Living a Listful{l} Life

New Digs

2013-02-09T16:48:00.001+01:00

I have new writing digs.

This is actually where my desk started when we first moved into our house. It has since moved down to our conservatory, up to the third floor guest room, back down to the conservatory, back up to the third floor guest room, and now its back here again.

I'm loving it. A girl can really focus when she has a desk and a structured place to write and work.

But what about my laptop that I wrote about a bit ago? Eh, for now, our mini mac is serving as my computer...and I'm loving it. HUGE screen. And when I'm in this room, I'm in this room. Focusing on getting things done.

So...I think you'll be hearing from me a bit more often.

On doing what you love.

2013-02-05T13:24:00.000+01:00

I will forever be grateful for the experience I've had over the last two plus years of living overseas. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity. I 'get' to live in a foreign country. I 'get' to be a stay at home mom.

Its an expeience that creates a life with (and this may surprise you) few distractions. So I'm left with a lot of time to realize what I love and value the most in life.

The list starts with my husband, my children, my extended family and my friends.

It continues with writing. I love writing, and I have for a long time. It serves as a respit for me. Sort of like free therapy, and maybe someday, if I play my cards right, it could lead to a career.

I've also learned what I don't love, and one of those things is working as a stay-at-home-mom.

Don't get me wrong, I love my children, with my entire heart. I love my husband and want to support him in any way I can. I love the opportunity I have to see my children grow and develop right before my eyes. But I'm also afraid that I'm screwing them up right before my very eyes. I have no early childhood education training. I will be forever thankful that my son gets to go to nursery school each day so that he can be taught by trained professionals.

I'm a firm believer that God has a plan for each and every one of us. And in some people's plans, working at home as a wife and/or mother is written. But in my plan? I'm pretty sure it was just listed for 2011-2013.

Notice I call it 'working at home' or 'working as a stay-at-home-mom', because it is work. Its a job, and it is one of the most important jobs that is available. And that is why I want to leave it to experts. To the women who are passionate about working at home. I have an undying respect and admiration for those moms {and dads, as the case may be}.

I know I'm an expert on my own children. I value that, and I realize that. But, I also don't think that working outside of the home will be detrimental to my children or to society.

So when my husband did a financial report to see if I would need to go back to work when we move back to the U.S. the findings were positive. Positive because I need to, and positive because in the back of my head, that is what I was hoping would be the case.

In the meantime though? I'll be the best Candyland playing, time out giving and cookie baking {and all of the other 1,000+ things that become a working at home mom's responsibility} mom I can be.

* * *

Monday Mission {week 3}

2013-02-04T20:38:00.001+01:00

Last week it was three smoothies, and I got through them all...thinking I may share a few of the 'recipes'...er, combinations eventually. But for now, lets move on to this week.

On my 34 in 34 list, one of the items is to write an outline for a book (or just write a book). So that's what I'm going to start this week. I want to have at least the rough outline of an idea I have brewing in my brain by the end of the week.

How about you?

Broken.

2013-02-03T16:27:00.001+01:00

My laptop is dead.

Gone. Finito. I turn it on, and it gets to the screen with an apple and a little circle rolling around underneath it and then it goes gray. And doesn't do anything else.

So, if you are wondering why its been a little quiet here? Its because of that. I'm left with two options: typing on my iPad with a keyboard (thank God for that!) or on our Mini Mac, which is connected to the t.v. (so at several points throughout the days, unavailable) in our family room.

There isn't any reason to feel sorry for me. I have options. I can use those other tools. I could get my lazy bum to Glasgow and make an appointment at the Apple store there to see if they could save it. BUT, I want to wait until our trip back to Minnesota in April.

See, to me everything serves as a sign. Its all part of some overall plan, and I think that my laptop being broken is part of that plan. It's Somebody telling me that I need to be on the computer less--at least on the computer without a mission less.

And in a backward way its going to substantially change my habits...in a way I'll detail next weekend. For now? I'm off to spend time with my family.

Hope a good week awaits you; and that you make it a good week.

Monday Missions {week 2}

2013-01-28T08:29:00.001+01:00

Good morning friends!

Here we are, at the 2nd week of our Monday Missions.

First up, did you get your mission done last week? If not...guess what? You could always make that your mission for this week. Life can be interesting and throw us curveballs...so things don't always happen as we would like them to.

My mission....

Accomplished!

Plus, for good measure...I threw in a bit more organizing. The organizing included hole punching Christmas Cards that we received from the past two years and putting them on binder rings--which will serve as decorations next year. And a great way to hold onto cards other than them just sitting in a box.

