Thursday, February 27, 2014
Blinking Owl... no I'm not going British
Tell me this is not the coolest thing you've seen in a while... especially pertaining to Lilla Rose!? Stare at the owl. Make sure you stare! heeheehee
Thankful Thursday: Prosperity
I am thankful for all the tools and guides Heavenly Father has blessed into my life. I am grateful for His constant presence and guidance... even when I feel unsure, He is ever faithful! I am thankful for prosperity and abundance!
I've been realizing to ever increasing depths and breadths how much Heavenly Father loves all of us and desires to bless us... by way of realizing this desire He has for me. He has said, "What I say to one, I say to all..." so if He tells me He wants me to be prosperous and recognize the abundance in my life, then He wants the same thing for everyone else, too!
Felice Austin has a few blogs in which she writes. One of them is Progressive Prophetess. It is through that blog that I was able to begin to see clearly how much God wants to prosper ME. She writes about spiritual truths that the Bible declares. Somehow, for me, the way Felice Austin writes about them is somewhat more accessible than the same information that I've read in the Bible. Felice wrote a post pretty recently about her realization that her Daddy was rich and that rich parents desire prosperity for their children. Of COURSE they do! The Daddy she was referring to is, of course, Heavenly Father. He is also my Father... so, of course, He desires the same for me
In the KJV of the Bible we can find a few direct references to prosperity. I've read them. I "knew" them, but it didn't sink in that it meant for ME, too. Silly, I know. Anyway, I want to share the most obvious of those verses in case you care and want to truly know that this truth is pertinent to you, too.
In Nehemiah 2: 20 says, "Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us;"
In 3 John 1:2 it says, "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth."
I especially like the one in Joshua 1:8 that says, "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success." because it seems even more likely to me that prosperity is a function of faith in God and right choices to honor and glorify Him. I like that because I'm still on the early part of trusting God for exceeding prosperity beyond my need and I feel a need to do something for it. I *know* in my head to some degree that this is silliness. It is what it is as part of my journey. I'm working to the point of internalizing that God simply desires for me and my family to be prosperous. I *know* it, now I just need to get to the point of fully accepting it!
I'm going to share a bit more about this subject in connection with Meditation Monday. So, check back on Monday! :)
I've been realizing to ever increasing depths and breadths how much Heavenly Father loves all of us and desires to bless us... by way of realizing this desire He has for me. He has said, "What I say to one, I say to all..." so if He tells me He wants me to be prosperous and recognize the abundance in my life, then He wants the same thing for everyone else, too!
Felice Austin has a few blogs in which she writes. One of them is Progressive Prophetess. It is through that blog that I was able to begin to see clearly how much God wants to prosper ME. She writes about spiritual truths that the Bible declares. Somehow, for me, the way Felice Austin writes about them is somewhat more accessible than the same information that I've read in the Bible. Felice wrote a post pretty recently about her realization that her Daddy was rich and that rich parents desire prosperity for their children. Of COURSE they do! The Daddy she was referring to is, of course, Heavenly Father. He is also my Father... so, of course, He desires the same for me
In the KJV of the Bible we can find a few direct references to prosperity. I've read them. I "knew" them, but it didn't sink in that it meant for ME, too. Silly, I know. Anyway, I want to share the most obvious of those verses in case you care and want to truly know that this truth is pertinent to you, too.
In Nehemiah 2: 20 says, "Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us;"
In 3 John 1:2 it says, "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth."
I especially like the one in Joshua 1:8 that says, "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success." because it seems even more likely to me that prosperity is a function of faith in God and right choices to honor and glorify Him. I like that because I'm still on the early part of trusting God for exceeding prosperity beyond my need and I feel a need to do something for it. I *know* in my head to some degree that this is silliness. It is what it is as part of my journey. I'm working to the point of internalizing that God simply desires for me and my family to be prosperous. I *know* it, now I just need to get to the point of fully accepting it!
