52 Weeks - Week 7: Things That Make You Feel Healthy

Oh hello. You might think it's been 8 weeks since I started this little adventure, if you've been keeping track, which I imagine everyone is...

You'd be right. But I skipped a week. I didn't post much of anything last week so here we are, at week 7, which I'm ok with! I figure it's my life and if I want to do week 7 on week 8, I will!

Truth be told, this little adventure might become "52 Weeks of Lists Stretched Out Over Two Years." I'm also ok with that =).

This weeks list is "Things That Make You Feel Healthy: Mind, Body, and Soul." There are just some things that feel good when you do them, or see them, or feel them. They feel right, like they're just feeding your mind or body or soul (or tummy!). This weeks list is about those things. You can find the original 52 Weeks series on Moorea Seal's blog HERE and you can find the rest of my lists HERE.

Mind:

1. Writing
2. Reading

3. Helping Nate with his homework

4. Trying to figure out something new on my own

5. Listening to Nate explain a different perspective

6. Playing word games like Scrabble or crosswords

Body:

1. Making good eating choices

2. Getting up and going to the gym

3. Parking further away from the store entrance

4. Dance parties with my kids

5. Remembering to take my vitamins

6. Heading to the park to walk around and take pictures

Soul:

1. Going to church

2. Singing

3. Watching my kids cuddle or play together

4. Spending time with people that I love (friends and family)

5. When Nate compliments me

6. When I make a good decision even though it was hard

52 Lists - Week 6: List The Ways In Which You Can Love Others

I'm sad that I missed the weekend in terms of blog posts. I don't usually do much anyway, but I couldn't even do that much this weekend. It was just jam packed full of activities. Between birthdays and game nights, we pretty much went non stop from Friday night to Sunday night. It was a crazy fun weekend, but it's nice to get a breather.

And now it's Monday, and time for another list! With Valentine's Day coming up, the topic is certainly appropriate. Valentine's Day is traditionally a romantic holiday, but I really like to expand the theme of love to encompass all types. It's a really good time to emphasize to the kids not only how much we love them, but how we can show love to others.

The original 52 Lists series can be found on Moorea Seal's blog HERE and you can find my other lists HERE.

So what are some of the ways I like to show love to others?

Tell them! Have I mentioned how much I love my husband? And my kids? And my awesome sister? What about my amazing friends?! I think we could all stand to express our love and appreciation with words a little more.

Gifts. I'm a big fan of gifts. Not because I like "stuff," but because to me it represents the fact that someone took a moment out of their day, with me in mind, to find something they thought I would appreciate and enjoy. I like knowing I was on someone's mind, and I usually feel that if I like something, someone else probably does too.

Notes and cards. Talk about the basics, right? But I think taking a moment to write something down is special. There's just something lovely in the written word, especially when those words express love and appreciation. They can be saved and cherished, reread when someone is feeling down.

Acts of service. What better way to express love than to go out of your way to do something for someone else? When words don't say enough, actions speak volumes. 

Cook something. Or bake. Or de-frost... I think it feels pretty good when someone makes a point to know what I like and prepare it for me. Doesn't that combine a lot of things into one amazing act of love? Thoughtfulness, acts of service, gifts... 

Spend time with someone. Hang out with them. I'd like nothing more than to make people feel wanted and appreciated. I want them to know their presence and company is valuable.

Hug someone. I love hugs. I don't get enough hugs (just sayin'). I love holding my kids. I love feeling my husbands arms around me. Of course, not everyone is as touchy-feely as me, but I think most people appreciate a kind touch or gesture.

Speak well of someone. Sometimes it's easier to show love to someone when they're right there, but harder when they're not around. I think it shows great love and respect if you can speak well of someone when they're not around.

I'm sure there are many other, more specific ways to show love, but I think these are the basics. No matter how you do it, the most important thing is to show love to someone in some fashion. Let people know they matter. 