* * *

This week, I'm going to put something I bought recently to good use. But first...a question. Am I the only one that has a habit of buying kitchen appliances that generally only have one use and then not using them? I sort of had to promise my husband with this last purchase that I wouldn't waste it.

In the effort of building a habit, my mission for this week:

To use my smoothie maker at least three times. I tried it out for the first time yesterday, with a banana-peanut butter smoothie. It was pretty good, but I'm ready and willing to try out some new recipes.

Now, I'm off to fire up pinterest and find some recipes. I have a 'smoothie love' board, and I better start using it.

* * *

So, what is your mission? Share it in the comments below or on our Facebook page. Even better, you could share it on Instagram, and let us know the link. And of course, if you'd like to blog about it, feel free; just pop the link to your post in the comments below or on Facebook.

Source: etsy.com via Jenny on Pinterest

Can't wait to support you this week and hear about your successes next week.

Monday Missions {week 1}

2013-01-21T12:19:00.000+01:00

I feel an idea coming on. Bear (or bare?) with me as I start some rambling.

Mondays. The beginning of a new week. A blank slate (much like the beginning of the new year, yes?). Often a day we lament, because it means a return to work and school and an end to that relaxing time we call 'weekend'.

I want to make it be a day we look forward to instead of dread. I hope you'll join me; and the best news is you don't need to have a blog to join in.

Just choose something to be your mission for the week. Something achievable.

You know that never ending to do list you have in the back of your head? This mission could be to get one of those things checked off this week. Or you could pick something new you want to try (new exercise class or video, new recipe...you get the idea).

Source: Uploaded by user via Jenny on Pinterest

This can be something big. It can be something small. Just make sure you are willing to do it and get it done.

That way when next Monday rolls around, you'll be looking forward to it because:
a. You achieved your goal.
b. You know you'll have the chance to achieve something again that coming week!

AND we will can all share our missions for the week. Lets just start out doing it in the comment section here on the blog or on Facebook. If you have a blog and want to link-up, feel free to provide the link in the comments and I'll plan on stopping by.

Lets do this!

* * *

Oh, I guess I'd better share my mission, right?

Here it is:

That? That is our Christmas tree (and other Christmas decorations). I literally carried it up as it was to our third floor guest room, which is a room that rarely gets used, a few weeks ago. I joked on Instagram (I'm jenlives there) last night that I would keep it up all year, but since we are spending Christmas back in our "home" state of Minnesota this year, I'd better get it packed up.

So that's my mission. Get all Christmas decorations packed up and tucked into the closet.

* * *

Now its your turn! What's your mission?

Who knew an iPhone could teach me about life

2013-01-20T11:42:00.000+01:00

This week my iPhone was incapacitated for two days.

48 hours.

There it is. In a bowl of rice.

I never thought NOT having my iPhone available would teach me something, but it has.

1. Life will go on without it.
That's it. Pretty simple, but true words.

2. There is always a worst case scenario, and really--even that is usually not too bad of a scenario.
For me, the question was 'what if my iPhone doesn't dry out enough and it stops working'? What am I going to do? Well, I have an iPad for most of the things I use the iPhone for (email, social networking, games, kindle app, and the like). So what I'd be missing is texting and the mobile phone. And where I'm at right now those two features rarely get used. Therefore, worst case scenario is that I just go get whatever cheap flip phone option my cell phone carrier has as a replacement. Not so bad, right?

3. Patience is key & quite possibly can be learned.
Many of the articles that gave advice on the rice drying out method advised me to wait 48 hours to turn the phone back on. 48 hours?!?!?

I did it. And it was pretty darn easy...especially after the first three or four hours where I was kicking myself for putting my iPhone into this predicament were over.

4. Many things can be done quicker without the distraction of the iPhone.
Duh. Lesson learned.

5. Learn the signs Jenny. Learn the signs.
Seriously, I took this little accident as a sign from the big Master saying, "Hey lady! Put down your phone and your iPad and pay attention to life. You can't find your good life just by watching everyone else's stream by."

With that...I'm coming up with some technology resolutions. Things like limiting the number of times per day I check in with Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Trying to only play games like Words with Friends and Dice with Buddies a few times a day.

We will see how it goes, but I am hoping that this can be a learning experience for me.

The good news? My phone works. Mostly.

On healthy living....

2013-01-16T12:37:00.001+01:00

As I mentioned in Sunday's post, one of my goals for this week was to share something new with you. This is where I'll do that. So, check that one off the list!

* *

I've been writing about living healthy on this blog ever since I started it, I think. I've started my diets/lifestyle changes over and over again. Lost weight, and then gained it all back again. Over and over and over and over and over and over again. I could probably add in some more overs, and be good...but you get the idea.