I'm going to share a bit more about this subject in connection with Meditation Monday. So, check back on Monday! :)
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Yet Another Wednesday at Home
Even though I've been 'grounded' this month (no going to the farmer's market to sell Lilla Rose), I've had a better month of sales than either of the last two months, which I'm quite happy about and very thankful for! I enjoyed a rather large order from someone I do not know this month. This is probably the 4th or 5th time in around 6 months, which is awesome. Every sale is awesome, really. I appreciate those who purchase Lilla Rose (or any of the other things I sell) through me. I love my customers!
The Who's Who Flexi combine with a french-twist-type-braid for classy elegance.
A new Lilla Rose Consultant will join my team the first Saturday in March. I'm so excited! She thinks she'll sign up with Fast Start, which, in my opinion, is THE only way to go. Why? Well, it provides SO many more options right off the start. Also, purchasing Fast Start means the new Consultant is already Fast Start Qualified. That's a big deal because when a Consultant signs on with only the Party Kit and then someone signs on in her team as a Fast Start, the "Lilla Rose Mama" is only eligible for the Fast Start bonus if she's sold $2,000 in products by then. I don't think I've sold $2,000 yet. Because I signed on with Fast Start I have and will receive the bonus when anyone signs up as Fast Start in my team.
There are other benefits, too, of course. If you have any interest in selling at a market or anything similar, Fast Start with the mixed set is the best way to go. That's what I did and I'm still very happy about/with it! I enjoy, very much, selling at the market and hope to get back before too much longer. Baby girl is still sick some days, which means she's still sick, of course. But, for instance, yesterday she seemed totally well. ahwell
Currently I have one direct teammate and she has one direct, so that makes me a Lilla Rose grama! heeheehee How awesome is that!?? My direct teammate was one of my first hostesses and saw the awesome potential with this business. My newest Consultant is signing up because, as she put it, "The flexi just sells itself!" I totally agree and that is among the reasons I just love Lilla Rose!
I have one Facebook/Google Hangout party date available for March. If you'd like to earn some lovely hair jewelry for free, let me know. I'd love to work with you.
My other businesses are going slowly, but well. I am working to build up a small VA business (virtual assistant) as one of my streams of income. I've got one client and hope to have another soon. I did a trial post for the new potential client and am just waiting to hear back from her now. I've also been working on recipes in hopes of selling them (and photos?) to other bloggers (sort of a VA thing, but without anyone being a regular or consistent client).
I've had a couple really wonderful business/work-type gifts come to me recently. The first was winning some ad space on another blog. How cool is that!? I'm pretty hopeful about that. I also won a free featured post on another blog. This is good for my blogging and for my Lilla Rose business. I'm very pleased and very grateful! I have been wanting/hoping and working to build a strong online Lilla Rose business, so these gifts are especially wonderful!
I haven't sold any of my crocheted items lately, but I've still been working. I made some pretty squares for a group afghan and a very cool hat for my baby. I'd love to hear what you think!
If you'd like to, I hope you'll sign up for my newsletter. I rarely send anything out, at this point, but if I send something, it'll be special! (The sign up is to the right.)
Have you heard of Lilla Rose before? If not, I encourage you to follow my blog (to the right) and like my Facebook page. I share photos of Lilla Rose hair jewelry and uplifting thoughts to brighten your day. Let me know if you'd like to see something specific and I'll make that happen.
The Who's Who Flexi combine with a french-twist-type-braid for classy elegance.
Sweet oblong bun with curled tails up held by a beautiful Princess Tiara flexi, perfect for home or out and about.
A new Lilla Rose Consultant will join my team the first Saturday in March. I'm so excited! She thinks she'll sign up with Fast Start, which, in my opinion, is THE only way to go. Why? Well, it provides SO many more options right off the start. Also, purchasing Fast Start means the new Consultant is already Fast Start Qualified. That's a big deal because when a Consultant signs on with only the Party Kit and then someone signs on in her team as a Fast Start, the "Lilla Rose Mama" is only eligible for the Fast Start bonus if she's sold $2,000 in products by then. I don't think I've sold $2,000 yet. Because I signed on with Fast Start I have and will receive the bonus when anyone signs up as Fast Start in my team.