Have I mentioned I love you? Yes, YOU! It means so much to me that you took a moment out of your day to read these words. Thank you  =)

52 Lists - Week 5: List The Things You Are Grateful For

It's pretty easy to find things to complain about. For example, I feel miserable and achy. My head hurts, my tummy hurts, the weather is icky, my husband left a chip bag on my desk and I think my rose bush is dying. See? Easy!

That's why it's so important to make a concerted effort to think about things we're grateful for. While it's easy to find things to complain about, it's also easy to take our blessings for granted and when you put those two together, you usually end up miserable. 

That's why I'm so glad that this weeks list is things I'm grateful for. The 52 Lists series can be found on Moorea Seal's blog HERE and my previous lists can be found on my blog HERE. 

Here we go, in no particular order!

My husband, who bears the burden of providing for us.

My children, who bring so much joy into my life.

The plush blanket given to me for Christmas, which is amazingly soft and cozy.

My dog, who is literally the sweetest dog I've ever met.

My cat, who is so soft and cuddly and has a bit of an attitude.

My kindle, which brings me so many hours of entertainment.

My mother in law, who has always been there for us.

My friends, who are such bright spots of joy in my life.

My camera, which lets me explore the creativity I never thought I had.

My music, which lets me express the wordless desires of my soul.

My sister, who I look up to and am so proud of.

Chocolate, which pretty much needs no explanation because it is the delicious taste of heaven.

My husband, again, for his unwavering love and commitment to me and our marriage.

My health, which could be much worse, all things considered.

My parents, who left marks on my heart that have not diminished with time.

There are so many things I'm grateful for, such as nice pens and Tums and pretty earrings, but these, I think, are the biggest. I hope you'll take some time to reflect on the things you're grateful for, and if you do, I hope you'll also take a moment to share them with me in the comments section below.

Have a blessed Monday!

52 Lists - Week 4: List Your Current and Future Goals

There really isn't a better time than January to evaluate where you're at and where you want to go. Season of fresh starts and all that, right? This weeks list is current and future goals. Having a concrete list of what you want will help guide you, like a road map. It also helps define what is important and should take priority in your life and what can fall by the wayside.

I made a list last year and I'm pleased to say that I was able to accomplish some of it, but not all. A lot of it is more long term, but others were forgotten. I'm hoping to incorporate this year's list into my monthly habits.

So here they are; my hopes, dreams and goals!

1. I think one of my biggest goals in life is to be remembered as a kind and hospitable woman. I want people to feel loved and important when they're around me. I have a long way to go, but I'm working on this every day. I believe this is the kind of woman God wants me to be.

2. I want to teach my children the value of selflessness and kindness. 

3. I want to go back to school and get my teaching degree. 

4. I want to lose alllllll the weight!!

5. I want to run in a 5k with my friends.

6. I want to teach my children piano.

7. I want to HAVE a piano!

8. I want to create a peaceful and cozy home that people want to spend time in.

9. I want to explore the possibility of starting an online business.

10. I want to make sure my husband knows everyday that I love him and he is my first priority.

11. I want to make sure my kids know everyday that I love them and that they are also my first priority.

12. I want to buy a dslr camera and learn to use it. I also want to become an amaaaaazing photographer someday!

13. I want to develop my crafty side. I like being crafty!

14. I want to spend as much time with my friends as I can and build those relationships so they last forever.

15. I want to learn another language.

You can see my list from last year HERE and read my other lists HERE. This idea originated on THIS blog.

Happy Monday! What are your goals?

52 Lists - Week 3: List The Things You're Proud Of

Yay! It's another list! It's week 3 and this one is a fun one. Well, I think they're all fun, but this one lets me toot my own horn a little bit, which I don't think is always a bad thing =).

The ideas for this list series came from THIS blog and you can read my other lists HERE.

Here we go, a list of things I'm proud of!

