I've waited for over a year now for my best friend to move here from Boston. I've known she was coming and the waiting has been so hard! We talk on the phone for hours every time - what'll it be like when she's finally here? We have so much catching up to do. The last 15 years we've been apart trying to build a life for ourselves, figuring out how to be good wives, etc., now we can learn and grow together.
I'm so excited to meet her husband again too. We met him briefly around 5 years ago, but it was the last weekend before we moved here, it was at a family and friend gathering where I'd been away a long time and he was fairly "new", so we didn't talk too much. We probably were thinking the same things that day, though. My friend is forever telling me how wonderful and intelligent he is, how much she respects him, and would do anything in the world for him. That's so refreshing to hear in today's "me-me-me" society. I'm sure I'll learn to love him like a brother. She's been my long-lost twin for most of our lives: we think alike, finish each other's sentences, enjoy and respect the same things, married very similar men, have identical thoughts (and words) within 24 hours of each other, even though we're 3000 miles apart. It's going to be the best thing for me to have her in my life again. I barely can come up with words to describe how much she means to me. The weekend I last saw her, before our move, I cried my eyes out at the thought of not seeing her again. I never cried saying goodbye to my family, friends, church members, neighbors, but with her, I was so scared to let go of her. We've been through so much together. Now we can go through EVERYTHING together. My kids already call her "Auntie ________ " when she calls.
I pray that she'll be here as soon as possible. It's less than a month to go now.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Monday, August 4, 2008
My new job at Abbey Gardens
If I have to work, what a great place. I get to work with great people who understand the importance of serving others' needs, take a team approach to getting jobs done, everything that surrounds me is Victorian, girly, porcelain and beautiful, it's perfect. I also don't have to be at work before 10:30, so I can teach the kids for 2 hours even on days I work. I'm home by supper. I keep my Tuesday's off for Bible study, drama and business meetings. I even get Sundays off for church. I couldn't make as much money working hourly anywhere else. Although I'd rather be home with my kids full-time, I'm still truly blessed by God's favor.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Top 10 Things About Lisa
1. I'm a server at Abbey Gardens tea house now.
2. I'm writing a Genesis Bible Study to teach at church this fall.
3. I play drums, but I'm self-taught and still learning.
4. I'm an avid scrapbooker.
5. I love homeschooling my 3 kids - I believe it's my true "calling".
6. I love building my Monavie business (www.the-team.biz/mv909588)
7. I love to cook but hate to bake.
8. I've gone as organic as possible on our budget, also no white flour, sugar or corn syrup in our home.
9. I love living in Arizona, although we could use a bigger house in a real "neighborhood".
10. My favorite subject to study and teach is American History.
2. I'm writing a Genesis Bible Study to teach at church this fall.
3. I play drums, but I'm self-taught and still learning.
4. I'm an avid scrapbooker.
5. I love homeschooling my 3 kids - I believe it's my true "calling".
6. I love building my Monavie business (www.the-team.biz/mv909588)
7. I love to cook but hate to bake.
8. I've gone as organic as possible on our budget, also no white flour, sugar or corn syrup in our home.
9. I love living in Arizona, although we could use a bigger house in a real "neighborhood".
10. My favorite subject to study and teach is American History.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
What a busy week!
This has been a busy week and it's not over yet. My Tuesdays are always busy anyway, then Jordan and I went to spend some time with a dear friend on Wed. We used to see her and her daughter all the time, but since summer came, and everyone's busy and gone, it's been pretty near impossible. It did me good to be around her, she's like me: she has every reason to claim "I'm a victim" yet she goes through life with a positive, loving attitude, always the first one to help, and never asking for anything in return. She's always so happy. When I don't get spend time with her for a while, I find myself getting too serious. She reminds me that you can't control life anyway, so have fun with it.
Thursday I got to see another friend I've missed, along with her step-daughter. We spent time talking about everything we've been dealing with lately, and stuff that we need answers for. We're able to be honest with one another - what you see is what you get - no pretenses - and encourage one another to grow and become better. Afterwards, we spent about 2 hours in and around the pool. It was perfect because it forced me to get fresh air when I probably would've spent most of the day writing on the computer, otherwise.
Friday was Adam's 8th grade graduation, so it was a little crazy...we (us and Tim's parents) drove downtown, dropped Adam off for practice, drove to 2 car dealerships, picked up Tim, picked up Adam, ate supper at a slow-paced restaurant, then the ceremony itself - all in the same 6 hours.
