This is probably the shortest post EVER, but seeing I've gotten NOTHING done today, I better get moving.
At least on the bright side, it's almost TUESDAY. That's much better:)
Monday, January 28, 2013
Monday
What is it about Mondays??? It's harder to get out of bed than any other day of the week. I have ZERO motivation to do anything. I can't be the only one out there that struggles with Mondays, am I??
This is probably the shortest post EVER, but seeing I've gotten NOTHING done today, I better get moving.
At least on the bright side, it's almost TUESDAY. That's much better:)
This is probably the shortest post EVER, but seeing I've gotten NOTHING done today, I better get moving.
At least on the bright side, it's almost TUESDAY. That's much better:)
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Library Storytime
Isabella is feeling much better than she was on Tuesday. For those that are friends on Facebook, you know that she looked MISERABLE.
Yesterday, being the "fun" mom was I trying to be we went to a toddler storytime at one of the libraries close by. Isabella was a little confused. We've never done anything like that before. She did enjoy watching the other kids and putting dots on her paper at craft time.
We will probably go back next week. She did pretty good and didn't throw a fit when we left. That's always a plus in my book:)
Isabella is pretty OCD about making sure the caps went back on the dot markers. It was funny watching her trying to put them back on.
I'm really glad she enjoyed it so we can go again. It was nice interacting briefly with two friends that were also there. Makes going to those kinda of things WAY more enjoyable for me.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Yesterday, being the "fun" mom was I trying to be we went to a toddler storytime at one of the libraries close by. Isabella was a little confused. We've never done anything like that before. She did enjoy watching the other kids and putting dots on her paper at craft time.
We will probably go back next week. She did pretty good and didn't throw a fit when we left. That's always a plus in my book:)
Isabella is pretty OCD about making sure the caps went back on the dot markers. It was funny watching her trying to put them back on.
I'm really glad she enjoyed it so we can go again. It was nice interacting briefly with two friends that were also there. Makes going to those kinda of things WAY more enjoyable for me.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Gratitude
Some days it's harder than others to feel gratitude. For example, both of the girls are sick today. I was up with Isabella all night. Trying to find something to be grateful for during their sickness has been a little challenging.
According to Wikipedia, the word grateful means "Gratitude, thankfulness, gratefulness, or appreciation is a feeling or attitude in acknowledgment of a benefit that one has received or will receive." I'm not sure this definition is "complete". Being up all night with sick kids isn't a "benefit" that I have received or will receive anything. I guess the benefit is that I have children that I can be up with in the middle of the night with. I know what it's like not being able to be up at night with one of your children.
After Dylan died, finding things to be grateful for at times can be hard. I feel that there are no words to describe the emptiness and aching that I feel on a daily basis. Some days are harder than others. I know I've said this numerous times in my past blog posts. Trying to be happy and find peace in my life will now be a struggle that I have to deal with. Sure life had it's challenges before he died but once you have a child die, it changes EVERYTHING. It's changed how I see the sun rise, the sun set, the waves crashing on the shore, sick children, births of children, death of others (whether they be young or old), everyday moments, the moment when everything is quiet, laughter, anger and how I see myself.
I just finished reading a book, "365 Thank Yous - The Year a Simple Act of Daily Gratitude Changed My Life", by John Kralik. You can check out the website here. It was a quick read. To make a short synopsis of the book, its a personal account of the author, who was feeling down/depressed with his life. He decided to write 365 Thank You notes as a New Year's Resolution. The change that happen to him was great. He saw that he was happier and appreciated others more. Those in contact with him saw the change in him too. This book has inspired me to do something about being grateful and showing my gratitude.
I'm really glad that I read this book. The topic of gratitude or being thankful has been on my mind A LOT!!! It has amazed me that this past year, I only received a few THANK YOU notes. I by no means did things or gave gifts with the expectation of receiving a THANK YOU note, but I still believe there is an etiquette that is required of baby shower gifts, wedding gifts, etc.
Let me state again, by NO means am I a great THANK YOU note writer. I'm hoping this year will change that. You might just get an unexpected THANK YOU note from me:)
This book helped me put into words what my thoughts have been and how I can act on my gratitude. I want this year to be "BETTER", remember? So I'm not just going to be "grateful" on Thanksgiving but seriously try everyday to find something or someone to be grateful/thankful for.
I have been truly blessed. I have a WONDERFUL family. I appreciate, Kalen working LONG, LONG hours to provide for our family. I am grateful that IF I have to take my children to the doctor, I can. I am grateful that I am able to have a roof over my head, food on the table, and clothes to keep me warm. I am grateful for my children. Dylan who has taught me to see the "little things" in life and enjoy them, Brianna who has taught me what a true example of kindness looks like, and Isabella who has taught me it's okay to laugh again. I'm grateful (at times) that she keeps me SO busy grief can't overwhelm me CONSTANTLY. I am grateful that I know I have a Heavenly Father that LOVES me, even when I feel I am least deserving of it. I am grateful for my Savior, Jesus Christ, who suffered all the pain I have felt in my life and that if I live worthily, I will be able to return to live in HIS presence again some day. I am beyond grateful for the Gospel. The knowledge it gives me. It doesn't make everything better in an instant or in this life, but the promises that our Heavenly Father has given to us as long as well follow HIM, will be worth it. It HAS to be.