There are other benefits, too, of course. If you have any interest in selling at a market or anything similar, Fast Start with the mixed set is the best way to go. That's what I did and I'm still very happy about/with it! I enjoy, very much, selling at the market and hope to get back before too much longer. Baby girl is still sick some days, which means she's still sick, of course. But, for instance, yesterday she seemed totally well. ahwell
Currently I have one direct teammate and she has one direct, so that makes me a Lilla Rose grama! heeheehee How awesome is that!?? My direct teammate was one of my first hostesses and saw the awesome potential with this business. My newest Consultant is signing up because, as she put it, "The flexi just sells itself!" I totally agree and that is among the reasons I just love Lilla Rose!
I have one Facebook/Google Hangout party date available for March. If you'd like to earn some lovely hair jewelry for free, let me know. I'd love to work with you.
My other businesses are going slowly, but well. I am working to build up a small VA business (virtual assistant) as one of my streams of income. I've got one client and hope to have another soon. I did a trial post for the new potential client and am just waiting to hear back from her now. I've also been working on recipes in hopes of selling them (and photos?) to other bloggers (sort of a VA thing, but without anyone being a regular or consistent client).
I've had a couple really wonderful business/work-type gifts come to me recently. The first was winning some ad space on another blog. How cool is that!? I'm pretty hopeful about that. I also won a free featured post on another blog. This is good for my blogging and for my Lilla Rose business. I'm very pleased and very grateful! I have been wanting/hoping and working to build a strong online Lilla Rose business, so these gifts are especially wonderful!
I haven't sold any of my crocheted items lately, but I've still been working. I made some pretty squares for a group afghan and a very cool hat for my baby. I'd love to hear what you think!
If you'd like to, I hope you'll sign up for my newsletter. I rarely send anything out, at this point, but if I send something, it'll be special! (The sign up is to the right.)
Have you heard of Lilla Rose before? If not, I encourage you to follow my blog (to the right) and like my Facebook page. I share photos of Lilla Rose hair jewelry and uplifting thoughts to brighten your day. Let me know if you'd like to see something specific and I'll make that happen.
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Tricky Tuesday: Wool Dryer Balls Review by Tori
I received one set of wool dryer balls to facilitate this review.
Have you ever heard of using balls of wool in your dryer? Whether you have or have not, you may wonder why anyone would do such a thing. I did! I'd heard about the practice, but didn't understand it. Once I understood why some people did it I thought, "Well, I don't use dryer sheets anyway, so I'll just skip that expense." Our budget is tight, so I prefer to avoid spending money when it's not necessary.
Then I was given some wool dryer balls as a baby gift. I must admit I was not as excited as I should've been. The balls I was given looked like yarn wrapped into a ball like I do when my skein gets too limp.
I used them and was pretty impressed.
Somehow (with five children "helping") both balls went missing. I was bummed.
Then I happened upon the opportunity to review wool dryer balls by Maple Hill Naturals. I was so excited! I do realize that may sound silly, but I was really excited!
You see, using wool dryer balls after not using any fabric softener or dryer sheets for years REALLY spoiled me! Even the little yarn-wrapped balls made a difference. Obviously! I wanted them and couldn't find them!
When I opened my package from Maple Hill Naturals, I was expecting to see what I'd had before, but did not. These balls are like my other ones... on steroids! These balls are not yard wrapped into the shape of a ball. They are un-spun wool that is wrapped into ball-shape.
If you are a heavy laundry-chemical user, please do not jump into using dryer balls and expecting the exact same results. You will not get the exact same feel in your laundry as when using fabric softener and dryer sheets. However, you and your family will be healthier for changing to wool dryer balls because the chemical cocktail in all that stuff you can replace with Maple Hill Naturals dryer balls is really horrible for the physical system of living things. Seriously.
I have definitely noticed that drying time with my wool dryer balls is lower (using less electricity, YEAY!).
