep in order.<br />
Ninth, I am good at listening to others, I love to listen to those I love, friends, family, when anyone really talks about things they love. I also like to hear their sorrows and be a shoulder if they need me to be.<br />
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So now we are at the final thing of the ten, this one I feel is the most important, its the one thing that should really be on every single one of your lists should you choose to make one about what YOU are good at...this final thing is...I AM GOOD AT BEING ME! There is really nothing more important than that. No one else could be the fun, quirky, purple-haired, rainbow glasses-wearing, weirdo that I myself have become from the years of life I have lived!<br />
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Honestly writing this piece about myself was very therapeutic. It helped me to spend a lot of time thinking about the positives that make up who I am. This is quite the opposite of how I spend most of my days ( I am working improving on this in many ways this year). This self-care journaling is just a small part of what I hope is improving my life and its quality.<br />
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If you would like more information about these prompts, send me a comment and I can tell you more. I plan to do prompt writing again in a future post as well. Stay tuned and keep reading.<br />
<br />RainbowCircusof1http://www.blogger.com/profile/17388600776586318547noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110556057598184842.post-33463904272932835302020-01-21T16:42:00.000-08:002020-01-21T16:42:20.225-08:00Mid-Month Reboot<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwdoxjjFoOk0oKhnI_igdmcXsboOUc4fKTmnxPYtVSFfDppxCBbC35OXry4a5l0RsaYh4TZvBBUYuxJu0FSMK2uWc9lL1o3Ea5-RuXbj4OwM0cpw1RwajjRNI1FdcG9yJ0UWIep0xGqQE/s1600/Sinksideb%2526a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwdoxjjFoOk0oKhnI_igdmcXsboOUc4fKTmnxPYtVSFfDppxCBbC35OXry4a5l0RsaYh4TZvBBUYuxJu0FSMK2uWc9lL1o3Ea5-RuXbj4OwM0cpw1RwajjRNI1FdcG9yJ0UWIep0xGqQE/s400/Sinksideb%2526a.jpg" width="400" /></a>So it seems like the weather can really mess enough stuff up to throw someone like me off track for all the things I was into. Snow days with the kids home and canceled things that I was going to do because trying to do them in the yucky weather was NOT going to be easy. I did use those days to catch up on the housework and to make a big dent in the things I wanted to get going on this year though.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEmtqP8T7baqOrpuxKUZz5qF3hkZYdmcVu-my4v8AUN3syfdmH5_u_1Tdtjt_ScRMQWT5-VyI3c5zLgqgW48bVfoFBuHNnX80MktgerwOo9ibOBQQfQQvtlYHUQYekNLBjvWNyEL4Q95s/s1600/TeaPicPromo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEmtqP8T7baqOrpuxKUZz5qF3hkZYdmcVu-my4v8AUN3syfdmH5_u_1Tdtjt_ScRMQWT5-VyI3c5zLgqgW48bVfoFBuHNnX80MktgerwOo9ibOBQQfQQvtlYHUQYekNLBjvWNyEL4Q95s/s400/TeaPicPromo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
One of the newest additions to my routine is TEA! I have found some awesome ones and I love them. If you are a lover of tea you have to try Yogi brand teas. Head on over to <a href="https://yogiproducts.com/">https://yogiproducts.com/</a> and check out their story and all the available flavors. Maybe even you will find the perfect one for what you need! A fun bonus is that each tea bag comes with a little touch of inspiration to get you through the day!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwSXBdyCIVm0PIWXqe1GtnlZySS_vm56lyDGFOWRmiOiXsUCH9SSkXyBkvPkVJ6VieBRtGMY9kBIvyih188haYCqKihe0q43g2-OPiUxjJbytE9LQxLpDfPkytjfhFbioVdDtPy91de98/s1600/83681346_10221978836718697_8452411139341418496_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwSXBdyCIVm0PIWXqe1GtnlZySS_vm56lyDGFOWRmiOiXsUCH9SSkXyBkvPkVJ6VieBRtGMY9kBIvyih188haYCqKihe0q43g2-OPiUxjJbytE9LQxLpDfPkytjfhFbioVdDtPy91de98/s320/83681346_10221978836718697_8452411139341418496_o.jpg" width="240" /></a>Since I am also trying to find things that my body and system can tolerate better I have also switched to Lactose-Free kinds of milk. I have been trying different ones to see which is my favorite, so far the one that is the best tasting is Fairlife Fat-Free Ultrafiltered Milk ( <a href="https://fairlife.com/">https://fairlife.com</a> ) which has been wonderful at making sure those uncomfortable side effects I have from drinking milk are a thing of the past!<br />
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Another thing of the past, the fight between vegetables and the kids. I have found several new recipes and fun ways to get the kids to choose at least one vegetable they love and still try ones they may not be as happy about eating. I still have to give a little incentive to get them to try more than one bite/piece of whatever offensive vegetable is on their plates but I think "baby steps" are a good place to start!<br />
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Now as the month is looming closer to the end I am closer to being on track. This week I have been able to keep up with certain things like laundry, grocery shopping, taking my vitamins, and even slipping in some workouts here and there to keep on track with my weight loss goals!<br />
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I would have to say the first month of this year while being a little bit bumpy, is definitely off to a good start and I cannot wait to see how my next goals pan out!<br />
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Thanks for listening and reading! More to come soon!RainbowCircusof1http://www.blogger.com/profile/17388600776586318547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110556057598184842.post-34897383494469132242020-01-05T22:36:00.000-08:002020-01-20T15:52:21.180-08:00Short Term Goals toward Big Changes <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-8xAvDDHDsTO34OQFgG15qnCEdUc5nIIJMfqYlsrmCjrZNqYfmEHnEOmNr1DNgArq3qbmlIjNMcN7U40wOf_faGIYcOztzAtaEpQcPR045XvCsTjhod-R5u26KJSWfDxOqR-wMEwQ2QQ/s1600/81274975_10221870949981596_6459679393559085056_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-8xAvDDHDsTO34OQFgG15qnCEdUc5nIIJMfqYlsrmCjrZNqYfmEHnEOmNr1DNgArq3qbmlIjNMcN7U40wOf_faGIYcOztzAtaEpQcPR045XvCsTjhod-R5u26KJSWfDxOqR-wMEwQ2QQ/s200/81274975_10221870949981596_6459679393559085056_o.jpg" width="200" /></a>So here I am at the end of my weekend on Sunday afternoon, the TV playing the Seahawks vs. Eagles, me at my desk while my favorite guy yells and cheers on his team in hopes of them winning this game and making it that much closer to the big one. It's the beginning of the first week back to our normally scheduled life. We will be back to school for the kiddos, back to work for my love, and back to maintaining the household for me! Believe it or not, I am actually looking forward to it and I am super happy to implement some new changes into my daily tasks. Today is actually the third day of doing some new things in my life, I have started planning out when during the week I would like to do certain things, such as meditation, drinking more water, and writing this blogpost!<br />
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So tomorrow starts a new week, a new adventure and several new chances for small steps to big things! Since I have so much to be excited about doing I plan to enjoy my night, finish watching a movie with my love and head to bed to get some good rest! I hope you all enjoy or have enjoyed your weekend and have a super week ahead! <span id="goog_1388678310"></span><span id="goog_1388678311"></span><br />
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Goodnight and keep reading! 💚RainbowCircusof1http://www.blogger.com/profile/17388600776586318547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110556057598184842.post-1431936428014427872020-01-02T16:25:00.000-08:002020-01-02T16:47:12.237-08:00A New Year but not a New Me <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVGlaWv17b4ezQYp0ZHNP0mdNq2HFCSUd3ZGOhAJqzPmZ6mBrPHviCxST_LwNJPr586JI_GNgmbZ2w_KiNeFwH6CAP7J-KumxLpukac72YdHuOWaTc0X0amxt967KNswKOVnwC1SPcKF8/s1600/Happy-New-Year-2020-Transparent.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="407" data-original-width="621" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVGlaWv17b4ezQYp0ZHNP0mdNq2HFCSUd3ZGOhAJqzPmZ6mBrPHviCxST_LwNJPr586JI_GNgmbZ2w_KiNeFwH6CAP7J-KumxLpukac72YdHuOWaTc0X0amxt967KNswKOVnwC1SPcKF8/s320/Happy-New-Year-2020-Transparent.