"Caring for your Family - How do you let them know you care about them? What do you do as parents to show your children they are loved? "Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children." (Family Proclamation, paragraph 6)"
I spent my day with a sink full of bleach water and my children's toys; the laundry; trying to get my 6 year-old to read the story he's supposed to be reading for Language Arts (all he has left for the next week is Language Arts and Math and he thinks because he watched the movie of Peter Pan he doesn't have to read the book!); a crabby 1 year-old who didn't want to take a nap; an 8 year-old who needed a day off of school; a 3 year-old who thinks he needs to watch movies all day long and I'm trying to recover from a sinus and ear infection.
I don't do all of these things because I want to do all of them. I do enjoy the "clean" smell of bleach, but cleaning all the toys and doing extra laundry so we don't have another bout of pink eye (another joy of serving my family...eye drops 3 times a day in the 3 year-old's eyes...now that's fun!) isn't always the best.
I love my children, but do the simple things I do everyday show them that? Will they look back as adults and realize how much I loved them because I washed their toys? I do have to admit that growing up when I was sick my mom would change my sheets and make my bed while I was in the bathroom. I remember getting back into the bed thinking how much she loved me to have done something to try to help me feel better. It probably seemed fairly insignificant to her to do that for me, but even to this day I LOVE getting into clean sheets when I don't feel good even if it's me who has changed them.
I hope the things they remember about me and about how much they love them is the time I spend with them. My children love to cuddle, and I love to cuddle with them. They each like to do different things with us. Our 6 year-old is very into sports and he LOVES that my husband throws the football around with him. When the weather was nicer in the fall he would get through his lessons as quickly as possible so that he could go have lunch with his Dad and throw the ball around. Our 8 year-old loves to have her hair done, not just by me; she likes to go get her hair cut during "girl time" at the Salon. And our 3 year-old and 1 year-old well, they like attention and books...and being sung to.
We have dinner every night as a family, we read scriptures and have prayer. Very rarely do we run errands by ourselves. We always go as a family. I want my children to know how much I love them and value their presence in my life.
Doing the things I do to make our home run are very important and chances are they will remember them, but I want them to remember the special things that really solidify to them that I love them. Like clean sheets.
If you'd like to see more Wordful Wednesdays click HERE!
Showing posts with label Wordfull Wednesdays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wordfull Wednesdays. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Equal Partnership
Sometimes I think that I have the better "half" of our marriage. I get to stay home with the kids. Yes I also get more of the cleaning responsibilities, but a lot of the time I get to play with the kids which I think is the best job in the world!
My husband goes to work every morning and deals with other people's kids and high schoolers at that. My kids may back talk, but I can do something about it. When his "kids" during the day back talk there isn't a whole lot he can do...well in the sense that I can anyway.
I am grateful everyday for our partnership. I hesitate to say that everything is equal in our marriage. To be honest I don't think they are ever quite equal. But by saying we have an equal partnership I like to think that it means we have agreed upon what our "equal share" is.
There are many things I really don't like to do and things he doesn't. I am in charge of the money because we save more when I do it. He takes the responsibility of home maintenance. Not that I can't do it I just really don't like to do it! We've agreed upon these things and many more. I love that we have the ability to do that.
I have a friend whos marriage is not based upon anything that involves a partnership and it makes me sad that they are both so frustrated all the time because they have never taken the time to discuss things that govern their everyday lives. Our responsibilities do govern our lives, if one of us doesn't make dinner none of us eat (and the children turn into Monsters). If we don't know who is going to pay the bills they don't get paid and something gets turned off. Being in a partnership doesn't mean that I've given up anything. It means we both know what is going on.
My mom and I joke that we run our homes. In essence we do. However, it's usually because my husband and my father don't typically care what happens. And, if they do happen to care about something they tell us and then a discussion occurs as to deciding what should be done.
I love my husband dearly and I'm so glad that we can have an "equal" partnership!
If you'd like to see more Wordfull Wednesdays go to Chocolate on My Cranium!
My husband goes to work every morning and deals with other people's kids and high schoolers at that. My kids may back talk, but I can do something about it. When his "kids" during the day back talk there isn't a whole lot he can do...well in the sense that I can anyway.
I am grateful everyday for our partnership. I hesitate to say that everything is equal in our marriage. To be honest I don't think they are ever quite equal. But by saying we have an equal partnership I like to think that it means we have agreed upon what our "equal share" is.
There are many things I really don't like to do and things he doesn't. I am in charge of the money because we save more when I do it. He takes the responsibility of home maintenance. Not that I can't do it I just really don't like to do it! We've agreed upon these things and many more. I love that we have the ability to do that.
I have a friend whos marriage is not based upon anything that involves a partnership and it makes me sad that they are both so frustrated all the time because they have never taken the time to discuss things that govern their everyday lives. Our responsibilities do govern our lives, if one of us doesn't make dinner none of us eat (and the children turn into Monsters). If we don't know who is going to pay the bills they don't get paid and something gets turned off. Being in a partnership doesn't mean that I've given up anything. It means we both know what is going on.
My mom and I joke that we run our homes. In essence we do. However, it's usually because my husband and my father don't typically care what happens. And, if they do happen to care about something they tell us and then a discussion occurs as to deciding what should be done.
I love my husband dearly and I'm so glad that we can have an "equal" partnership!
If you'd like to see more Wordfull Wednesdays go to Chocolate on My Cranium!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
A mothers role.....
I'm a mom, and more often than not I feel inadequate in the job I do every day. The only reason my house is spotless right now is because we are trying to sell it. Typically my 1 and 3 year-olds have toys strewn EVERY where, and I'm too busy trying to get our 6 year-olds lessons done for the day that I don't bother to help them pick up the toys until almost before my husband gets home from work. I struggle to think that I am a good mom, but I heard a song at a Time Out for Women a few years ago that touched me. Michael McLean has a way of doing that though, and this song really struck me. How often are we so busy that we can't see what we really are? We are fabulous mothers in whatever role we may be playing that day, and we need to give ourselves more credit than we do.
She doesn't Know
Quarter to seven on a Thursday night
She’s running late again
She gets a ticket ‘cause she ran the light
Racing to help a friend
Then she remembers a promise made
A couple of weeks before
She’d bake the brownies for the PTA
But she’s run out of time
So she gets hers from the store
To see more posts or to do Wordful Wednesday click HERE.
She doesn't Know
Quarter to seven on a Thursday night
She’s running late again
She gets a ticket ‘cause she ran the light
Racing to help a friend
Then she remembers a promise made
A couple of weeks before
She’d bake the brownies for the PTA
But she’s run out of time
So she gets hers from the store
Quarter to seven on a Friday night
She’s running late again
What can she wear that’s gonna look just right
At the party she’s throwing for him?