1. I'm proud of my children. I could be biased, but I think they're amazing. I think they're kind-hearted and loving. I think they're funny and smart. I think they're beautiful. When I look at them, I feel so blessed. 

2. I'm proud of my husband. I think I've got a pretty awesome husband. He's hard working, intelligent, funny and pretty darn sexy too ;). I admire how hard he works to provide for us and I admire how hard he works at the gym to take care of himself. He inspires me and makes me want to be a better person.

3. I'm proud that I've lost 30lbs in the last year. I slacked off and stopped going to the gym and I didn't do everything I was supposed to, but I made a few lifestyle changes and I have that to show for it. Am I even close to my goal? Nope, but I know that I will get there if I just keep moving forward. 

4. I'm proud of my musicality. I believe music is a vital part of our culture and I want my children to grow up understanding that music plays a huge role in our lives. As bad as this may sound, I love the sound of my own voice. Singing along to a song I love and nailing it makes me happy. 

5. I'm proud of my intelligence. I never went to college. Someday I hope to, but so far I haven't. However, I consider myself fairly educated and intelligent. I like to help my husband do his college (accounting! Eww) homework and it makes me proud when I'm able to explain something to him because I've picked it up quickly as we're going along. I believe that it's important to be a life-long learner and it makes me proud when I live up to my ideals.

6. I'm proud that compassion and kindness often come easily for me. Not always, but often. I find joy in anticipating others needs and providing for them. I enjoy hospitality and making people feel loved and welcome. I haven't always been good at these things, but it's an area that I'm focusing on because I believe it's a crucial part of being a godly woman.

7. I'm extremely proud of my marriage. Like, bursting with pride. I could talk forever about it. We've been through a LOT. We've worked hard to overcome some pretty awful situations and we've both done things we regret, but I sit here today and I can truthfully say I'm more in love with this man than I've ever been. Our marriage has never been stronger or more intimate. We're truly best friends and I haven't always been able to say that. I know hard times will come again, but I also know that between us, we have the fight and determination to overcome anything. We're both in this for the long haul and that makes me very proud.

8. I'm also extremely proud of my sister. She truly is a source of inspiration for me. Even though she's my baby sister (haha), I look up to her. She's a great nurse, an amazing mother to 3 gorgeous kids and the wife of a man who commutes to a different province to work (that takes some strength!) She's been there for me more times than I can count and I love her so much. 

There are other things I'm proud of, but I'm being beckoned away by my husband, so those things will have to wait for another day. You can also read last years list HERE. 

I'd love to get some comments, so tell me what you're proud of! Go on, toot your own horn =).

52 Lists - Week 2: List Your Greatest Comforts

Welcome to week 2! Last week I shared with you words that touched my soul. This week is all about comfort and I think I speak for many when I say we like to be comfortable!

You can find last weeks list HERE and the original 52 lists at Moorea Seal's blog HERE.

So here's what I take comfort in, in no particular order:

My husband, first and always. He's like a giant teddy bear (with big, manly muscles... :P )

My children

Chocolate, which comes in behind my children, but not by much. Mmmm.

Old-time hymns, like "It Is Well With My Soul."

Music in general. Nothing makes me feel better than turning on Pandora when I'm stressed. 

A warm, cozy, (preferably fuzzy) blanket. I got an amazing plush blanket for Christmas and I pretty much live in it. 

Anything knit. Reminds me of Grandma.

My dad's old Bible.

My mom's ring, which I never take off my finger.

My animals.

My amazing friends, who are like family to me.

My sister, who's always been there for me.

A hug.

Once again, my old list is HERE and it's interesting to see the differences. I still take comfort in all the things I said, but not all of them came to mind.

What things bring you comfort? Leave a comment and let me know!

52 Lists - Week 1 (again): Words That Touch My Soul

Last year I had planned to start doing weekly lists that I'd found on THIS website. I really loved the concept and her ideas for lists were great. Well, like many of my projects, I never stuck with it, but I still really love the idea. So we're giving it another go for this year. I make no promises though! Ha!