I hope you will take a few moments each day and reflect what you can be grateful for.
Let me know here or on Facebook, what are some of the things or people you are grateful for?
According to Wikipedia, the word grateful means "Gratitude, thankfulness, gratefulness, or appreciation is a feeling or attitude in acknowledgment of a benefit that one has received or will receive." I'm not sure this definition is "complete". Being up all night with sick kids isn't a "benefit" that I have received or will receive anything. I guess the benefit is that I have children that I can be up with in the middle of the night with. I know what it's like not being able to be up at night with one of your children.
After Dylan died, finding things to be grateful for at times can be hard. I feel that there are no words to describe the emptiness and aching that I feel on a daily basis. Some days are harder than others. I know I've said this numerous times in my past blog posts. Trying to be happy and find peace in my life will now be a struggle that I have to deal with. Sure life had it's challenges before he died but once you have a child die, it changes EVERYTHING. It's changed how I see the sun rise, the sun set, the waves crashing on the shore, sick children, births of children, death of others (whether they be young or old), everyday moments, the moment when everything is quiet, laughter, anger and how I see myself.
I just finished reading a book, "365 Thank Yous - The Year a Simple Act of Daily Gratitude Changed My Life", by John Kralik. You can check out the website here. It was a quick read. To make a short synopsis of the book, its a personal account of the author, who was feeling down/depressed with his life. He decided to write 365 Thank You notes as a New Year's Resolution. The change that happen to him was great. He saw that he was happier and appreciated others more. Those in contact with him saw the change in him too. This book has inspired me to do something about being grateful and showing my gratitude.
I'm really glad that I read this book. The topic of gratitude or being thankful has been on my mind A LOT!!! It has amazed me that this past year, I only received a few THANK YOU notes. I by no means did things or gave gifts with the expectation of receiving a THANK YOU note, but I still believe there is an etiquette that is required of baby shower gifts, wedding gifts, etc.
Let me state again, by NO means am I a great THANK YOU note writer. I'm hoping this year will change that. You might just get an unexpected THANK YOU note from me:)
This book helped me put into words what my thoughts have been and how I can act on my gratitude. I want this year to be "BETTER", remember? So I'm not just going to be "grateful" on Thanksgiving but seriously try everyday to find something or someone to be grateful/thankful for.
I have been truly blessed. I have a WONDERFUL family. I appreciate, Kalen working LONG, LONG hours to provide for our family. I am grateful that IF I have to take my children to the doctor, I can. I am grateful that I am able to have a roof over my head, food on the table, and clothes to keep me warm. I am grateful for my children. Dylan who has taught me to see the "little things" in life and enjoy them, Brianna who has taught me what a true example of kindness looks like, and Isabella who has taught me it's okay to laugh again. I'm grateful (at times) that she keeps me SO busy grief can't overwhelm me CONSTANTLY. I am grateful that I know I have a Heavenly Father that LOVES me, even when I feel I am least deserving of it. I am grateful for my Savior, Jesus Christ, who suffered all the pain I have felt in my life and that if I live worthily, I will be able to return to live in HIS presence again some day. I am beyond grateful for the Gospel. The knowledge it gives me. It doesn't make everything better in an instant or in this life, but the promises that our Heavenly Father has given to us as long as well follow HIM, will be worth it. It HAS to be.
I hope you will take a few moments each day and reflect what you can be grateful for.
Let me know here or on Facebook, what are some of the things or people you are grateful for?
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Birthday
Happy Birthday to my amazing husband! We started celebrating early last night. We went to dinner & a movie. Olive Garden was delicious! It's my favorite restaurant and it wasn't even my birthday.
I had a great time just hanging out with him. It was nice to have it just be the two of us.
The girls had a great time with their new sitter. It was a perfect evening. I wish I would have taken pictures.
Happy Birthday Kalen!! Hope the Seahawks win tomorrow for a late birthday present:)
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
I had a great time just hanging out with him. It was nice to have it just be the two of us.
The girls had a great time with their new sitter. It was a perfect evening. I wish I would have taken pictures.
Happy Birthday Kalen!! Hope the Seahawks win tomorrow for a late birthday present:)
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Friday, January 11, 2013
FUN Friday??
Let me paint the picture for you. Im sitting hear listening to an airplane flying over head, the neighbor's dog barking, the faint ticking of the kitchen clock and Isabella refusing to take a nap.