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Now that we have gotten that out of the way, welcome to 2020 and thanks for reading along. </i></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>I know most of the time when the year starts the internet and real-world are covered in "Resolutions" that we all start promising we are going to stick to. However, you will not find those here. I have decided that this year I am just going to continue doing what I started to do in 2019. There is no reason for me to say "New Year, New Me" I don't want a new me, I kinda like me the way I am, I am loved for me why change that. </i></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Now don't get me wrong I do not mean that I don't think there are things about myself that could use some tweaking, I would love to go down a pants size (or 4) so I have already started eating better, exercising more, and making all-around healthier choices for myself and my family. </i></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>That was something we started before the holiday season tempted our sweet cravings, so I plan to continue that. I also plan to work on my mental health. I have done research, planning and implementing of things into my life that helps with that already (otherwise I probably wouldn't have made it through the holidays quite as easily). </i></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYrN5MTMKHeik_2KNDVYxZmmVPHf6h0zpOaqYcN-ntp1NWoPoekQJGTWfBHZpNUsgrUJln1GPMj9c-VbdyxWzPBuT1zL2sjrYA67-sZkcjS4-zcb1DDYiiV6impXZPXdELgBBm926-wJM/s1600/organizing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="407" data-original-width="582" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYrN5MTMKHeik_2KNDVYxZmmVPHf6h0zpOaqYcN-ntp1NWoPoekQJGTWfBHZpNUsgrUJln1GPMj9c-VbdyxWzPBuT1zL2sjrYA67-sZkcjS4-zcb1DDYiiV6impXZPXdELgBBm926-wJM/s320/organizing.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Something I found that helps with my particular issues </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: xx-small;">*(</span><span style="color: lime; font-size: xx-small;">if you would like to know more about mine leave a </span></i></b></span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: lime; font-size: xx-small;">comment</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: xx-small;">) </span><span style="color: #741b47;">is staying organized and having my home as in order as possible. </span><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">ORGANIZI</span></i></b></span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">NG is KEY</span><span style="color: #741b47;"> for me! I have working on finding thrift shop finds and free items from friends and neighbors as often as I can because it makes it WAY easier to organize when you have a place for EVERYTHING! </span><span style="color: lime; font-size: xx-small;"> (There</span></i></b><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: lime; font-size: xx-small;"> will be a post about some of my finds and what I used them for coming up later this month) </span><span style="color: #741b47;">Just implementing a few changes here and there in our life has made a huge difference in how my mental health impacts my day to day routine. </span></i></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpacx3ZIpsj1K1GPUSj_uDyzLrfAYWW4rfXU8KNnzPogqGk7IaNPCbrmCXwOhoJMcez1wpSiBzj4GYo2mjf97BX64P37eXfSQ0JQe8uDNvCqrwxKr_bwVGSfS8RQDSs8cssMVPh9WLcvA/s1600/life-is-about-taking-chances-trying-new-things-having-fun-making-mistakes-and-learning-from-it-quote-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpacx3ZIpsj1K1GPUSj_uDyzLrfAYWW4rfXU8KNnzPogqGk7IaNPCbrmCXwOhoJMcez1wpSiBzj4GYo2mjf97BX64P37eXfSQ0JQe8uDNvCqrwxKr_bwVGSfS8RQDSs8cssMVPh9WLcvA/s320/life-is-about-taking-chances-trying-new-things-having-fun-making-mistakes-and-learning-from-it-quote-1.jpg" width="241" /></a><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #741b47;">Another change I made last year was trying new things. That extended to making new friends, going to new places, eating new foods, and doing things I would have once hesitated to try. This year will be filled with more of that. I will continue to put myself out there and say yes to opportunities that are presented to me with less fear and more ambition! I will do things I have always wanted to, and I will finally cross off a few more things from my bucket list. </span></i></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjasO6ERUi2WhDcu8YRYSwEa0ix3DtvZ1AyvDWVbPZumrg_hTVwF8AmcKShOPaWr2K52ENB0D3qz_w2gaEJj0b6iVWp_0Ej6lA6QxDLs-EWucwABEG99MsarODVWqoaKsl8kHoJWz2Yfg/s1600/3e0620dae0406edcbcb1123eacb49428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjasO6ERUi2WhDcu8YRYSwEa0ix3DtvZ1AyvDWVbPZumrg_hTVwF8AmcKShOPaWr2K52ENB0D3qz_w2gaEJj0b6iVWp_0Ej6lA6QxDLs-EWucwABEG99MsarODVWqoaKsl8kHoJWz2Yfg/s200/3e0620dae0406edcbcb1123eacb49428.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #741b47;">That also ties into me keeping track of my days and making memories with my family. More photos, more crafting, more reading, more time together because it is so very precious right now in the world we live in. The kids have been growing so much and it so hard sometimes to realize just how independent they are all becoming. I suppose I nurture that by finding ways for them to make decisions in our home, holding them accountable for their actions and chores, and making sure they always know how they feel matters. I want them to grow up knowing they are loved. That is really my only goal in life! I want those I love to be happy and know how much they are loved. That extends to my friends, my family (near and far) and even strangers because with the way the world is we need as much love out there as is possible. </span></i></b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #741b47;">So now you know what my plan is for this year, I would love to hear what your plan is. If you don't have a plan and that works for you then that is okay too. For me, a plan works best and I wish you all the best! </span></i></b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #741b47;">Coming up this year here @Making it Work Together, we will visit bucket lists, crafting, organizing, mental health, and what works in my house for our family's particular needs! If there is something you would love to see, please feel free to leave a comment! </span></i></b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #741b47;">Happy Living! - MomentofMom </span></i></b><br />
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RainbowCircusof1http://www.blogger.com/profile/17388600776586318547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110556057598184842.post-47076362597078541092019-10-28T13:46:00.000-07:002019-10-28T20:40:09.608-07:00Self Care and other Adult Decisions<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFhxvEu1UV_z0gtXk8KJQp-vDAc9KxTAQOn2NchLfY4RsiEvDtRii7bjHIfnbAA0f__Xuksl7V9gdGebN00A9YnZpEYOvXPepAQybifM81N8F7mDwa1vtfWG7WILaZZPndjoUZ3JrrByM/s1600/quote-Chace-Crawford-doubt-your-doubts-before-you-doubt-your-225717.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="1000" height="101" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFhxvEu1UV_z0gtXk8KJQp-vDAc9KxTAQOn2NchLfY4RsiEvDtRii7bjHIfnbAA0f__Xuksl7V9gdGebN00A9YnZpEYOvXPepAQybifM81N8F7mDwa1vtfWG7WILaZZPndjoUZ3JrrByM/s200/quote-Chace-Crawford-doubt-your-doubts-before-you-doubt-your-225717.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<i><span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">After a much-needed break to get my</span><span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 1.125rem; letter-spacing: 0px;"> world aro</span><span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 1.125rem; letter-spacing: 0px;">und </span><span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 1.125rem; letter-spacing: 0px;">me in order, I am now back and ready to rock life to its fullest. Its been a rough last year. We've since moved to a new bigger and nicer apartment, my guy is doing well and working from home which is pretty great! Now we live closer to my kiddos so that makes my mental health certainly feel much better than it used to. I am becoming more organized and keeping up on things so that they don't end up overwhelming and even harder to maintain. Over this past year, I have made goals that haven't panned out the way I had hoped but I have re-set my goals since and re-adjusted my strategies so that I can feel more successful and on track each day</span><span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 1.125rem; letter-spacing: 0px;">. W</span><span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 1.125rem; letter-spacing: 0px;">hich is way</span><span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 1.125rem; letter-spacing: 0px;"> better for my mental health since I thrive on schedules and organized days. It is one of the reasons I have To Do apps on my phone and make a plethora of lists throughout the weeks for all kinds of things. </span></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVCMPOvWA16qrwhRVHfRNgfCuelwFIsKm-b2XZhHtRU6idVPCuDHpnLrFP1lrsFAy7v_QZaI2RhYGI0oF5J1PTaNUDfGlGpVTuJg-BY7KLHeTOyGB0_uUxZQa0Fqay8k1cZ0OE0MfDZg6R/s1600/DpJnFByXUAE9npg.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="543" data-original-width="540" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVCMPOvWA16qrwhRVHfRNgfCuelwFIsKm-b2XZhHtRU6idVPCuDHpnLrFP1lrsFAy7v_QZaI2RhYGI0oF5J1PTaNUDfGlGpVTuJg-BY7KLHeTOyGB0_uUxZQa0Fqay8k1cZ0OE0MfDZg6R/s200/DpJnFByXUAE9npg.jpg" width="197" /></a></div>
