Wild Radiant Beautiful

To N

noreply@blogger.com (Charity Lamprecht) — Mon, 28 Oct 2013 13:49:00 +0000

N-I have loved you for a thousand years

I will love you for ever more...

Beauty

noreply@blogger.com (Charity Lamprecht) — Sun, 06 Oct 2013 14:23:00 +0000

Teenage Turkeys on Trail

"There's a lot of beauty in ordinary things. Isn't that kind of the point."

Something about this line went straight to my heart. It is kinda the point of living a normal, beautifully ordinary life. I sometimes find myself wishing for something more fantastic and fabulous. But when I look around and start to notice the lovely details that exist in the ordinary and the extraordinary love that exists in the simple, I see how full my life really is.

There is an incredible amount of beauty and love in all of the things we consider ordinary.

What ordinary things in your life make it more beautiful?

from: http://elizalynntobin.com/

Carrots & Sticks

noreply@blogger.com (Charity Lamprecht) — Fri, 06 Sep 2013 13:12:00 +0000

What motivates you?

Is it the fear of failure?

The sweet smell of success?

Are you running toward the positive or away from the negative?

It is crucial you understand what lights a fire under your rear and gets you moving.
Without the fire, nothing gets done. Figure out yours and success is sure to follow.

What are your carrots?

What are your sticks?

　
Definition of carrots and sticks

And a Book about them too.

Intentions

noreply@blogger.com (Charity Lamprecht) — Thu, 29 Aug 2013 11:37:00 +0000

Oh a new day has begun and with it, the best of intentions.

A long to do list, a calendar full of appointments and a mind ready for action.

We rush around to get everything done. The important, the unimportant and the just plain dumb. Why?

Are all of these things really getting us to where we want to go? Is it getting us to the dream lifestyle we desire? How many things are on your list that do not need to get done?

How can you tell the difference between the significant and the inconsequential? What IS really important to you?

Clarifying the answers to these questions is critical to getting where you want to be. WHO you want to be.

Intentional living is more about who you intend to BE rather than what you intend to DO.

I want to be loving, patient and thankful. How different would my day unfold if I started it with a way to be instead of things to do?

At the end of the day, it’s not how many things were scratched off a list, how many emails were dealt with, how much money was made.

It is about who you are becoming in the process of life.

Just Begin

noreply@blogger.com (Charity Lamprecht) — Tue, 20 Aug 2013 18:40:00 +0000

My birthday has been celebrated. My year of 32 begun. A year ripe with changes to be implemented, beliefs to be tested, love to be found and pain to be released.

What are you doing?!

Are you looking back? Time to turn your head and face forward. Smile and fill your heart and soul with giddy anticipation for all of the wonderful things the Universe has in store for you. You deserve it, just because you are you.

With this knowledge in your mind and heart, take a deep breath and smile.

What are your dreams?

What do you want?

Hmmmm. Nothing is too small, nothing is too big. Throw out the question of how and just let your mind run wild with daydreams.

I asked myself these questions and here are a few things I dreamed up:

A spot in the country filled with lavender, herbs and honeybees. A few chickens running about, laying eggs for our breakfast. Whole, delicious foods for eating. A time to spend together as a family, time to create, practice yoga and enjoy the great outdoors. Financial freedom and flexibility. My dreamboard on Pinterest says it all in pictures. Just thinking about it makes me smile and excited for things to come.

What did you come up with? Please share!

So, what next? What is one step you can take today to get you closer to your dreams? Does not matter how small. Just pick one and DO IT!

Me, I am writing this post, typing up quality recipes and reading a stunning book on lavender. Little steps. Feed the dream.

What are you waiting for?!

The tragedy of life is not that it ends so soon, but that we wait so long to begin it -W.M. Lewis

Just begin!!

Pause

noreply@blogger.com (Charity Lamprecht) — Mon, 05 Aug 2013 18:56:00 +0000

Pause

Do you ever pause in your pursuit of dreams to just be happy?