So here is the story. I'm taking that discussion off of this blog for the most part.

I want this blog to be a positive place the majority of the time. I want it truly be about living a listful and listfull life. About being attentive to my children, husband, friends and family. About taking ahold of life, and really living it. About checking items off of my bucket list, my 34 in 34 list, my reading list and sharing those stories with you. And maybe just about random, goofy subjects too.

Source: mycrazy-beautifulife.tumblr.com via Jenny on Pinterest

And to be frank--the journey to losing weight and living healthy isn't always a fun and happy journey. There are some deep seeded things in my psyche that I think affect my resolve and ability to reach my goals. I want to process those somewhere, and so I created a new blog.

I was going to make it private, because this journey can be a personal one. Especially when I start working through some of those 'deep seeded things'. But, that isn't fair. There are other people on this journey too, that I think might benefit from reading my story. Learning that they aren't alone. And my hope is eventually its a place where I can share recipes, exercise information and the like.

The blog is called Jen Lives Healthy. For now it is pretty 'bare bones', because I'm focusing on the writing. You can click above or below on my pic to get there. And feel free to subscribe by email or on your blog reader to keep up with the journey.

Source: jenliveshealthy.blogspot.co.uk via Jenny on Pinterest

That picture above? From our recent trip to Minnesota in November. I love it because it represents a time when I was feel VERY healthy and confident. I was 'going strong' on Game On, got almost a perfect score-even while being on vacation for ten days. I was actually using the fitness room in the hotel...it was epic. Ha.

But no...really. I want to get back to that place, and stay there. That's my goal and my intent for 2013.

I need to 'kuit' them.

2013-01-09T12:22:00.000+01:00

It started with the Beverly Hillbillies and Sanford & Sons.
It continued with Beverly Hills, 90210 (the original, thankyouverymuch), Blossom and Friends.
It remains with Parenthood, Grey's Anatomy and The Good Wife.

Source: google.com via Nancy on Pinterest

"It" is my addiction to television.

Perhaps its not an addiction.

Evidence?

I can stop watching at anytime. Really, I can.
I don't even subscribe to one of the streaming services that brings U.S. television straight to my computer in Scotland.
I've only subscribed to one season pass on iTunes this television year (that'd be for aforementioned Parenthood).

It might take up too much of my time right now, but a girl needs something to help fill her days when the sun barely comes out, and when the sun does come out its for about SIX whole hours a day. TV is better than some things, anyways.

Not a huge deal, right?

But. BUT. The day came.

I said it never would.

Source: usmagazine.com via Us Weekly on Pinterest

Keeping up with the Kardashians. Khloe & Lamar. Khloe & Kim take Miami.

What is it with these people? I always said, "I'll never watch that show. Follow them on Twitter or Instagram or {insert social media here}. They are famous for nothing. Every single kid's name starts with the same letter." Oh. Wait. That last one was never a reason.

The fact remains that January 2013 has become my downfall. I blame it on the UK E! network. Just about every other hour you can find an episode featuring one of the sisters. Why am I sucked in? Have I learned anything from these episodes?

No, not really.

Well, I take that back.

Bruce gave Kourtney a piece of advice on one of the shows yesterday, "your relationship is never going to be better than it is when you are dating. Marriage doesn't make anything better." Nah, don't agree.

And then there was the time he told Kim, "a house is to make memories in." Duh.

Okay, so yeah..I've learned nothing. Um. Intervention needed. Now. I need to ~~quit~~ kuit the Kardashians.

But first...I'm off to see how if the launch of Rob's dress sock company is successful.

No spoilers please. {wink}

Five Minute Friday: Opportunity

2013-01-04T15:01:00.002+01:00

Eeek. Two posts in one day?

Don't get used to this people. {smile}

BUT today is Friday, which means Five Minute Friday and I love a good Five Minute Friday. Plus, I was thinking...Lisa-Jo describes this as a 'flash mob'. I have 'being part of a flash mob' on my bucket list. Do you think this counts? Ha. Okay, maybe not.

This week's prompt? Opportunity.

* *

"You think too much," my husband says.

Hopeful, I reply, "I know. I'm trying to change that. Trying to take a break from it."

And 2013 lays open like a blank canvas. Waiting for me to paint that different picture for myself. One that includes less thinking and more doing. Maybe some planning, but putting the notes down and not over thinking them.

This year is ripe with opportunity. Opportunity to take advantage of the blank canvas that is our lives and forge ahead to create the perfect landscape.