Living on rice cakes and Diet Coke
She hasn’t lost that much
Her dress is too tight and her hair’s a joke
But the party’s a hit
‘Cause it had her magic touch
And she doesn’t know
That she’s an angel in disguise
And she doesn’t know
That we see heaven in her eyes
And she doesn’t know that she’s all right
She might have been blinded by the light
Of all the good that she does
That she doesn’t know
She’s been worried ‘bout the kids next door
Since the breakup last fall
Got them some T-shirts from a Hard Rock store
That they haven’t worn at all
Reading the paper about some plight
Plaguing a distant shore
Pulls out her checkbook and starts to write
And feels guilty she doesn’t send more
She doesn’t focus on the good she does
All she sees is where she’s failed her part
Can’t she see that we think she’s a saint
Because she’s givin’ all she has straight from her heart
Quarter to seven on a Sunday morn
She’s on her knees again
Aching for all who’ve been bruised and torn
She’s pleading for help for them
She has a rather extensive list
Of those she’s been praying for
But then she remembers the ones she missed
How sorry she feels once more
‘Cause she doesn’t know
That she’s an angel in disguise
And she doesn’t know that we see
Heaven in her eyes
And she doesn’t know that she’s all right
She might have been blinded by the light
Of all the good that she does
But she doesn’t see it because
She hits a traffic jam on a carpool morn
And feels guilty what she’s thinkin’
When she honks her horn
She wrote a sympathy note for her dear friend, Grace
But got it lost somewhere in cyberspace
And at the charity auction when she wanted to help
She raised her hands so many times she sort of bid against herself
She got the casserole made for her friend who was sick
But then apologized because the crust was too thick
She’s runnin’ to the soccer and the baseball games
She cheers for the teams but forgets their names
She doesn’t know that she’s a miracle
She doesn’t know her love is lyrical
She doesn’t know this song’s for her to hear
She doesn’t know that we are so sincere
She doesn’t know that she’s the best
She doesn’t know she’s passed the test
She doesn’t know, she doesn’t know
She doesn’t know
To see more posts or to do Wordful Wednesday click HERE.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Nurturing Love and Friendship in Marriage
I love my husband, and he is the very best friend I've ever had. I'm grateful everyday for how often he tells me I'm beautiful regardless of whether or not I've put makeup on or what I'm wearing. He always....ALWAYS tells me I'm beautiful. What a way to make me feel good and to know that he loves me!
With every addition to the family it has become more important for us to tell each other and do small things that show each other (I am very much the "show me you love me" love language!) how much we love each other. At times with kids going different directions it's hard to have a bunch of time to spend with each other.
A couple weeks ago we went to the "holiday" party with his co-workers. They had a holiday family party right before Christmas, but this was the adult only party. The Social Worker from the school looked at us and said "it must be nice to finally get out of the house without kids." We told her that it was nice to get out, however we usually succeed in having a date at least once a month. I budget the money in and so it's usually not a problem. In our small town however there aren't typically a lot of options when we go out which is another reason we limit it to once a month. We do however feed the kids something simple and then after they've gone to bed have a nice dinner just to ourselves. I cherish these nights. It's not like it's not just the two of us every night after the kids are in bed, but our "home date nights" are just a little bit more special.
Lately I've been sending him an e-mail right before going to bed so that first thing in the morning he gets an e-mail telling him I love him and to have a great day. In return he sends me one so when I get on with Shorty to start school I get his e-mail of love.
Last year I bought a book (for the kids) about the states for them to use while we were on a road trip. However we've been reading this book. Well technically I quiz him....partially because he seems to have an unnatural knowledge of the weirdest pieces of information, and partially because it gives us something silly to do together. I'm convinced he gets his knowledge from the Uncle John's Bathroom Readers....he says he just picks up the information....but really who knows almost all of the state flowers and dinosaurs and juice? Not me :0)
Becoming friends was the easy part. Nurturing our friendship and love hasn't always been the easiest, but it's always been worth it!
If you'd like to participate in Wordfull Wednesdays...click HERE!
With every addition to the family it has become more important for us to tell each other and do small things that show each other (I am very much the "show me you love me" love language!) how much we love each other. At times with kids going different directions it's hard to have a bunch of time to spend with each other.
A couple weeks ago we went to the "holiday" party with his co-workers. They had a holiday family party right before Christmas, but this was the adult only party. The Social Worker from the school looked at us and said "it must be nice to finally get out of the house without kids." We told her that it was nice to get out, however we usually succeed in having a date at least once a month. I budget the money in and so it's usually not a problem. In our small town however there aren't typically a lot of options when we go out which is another reason we limit it to once a month. We do however feed the kids something simple and then after they've gone to bed have a nice dinner just to ourselves. I cherish these nights. It's not like it's not just the two of us every night after the kids are in bed, but our "home date nights" are just a little bit more special.
Lately I've been sending him an e-mail right before going to bed so that first thing in the morning he gets an e-mail telling him I love him and to have a great day. In return he sends me one so when I get on with Shorty to start school I get his e-mail of love.
Last year I bought a book (for the kids) about the states for them to use while we were on a road trip. However we've been reading this book. Well technically I quiz him....partially because he seems to have an unnatural knowledge of the weirdest pieces of information, and partially because it gives us something silly to do together. I'm convinced he gets his knowledge from the Uncle John's Bathroom Readers....he says he just picks up the information....but really who knows almost all of the state flowers and dinosaurs and juice? Not me :0)
Becoming friends was the easy part. Nurturing our friendship and love hasn't always been the easiest, but it's always been worth it!
If you'd like to participate in Wordfull Wednesdays...click HERE!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Love Song
We don't have a song. Some may find that unromantic, but when you meet in February and are engaged by April and married by August...there really isn't time to find a song. We were too busy getting to know each other! We also didn't have dancing at our reception which would also not lead to the necessity of having a song.
However, if I got to choose a song for us it would be From This Moment sung by Shania Twain and Brian Adams. I absolutely love this song. It describes my feelings for my husband in song...which I could probably never do on my own (with a song that is). My handsome man was a music major in college and so music is extremely important to him which is why I find it funny that we don't have a song. I guess he satisfies himself with making up songs about me...and then singing them to me in very public places (like chasing me around Wal-Mart).
I you'd like to see more about Wordfull Wednesday click HERE.
However, if I got to choose a song for us it would be From This Moment sung by Shania Twain and Brian Adams. I absolutely love this song. It describes my feelings for my husband in song...which I could probably never do on my own (with a song that is). My handsome man was a music major in college and so music is extremely important to him which is why I find it funny that we don't have a song. I guess he satisfies himself with making up songs about me...and then singing them to me in very public places (like chasing me around Wal-Mart).
I you'd like to see more about Wordfull Wednesday click HERE.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Marriage
I really never thought I'd get married and so when my husband proposed I had really never thought about what I expected or really wanted from a marriage.
8 years later however, I've had time to think. This week's Wordful Wednesday (go ahead and click it...you know you want to) topic is the 3 most important things to me in marriage.
When we were first married I never...NEVER thought we'd argue. Of course just like every other couple in the world we don't see eye to eye all the time. So I guess I'd say THE most important thing to me being able to Talk to my spouse. I love that no matter how mad we get at each other we can always work things out and they are always better. I also have anxiety and being able to talk to him always calms me down. I joke that he is my anti-anxiety pill. I may be joking, but it's partially true. Life is always better for me when I can at the very least talk to him on the phone.