The striving for a better life is commendable and can be fun. Hopefully, while improving your own existence, those around you benefit too. The end destination is where you long to be but sometimes the present you are in gets forgotten. Taken for granted. Just something to be gotten through while getting to.

Take a moment, right now to breathe deeply. Expand your lungs to maximum capacity and smile. Feel your body. Notice what surrounds you. Think of the people you love in your life. Take a glimpse outside. Do you see it? Do you feel it? The beauty and magic of right now.

Don’t miss the wonder of this moment during your quest for a perfect life. It’s right here. Right now.

Pause to enjoy.

Prioritize

noreply@blogger.com (Charity Lamprecht) — Sun, 21 Jul 2013 20:11:00 +0000

Simplify, simplify, simplify. -Thoreau

I say PRIORITIZE!

Knowing your priorities is crucial to success. Without knowing what is most important to you, things that are unimportant clutter up your day, and your life.

So ask yourself:

What and who is important to me?
What do I want to accomplish in my life?
If I could do anything with my life, what would it be?

Make a list of your top ten priorities.
Compare what activities you do with your top 10 priorities. Focus on cutting out activities that take your time but don't bring you joy.
Schedule time in planner to contribute to your priorities.

Sit for a bit and answer: what it is all about, why are you living and what do you want?

In the audio book It's All Too Much by Peter Walsh he says, "when the purpose of a room is lost, clutter inevitably follows." Could be applied to life in general as well.

What ARE my priorities?! What are your priorities?!

HONOR YOUR PRIORITIES EACH DAY!

Sugar Scrubs

noreply@blogger.com (Charity Lamprecht) — Fri, 28 Jun 2013 17:05:00 +0000

A video I made!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcts-CVbVwI

Photo Book

noreply@blogger.com (Charity Lamprecht) — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 01:35:00 +0000

Click here to view this photo book larger

Click here to create your own Shutterfly photo book.

Excuses No More!

noreply@blogger.com (Charity Lamprecht) — Wed, 26 Jun 2013 02:15:00 +0000

Picture inspired by Finding Nemo’s ‘butt”. Don’t touch it!

Excuses!

Excuses, excuses, EXCUSES!

Like bums, we all have one

And they all stink.

Toss them.

They are doing NOTHING for you but holding you back from living your dreams.

::in a whiny voice::

But I don’t have time

But I don’t have the money

But I don’t have the…….

Not more buts!

Write your excuses on a piece of paper. Take your time. Write them all down. Every little one, every big one. What is keeping you from pursuing your dream?

Now, take the list and BURN it. Outside, safely and with water available of course. Watch it be consumed by the flames. Smile. No more excuses! You are free to move towards you dreams.

My excuses are many and big (like we all have).

But I have a small child

But I am going to have another in two weeks

But I don’t have any time

But I….

List created. List burned. Time to move away from my excuses (which are really fear disguised as reasons). Taking a step toward the life I really want.

Are you ready to toss your excuses and live the dream?!

Don’t make excuses. Make things happen. Make changes. Then make history. -Doug Hall

Does money buy happiness?

noreply@blogger.com (Charity Lamprecht) — Fri, 21 Jun 2013 20:32:00 +0000

Do you dream of financial freedom?

Do you want to buy a bigger house, a fancier car, a brand new wardrobe?

Do most of your dreams involve money?

Why?

Does money buy happiness?

Does lots of cash make life better?

No.

Money buys choices. That’s it.

It gives you the resources to buy more stuff. Filling up your giant home to show off.

You have a choice, right now, to be happy. Or not.

Choose wisely.

A debate on totally opposite ends of the issue. What do you think?

A book on it too.

Creator Manifesto

noreply@blogger.com (Charity Lamprecht) — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 22:34:00 +0000

from The Conscious Creator by Kris Krohn & Stephen Palmer

Love

noreply@blogger.com (Charity Lamprecht) — Tue, 28 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000

Is there any question for which love is not the answer?