Remember, we have not used dryer sheets or fabric softener in years... I find my laundry feels lighter somehow and definitely fluffier when I use dryer balls.
According to the packaging, these balls will last for years and can be recharged for improved performance. I believe it!
Another difference between the smaller yarn balls and these buff un-spun wool balls is that they seem to collect fewer globs of lint on them. Nice.
If you have been curious about wool dryer balls, I totally encourage you to check out Maple Hill Naturals. They have a sale going the last time I checked, but even without a sale, they are totally worth the asking price!
If you've been searching for an alternative to that chemical cocktail used in laundering... BUY THESE!!! Seriously! You can use wekeepchoosingus as a coupon code for 25% off your entire order at maplehillnaturals.com. Limit 1 coupon per customer, excludes any other coupons. Keep in mind that this coupon code expires 3/25/14.
$100 Paypal Giveaway
This giveaway is an awesome chance at $100 paypal cash! I hope you'll check it out and I hope one of us wins!On the planet Darracia, an ever-widening social gap between its inhabitants is causing turmoil that is fracturing a once peaceful world. Struggling with his identity, nineteen year old Prince V'sair must harness the power of the elusive Fireblade, the secret to a warrior's heart, in order to overcome his uncle Staf Nuen's lust for supremacy. Will the energy of the Elements guide the young prince to his true destiny or will Staf Nuen conquer Darracia?
After the success of his first three books (Brood X, Stillwell, and The Hanging Tree) Michael Phillip Cash has fulfilled a dream and created his own epic fantasy world. Schism: The Battle for Darracia is the first book in a planned series.
To share Schism: The Battle For Darracia with the world at large, author Michael Phillip Cash is generously giving away $100 in Paypal Cash and a copy of this book. (Please make sure to check disclosure for full details) Does the Fireblade burn within you? Do you have what it takes?
Enter in the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win!
Disclosure: This giveaway is arranged by Away We Go Media on behalf of Michael Phillip Cash who is responsible for the giveaway. My blog, We Keep Choosing Us, was asked to help co-host the giveaway and was in no way compensated for this post.
The winner will be selected at random by Rafflecopter.
The giveaway is open Worldwide, however if the winner is outside the US the book will only be a Kindle download version. The winner must have an active paypal account and will only be paid in US dollars.
Giveaway begins on Feb. 21st at 12AM MST through March. 8th at 12AM MST.
Winner must respond within 48 hours to an email sent or an alternate winner will be chosen.
This giveaway is in no way affiliated with Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or any other social media outlet.
Monday, February 24, 2014
Meditation Monday #60: Allowing Change
I was able to meditate daily this past week. Praise the Lord! It was still a chaotic week, especially the first part of it. I'm sure the fact that my preferred routine was still off track made it more chaotic than it would've been otherwise. Still, I was able to complete one meditation near 4am, which was nice! I hope to get into a more regular habit of meditating at that time as I think it would make my days flow so much more nicely!
My thoughts have been much focused on changing. Changing my brain and changing my behaviors. I can definitely see that there are changes happening, which is a wonderful gift and blessing! I mean, sometimes it seems like nothing is changing at all, which can be a relief... but then I look at how far I am from where I desire to be and wish that change would just HAPPEN.
Do you ever feel that way?
I'm working hard to make sure my prosperity meditation is 5 minutes or more each day. This past week I was able to complete a few that were 11 minutes. I know that my brain needs to change a lot concerning money, thus my goal for that particular meditation. I really believe my brain IS changing. Why?
Well, I used to feel really obsessed about doing bills. I would do them every week... sometimes more than once a week. I think it was probably more necessary to do so at that time as we didn't have a consistent paycheck, so it was really difficult for me to schedule out bills and whatnot. Also, we had credit card debt at that time. Thankfully we do not have THAT form of bondage any more!