Any marriage can work if you both put your minds to it. However, it's not nearly as much fun if you don't Love the person you're married to! He is my best friend, and working along side him to make our marriage work and to go along through life with him is so much fun!
And last but not least I believe that being able to say I'm sorry is so very important. I'm not very good at this one, I'm working on that. Stuart is SO much better at being first to say I'm sorry....whether or not he thinks he was wrong. Saying I'm sorry changes so many things! It softens hearts and allows talking to being.
I asked Stuart what he thought was most important and he said....Love, understanding/compassion and commitment. I'm glad we both feel love is important!
8 years later however, I've had time to think. This week's Wordful Wednesday (go ahead and click it...you know you want to) topic is the 3 most important things to me in marriage.
When we were first married I never...NEVER thought we'd argue. Of course just like every other couple in the world we don't see eye to eye all the time. So I guess I'd say THE most important thing to me being able to Talk to my spouse. I love that no matter how mad we get at each other we can always work things out and they are always better. I also have anxiety and being able to talk to him always calms me down. I joke that he is my anti-anxiety pill. I may be joking, but it's partially true. Life is always better for me when I can at the very least talk to him on the phone.
Any marriage can work if you both put your minds to it. However, it's not nearly as much fun if you don't Love the person you're married to! He is my best friend, and working along side him to make our marriage work and to go along through life with him is so much fun!
And last but not least I believe that being able to say I'm sorry is so very important. I'm not very good at this one, I'm working on that. Stuart is SO much better at being first to say I'm sorry....whether or not he thinks he was wrong. Saying I'm sorry changes so many things! It softens hearts and allows talking to being.
I asked Stuart what he thought was most important and he said....Love, understanding/compassion and commitment. I'm glad we both feel love is important!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Mi familia
Mi familia es muy bonita! Okay, I won't write any more Spanish in my post...I promise because that's about the extent of my Spanish.My husband spends the majority of his days at the local high school teaching Spanish. The other part of his day (while away from home) he is a swim coach for the high school boys. Well right now anyway. The other seasons he coaches football and middle school boys swimming. Sports and Spanish are BIG in our house!
This is the most recent picture I have of the two of us. This was taken about 5 years ago at his College graduation.
I am a stay-at-home mom. We have 4 beautiful children ages 7, 6, 3 and 1. I stay plenty busy with the two little ones at home and I home school our 6 year-old son. I am the PTO President at our oldest daughter's school and I am meeting with our High Councilman tonight to find out what my new calling is going to be (I'm a little bit scared for that meeting!).
This is the most recent picture I have of the two of us. This was taken about 5 years ago at his College graduation.
My Children....as I'm sure all parents know, my children are so different in so many ways! Our 7 year-old is preparing to be baptized in April, she is so excited she can barely contain it! She loves to read, sing and dance. Oh and she's our social butterfly. We can't go anywhere without her knowing someone. She also chose not to be home schooled for that very fact. We gave her a choice because we didn't want it to be forced upon her and she chose school. I'm sad that she doesn't want to stay home to learn although I am proud that she knows what she wants and didn't cave in to the pressures at home.
Our 6 year-old is too smart for his own good. He thinks of so many things that I NEVER think of. Sometimes they get him in trouble, but more often than not they lead to us just laughing. He too loves to read and has read all of the kids books and chapter books that we have in the house for the kids and so has moved onto Harry Potter and my husband's Terry Brooks books. I often have to pry him out of the bathroom so he'll get back to his school work and not sit in there and read all day. He has recently started wrestling on the USA wrestling team. He's so excited...like I said before, sports are BIG here.
Our 3 and 1 year-old have just as big of personalities as the older kids. The 3 year-old LOVES planes, trains and anything else with wheels. He also has a VERY vivid imagination and tells me that his Grandma made him anything and everything he owns. He likes to dress himself and is often found with all of his clothes on backwards with 2 different shoes on the wrong feet. He has also been known to wear his older brother's polo shirts as pants, which by the way is pretty amusing. People often ask me when they see him why I let him out of the house looking like that. The answer is simple, he needs to figure out who he is and it's really not worth me fighting him. At least he's dressed and has shoes on. He also likes to get into things he shouldn't. He is my first child to do this and I'm fairly certain it's going to make me go gray. The other day he brought me a tube of Super Glue and his tooth brush and asked to brush his teeth. OYE VEY!
Our sweet 1 year-old is the apple of her daddy's eye (could be because she is very much a daddy's girl). She refuses to learn how to use sign language which frustrates me...until she smiles at me. She does sign all done and blows kisses. Other than that she prefers to try to talk. Her first word was DU. That may sound silly, but she was calling our dog Duchess whom she LOVES. She is also a BIG eater. She will eat just about anything you put in front of her (unless what you have in front of you looks more appetizing).If you'd like to participate in Wordful Wednesday go to Chocolate on my Cranium (click HERE).
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Inspiration
Chocolate on the Cranium's Wordful Wednesday this week is a tad bit more challenging for me. I have thought for over a week about who are the 10 people who I feel have influenced me the most. Of course the first people that popped into my head were my parents and other family members. Those are kind of a given, however Cocoa said not to use them. So the question is, besides those people who really did influence me?
There is a Science teacher that comes to mind. I took almost every class taught in High School. Mr. Borinski. I've talked about him in a previous Wordful Wednesday post (click HERE), however I LOVED his classes! He made me want to be better and he made me want to learn.
My best friend growing up was another big influence on my life. Melanie has always been there for me when I needed her, and she answered all the questions I ever had about the church and even stood strong when I chose to ridicule what she believed. She even flew from Utah to Colorado so she could be at my baptism. I only have one biological sister, but I consider Melanie a sister and I'm glad that she's been part of my life!
This one is a little bit silly, but when we had tv reception I LOVED to watch his show. Emeril is an inspiration to me because of his love for cooking. I spend a lot more time planning meals for our family than I care to admit. I try very hard to make the meals fun and exciting for my kids. Sometimes I succeed, sometimes I don't. However, Emeril made cooking a lot more fun for me!
My Great Aunt Ila...technically we aren't related, however that has NEVER stopped her from treating us like family. I love her more than I could ever show or tell her, and I have always felt unconditional love from her. How wonderful it is to have that! (I have blogged about her before as well. If you'd like to read more about her click HERE.)
Gerald Lund. Before I ever joined the Church I had read the entire Work and the Glory series. A little strange I know, but even though the characters are not real I learned a lot from these books.
Thomas S. Monson. From the day I joined the Church I have LOVED to hear him speak! He is an inspiring man, and I love the story that he retold A Christmas Dress for Ellen. He is a Wonderful Man!
Josh Groban...have you heard that boy (I say boy because he is younger than me) sing? HOLY COW! His music is wonderful and peaceful! (I'd put my husband in this spot because he has a beautiful voice, but since that's not allowed today I'll have to settle for Josh.)
Michael McLean...he writes just for me, I'm sure of it. His songs are always what I need to hear.