Oh the Many Roles I Play

noreply@blogger.com (Charity Lamprecht) — Tue, 21 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000

In an effort to clarify my life
I defined each role I play today.
Underneath are tasks broadly associated with each role.

Steady Mamma & Respectful Wife

Things for kids Focus on relationship with each child

Date night ideas Daily Loving Gestures

Beautiful ,Charity

Personal goals Book lists

Notes from what I’m reading

Random Ideas Daily Docket

Inspirational quotes Master Project List

Domestic Goddess & Delicious Whole Foods Dancer

Cleaning checklist Menu ideas

Freezer list Master Grocery List
Organizing Research/Search

Savvy Shopper

Gift ideas Birthday list

Shopping lists Cash account

Witty Word Wrangler

Post drafts Blogging schedule

Blogging goals Book Ideas

Social Media

Perhaps I need to simplify this!

Who Knew?!

noreply@blogger.com (Charity Lamprecht) — Tue, 14 May 2013 21:55:00 +0000

Little Ones and I were enjoying an episode of Curious George. George was watching the baby Giant Panda via web cam (yes even monkeys are enjoying a screen!) and I never knew that was possible for we humans to do too!!
Giraffes in Houston-http://www.houstonzoo.org/meet-the-animals/giraffe-barn-cam/
Panda in Atlanta-http://www.zooatlanta.org/1212/panda_cam
Tigers in Minnesota-http://www.mnzoo.com/animals/animals_liveCam_tigercub.asp

The video cameras are not on all the time. Must give the animals time away from the spotlight!

Who knew?!

A Few of My Favorite Things

noreply@blogger.com (Charity Lamprecht) — Mon, 06 May 2013 19:57:00 +0000

1. Smiling, chubby babies

2. Thumb-sucking toddlers

3. Laugh-out-loud hilarious books. Luv the way she writes-honest, frank & hilarious!

It Sucked and Then I Cried: How I Had a Baby, A Breakdown, and a Much Needed Margarita by Heather B. Armstrong (she writes at Dooce.com)

4. Hand-made beauty products. This is sunscreen!

5. Mission Statements

6. Inspiring females. This one from the girl- next door, made unique & strong by a tragic plane crash. Heaven is Here An Incredible Story of Hope, Triumph, and Everyday Joy by Stephanie Nielson (she writes at NieNieDialogues.com)

What are a few of your favorite things?

Mission Statement

noreply@blogger.com (Charity Lamprecht) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 19:22:00 +0000

After working through Mission Statement for Moms by Kat Lee I was "Inspired to Action"!

My Mission Statement

To pursue ways to encourage other women by living my life full

To make Mr. B feel loved, supported, cared for & admired

To deeply cherish & having fun with my Littles & help them become men who are honorable, loving, brave & strong

To pursue & provide healthy options & activities to build strong bodies & minds

I am making a life that makes me proud!

D Day #4

noreply@blogger.com (Charity Lamprecht) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 02:59:00 +0000

Four years since my world was blew up.
Year 1 Year 2 Year 3
Turned upside down
Reconfigured, redirected & havoc wrecked.
Ugh
A diagnosis of a chronic illness can do that to a gal
Especially one who had a plan
All of her life thought out
No husband, no kids, lots of money, working hard & looking polished & fine.
Alone
Except for the numerous numbers in her bank account
Life has not turned out the way I planned/wanted/dreamed/goals set
Sigh
Most days I am glad I live this reality
Some days I want the dream I had

A diagnosis of MS has made some positive changes in my life
I stepped back and evaluated everything I was doing, being, striving for.
Questioned if it was really what I wanted. What life was all about.
It's wasn't. It isn't.
I let go of plans made. I cherish my marriage. I welcomed children into my life. Money isn't happiness.

And yet...

