Isaw this pin on pinterest a while back. The ABC's of Happiness and think it's a great list to share.
Accept you reality.
Be present. Be Bold.
Create something exciting.
Drink plenty of water. Dance.
Exercise daily. Eat fresh food.
Feel your emotions. Face fear.
Go outside and observe nature. Give.
Hug often. Help others.
Ignite your passions.
Jump through your comfort zone.
Kiss passionately. Keep looking forward.
Laugh. Love. Learn to let go.
Meditate daily. Make goals.
Never give up on what you want.
Own a pet. Observe beauty.
Pray. Paint. Play an instrument.
Quit a bad habit. Quiet your mind.
Read. Relax. Reinvent yourself.
Smile. Sleep. Simplify.
Take power naps. Talk wisely.
Unleash your strengths.
Vent. Visualize your dreams.
Walk. Write. Watch the sunset.
Xerox your smiling face.
Yell less. Yeild to your thoughts.
Zap negativity.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Because God made me.........
The other night during story time Kimberly and I were talking about Noah. God told him to build an ark because it was going to flood. In a time when it didn't rain and there was no water where he lived for an arc, can you imagine the ridicule that he had to have gotten. Surely if it was in this day and age they would have simply locked him in a nut house. But despite all of that he still did what he knew was right, what God told him to do.
Kimberly and I were talking about how sometimes other people make fun of us and don't like us because we stand up for what we know is right. She then told me how another little girl in her class told her that she was ugly. This just makes me sad. I know who this little girl is and she is always saying such hurtful things not just to my Kimberly but to others as well. Makes me think how sad she must be to be so mean to others. We talked a little more about this and I then just said to her....
You are....and waited for her to finish the sentence. This is what she said.
You are.....Beautiful
You are.....Amazing
You are.....Kind to others
You are.....Caring
You are.....Helpful
You are.....Lovable
You are.....Filled with Joy
Why are you all these things?
Because God created me this way and His loves fills my heart.
How much of His love fills your heart?
Tons and tons and tons of pounds, overflowing like the flood that Noah had to build his ark for.
So I put her to bed and we finished off the week. Then Friday afternoon she came home from school and had a little surprise for me.
She had received a Bullie Award at school. She stopped a bigger kid from picking on a littler kid on the playground and was rewarded for that with this sweet little stuffed bull. I was so excited and proud of her. To know that our talk about standing up for what is right even when someone else might not like you for it and then to be rewarded for it. I know that God is so excited and proud of us when we stand up for what is right too. And surely we are rewarded for it.
Kimberly and I were talking about how sometimes other people make fun of us and don't like us because we stand up for what we know is right. She then told me how another little girl in her class told her that she was ugly. This just makes me sad. I know who this little girl is and she is always saying such hurtful things not just to my Kimberly but to others as well. Makes me think how sad she must be to be so mean to others. We talked a little more about this and I then just said to her....
You are....and waited for her to finish the sentence. This is what she said.
You are.....Beautiful
You are.....Amazing
You are.....Kind to others
You are.....Caring
You are.....Helpful
You are.....Lovable
You are.....Filled with Joy
Why are you all these things?
Because God created me this way and His loves fills my heart.
How much of His love fills your heart?
Tons and tons and tons of pounds, overflowing like the flood that Noah had to build his ark for.
So I put her to bed and we finished off the week. Then Friday afternoon she came home from school and had a little surprise for me.
She had received a Bullie Award at school. She stopped a bigger kid from picking on a littler kid on the playground and was rewarded for that with this sweet little stuffed bull. I was so excited and proud of her. To know that our talk about standing up for what is right even when someone else might not like you for it and then to be rewarded for it. I know that God is so excited and proud of us when we stand up for what is right too. And surely we are rewarded for it.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Mining and Technology
My husband is a driller, underground. His chosen career path takes him a mile underground. He drills holes in the rock, pulling out samples for the geologists to see where the ore is.