<i><span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 1.125rem; letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></i><i><span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 1.125rem; letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></i><i><span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 1.125rem; letter-spacing: 0px;">I have also started making smarter adult decisions about my own care as well as my family's. I have learned the hard way that if I do not take care of my own needs and listen to what my body and mind are trying to tell me, I WILL fall apart and have a hard time getting back on track with myself. To do this I have incorporated small silly things that keep me happy and able to cope more easily. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 1.125rem; letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></i><i><span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 1.125rem; letter-spacing: 0px;">To refuel my body and recenter I meditate, do some yoga, or take a nice hot bath. The hot bath is definitely something that helps my body, mind, and spirit because I can read, relax and even breathe in and feel all at peace. </span></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2RQb_Mbbd_hvIdfsrf5xl0VzxgWtoDpNE82SzRKAdvm0irXJ-BxrQO1Dqdgy7hCZV5dROEgUPKwJG0o44NkSzZxNkuD0V_hziEcWIURHCl7tVcrikOSOxhCfbi9Km-4tjwBL2pGCcFH5A/s1600/D1JFrBEWsAA_U9m.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="747" data-original-width="750" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2RQb_Mbbd_hvIdfsrf5xl0VzxgWtoDpNE82SzRKAdvm0irXJ-BxrQO1Dqdgy7hCZV5dROEgUPKwJG0o44NkSzZxNkuD0V_hziEcWIURHCl7tVcrikOSOxhCfbi9Km-4tjwBL2pGCcFH5A/s200/D1JFrBEWsAA_U9m.jpg" width="200" /></a><i><b> </b></i><span style="color: #f6b26b; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><b>Things that make me smile also help me cope, which is great because some of the things are simple and easy. I love to chew on ice, it helps my anxiety and it is something that helps me through my frustrations. I love to play games with the kids, it keeps my mind busy so my racing thoughts and depression don't have time to take over. I like to clean when I have the energy. It helps me stay organized and being organized helps my OCD, my possible autism, as well as all the other things my mind has going on.</b> </i></span><br />
<span style="color: #f6b26b; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="color: #f6b26b; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="color: #f6b26b; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>(As I progress more on this blog I plan to give you some insight into my mental health and maybe you will find somethings I say helps you with yours or someone else you may know.) </i></span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="clear: right; color: #f1c232; float: right; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8DK7mQWh6TLhZ3iOSxZ7-89Fyj1cNtbRBLjZropVJwAMfCbOXfDh27NK9K6-S1JQusRQ5FOlquwJdLN11d4RfdFtsDFmufe_gCHq3eL4UIAdTgs8g-O_5jg9e1kM6NWjyUo6J6BdbtEB7/s1600/Being-Organized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8DK7mQWh6TLhZ3iOSxZ7-89Fyj1cNtbRBLjZropVJwAMfCbOXfDh27NK9K6-S1JQusRQ5FOlquwJdLN11d4RfdFtsDFmufe_gCHq3eL4UIAdTgs8g-O_5jg9e1kM6NWjyUo6J6BdbtEB7/s200/Being-Organized.jpg" width="200" /></a>Now as August came in full swing and the school year loomed close I became the super Mom I have always wanted to be. I set up a "back-to-school" order to be placed, I labeled the calendar with upcoming things to remember and made sure to communicate any things that may concern the children with my ex-husband. The kids and I came up with new house rules that I plan to put up somewhere we ALL can see and follow them. We have devised a new "chore-chart" that the kids have been blasting through and totally earning their "stars and hearts" to trade in for 10-mins each of game or screen time, or save up for prizes along the way. (15 of them and they can get a trip out for Froyo or shakes!).</span><span style="clear: right; color: #f1c232; float: right; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN4jBcoBVlu2lKMMiMV144lnc7kMXXqM5KGofGjgR0332FS94ooHE4NOCdulJG3AvNoDnZfQb-GSCcBHmu-r7akElplivK1Cl1FlGGhisP7maWQlk5Ab596Y8qrjV0u_BGHcbh3DvzQyy8/s1600/69443145_10220596303356227_4899408390142296064_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN4jBcoBVlu2lKMMiMV144lnc7kMXXqM5KGofGjgR0332FS94ooHE4NOCdulJG3AvNoDnZfQb-GSCcBHmu-r7akElplivK1Cl1FlGGhisP7maWQlk5Ab596Y8qrjV0u_BGHcbh3DvzQyy8/s200/69443145_10220596303356227_4899408390142296064_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioe684djv6cv4uwVD6A1in3xfYnvSMqoNNPP-i-q17wH5u5gF3d-ulRoBUU_C2ktCYK_iCTGOozwuqndIPlTQvkSx1tSDHtFlVSQPg_o5g1Y1oDzW231F1uyS_1ABwCPKvlud6SVD7GIyL/s1600/70386605_10220601543967239_5578452628129447936_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioe684djv6cv4uwVD6A1in3xfYnvSMqoNNPP-i-q17wH5u5gF3d-ulRoBUU_C2ktCYK_iCTGOozwuqndIPlTQvkSx1tSDHtFlVSQPg_o5g1Y1oDzW231F1uyS_1ABwCPKvlud6SVD7GIyL/s200/70386605_10220601543967239_5578452628129447936_n.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="color: #b45f06;">In September the kids and I had some last day of summer vacation fun. We visited the waterfront near our house and had a picnic at the park before playing at the playground and exploring the shoreline for fun finds. After that, we stopped at the library and stocked up on books to do our daily reading. Bags heavy with new books and movies we headed home and the kids helped me cook dinner. It was great.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikdgrhAj4N1l6JKAybogCTpbpwhH0gp7MFQZSmcQNdoSaDGbGFte94d_JdqdVYqOb1OZ0TKNHqqoMpwNTbZQ7dNddWCZNH4xF-DSgpUv1ft_xsF8e95xPllDDt9Q9BqdYfaEMuA3f_WBA/s1600/70325677_10220694745417217_6377983901498867712_n+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikdgrhAj4N1l6JKAybogCTpbpwhH0gp7MFQZSmcQNdoSaDGbGFte94d_JdqdVYqOb1OZ0TKNHqqoMpwNTbZQ7dNddWCZNH4xF-DSgpUv1ft_xsF8e95xPllDDt9Q9BqdYfaEMuA3f_WBA/s200/70325677_10220694745417217_6377983901498867712_n+%25281%2529.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">Mid-month my daughter and I got to attend an Andy Grammer Concert to celebrate her 12th birthday! It was totally awesome! (and a SUPER big thank you to my wonderful guy who was the one that made it possible for us to go!) That month also brought paying for school pictures, the first dreaded "Fundraisers" and of course the almost weekly Scholastic flyers with tons of books my kids beg me to purchase. Always fun to try to sneak those flyers into the trash and post a link on social media hoping someone will order from my kid (even though some of the items I aSWEAR are overpriced versions of things I could find elsewhere!)</span></div>
<span style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: #660000;">Now here we are nearing the end of October, Halloween just days away and the days starting darker and chillier. It's that time of year that has the air (and store shelves) filled with the scent of pumpkin spice and apple cider. The same two flavors can also be found in so many things on the shelves in the store as well, it is quite overwhelming and very amusing to see the things that they will flavor or scent like that! </span></span><br />
<span style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi86JbWD4XklrYjDZrLoRqZQXSmNj2oHsRVr5fbjX6ldx-m8bTKMrem4h4KX4tT8UJpD2VDPa_qvkvvNAGw-anznPoyx2qfZ0TluGOg_2oiUC2KhzdHm6qTNfCJLlS19jJZ0z6iyl56ckVO/s1600/72198837_10220920595943339_1371688257988853760_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="274" data-original-width="206" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi86JbWD4XklrYjDZrLoRqZQXSmNj2oHsRVr5fbjX6ldx-m8bTKMrem4h4KX4tT8UJpD2VDPa_qvkvvNAGw-anznPoyx2qfZ0TluGOg_2oiUC2KhzdHm6qTNfCJLlS19jJZ0z6iyl56ckVO/s200/72198837_10220920595943339_1371688257988853760_n.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="color: #660000;">My youngest is now in a six-week karate class and my daughter has been bitten by the "sing ALL THE TIME" bug. The summer spoiled me and made me forget how busy a school year with children involved in various extra activities can be. One particular day had me stressing so much that the entire night before I was up making sure there wasn't anything I was going to forget. It had to also be a Monday of course which we all know has that funny way of causing us to dread it just upon its arrival. That particular Monday found me rushing to give my youngest a bath because his hair was being a particular pain in the "you know what", making sure he also had breakfast and that his sister got off on time with all she needed for the day. Then once he was off to school I had to run some errands at a few places before coming home and squeezing in some lunch and spot cleaning here and there because my weird brain keeps losing focus and worrying about making it to everything on time. Then before I know it school is over and it is on to bring the youngest to Karate for his update on his progress, then his actual class, then bring him back home before heading to his older sister's concert at school which happens to run so late that by the time we get home, it is dark, cold and I am very very hungry. I have to say though I was glad that my guy and I were able to make it to the show because my daughter was stoked we were there since her father decided he didn't want to go. Its a damn shame for her too because it bums her out that he is so uninvolved. I am glad that I try so hard to put them ahead of myself because the smiles and "thank you"s and "I love you"s make it all worth it! </span></span><span style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: #660000;">Now Halloween is just a few days away and it should be a fun week. Today starts their week of half days and conferences with their teachers. I was able to meal plan and made sure Thursday (Halloween) is a simple Pizza-Salad-Berry Cobbler** night. Tonight since it is just me and Mr. Wonderful tonight for dinner we are having roasted turkey thighs, garlic rice, and green beans! It should be a nice meal to end out a busy day of errand running, baking banana bread, and attending Karate class. </span></span><span style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: #660000;">I hope you enjoyed catching up with us and seeing what this new chapter has brought. Hope to hear from you all soon with ideas of topics you would love me to cover or anything you would love to read about! </span></span><span style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></span><span style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: #660000;">**</span><span style="color: red;">If you ever would like a recipe for something mentioned in any of my posts just comment and I will send it your way!