Elders (well they aren't Elders anymore) Wade Poulson and John Long. They are the missionaries who showed up at my door after I called them. They taught me the discussions, and we're just plain nice guys.
Sister Beck, I LOVED her talk that she gave at the General Relief Society Broadcast.
There is a Science teacher that comes to mind. I took almost every class taught in High School. Mr. Borinski. I've talked about him in a previous Wordful Wednesday post (click HERE), however I LOVED his classes! He made me want to be better and he made me want to learn.
My best friend growing up was another big influence on my life. Melanie has always been there for me when I needed her, and she answered all the questions I ever had about the church and even stood strong when I chose to ridicule what she believed. She even flew from Utah to Colorado so she could be at my baptism. I only have one biological sister, but I consider Melanie a sister and I'm glad that she's been part of my life!
This one is a little bit silly, but when we had tv reception I LOVED to watch his show. Emeril is an inspiration to me because of his love for cooking. I spend a lot more time planning meals for our family than I care to admit. I try very hard to make the meals fun and exciting for my kids. Sometimes I succeed, sometimes I don't. However, Emeril made cooking a lot more fun for me!
My Great Aunt Ila...technically we aren't related, however that has NEVER stopped her from treating us like family. I love her more than I could ever show or tell her, and I have always felt unconditional love from her. How wonderful it is to have that! (I have blogged about her before as well. If you'd like to read more about her click HERE.)
Gerald Lund. Before I ever joined the Church I had read the entire Work and the Glory series. A little strange I know, but even though the characters are not real I learned a lot from these books.
Thomas S. Monson. From the day I joined the Church I have LOVED to hear him speak! He is an inspiring man, and I love the story that he retold A Christmas Dress for Ellen. He is a Wonderful Man!
Josh Groban...have you heard that boy (I say boy because he is younger than me) sing? HOLY COW! His music is wonderful and peaceful! (I'd put my husband in this spot because he has a beautiful voice, but since that's not allowed today I'll have to settle for Josh.)
Michael McLean...he writes just for me, I'm sure of it. His songs are always what I need to hear.
Elders (well they aren't Elders anymore) Wade Poulson and John Long. They are the missionaries who showed up at my door after I called them. They taught me the discussions, and we're just plain nice guys.
Sister Beck, I LOVED her talk that she gave at the General Relief Society Broadcast.
Publish Post
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
A rose by any other name
My name. It's not the most usual name. In fact I've only ever heard it 2 other times. The first being the ex-Vice President Dick Cheney and a girl that graduated from high school with my sister who is 2 years my junior. I have to admit when I heard them call the other girl onto the stage I thought they were referring to me. A little silly, but my name isn't exactly common.
Chocolate on my Cranium.
Chaney
Would you like to get in on Wordful Wednesdays? Click here to check outIt's pronounced Ch-a-knee. I get a lot of Chancey, Shaney and Jamie's. It was a lot easier to tell people how to pronounce my name when Vice President Cheney was in office because people heard his name a lot. Now, I'm back to fending on my own.
My mom claims that because she carried me for 9 months she left the naming up to my dad....who claims he got it out of a baby book. And, they added Marie as a middle name because I was a girl (I guess I was supposed to be a boy...I didn't get that message!). I'm not so sure it really came from a baby book, I've yet to see it in one as I have named my children. My dad used to talk about Lon Chaney (the Dracula actor). He used to joke that I was named after him. I don't have any doubt that that's really where it came from. You see, my parents were planning on my being a boy (my younger sister was supposed to be a boy as well), and as far as I can tell from the various tellings of the story I was named long before I was born.
I never liked my name growing up. No one could ever pronounce it and it was so unusual! I wanted a name like Elizabeth or Jessica (from the Sweet Valley High Series). I wanted a "normal" name. However, I've grown into my name. I love that it's unique. I love that not everyone is Chaney. I never liked however that my mother claimed that it should be pronounced as Sha-nay. And still occasionally refers to me as such. I wouldn't have minded it so much except once someone heard that all I heard from that point on was "Shanaynay". I hated that!
It doesn't particularly matter to me that I may have been named after a Dracula actor (or a man for that matter). I love my name and it's me.
My mom claims that because she carried me for 9 months she left the naming up to my dad....who claims he got it out of a baby book. And, they added Marie as a middle name because I was a girl (I guess I was supposed to be a boy...I didn't get that message!). I'm not so sure it really came from a baby book, I've yet to see it in one as I have named my children. My dad used to talk about Lon Chaney (the Dracula actor). He used to joke that I was named after him. I don't have any doubt that that's really where it came from. You see, my parents were planning on my being a boy (my younger sister was supposed to be a boy as well), and as far as I can tell from the various tellings of the story I was named long before I was born.
I never liked my name growing up. No one could ever pronounce it and it was so unusual! I wanted a name like Elizabeth or Jessica (from the Sweet Valley High Series). I wanted a "normal" name. However, I've grown into my name. I love that it's unique. I love that not everyone is Chaney. I never liked however that my mother claimed that it should be pronounced as Sha-nay. And still occasionally refers to me as such. I wouldn't have minded it so much except once someone heard that all I heard from that point on was "Shanaynay". I hated that!
It doesn't particularly matter to me that I may have been named after a Dracula actor (or a man for that matter). I love my name and it's me.
Chocolate on my Cranium.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Wordfull Wednesday
Chocolate on My Cranium's Wordful Wednesday asked for 6 words to describe my life.
Since I am normally described by my children or more technically the role I play in their lives "Mom", today I describe my life differently:
CrAzY in Love with My Husband!
Since I am normally described by my children or more technically the role I play in their lives "Mom", today I describe my life differently:
CrAzY in Love with My Husband!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Just Me
Wordful Wednesday over at Chocolate on my Cranium is about who I am.....WHOOEEE, what a topic. She sure does know how to pick them!
When I was younger I defined myself by the music I played. I have always loved playing the piano, but I hated playing in public. So, my music at home when my parents were in bed at night was me. I don't usually make mistakes when I play just for myself. However, put me in front of people...even in Relief Society where it is my calling to play the piano I make MONUMENTAL mistakes. But, I love playing the piano and over the years I have learned to laugh at myself (yes even in Relief Society) out loud when I make a mistake. I'm sure it drives people nuts, but if I can't laugh at the silly mistakes who's going to?
Most often these days I define myself by the 5 other people in this picture:
I am a Best Friend, Wife and Mother. I love who I am right now (for the most part). I love my kids and I love my husband. I don't always have a perfectly clean house, but I don't define myself by that (THANK GOODNESS!). I also LOVE love LOVE to read!!! And I'm grateful that rubbed off on my kids!
I have always loved doing crafts, however I have discovered in the past few years that I am pretty good at them. I have taught myself to sew (because I didn't want to learn when my mom wanted to teach me), and I LOVE it! I also love crocheting and painting and doing a myriad of other crafts. OH, and don't forget scrapbooking! I also made my first wedding cake recently. I think it turned out great! I grew up with my mom decorating cakes as a side job. She recently gave up cake decorating except for a few instances and so I inherited all of her supplies. 
