The Imperfect Mom

No Chick Flicks?

noreply@blogger.com (Celeste) — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 05:22:00 +0000

I have a wee bit of a complaint. Ron and I usually get a bunch movie gift certificates for Christmas (and we LOVE them!). January has been an okay movie month, but I've been really disappointed in the lack of chick flicks. With Valentines Day coming up, you'd think that lovie dovie movies would be flourishing. Instead it's been a month full of action, or violence. We saw Tron. Loved it! We saw The Dilemma - loved it. I was hoping it would be more of a chick flick. It had couples but was a little different than I thought it would be. You go to the theater and you see shows like: The Green Hornet. Tron. Fighter. The Mechanic. The Tourist.

I'm just missing a good old fashioned love story. From this post and the last, I guess I'm needing a bit of attention in the love dept.
The husband didn't get the 'hint' after yesterday's post. Maybe after this one....?

Physical Touch

noreply@blogger.com (Celeste) — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 06:16:00 +0000

Do you ever feel like you just need to be touched? (no...you sickos - not 'that' kind of touching)
The last few weeks/months -- I've been feeling like something is kinda missing. I feel sorta empty. Haven't really been able to put my finger on it...ha ha -- get it?!

Then last night, I had a really stiff neck. I thought about how badly I needed a massage or the knots rubbed out. I pulled out my handy little massage ball thing and went to work. As I was rolling the ball around, I was thinking how much I could have used Ron's hands. He has a really strong touch. Then I got to thinking that it's been a while since we've really touched. Haven't done much cuddling, or hand holding. Sometimes I just want him to tickle my back. We've both been busy - me: photography, kids, work, home, him: full time work, full time school, homework, side projects. I feel sorta selfish asking that from him. But again, I have that 'empty' feeling that I think can be filled with physical touch. Emotions get all weird - I swear it! But...I found a few articles that agree with me.

Here's a little snippet from one:

"Physical touch, or skin on skin contact, can benefit one in a number of ways. For example, it has been shown in studies to decrease cortisol and stress levels as well as release serotonin and dopamine in the brain. These chemicals allow for us to either feel good or depressed if they are not balanced."

We know that cortisol makes us fat...so there ya go...the reason I'm fat and onery.

Ooooh honeyyyyyy......

Is it True?!

noreply@blogger.com (Celeste) — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 05:45:00 +0000

Could I really be posting here on this little ol' blog?! Yep - you better believe it! I'm not gonna bother 'catching up.' That would make both of us miserable. So I'll start fresh.

Superbowl today - pretty sure I ate my weight in rice krispy treats. UGH - feel like I'm gonna barf! Don't care who won, or anything, just a great excuse to be with family and eat.

I am learning to crochet. There are so many cute hats and stuff for photography that I want, but I don't really wanna pay $40 for some lady in Michigan to make me a hat for a newborn. So, I kinda have the basics and had some coaching from my mom. Other than that, I've been watching YouTube video tutorials. It's kinda fun - although I am gonna need some glasses. I feel like I'm going cross-eyed.

We have been having serious issues with the kids lately, so I'm asking for advice...
Issue #1: BEDTIME
They share a room. Keaton is 6. Cambry 5. Our routine is pj's, brush teeth, get a drink, potty, 2 stories, scriptures, prayer, bed. Well those 2 will sit in their room and play for at least an hour. Me and Ron go in there every 5 minutes and get all mad. Most of the time they will be separated. One in our bed, one in their room. Recently, we've started making them sleep on the floor in the bathroom and the floor of the exercise room. Doesn't seem to bother them. I am at my wits end with them. I can't seem to control it, or everything we try is a joke. What am I doing wrong?! I am begging for advice and help! If you have something....PLEASE share it with me! (and at this point, we don't have another bedroom. I wish we did....)