Today was okay, we had a small celebration for Jordan's 10th bday (Sunday), and I had to run Adam to a friend's on the other side of town. Oh yeah, and I had about 4 loads of laundry to do!
Sunday we try out a new church. It's one of the ones on TV, so I'm already skeptical. Then I have to practice my drums and spend the rest of the day writing my Genesis curriculum so I'll be done before Sept. 8th.
Monday I take Jordan to the tea house for her real bday celebration: The 2 of us, 2 of my friends, and their 2 daughters, Jordan's friends. We only get with them once a year, so we really look forward to the quality time we get with them.
Tuesday - the week starts all over again - busy!
Thursday I got to see another friend I've missed, along with her step-daughter. We spent time talking about everything we've been dealing with lately, and stuff that we need answers for. We're able to be honest with one another - what you see is what you get - no pretenses - and encourage one another to grow and become better. Afterwards, we spent about 2 hours in and around the pool. It was perfect because it forced me to get fresh air when I probably would've spent most of the day writing on the computer, otherwise.
Friday was Adam's 8th grade graduation, so it was a little crazy...we (us and Tim's parents) drove downtown, dropped Adam off for practice, drove to 2 car dealerships, picked up Tim, picked up Adam, ate supper at a slow-paced restaurant, then the ceremony itself - all in the same 6 hours.
Today was okay, we had a small celebration for Jordan's 10th bday (Sunday), and I had to run Adam to a friend's on the other side of town. Oh yeah, and I had about 4 loads of laundry to do!
Sunday we try out a new church. It's one of the ones on TV, so I'm already skeptical. Then I have to practice my drums and spend the rest of the day writing my Genesis curriculum so I'll be done before Sept. 8th.
Monday I take Jordan to the tea house for her real bday celebration: The 2 of us, 2 of my friends, and their 2 daughters, Jordan's friends. We only get with them once a year, so we really look forward to the quality time we get with them.
Tuesday - the week starts all over again - busy!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Only a few weeks left...
This summer has flown by. What have I done? Well, let's see...I found a fun place to hang out called As You Wish. They have pottery there and you paint it, they fire it in the kiln and you pick it up 3 days later. So far I made Jordan a fairy, a gift soup bowl for my father-in-law, and then a decorative dessert plate for my friend's birthday.
I didn't swim every day this summer like I normally do. It seems like I've had other stuff to do, appointments, stuff that took up my summer.
I spent a few hours today swimming and talking with a friend of mine, but I haven't done that at all this whole summer until today.
School starts back up in just about 6 weeks, so I better figure out what it is I want to do before it's too late and I'm too busy...
I'll go to a movie tonight, and the tea house on Monday, and spend time with a friend tomorrow. Maybe that's enough. Maybe it's a summer to rest, stay indoor where it's air conditioned, and just write.
I didn't swim every day this summer like I normally do. It seems like I've had other stuff to do, appointments, stuff that took up my summer.
I spent a few hours today swimming and talking with a friend of mine, but I haven't done that at all this whole summer until today.
School starts back up in just about 6 weeks, so I better figure out what it is I want to do before it's too late and I'm too busy...
I'll go to a movie tonight, and the tea house on Monday, and spend time with a friend tomorrow. Maybe that's enough. Maybe it's a summer to rest, stay indoor where it's air conditioned, and just write.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Latest on our Monavie Business
Well, it's been 4 months, just about 120 days or so, and we've made it to the levels of Star, Star 500, Star 1000, and we'll be at the Bronze level soon. We started with nothing but the help of Tim's parents and our own few contacts, and now we've got around 109 people in our group. This is the easiest thing we've ever done - and the most fun! We're making money consistently and let me tell you, people are LOOKING for something!
Our oldest just signed up and made his own contacts that we'll be meeting with this week. Imagine, by the time he's done high school, he could be making thousands of dollars a week, own his own house, pay cash for his car and toys (motorcycles, 4-wheelers), and never have to work for anyone else his entire life. He's faithful at giving to charity too, so I know his heart's in the right place and his focus is right.
Where else can you sign up to own a business for just $39, order just 4 bottles of juice that makes you healthier, and within 30 days, you've recouped ALL your cost, plus made enough to pay for your NEXT month's supply too!?! The money is absolutely crazy, it doesn't take hundreds of people to make a few bucks, the product actually tastes great, and the only risk is cheaper than a tank of gas or one dinner out for two?!