His job has taken us to many places and through those travels I have met many wives who have asked the question "how can you let your husband do that?" My answer is always "would you forbid your husband from doing something that he was really good at that also in turn provided for your family?" Yes I know there is risk involved with his job but then there is risk involved with any job. And I'm not one who lives in fear of the "what ifs" anyway.
He was recently transferred to the Sunshine Mine.
This mine has definitely had it's ups and downs over the years but with new owners they are working to get things going there again. This same mine was hit with tragedy 40 years ago when a fire started underground. Unlike coal mining fire isn't normally something that is an issue with hard rock mining. Hard rock doesn't burn. However timbers, and other things that have been brought into the mine do. Our small valley was hit hard on May 2nd, 1972 when a fire broke out underground at the Sunshine Mine. 81 men were able to evacuate immediately, but there were still 93 unaccounted for. After 7 days of the parking lot being filled with families anxiously awaiting to hear the news of their men, 91 bodies were recovered and with what many call a miracle 2 were found still alive.
Well this past week another fire started in this same mine. It is rumored to have been sparked by a torch that some workers had been using, but it's still under investigation. We'll hopefully know soon enough though what exactly happened. In the mean time our men are off work until it's completely taken care of and the air is safe to breath again.
But even with my husband being off work again and all the effect that has on our family, I know it's only for a short time. I'm thankful for technology that has come along in the past 40 years. I'm thankful that the men who were working were made aware of the problem before anyone was hurt. I'm thankful that everyone was able to be evacuated from the mine safely. I'm thankful that all are accounted for. I'm thankful that there isn't a parking lot filled with families waiting to hear if their loved one is alive and safe. I can't imagine the torment that week in May, 40 years ago must have been like for so many in our small valley. The inconvenience of these men not being able to go to work for a week or so is nothing to them not coming home at all.
This past year has brought some heartbreak, worry and tragedy to our small valley. We've lost 2 men in another mine. We've had others injured. We've had many laid off and out of work. But even with all this, I'm still thankful for mining. Mining has provided us with a community that comes together and stands strong when one is in need. Mining has provided my family with a comfortable home to live is and food on the table. Yes there are risks, there are risks in everything we do. And even with all those risks I will still be thankful for mining and the technology that has made it a safer place for my husband and our friends to be.
His job has taken us to many places and through those travels I have met many wives who have asked the question "how can you let your husband do that?" My answer is always "would you forbid your husband from doing something that he was really good at that also in turn provided for your family?" Yes I know there is risk involved with his job but then there is risk involved with any job. And I'm not one who lives in fear of the "what ifs" anyway.
He was recently transferred to the Sunshine Mine.
This mine has definitely had it's ups and downs over the years but with new owners they are working to get things going there again. This same mine was hit with tragedy 40 years ago when a fire started underground. Unlike coal mining fire isn't normally something that is an issue with hard rock mining. Hard rock doesn't burn. However timbers, and other things that have been brought into the mine do. Our small valley was hit hard on May 2nd, 1972 when a fire broke out underground at the Sunshine Mine. 81 men were able to evacuate immediately, but there were still 93 unaccounted for. After 7 days of the parking lot being filled with families anxiously awaiting to hear the news of their men, 91 bodies were recovered and with what many call a miracle 2 were found still alive.
Well this past week another fire started in this same mine. It is rumored to have been sparked by a torch that some workers had been using, but it's still under investigation. We'll hopefully know soon enough though what exactly happened. In the mean time our men are off work until it's completely taken care of and the air is safe to breath again.
But even with my husband being off work again and all the effect that has on our family, I know it's only for a short time. I'm thankful for technology that has come along in the past 40 years. I'm thankful that the men who were working were made aware of the problem before anyone was hurt. I'm thankful that everyone was able to be evacuated from the mine safely. I'm thankful that all are accounted for. I'm thankful that there isn't a parking lot filled with families waiting to hear if their loved one is alive and safe. I can't imagine the torment that week in May, 40 years ago must have been like for so many in our small valley. The inconvenience of these men not being able to go to work for a week or so is nothing to them not coming home at all.