Issue #2: RULES
I usually sleep with earplugs (yes, he snores). Sometimes the kids are still asleep when Ron leaves so I don't get up. Then the next thing I know its 8:30-9:00 and they are up, usually watching tv, and have gotten themselves breakfast (usually a cup full of chocolate chips and marshmallows, or something healthy like that). I can't hear obviously because of the plugs. We've asked them to come and get me when they wake up so stuff like their breakfast doesn't happen. It has become increasingly worse lately. We have a rule that they are not to get into the food without asking. Cambry is especially the rule breaker on this one. Keaton, not so much. The girl LIVES for sugar and treats. Again, at bedtime, the rule is - they have 5 minutes to talk or whatever then once the alarm goes off, it needs to be quiet they need to be going to sleep. Another rule, cleaning up our messes. You'd think that I'd asked them to hike through the sands of Egypt and the snow of the Arctic and back all in one day. It is ridiculous. I am doing something wrong. I don't know what...please help me! I am sick of yelling at them. I am sick of being angry because they don't follow our rules. I am tired of the whining. I'm tired of Cambry's little charade with the food. Tell me, how do you enforce rules and motivate the kids the follow them? I think the first thing we need is a set/scheduled daily routine. The last few months there hasn't been one. The second, I guess is that I need to just get up when Ron leaves. This is a HUGE one for me. I've always been a sleeper. Since I was a baby, I've always cherished sleep. I have no choice anymore though. But what else? How can I motivate them...? We've tried rewards, punishments, taking things away, etc. Nothing seems to click....HELP!

Okay -- so there....there's my 2 issues for tonight. If you got something to say, let me hear it.

Would you jump off a bridge?

noreply@blogger.com (Celeste) — Sun, 09 May 2010 05:57:00 +0000

At Lunch Today:

Cambry: "mom, I need a pear for my rock collection."

Me: "We could probably find a pear shaped rock. I didn't know you had a rock collection. When did you start that?"

Cambry: "for about 326. All my friends have one"

Me: "Which friends? So you have to do what your friends are doing?"

Cambry: "uh, yeah mom"

Me: "What if they told you to jump off a bridge? Would you do it?"

Cambry: "Well, yeah - I'd need to get my swimming suit."

An Update...soon

noreply@blogger.com (Celeste) — Mon, 03 May 2010 19:10:00 +0000

I have been working so hard on my other blog that this one has been pushed to the back-burner. I have been mulling things over for quite a while. I've got some sentimental posts I want to do and some funny posts, and everything in between. I have been pouring my heart and soul into my weight loss blog so if you are dying to know what's up, check there.

I've also re-done my photography website and photography blog. I've just been a busy bee. So...there will be more posts coming.

Much love -
Celeste

Hello

noreply@blogger.com (Celeste) — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 04:09:00 +0000

It's been a while! Miss me?

So, I just started another blog for my weight loss journey. If you wanna check it out - I would love that.
www.289andcountingdown.blogspot.com

Thanks!
Celeste

noreply@blogger.com (Celeste) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 20:25:00 +0000

I guess I'll take over again since we got through our un-eventful Valentine holiday. Ron is out of town again...this time in New Orleans. There's a roofing expo or something. He comes home first thing Thurs. morning, so it will be NICE to have him HOME!

These are things I'm looking most forward to:

rain, nests, green shoots on trees, bulbs forcing through the ground, blue skies, sunshine, color, warmer days, the smell of the earth thawing out, playing outside, exercising outside, fresh grass, birds chirping, baby animals, spring cleaning.

- are any of you longing for color????

It's really hard to play 'I spy' with the kids when everything is brown or grey -- I'm over it!

We are getting close to our 8th wedding anniversary! I can't believe it!
( I also can't believe I've gained 100 lbs. since this picture -- YUCK!)

And this weekend is our 5 yr. anniversary of being sealed. We celebrate "Family Day" every year to celebrate. It falls on Saturday, so we are gonna do something fun together...not sure what though.
I just want to leave you with a little quote that I have hanging by my computer. A constant reminder to always, lift and help others, and stay positive...

"Be a lamp, a lifeboat, or a ladder."