Everyone should at least TRY this!
Our oldest just signed up and made his own contacts that we'll be meeting with this week. Imagine, by the time he's done high school, he could be making thousands of dollars a week, own his own house, pay cash for his car and toys (motorcycles, 4-wheelers), and never have to work for anyone else his entire life. He's faithful at giving to charity too, so I know his heart's in the right place and his focus is right.
Where else can you sign up to own a business for just $39, order just 4 bottles of juice that makes you healthier, and within 30 days, you've recouped ALL your cost, plus made enough to pay for your NEXT month's supply too!?! The money is absolutely crazy, it doesn't take hundreds of people to make a few bucks, the product actually tastes great, and the only risk is cheaper than a tank of gas or one dinner out for two?!
Everyone should at least TRY this!
Friday, June 27, 2008
End of June already?!
This month flew by! I got some things accomplished from my To Do List, but others didn't quite get finished as I'd hoped. I guess it's time for my July list to be compiled. Here's what'll be important to me so far:
July bdays posted on my Family blog, send bday and anniversary cards to family and friends, rest on the 4th, play drums more than once a week, swim more, eat better, reach the next level in our business (made it through the first 3 already! Yeah!),
attend a seminar, finish Phase I of my Genesis project, donate another bag of my clothes that are too big or too small, have tea with my daughter for her birthday at our favorite tea parlour with 2 of her friends she otherwise doesn't see for months at a time, drop 10 more pounds, go to my son's 8th grade graduation, and enjoy a 2 week break from my 2 youngest as they visit their grandparents up in the mountains.
And if I'm lucky, maybe I can get away for 2 days at the end of July to the mountains too.
July bdays posted on my Family blog, send bday and anniversary cards to family and friends, rest on the 4th, play drums more than once a week, swim more, eat better, reach the next level in our business (made it through the first 3 already! Yeah!),
attend a seminar, finish Phase I of my Genesis project, donate another bag of my clothes that are too big or too small, have tea with my daughter for her birthday at our favorite tea parlour with 2 of her friends she otherwise doesn't see for months at a time, drop 10 more pounds, go to my son's 8th grade graduation, and enjoy a 2 week break from my 2 youngest as they visit their grandparents up in the mountains.
And if I'm lucky, maybe I can get away for 2 days at the end of July to the mountains too.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
More Memories Gone
This morning I read online that the China Tea House in the town I grew up in, burned down. This was a favorite hangout for me and my friend Michelle. It seems like we must've eaten there almost every week for years once I got my driver's license. We spent hours there laughing and sharing. They used to have Chinese lanterns over each table and although I'm not proud of it today, it used to be a challenge to take a tassel off the lamp and leave with it, without getting caught. By the time we'd spent a year or two going there, most table lanterns were missing quite a few. I don't even know what I did with all of them. We also took a napkin and a coconut shaped drink cup...yeah, we were young and stupid, and not yet Christians.
You know, we also lost our wedding location a few years ago when the property was sold and knocked down for something else. It just goes to show, you need to get pictures of meaningful places and things - not just people - because nothing lasts forever, and later on, that photo will be all you have to remember it, and share it with your loved ones in stories of fond memories.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Summer Plans
What a great summer this is going to be. Although I won't get to do everything I'd like to do, like attending my sister's wedding and visiting family/Boston, or getting to San Diego, it's still going to be great.
My oldest and youngest will be spending 3 weeks at their grandparents' house both visiting and earning money doing odd jobs. That'll give me some time to spend with my "middle child" to try to calm his angry spirit. He's been so quick to lose his temper for so long, I hope some one-on-one time will help calm him down. He gets a lot of attention, but if his siblings do too, it's like his didn't count.
After that, he'll get to spend 2 weeks up there where he loves it so much. I don't know yet if the other 2 will come home at that time, or if one will come home, or if all 3 will be there - and I may be child-less for 2 weeks - wouldn't that be amazing?!
In any case, I'll get to relax, spend time by the pool, sleep til 8 or 9, read stuff "for me" for a change, and who knows what else! It's just what I need before we start up our new curriculum in August.
Although I love to travel, with gas being over $4/gallon soon, and maybe even up to $5/gallon before summer's over, I'm glad our major business convention is right here in the city. Last year we had to go all the way to Utah, but this year, we'll save money, don't need to stay in a hotel or eat out that weekend, so we can spend less than usual.