This picture is of my 4 kids and the dresses I made for the girls (and the bows to- they are a little "Whovilleish", but neither was awake when I made them to see how big they would be) and I made the bowties for the boys. Normally I would have made the bowties match the girl's dresses, however the boys just aren't into pink!
I guess that's who I am in a nutshell....a craft loving, reading, wife and mom. Guess I'd better go get busy on those things!
When I was younger I defined myself by the music I played. I have always loved playing the piano, but I hated playing in public. So, my music at home when my parents were in bed at night was me. I don't usually make mistakes when I play just for myself. However, put me in front of people...even in Relief Society where it is my calling to play the piano I make MONUMENTAL mistakes. But, I love playing the piano and over the years I have learned to laugh at myself (yes even in Relief Society) out loud when I make a mistake. I'm sure it drives people nuts, but if I can't laugh at the silly mistakes who's going to?
There was a time I also defined myself by the classes I took or the fact that I was "ahead" of the game when I graduated from high school as a sophomore in college. The plan was to graduate with a bachelors degree by the time I was 20...HA! That sure didn't happen. There were much grander plans for me and truthfully I'm not upset by those plans. Occasionally I wish I had a degree, however I have 4 small children and working outside the home right now it's an option.
This picture is from the day my husband graduated with his bachelor's degree.
This picture is from the day my husband graduated with his bachelor's degree. Most often these days I define myself by the 5 other people in this picture:
I am a Best Friend, Wife and Mother. I love who I am right now (for the most part). I love my kids and I love my husband. I don't always have a perfectly clean house, but I don't define myself by that (THANK GOODNESS!). I also LOVE love LOVE to read!!! And I'm grateful that rubbed off on my kids!
I have always loved doing crafts, however I have discovered in the past few years that I am pretty good at them. I have taught myself to sew (because I didn't want to learn when my mom wanted to teach me), and I LOVE it! I also love crocheting and painting and doing a myriad of other crafts. OH, and don't forget scrapbooking! I also made my first wedding cake recently. I think it turned out great! I grew up with my mom decorating cakes as a side job. She recently gave up cake decorating except for a few instances and so I inherited all of her supplies. 
This picture is of my 4 kids and the dresses I made for the girls (and the bows to- they are a little "Whovilleish", but neither was awake when I made them to see how big they would be) and I made the bowties for the boys. Normally I would have made the bowties match the girl's dresses, however the boys just aren't into pink!
I guess that's who I am in a nutshell....a craft loving, reading, wife and mom. Guess I'd better go get busy on those things!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Transformations
Transformations....the first thing that popped in my head when I saw the word was Bumblebee from the Transformers. I'm laughing right now, because technically that isn't quite off. Chocolate on my Cranium's Wordfull Wednesday is about "Transformations, more specifically, a transformation that has happened to you."
So I guess the question is...have I transformed since I made my goal in January? My goal for the year is "Choose Wisely". I can't say that I choose wisely at all times (I am human after all), but I sure have tried.
For instance, my oldest son for some odd reason likes to rearrange things. Usually it's in his bedroom and if it doesn't work he moves it back. However, last week he chose to start rearranging my kitchen cabinets. Now, I'm a little OCD and I like my stuff EXACTLY where I've put it. I do have them do chores which involve them putting dishes away, and of course things don't always get back to where they belong. For the most part however everything is where it belongs. He also hid dishes throughout the house because he didn't want to put them away. I was MAD, I was frustrated and boy did I want to yell at him. In the past I probably would have. I am a yeller by nature, which upsets me and I have to work REALLY hard to not yell.
Instead of yelling at him I calmly told him he had kitchen duty this week as well and took away any tv privledges he may have had (we don't get tv reception so really that was limited to movies and since it's nice outside they get a movie few and far between). I think I shocked myself because later that night when I was talking to my husband I told him I was proud of myself.
I don't want my kids to have it be their "nature" to yell when they get upset. It brings contention into our home and it just doesn't feel good. I love my kids and I want them to know that...even when I'm upset.
So, back to Transformations. I kind of feel like I'm being a Transformer right now. The urge to yell is there, but I am trying to transform myself into a softer spoken "Mad Woman".
I guess you could say I have succeded in my goal, although I have a long way to go. I'm not necessarily completely happy with my progress, but it is progress nonetheless, so I think I'll put a stamp of approval on my progress. Maybe even a Smiley Face!
I've also uncovered something I thought I wasn't in the last 6 months. I have never been the type of person to instantly like people. At first glance or conversation I usually have an instant dislike for a person. Call it what you will, but it's been more of a self preservation tactic. I've been hurt in the past by people I considered trustworthy that I didn't know very long and so I usually withdraw into my shell. When my husband was in school I worked so much and was going to school at the same time so I didn't have a whole lot of time for friends and I only have a couple of good ones from Iowa. Then we moved to Washington state and we lived on 70 acres and so I was fairly isolated and didn't have to have many friends because I didn't want to. Then we moved again last year to be closer to family. I am once again back "in town" and close enough to have friends. I have started making friends, and have actually made an effort which is somewhat surprising. It may have to do with the fact that my husband admonished me that I needed to like it here because this is our last planned moved.
I have discovered that I really do like people and that it doesn't do me any favors to not like someone. It shocked me a little bit, but truthfully I have enjoyed getting to know new people and being a little bit more outgoing!
So I guess the question is...have I transformed since I made my goal in January? My goal for the year is "Choose Wisely". I can't say that I choose wisely at all times (I am human after all), but I sure have tried.
For instance, my oldest son for some odd reason likes to rearrange things. Usually it's in his bedroom and if it doesn't work he moves it back. However, last week he chose to start rearranging my kitchen cabinets. Now, I'm a little OCD and I like my stuff EXACTLY where I've put it. I do have them do chores which involve them putting dishes away, and of course things don't always get back to where they belong. For the most part however everything is where it belongs. He also hid dishes throughout the house because he didn't want to put them away. I was MAD, I was frustrated and boy did I want to yell at him. In the past I probably would have. I am a yeller by nature, which upsets me and I have to work REALLY hard to not yell.
Instead of yelling at him I calmly told him he had kitchen duty this week as well and took away any tv privledges he may have had (we don't get tv reception so really that was limited to movies and since it's nice outside they get a movie few and far between). I think I shocked myself because later that night when I was talking to my husband I told him I was proud of myself.
I don't want my kids to have it be their "nature" to yell when they get upset. It brings contention into our home and it just doesn't feel good. I love my kids and I want them to know that...even when I'm upset.
So, back to Transformations. I kind of feel like I'm being a Transformer right now. The urge to yell is there, but I am trying to transform myself into a softer spoken "Mad Woman".
I guess you could say I have succeded in my goal, although I have a long way to go. I'm not necessarily completely happy with my progress, but it is progress nonetheless, so I think I'll put a stamp of approval on my progress. Maybe even a Smiley Face!