My point is that I'm not as obsessive about dealing with money. When it comes in as cash, I pay tithing and put the money away. I just don't consider it much beyond that and looking at how my goals for money that comes in are progressing or not. It seems rather small now that I'm writing about it... but it's a really big deal. It's difficult to describe the tension I feel when doing bills... it's pure stress and it used to be even more than it is now. The decrease is definitely discernable in both my body and my mind!
I'm so grateful for the tool that meditation is in my life to change my brain and enable me to move more quickly toward the kind of person I would like to be. I know the difference, and the changes have increased... even though I still wish they were faster sometimes!
Do you need an attitude change pertaining to money? I highly recommend meditation!
My thoughts have been much focused on changing. Changing my brain and changing my behaviors. I can definitely see that there are changes happening, which is a wonderful gift and blessing! I mean, sometimes it seems like nothing is changing at all, which can be a relief... but then I look at how far I am from where I desire to be and wish that change would just HAPPEN.
Do you ever feel that way?
I'm working hard to make sure my prosperity meditation is 5 minutes or more each day. This past week I was able to complete a few that were 11 minutes. I know that my brain needs to change a lot concerning money, thus my goal for that particular meditation. I really believe my brain IS changing. Why?
Well, I used to feel really obsessed about doing bills. I would do them every week... sometimes more than once a week. I think it was probably more necessary to do so at that time as we didn't have a consistent paycheck, so it was really difficult for me to schedule out bills and whatnot. Also, we had credit card debt at that time. Thankfully we do not have THAT form of bondage any more!
My point is that I'm not as obsessive about dealing with money. When it comes in as cash, I pay tithing and put the money away. I just don't consider it much beyond that and looking at how my goals for money that comes in are progressing or not. It seems rather small now that I'm writing about it... but it's a really big deal. It's difficult to describe the tension I feel when doing bills... it's pure stress and it used to be even more than it is now. The decrease is definitely discernable in both my body and my mind!
I'm so grateful for the tool that meditation is in my life to change my brain and enable me to move more quickly toward the kind of person I would like to be. I know the difference, and the changes have increased... even though I still wish they were faster sometimes!
Do you need an attitude change pertaining to money? I highly recommend meditation!
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Saturday Soliloquy #24: While at School in Perth
While I was at school in Perth, I had some very interesting experiences connected to the 9-11 attacks on US soil. Suffice it to say, I believe I needed to be in Australia during that time. I needed to be taking a creative writing and a studio art class. Both of those classes, combined with conversations with my Mom, friends there in Oz, and my (now) husband kept me from falling off the side of the world in my own head.
Jessie was my fiance at the time. I flew back to the states to surprise him when he returned from his 6 month cruise. Then I flew back to Oz to finish my semester and travels.
The semester ended fine and my travels were a bit of a whirlwind. Not very many memories that are very clear. But I definitely circumnavigated the island continent!
Upon leaving Perth to return to Sydney and fly back to the States for the last time, I stopped at Monkey Mia. It was lovely there. I was unwise, though, and ended up with a horrible sunburn. Try to imagine carrying REALLY heavy backpacks with a horrible burn... three backpacks, to be exact. At this point, I really don't know how I managed that!
Monkey Mia was lovely. I remember lots of pelicans and the dolphin that came with her calf. I rather think she considers herself a bit of an Ambassador. The whole experience would've been much better to be there with someone, but still.
Jessie was my fiance at the time. I flew back to the states to surprise him when he returned from his 6 month cruise. Then I flew back to Oz to finish my semester and travels.
The semester ended fine and my travels were a bit of a whirlwind. Not very many memories that are very clear. But I definitely circumnavigated the island continent!
Upon leaving Perth to return to Sydney and fly back to the States for the last time, I stopped at Monkey Mia. It was lovely there. I was unwise, though, and ended up with a horrible sunburn. Try to imagine carrying REALLY heavy backpacks with a horrible burn... three backpacks, to be exact. At this point, I really don't know how I managed that!
Monkey Mia was lovely. I remember lots of pelicans and the dolphin that came with her calf. I rather think she considers herself a bit of an Ambassador. The whole experience would've been much better to be there with someone, but still.