I'm really looking forward to this summer.
My oldest and youngest will be spending 3 weeks at their grandparents' house both visiting and earning money doing odd jobs. That'll give me some time to spend with my "middle child" to try to calm his angry spirit. He's been so quick to lose his temper for so long, I hope some one-on-one time will help calm him down. He gets a lot of attention, but if his siblings do too, it's like his didn't count.
After that, he'll get to spend 2 weeks up there where he loves it so much. I don't know yet if the other 2 will come home at that time, or if one will come home, or if all 3 will be there - and I may be child-less for 2 weeks - wouldn't that be amazing?!
In any case, I'll get to relax, spend time by the pool, sleep til 8 or 9, read stuff "for me" for a change, and who knows what else! It's just what I need before we start up our new curriculum in August.
Although I love to travel, with gas being over $4/gallon soon, and maybe even up to $5/gallon before summer's over, I'm glad our major business convention is right here in the city. Last year we had to go all the way to Utah, but this year, we'll save money, don't need to stay in a hotel or eat out that weekend, so we can spend less than usual.
I'm really looking forward to this summer.
Friday, May 23, 2008
School's over (sort of)
Well, we did it. We finished this year's assignments, but we'll have to carry Spanish through the summer. Adam needs it for a high school credit next year. We missed a few weeks of school during the year:
2 Wks. of Drama Dress Rehearsals and performances
1 Wk. of Adam's Teen Pact government experience
2 Wks. when public schools were out so the kids could play w/their friends
2 Wks. we take off around Christmas & New Year's
So now we've made up almost all of it, except Spanish.
I also instituted a reading contest for the kids. If they read 5 books in the next 8 weeks, they'll go to a pizza/arcade place and can bring a friend. Jordan already read the first Narnia book, The Magician's Nephew and she's half-way through the book Sounder (about a dog). Logan's reading a fiction book about Silas, a scribe hired to write things Jesus said. His dilemma is that he's trying to decide if he believes Jesus was the true Messiah sent to save the world - or just a nice guy who seems wise. Adam has told me he's not interested in participating. Last summer he read 5 books or more with no contest or reward. I may do something nice for him anyway.
I'm excited about teaching next year. I've got the new curriculum I'm using, got all the schedules figured out, the kids' notebooks are all set up, I've got the library books I'll need for the first month already in my "wishlist" cart online with the local library, I've ordered all the school supplies I'll need, and I'm now ready to take the summer off.
If things go well, I'll go to lunch and a movie for my anniversary, take a trip to a lake with the kids (we have quite a few to pick from), get 2 days with adults at a Summer Convention for our business - no travelling this year - it's right in Phoenix - how cool is that?! I'll try to get with friends for lunch once in a while, spend the 4th of July with friends, go to Adam's 8th grade Arizona state graduation in July after the Homeschool Convention in Phoenix. I'll read, swim, sleep in (that means til 8:30), get caught up on writing, studying and scrapbooking, and with a little hard work, raise our Monavie business income from an extra $100/week to an extra 2 or 3 hundred a week. We've got over 90 people in our business now and I'm making more than I would if I went out and got a job for 20 hours a week.
Yes, I think it's going to be a nice, relaxing summer.
2 Wks. of Drama Dress Rehearsals and performances
1 Wk. of Adam's Teen Pact government experience
2 Wks. when public schools were out so the kids could play w/their friends
2 Wks. we take off around Christmas & New Year's
So now we've made up almost all of it, except Spanish.
I also instituted a reading contest for the kids. If they read 5 books in the next 8 weeks, they'll go to a pizza/arcade place and can bring a friend. Jordan already read the first Narnia book, The Magician's Nephew and she's half-way through the book Sounder (about a dog). Logan's reading a fiction book about Silas, a scribe hired to write things Jesus said. His dilemma is that he's trying to decide if he believes Jesus was the true Messiah sent to save the world - or just a nice guy who seems wise. Adam has told me he's not interested in participating. Last summer he read 5 books or more with no contest or reward. I may do something nice for him anyway.
I'm excited about teaching next year. I've got the new curriculum I'm using, got all the schedules figured out, the kids' notebooks are all set up, I've got the library books I'll need for the first month already in my "wishlist" cart online with the local library, I've ordered all the school supplies I'll need, and I'm now ready to take the summer off.