This past year has brought some heartbreak, worry and tragedy to our small valley. We've lost 2 men in another mine. We've had others injured. We've had many laid off and out of work. But even with all this, I'm still thankful for mining. Mining has provided us with a community that comes together and stands strong when one is in need. Mining has provided my family with a comfortable home to live is and food on the table. Yes there are risks, there are risks in everything we do. And even with all those risks I will still be thankful for mining and the technology that has made it a safer place for my husband and our friends to be.
Friday, February 17, 2012
I'm a work in progress.......
So this week I have been struggling a bit with my own attitude about a few things. I'm a stay at home mom and while I love every bit of that honor, there are a few things that at times get under my skin. I do see staying home as an honor and a priviledge because I know there are so many moms who would love to stay home with their kids but financially aren't able to. I am so blessed to stay home and have the little side jobs and my daycare kids that I have to help add to our household budget. And while I know that staying home also means that my job is to clean and maintain our household there are days when I feel like the maid. I could go on a pitty trip and rant about how if I didn't do everything nothing would get done around this house but I won't. My 7 year old even informed me this week that her job was to go to school and my job was to clean up after her. That didn't go over to well for her I can say.
But while I was talking to a friend today about my need for an attitude change, she reminded me of a testimony she once heard from an older woman. This woman said she would complain about her husband not picking up his socks and it was always a problem until the morning she woke up and the socks weren't there. He had passed on and then she realized how much she missed the socks being on the floor.
Yep that brings on a new perspective. Do I wish the people in my house would pick up after themselves, yes I do. But I will work on changing my attitude towards them about it. I'm not their maid but I did sign up for being the household care taker and I am thankful for that priviledge. I will be thankful for those things that irritate me because I know that there will come a day when the people who do them will be gone. The day will come when my daughter's bedroom will be empty and she will be on her own and the day will come when my husband will no longer be with me. I hope that day comes much later in my life and that I have many more years until then, but I know that the day will come at some point in my life. So for now I will work on my attitude and be thankful that I have them in my world. Not saying that it will be easy every day but I will work on it.
But while I was talking to a friend today about my need for an attitude change, she reminded me of a testimony she once heard from an older woman. This woman said she would complain about her husband not picking up his socks and it was always a problem until the morning she woke up and the socks weren't there. He had passed on and then she realized how much she missed the socks being on the floor.
Yep that brings on a new perspective. Do I wish the people in my house would pick up after themselves, yes I do. But I will work on changing my attitude towards them about it. I'm not their maid but I did sign up for being the household care taker and I am thankful for that priviledge. I will be thankful for those things that irritate me because I know that there will come a day when the people who do them will be gone. The day will come when my daughter's bedroom will be empty and she will be on her own and the day will come when my husband will no longer be with me. I hope that day comes much later in my life and that I have many more years until then, but I know that the day will come at some point in my life. So for now I will work on my attitude and be thankful that I have them in my world. Not saying that it will be easy every day but I will work on it.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Wrapping up our 2 weeks of RAKing
Our last acts was to treat Kimberly's bus drivers. We wanted them to know that we appreciate them. So while we were putting together our Valentine's for her class we thought they would be perfect for the bus drivers as well. We took a package of rolos and wrapped them in Valentine paper. On the inside of the paper we wrote "I like the way you roll".
Her morning driver posted this pic and nice note on her facebook page. "I MAY NOT get flowers from a guy for Valentine's Day.....But I'll settle for chocolate from one of my students....Thank You Kimmie & Leahann" We are sure glad that we were able to start her day off a little sweeter.
We had started this two weeks off with a plan for 14 random acts of kindness, with our busy schedules we were only able to finish 12 of those. I have been so blessed myself watching Kimberly bless others. Seeing her excitement as we delivered special treats to others to let them know that they are loved and someone cares has been amazing. And while there are always opportunities to do acts of kindness for others as we go about our daily lives, however we will be making a conscience effort to to something atleast once a month from now on. And since we still have 2 things that were on our list that we didn't get to we've got a plan for next month. Thank you Tammy at Forever in First for the RAKing inspiration, our hearts are forever changed.