Friday, February 21, 2014
Save Big At Craftsy
Do you want or need to stock up on yard or fabric? This is an awesome sale to take advantage of, if you do. This sale will end very soon, make sure to check it out:
Heads up Craftsy
fans...Craftsy wants to help you escape the ordinary and create the
extraordinary! Enjoy up to 80% off all inspiring project kits and
supplies. Shop now to find your next amazing project during the Stash Of Possibilities Sale. Hurry, offer ends at 11pm PST on February 24, 2014.
Save up to 80% on Yarn at Craftsy!
Save up to 80% on Fabric at Craftsy!
**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Thankful Thursday: My Baby Girl
She's still got a hanger-on cough and snot nose, but she's getting better. I'm so thankful she is healthier than she was. I'm also thankful to know now what I didn't understand or believe when I was a younger mom, which is: overcoming illness strengthens my children's body-systems. With the way this world is, currently, we have to get sick to get stronger.
I am thankful for all of my children. They are, even when among my trials, my greatest gifts in this life. Praise the Lord for life and them in it!
Mardi Gras Giveaway
Did you know I was born in Louisiana? Yeppers. Right in New Orleans! My Dad was born and raised there. My Mom spent the formative years of her life there. Lots of my family is in Lousisiana. It's a really neat place to go. I've even been to Mardi Gras. Wow! What an experience! My Mom makes King Cake yearly (as does my younger sister). I hope to begin that tradition, too.
Given all that, I thought this giveaway would be perfect here! I hope you'll enter!
Mardi Gras is coming up and 24/7 Contests is having a giveaway to celebrate!
Enter to win $25 PayPal Cash through the Rafflecopter below.
Giveaway starts on 2/18 and ends 3/5 at midnight.
Open worldwide.
Must be 18+ to enter.
Good luck and Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclosure: We Keep Choosing Us is not responsible for prize delivery. This giveaway is no way associated with, sponsored, or endorsed by Facebook.
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Tricky Tuesday: Spend Time to Save Time*
One way to save time that all too many Moms do not employ is by delegation. Children are amazingly capable when we choose to train them, trust them and follow-through consistently. Training is time consuming, but it's an investment which reaps amazing dividends.
If you could invest $10 and recoup $200 a few weeks later, wouldn't you do it? What if it was $100 and you'd get back $10,000 after a few months? What if the upfront investment was $10,000 and the payout $1,000,000? I think of training and managing my children a little bit like that.
I have to do A, B, C, D, E, F and G while they are babies and none capable of doing more than babies do (eat, sleep, defecate, smile, and learn). When one is old enough to do A, I have B-G, which is still a lot at times, but as they grow in ability my load of what was always and only my responsibility becomes theirs. And so it goes. I am stuck, currently, having a difficult time figuring out how to instill in my older children a desire to do A (and whatever else) without being told. When they have learned that skill, I won't even have to spend time on management of their abilities. I do look forward to that day!
It's been amazing to me to enjoy the fruits of time invested in training. I almost feel to marvel at how much more I'm able to do now that my children have been fully trained in some areas. Because I still have very young ones (my baby is 8 months old) and I hope to have more, I will continue to have certain duties and responsibilities pertaining to those years. Those are the joys, though, really. Diaper duty, baby feeding, always having baby with me, and night-night time are pretty special to me and so I do not delegate them.
I could delegate those responsibilities and I'm sure some Mothers would prefer to delegate diaper changing, but I don't and wouldn't want to! My older children know it's a privilege to change my baby's diapers IF I let them! My Mom taught me a way of considering diaper duty and it has remained with me. Another woman affirmed it and I'm sure that only helped. I see diaper duty as an opportunity to spend a few focused minutes on my baby. I felt that way with my first child and still feel that way with my fifth. I work diligently to make diaper time sweet and fun and when I've been able to be the primary caregiver consistently, diaper time has been a joy with only rare frustrations for baby and me!