Valentines Extortion

noreply@blogger.com (Celeste) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 03:29:00 +0000

This blog has been hijacked!
Since I don't post on my own blog (yes, I do have one) I needed a platform to express my sentiment about the "Love Holiday". This is Ron in case you hadn't figured it out yet.

First, I am grateful for a wife that understands that every day I am with her is a day I love her more and I don't need a calendar to dictate that to me. Celeste dislike's Valentines for the same reasons I do and does not expect me to conform to the norm of society on this day.

With that said, I think Valentines day is the most torturous holiday for men that has ever been created. There is no other holiday in which it is expected for a man to spend astronomical amounts of money on items that are so temporary. Please don't get me wrong, I LOVE to give Celeste presents and trinkets to make her happy. It brings me joy to see her smile. I am sure that most other husbands feel this way as well.

Now that the foundation has been laid, I will get on to the inspiration for this extreme action. I, on occasion, like to just get Celeste flowers to brighten her day and show her in a small way that I love her. Saturday, Celeste was working and I had the car. This meant that I needed to pick her up from work. While I was at home, I thought that I would get flowers for her before I picked her up and give them to her at work. Brilliant plan, I thought.

20 minutes prior to picking her up, I left to go to the flower shop (I won't mention any names but they do sell flowers that are sometimes grown in a patch). I walked in and was greeted right away by a nice young woman. She asked how she could help me and I told her that I would like to get a dozen roses for my wife.

I asked for this dozen roses because I have purchased them before and they had been a reasonable price of around $10 and have been a good quality.

After I asked for the roses the young woman turned to the counter and picked up a laminated sheet of paper and proceeded to inform me that a dozen short stem roses with baby's breath wrapped up would be $44.99.

WHAT!?!? I must have had a shocked look on my face because she promptly gave me the reason for the slightly higher price. "Our prices have increased because of Valentines day" she said. I told her that I did not want to spend that much - not that Celeste was not worth it, but I was a little shocked and my wallet had somehow sown my pants pocket shut.

I quickly turned around and walked out the door finding myself saying out loud, "You have got to be kidding me!" Then the thought occurred to me, "This is EXTORTION!" I thought back a few years to a disastrous attempt at a Valentines gift where I spent an outrageous sum of $85 on a bouquet of roses that, when they were delivered, smelled like cigarettes.

Is there any other holiday where it is acceptable to mark an item up 450%? If this happened at Christmas, there would be riots in the streets! Are all of the tools marked up for Father's day? I think not.

From the flowers to the chocolates, lingerie and lovey-dovey stuff, I feel like Valentine's day is nothing but a giant guilt trip to make men spend money. Please comment if you feel otherwise.

Thanks for letting me vent. Celeste, I love you!

Thankful Thursday

noreply@blogger.com (Celeste) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 06:05:00 +0000

I don't know if it's because my week has been full of major ups and downs or what, but I'm feeling especially grateful today for soooo many things! It's amazing how many things we are blessed with, yet tend to overlook on a daily basis. Tonight, I am going to focus on just one.

1. FRIENDS!

I am so thankful for all of my friends both near and far. It seems like life would be much more stressful for me without them. Just knowing they are there for me is such a comfort whether or not I actually call upon them. There's a small group of us who have been friends for about 16 years. We got together for dinner tonight. Laughing (or cackling), talking, empathizing, giving advice, and re-assuring each other are just some of the many things we did. There was a point during dinner that I just looked around the table at each of my closest friends while we were smiling & talking and the thought entered my mind, "these women are strong, amazing, funny, beautiful, smart and balanced - how did I get so lucky to call them my friends." At that very moment I was overtaken with gratitude for each of them and what they bring to the friendship and how they make me feel. I said a small prayer in my heart to thank the Lord for each of them. I hope that we stay friends for another 16 years. I hope that as the years go by, that we grow stronger and closer together.

I feel this way about all of my friends. I love each of them for different reasons and I think that's why our friendship works. I hope that I am also a good friend to them in return. I hope that just by knowing I am there, that it offers them comfort - I hope that they feel about me, the way I feel about them. We are surrounded by so much love and much of that is the love of our friends. So...to all my friends; near or far, new or old, I LOVE YOU! I am so grateful for the role you have played in my life!

