lately ...

I'm thinking about my elderly neighbors and what I could do for them this holiday season.

I'm reading the Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes.

I'm doing laundry that I've avoided all week.



I'm making candy cane peppermint cookies just for fun.

I'm watching the delight in my girls faces as we start the countdown to Christmas today.

I'm working on Christmas gifts.

I'm contemplating a big change in our everyday life.

I'm ecstatic my gratitude journals sold out. :)

I'm hoping to go on a date tonight.

I'm missing my sister and her family.



I'm loving going to sleep and waking up to Christmas lights.

I'm grateful for my life. I am tremendously blessed.

I'm waiting for the snow.

I need to clean my studio, again. Sad thing is I just cleaned it last Saturday.

I'm trying not to let my tired get the better of me.

I'm debating whether u should worry that my back still hurts after falling down the stairs over a month ago.



I'm looking forward to my Google hang out this weekend.

today I'm...

Driving around in a Sequoia as my car is getting some needed love. It's so much bigger than I'm use to and feel I'm taking up more space than I should.

Feeling exhausted. Been up since 2am for no reason at all.

Listening to alesund by sun kil moon. Their music is intoxicating and provokes such emotion -- photos too.

Enjoying, still, the beautiful flowers I received from friends for my birthday. Making me ready for spring.

Eating left over Chinese food for lunch from Adams birthday celebration.

Making homemade marinara sauce to use with our dinner tonight. Recipe


Sharing a few of my recent instagrams

Working on the outline for Seeing the Everyday. Less than 12 weeks away! Looking so forward to not only teaching it, but connecting with all those who have signed up for my class.

Wondering why I have 14+ socks without it's identical partner. Where do they go??

Freezing. For some reason I cannot warm up.

Helping Megan clean her room.

Writing pros and cons for going back to school next year.

right now I'm...

Thinking about all the stuff on my todo list that I've push off to tomorrow. I'm not going to lie, it's big. It's been a seriously fabulous holiday vacation.
Reading the Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie and really enjoying it.

Wondering when all the snow will come??

Missing, already, the holiday season that brought with it many lazy days together.

Challenging myself to make better food choices in 2012 -- meaning reduce my sugar intake drastically. I know this is the key to helping me with my low energy problem.

Feeling nothing but happy.

Deciding whether I'm up for another race this year.

Setting a goal to journal everyday, yet again. So far so good.

Helping Tess with her science project. She is determining which solution makes the best bubbles.

Learning Spanish or at least attempting to. ¿Cómo estás?

Rewatching Felicity. I think Megan is my favorite character.

Loving the snuggles with my girls, especially with their oh so soft handmade blankets (my mom made them).

Making ??? There will be something on this by the end of the week. I've really missed my projects.

Listening to how I can give to those around me.

Enjoying this quiet night and this last bit of chocolate.

Grateful for a new year, a fresh start, and endless possibilities.

happiness is

-reliving a moment
-working toward something
-sharing when it's difficult



-getting read to sleep by your sister
-accomplishing everything you wanted to
-learning something new
-acting on faith



-working as a team
-laughing chatter in the other room
-the smell of breakfast in the air
-a clean kitchen



-playing with cousins
-daily gratitude
-a good morning kiss



-getting an uninterrupted hour break in the car while waiting for dance to end
-reading a delightful book
-an uplifting conversation with a friend
-dinner on the table



-wind blown hair
-secret notes on a napkin
-coming home
-caramel & apples



-wide open spaces
-meeting new people
-inspirational messages
-giving kindness



-the smell of rain in the air
-running through a pumpkin patch
-the crunching of leaves
-morning light



-the opportunity to volunteer
-family togetherness
-seeing the beauty life has to offer

glist

today i'm grateful for...

a new week. love mondays.
cooler mornings.
another day to play.
clean sheets.
generosity of others.
delicious, spontaneous treats from friends.
adam's work, even though it means he's traveling more.
gas in my car.
morning light streaming in through my windows.
my girls happy spirits.
choosing my attitude.
new music.
clean kitchen.
anticipation.
finding time for everything.


what are you grateful for today??

cleaning house

Like I've said too many times, we had a delightfully busy summer, and while it wasn't all the fun kind of summer busy, lazy days by the pool we all know and love, it was full enough where there were certainly many areas in my life that fell to the wayside over the past few months that need my attention now. It's time to regroup and get back to my "in school" routine now that my girls are back to theirs. Here are a few things I'm hoping to do and accomplish this fall--trying to be accountable.