**</span></span>RainbowCircusof1http://www.blogger.com/profile/17388600776586318547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110556057598184842.post-30475279129225176162019-08-15T16:02:00.001-07:002019-08-15T16:02:31.715-07:00Time Flies, When You're Having FUN! <h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>A full year in fact and I apologize for our absence. If you stuck around and are now seeing us again YAY! </i></b></span></h2>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: courier new, courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b><i>It is time for us to get back in the groove of things. We are starting back up during the preparations for school starting and the ending of the first two months of living in our new apartment! The past year has had some big changes for us. We moved, my guy now works from home so I see him way more, I now have a better custody arrangement and have gotten a lot more organized in many ways in my life! </i></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDLO4d9fNd-Tco4X5lhrkzfZsr2FF5ep_sCWaVDR02MeFEIPZ9n-CyoliVe_s_hkd170I4mxRexSpxZR2Ed44GnPHf18qQlst_qL6SGAgBpsKxl1yd8LM8v2hCvcmJyPQG-2Pqk0i5xq8/s1600/Being-Organized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDLO4d9fNd-Tco4X5lhrkzfZsr2FF5ep_sCWaVDR02MeFEIPZ9n-CyoliVe_s_hkd170I4mxRexSpxZR2Ed44GnPHf18qQlst_qL6SGAgBpsKxl1yd8LM8v2hCvcmJyPQG-2Pqk0i5xq8/s200/Being-Organized.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: courier new, courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b><i>Now it is time for the summer fun to end and that wonderful time of year when the kids do all that great learning is upon us. It is time to send them back to school. (Or homeschool if that is what you do) Some students are already back in the habit and attending classes but I still have a couple weeks of fun with them before mine head back on the 4th of September. This school year I have one going into first grade, one into seventh, and one into tenth. That means all kinds of scheduling and making sure that all paperwork and school supplies are ready to go and that we get back on our school schedule with sleep and waking up. We have also been refreshing our memories with what we learned last year so that there isn't brain mush during the first week of school. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: courier new, courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b>Now coming up in the weeks ahead I will be giving tips, links, and recommendations for the things that help our life run smooth. Also since the holiday months will be upon us shortly I will be sharing some fun family favorite recipes and traditions that we love!<i style="color: #6fa8dc;"> </i></b></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">We hope you will continue following along and maybe find something that helps you "Make it Work" in your own life! </span></i></b></div>
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RainbowCircusof1http://www.blogger.com/profile/17388600776586318547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110556057598184842.post-73705014841178459742018-07-01T15:25:00.001-07:002018-07-01T15:28:51.984-07:00Summer is Here <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yep, you heard that right moms and dads out there, Summer is HERE! Which of course means....no school!<br />
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I am lucky that I can be home with them while they are out. I am lucky there are with me for a good portion of the summer as they are with Dad most of the year because of school.<br />
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HOWEVER, surviving the summer with kids wanting attention the ENTIRE day can run even the most even keeled mother ragged.<br />
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My children especially could stump a Pinterest mom with the need for entertainment and attention. Again lucky for me I AM a Pinterest mom and have a plethora of ideas the are spaced out over the summer to help us stay sane in the hot weather. Last week we had our first day out together since school let out and it went about as smoothly as I could have hoped it would.<br />
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First we had a smooth morning with a shower and yummy breakfasts for the kiddos. Then we hopped the local bus down to our town's library where I signed the kids up for their own library cards, we did a puppet show and then took out some books and movies to enjoy at home. Spencer spent some time talking and laughing with the fish in the aquarium. Out side they posed with and as statues (it was totally cute).<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPuJsXj2Ms5v55JRMrkg0OvDmrn-uWqw5v4JTdi7sMBevKcZpnfiE77Z3phRegtaKoeazA250iaXM_zlktFzinWEpp-_iGKsJTvzVA37HW8aCloMG00zXw7GajlHC_L27-nWNLOPofslA/s1600/36440792_10217073892658161_7288222299134623744_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPuJsXj2Ms5v55JRMrkg0OvDmrn-uWqw5v4JTdi7sMBevKcZpnfiE77Z3phRegtaKoeazA250iaXM_zlktFzinWEpp-_iGKsJTvzVA37HW8aCloMG00zXw7GajlHC_L27-nWNLOPofslA/s200/36440792_10217073892658161_7288222299134623744_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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On the way back we had a little bit of money so we stopped at DQ and got some cheese curds and blizzards before making the short walk home. It was a blast and the kids had so much fun.<br />
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I love how much they love books and having them thank me for the "awesome snack" was pretty damn great.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHELDzatzMp7CyBuBVJ0s6bSJftqtQ3925rOCACPbshGi3wjmNmqj_eltBzwr9f1_XPPqs2zUDrCjtmklogazYusIZcW8D66uwW9OcoHAE1__VVSmSxj0x-xX4EidzpVPJF65swYB4l_Y/s1600/36551430_10217073881257876_6383969913383419904_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1194" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHELDzatzMp7CyBuBVJ0s6bSJftqtQ3925rOCACPbshGi3wjmNmqj_eltBzwr9f1_XPPqs2zUDrCjtmklogazYusIZcW8D66uwW9OcoHAE1__VVSmSxj0x-xX4EidzpVPJF65swYB4l_Y/s200/36551430_10217073881257876_6383969913383419904_n.jpg" width="147" /></a></div>
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<span style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">In the weeks coming up we have a few more library trips, a fireworks show on the 4th, probably another BBQ or two and several small activities for the days when the weather doesn't want to cooperate with our plans, such as rock painting, puppet show making, forts, and family games to play.</span><br />
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All in all I think summer will go well and I will miss them when they have to go to theirs Dad's again.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhiXe2lFhotYFgGslXdK4UWFJD5kH55lrSBtYE0QGDHHuKhFJkxmcFEjZ_-D-E81T3eFqdyZnwiNNgpvOwwmSqYtVWJnHc9LCdhKNvzSwWjnXeic15hKJUrvla9V3pDCk8-kR-McX43VQ/s1600/35923738_10217003930829159_1719682446934409216_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhiXe2lFhotYFgGslXdK4UWFJD5kH55lrSBtYE0QGDHHuKhFJkxmcFEjZ_-D-E81T3eFqdyZnwiNNgpvOwwmSqYtVWJnHc9LCdhKNvzSwWjnXeic15hKJUrvla9V3pDCk8-kR-McX43VQ/s200/35923738_10217003930829159_1719682446934409216_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zee's art page </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiavSaNpRNorgvYQXvfZNE6nKyUo7dxUzr6i5PMtZRqN52qUbY_O3DHMreFjANkKlnhTV2rkRFY_VVJHxWr5sSXpNkDrM5TXtcX8W4ElzQ2UBX_tGeAZfbDreRnZo9gjLwd2lPia2D3l8/s1600/35973159_10217003930029139_4330559028556988416_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiavSaNpRNorgvYQXvfZNE6nKyUo7dxUzr6i5PMtZRqN52qUbY_O3DHMreFjANkKlnhTV2rkRFY_VVJHxWr5sSXpNkDrM5TXtcX8W4ElzQ2UBX_tGeAZfbDreRnZo9gjLwd2lPia2D3l8/s200/35973159_10217003930029139_4330559028556988416_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spencer's picture of me and a turtle!</td></tr>
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I even have a blast just making art with them. It makes me smile when Spencer draws our family and when Kenzee comes up with ideas that she does all on her own with no guidance. It really shows how creative she is.<br />