A lot changes over a single year and I'm curious to know if this list will change. I haven't looked at last years list, but I will link to it at the end and it will be interesting to see if and how it changes.

Here we go, a list of words that touch my soul:

Hope

Faith

Integrity

Grace

Family

Friends

Love

Compassion

Hospitality

Forgiveness

Relationship

Music

Laughter

Joy

Change

Renewal

Fresh

Children

Gentleness

Mercy

My old list is HERE and it's interesting to see which words have changed and which have remained constant over the past year.

What words touch your soul?

Current and Future Goals and Dreams - 52 Lists Week 4

It's the fourth week of the 52 Lists in 52 Weeks series and I'm excited with the lists I've come up with so far. Have you considered writing your own lists? If you want to follow along this series, check out the original series at Moorea Seal and my past posts HERE. This weeks project is to list current and future goals and dreams. What a great way to start the week. Talk about motivation!

Current and Future Goals and Dreams

1. One of my biggest life-long dreams is to go back to school and earn my teaching degree. I would love the opportunity to teach music to young children.

2. My biggest current goal is to get my house fully spring-cleaned and organized. 

3. Save up enough money to move next year, after Nate graduates.

4. Work really hard to become healthy and strong.

5. Buy a piano so I can play again.

6. Join a band.

7. Join a choir!

8. Teach my children how to be loving and considerate people.

9. Paint my house. 

10. Organize my pictures and put them up on the walls.

11. Visit my hometown and my family, most of whom I haven't seen in almost a decade. 

12. Go on the honeymoon we never had. 

13. Renew my vows in a big, traditional wedding.

14. Let my husband know every day how important he is to me, how proud I am of him and how much I love him.

15. Let my children know that they can do anything they set their minds to and that they will always have my support and love.

16. Hike up to the top of Saddlerock.

17. Learn to play the guitar. 

18. Buy a dslr camera and learn all about photography and taking great shots.

19. Stick to my menu plan for a week.

20. Go a whole month without eating fast food or drinking soda. 

Things You Should Be Proud Of - 52 Lists Week 3

Wow! Yesterday, with the addition of Mel, my sister, to the blog, we saw an all time high of viewers, triple what the blog normally sees! You guys love you some Mel, that's for sure!

Last week didn't see much action on the blog. I don't really have a good reason other than I was distracted with other things, such as my pictures. But that shouldn't really happen again, now that there's two of us. Hopefully one can pick up the others slack!

This is week 3 of the 52 Lists in 52 weeks series and I have a feeling this might be a toughie for me. I tend to be down on myself much more than I ought to be and this weeks list is to name things I should be proud of. Well, here goes!

Things I Should Be Proud Of

1. I am a kind and compassionate woman. Maybe not always and maybe not enough, but I am.

2. I am teaching my children to be strong, independent and compassionate.

3. I believe in the value of the arts and that learning music is as important as learning language. 

4. I believe that love is not a feeling and that a marriage is not convenient nor easy.

5. I'm a stand-by-your-man kind of girl and a momma bear kind of mom. Don't mess with my family.

6. Singing brings me immense joy and peace. There is truly no feeling more incredible than belting out the climax of a song and nailing it. 

7. I've never fulfilled my dream of singing the national anthems (yes, both of them) at a sporting event, but I HAVE gotten a dream come true to sing at my sisters wedding, even though I couldn't be there in person. 

8. I have friends that I love like brothers. I truly know what it means that family is more than blood. 

9. I have gone to the gym for two months in a row and have seen my strength increase greatly. Sometimes I have slacked off, but my resolve to get in shape and lose weight has never wavered and I always get back to it and push myself a bit harder.

10. I believe that a person is not defined by their political or religious affiliation and that there is good to be found in everyone, but not everyone is worth the effort to search for it.

11. I'm proud of the relationship I have with my husband. We often clash and we're both stubborn and proud, but underneath it all, we have a bond that I believe will endure.