I know its not all in my hands, and that makes it even easier to leave some of the thinking to someone else--He doesn't even need to think, because He already knows how the painting will look.

* *

The idea is to write for five minutes, unedited and hit publish. Link up over here:

ENOUGH. Again.

2013-01-04T14:44:00.002+01:00

First off, I have to tell you something.

It makes me a happy person to have not set resolutions this year.

I say that, but of course I still plan to lose weight. Duh. And I'll do it this year. Just you wait and see. And I think my word of the year is going to help me.

Before I get to the word though, I'll admit that this isn't the first word I decided on.

I had been planning on the word 'commitment'. Why commitment? Because basically I suck at follow-thru. Not all the time, but when it comes to things like eating right, losing weight, dental hygiene, etc...I find myself staying on track for a few weeks (or even months) and then seriously 'falling of the wagon'.

And as I thought about it some more...the reason I think that I falter with those things is because I generally beat myself up WAY TOO MUCH. I am 100% too hard on myself. How can I stick with things if the second I do the wrong thing I am down on myself.

Negative thoughts + negative feelings = negative results.

I've had self esteem issues since, hmm...probably 1st grade? I had a classmate ask me if I dyed my eyebrows (imagine a girl with VERY blond hair and VERY dark eyebrows). Since then, I've worried what people are thinking. And I usually don't imagine that they are thinking good things.

* *

Not sure what it is, but something has just clicked for me in the last few days, and I'm feeling even more strongly about the post I wrote on Wednesday that we all need to take it easy on ourselves.

So.

My word of the year for 2013 will be:

ENOUGH

I am enough.
Enough of thinking too much.
I have spent enough time being hard on myself.
Enough wasting time. Enough excuses. Get IT {no matter what it is...including losing weight} done already.

* *

I've got a bunch of changes that I'm making, but I am introducing them slowly. Instead of attacking the year with gusto, I'm making one or two small changes each week so that by mid-February I'm doing all of the things I want to accomplish and have set a goal of committing to, behaviors that will have me acting like the Jenny that's in my head and that I aspire too.

But until then, and even if I don't accomplish all of that, I know that I'm enough.

Anything new just makes for a 'new & improved' Jenny.

There isn't anything wrong with the current model, but everyone needs a change once in a while.

2013. I am enough.

2013-01-02T15:16:00.000+01:00

Here's the story.

Just like a lot of folks out there, each year I've come up with resolutions that I don't end up keeping much past January 12.

Even when I went a different route in 2012 and chose the word 'brave' as my word of the year, I accomplished about 2.5 of the 10 ways I outlined I'd be brave.

This year? I'm going to start out with a different idea.

Source: wipkits.blogspot.com via Jenny on Pinterest

Here is my question for you (It's also the one I've been asking myself for the last few days):
Why do we need to start every year thinking of how we need to fix ourselves?

So often, resolutions are things that we think we need to improve about ourselves. It seems self defeating to start the year off with an attitude that adjustment is needed, when really...just about every person {especially those reading this blog} are pretty darn good people. Exactly as the person that they are today.

That means you. Yes. You.

I dare you to join me.

Sit back and just enjoy the clean slate. Imagine the opportunities to come in 2013.

Make some plans, get your calendar and planner ready. But don't go making 101 changes today. Take it slowly. Work yourself into it.

No, I'm not giving up on the whole idea of resolutions or having a 'word of the year'. In fact, I am beyond excited about 2013, its opportunities and the clean slate tht it provides.

And I have big plans. But more on that later.

For now?

Source: Uploaded by user via Tracy on Pinterest

And yes. You are too. You are smart enough. You are good enough. And if you're reading my blog, than surely I must like you, right?

2012

2012-12-31T17:55:00.000+01:00

There is so much to be grateful for in 2012. When I look at back at this year in the future, I hope I am remembering the days and experiences that I've represented with my 12 favorite photos.

Our little lady turned one all the way back on February 1. Her golden birthday.

Then her big brother turned three about a month later. He continues to be a major ham in front of the camera...not that I'm complaining in the least. And it was his big year to start nursery school.

We repeatedly took advantage of the warmer days that involved sun.

Because in the fall, winter and spring months here in Scotland they can be few and far between.

This photo is of J#4 tentatively taking steps outside in March...by the end of the year she was running and taking the slide on her own.

I think my absolute favorite part of 2012 was watching these two develop a sister/brother relationship. Their random hugs and cuddles are probably the best thing I've seen in my life. This was the first one where they got together on their own; I was lucky enough to capture it.

Then came visitors and travel.

First up, one of my best friends and her husband came for a stay.

Then came my Mom...