Her morning driver posted this pic and nice note on her facebook page. "I MAY NOT get flowers from a guy for Valentine's Day.....But I'll settle for chocolate from one of my students....Thank You Kimmie & Leahann" We are sure glad that we were able to start her day off a little sweeter.
We had started this two weeks off with a plan for 14 random acts of kindness, with our busy schedules we were only able to finish 12 of those. I have been so blessed myself watching Kimberly bless others. Seeing her excitement as we delivered special treats to others to let them know that they are loved and someone cares has been amazing. And while there are always opportunities to do acts of kindness for others as we go about our daily lives, however we will be making a conscience effort to to something atleast once a month from now on. And since we still have 2 things that were on our list that we didn't get to we've got a plan for next month. Thank you Tammy at Forever in First for the RAKing inspiration, our hearts are forever changed.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Candy and Flowers........
We started our 2nd week of RAK'ing with surprising Kim's dance teacher with a little box of Valentine's chocolates, almond rocas. They are one of our favorite treats and come to find out one of hers as well.
We had a couple of days run away from us but we didn't forget our goal. 14 RAKS for Valentines day. So we started our Sunday morning off with a stop to buy flowers at the store. Kimberly wanted to bless our teachers at church this morning. So she took flowers to Pastor Carey, Miss Lisa H and Miss Lisa C. She even specifically chose a pink rose for Miss Lisa H, because pink is her favorite color. Pastor Carey gave her a new book in return that she promptly went and sat down and started reading while the worship team was warming up.
Then after church was over we headed off to the hospital. Our goal was to take flowers and visit a little bit with someone who is there but doesn't get any visitors. How lonely it must feel to get old and not be well and not have anyone come to visit with you. We were greeted at the door by a nurse who asked us who we were coming to see. We told her that we really didn't know but we wanted to see someone who needed a visitor. She called another nurse up and they looked over the list and decided that the flowers should go to this sweet little lady. She's in her 90's and just an itty bitty thing, they said. Unfortunately she was asleep when we got there. So we decided not to disturb her but to leave our flowers and our card with the nurses. They said they would put them in a vase for her and they were sure they would brighten her day. I do really hope that she bring a smile to her face. Just to know that someone really does care and you aren't alone has to mean something.
Then it was off to take Grandma to dinner. Kim has been wanting to do this for a while and today was the perfect day. We had flowers for her as well. Kimberly decided to hide them in the car and then after we ordered she went out and got them for her. Grandma was very happy and we had a lovely girls time out with her. And you can never go wrong with Wah Hing's Chinese for dinner.
I didn't get any pictures of the last few RAK's but will try to get some of the last few days that we have to do.
We had a couple of days run away from us but we didn't forget our goal. 14 RAKS for Valentines day. So we started our Sunday morning off with a stop to buy flowers at the store. Kimberly wanted to bless our teachers at church this morning. So she took flowers to Pastor Carey, Miss Lisa H and Miss Lisa C. She even specifically chose a pink rose for Miss Lisa H, because pink is her favorite color. Pastor Carey gave her a new book in return that she promptly went and sat down and started reading while the worship team was warming up.
Then after church was over we headed off to the hospital. Our goal was to take flowers and visit a little bit with someone who is there but doesn't get any visitors. How lonely it must feel to get old and not be well and not have anyone come to visit with you. We were greeted at the door by a nurse who asked us who we were coming to see. We told her that we really didn't know but we wanted to see someone who needed a visitor. She called another nurse up and they looked over the list and decided that the flowers should go to this sweet little lady. She's in her 90's and just an itty bitty thing, they said. Unfortunately she was asleep when we got there. So we decided not to disturb her but to leave our flowers and our card with the nurses. They said they would put them in a vase for her and they were sure they would brighten her day. I do really hope that she bring a smile to her face. Just to know that someone really does care and you aren't alone has to mean something.