Currently, I manage the following work, but my children actually do it: picking up the house, washing dishes, moving wet clothes to the dryer, unloading the dryer, folding children's clothing, and my eldest daughter begs to make meals, so she is allowed to do some (she is very good at basics like peanut butter and jelly wraps, scrambled eggs, and spaghetti). She pleads for me to train her more extensively and I am, but I'm taking is slowly to make sure she has fully learned easier and more basic things. She is an awesome baker already, but sometimes needs help putting thing in and taking them out of the oven, which is, of course, totally understandable. I am still in the training stage for sweeping, kitchen clean-up, and organization. I guess it's arguable that I'm constantly training for each of their regular responsibilities because they seem unable to see details as yet. I'm pretty sure I remember that is part of brain development (children not seeing details readily) and it can get frustrating to go over the same thing repeatedly, but it IS worth the effort!
The point is that investment up-front in training is so much more worth the effort than I imagined it would be. I'm sure this time of investment will prove to be even more rewarding in every way as I am blessed to observe their transition to adulthood and parenthood!
*I do realize my title is slightly misleading. All who understand time to any degree know that we cannot spend or save it, that is is simply a creation of our linear brains. I've chosen to use that title in hopes of conveying that training our children to be responsible for work in the home is worth the time required for the training. In the end, we haven't really "saved" time, but enable our focus to be on different work.
I have to do A, B, C, D, E, F and G while they are babies and none capable of doing more than babies do (eat, sleep, defecate, smile, and learn). When one is old enough to do A, I have B-G, which is still a lot at times, but as they grow in ability my load of what was always and only my responsibility becomes theirs. And so it goes. I am stuck, currently, having a difficult time figuring out how to instill in my older children a desire to do A (and whatever else) without being told. When they have learned that skill, I won't even have to spend time on management of their abilities. I do look forward to that day!
It's been amazing to me to enjoy the fruits of time invested in training. I almost feel to marvel at how much more I'm able to do now that my children have been fully trained in some areas. Because I still have very young ones (my baby is 8 months old) and I hope to have more, I will continue to have certain duties and responsibilities pertaining to those years. Those are the joys, though, really. Diaper duty, baby feeding, always having baby with me, and night-night time are pretty special to me and so I do not delegate them.
I could delegate those responsibilities and I'm sure some Mothers would prefer to delegate diaper changing, but I don't and wouldn't want to! My older children know it's a privilege to change my baby's diapers IF I let them! My Mom taught me a way of considering diaper duty and it has remained with me. Another woman affirmed it and I'm sure that only helped. I see diaper duty as an opportunity to spend a few focused minutes on my baby. I felt that way with my first child and still feel that way with my fifth. I work diligently to make diaper time sweet and fun and when I've been able to be the primary caregiver consistently, diaper time has been a joy with only rare frustrations for baby and me!
Currently, I manage the following work, but my children actually do it: picking up the house, washing dishes, moving wet clothes to the dryer, unloading the dryer, folding children's clothing, and my eldest daughter begs to make meals, so she is allowed to do some (she is very good at basics like peanut butter and jelly wraps, scrambled eggs, and spaghetti). She pleads for me to train her more extensively and I am, but I'm taking is slowly to make sure she has fully learned easier and more basic things. She is an awesome baker already, but sometimes needs help putting thing in and taking them out of the oven, which is, of course, totally understandable. I am still in the training stage for sweeping, kitchen clean-up, and organization. I guess it's arguable that I'm constantly training for each of their regular responsibilities because they seem unable to see details as yet. I'm pretty sure I remember that is part of brain development (children not seeing details readily) and it can get frustrating to go over the same thing repeatedly, but it IS worth the effort!
The point is that investment up-front in training is so much more worth the effort than I imagined it would be. I'm sure this time of investment will prove to be even more rewarding in every way as I am blessed to observe their transition to adulthood and parenthood!