12. I'm proud of my pictures. I believe that I have a little skill, at least with editing, and I'm hoping to turn my little hobby into an actual skill and talent some day. 

13. I believe in the value of education. I've caught myself acting like a "tiger-mom" when poor Damien is doing his kindergarten homework and I realized I didn't care. I believe that the most important thing a person learns in school is how to learn and I will happily shove that down my kids' throats for the next 12 years.

14. I've grown a thicker skin over the last decade. Maybe it comes with age, maybe with experience, but it's there now and for the most part, I'm happy with it. I've learned that there will always be someone who doesn't like you, has something mean to say or thinks you're a bad wife/mother/person/whatever. I've learned to let it go and not take everything personally.

15. I'm proud that I've actually gotten to number 15! I know, I know, that's cheating, but I think I'm learning to love myself more and that's something I'm proud of.

16. I think this list is supposed to be about things I'm proud of in myself, but I can't talk about pride without talking about the two most important people in my life (well, besides my kids which really goes without saying.) I'm insanely proud of my husband and my sister. Both of them inspire me to be a better person and to push forward through adversity to achieve my goals. I'm proud that I get to be a part of their lives. 

17. I'm proud of the relationship I have with my mother-in-law. We haven't always seen eye to eye and have had rough patches, but I can truly say that I love her and consider her a friend and I'm proud of that.

18. I'm proud of my faith. It's been shaken over the years and questioned, but it's still there and I want to pass it down to my children. Perhaps not in the same form, but I believe in the importance of having faith and believing in something larger than yourself. 

19. Oh goodness, two more! I'm proud of my writing. I believe I have a unique conversational tone and descriptive ability. I'm proud of my ability to communicate and I think I have a solid grasp on the English language. 

20. I'm proud of my resilience. I've been through more storms in my life than I care to count, but I have survived and thrived and I know that no matter what life throws my way, I will survive. I will not give up.

So, what are you proud of?

Your Greatest Comforts - 52 Lists Week 2

Last week, I started a new series called 52 Lists. I found the idea on a blog called Moorea Seal, which I discovered through Pinterest. If you didn't see last weeks list, called Words That Touch Your Soul, you can check it out HERE. Each Monday, I'll be writing a new list and this weeks challenge is to list your greatest comforts so here are mine!

My Greatest Comforts

1. When Nate holds me and tells me we'll be together forever, no matter what.

2. When my kids give me great big hugs and tell me they love me the mostest of all.

3. Putting on music and singing my heart out.

4. Game night with my best friends.

5. A really cozy blanket on a chilly day.

6. Hot chocolate.

7. Cold chocolate.

8. A beautiful landscape.

9. Watching TV with Nate.

10. Walking around with my camera taking random pictures.

11. Laying in bed listening to an audio book.

12. Downton Abbey.

13. Also, Grey's Anatomy.

14. Chicken and mashed potatoes.

15. When my sister comes to town and I get to spend time with her and her family.

16. When my sister isn't in town, but I still get to talk to her on Facebook.

17. When an old hymn comes on Pandora and I get all nostalgic and teary.

18. When Nate and I get a rare night alone and we just get to hang out and talk.

19. Contact lenses.

20. The angel picture my mom cross stitched for me.

Words That Touch Your Soul - 52 Lists Week 1

I recently came across a blog that shared a wonderful idea: 52 weeks of lists. I'll be participating in this endeavor every Monday. I'm excited to see what comes of this! I'm starting late, so I'm just going with Week 1, rather than the actual list for this week, so here we go!

Words That Touch My Soul:

1. Grace

2. Mercy

3. Compassion

4. Hope

5. Forward

6. Joy

7. Integrity

8. Music

9. Faith

10. Forever

11. Breathe

12. Together

13. Home

14. Friendship

15. Family

16. Inspire

17. Peace

18. Forgive

19. Remember

20. Teach

What words touch your soul?