Then it was off to take Grandma to dinner. Kim has been wanting to do this for a while and today was the perfect day. We had flowers for her as well. Kimberly decided to hide them in the car and then after we ordered she went out and got them for her. Grandma was very happy and we had a lovely girls time out with her. And you can never go wrong with Wah Hing's Chinese for dinner.
I didn't get any pictures of the last few RAK's but will try to get some of the last few days that we have to do.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Feet that can walk
I have to admit that I hate exercising, look at my behind and you can tell that. But at the same time I also love how I feel after a good walk. And I know that if I don't have someone waiting on me to go I will find something else to do instead. So I have a couple of friends that keep me moving and accountable.
Winter is always the worst for me because I need to get outside and I absolutely hate my "dreadmill". That's it's name. I always feel like I'm being tortured as I have to go to the basement and walk/run and never get anywhere. I hate being cooped up and I crave that fresh air. So after a couple of months of being indoors and doing everything I could to keep for going to the basement and walking on the dreadmill I sent out a distress signal to my friend. "Help I need to get out and walk, I'm dying here." And of course she came to my rescue. I can't speak for her entirely but I'm sure she is probably thinking the same thing.
So today she came over, we bundled the kids up, strapped them in the strollers and hit the road. Breathing in the fresh air felt so good and the weather was just about as perfect as a day in February can be. We got out and walked for an hour and I can't tell you how much better I feel now. It's amazing how a little fresh air and exercise can totally change your mood. I am definately looking forward to get out again tomorrow. And as long as the weather cooroporates I will be pushing her to go with me every day that we can.
Winter is always the worst for me because I need to get outside and I absolutely hate my "dreadmill". That's it's name. I always feel like I'm being tortured as I have to go to the basement and walk/run and never get anywhere. I hate being cooped up and I crave that fresh air. So after a couple of months of being indoors and doing everything I could to keep for going to the basement and walking on the dreadmill I sent out a distress signal to my friend. "Help I need to get out and walk, I'm dying here." And of course she came to my rescue. I can't speak for her entirely but I'm sure she is probably thinking the same thing.
So today she came over, we bundled the kids up, strapped them in the strollers and hit the road. Breathing in the fresh air felt so good and the weather was just about as perfect as a day in February can be. We got out and walked for an hour and I can't tell you how much better I feel now. It's amazing how a little fresh air and exercise can totally change your mood. I am definately looking forward to get out again tomorrow. And as long as the weather cooroporates I will be pushing her to go with me every day that we can.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Loving Kindness Continues......
This past week has been so much fun and what a blessing for us as well. I have to say that watching my child through this has been such a blessing to myself. We as mothers all tell our children that we should do and give to others when we can, but how often do we really put that into practice? How often do we really go out of our way to do something nice for a total stranger just for the sake of doing something nice? And how often do we do something for someone else with out expectation? Are we really aware of what we are teaching our children simply by leading by example?
So anyway, we were very excited to see what lay ahead for our second week of RAK'ing. On Sunday (day 5) we had plans to go to the pool. Last weekend they had had a community day at the waterpark and Kim was to sick so we were unable to go. She was very disappointed about missing it so I had promised her that we would go to the other pool this weekend and she could take a friend with her.
So off we went. After church we stopped and picked up her friend and we headed to Mullan. We decided that since we were going there ourselves we would go ahead and pay for everyone else who was there to get in. We had planned on spending $16 at the waterpark the weekend before so why not spend that same amount at the pool that only costs 50cents to get into. Kim and her friend had a great time. The pool was really pretty empty, I suppose everyone stayed home to watch the Super Bowl instead of going swimming. But we left them with some credit that can be used for those who may want to go swimming later in the week.
Day 6 seemed to get away from us for some reason so we did 2 things on Day 7. First we got a box of Valentine candies that we decided to give to someone. I suggested a few places for us to find that special person to give the special treat too but Kim decided that she wanted to give them to who ever was working at the gas station. Then for our Day 7 RAK we decided to make dinner
for someone in our neighborhood. Kim chose her favorite dish "Mom's Famous Enchiladas" (that's what she calls them. We made a small pan and included a box of chocolates and headed out. We had decided on a couple of people to try to take dinner to, depending upon who was home to receive it. 