*I do realize my title is slightly misleading. All who understand time to any degree know that we cannot spend or save it, that is is simply a creation of our linear brains. I've chosen to use that title in hopes of conveying that training our children to be responsible for work in the home is worth the time required for the training. In the end, we haven't really "saved" time, but enable our focus to be on different work.
xBox 1 Giveaway Announcement
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xBox One
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-Giveaway date: June 2 - June 16, 2014
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Monday, February 17, 2014
Giveaway Announcement
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KitchenAid KSM75SL 4.5 Qt. Classic Plus Stand Mixer, Color silver
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-Giveaway date: May 9 - May 23, 2014
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10 Links (no google links)
2 Co-host pages
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Send payment to melisurveys1978@gmail.com
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Meditation Monday #59: Almost Missed, but going strong
This last week was a bit more chaotic than has become my norm. I missed walking each day which threw my daily schedule out o whack. Not a good thing. I definitely prefer my regular schedule to the way things went this past week.
Some of my thoughts while meditating:
-During one meditation, I had a great idea for a post I hope to sell to a blogger.
-Another day I was pondering on the oneness of everything (Mandlebrot Set-style). In particular, I saw so clearly how we are just like the earth with our own sort of equator. Our equator is not around our waist, though... It is in line with our spine from the top of our head to the line in our bum, under and back up the front makes our equator. This is very apparent to me as we finish out this winter choosing not to use any sort of heater more than hotspots, which are truly amazing pieces of technology! You can purchase a couple HERE
if you're interested. They are reusable AND non-toxic, too, which is awesome.
-I was feeling particularly bloated and, really, fat another day last week. During meditation I felt a challenge. Basically, it was a question something like: "Would you be willing to stay fat if that was best for you and what God wanted?" I've yearned to be thin the whole time I haven't been (I have been a couple times and really didn't think I was thin enough... definitely wasn't healthy enough). Anyway... I felt this challenge and pondered on it for a moment while I meditated and then realized that YES, of course I would. I hope that's not God's Plan for me, but if it is, I will accept it and choose joy through all of it. I felt and feel unburdened somehow. Very interesting, huh?
Some of my thoughts while meditating:
-During one meditation, I had a great idea for a post I hope to sell to a blogger.
-Another day I was pondering on the oneness of everything (Mandlebrot Set-style). In particular, I saw so clearly how we are just like the earth with our own sort of equator. Our equator is not around our waist, though... It is in line with our spine from the top of our head to the line in our bum, under and back up the front makes our equator. This is very apparent to me as we finish out this winter choosing not to use any sort of heater more than hotspots, which are truly amazing pieces of technology! You can purchase a couple HERE
if you're interested. They are reusable AND non-toxic, too, which is awesome.-I was feeling particularly bloated and, really, fat another day last week. During meditation I felt a challenge. Basically, it was a question something like: "Would you be willing to stay fat if that was best for you and what God wanted?" I've yearned to be thin the whole time I haven't been (I have been a couple times and really didn't think I was thin enough... definitely wasn't healthy enough). Anyway... I felt this challenge and pondered on it for a moment while I meditated and then realized that YES, of course I would. I hope that's not God's Plan for me, but if it is, I will accept it and choose joy through all of it. I felt and feel unburdened somehow. Very interesting, huh?
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Super Sunday Slimdown: Hoping to Avoid Getting Sick
This past week is a complete bust for exercise for me! Major bummer. My children have all been sick (most are completely better now). Babygirl is still sick and now I feel like I'm starting to come down with it. Have had a headache frequently for the past few days and wake up feeling run over by a truck.
I'm not sleeping very well, so that's probably not helping.
We're using essential oils, elderberry, and echinacea. If you have any other suggestions, I'm willing to hear 'em! :)
I sure hope to get back to my four walks next week! I'll let you know how it goes.
How are you doing with your exercise plans? I hope your past week has gone better than mine!!!
I'm not sleeping very well, so that's probably not helping.
We're using essential oils, elderberry, and echinacea. If you have any other suggestions, I'm willing to hear 'em! :)
I sure hope to get back to my four walks next week! I'll let you know how it goes.
How are you doing with your exercise plans? I hope your past week has gone better than mine!!!
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