I am still angry.
I am afraid of what my future holds.
I have fallen back in to unhealthy habits. My affair with sugar has returned hot & heavy. It treats me so bad, yet I still want it desperately. Addiction.
I despise the angry black elephant lurking in the corner everywhere I am. Watching me with evil dark purple eyes. Waiting & wanting to stomp more holes in my brain. Leaving me broken and crippled.
I hurt for my husband & my children. I don't want them to have to take care of me.
I question God's love for me.
I resent this disease. I am in denial. I don't even claim it as my own.

Clearly, I need to work toward acceptance so I can work towards wholeness.
Perhaps tomorrow.
In the meantime, a little music to lighten the mood
KC and the Sunshine Band-my musical heroes!

I'm your Boogie Man

My Boogie Shoes

How you Like me Now?!

The whole story: Dancing with MS

This Week April

noreply@blogger.com (Charity Lamprecht) — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 20:29:00 +0000

This Week April 15-19

Who you calling sick?!

Office Max

My three guys!

Watched Monica & David documentary
Diagnosis Day#4 approaching
Hosting in RL event-my house April 27 10-noon. To encourage women and community!
Posted Spring Bucket List

This week had sickness, tears & plenty of rain.
Sleep was temporarily done away with for two nights straight. Little E, I love you and you are the worst sleeper when you are sick. Lots of crying and coughing and whining-by you and me!

We are actually having spring around here! Usually spring lasts for about a week and then hot, humid summer arrives, but not this year. We have had lots of rain, wind, rising and falling temperatures, and blooms hanging around. A quick trip to the store was necessary to get E some shorts & sandals during the hot days. Hurray!

I am tired of allowing other people's opinions (real or assumed by me) dictating my decisions. Please remember this.

Painting days! E painted on the porch and in the tub. On paper, the porch and himself. Masterpieces!

N-you are such a glorious, squishy kissable chunk. 14 lbs 9oz of love-at 10 weeks!

I have been enjoying moments with you two boys more & more.
Being present
Looking into your eyes & precious faces
So much love to you

E-peeing on Alphabet Train. Nice aim and it is officially your train now!
N-love walking around with your warm, soft body in my arms. My giant dino (short for dinosaur)!

My boys are my life's work

Her eyes slowly close. Deep breaths taken. A sleeping baby grunts & groans from down the hall. A sleeping toddler sucks his thumb & breaths rhythmically. A smile can't help but form on her lips.

A house & heart full.

Spring

noreply@blogger.com (Charity Lamprecht) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 13:53:00 +0000

It's here!

Spring Bucket List:
1. Plan Little One's Pingu Birthday Bash
2. Visit Local Parks, Repeatedly
3. Blow Dandelions-we were warned not to do this in our backyard!
4. Get a Goldfish
5. Funoodle Sword Fight
6. Go Barefoot in the Grass-mind the bees!
7. Fingerpaint Naked-Little One only
8. Lay in the Grass, Look at the Clouds & Sky
9. Make Mudpies
10. Visit Farmer's Markets-Eat Seasonally & Locally
11. Pitch a Tent
12. Make Popsicles & Eat in the Sunshine
13. Make Homemade Marshmallows & Roast Over a Fire
14. ~~Fly a Kite~~ Did it twice already!

Tons of ideas available on Pinterest (imagine that).

What's on your spring bucket list?

I got a new attitude...

noreply@blogger.com (Charity Lamprecht) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 14:00:00 +0000

specifically about blogging that is!

Although I do feel good from my head to my not-wearing-shoes. 'Cause I've got love like I never knew!!

I am trying to write while out of the muck.
I have written while still in the trenches. Sad, upset and angry. Not having seen the light at the end of the tunnel, the lesson, the learning. Typing what I feel and think in the moment as it is happening. Messy. Yucky. Too much truth.
I thought it was being honest. I thought it was good for me, good for readers. I did not realize the whole truth can be too much.
Too much information.
Too much openness.
Gotta close it up.
Be a bit more intentional about what I put out into the online world.
Can't get typed words back.
I don't know what this will look like totally, yet. But I think it will be good.
Quiet too!