--Organize my studio. Want to get rid of most of it. I desperately need to declutter this room big time. It stresses me out to be in here. May need some professional help. Anyone?
--Organize and declutter my closet. More than 1/2 needs to go as well.
--Work on a few Christmas gifts--trying to think ahead.
--Clean out and organize photos from the years 2007 & 2008.
--Make it to the Temple at least twice a month.
--Volunteer at the school. Already signed up for Thursdays.
--Get back to doing my creative Wednesdays. I want to do more projects I've seen on pinterest.
--Make bread.
--Drink more water.
--Make and plan our weekly menu. It works wonders. I never get asked what's for dinner anymore, plus I love already knowing ahead of time. That's 1/2 my problem with dinner, deciding what to make.
--With that in mind I have a goal to make at least one new recipe a week. Hoping to share said recipes with you all. First on my list, tonight, BBQ Chicken Pizza.
--Use my time wisely, but enjoy the hours I have.

glist

right now I'm grateful for...



--the early light in the morning that gets me up
--the coolish breeze
--quiet time after a long busy day
--a husband who just knows to bring me home neilsen's frozen chocolate custard with toasted almonds
--friends who listen & understand
--possibility
--second chances
--a heartfelt thank you from one my girls
--inspiring images
--answered prayers
--my testimony
--good British tv when I just want to veg (check out Masterpiece theater: Collision)
--the farmers market
--the new cut grass smell
--books that keep me & the girls reading
--our right to choose for ourselves
--a family who bravely let's me try new recipes (tonight: skewed chicken with peanut sauce)
--our differences, that we each have something unique to give/share with each other


**what are you grateful for today?

right now randoms

--I'm still having a hard time believing it's June. I hope the summer slows down & takes it's time.
--This week we are tackling each girls room. It's what we like to call end of school clean out. So far so good--it's so nice to see them helping each other.
--What I need to be tackling is my yard. We have some rough spots that need our love and attention.
--I had to quit p90x due to my back incision (drs orders), and believe it or not, I'm actually missing it. I am, however, enjoying my walks & seldom runs in the morning with friends.
--I'm hoping to entertain more this summer.
--I haven't watched regular TV in months, but I highly recommend Downtown Abbey a delightfully British TV show. Lori brought it to my attention a couple weeks ago and Adam & I are hooked.
--I've been in sort of a reading funk lately. Started the year off strong, but unfortunately it's petered out. Do you have a great book suggestion to bring me back?



--Although my tomato plant doesn't look like it's doing too well, it is bearing fruit. The strange weather we've had lately is beating on it. I'm hoping if I show it love daily it will continue to grow. Why am I so bad with plants?
--The girls started swimming again at the local high school every morning at 9am. The best news is that Megan can join them this year.
--Tess has shown interest in rock climbing so I'm thinking I'll get in on the action with her. Thought it might be a fun summer activity for the both of us.
--The summer just got more exciting. We won a week stay at a beach house in Laguna Beach, CA at our YW/YM fundraiser auction. We got it for a screaming deal and can't wait to take the girls to the ocean for the first time this summer.

lately I've noticed...

...when I smile at random strangers they always smile back.
...the birds singing in the morning.
...I get my best ideas at night.
...when I exercise I sleep better.
...when I do a lot of photo editing I always walk away from the computer with a headache.
...when I'm sick and confined to my bed I love watching cooking shows and dream of making new recipes.
...when I start the day with prayer I'm better able to handle what gets thrown at me.
...when I get in bed on a cold winter night after Adams already fallen asleep I get as close to him as I can without touching so I can soak up his warmth.
...I haven't watched tv all winter.
...I listen, unconsciously, to about the same 100 songs.
...there is new life growing on the trees.
...it's still light outside when we sit down for dinner.
...how much sweets are winning over savory.
...the delightful chatter between my girls in the morning.
...I much prefer paperbacks to hardcovers.
...how quickly a year flies by.
...transitioning from one stage of life to another isn't paved with smooth roads.
...we need each other.

thursday miscellany

I have been crazy for reading since January began. I can't understand what it's about since last year I gave such a poor reading performance. Perhaps it has something to do with hiding out from the gray January days, who knows, but for whatever reason I find that I cannot read enough. I just started Major Pettigrew's Last Stand, which I am thoroughly enjoying--great writing, great characters, great story--really digging it.