Who also joined us up in Inverness and at Loch Ness (where this picture was taken)

In July we had the opportunity to take a cruise and visit Sweden, Denmark, Estonia and Russia. Amazing. Too many photos to choose from. So...

The kiddos had to share a bed. 'Nuff said.

Then just a few weeks later, my brother and his family came to Scotland to see us.

We all got to make some priceless memories during their visit.

September was a month for hiking and continued to verify that in fact,

Scotland does have some beautiful terrains.

And then we ended out the year with a trip back to Minnesota for Thanksgiving...

where J#4 got her first manicure.

And last, a trip to Rome for Christmas.

Huh. I'm grateful to have the chance to look back at this year this way. When you are in the 'thick of it' --with sick kids, a dirty house or cloudy skys--its hard to remember all the highlights, but there have been quite a few.

I hope you all have a happy new year's eve. Ours will be quiet, but enjoyable.

And tomorrow? My plans and thoughts on 2013. Here's to making it the best year yet!

# #

Linking up with Leslie today for a December session of Thanks-living.

Hope

2012-12-16T15:27:00.000+01:00

In light of the tragic events that occurred on Friday, its hard for me to think of anything to share. I've been a bit paralyzed the last few days--by both the events in Conneticut and just plain real life--but one thing remains.

Hope.

"Patience with others is love, patience with self is hope, and patience with God is faith." ~Adel Bestavros

And with that, I want to share link to a photo and words of mine about hope that a fellow blogger is sharing today. Click on over to Nasreen's blog for her 3rd day of her 12 days of Christmas: Snapshots of Hope.

Vulnerability vs. Complaining?

2012-12-11T13:15:00.000+01:00

Just last Thursday I wrote this about 'trying'. And then this weekend happened.

And that whole idea went in the rubbish bin.

"I have missed out on a lot of freedom because of my fear of rejection. We may call it "people pleasing," but it is entirely self-serving because it is really all about keeping myself comfortable. Boiled down, it could be more accurately called, "me pleasing". (Emily Freeman, Grace for the Good Girl Chapter 8)

And I was going to write a little bitty blog post about not having blogging 'mojo' right now, so I'd be taking a break. But that isn't true. That'd be me fearing what ya'll would think about what I am writing here today.

So this is what is happening...

* *
I've been reading and hearing a lot recently about being vulnerable. About taking off masks.

I haven't finished Emily Freeman's Grace for the Good Girl: Letting go of the Try-Hard Life yet, and for some reason, I'm not attacking it {even though I LOVE it}. Probably because I feel like I could have written it. Seriously. I've highlighted about half of what I've read already. And I'm guessing that means there is going to be something very revealing for me, possibly life changing, that I'm going to read. And that makes me just a bit nervous.

And then there was this video by Brene Brown that a very good friend shared with me.

Got me right at the core. It's about 20 minutes long, but definitely worth a watch; and you can be quite sure the next book I read {which I hear is also life changing} will be her Daring Greatly.

* *

So I keep finding distractions from finishing Grace for the Good Girl. And honestly, right now? It's easy. Stay tuned for just a sec.

This is where I raise the question: When does showing your vulnerability and taking off the masks of being a good girl or being 'fine' just change into plain 'ole complaining and whining?

My husband is out of town. Both of my kids are sick. One of them, at least yesterday, was the puking kind. We don't have a car here so if I had to figure out how to go to the doctor {which since I'm pretty sure they both just have a good 'ole cold/flu combo I won't} it would probably have to be by taxi, because I haven't really made any friends close enough here that I feel like I could call to drive us. Maybe they could watch one of the kids while I took the other to the doctor. BUT the kids are sick-and all of my friends have kids, so I can't really ask them to watch my sick kids and risk getting their kids sick. And then when one is puking? The other is in the bathroom and needs my help.

And I just wish my mom, or my mother- or father-in-law or brother and sister-in-law where here to help "relieve" me.

And wah, wah, wah....I think you get the idea. And I could go on, and on, and on. Trust me on that one.

* *

So I guess I need to keep reading these books. Maybe at some point they will tell me how to be vulnerable without complaining?

* *

Or how to just let myself be vulnerable without feeling like I'm a doofus.

Because I live in Scotland. And my husband just has to travel now and then {not be away for months, years or a lifetime}. And about 350 days a year {my son DOES go to school...sicknesses come in the house} I have two of the healthiest, cutest, smartest kids in the world.

Why the heck should I even get to be vulnerable {not 'fine'}? Why do I get to complain? I shouldn't be allowed.