I want to be inspired & inspiring.

Who inspired me to make this change: Hannah speaking with Erin Goodman on her behind the blog podcast.. Amazing information and thoughts ladies!

Right Now, Real Life

noreply@blogger.com (Charity Lamprecht) — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 23:01:00 +0000

I had every intention and plan to come back to this blog. Post two times a week. Down to one time.
I wanted the main focus of the blog to hit me like a lightning bolt and let me know what it should say. No lightning striking here.
In the waiting time there is sickness running amok through our house. Sleeping is a precious commodity, rarer than iridium
Inspiration does not work by striking. I have to show up. Do the work. Everyday.

I have two boys under the age of two, a husband who has and speaks his own mind, four dogs that don't listen.
Wait.
No one around here listens. Including me.
Maybe I need to be quiet. Use my ears instead of my mouth.
Or MAYBE, I could use this space to talk. Listen in the real world instead.
Practice stillness and let go.

I am going to let the meaning of this blog unfold. (I tense up as I think about letting the Universe do things in its own time-it takes too long!).
I am going to strive to speak less and listen more. Perhaps I need to put duck tape on my grocery list, for my mouth and the crafts!
Here is to listening and letting go. Cheers!

A cuteness album!

noreply@blogger.com (Charity Lamprecht) — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 14:53:00 +0000

Click here to view this photo book larger

Create your own personalized photo books at Shutterfly.com.

Update

noreply@blogger.com (Charity Lamprecht) — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 22:19:00 +0000

Let's try this again!
In the meantime, here are some pics of the cuties taking up my time!!

This Place, Real Life

noreply@blogger.com (Charity Lamprecht) — Sun, 30 Sep 2012 18:21:00 +0000

This blog is not my real life.
I write here, my voice, my experiences.
Most of what happens stays behind the blog.
I am sporadic, yet think about writing everyday.
I want to be honest, yet edit my writing.
I don't know why I blog, yet know the importance of having a "why."
I constantly compare myself to other bloggers/writers and come up lacking.

Blogging isn't fun for me.
If given free moments, the first thing I want to do is sleep, read, sit in silence, stretch, paint my nails, eat.
Not blog. Not social network. Those feel like obligations. Crummy ones at that.

I understand needing to do the things I don't want to in order to get the life I want. I don't think blogging falls into such a category.

Plus, I write while in the trenches. Not yet through to the other side with the lessons. A very dark place to be and not fun to share. Questions. Zero answers. Frustration. Not uplifting or helpful to me, or anyone else.
I read other blogs and (when not comparing myself to their lives) am uplifted, encouraged to make changes. I enjoy telling others about their words via Twitter (https://twitter.com/SimpleEmpress). Short and sweet.

I want to lift up myself and others through my words. I don't need to do that through long, sporadic posts. I need a bit of an uplift everyday. Differences in the everyday moments. Not a giant change in the world.

Lately it seems my role is to be behind the scenes. A supporting role in other people's lives. I have finally accepted this new position. (I hope it's only for a season!). I am here to support my husband, my son, my new Super Sprout, others on their MS journey and whoever else needs help. Mostly, I want to support myself in my journey to be the best me I can be. That's personal work. One that is tender and needs to be protected.
So, what to do.

1. Continue
      Keep at it. Try some blogging resolutions (http://www.steadymom.com/2009/09/some-blogging-resolutions.html)

2. Quit.
     Seems like a huge let down.

3. Take a break.
            Not an option. I know if I ever did come back, I would want to create/start something brand new.

This just isn't my season for maintaining a blog.

Truthfully, #2 seems like the best option for me. I want to let this go to make space for something new. Something wonderful. Something more ME.

So, I will continue to read other blogs. Comment and share what I read. Spread the good words of others. Keep mine to myself. For now...

Hang out with me on Twitter instead! https://twitter.com/SimpleEmpress