If things go well, I'll go to lunch and a movie for my anniversary, take a trip to a lake with the kids (we have quite a few to pick from), get 2 days with adults at a Summer Convention for our business - no travelling this year - it's right in Phoenix - how cool is that?! I'll try to get with friends for lunch once in a while, spend the 4th of July with friends, go to Adam's 8th grade Arizona state graduation in July after the Homeschool Convention in Phoenix. I'll read, swim, sleep in (that means til 8:30), get caught up on writing, studying and scrapbooking, and with a little hard work, raise our Monavie business income from an extra $100/week to an extra 2 or 3 hundred a week. We've got over 90 people in our business now and I'm making more than I would if I went out and got a job for 20 hours a week.
Yes, I think it's going to be a nice, relaxing summer.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Summer's almost here!
School's finally wrapping up for the year. I think the only class that'll have to run through the summer is Spanish I. We need to finish it all so Adam will do well in Spanish II, and it'll set the grammar solidly for Logan even though he wants to take French I and II in high school.
I picture a summer with lots of time to swim, sleep in, rest and read. Adam may be working at Chick-Fil-A in the mornings/afternoons, Logan & Jordan want to spend most of the summer at their grandparents' house up north. I think they'll go for 3 weeks from the end of June til the middle of July, but that's about it. During those 3 weeks, I can focus on throwing/storing away stuff from their rooms, getting the house really clean, going to lunch with my friends, reading all the non-school books I've been waiting to read, and relaxing by the pool and swimming.
I'm hoping to do a trip for a few days around the end of July. With gas and money being such a problem lately, we may only get to go to a lake nearby, but at least it'll be something to do together. I also want to try to make some of the fun stuff in our Backyard Ballistics book - especially the potato canons, match rockets, and the fire kite.
For Jordan's birthday, we'll probably skip the loud party and choose another day at Abbey Gardens Tea House for her and just her closest friends (and their Moms). Last year was great, just 6 of us. This time, maybe we'll choose Tina & Britani and Stephanie & Jessica...it's up to her, we'll see.
Maybe someday we'll get to San Diego for a vacation!
I picture a summer with lots of time to swim, sleep in, rest and read. Adam may be working at Chick-Fil-A in the mornings/afternoons, Logan & Jordan want to spend most of the summer at their grandparents' house up north. I think they'll go for 3 weeks from the end of June til the middle of July, but that's about it. During those 3 weeks, I can focus on throwing/storing away stuff from their rooms, getting the house really clean, going to lunch with my friends, reading all the non-school books I've been waiting to read, and relaxing by the pool and swimming.
I'm hoping to do a trip for a few days around the end of July. With gas and money being such a problem lately, we may only get to go to a lake nearby, but at least it'll be something to do together. I also want to try to make some of the fun stuff in our Backyard Ballistics book - especially the potato canons, match rockets, and the fire kite.
For Jordan's birthday, we'll probably skip the loud party and choose another day at Abbey Gardens Tea House for her and just her closest friends (and their Moms). Last year was great, just 6 of us. This time, maybe we'll choose Tina & Britani and Stephanie & Jessica...it's up to her, we'll see.
Maybe someday we'll get to San Diego for a vacation!
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Tea Party for Grammie Cross
After years of not being able to leave the house, I decided that since Grammie was doing better and moving around now, I'd bring her a tea party to her. We enjoyed tea treats in the patio room with 4 generations. Yeah, I know the generation for me should be Tim, but Mom didn't have any girls! We even have 4 teacups we used marked "Grandmother, Mother, Daughter, and Granddaughter". I hope to see them passed on long after Jordan's using the Grandmother cup. By storing and keeping them together, hopefully it'll be a reminder to the future generations to make time to be together, even if it's just for an occassional cup of tea.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
The Music Man
Well, we made it through 5 performances of The Music Man, the kids all did great. It was one of the hardest scores to learn (just my opinion) with all those tongue twisters and rhymes! I was so proud of my boys.
After the performance, we took a few days off to go up north and relax. We did everything from Tea Parties to riding 4-wheelers. Now it's time to buckle down and get our school year finished up.
Friday, April 18, 2008
A good scrapbooking convention!
This weekend I had fun at the Creating Keepsake's yearly Mesa Scrapbook Convention. I'm so fortunate that I only live about 5 minutes away. I took 8 classes, all in a 24 hr. period from Thurs. night to Friday night. I have a table full of my projects, not to mention I brought home extras, goodie bags, prizes and others stuff worth more than I spent to go - so it was a good time.