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This is going to be a great summer with lots of fun memories. I cannot wait for the next day of fun planned.<br />
I am sure you will all be waiting ever so patiently for my next update on how we are making it all work in today's chaotic world and keeping ourselves happy. Until tomorrow! Ciao!RainbowCircusof1http://www.blogger.com/profile/17388600776586318547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110556057598184842.post-17023671399968897212018-06-27T11:21:00.002-07:002018-06-27T11:21:45.990-07:00Learning about Others<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrl5v1mP4ChuhX7HcaHZXtxZ83GVK5qa1VOE7xEhlxY6TNdPBYNX0T_CgZecbPdrNFalq3MnPWNIWc50IVPvzia5aDxIaJZRp8YWMR3rG9MLOxSqNtaWlgSfTauMCxJyHq819iQni9Le0/s1600/36347762_10217042428311572_568264241010704384_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrl5v1mP4ChuhX7HcaHZXtxZ83GVK5qa1VOE7xEhlxY6TNdPBYNX0T_CgZecbPdrNFalq3MnPWNIWc50IVPvzia5aDxIaJZRp8YWMR3rG9MLOxSqNtaWlgSfTauMCxJyHq819iQni9Le0/s200/36347762_10217042428311572_568264241010704384_n.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYfUGQbnhX_DGEHz7PEYOLAsyRnxaU6TlNoRD7vj24fwBOLdSKn31Q11ML6at4iUuxvrcWOpzkbcTLbeYm52N6mz0rxxv2_lC7i_xloe5UhNshBqFeG1FsWsP2BFWJaHm67nYgsEfSKHU/s1600/36301834_10217042425711507_4966786041785614336_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYfUGQbnhX_DGEHz7PEYOLAsyRnxaU6TlNoRD7vj24fwBOLdSKn31Q11ML6at4iUuxvrcWOpzkbcTLbeYm52N6mz0rxxv2_lC7i_xloe5UhNshBqFeG1FsWsP2BFWJaHm67nYgsEfSKHU/s200/36301834_10217042425711507_4966786041785614336_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><b>This past weekend we attended the Seattle Pride Parade! It was the kids first time really being a part of something that important. It went really well too, I expected a lot of questions and confusion. Turns out KIDS ARE NOT JUDGMENTAL like some ADULTS I know! </b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikpIuHL14lKVBnE3vBXhO29_wjxrtfbqGW7Sz70miU3qpTmzfSMZp6Y7pfkGsDdoGsv27q2aWgecWipQx9B1uEymTKQbLHmZyn9iPTsVrSnY5SSUB-1OGVy5pPRY5gaLh8b7A5_84T4TQ/s1600/36243199_10217042422391424_4230854407912161280_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="540" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikpIuHL14lKVBnE3vBXhO29_wjxrtfbqGW7Sz70miU3qpTmzfSMZp6Y7pfkGsDdoGsv27q2aWgecWipQx9B1uEymTKQbLHmZyn9iPTsVrSnY5SSUB-1OGVy5pPRY5gaLh8b7A5_84T4TQ/s200/36243199_10217042422391424_4230854407912161280_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><b></b><br />
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<b>They had a lot of fun celebrating LOVE, PEACE, and UNDERSTANDING! They learned that people are ALL very different but no one is better than anyone else, just different. They learned that LOVE is what is important! They enjoyed the colors, the music and the fun people they got to see marching in the parade. </b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYZaWkd4nB1sT9nchJqE7Mn-XzzZZMB70Zl9HBxYJH5R_IMG6Ku4OdgN5-olPHCwL4e3IDKZvAths-8J8GJ8UCsN6HT8JUUJ_YwPegjEE7SdQGxXxUUvITu7U-C1yf3Dlt6cu4hri0s2w/s1600/36297894_10217042425311497_6238359372313919488_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYZaWkd4nB1sT9nchJqE7Mn-XzzZZMB70Zl9HBxYJH5R_IMG6Ku4OdgN5-olPHCwL4e3IDKZvAths-8J8GJ8UCsN6HT8JUUJ_YwPegjEE7SdQGxXxUUvITu7U-C1yf3Dlt6cu4hri0s2w/s200/36297894_10217042425311497_6238359372313919488_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR0kFwUw7tn9uOAS9qSaNIajM0u5uYxYynfgiGAGk2LRiWslAfDO5MCcmu9aBbHT5dputHrQ7PnoSe4rW9iMuBzI9BXndnFF0e-nP3dPnjQ1DYAN8aVba37kThaNOYCiSD4jtNtkX4J74/s1600/36236170_10217042422151418_8589345146393329664_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="512" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR0kFwUw7tn9uOAS9qSaNIajM0u5uYxYynfgiGAGk2LRiWslAfDO5MCcmu9aBbHT5dputHrQ7PnoSe4rW9iMuBzI9BXndnFF0e-nP3dPnjQ1DYAN8aVba37kThaNOYCiSD4jtNtkX4J74/s200/36236170_10217042422151418_8589345146393329664_n.jpg" width="159" /></a></div>
<b>It was very fun for me to see them clapping and enjoying it when I expected them to have questions but they seemed to have no problems just accepting the way people were. I think we could all use to take a page out of their book. We should just accept the differences and learn to love everyone the way we want to be loved. </b><br />
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<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVqSyw7jBeeQxKr1hV4wurgjd3bFkqqh-yOpy064fqeSWCTjVXb_-gt0zQH-u-De0KZg9BJoHgUfChaMAqD9CwCVAVSbFju0d68LxSBvNK0sen3VDkoXSAurB-9yQ7jXPPoT9NiPZPCa8/s1600/36250807_10217042423951463_5717457097180839936_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="195" data-original-width="261" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVqSyw7jBeeQxKr1hV4wurgjd3bFkqqh-yOpy064fqeSWCTjVXb_-gt0zQH-u-De0KZg9BJoHgUfChaMAqD9CwCVAVSbFju0d68LxSBvNK0sen3VDkoXSAurB-9yQ7jXPPoT9NiPZPCa8/s200/36250807_10217042423951463_5717457097180839936_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></b></div>
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8MtD3o3it6KJtWKqAVv_vmHvYQTPuz2Qsl41frbRBOYh3QvgSwW8uKVnC37tKASI8emNEPtuZzFzTQ1wZIqD6GyfslqqcJwd6Le_CRow58XQ2ByKZKs-5cH5mKikKi-7VyaZJ2ZSTnic/s1600/36282623_10217042421751408_3498431753729605632_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="195" data-original-width="261" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8MtD3o3it6KJtWKqAVv_vmHvYQTPuz2Qsl41frbRBOYh3QvgSwW8uKVnC37tKASI8emNEPtuZzFzTQ1wZIqD6GyfslqqcJwd6Le_CRow58XQ2ByKZKs-5cH5mKikKi-7VyaZJ2ZSTnic/s200/36282623_10217042421751408_3498431753729605632_n.jpg" width="200" /></a> We spent the rest of the afternoon with friends having a BBQ and just having fun. It was really just a GREAT day! </b><br />
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<b> I can't wait to take them again and maybe next time make sure we are all decked out to show our support for LOVE in all its forms! </b><br />
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<b>I am a woman who has a family that FULLY SUPPORTS LOVE and PEACE! We believe that you should love whom you love and never for a minute feel like you have to defend your choice! We LOVE YOU! </b><br />
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<b>From my little family to yours! </b><br />
RainbowCircusof1http://www.blogger.com/profile/17388600776586318547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110556057598184842.post-73221200509539535082018-06-19T15:28:00.003-07:002018-06-19T15:28:51.978-07:00It's Been a While, and So Much Has Changed...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjetlYG5pG7M4XCQISAXBgSqnvou9W59pUlTjC-N20pRgWmS8GNh6RCdYoucn_p-zgE5oU-_5BDw-ALH26abuAIrDBkLEuNZ6F84t8cY1BxZqfTX7HuBKnwUgi_mVmXrMvYletInYvvBVc/s1600/Start-Over-Quotes-Starting-Over-Quote-Starting-over-and-creating-something-better.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="500" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjetlYG5pG7M4XCQISAXBgSqnvou9W59pUlTjC-N20pRgWmS8GNh6RCdYoucn_p-zgE5oU-_5BDw-ALH26abuAIrDBkLEuNZ6F84t8cY1BxZqfTX7HuBKnwUgi_mVmXrMvYletInYvvBVc/s320/Start-Over-Quotes-Starting-Over-Quote-Starting-over-and-creating-something-better.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Sometimes things do NOT work out the way we had originally planned. Sometimes you try for a long time hoping something will work better the next time and maybe just maybe it will be okay. That is what has kept me so busy and unable to update this blog for a while. I like to think you all have anxiously awaited my next post but my guess is you kinda forgot about me.<br />
All of that is ok though because now I am back with the Making It Work Together Blog 2.0!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitbUAF1x8rsS5yfMSO5l3TAEJjkyrkq9qGsEiQlgJAqnthQdY79dbA2_h_BQ0iWRDajWkEQpW1SWa_k-cjEWp_vjTfmkasJq_u0oikPjZKY7lZUb88KW0O6K4i4CMdY_zThjS95QO2u7g/s1600/quote-about-starting-over.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="752" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitbUAF1x8rsS5yfMSO5l3TAEJjkyrkq9qGsEiQlgJAqnthQdY79dbA2_h_BQ0iWRDajWkEQpW1SWa_k-cjEWp_vjTfmkasJq_u0oikPjZKY7lZUb88KW0O6K4i4CMdY_zThjS95QO2u7g/s320/quote-about-starting-over.jpg" width="320" /></a>So much has changed but I feel my newest version of my family is the best it can be. I am no longer with the person who I started this journey with but that is alright. We have both moved on to better people for ourselves and couldn't be happier.<br />
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Now I live in a new little two bedroom house, with a tiny yard and the best guy a girl could ask for. We even have plans to eventually get a couple of pets, a cat and a dog. We have been through a lot in the last few years and not too long ago celebrated making it two years together. We made it through a major health scare, being on the verge of homelessness, and some crazy people who tested our ability to stand strong together.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7rHfNep3E8gh3mOBkkdG8Xq26cJNow1wt4JvRxYuTCVodnVNgNd4Uuiggyoi4cuWklDAUUBl5lJyIKU_36zZDdHzwyVb8DUWDHV8jz-TLS5mv5vqHy2P9SYYf84lSGXdUAo69wcMYTpU/s1600/31117814_10156365353146103_2963421049441497753_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="923" data-original-width="938" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7rHfNep3E8gh3mOBkkdG8Xq26cJNow1wt4JvRxYuTCVodnVNgNd4Uuiggyoi4cuWklDAUUBl5lJyIKU_36zZDdHzwyVb8DUWDHV8jz-TLS5mv5vqHy2P9SYYf84lSGXdUAo69wcMYTpU/s200/31117814_10156365353146103_2963421049441497753_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