I've also uncovered something I thought I wasn't in the last 6 months. I have never been the type of person to instantly like people. At first glance or conversation I usually have an instant dislike for a person. Call it what you will, but it's been more of a self preservation tactic. I've been hurt in the past by people I considered trustworthy that I didn't know very long and so I usually withdraw into my shell. When my husband was in school I worked so much and was going to school at the same time so I didn't have a whole lot of time for friends and I only have a couple of good ones from Iowa. Then we moved to Washington state and we lived on 70 acres and so I was fairly isolated and didn't have to have many friends because I didn't want to. Then we moved again last year to be closer to family. I am once again back "in town" and close enough to have friends. I have started making friends, and have actually made an effort which is somewhat surprising. It may have to do with the fact that my husband admonished me that I needed to like it here because this is our last planned moved.
I have discovered that I really do like people and that it doesn't do me any favors to not like someone. It shocked me a little bit, but truthfully I have enjoyed getting to know new people and being a little bit more outgoing!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Wordful Wednesday
The first day of my freshman year in highschool was intimidating enough, then I walked into Mr. Borinski's Biology class. The class was meant for sophomores, however freshmen could opt out of the life science class and skip to Biology. Which is exactly what I did.
As I sat in the back row of the room waiting for the bell to ring to start class I remember thinking that maybe I had taken the wrong class. Would I really be able to handle the stress of a class I wasn't meant to take? The bell rang and Mr. Borinski walked to the front of the room. He wasn't necessarily a scary man, however he was a tad bit intimidating. He proceeded to tell us how hard the year was going to be and how the freshmen in the class should think really hard about whether or not we wanted to cotinue in the class.
He succeeded with a lot of the freshemen, he almost succeeded with me. Until I realized what he was trying to do. He wanted the students who really had no desire to be there out of his class. I don't blame him, and it gave me the resolve to take the class and do my very best.
I LOVED biology and went on to take his AP Biology class and the genetics class he taught as well. I'm not altogether sure why it is that I think he is such a great teacher, but I do know that I had fun in his classes. Something about him made me sit at the edge of my chair and soak up the information he was teaching us.
Right before our AP exam he took our AP Biology class on a retreat to Breckenridge, CO for a 4 day study session. Who knew studying with 13 other kids for 4 straight days would be so much fun?!?
If I was to be a highschool teacher (which will never happen because highschoolers are WAY to mouthy), I would want to be like Mr. Borinski.
I'm really glad that I stuck it out and stayed in the class. If I hadn't I may not have had the opportunity to have Mr. Borinski as a teacher as there were 2 other teachers who taught Biology.
It's funny to look back and evaluate the different teachers I had through school. Maybe I just really liked science because the other teacher who stands out was also a science teacher. I can see his face, but his name is eluding me. I know there were a lot of great teachers in my career in school, but Mr. Borinski tops them all.
As I sat in the back row of the room waiting for the bell to ring to start class I remember thinking that maybe I had taken the wrong class. Would I really be able to handle the stress of a class I wasn't meant to take? The bell rang and Mr. Borinski walked to the front of the room. He wasn't necessarily a scary man, however he was a tad bit intimidating. He proceeded to tell us how hard the year was going to be and how the freshmen in the class should think really hard about whether or not we wanted to cotinue in the class.
He succeeded with a lot of the freshemen, he almost succeeded with me. Until I realized what he was trying to do. He wanted the students who really had no desire to be there out of his class. I don't blame him, and it gave me the resolve to take the class and do my very best.
I LOVED biology and went on to take his AP Biology class and the genetics class he taught as well. I'm not altogether sure why it is that I think he is such a great teacher, but I do know that I had fun in his classes. Something about him made me sit at the edge of my chair and soak up the information he was teaching us.
Right before our AP exam he took our AP Biology class on a retreat to Breckenridge, CO for a 4 day study session. Who knew studying with 13 other kids for 4 straight days would be so much fun?!?
If I was to be a highschool teacher (which will never happen because highschoolers are WAY to mouthy), I would want to be like Mr. Borinski.
I'm really glad that I stuck it out and stayed in the class. If I hadn't I may not have had the opportunity to have Mr. Borinski as a teacher as there were 2 other teachers who taught Biology.
It's funny to look back and evaluate the different teachers I had through school. Maybe I just really liked science because the other teacher who stands out was also a science teacher. I can see his face, but his name is eluding me. I know there were a lot of great teachers in my career in school, but Mr. Borinski tops them all.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Wordful Wednesday
When I was growing up my mother was EVERYTHING. She did everything, she's just an amazing woman. And even though my mom has always been there for me (I wrote about her as my hero a while ago for Wordful Wednesday), I thought I'd pick someone else in my life who has technically never been a mother and yet has mothered so very many.
This wonderful woman is my Great Aunt Ila. Aunt Ila was born in 1911 and grew up on a farm in Nebraska. She (if I remember correctly) has several degrees, worked as a business woman and also married a man I have never personally me. She lived through the Great Depression, not being able to have children and the death of her husband, parents and all of her siblings. She is a STRONG woman who rarely lets something stand in her way. She is the epitome of what a lady should be. She is dignified and well poised. She ALWAYS matches and usually wears a hat, even to church when most people today don't think hats are appropriate indoors.
this is Aunt Ila with my youngest daughter- Christmas 2008
Aunt Ila finally submitted a few years ago to live in an Retirement home and has recently moved to the Assisted Living section much to her dismay.
There was a time in my life where I found her old fashioned ways annoying and didn't want to visit her and her opinions since she says whatever is on her mind. However, now I would give almost anything to be able to share my time with her and to learn of her. She has so much knowledge and wisdom. She may say I need to loose a few pounds or that my hair looks obnoxious (like she did when krimpers were the style). But, she also tells me the truth and she adores my children-some of whom are adopted which makes a difference to some people but not to her.
I'm very GRATEFUL to be able to claim her as my Aunt, and I am happy to say that even my children love Aunt Ila. My oldest daughter had an Easter hat on the other day and told me that the next time she goes to see Aunt Ila she's going to wear the hat because Aunt Ila would like to see it. And, KatieJo also likes to "match like Aunt Ila" and would never dream of going to see Aunt Ila unless she is wearing her Sunday best. It's possible that I have influenced my children to behave this way for my Aunt, and it's possible that my mother influenced us to do the same. But Aunt Ila is a lady and deserves our very best.
Happy Mothers Day Aunt Ila, I love you!
This wonderful woman is my Great Aunt Ila. Aunt Ila was born in 1911 and grew up on a farm in Nebraska. She (if I remember correctly) has several degrees, worked as a business woman and also married a man I have never personally me. She lived through the Great Depression, not being able to have children and the death of her husband, parents and all of her siblings. She is a STRONG woman who rarely lets something stand in her way. She is the epitome of what a lady should be. She is dignified and well poised. She ALWAYS matches and usually wears a hat, even to church when most people today don't think hats are appropriate indoors.
this is Aunt Ila with my youngest daughter- Christmas 2008There was a time in my life where I found her old fashioned ways annoying and didn't want to visit her and her opinions since she says whatever is on her mind. However, now I would give almost anything to be able to share my time with her and to learn of her. She has so much knowledge and wisdom. She may say I need to loose a few pounds or that my hair looks obnoxious (like she did when krimpers were the style). But, she also tells me the truth and she adores my children-some of whom are adopted which makes a difference to some people but not to her.