This is HYSTERICAL!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Celeste) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 22:59:00 +0000

Oh my gosh...you HAVE to watch this!!! You'll either laugh at yourself, or be terribly ashamed! HA HA HA HA!

Head Wraps

noreply@blogger.com (Celeste) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 23:55:00 +0000

Okay -- I just HAD to share this with you! My UBER talented cousin who can do pretty much ANYTHING is making these cute head wraps...if you want one...here's the scoop straight from Sarah

If anyone is interested in purchasing one of my headwraps please let me know. I am selling them for $12 and I am willing to ship them if necessary for only $2 more. I will also take color requests. If you would like to buy a headwrap or if you have questions either comment on this post or e-mail me at swscarlett@gmail.com.

Our Points/Chore System

noreply@blogger.com (Celeste) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:26:00 +0000

Okay, I {heart} this system we've been using!! I took part of it from V & Co. I adapted it to my kids and their ages and what they can do. I also added a bunch of stuff. So...here's my version.

We call them points or tokens. They each have a value. The white ones are 1 pt. the red are 5pts, and the blue are 10pts. They are used to buy certain things, or to pay us for stuff we do for them. Hopefully it's not too confusing or complicated. It makes sense in my head.

Here are the values. These are the main ones we use. I have cut them out and taped them. One on the tv & computer, one on the fridge, one on the play closet. Stuff like that.
Values

Then here is the main token system
Token System
This is going to be key for you. You MUST follow it and be consistent. That is KEY! Add your own rules or make it better for things that will work for your family. Like, if we are shopping and the kids are being hellions (as usual), I just casually say "You guys are about to lose 10 pts. for not listening. If I ask you again, they will be mine." They immediately say no and shape up. If they don't though, I have to remember to take 10 or it's not as effective. Or, if we are about to go to the store/church/anywhere, I will say, "if you guys can behave (define what you expect from them), you will get 20 points." Sometimes I have to remind them that they will get 20 pts. but for the most part they remember and behave.

Now, if they want, they can cash in their tokens for money instead of using their points to buy TV time or snacks. Each point is 1 penny. Sometimes they will save it up and we'll take a trip to the Dollar Store. Other times, I'll put fun things on the docket. Like going to a movie, or the museum, or McDonalds or something fun that they like but it's a special treat when it happens. I'll say something at the beginning of the week "okay, instead of giving you money at the end of the week for your points, we'll go out to a movie this weekend. BUT...you have to have 200 pts." I remind them daily (or sometimes more) so they'll be extra good. I hope this is all making sense.

Here's the way they 'earn' the points
Daily Report

I went and had this laminated and we use a wet or dry erase marker. EVERY NIGHT we go through the list. If they got the full amount of points, I circle the number. If they only got partial points (like they get 5 pts. for no fighting, but they had a minor yelling match - I'll dock it to 3 or 4 pts.) I'll X the points and write in the partial value that I'm giving them. Each day, I also assign a chore to them (my choice) and if they do it, they get the point. Once the points are totaled at the bottom, we give the tokens out. They each have a little jar they put them in.

I really try to instill the idea of 'saving' the tokens for a fun day, or for the money rather then spending it on TV or snacks. The tv hasn't been on hardly at all the last few weeks and I LOVE it! I thought I'd go crazy, but it's really nice and they play good together. I notice a LOT less fighting and yelling when they are playing. We also really push the 'act of service.' It can be something really simple like drawing a nice picture to brighten someones day, or setting the table without being asked, or asking if they can do extra chores like wiping down the entertainment center or something.

I also try hard to praise them for proper/appropriate behavior by giving them points. If they are being extra nice to one another, I'll add an additional 10 pts. to their total at night.

If this is confusing, just leave me a comment and I'll try my best to help you out. Feel free to download the charts. I hope this helps you -- i know that when we are consistent about doing the chart, the kids change almost overnight. Give it a week or two though -- it's can be a big change for some kids and they need to adapt....but stick with it! I hope it works for you!!