* *

Okay, so I'm thinking the definitions of vulnerable vs. complaining are fundamentally different. But when I think of putting myself out there? It isn't the positive stuff I'm afraid of putting out there; I feel pretty comfortable with doing that.

It's the deep down feelings...the sadness, the frustrations, the anxiety, the feelings of inadequacy...that's what makes me vulnerable. And that's when I come to the question of where being vulnerable ends and complaining begins.

***

And now I've decided its okay to not be devouring Emily's book, because I'm joining in over at Wild & Precious for an online book club of sorts, and this week the link up is about chapters 9 & 10, and I'm on chapter 11. Perfect timing.

And on Thursday, I'll be joining over at Royal Daughter Designs for Desire to Inspire. Although I'm not sure how inspiring this post is. But, its not a 'fluff' post, that's for sure.

You gotta get up and try, try, try

2012-12-06T20:36:00.000+01:00

I have a love/hate relationship with the online world.

On the one hand--its a great way to share our life. It's a great way to stay in touch with people.

And then on the other hand? It causes comparison. It causes me to be consumed by things (which aren't living) or people that aren't living in my house.

It's also a place of inspiration and a source of support. And for me, its an excuse, a tool for procrastination.

See what I'm saying about the double edged sword that is the interwebs?

"Stop blaming people, circumstances, the devil or even God for things that go wrong, & start being the person God intended you to be!" -Joyce Meyer

I got that reminder above in my facebook feed yesterday.

See?

See what I mean?

* *

I'm in a 'weird' place right now. At least my mind is... Surely it has something to do with being away from 'home' during the holiday season, Scotland's short days, and all kinds of other things. And I really want this little corner of the web to be a happy place. A helpful place.

So this is what I'm gonna do. Here on the blog...and in life. I'm going get up and try, try, try.

I've gotta get up and try to live in the moment, and try to be attentive to my daily life and try to live healthily. Daily. Hourly.

I've gotta be that person that God intended me to be.

Its about soldiering on. Because eventually I get into a sunnier, lighter and easier part of life, and look back on this time with fondness.

Seriously. That's what has always happened to me.

I know. I'm an odd duck.

* *

I'm trying something new this week and linking up with Kat at Mama's Losin' it! She provides writing prompts on Tuesdays, and hosts a link-up on Thursdays. The prompt I worked off today was "Take a line from a song you love and turn it into the title of your next blog post. Let the content follow." The song? P!nk's Try.

being thankful for this

2012-11-29T10:06:00.001+01:00

I have so much on my mind, I don't even know where to start.

There are memories of our trip back to Minnesota that I want to share.
There are thoughts on family and friends that are like family that I want to share.
There are thoughts on happiness and gratefulness that I want to share.
There are thoughts on living in the moment that I want to share.
There are thoughts about focusing on the most important things in life that I want to share.
There are thoughts on the holiday season that I want to share.
There are always thoughts and successes dealing with living healthy that I want to share.

But for now? I'm just going to be thankful that I have this spot to share all those things.

And spend some time collecting my thoughts.
Stick around... I feel a flood of blog posts coming on.

Source: pinterest.com via Jenny on Pinterest

* * *

Linking up with Lovely Little Whimsy, the Fontenot Four and Black Tag Diaries for Thankful Thursday. AND Top of the Page for November Thanksliving.

so about these Liebster Awards part 3

2012-11-23T07:00:00.000+01:00

Finally, eleven more questions to answer. Who am I kidding? I'm sure most of you are out shopping your little bums off... but for those of you just hanging out, enjoy!

Just a reminder: Monday was 11 facts, Wednesday was the 1st set of questions and now one more set from Marci at Life with Joys.

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1. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Eek. I don't think I have one? It would be more the tradition of foods. For instance, the awesome cheese spread my mother-in-law makes, the stuffing that my brother (now) makes that is my Mom's recipe, green been casserole at Thanksgiving. {no wonder I have weight issues, huh?}

2. Do you prefer heels or flip flops? flip flops. Oh wow, flip flops.

3. What is your love language? You know...I really need to read that book. Once I do, I'll get back to you. {wink}

4. Who inspires you to be a better person? My daughter.

5. What is the craziest thing in your closet? I think there are some tiles in there for the bathroom. That's sort of weird, huh?

6. What is your goofiest habit? This one had me stumped...I actually asked my husband. He said, "too bad you don't still tap the top of soda cans". I still do, I think-it's a subconcious thing-but I just don't have as much soda any more!

7. What is your favorite dessert? Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cake, but of course.

8. Do you prefer coffee or tea? Coffee in the a.m., tea in the p.m.

9. If you could buy anything for yourself, what would it be? A really nice new larger purse/diaper bag/camera bag combination.