I also met a new friend named Serena. She lives just a few minutes from me and now I have someone I can scrapbook with. She's not married, has no kids, but she's older than me by a few years. She's a lot of fun and we have so much in common. I homeschool and she's working at a local community college while earning her degree to become a teacher. We even jumped out of our seats at the same time to teach others around us how to do a difficult project in one of our classes.
So here's what I made:
An accordion album, covered front & back with great paper and lots of the new velvet paper. A rolodex-type system scrapbook, 3 photo clip stands (made from binder clips), 3 solid, heavy, wood photo blocks I'll cover with photos, 5 great layout pages with photo matte cutouts, and even 2 with moving parts!, a travel tag mini book, a see-through acrylic mini album, a FRIENDS shaped album, and some other stuff I'm probably forgetting.
I only do this once a year, and the homeschool convention once a year. Those are my 2 to 4 days a year I take for me. The other 361+ are for others.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Monthly and Weekly Goals
How many of us have set yearly goals only to forget what they even were by the time March rolls around? I usually find forgotten lists around August and then scramble to see what I still have time to complete. I'm learning to break it into smaller pieces to get more done that's truly important.
I now set monthly goals in several areas: my work (can be your job, home business, even stuff to get done regarding housework if that's your daily job), my health, my mind (what I'm going to read to get better), my friends, my family, (who I'll connect with that month), my finances, my faith, my recreation, and my renewal (what I'll do for me).
After you figure out some things you'd like to get done, then break it into weekly goals - week 1, week 2, etc.
If you need to, you could even break it into daily bites, like to read 10 minutes, or 1 chapter every day.
Here's an imaginary list to get you started:
May:
1. Reach the next level in our company.
2. Order next year's Math curriculum.
3. Donate all outgrown and unwanted clothes to the Goodwill bins.
4. Drop 5 pounds by walking 3 times a week and eating healthier, smaller portions.
5. Read The Eighth Habit by Stephen Covey.
6. Call Elaine in CA.
7. Talk to Lynn on the phone again.
8. Take kids to a movie.
9. Date night with spouse.
10. Get started on Sharon's gift.
11. Stick to $100/week grocery budget.
12. Read Psalms 1 - 20.
13. Enjoy going to Scrapbooking Convention just for me.
14. Take a trip to a nearby lake.
15. Write the next chapter in my book.
Now 15 things may seem like a lot to work on in just 30 or 31 days, but if you break it down to Weeks 1 - 4, it's not so bad:
Wk 1: Find 2 new businesses, go through drawers for unwanted clothing, walk MWF, read first 1/4 of book, email Elaine to set up time to call her on the weekend, check out movie lists, plan date with spouse, buy items for gift-making, read psalms 1-5, attend convention, pick a lake to visit, write 5 pages this week in my book.
See, now it's manageable, not to hard, just break it down and get more done. Even if you don't get it all done, you'll get more done than if you hadn't planned, right?
I now set monthly goals in several areas: my work (can be your job, home business, even stuff to get done regarding housework if that's your daily job), my health, my mind (what I'm going to read to get better), my friends, my family, (who I'll connect with that month), my finances, my faith, my recreation, and my renewal (what I'll do for me).
After you figure out some things you'd like to get done, then break it into weekly goals - week 1, week 2, etc.
If you need to, you could even break it into daily bites, like to read 10 minutes, or 1 chapter every day.
Here's an imaginary list to get you started:
May:
1. Reach the next level in our company.
2. Order next year's Math curriculum.
3. Donate all outgrown and unwanted clothes to the Goodwill bins.
4. Drop 5 pounds by walking 3 times a week and eating healthier, smaller portions.
5. Read The Eighth Habit by Stephen Covey.
6. Call Elaine in CA.
7. Talk to Lynn on the phone again.
8. Take kids to a movie.
9. Date night with spouse.
10. Get started on Sharon's gift.
11. Stick to $100/week grocery budget.
12. Read Psalms 1 - 20.
13. Enjoy going to Scrapbooking Convention just for me.
14. Take a trip to a nearby lake.
15. Write the next chapter in my book.
Now 15 things may seem like a lot to work on in just 30 or 31 days, but if you break it down to Weeks 1 - 4, it's not so bad:
Wk 1: Find 2 new businesses, go through drawers for unwanted clothing, walk MWF, read first 1/4 of book, email Elaine to set up time to call her on the weekend, check out movie lists, plan date with spouse, buy items for gift-making, read psalms 1-5, attend convention, pick a lake to visit, write 5 pages this week in my book.