We made it and have come out on the other side stronger and more together in our short time than I ever felt in the years passed than with anyone else. I feel like this is the partner I want to have till the end of my time. We are strong, we make our decisions together and with little to no friction, sure we argue but it is not all that often, sometimes it is over silly things like a tone not meant for us but left over from a long day of stress or such. Together we make it work in ways I didn't think it would for someone coming into a life that included three children that were not his biologically.<br />
He makes me so happy there as well. He is GREAT with the kids and misses them when they have to be at their father's house. (As do I terribly, but co-parenting is tough work) All I know is he is wonderful to have as part of the family!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj403vRQobCX0MZDblQXZ_MI_CSutX6YTHgX2eZWDR5Qtx8wM5newmklQJhywkHIsLG4ZU_gA7_iEoV83dAJoLCkzRWB9JEPQmQrV98A28zwLTtaaZ5gbkrtXgi3x_vAJFvqxjEFtOomk8/s1600/35271101_10156462808061248_5380831274350936064_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj403vRQobCX0MZDblQXZ_MI_CSutX6YTHgX2eZWDR5Qtx8wM5newmklQJhywkHIsLG4ZU_gA7_iEoV83dAJoLCkzRWB9JEPQmQrV98A28zwLTtaaZ5gbkrtXgi3x_vAJFvqxjEFtOomk8/s200/35271101_10156462808061248_5380831274350936064_n.jpg" width="112" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxAi1pUVA6ZMlB6gysCnZLyVLVCD3UKIydl7vtgZEAzePqpr3YuB7iomJulJ5GVzG6KwPKneS-E30r3lC_IFOMBY6TZ5SHIQydTQ4zXDzudMlqSbzMiuWQNQLEFX5rOjKev-H8ryog7E/s1600/34032649_10156430455551248_2676482649450610688_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxAi1pUVA6ZMlB6gysCnZLyVLVCD3UKIydl7vtgZEAzePqpr3YuB7iomJulJ5GVzG6KwPKneS-E30r3lC_IFOMBY6TZ5SHIQydTQ4zXDzudMlqSbzMiuWQNQLEFX5rOjKev-H8ryog7E/s200/34032649_10156430455551248_2676482649450610688_n.jpg" width="150" /></a>Speaking of my wonderful little ones, so much growing has happened there! All three of them are moving up to new schools this fall and it makes me both proud and a little sad. My oldest will be starting high school, my daughter middle school and the youngest is starting kindergarten after already making me emotional with him starting preschool LAST fall! It is hard watching them get so independent. I loved being needed so much and now with the youngest doing full days at school the house is empty and quiet. Now while it leaves time for me to organize and unpack more of our stuff (as we really only moved a few weeks ago.) it also makes me sad to not have that little shadow that used to follow me around.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpDlQrcd3-GzAORbBKT31T7NcQ73JaTXSzzEQ8O6M3NrUuBL3rHE4UVcs_MBVBnJntQyiY3TLlb3W0_BFf6ZMOhD6JTRZm21yX6hHb0ZXgy6X5U3nZ9jY8uq9ZjPI9JyWOi3JXxkfaJWA/s1600/19554039_10213793699255376_6719729309823299400_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpDlQrcd3-GzAORbBKT31T7NcQ73JaTXSzzEQ8O6M3NrUuBL3rHE4UVcs_MBVBnJntQyiY3TLlb3W0_BFf6ZMOhD6JTRZm21yX6hHb0ZXgy6X5U3nZ9jY8uq9ZjPI9JyWOi3JXxkfaJWA/s200/19554039_10213793699255376_6719729309823299400_n.jpg" width="150" /></a> In the past few years my little ones have learned so much and accomplished many many things. Spencer knows some sign language and knows more colors than I remember knowing at his age. Mckenzee has grown up into a beautiful preteen, who wants to be a chef, but whom I believe would be a great actress (a talent I feel she uses too often). Maybe she can be a BROADWAY CHEF and do a musical all about her journey to become a chef beginning at a young age. (I may have put a LITTLE bit of thought into the story line and song choices) Andrew is doing awesome as well, latest updates have him becoming quite the fisherman and loving spending his time outdoors from early in the morning til evening doing so. I love this because it means he isn't spending all his time planted in front of a video game wasting away a perfectly wonderful day!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRdcrPn7SwS8NaKPQdMU-uU5JKc19ZJY5TxLYKgpZI05P5kHpnbHqSKhOtt2boLRdnfp1574JcWstZQm2k-GdnIZdN6MUVIZaiag16fI5dGRMbM7Tyry3f63yau9AtPph1j2awJ9xvUW4/s1600/your-dream-doesnt-have-an-expiraiton-date-take-a-deep-breath-and-try-again-kt-witten-inspirational-quote-julie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRdcrPn7SwS8NaKPQdMU-uU5JKc19ZJY5TxLYKgpZI05P5kHpnbHqSKhOtt2boLRdnfp1574JcWstZQm2k-GdnIZdN6MUVIZaiag16fI5dGRMbM7Tyry3f63yau9AtPph1j2awJ9xvUW4/s200/your-dream-doesnt-have-an-expiraiton-date-take-a-deep-breath-and-try-again-kt-witten-inspirational-quote-julie.jpg" width="200" /></a>I am so proud of all of them they make me smile constantly and I love them so much. They have really made getting through everything that has happened a lot easier knowing I am striving to make a life they can be happy with and that nurtures and helps them grow.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJagSlTEhDAu1ZsyiSgD_mMkgS_uUBzz8iY4bYLHAh6dw5uTjNn_yHmQCN8z-2rTTbvJ6HVCVtRWN0mzeB_AN1PCASQs6KZdOvr-4LdrjnIyFqvRn8rltMxkl4eLzWL9LHAYdkEzwS7S4/s1600/506-starting-over-quote-two.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="506" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJagSlTEhDAu1ZsyiSgD_mMkgS_uUBzz8iY4bYLHAh6dw5uTjNn_yHmQCN8z-2rTTbvJ6HVCVtRWN0mzeB_AN1PCASQs6KZdOvr-4LdrjnIyFqvRn8rltMxkl4eLzWL9LHAYdkEzwS7S4/s200/506-starting-over-quote-two.jpg" width="200" /></a>Now while my old dreams didn't pan out because they were just not meant to, I have found a way to dust myself off, redirect myself, and begin the path to a whole new set of dreams that make me happy just thinking about. For some people if this happens you may not have to abandon certain dreams, like me, for me I am still pursuing the writing and hoping that I finally come up with something that will make me proud to share. I think I have some ideas too so who knows that may come sooner than later with the support I have around me now cheering me on.<br />
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With all that has gone on I have grown, changed, and learned so much. I wake up each morning more hopeful than I ever have. I have dreams I can't wait to achieve and I KNOW I will! I am grateful for every person I have in my life that is supportive, caring and willing to be an active part of our lives! So while things have changed, I couldn't be happier and this is just the start of a new journey where our family is .... MAKING IT WORK, TOGETHER!RainbowCircusof1http://www.blogger.com/profile/17388600776586318547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110556057598184842.post-9314631618633568062015-09-23T13:58:00.000-07:002015-09-23T13:58:25.807-07:00A Roller Coaster Month (and it is not over yet) <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh83dU_UCHKulDvLS3OYWTuVmy2dr2Gdt-ZV4vO5Jg1YoVFoMIOI_6jPFU9lo5rTHE8_wv2HghoCg7jdy5RMY4O0r2d-dMyCRk4roO47m3IhH8E_TxRosl9_rW35hpjpPCoEJ4bdWSRQ7Y/s1600/12004792_10207735307519369_1362025208819709931_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh83dU_UCHKulDvLS3OYWTuVmy2dr2Gdt-ZV4vO5Jg1YoVFoMIOI_6jPFU9lo5rTHE8_wv2HghoCg7jdy5RMY4O0r2d-dMyCRk4roO47m3IhH8E_TxRosl9_rW35hpjpPCoEJ4bdWSRQ7Y/s200/12004792_10207735307519369_1362025208819709931_n.jpg" width="112" /></a>The month started off with me feeling a little sad about some things, one of them being that I was laid off from my job, turns out there just was not "enough work" for me to be on their payroll so they had to let me go, so one month before my one year mark at that job they terminated my employment. It is making things a little harder on us financially and it makes me feel horrible.<br />
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To make ends meet a little better we sold the van. That helped pay some bills and caught us up a little bit. Made me a little bit sad though because I really liked the van, but when you need the money that is what you do.<br />
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Mckenzee started the third grade that same week! September 8 was her open house where she put away her school supplies in her desk and we met her teacher (then we went and got some ice cream).<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk3wFMDU6ISQsCpWOjVqfuk3wpuz5uwJPirct55aKtFMKEoDGRTGhGg9PDxPLdjL3W0cSvCNlG1O4aN9kjrN_NtR5eDrrMHTegkXQtbqzto7G6rco2Q1Rdwzh2sZht_jegI9LJeUWNJnQ/s1600/1914014_1248177963257_3525664_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk3wFMDU6ISQsCpWOjVqfuk3wpuz5uwJPirct55aKtFMKEoDGRTGhGg9PDxPLdjL3W0cSvCNlG1O4aN9kjrN_NtR5eDrrMHTegkXQtbqzto7G6rco2Q1Rdwzh2sZht_jegI9LJeUWNJnQ/s200/1914014_1248177963257_3525664_n.jpg" width="200" /></a>On the 9th she started school and came home full of chatter about her first day! She LOVES school! She looked adorable too!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgloPdmugkDhlcTBAdNJ2Qdpr2g80bxEsIkzqKHzRpLCls0INASV_CE9Qa_XvzOlvD18abPO0g2AbTTbJgdxstO11VETp5xQES-pSmeD3QUJhPENHdOEQdHTp7bw4cZxC961Jbce-of064/s1600/SAM_1372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgloPdmugkDhlcTBAdNJ2Qdpr2g80bxEsIkzqKHzRpLCls0INASV_CE9Qa_XvzOlvD18abPO0g2AbTTbJgdxstO11VETp5xQES-pSmeD3QUJhPENHdOEQdHTp7bw4cZxC961Jbce-of064/s200/SAM_1372.JPG" width="150" /></a>We also celebrated her 8th birthday this month! It is crazy how the time flies and how big she has gotten over the years, I remember when she was just a little thing dressed in little tiny dresses, no hair because it didn't grow in until she was over a year old.<br />