10. What is your favorite color? Orange. or green.

11. Describe your favorite outfit? Jeans, always a comfortable pair of jeans & a cozy sweater...those two things would be involved.

Whew...that was fun. So. Any other burning questions you have for me? Ask away in the comments.

so about those Liebster Awards Part 2

2012-11-21T07:00:00.000+01:00

Monday I talked about these Liebster Awards, and told you eleven random facts about me.

Now, I get to answer some fun questions from Amanda at Hooked from Hello.

1. Do you believe in a higher power? Yes, I do. I believe in God.

2. What is your favorite pick-me-up song when you are sad? Lately its been "Raise Your Glass" or "Try" by P!nk

3. Favorite form of exercise? Jillian Michael's Ripped in 30; it's like an energy pill for me.

4. Dream vacation destination? Hawaii

Source: getawaytoday.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

5. What age did you have your first kiss? 14.

6. If you won the lottery tomorrow, what would you buy first? A plane & pilot so I can go back and forth between here and the States as much as I want. Although I'd probably want to fly commercial, so maybe just an unlimited # of airline tickets--first class.

7. What is your favorite animal? There is something I really like about elephants. And bears. The cuddly, stuffed kind...of course.

8. What is your favorite book? Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Source: barnesandnoble.com via Jenny on Pinterest

9. Favorite subject in high school? Journalism. Might be because I love writing even way back then...might be because that is where I met my now husband. {smile}

10. If money were no object, what career would you choose? Youth Group leader

11. Favorite holiday? Christmas, closely followed by Thanksgiving

Guess what? I'll be back on Friday with 11 MORE questions. Fun times, right? {wink}

so about these Liebster Awards...

2012-11-19T07:00:00.000+01:00

Over the last several weeks I've gotten nominated for a few Liebster Awards. Its an award for bloggers who have less than 200 readers, but should have more. Thank you to Amanda from Hooked from Hello and Marci from Life with Joys for the nominations!

What it means? I get to answer some fun questions & tell you random facts about me so you can all learn more about me. Fun, fun, fun! I'm going to break it up...just to continue the fun. Ha. Haha.

First up? 11 random facts about me.

I was a cheerleader for our boy's swim team my junior year of high school.
I'm allergic to the cold {and yes, I'm from Minnesota and plan on moving back there}.
I hate tweezing my eyebrows. They end up looking awful between waxes.
I was in my 20s before they were ever waxed.
I collect memorabilia from Hard Rock Cafes.
We've been known to plan trips based on where there were Hard Rock Cafes.
My new favorite meal at the Hard Rock Cafe? Fajitas. Quickly becoming my favorite meal at most restaurants.
I am finding it extremely difficult to list 11 random facts.
My biggest pet peeve is the sound of other people whistling.
Up until about 4th grade, I wanted to be a lawyer.
I can't keep a plant alive. Lucky they don't check on that before they let you take your baby home. {wink}

Coming soon to a blog near you {well, specifically, this one} the 11 questions Amanda asked get answered!

catching up

2012-11-14T18:10:00.001+01:00

It's amazing what two days of being 'off' can do to girl.

'Off' meaning having such a bad head cold it too all of my energy to keep my kids clothed and fed. Beyond that? Nada.

I think I may be doing laundry straight thru until December. {wink}

But, even being under the weather, I was spending ~~a few minutes~~ a whole bunch of time being thankful.

Especially for things like... home grocery delivery.

Neighbor boys and friends for J#3; keeps him busy and there is so much more fun energy in the house.

This would be me capturing my shadow, because it meant it was sunny. Not for long (see the clouds behind the hill?), but still. It was sunny. That's exciting around these parts.

NFL Season Pass. Sigh. Helps make it feel a bit more like a normal Sunday, when we get to watch our favorite football team {the Vikes, obviously}.

It was Guy Fawkes day here in the UK last Monday. The other words for the day? Fireworks day and Bonfire day. We got to see some fireworks from our family room. Very cool. Even better was that we were skyping with Grandma, so she got to see them too!

This is my healthy girl. Loves fruit, veggies, eggs, cheese. She's definitely teaching me a thing or two about healthy eating.

Num. This is the best taco seasoning ever. Its from the Netherlands. Yeah, I know...that doesn't sound right, does it? But thankful that my husband still gets to travel back there for work now and then so he can pick some up for me.

How about you? What have you been thankful for lately?

It's not too late, you could still join us on instagram with #thankfulliving. And link up here, I'll come find you!

a day in our life

2012-11-07T14:34:00.001+01:00

I'm pretty excited today.

