4.22.2013

One of those days?


Have you ever had one of those days? It seems like everything that could go wrong, has. Your children were up earlier than usual. You spilled coffee {ahem, espresso} grounds all over kitchen counter. One of the kids wet the bed. You slammed your arm into the counter... again. Everyone wants to argue. There is yelling. Words are said. Hurt is done. All before breakfast.
I have had a few of these days. Sleep was short. Patience is thin. Life seems a mess. What do you do? Can you push reset? Literally? No. But you can step back and re-boot.

  1. Take it to God. Ask Him to forgive you, or if you don't think you're in the wrong, then ask Him to show you what you did wrong. I know this one can be tough but we are all sinners. Asking God to show us our own sin can lighten our load. If we know we are sinning and God points it out to us then we are ready to make a change. It can also point us in the right direction to forgiveness. Ask God to help you forgive the counter if you have to because you know you had ill feelings and every time you see the bruise on your arm those feelings are going to bubble up again. So, just get over it now. Then ask your kids or husband or whomever it may be for forgiveness. Apologize. I don't care who started it, ask God for help and then do it!
  2. Take a minute (or 30) and do some deep breathing. Even if you have to lock yourself in the bathroom.  Get that heart rate back under marathon pace. Drink some cold water or some hot tea. Lay down. Do some stretches. Read a good devotional or head to Proverbs or Psalms to refresh.
  3. Get out! Really! Go get some fresh air, weather permitting. Heck, why not go dance and play in the rain? Do something fun. Plan a picnic for lunch. Take a walk. Play at the park. But also take a moment to appreciate the world around you. We have so many gifts that God gives us each day but a lot of us have a tendency to overlook them. If we stop each day and search for the simple things that we usually take for granted that can help us fill our hearts with joy.
  4. Call a friend. Read this! Don't just skip the explanation, because this is important! Do not call your friend to complain or moan about your day. If you are in the same area, invite her to coffee or lunch. If you are far away, have a good heart to heart or even send a note. Put the focus on your friend. What does she need? How was her morning? Take the focus of yourself and your rough morning. Putting others first is sure to help your heart re-boot.
  5. Remember that this is only one day. You'll have so many days that you look back on, you're not going to remember the stupid counter that nearly ripped your arm off. You'll remember the picnic, the dancing in the rain, the coffee with a friend. Vow to get to bed earlier and wake up refreshed tomorrow. Talk to God and ask Him to help you tomorrow. Be careful how you word your prayer. You might just get what you ask for. 

4.19.2013

A few pictures from this week.

Nikolas painting sun catchers. 
"We're on an important mission."
Joshua had to write an apology to me. His phonics skills are great!
My guys! 
Beautiful cherry blossoms near where we live. 

4.18.2013

I'm Going to the HEAV Convention!

2013 Homeschool Convention
I am so excited to be attending a homeschool convention! I have been checking over the list of exhibitors and speakers. I don't know where to begin, there are so many people, workshops, and du du du... The exhibition hall! A huge hall filled to the brim with homeschool box day! I am super excited to see the Duggars. We don't watch the show (maybe I'll start) but I am in awe of Michelle Duggar's peace and calmness. That can only come from God! I've been looking at Pinterest and reading tips from friends about what to do and must-see ideas.
I know not all my readers homeschool and you might not understand my excitement, but MAN, I AM EXCITED!
Special thanks to my awesome husband who didn't even bat an eyelash when I asked him about going. He doesn't get to go but I think he'll enjoy some quiet time and hopefully a long bike ride while we're gone. I love that guy.

4.12.2013

Playing Tourists

We were busy this last week because we had visitors and we took them to see some of the sights. Less than two weeks ago it was snowing and this week it got as high as 94, but as I type this it is pouring down rain. The weather here in DC is unpredictable to say the least. We started soccer on the hottest day but we still had fun. We visited the cherry blossoms that were late this year. Hopefully, there are some left after this storm. It was a fun week but I'm looking forward to hanging out at home and unpacking some boxes. The story of my life. Always boxes to unpack. We are 22 days from the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer! Please consider making a donation!

At the Peeps Store in National Harbor.
Air and Space Museum.


Visiting the famous cherry blossoms.
At Mount Vernon.


4.05.2013

Happy Birthday Joshua!

A self portrait.
A new camera!
Another self portrait.
Opening gifts.


How it looked outside... in March!


Best buds!


Oreo Ice Cream Cake! YAY!

4.04.2013

Easter Glam

All combed and ready to go to church!
How cute is this guy? Combed his own hair!
Joshua is not a fan!
I wish you could see all his freckles. Love them all!

4.01.2013

Avon Walk for Breast Cancer

As you may already know, I have decided to participate in Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. This is such an important cause to me because this year, an estimated 40,000 women will die from the disease. Breast cancer takes another life every 14 minutes. Another woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every 3 minutes. An estimated three million women are living with breast cancer. One million of them don't yet know it.
As part of the event, I committed to raise money. I would love your support so that I can reach my fundraising goal. With the donations raised, the Avon Foundation will provide support and resources for women affected by this terrible disease. This will help so many people in our own community and throughout the country. Any amount you can give is great; I just appreciate your support. The first weekend in May, here in our nation's capital I will be walking 39.3 miles to help raise awareness and support for breast cancer research. Here is the thing... I need your help.
  1. Please pray for me. While I train I need motivation to stay on track. Prayers for better weather would be great, as well. Also, pray for my fundraising efforts. Times are tough but so is breast cancer. Pray for those effected by breast cancer. We all know someone. 
  2. Financial support. I committed to raise a minimum of $1800. If I don't raise the funds, we pay them out of our own pocket. I have faith that God will provide! There are four ways you can help raise funds.
A special thanks to all that support me, with prayers or financially. It means so much to know you care.