Now she is a beautiful girl, who loves to sing, dance, go to Girl Scouts, make new friends, read. She works hard to draw and wants to learn how to make her handwriting "pretty like mommy's" as she put it. I am very proud of her.<br />
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The only other down I have is my health issues lately. I have had pain from some internal issues, a pulled muscle in my stomach, and a cold that seems to want to linger lately. I am hoping a trip to my doctor next week will give me the answers and treatment I am seeking. I kinda just want the doc to go ahead with the surgery and remove all the things that are causing my pain and issues. Hopefully he will.<br />
That is really all I have to say for now because it is hard for me to concentrate with my pain and stuffiness. Hope you are all enjoying the first day of Autumn!<br />
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#MomMomentsRainbowCircusof1http://www.blogger.com/profile/17388600776586318547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110556057598184842.post-2737520630381656762015-08-12T18:40:00.000-07:002015-08-12T18:40:27.677-07:00School Supplies and Readiness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I took a look at the calendar this morning and had the panic attack moment of realizing school starts in just four short weeks. Thankfully some of her supplies from last year are in good shape and she can use them again this year, so that should save us some money. She also wants to use a bag my mother gave her as a school bag and that is more money saved. It seems every year in school it is more and more money to spend on supplies, I think I need to find a way to get coupons or stock up over the year so that when school starts I have most of what she needs already saved up and read to pack in. She is very excited to be starting the THIRD GRADE (though I wish time would slow down some). She will also be starting her last year as a Brownie in Girl Scouts (next year she will be a Junior) so she is super excited about that. When she went on vacation in CT/RI my mother sewed all her patches from this year on her vest and it looks awesome! All her family is very proud of her accomplishments in Scouting the last year! As am I! It is amazing all the new things she is willing to do now that she has been introduced to Girl Scouts, she has matured and done things she was once afraid to.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvmkm6djavHg7ndcu9yR09_5_M5sXF4WdZ4v7VgkOKcamSUZqG0PcyAObQf92Muhej3wSEpuLdIkt6HFrHWOR_URk2qlaSFYGgsLLCqo6Yc5JzQmcgMQeAOYshVodBWAaCM1FuK8k7bFQ/s1600/84f7451c2eb14a9bb1aecb1a65fadfb4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvmkm6djavHg7ndcu9yR09_5_M5sXF4WdZ4v7VgkOKcamSUZqG0PcyAObQf92Muhej3wSEpuLdIkt6HFrHWOR_URk2qlaSFYGgsLLCqo6Yc5JzQmcgMQeAOYshVodBWAaCM1FuK8k7bFQ/s200/84f7451c2eb14a9bb1aecb1a65fadfb4.jpg" width="200" /></a>Her older brother starts the SIXTH GRADE soon and it drives me nuts to know that he is almost 11 years old already! How can so many years have gone by when it seems just yesterday I was teaching him how to walk and eat with a spoon?! Where does the time go.<br />
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Then there is Spencer! He is so smart and talks to well that unless he is upset I can understand just about everything he says. I am thinking since he loves books and seems to have a knack for remembering things, I am going to start small and begin teaching him his letters/numbers/colors/and shapes so that he is more than ready when the time for him to start school comes about. (That day will be tough as I am pretty sure he is my last baby). I love to watch them grow but it drives me nuts that they seem to do it at a break-neck speed. I blink and suddenly they are all grown up and don't need me as much any more...it is a little heart-breaking but smile inducing. WATCHING CHILDREN GROW IS AN EMOTIONAL ROLLER COASTER!<br />
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That is all for today, as I make the mad rush to Payless and Walmart to find all my last minute supplies I hope you are all doing the same and that I run into you soon! ;)<br />
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RainbowCircusof1http://www.blogger.com/profile/17388600776586318547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110556057598184842.post-13962323372825451512015-08-10T22:18:00.000-07:002015-08-10T22:18:13.427-07:00The Winds of Change<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTmBSALG9qIKIpzNZpf1-i55S0ygxT43pJWORZS_Ljg9_gJ8pVb6sEhNO5w5rFVEVDAaqi8r87bbOrbO0xcFpMK-q13-IbV1PGs4-wPV4OHZVLdsCzFHKArBQtIvpEpTdlHSJeNdVuFFU/s1600/download.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTmBSALG9qIKIpzNZpf1-i55S0ygxT43pJWORZS_Ljg9_gJ8pVb6sEhNO5w5rFVEVDAaqi8r87bbOrbO0xcFpMK-q13-IbV1PGs4-wPV4OHZVLdsCzFHKArBQtIvpEpTdlHSJeNdVuFFU/s200/download.png" width="200" /></a>Well it is happening, we are going back to CT. My heart has been there since we left and it seems I couldn't be truly happy out here like I wanted to be. Mckenzee is happy about it, Spencer, well I don't think he has a clue, and DJ is the one disappointed in us wanting to go home.<br />
He has worked so hard out here and tried to make us a life and I didn't make it easy on him. I know I probably could have tried harder but without Andy and without my friends and family I felt a little piece of my soul was missing.<br />
I know it doesn't matter what I say because he is still not happy about it but I wish he knew that I WANTED our lives to work out here...I really did, but I am not happy. As much as I love him and all the things he has done for us it still doesn't take the ache of not being able to see my son everyday or any time I want, it doesn't give me my mom to go out to coffee with and to watch cheesy movies with my friends while we talk about our kids.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizkbWIRAiS6L65J9vN61DMJP-9em302EnkDZbsmA1ED1eTxpCmLRj4776JglOXF_0xZOJZs5NxFZKyp7-_8L88lO-Jik6uVwuz39FW7upd8rvmx6VySdvqLXD0f_05nwnQjXaaVU_2S7A/s1600/quotes-about-life-changing-4-300x225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizkbWIRAiS6L65J9vN61DMJP-9em302EnkDZbsmA1ED1eTxpCmLRj4776JglOXF_0xZOJZs5NxFZKyp7-_8L88lO-Jik6uVwuz39FW7upd8rvmx6VySdvqLXD0f_05nwnQjXaaVU_2S7A/s1600/quotes-about-life-changing-4-300x225.jpg" /></a><br />
Now some may say I am selfish that if he is happy here then I should be happy because at least I am with him. Okay I understand that reasoning and if I had had a normal family filled life and didn't have a son I have to fly out here just to see once a year then maybe I would agree with you but that is not me.<br />
I spent YEARS being alone, homeless, moving from city to city to find work, a place to sleep, someone who DIDN'T abuse me. I never got to have a great relationship with my mother until I was late into my 20s and it really just got good when I entered my 30s....I am now 34, and I miss my mother something terribly. I totally love the friends I have finally made so many years past the ones I made many years ago and lost track of or touch with until recently. For me it was just when things in my personal life were falling into place that I made the decision to leave it all behind for him and his decision. I had high hopes and I had no idea it would be so hard but should I continue to feel like I am hurt inside and truly missing out for this...maybe I should, maybe I AM selfish.<br />
But this is what is happening...I am going home....I need to go home!RainbowCircusof1http://www.blogger.com/profile/17388600776586318547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110556057598184842.post-42937515471907361822015-08-07T18:44:00.000-07:002015-08-07T18:44:34.160-07:00Spencer and Me <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTkdRcLD3yN6MAPoEcFUA_Em7yz5RMwpH5Dl6wcf07IADr8fYMHhrOCODkSZ6aN0olqTaK9w-E-AMioEU2ApejbFrp37wQv5JBZXK7adjSerP_Gjo9Ev7Kk4DfEje17_GqdcCK65MMxAc/s1600/WP_20150801_002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTkdRcLD3yN6MAPoEcFUA_Em7yz5RMwpH5Dl6wcf07IADr8fYMHhrOCODkSZ6aN0olqTaK9w-E-AMioEU2ApejbFrp37wQv5JBZXK7adjSerP_Gjo9Ev7Kk4DfEje17_GqdcCK65MMxAc/s200/WP_20150801_002.jpg" width="112" /></a><span style="color: orange; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Ever since Miss Mckenzee has gone off to CT/RI to visit her family it has been just Spencer and me during the day while Daddy works. I have to say it has been quite a bit of fun. </b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV0shMIbjKOdTcwPsnyoX-z2nifWaKuMafuPCIj5ltyqY5x69lpAZSgBFbqfIzMNXN7UE7KW8Jx8CvEzUV2zSKEI7aCO2vYTr77ZmSYxrSRcwKvGKR0FjecDjYnxMNkACMxZGgigugZO4/s1600/WP_20150805_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV0shMIbjKOdTcwPsnyoX-z2nifWaKuMafuPCIj5ltyqY5x69lpAZSgBFbqfIzMNXN7UE7KW8Jx8CvEzUV2zSKEI7aCO2vYTr77ZmSYxrSRcwKvGKR0FjecDjYnxMNkACMxZGgigugZO4/s320/WP_20150805_001.jpg" width="180" /></a><span style="color: orange; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>We have watched all kinds of old cartoons, fun movies, had some dance parties, built "super" castles with his Mega Blocks, played games and even played hide and seek a few times (he is not very good at it yet).</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>He is so smart and talks to much now that it amazes me all the time. When you hand something to him and he says "Thank you so much!" my heart melts. Just this morning he surprised me with a fishy kiss out of the blue. He just grabbed my face and kissed me! I loved it, it was so darn adorable! </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>I am so happy about all the time we have had one on one and I am hoping to make sure I continue to carve out some time for him even when his sister returns because I don't want to miss any moments of fun!</b></span></div>