I'm very GRATEFUL to be able to claim her as my Aunt, and I am happy to say that even my children love Aunt Ila. My oldest daughter had an Easter hat on the other day and told me that the next time she goes to see Aunt Ila she's going to wear the hat because Aunt Ila would like to see it. And, KatieJo also likes to "match like Aunt Ila" and would never dream of going to see Aunt Ila unless she is wearing her Sunday best. It's possible that I have influenced my children to behave this way for my Aunt, and it's possible that my mother influenced us to do the same. But Aunt Ila is a lady and deserves our very best.
Happy Mothers Day Aunt Ila, I love you!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Inspiration-Wordful Wednesdays
My mother (Kathie) with 3 of my childrenFor as long as I could remember my mom was always going to school and working full-time. At the time I took her for granted. She was just there to provide for us...right? Now that I have children of my own (and I don't work full-time outside of the house and I don't go to school full-time), I finally realize how much she really had on her plate. My mother has two bachelors degrees, and a Master plus 80 hours. She is one smart woman who is constantly bettering herself. (Although she says she won't be getting a doctorate degree.) It took me having children of my own to realize how much my own mother gave up to continue on with her career and her schooling. I can't imagine leaving my children everyday and be gone for hours upon hours and then having to do her practicum (she is a school psychologist). She was just plain amazing.
She inspires me to be a better person. It is because of her that I love to read. It is because of her that I love to do crafts and that I can sew (even though when she wanted to teach me I had no desire to learn). It is because of her that I am the person that I am...although I would say my dad did play a HUGE part in that as well. And it is her that plays the grandmother role to a perfect T. My children, even the ones who won't go to anyone but me will choose to spend time with her over me.
I'm thankful to be able to call her my mother and I'm grateful to call her my friend.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Humor
Something Humorous is the task from Chocolate on My Cranium this week. Hmmm, something funny? There are a lot of things that I find funny in my life, however they tend to get lost in translation. I guess like most people, my children amuse me and make me laugh on a daily basis. For instance, this morning when my two-year-old had a dirty diaper. I told him he stunk and asked him to come lay down for a diaper change. He looked me in the eyes and said "I not stink, you stink momma." He then told me I need to change MY diaper.
When my oldest daughter was about 3 she had some hearing problems which we didn't know about at the time. Because of those hearing problems she mispronounced a lot of words. One day while we were at church she looked at me with all seriousness and asked if we could have "porn" (better known as corn in our home) for dinner. I about died! Everyone around us however about died laughing.
Happy April Fool's Day!
When my oldest daughter was about 3 she had some hearing problems which we didn't know about at the time. Because of those hearing problems she mispronounced a lot of words. One day while we were at church she looked at me with all seriousness and asked if we could have "porn" (better known as corn in our home) for dinner. I about died! Everyone around us however about died laughing.
Happy April Fool's Day!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
I LOVE books!
I am an avid reader. When I was younger I had a book drawer and rather than ground me when I didn't do my chores or got in trouble my mom would take away my book drawer. However because I have small children I tend to pick books that are VERY quick reads because I will stay up well in to the night to read a book. I do love a good Romance though, and if that romance takes place in Scotland, Ireland or England in Medieval times all the better in my opinion. I'm not sure if I have any books that I LOVE from this genre though.
I also love books based in the Civil War Era such as the Faith of our Fathers series by Nancy Campbell Allen. I also enjoy reading the The Kingdom and the Crown series by Gerald Lund. I LOVE how those books give a different perspective than the one I already have of the events that happened. Since I seem to be listing off books to read I'll give another suggestion if you haven't read them is the books by Orson Scott Card; Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel and Leah. I wasn't sure about these 3 books to begin with, however I found that these women may have been A LOT different from the women I was taught about growing up.
My all time favorite is Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery. I have ALWAYS loved this book and can read it over and over again. I love how I can get lost in the characters and live vicariously through Anne.
It's kind of funny that I list all these books (or series) that I like to read, because I have a very hard time picking out books for myself to read. I don't have issues picking out books for my children to read; however for myself I usually depend upon the recommendation of others (especially my sister-in-law Aimee and my mother-in-law...they pick out the GREATEST books!). For this reason I LOVE going to book club because I am somewhat forced to read books I may never have picked up (such as the Beekeepers Apprentice by Laurie King).
And since the weather seems to be warming up, what a perfect opportunity to head outside while the kids play and read a good book! Happy Reading!
I also love books based in the Civil War Era such as the Faith of our Fathers series by Nancy Campbell Allen. I also enjoy reading the The Kingdom and the Crown series by Gerald Lund. I LOVE how those books give a different perspective than the one I already have of the events that happened. Since I seem to be listing off books to read I'll give another suggestion if you haven't read them is the books by Orson Scott Card; Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel and Leah. I wasn't sure about these 3 books to begin with, however I found that these women may have been A LOT different from the women I was taught about growing up.
My all time favorite is Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery. I have ALWAYS loved this book and can read it over and over again. I love how I can get lost in the characters and live vicariously through Anne.
It's kind of funny that I list all these books (or series) that I like to read, because I have a very hard time picking out books for myself to read. I don't have issues picking out books for my children to read; however for myself I usually depend upon the recommendation of others (especially my sister-in-law Aimee and my mother-in-law...they pick out the GREATEST books!). For this reason I LOVE going to book club because I am somewhat forced to read books I may never have picked up (such as the Beekeepers Apprentice by Laurie King).
And since the weather seems to be warming up, what a perfect opportunity to head outside while the kids play and read a good book! Happy Reading!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Wordful Wednesday-Books
I LOVE to read! My children love to read. When my oldest son was 3 he decided that he needed to know how to read and asked me to teach him. To my surprise it was incredibly easy (and it prompted his older sister to decide it couldn't possibly be that hard since her younger brother was doing it). I used a book called Teach your Child to read in 100 easy lessons. My sister-in-laws swear by the book so I thought I'd give it a try. Turns out it was great! It didn't take all 100 lessons, I'm not sure we even got half way through the book. But it gave us the foundation that we expanded upon with other books.
One of my favorite books to read with them (before they started reading to me) was (is with my younger children) Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You? by Dr. Seuss. I'm not normally a big fan of Dr. Seuss, but I absolutely LOVE this book. I love that we go through the whole book and make all of the noises. I love that my older children will make the noises right along with our two-year-old. It has to be one of the best books for children! I also really enjoy Dr. Seuss's ABC book. My husband majored in music and taught music for a few years before moving on to be a Spanish teacher; and he used this book for warmups in his classes. When we read this book it is always sung in our home. That may sound funny, but it's great to hear everybody singing a book!