Toofless

noreply@blogger.com (Celeste) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:16:00 +0000

Well my boy is growin' up! I've known it all along, just trying to deny it. I think you go from little boy, to big kid one you start losing teef. Like this
He had lost one, and then the other was pretty close. One day it just started bleeding and it was sooooo close to coming out. Dad tried to grab it with his fingers and yank it, but nothing. I remember my dad getting the pliers and pulling our teeth, so naturally, I hit up my tool bag (yes I have my OWN tools -- they're purple, my favorite color - don't be a hater). I grabbed the pliers and went straight to the bathroom, gave them to Ron, and walked out. Ron was a little nervous so he wasn't using much force. The tooth didn't want to come out. A little later that day, Keaton asked Ron to just pull it out. So, back to the bathroom they went. This time Ron put his back into it and the toof finally came out.
Now he is missing 2 bottom teef. And is just as cute as ever!

Thankful Thursday

noreply@blogger.com (Celeste) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 23:58:00 +0000

1. Never thought I'd say this, but after finally seeing the mountains after 3 weeks of smog, I'm thankful for snow and rain!!
2. My kids who get a playdate once a week - such a relief (even when they are at my house!)
3. THIS quilt pattern -- I'll show you what I have in the works later4. goodreads.com (if you like to read...check it out, make an account, and add me as your friend)

5. Girls night out once a month (tonight! I just can't wait!!!)

What are you thankful for today?

Thankful Thursday

noreply@blogger.com (Celeste) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 01:51:00 +0000

I have the world's worst cold this week- and the grey, gloomy skies are doing nothing for my mood. It's been a rough one - but I still have my fabulous five for Thankful Thursday

1. The ability to taste and smell
2. Kids imaginative play & NO TV! (spaceships, camping, cooking show, and musical concerts are just a few of the things we've played this week)

3. Paying off a couple of debts!!!

4. New prints of the kids finally done and hanging on the wall.
5. Finding a delicious recipe that is pretty darn close to Noodles & Co. Mac & Cheese! YUM

My Reviews

noreply@blogger.com (Celeste) — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 00:33:00 +0000

I've got 3 reviews I'd like to share with you.

1. The Princess & The Frog
GO SEE IT!!!! It is a classic animated Disney movie complete with songs, love stories, laughter, and of course a villan. I just adored this movie and had a blast watching it with my kids. We will be adding this to our ''must buy' movie list.

2. In -n - out Burger

Uh....nothing to be waitin' in line for 2 hours for. I mean really, it's an okay burger but I most certainly would not wait in an insane line for an insane amount of time to just try it. Ron and I were driving by one night and there were only about 3 cars, so we decided to try. I didn't care for the french fries at all but the burger was good. It tasted more homemade. It isn't your typical Mc'D's, but it certainly isn't Red Robin either. So for all you out there, don't be crazy and wait in some LOOONGGG line for one. It's not worth it. Good, but not worth it.

3. Sherlock Holmes

AMAZING!!! I love action/adventure movies and this totally fit the bill. I was also loving all the comedy in it as well. It was perfectly balanced and the story was awesome! I can't wait for another one to come out. You won't be disappointed -- and too bad if you are, I don't guarantee anything I say on this here blog. I loved it. ( I think Ron did too)

K...that's it for tonight. We have more movie tickets to use, so more reviews will be coming as I see them. :)

Hot Chocolate....(scalding hot)

noreply@blogger.com (Celeste) — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 04:40:00 +0000

Okay...I have a small winter-time pet peeve. So, you know how you go to the gas station/cookie shop/bakery for something that will warm you to the bones? Yeah, I'm talking about hot chocolate! YUMMMM

So you pour it into a paper cup from some machine - I understand that you want it warm/hot, but scalding? Really?! It's enough to burn and blister your tongue. I would like to be able to TASTE it. I got a cup of said hot chocolate today - - it took me AN HOUR before I could even attempt to drink it. I thought I'd do a bit o' shopping so I stopped at a cookie shop (the best lemon cookies ever!) and got a cup. It was almost too hot to hold. So I left it in the car while I went to mall. Came out an hour later, and it was finally perfectly hot. Hot enough to warm me up, but not too hot to blister. I just don't understand why those machines have to make it so damn hot. That's all.