See, now it's manageable, not to hard, just break it down and get more done. Even if you don't get it all done, you'll get more done than if you hadn't planned, right?
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Beginning Soccer season
This week is Jordan's first time trying soccer. She's been a dancer 5 years. She can do ballet, tap, jazz, and now she has to learn to be more aggressive, and play as a teammate. Yes, she can do all the stretches, and she's got strong legs, but the whole concept is so different.
When she was in dance, it was a lesson in personal responsibility. The challenge with soccer will be if she accept her mistakes, own up to them, and not blame her faults on her teammates. I suspect the first time she takes a soccer ball to the face she'll ask to quit, but she'll need to learn the term "recovery time". You know, how long it takes to get over doing something wrong or embarrassing and to get back to playing your best again.
She's got the best coach in the league (in my opinion). He loves the kids, he's more concerned about their fun than fierce competition, and is careful they don't sustain any serious injuries this young. He'll push her further than she thinks she can go, but she'll learn that mistakes are part of learning.
I'm looking forward to it, and when the season's done, I'll look back and tell her how proud I am of her.
When she was in dance, it was a lesson in personal responsibility. The challenge with soccer will be if she accept her mistakes, own up to them, and not blame her faults on her teammates. I suspect the first time she takes a soccer ball to the face she'll ask to quit, but she'll need to learn the term "recovery time". You know, how long it takes to get over doing something wrong or embarrassing and to get back to playing your best again.
She's got the best coach in the league (in my opinion). He loves the kids, he's more concerned about their fun than fierce competition, and is careful they don't sustain any serious injuries this young. He'll push her further than she thinks she can go, but she'll learn that mistakes are part of learning.
I'm looking forward to it, and when the season's done, I'll look back and tell her how proud I am of her.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Before I turn 40...
After recent commercials for The Bucket List movie, I've decided to come up with a
1. Build a successful Monavie business to the level of Diamond (or above). This will allow for the other things on the list.
2. Pay off all credit card debt, the minivan, and get Tim a new bike.
3. Donate money to the Africa Hope Center, the M.O.R.E. Foundation, e3 Ministries through donating to our friends the Berrymans and their children, the Brooks'.
4. Take the kids to the Grand Canyon.
5. Visit my Grandmother in Boston.
6. Drop 30 pounds.
7. Go on a family cruise at Christmas.
8. Move into our new house.
9. Plant a garden.
10. Help 6 people in one year to become self-funding, financially free. We've already hand-picked 4, have an idea for the 5th, and the 6th, I don't think we've even met yet.
So, the clock starts ticking today - one year to make all this happen.
Before I Turn 40 ListHere's what I have so far:
1. Build a successful Monavie business to the level of Diamond (or above). This will allow for the other things on the list.
2. Pay off all credit card debt, the minivan, and get Tim a new bike.
3. Donate money to the Africa Hope Center, the M.O.R.E. Foundation, e3 Ministries through donating to our friends the Berrymans and their children, the Brooks'.
4. Take the kids to the Grand Canyon.
5. Visit my Grandmother in Boston.
6. Drop 30 pounds.
7. Go on a family cruise at Christmas.
8. Move into our new house.
9. Plant a garden.
10. Help 6 people in one year to become self-funding, financially free. We've already hand-picked 4, have an idea for the 5th, and the 6th, I don't think we've even met yet.
So, the clock starts ticking today - one year to make all this happen.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
My Birthday, already?!
My birthday is Sunday the 30th but I got to celebrate early. Tim's parents gave me a few more pieces the the bathroom set they gave me for Christmas. It's for the new house and will match the 50's decor very well. I also got a card, cash and a purple shirt/pants set.
Last week, I was taken to lunch by 2 of the drama mama's (our kids are in plays together). We went to Abbey Gardens, my favorite tea house/restaurant.
Today, my friends from Bible study took me to Mimi's Cafe in Scottsdale. I spent time with Cathy, Pam, Stephanie, Elaine and her kids (visiting from CA), Tracy, and Sallie. They blessed me with their company, words, cards and gifts. I'm so blessed. I hope they know how special they are.
My best friend EVER, Michelle, also remembered my birthday and wrote me a sweet card that said all the things I feel for her too. I treasure it.