RainbowCircusof1http://www.blogger.com/profile/17388600776586318547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110556057598184842.post-24324951022762363312015-08-03T16:02:00.000-07:002015-08-03T16:04:12.699-07:00Whirlwind Heart<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkDKKHFfnLl5NfXr2Z72BVTwOVc__4ufYTsYGdp5pjivxIY0KcQZ1uSZduYO-4xR_9fajxX5iewqElQs8fUjurDVEl3KpCL1jTNJ0NkCda4UV7vhE-Vi_WzUYcbv3PsYNQgZCxnQL01N8/s1600/11822680_10207439885013991_4317385928211600978_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkDKKHFfnLl5NfXr2Z72BVTwOVc__4ufYTsYGdp5pjivxIY0KcQZ1uSZduYO-4xR_9fajxX5iewqElQs8fUjurDVEl3KpCL1jTNJ0NkCda4UV7vhE-Vi_WzUYcbv3PsYNQgZCxnQL01N8/s200/11822680_10207439885013991_4317385928211600978_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>So many emotions going on with me right now. </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Part of it could be that I am watching <u>The Color Purple </u> which is one of those movies where you end up truly invested in the character, part of it could be the fact that two of my little ones are not here with me right now, or it could be that today is the nine year anniversary of my first date with DJ and I keep thinking about that night and how wonderful it was.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Only part of my emotions are sad. Forget the movie part because that is fleeting but my small sadness is because I miss the little ones so much. I have been able to have a lot more one on one with Spencer which is cool because he is growing up so fast and I hate missing any of it. He is so smart and funny I love him so much.</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4G_Xu_CI09wgrnjNm_VoXXHHKQWKBR3QebkicvaAg1HBy9Cb8616M8yLTknFWsE9AR9vdDSDt7b9w8wlCfLqJNdQl_dc1Gyc6LFbu4LtJY9mjFodVd1B0U4PnbiCJnuZjxRRa3BSB-Kc/s1600/11822688_10207053957888445_269791006041273276_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4G_Xu_CI09wgrnjNm_VoXXHHKQWKBR3QebkicvaAg1HBy9Cb8616M8yLTknFWsE9AR9vdDSDt7b9w8wlCfLqJNdQl_dc1Gyc6LFbu4LtJY9mjFodVd1B0U4PnbiCJnuZjxRRa3BSB-Kc/s200/11822688_10207053957888445_269791006041273276_n.jpg" width="148" /></a><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>As anyone who reads along knows Andrew has returned to CT for his time with his father, as he does every summer. I always miss him, and this year his sister, my little Mckenzee, has gone to CT/RI for 10 days to visit family and spend some time at the beach! </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Mckenzee spent the first few days out there with my mom (her Memere) and they had a blast together. My mom told me they went to the Book Barn and visited the Princess Pond, had some BBQ and went to Hopeville Pond. My mom made sure that there were some awesome pictures of them all together were taken so I could see them all again! It was cool. </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Now Mckenzee is with DJs mom (her Gramma) spending time with his family (and Andy for a few days) at Misquamicut. She is there for the week and having lots of fun in the sun (hopefully while sun blocked). I have a feeling she is going to come back tanner than most people who live out here, and certainly more tan than me. She was already tanned when she got back from her weeks at camp. I am hoping she is doing a lot of swimming and having lots of fun. I am so worried about her and I miss her so much I am not used to having her gone this long. </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs9cCZ1sqxZtZDUkJPNGAhO61FHocChaiCR6PjFHKbjfqauN1hYglDpyAjWNQT8WKlR11qQYQRX142UeYghwT_h0PBm1-JI-1gBKRUIXeEKgMBvu3WuLuWr0bKVswrfDVSx-srOcOssAg/s1600/11811438_10207453379151336_7185237562476517606_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs9cCZ1sqxZtZDUkJPNGAhO61FHocChaiCR6PjFHKbjfqauN1hYglDpyAjWNQT8WKlR11qQYQRX142UeYghwT_h0PBm1-JI-1gBKRUIXeEKgMBvu3WuLuWr0bKVswrfDVSx-srOcOssAg/s200/11811438_10207453379151336_7185237562476517606_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3qzs8wn6DuMQvc6kcgSE52q5kca_aUGt8Ftr4tUyd5a-jF4P6f8a0E-uxV0OvFROcmjD8tuVSIrMp-6N4JQDIhM8kX76A1ooOj6XHTDkgN3PfuUWACad91VXeDGryA7zmDa9eOXkWGkM/s1600/11825135_10207445694599227_6495648793776073410_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3qzs8wn6DuMQvc6kcgSE52q5kca_aUGt8Ftr4tUyd5a-jF4P6f8a0E-uxV0OvFROcmjD8tuVSIrMp-6N4JQDIhM8kX76A1ooOj6XHTDkgN3PfuUWACad91VXeDGryA7zmDa9eOXkWGkM/s200/11825135_10207445694599227_6495648793776073410_n.jpg" width="200" /></a>On the happier side, I have been able to get some writing done now that I have a goal and a writing buddy (THANK YOU KELLY) I am able to keep on track better now. I am also trying to get my art back on par but that is going rougher than I thought it would with the pain in my hands and my lack of inspiration lately. </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b> I am hoping in the long run I can get most of my book done within the year and some decent artwork that I am proud of. I think my heart will eventually give me something to work with. At least I hope it will. </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>That is all for now, keep reading on. </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>#MommysHeart</b></span><br />
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RainbowCircusof1http://www.blogger.com/profile/17388600776586318547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110556057598184842.post-12566031737738464442015-07-30T21:42:00.002-07:002015-07-30T21:43:32.380-07:00No I don't want to talk.....I want to create! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0t8TF5H2IgBGZi0008295hPmmG7vMMZglXnYc1N32FLFzuby8_3VF4vQKI1rmRpWVEYnoqJEaxRlsSETo__Nbaieq7RmVf7NtF1vvjv8hMUy_tGOjiZYCyuwNZsWrjeJK6lc5tEyN2go/s1600/Desire-Creation-Quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0t8TF5H2IgBGZi0008295hPmmG7vMMZglXnYc1N32FLFzuby8_3VF4vQKI1rmRpWVEYnoqJEaxRlsSETo__Nbaieq7RmVf7NtF1vvjv8hMUy_tGOjiZYCyuwNZsWrjeJK6lc5tEyN2go/s200/Desire-Creation-Quote.jpg" width="165" /></a>For so many years I would take my feelings and put them into works of art.<br />
Sometimes a poem or a story,<br />
Sometimes a painting or sketch, but lately it seems I cannot express myself ANYWHERE!<br />
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My drawings are without depth, my stories lack flow; I haven't attempted painting because I just do not want to ruin a canvas with something I am not 100% into.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU7GO3Niw-8nOPULhJI74_5o8JMY06PW-lQQhcpxohb0YVEXPeOHYn_csljGwGegZ5uCg4AU0oCoS3ZpS0MEdDk9TH_z568iR3wHEfLa6IEEY_DBLdk722OnpbvF0_NSEVkqqKzb1AbQ0/s1600/creation-of-thousands-of-forests-is-in-one-acorn-ralph-waldo-emerson-quote.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU7GO3Niw-8nOPULhJI74_5o8JMY06PW-lQQhcpxohb0YVEXPeOHYn_csljGwGegZ5uCg4AU0oCoS3ZpS0MEdDk9TH_z568iR3wHEfLa6IEEY_DBLdk722OnpbvF0_NSEVkqqKzb1AbQ0/s200/creation-of-thousands-of-forests-is-in-one-acorn-ralph-waldo-emerson-quote.png" width="200" /></a>I am figuring that it must be something to do with my heart just not being in it lately. It seems that I need to just step back and take a look at what I really need to do and let the small stuff just sweat away. I am not sleeping well, I am constantly tossing and turning because I am worried about something or just having bad dreams about stuff I haven't had dreams about for years. I don't even want to eat lately, just drink water, tea, or whatever else I have to stay hydrated. I know I have to eat and I do but the thrill I used to have with cooking and create great meals is missing. Hopefully a good night's rest will help.<br />
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Maybe I just need a break, a vacation from adulting so I can have some fun. I don't know, all I know is I want to be able to express myself without fear, without regret, without ruining the "canvas".<br />
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I hope it comes back soon....I miss it! :)RainbowCircusof1http://www.blogger.com/profile/17388600776586318547noreply@blogger.com0