HO! HO! HO!

noreply@blogger.com (Celeste) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 07:05:00 +0000

I promise I had the BEST of intentions to send out our Christmas card but just ran out of time :(
So, here's a digital copy.

Hustle & Bustle Needs a Kindness Intervention!

noreply@blogger.com (Celeste) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 06:28:00 +0000

For being such a 'cheery,' 'joyful,' 'merry,' time of year I have found over the years there are a LOT of MEAN people!

You all know what I'm talking about---those people who are nice and warm and cozy in their car who think they own the parking lot while you have 2 kids strapped at your sides blazing through the cold, snow, and wind seeking refuge in the warmth of the store. They refuse to let you cross - they don't make eye contact to keep it impersonal. Or the people who you see at the store when there is one item left and they act like they are entitled to it and grab it from the shelf as you are reaching for it - or worse, from your hands. Or there are those who 'are on a mission.' You know the kind...the people who go from place to place, isle to isle with a scowl on their face - refusing to see anything beyond the front of their nose. (some or most of which may or may not have happened to me today/in the past) Yes, there is a lot of mean-ness going on at this time of year. I don't get it.

How is it that during this time of year when we hear of friends who are in need, we give. When we see the red bucket bell ringers, we offer up our change. When family members are sick, we take great care. When neighbors need assistance, we serve. But when strangers are often in need of just a little smile, we avoid them and treat them as though they didn't exist. We over-extend ourselves and become frantic and crazy. We loose all respect for others, their space, their time, their efforts and frankly, for them in general. I'm guilty, I'll be the first to admit. I get frustrated when I wait in line forever, or when I over-extend myself I can get rude and very short tempered. But I want that to stop. None of us is more important than the other. We all have a story and reason for our actions - I wish we would think of others as our friends/family. Give a little grin to a woman coming down the isle. Say "Merry Christmas" to the man who rings the bell - even if you have nothing to give. Let the trodden down mother cross the road with her kids and her bags. Make eye contact with people. Ask the clerk at the store how their day has been and be sincere. Offer a generous tip to your hairsylist, or the guy who dries your car after your car wash, or the waiter who has been serving 2 holiday parties and running around. I feel like random acts of kindness to total strangers is what really stirs up the soul and rings in the true spirit of Christmas. In general, we are kind to those we know....why not be kind to those we don't know? You may ease their journey in life just a little bit. Maybe take it slower this year. Teach yourself patience and respect for others. I'll bet it will make a difference in your own life.

Random Bits

noreply@blogger.com (Celeste) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 06:44:00 +0000

1. singles ward. cologne- yuck
*a few weeks ago, the kids were performing their primary program for the local singles ward. From the moment we walked in the door, the smell pummelled you in the face and there was no escaping. Men's cologne. about 37 different flavors to enjoy -- 'ladies, pick your favorite scent and sit with him.' I'm fine with cologne. I think it's a nice touch, just please don't BATHE in it to impress a bunch of single girls. It gives them a headache...trust me.
Speaking of cologne/scents...I LOVE LOVE LOVE these 2 scents from Dolce & Gabanna #18 and #3.(Christmas is just around the corner....)

2. job @ old navy
* I recently applied to work at Old Navy for the Christmas season. It is so dang fun! I work with the best people and managers! I hope that I can stay on after the season. It's fun to have a part time job and get out and socialize.

*at Old Navy, we have adopted a family who is in need. It's a single mother raising 5 kids on less than $24,000/year. I don't know how she does it! Not once, EVER, have they asked for or been on any government assistance (Food Stamps, Unemployment, etc.). The mom has asked for nothing for herself besides food to feed her family. Basic things too....cans of beans, gravy, chicken broth, etc. So...here's where you come in. I am going to go grocery shopping for her for the food items she's asked for plus some, but if you feel like donating anything, or even a grocery store gift card in any amount it would be sooooo appreciated, I'm sure! Or, if you feel generous, maybe a gift card to Kohls or something so she can choose something for herself. If you want to help, leave me a comment and I'll give you the details. I think the deadline is the 13 of December, but I'm not 100% sure on that.