It's Wednesday, after all.

What, you don't get excited for Wednesdays?

I have to say it was kind of nice to go to bed last night knowing there was no way there could be a result in the presidential race at that point in the day (seeing as how it was still evening on the East Coast), and then getting to wake up and know that a winner had been decided and we can all move on with our lives.

Thanksgiving...turkey...stuffing...here we come. Numnumnum.

Oh! And the main reason I'm excited? I'm a guest over at Ashley's blog today. She is the Domestic Wannabe {and has one of the most adorable daughters in the world}.

So if you want to find out what a day in our life is like? Head over there and check it out.

A teaser? It doesn't always include sweets...

AND if you here from Ashley's? Hello!!!! HI!!! Here are a few posts that I wrote last fall that really tell my story. Although, its a never ending story, for now. So you should stick around to see what happens. {wink}

Getting to know me:

the basics {32 random questions I answered when I was...32}
the old days {via a 'top 10'}
my heart {literally-my heart-the one that pumps}
the story of my husband & I (part 1 & part 2)
our many homes {we move too much. I shouldn't have to have a post about this.}

Alright folks, there you have it. Oh, and two more posts to show you a few of my favorite people:

Okay. Now I'm done.

Really.

I mean it.

Have a good day.

hello Monday

2012-11-05T11:09:00.001+01:00

Hello Monday.

Hello sun streaming in the kitchen window.

Hello clean, streamlined kitchen. I'm in a 'minimalistic' mood. Just in time to go through belongings to take bake to the States for our visit and annual donation to goodwill. Watch out clothes, bags and shoes...nobody is safe!

Hello to a return to my healthy ways {I sort of took a week off. Not good. Not good at all.}

Hello stop light of a food bowl.

Hello nummy scrambled eggs for breakfast.

Hello to starting a new habit...daily multi-vitamins.

Hello to my new plan for November {this is an iphone wallpaper, feel free to grab it if you'd like}.

Hello to a continuation of #thankfulliving...
Our weekly trip to Costco. {Thankful for the costco, thankful for our "team".}

Their laughs. Always thankful for their laughs.

Hello #thankfulliving link-up that's still open {will be for all of November}.

I know I'm finding that I realize I have so much to be grateful for when I see other folks #thankfulliving items and think to myself, 'oh, me too! me too!'

Instagram, your blog, facebook, twitter. Where ever you are being thankful--link up so we can all be grateful together. We use the #thankfulliving hashtag on instagram {i'm jenlives}

Linking up with Lisa Leonard today for 'hello Mondays'.

it's the little things

2012-11-02T17:29:00.000+01:00

It's the little things that I capture with Instagram

{and some big things too, but mostly little}...

like the perfect cup of hot chocolate...

grabbing a moment in time with a boy that is growing up too fast...

and his little sister too...

the little things like peace in the car

and excitedly watching for the next trick or treater

...and the sun. Oh, the glorious sun. #thankfulliving

It's the little things that

will someday be the big things.

The happy memories.

The moments in time.

Speaking of time...

The countdown continues.

Minnesota...here we come.

Well, only for 10 days. But that'll do.

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Linking up with:

Hello Hue for the FANTABULOUS return of "the little things"
Finding Joy for Friday Favorites
Life Rearranged for InstaFriday

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and here's my little link-up again too. Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, your blog. Where ever you please. Its time for #thankfulliving. Link up here so we can all be thankful together.

#thankfulliving begins! {a link-up}

2012-11-01T09:58:00.001+01:00

November! Yay!

Today, I'm sooo grateful {and excited} to just see November start.

More than I could probably relay in a blog post.

Lots to look forward to the next few months, including, of course, Thanksgiving and Christmas. A few of my favorite holidays.

I can't wait to see what you are thankful for this month! Below is the linky tool.

Remember the idea of this movement {for lack of a better word} is to just share what you are thankful for--big or small--each day of November.

And just so we can all find each other, I've got this link-up so you can share your instagram feed or blog address {or Twitter or Facebook profile} where you'll be documenting all you have to be thankful for. {easy, right?}

If you are linking up your instagram feed, just head on over to Followgram or Webstagram or Gramfeed {or any Instagram web following site} sign in to your account &amp use your profile url. Can't wait to find you on there.

If you have a blog, then just go ahead and put your blog address in there!

And if you have only Twitter and Facebook and want to take part; feel free to share your profile pages for those too!

Now...go do some #thankfulliving!

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I'm linking up this week for Thankful Thursday with Carina at Lovely Little Whimsy and Sarah over at The Fontenot Four and Julia at Black Tag Diaries