This is a typical scene I watch unfold every morning after the girls have brought up their school paraphernalia & get ready to head out the door. On this particular day Bella is busy lecturing Megan about treating her violin case with respect. Of course the boots, blanket, and multiple stuff animals are Megan's loot that she brings up with her every morning--her Kitty and pillow pet, known as Pandy, are never far away. It's become part of my routine to get them back to their proper home once the house is quieted down.


Have I told you yet that I've decided, unequivocally, that I am not a painter? Feels good to finally admit that. And it's not even that I think I stink at it as much as I'm not even sure I enjoy it like I use to, though I'm quite certain those two things are related. At any rate, I played around last weeks with some friends and after staring, for far too long, at a masterpiece gone wrong Jenica helped me, in the end, mess it all up.


The January gray is seriously messing with my chi, and while I know we've had some good and sunny days mixed in, I think I'm just done with it--like when I said I was done with it two weeks ago--done with it.

i want to go to the east coast.
i want to take pictures of interesting doors and see what lives behind them.
i want to dance with abandon.
i want to enjoy the art of cooking.
i want to eat spicy food.
i want to be hear the ocean crashing against the shore.
i want to get lost in a field of tall grass.
i want to go to a place where all they speak is french.
i want to try a zumba class.
i want to write a memoir in short stories.
i want to live mindfully.
i want to try something new.
i want to learn how to play the guitar.
i want to laugh more.
i want to finish my photo books.
i want to see more color.
i want to feel warm breeze against my face.

thinking about...

--knitting more
--can we live a non-digital life?
--my word for the year
--nailing down 2011 goals
--how cool it is that I can video chat with my sister
--wishing my sister lived closer
--Elder Christopherson's October 2010 conference talk
--getting a job
--budgeting
--saving up to go to New Hampshire in September
--making a menu for this week
--trying new recipes
--sushi
--how much i love my Sunday naps
--a sewing lesson plan for Tess & Megan
--why it's so cold outside
--sitting by the fire and reading
--rereading Extremely Loud & Incredible Close
--what I'm grateful for today
--hoping the act of thinking about what I'm grateful for at the end of each day will help this year be more full of light.
--taking more videos
--running a 1/2 marathon

etcetera etcetera...

today i'm choosing

Today I'm letting go of fear and making room for possibility.
Today I'm letting go of misunderstandings and making room for love.
Today I'm letting go of have tos and making room for want tos.
Today I'm letting go of doubt and making room for hope.
Today I'm letting go of sadness and making room for laughter.
Today I'm letting go of "i'm not good enough" and making room for "...you are powerful beyond measure".

gratitude friday (including creative wednesday)

*I'm grateful to have uninterrupted time the last two days to work on the gratitude journals. Thank you Jill, Robyn, and Kathy for splitting your time with my girls.
*I'm grateful that meant I was able to spend the evening with Adam, just the two of us, eating, talking, and laughing. It is never just an ok night out with him around...I'm always entertained.
*I'm grateful the weather has cooled enough for light sweaters and wool socks in the mornings.


*I'm grateful I learned how to sew so I could quickly put together a skirt for Bella's costume. Hopefully it will fit, I made the pattern up on the fly. This and working on the journals is what I did for creative Wednesday this week. Did you do anything creative?
*I'm grateful for books with good messages to keep me company while I work. I've been listening to The Power. It's a little cheesy, the audio anyway, but hopefully it will be what I need to help keep me thinking positively.
*I'm grateful to feel happy today.
*I'm grateful to have friends in my life that fill me up in ways only a friend can.
*I'm grateful my to do list of things to do before leaving town is almost complete.
*I'm grateful to have the opportunity to go out of town and see North Carolina for the first time.
*In light of what a friend of mine is facing, I'm grateful my children are healthy and happy little girls. With everything that can go wrong it seems like such a miracle.

What are you grateful for today?

xox, amy

monday randoms

Just got done with dinner with my girls, Adam's out of town for the week so it's me and them til Friday. I'm not sure Bella, Tess or I got a word in edgewise as we listen to Megan prattle on about her school adventures. So far since school started 1 girl has broke her arm and another one broke her leg. I'm thinking they're going to get rid of the monkey bars.


So last weekend...what a mess. I knew it was going to rain and would have much rather spent the last night with my sister instead of wet outdoors, but Adam felt it necessary that we go to our ward camp-out, so we did. I admit it was more fun than I could have imagined watching 1/2 the tent fill up with water and all four adults smashing into the other half while we tried to stay dry. I guess there is something enjoyable about the sense of adventure...even when it does involve being uncomfortable. It was fun playing games while the rain pelted down and the thunder cracked on the outside. The next day was beautiful weather and if we didn't need to get home to Megan's soccer game I'm sure we would have stayed up there longer.