3. ron is gone ....again - this time? Austria
*Yep - I'm a widow yet again. A widow that REALLY needs to get a passport so I can go! He left Thursday morning and won't be back till next Thursday night. I miss him. I especially miss him in December when there are so many fun family activities to do. The kids are acting up and being bonkers. I'm gonna admit that I'm not a huge fan of all the traveling that he's had to do. but maybe the sky miles are worth it?

Thankful Thursday

noreply@blogger.com (Celeste) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 05:14:00 +0000

Been a while....

I'm thankful...
1. For kids who fall asleep 2 seconds after their heads hit the pillow
2. For a BEAUTIFUL sister-in-law who makes my life as a photographer soooo easy!

3. For a hysterically funny cousin who writes the BEST stuff on her blog. Guaranteed to make you smile! Mallory's Blog
4. For good friends who haven't forgotten about me since we moved

5. Leftover turkey sandwiches

Thankful Thursday

noreply@blogger.com (Celeste) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:29:00 +0000

1. Library story time
2. going on a computer fast (took a break for a while)
3. my electric blanket
4. finding out I still have a couple months left on my gym membership that I bought 3 years ago.
5. good parking spots at Wally world

New pics

noreply@blogger.com (Celeste) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 04:46:00 +0000

It's about dang time I loaded new pictures of my babes! I have been wanting to get some new pics of my own kids for quite some time - this week has been PERFECT weather so we took advantage. I can't wait to get prints of these...I'm thinking canvas?

Thankful Thursday

noreply@blogger.com (Celeste) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 21:23:00 +0000

I'm thankful for...

1. Free music downloads via Urban Outfitters website
2. My baby sister (Cheryl - I'm SOOOO proud of you!)
3. People who think of cute Halloween stuff so I don't have to
4. Awesome girlfriends
5. FREE public library systems (thank you Salt Lake County)

What are you thankful for?

{ME} Monday

noreply@blogger.com (Celeste) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 17:00:00 +0000

For the last little while, I've had a surge of different emotions regarding self-image, the public view of 'perfect,' and the things my kids (especially my little girl) absorb by just being out and about in the world.

I've been on the freeway recently, and I've just seen one billboard after another promoting "breast augmentation," "laser skin treatments," "tired of looking old?", "Get rid of your wrinkles." I've been thinking lately that wouldn't it be so nice if for once, we were all just happy with who we are and what we've got. I want my own billboard with a wrinkly, happy, lady - "Just Be Beautiful!"

As I've felt bombarded with all of these ads and everything else, I've thought about myself and how I am portraying myself to my own kids and family. Do I like myself? Do I often complain about my image in front of them? Am I proud of the things I've done thus far in my life? Do I serve others? Do I make others feel good about who they are? All these questions rolling around in my head. Some of them I can answer positively and others, well...I need work. So - I've decided to start 'Me Monday'. A day where I can come and post something that I like about myself. It can be physical, mental, something I've accomplished, or just something about me -- the only stipulation=it has to be positive. Now, I'm not doing this to be stuck-up or conceited. I think this is something that we should all take on -- so if you're up to the challenge (at least it will probably be a challenge for me), then join me! Let's find the beauty in ourselves and celebrate that!

I'll start....
This week was a great week! I really love fall and all the fun things there are to do at this time of year. I was able to take the kids to a pumpkin patch and to Wheeler Farm. I was really proud of myself this week because I made a goal to not yell at them so much. I think I did really well. Sure they still got in trouble, but if I started in on them, I quickly reminded myself that I wasn't going to get so angry. I think we all had a much smoother week and we all were able to have more fun together. I am really going to make a conscious effort to be more patient - I think I can do it!

What is something you like about yourself?