One of my favorite books to read with them (before they started reading to me) was (is with my younger children) Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You? by Dr. Seuss. I'm not normally a big fan of Dr. Seuss, but I absolutely LOVE this book. I love that we go through the whole book and make all of the noises. I love that my older children will make the noises right along with our two-year-old. It has to be one of the best books for children! I also really enjoy Dr. Seuss's ABC book. My husband majored in music and taught music for a few years before moving on to be a Spanish teacher; and he used this book for warmups in his classes. When we read this book it is always sung in our home. That may sound funny, but it's great to hear everybody singing a book!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Love for Self
This is a topic I have struggled with for years. Everyday I tell myself the basic "Heavenly Father loves you, Stuart loves you...." etc. But I don't know that I really ever believe it (my husband just read this and as a disclaimer I DO know that he loves me). I've been trying all day to find the lyrics to Michael McLeans' song She doesn't know (I couldn't find them...sorry). I heard this song at a Time Out For Women a couple years ago and it really struck me to the core.
I may on a daily basis fight to think I am worth anything, but I really feel that I am "blinded by the light". I NEVER look at the things I do as something good. Most of the time I feel that the things that I accomplish don't quite measure up and I have to have the affirmation of someone else before I'll even consider something I do remotely good. However, I am trying to change my ways. I have 4 beautiful children and my goal in life is for them to be confident in who they are. If I don't model confidence and a genuine love for myself how will they ever learn that they too should have that confidence in themselves?
The Savior DOES love me for who I am, my short comings, my accomplishments and just me. If he loves me like that, I too need to love myself.
I do a lot of neat things. Unfortunately I often get side tracked with the commotion in my home. I really enjoy scrapbooking, crocheting, playing the piano, and a recently discovered love for making hair bows for my daughters. I of course don't get a lot of time to do these things, however I spent several hours on Saturday (during nap time) making hair bows which I am pleased to say turned out lovely. I have also been practicing the piano not only because I am accompaning my husband on Sunday but because I have some songs that I've been wanting to learn for more years than I care to admit. My oldest son asked me this afternoon after I had stopped practicing "Where did I learn to play so good". Oh how I wish I could see myself through his eyes! I am very grateful for that comment because even if he's not a judge at some prestigious competition, in his eyes what I did was great. And, I enjoyed myself in the process of getting his approval.
I have many talents some of which I am just discovering and others that I've known about for a long time. But loving my talents is a start to learning to love the whole me. And that's where I plan to begin to love myself just a little bit more everyday!
I may on a daily basis fight to think I am worth anything, but I really feel that I am "blinded by the light". I NEVER look at the things I do as something good. Most of the time I feel that the things that I accomplish don't quite measure up and I have to have the affirmation of someone else before I'll even consider something I do remotely good. However, I am trying to change my ways. I have 4 beautiful children and my goal in life is for them to be confident in who they are. If I don't model confidence and a genuine love for myself how will they ever learn that they too should have that confidence in themselves?
The Savior DOES love me for who I am, my short comings, my accomplishments and just me. If he loves me like that, I too need to love myself.
I do a lot of neat things. Unfortunately I often get side tracked with the commotion in my home. I really enjoy scrapbooking, crocheting, playing the piano, and a recently discovered love for making hair bows for my daughters. I of course don't get a lot of time to do these things, however I spent several hours on Saturday (during nap time) making hair bows which I am pleased to say turned out lovely. I have also been practicing the piano not only because I am accompaning my husband on Sunday but because I have some songs that I've been wanting to learn for more years than I care to admit. My oldest son asked me this afternoon after I had stopped practicing "Where did I learn to play so good". Oh how I wish I could see myself through his eyes! I am very grateful for that comment because even if he's not a judge at some prestigious competition, in his eyes what I did was great. And, I enjoyed myself in the process of getting his approval.
I have many talents some of which I am just discovering and others that I've known about for a long time. But loving my talents is a start to learning to love the whole me. And that's where I plan to begin to love myself just a little bit more everyday!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Wordful Wednesday
This topic stumped me. How DO I show affection? So, I turned to my most reliable resource....my wonderful husband. He smiled at me and said "Food".
"What?" I asked
"Not necessarily food, but you show it through food or crafts or gifts. You want to give something or do something for people."
As I think more about it, he's right. I like my house to be clean not only for me, but it's part of how I show my love for my family. I enjoy cooking and baking as long as my family is enjoying it (although I do make pea soup despite their complaints because I like it!).
I enjoy making things for my friends and family. I LOVE coming up with new things to make them, and I LOVE buying them things; especially if I get a good deal on the item because I am EXTREMELY frugal!
I try to be very vocal with my love for my children. I tend to be critical and even though I know I love my children I make a point to cuddle with them or give them "eskimo kisses" at random moments. I also try to put notes in their lunch boxes telling them how much I love them.
As for my husband, I attempt to bring him lunch at work almost everyday.
I would consider myself "behind the scenes" in regards to my show of affection. I don't enjoy public display of affections, although I am a very huggy person as I come from a very huggy family. I enjoy getting hugs, and I enjoy giving hugs. I remember right after Stuart and I were married, my grandma was saying goodbye to Stuart and she gave him a hug and planted a kiss right smack dab on the lips. Stuart isn't from a very "touchy, feely" family and so I'm sure you can imagine the look on his face. He has since grown accustomed to my family and that part of the family. It just goes to show how "huggy" I am. However, if I am in public I do NOT like to show affection. Which is one of the reasons Stuart enjoys singing about me in public because I will literally walk (or run) as fast as I can away from him. He thinks it's hilarious and will chase me singing about how beautiful I am.
I sure do LOVE my family!
"What?" I asked
"Not necessarily food, but you show it through food or crafts or gifts. You want to give something or do something for people."
As I think more about it, he's right. I like my house to be clean not only for me, but it's part of how I show my love for my family. I enjoy cooking and baking as long as my family is enjoying it (although I do make pea soup despite their complaints because I like it!).
I enjoy making things for my friends and family. I LOVE coming up with new things to make them, and I LOVE buying them things; especially if I get a good deal on the item because I am EXTREMELY frugal!
I try to be very vocal with my love for my children. I tend to be critical and even though I know I love my children I make a point to cuddle with them or give them "eskimo kisses" at random moments. I also try to put notes in their lunch boxes telling them how much I love them.
As for my husband, I attempt to bring him lunch at work almost everyday.
I would consider myself "behind the scenes" in regards to my show of affection. I don't enjoy public display of affections, although I am a very huggy person as I come from a very huggy family. I enjoy getting hugs, and I enjoy giving hugs. I remember right after Stuart and I were married, my grandma was saying goodbye to Stuart and she gave him a hug and planted a kiss right smack dab on the lips. Stuart isn't from a very "touchy, feely" family and so I'm sure you can imagine the look on his face. He has since grown accustomed to my family and that part of the family. It just goes to show how "huggy" I am. However, if I am in public I do NOT like to show affection. Which is one of the reasons Stuart enjoys singing about me in public because I will literally walk (or run) as fast as I can away from him. He thinks it's hilarious and will chase me singing about how beautiful I am.
I sure do LOVE my family!
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