We didn't want to just leave a yummy smelling pan of enchiladas on the step for the neighborhood cats and dogs to enjoy before they got home. The recipient was a sweet lady who lives down the street. She's a wonderful woman who volunteers at Kim's school and is always such a joy to just sit and chat with. We hope she enjoys them.
So anyway, we were very excited to see what lay ahead for our second week of RAK'ing. On Sunday (day 5) we had plans to go to the pool. Last weekend they had had a community day at the waterpark and Kim was to sick so we were unable to go. She was very disappointed about missing it so I had promised her that we would go to the other pool this weekend and she could take a friend with her.
So off we went. After church we stopped and picked up her friend and we headed to Mullan. We decided that since we were going there ourselves we would go ahead and pay for everyone else who was there to get in. We had planned on spending $16 at the waterpark the weekend before so why not spend that same amount at the pool that only costs 50cents to get into. Kim and her friend had a great time. The pool was really pretty empty, I suppose everyone stayed home to watch the Super Bowl instead of going swimming. But we left them with some credit that can be used for those who may want to go swimming later in the week.Day 6 seemed to get away from us for some reason so we did 2 things on Day 7. First we got a box of Valentine candies that we decided to give to someone. I suggested a few places for us to find that special person to give the special treat too but Kim decided that she wanted to give them to who ever was working at the gas station. Then for our Day 7 RAK we decided to make dinner
for someone in our neighborhood. Kim chose her favorite dish "Mom's Famous Enchiladas" (that's what she calls them. We made a small pan and included a box of chocolates and headed out. We had decided on a couple of people to try to take dinner to, depending upon who was home to receive it. 
We didn't want to just leave a yummy smelling pan of enchiladas on the step for the neighborhood cats and dogs to enjoy before they got home. The recipient was a sweet lady who lives down the street. She's a wonderful woman who volunteers at Kim's school and is always such a joy to just sit and chat with. We hope she enjoys them.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
A Blessing We Will Go......
So this week has been amazing. We started on Wednesday with our first Random Act of Loving Kindness. We decided to bless the people who provide Kimberly's daddy with his paycheck. They have blessed us for so many years and we like to bless them in return every now and then. We normally bake something yummy, however I know that JJ is watching her sugars and KD is a single guy (and we all know how well they eat) so we took them a big bowl of fruit. Kimberly was so excited and JJ kept asking us why? Was it something our Sunday School kids were doing? We told her no that we were just doing nice things for people and she was first on our list.
Then Day 2 we decided to take cocoa to the teachers who were on recess duty. We got this wonderful idea from my friend Lisa. She and her girls did the same thing before Christmas for their school and what a great idea it was. We chose the morning recess and it was a perfectly cold day for cocoa as well. A warm treat was much appreciated by all.
On Day 3 we set our sights on the customers at our grocery store.
I picked up 3 little heart shaped boxes of chocolates and we taped our little cards to each of them. Then we chose 3 cars that were sitting in the parking lot and placed them on their windshields. 
Then we parked back in the corner where we could sit and watch. Kim wanted to see the people get their gift. The first 2 almost didn't see them. They actually got in their cars and started to drive away and then had to stop and get out and grab their treat. The 3rd on though spotted it right away. He stopped and picked up the card and then looked our way. He said "thank you" and Kim opened the door of the car and told him that he was very welcome and Happy Valentine's day. He then asked "are you sure you got the right car?" I said "yes we are positive". It was nice to see the smile on his face. I thought it was great that we live in such a small town yet of the cars Kim chose we didn't know any of the people.
Day 4 we chose to bless the other members of worship team at church with dinner. Kim actually chose to stay home and not join me but it was still great time. We have worship practice and a time of Creative Worship on the 1st Saturday of the month so I invited the team to come an hour early for dinner. We had spaghetti, salad and garlic bread. The evening was filled with great fellowship, lots of laughs and loads of fun.
I can't wait to see what the next 10 days have in store for us.
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