I've decided to give up candy again and you'll know I've already failed one day into it when I tell you the symphony chocolate bar Adam bought tastes like mint chocolate. I thought maybe he bought mint chocolate to try it out until I saw the candy bar sitting next to a pack of winter-mint gum. I never knew gum in a package could be strong enough to infuse with chocolate.


My dear friend Hannah sent me this one of a kind magnet. I've put it in my kitchen on my magnet board in a prominent place where I can look at it daily to remind myself not only of the good friends I have, but the gift I have to choose the life I want. Thank you Hannah!


Remember this post I did a few weeks ago? I haven't forgot you see, it's just I've had lots going on since then. I stole some time while my sister was busy shopping with her kids one day to tackle my studio. It was just too depressing to walk into and I couldn't take it any more. I got rid of the ugly costco table and utilized the table we use to have in our library. Then after cleaning off my desk I moved it around and wallah, I have a completely different look. I am quite pleased with what I've done so far. It is not complete, I have a lot of organizing and work to do on the walls, but I've already been inspired to be in here more and really that's what I was looking for.

I thoroughly enjoyed the 60-70 degree rainy weather today and can now say I'm ready for autumn. :)

Miscellany

**I'm playing catch up today after spending a great weekend away, actually I should say, I should be playing catch up. I've been busy taking kids to music lessons and school registration that I haven't had the time to catch up like I ought to. Luckily though, Adam did a lot of it over the weekend (what a gem, right?) so it won't be overwhelming once I get after it tomorrow.


[adam took this with my phone]

**Well there was one thing I did get caught up on...being with my girls. It was an utter delight to see my girls this morning. I got in at 10:30p last night so I was unable to be with them when I got home and was anxious to get my arms around them today. I didn't have to wait too long as they each made their way into my bedroom when they woke up to say hello and cuddle up next to me. I have decided these moments have been my most favorite from the summer and will be the ones I miss when they're back in school.

**School. So hard for me to believe school starts in less than two weeks. Like I said we had registration today to sign up for SEP conferences and volunteer times throughout the year. I'm hoping to be at the school one day a week to help in all the classrooms. Hard to imagine they will be at the same school with the same drop off/pick up times...first time in 7 years.

**I've had my computer at the shop getting windows 7 put on it since last tuesday. I took it in then thinking I would be able to pick it up when I got home, but it turns out they haven't even started on it. UGH! They did say they were super busy when I dropped it off, but come on, a week. The joys of technology.

**I've uploaded and am in the process of looking through my photos from the weekend. Had hoped to have a post this evening, but spent the night playing go fish, jenga, & the 50 states. A wise choice if I do say so myself...I'm learning.

**I'm grateful to be feeling so recharged and happy right now. What a blessing it is.

randoms...my head is full of them

**Bella's been away at a camp since Monday, probably enjoying herself immensely while the rest of use are at home missing her. It's crazy how much one person adds to a family. We were eating dinner Monday night and it felt empty. The four of us seemed so small and yet with Bella we feel complete.

**I want these (I'm so drawn to the squares) or something like it for my kitchen. I know just the place. And since I'm not willing to shell out $260 for them, I'm determined to find them second hand...somewhere.

**I think there's a skunk that has taken up residence in my yard. No, seriously. I haven't seen it, but I keep smelling it randomly throughout the day (which is not good for anyone). Sometimes it's in the front, sometimes the back. It's driving me crazy because I can't have my windows open in the morning or my whole house smells skunky. What should I do? Would Animal Control come trap it?

**I have been sleeping horrible this week and I can't figure out why. I get to sleep great, it's just I can't stay that way. So I've been walking around like a zombie around 3 o'clock in the afternoon wondering when I can get back in bed. Drives me crazy.

**Speaking of being tired, I have backed off some, ok a lot, on my p90x. I'm still doing it, but I do miss things (like whole days) here and there. I did do 30 push ups Tuesday morning so I must be doing something right.

**I finally decided to get rid of our home phone and buy a prepaid phone to leave at the house for emergencies and what not. I've thought about it for a long time, but kept dragging my feet. It just makes sense, plus, between that and cutting my cable service in half we'll save like $90 a month. Stoked.