Tuesday I got another little gift from my friend Virginia, and the other ladies at bible study signed a card for me. I look forward to it the most every year. It reminds me why I do what I do when it's hard.
My mother sent me a card with a dollar for every year that I am - very cute, like a little kid - but I'd guess she had to really scrimp and save for it, so it's also greatly appreciated.
I got another card from my Aunt Brenda. She and I were close through my teens/early 20s. It means a lot that she remembered.
As for the rest of the family - they always let me know I'm loved, so I miss them, but don't expect anything from them - they've all given me something I needed - to belong.
I'm so happy.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Spring Break's here (sort of)
The next 2 weeks will be a little more fun than usual. I purposely scheduled the kids to have less work and a few less classes for the next 2 weeks. This week is spring break out here and since some of their friends are in the public schools, I wanted them to have time to play with them. Next week, the kids all go back to school and our favorite places won't be so crowded - so we'll have a 2nd week of lighter classes so we can fit in a trip to the zoo, the science center, and maybe a place we haven't been yet - like to a lake, or a new museum, or a play or something.
The weather is in a state of change here. We hit 83 a few days, it was only 60 yesterday, cloudy and very windy, and today should be in the low 70s but sunny. I'm thankful for every cool day we have before it gets into the 90s, and then the 100s. We usually hit 100 around Mother's Day, and it stays over 100 until September/October. It's still okay til about 107, then your eyes hurt going to the mailbox. (hard to explain)
Anyway, for those of you in a cold climate, you'll be seeing grass and flowers before you know it...just hang in there...winter can't last forever.
The weather is in a state of change here. We hit 83 a few days, it was only 60 yesterday, cloudy and very windy, and today should be in the low 70s but sunny. I'm thankful for every cool day we have before it gets into the 90s, and then the 100s. We usually hit 100 around Mother's Day, and it stays over 100 until September/October. It's still okay til about 107, then your eyes hurt going to the mailbox. (hard to explain)
Anyway, for those of you in a cold climate, you'll be seeing grass and flowers before you know it...just hang in there...winter can't last forever.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Our new adventure!
On March 1st our family joined up with the Monavie company at www.monavie.com.
We've been around MLM's for 20 years, but OMG is this different! In the very first week, we're making hundreds of dollars, it's easy, and we haven't sold a single bottle. It's just $39 to join, and you drink healthy juice made from a blend of 19 fruits, leading the way with the acai berry - the number 1 free-radical warrior, the most powerful antioxidant food source known to man.
We get healthy, the company lets us join in for next to nothing, and no one recommends we go to lots of meetings or sell stuff. Making money was never this easy or this much fun.
Anyone that knows us, especially Tim, knows that we make every decision with logic, not emotional hype. If you know us, you also know we don't waste money and always look for the best deal. Trust me when I say, you can do this too.
They pay weekly, their only a binary (2 legged) system, so everyone grows fast, and everyone gets to benefit from not only their own work, but that of others as well.
A big plus is that the company runs the M.O.R.E. Foundation, which is a non-profit foundation to build orphanages in the slums of Brazil. They currently feed, clothe and educate 800 kids daily in a land filled with daily murders and streets run by drug lords.
Check out their site, watch their videos on the acai berry product and the compensation plan. It just may be the answer you were looking for in an unexpected source.
We've been around MLM's for 20 years, but OMG is this different! In the very first week, we're making hundreds of dollars, it's easy, and we haven't sold a single bottle. It's just $39 to join, and you drink healthy juice made from a blend of 19 fruits, leading the way with the acai berry - the number 1 free-radical warrior, the most powerful antioxidant food source known to man.
We get healthy, the company lets us join in for next to nothing, and no one recommends we go to lots of meetings or sell stuff. Making money was never this easy or this much fun.
Anyone that knows us, especially Tim, knows that we make every decision with logic, not emotional hype. If you know us, you also know we don't waste money and always look for the best deal. Trust me when I say, you can do this too.
They pay weekly, their only a binary (2 legged) system, so everyone grows fast, and everyone gets to benefit from not only their own work, but that of others as well.
A big plus is that the company runs the M.O.R.E. Foundation, which is a non-profit foundation to build orphanages in the slums of Brazil. They currently feed, clothe and educate 800 kids daily in a land filled with daily murders and streets run by drug lords.
Check out their site, watch their videos on the acai berry product and the compensation plan. It just may be the answer you were looking for in an unexpected source.
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