**Last Sunday we had church outside at This Is the Place Heritage Park (more to come), and we gave a ride to our handicap neighbor. He is a funny 55 year old man who's all about business. He doesn't like to be late, in fact if it were up to him he would be hours early and he won't give me the time of day when I say hi to him at the grocery store (he's a bagger there). Anyway, he seems to understand a lot, but he doesn't speak really well. You have to really listen to understand him. When we pulled up to the park Tess said, "this place, I hate this place." (honestly I have no idea where this is coming from. The only other time we've been was last year for church so maybe she's just thinking it's going to be hot, I don't know). After she said it, Richard, who's in the front said in a, I can't believe you just said that sort of way, "dude". Adam and I couldn't contain ourselves. It was just too perfect his disgust. She kept her mouth shut after that.

**Remember this project. I've yet to finish it (ugh I hate that), but have recommitted myself to getting it done and starting 2010. Now that I'll have more time this fall I have no excuses...not that I did before.

Today...

I could have done without the snow. Do not attempt to adjust your screen the white flakes you see are in fact snow. I cried a bit as I watched it fall this morning & collect on the road. We probably got a total of 3 inches all together. It did melt very quickly once it decided to stop, but I'm sad it killed my neighbors newly planted flowers.

I'm grateful for late night talks & time spent reconnecting.

I've been listening to Sarah by Ray LaMontagne. His entire album Gossip In the Grain is so mood altering I can't get enough. Another favorite is I Still Care For You.


I've been looking through the photos I took of Bella in her play Saturday. I thought she was funny and did a great job acting, much better than I could have ever done. I wonder if this is something she will want to continue with. In this scene she's a citizen of the emerald city so that's why all the green.

I've been attempting to watch the series finale of Lost while I fold clothes. Finally after 30 minutes of in & out I realize I just need to wait til tonight. I have a feeling I'm going to be let down and be ashamed I spent so much of my time on this show.

I feel understood.

We played blockus for FHE.


I'm wondering when my body will stop hurting? Adam took this picture Saturday unbeknownst to me while I was doing the kick boxing portion of p90x. Can't believe how sore you can be from hitting air.

Adam and I bought The National's new album High Violet. The jury is still out. A few songs stood out right away, but I'm not completely sold on the rest...not yet anyway.

monday gratitude

My friend Amy had a gratitude Friday and it reminded me that it's been far too long since I've had one of my own.

-a husband who will listens to me & talks about anything and everything
-affectionate children
-patience
-life changing experiences
-wisdom of others
-being at the right place at the right time
-experiences that allow you to meet people you never would have
-long distance relationships are possible
-last minute lunch dates
-being able to help a friend
-triangle boxes
-a good night rest



-the smell of books
-after school snacks...for me
-play dates
-a blank book ready to be filled
-checking things off my list
-renewed commitment to long term goals
-new art (kid and Adam) to hang on the board
-an idea for dinner
-empty laundry baskets
-fhe = spending the night together

monday bullets

-Mondays just seem like a bullet point kind of day. It's the day I look at the whole of my week and add to my ever increasing to do list.
-My lists are no longer made with paper and pen, well occasionally they are, but for the most part I use 2Do. A favorite app that helps me stay organized.
-I'm finally completely done with my Woman's Conference talk. The guts of the message has been done for about a month actually, but there were a few things that didn't feel right that I kept coming back to. Yesterday evening I was finally able to figure it out. Feels good to have the final draft in my hands.
-I hear it's suppose to be cold, maybe even snow this week/weekend. Can't tell you how disappointed I am by that news.
-My two nieces, Olivia and Ashley, slept over Friday night. We met up with Robyn at the mall to hand over Olivia so they could spend the afternoon together celebrating their birthdays. Adam and I were left with Megan and Ashely which seemed like a manageable group, but had the ability to remind us how easy we have it now that we're at the tail end of little kids. It was an enjoyable outing even though they had the ability to walk in front of every person in a hurray and their attempts to play hide and seek were thwarted by their giggles.


-Here they are shopping with us at the boutique Lucille Elaine. Adam took this photo while I was trying on a dress. The two of them were trying their best to behave because there was a table full of cookies and cupcakes tempting them. I wish I had had one myself, Adam said the cupcakes were day changing.
-A really great show started last night on the history channel called, America the Story Of Us. It's all about America's beginnings. From what I have seen it's not only really well made, but it's a great reminder that our country beat the odds because of the determination of the people. I think it's a 12 hour mini series so start recording it now.