She started laying on the couch with her blanket. That is a tell tale sign she is getting sleepy. (Besides her misbehaving) I put her in the crib, but alas, she's been in her crib for 45 minutes running around, singing, and jumping up & down. I WISH I had as much energy as her when I was tired. Oh wait....I am tired and just want to take a nap:)
Why must she refuse to take a nap?!?! She seems to want to take a nap 30 minutes before it's time to leave to get Brianna from school. It just doesn't work. It makes for long afternoons with bickering between the girls (mine aren't the only ones that fight, are they??), whining, and frustration for all three of us.
It's ALWAYS a wonderful thing to hear the garage door opening up. Such relief warms over me. I'm know I'm not alone to deal with the whining, fighting and frustration. It's AMAZING how quickly they both behave like their "angel" selves as soon as Kalen gets home.
I'm hoping that Isabella will take her nap soon. I have lots to do.
I'm looking forward to tonight. I get to go on a date with Kalen. We haven't had a date since Hawaii so it's much over due. Dinner and ....... I have no idea what other "date night activity" we are going to do. Maybe the movies, bowling, miniature golf. At least we have options:)
I'm stressing because we have a new sitter for the girls. I know she will do great, but I feel like its been forever since we've had a teenager watch our kids. Dylan always required so much care that we usually had adults for our date nights or Grandma & Grandpa since they were right next door. It's been a HUGE adjustment since they left for their mission.
So you can laugh now, but answer the following questions for me, oh wise ones that use sitters regularly.
1. Do you plan on feeding the sitter?
2. Do you just straight out ask what they charge? (I've ALWAYS felt AWKWARD when I do this)
3. Or do you pay what you think is fair?
4. What expectations do you have for a sitter?
I think that's it for now......
Silence has now entered our house. Isabella must have decided to take her much needed tap, the dog stopped barking and all that is left is the clock ticking away in the kitchen.
There is something definitely "magical" about Fridays. Here's to a FUN & happy Friday everyone!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
She started laying on the couch with her blanket. That is a tell tale sign she is getting sleepy. (Besides her misbehaving) I put her in the crib, but alas, she's been in her crib for 45 minutes running around, singing, and jumping up & down. I WISH I had as much energy as her when I was tired. Oh wait....I am tired and just want to take a nap:)
Why must she refuse to take a nap?!?! She seems to want to take a nap 30 minutes before it's time to leave to get Brianna from school. It just doesn't work. It makes for long afternoons with bickering between the girls (mine aren't the only ones that fight, are they??), whining, and frustration for all three of us.
It's ALWAYS a wonderful thing to hear the garage door opening up. Such relief warms over me. I'm know I'm not alone to deal with the whining, fighting and frustration. It's AMAZING how quickly they both behave like their "angel" selves as soon as Kalen gets home.
I'm hoping that Isabella will take her nap soon. I have lots to do.
I'm looking forward to tonight. I get to go on a date with Kalen. We haven't had a date since Hawaii so it's much over due. Dinner and ....... I have no idea what other "date night activity" we are going to do. Maybe the movies, bowling, miniature golf. At least we have options:)
I'm stressing because we have a new sitter for the girls. I know she will do great, but I feel like its been forever since we've had a teenager watch our kids. Dylan always required so much care that we usually had adults for our date nights or Grandma & Grandpa since they were right next door. It's been a HUGE adjustment since they left for their mission.
So you can laugh now, but answer the following questions for me, oh wise ones that use sitters regularly.
1. Do you plan on feeding the sitter?
2. Do you just straight out ask what they charge? (I've ALWAYS felt AWKWARD when I do this)
3. Or do you pay what you think is fair?
4. What expectations do you have for a sitter?
I think that's it for now......
Silence has now entered our house. Isabella must have decided to take her much needed tap, the dog stopped barking and all that is left is the clock ticking away in the kitchen.
There is something definitely "magical" about Fridays. Here's to a FUN & happy Friday everyone!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Motivation
Im lacking with motivation today. It's 9:07am and Isabella & I are still in PJ's. I should go for a run but with it being SO cold outside I don't want to go out there. I really just want to curl up under a blanket and read one of my books. Instead I am being a jungle gym for Isabella. We are singing songs and her reading HER books. She LOVES "The Wheels On the Bus". Im trying to be "present" in the moment. Trying to enjoy watching her play. Making memories. I am SO grateful for her. She keeps me VERY busy.
Maybe today will be a lazy day. I feel a tsunami of grief building to wash over me. I'm not sure why since its not near another month marker. I just miss Dylan. It's gloomy for me today. My heart is aching. So if you happen to see me today, don't take it personally if I seem out of it. Im just struggling.
I see the sun shining through the clouds today as I look out the window and its giving me hope that I WILL make it through today.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Maybe today will be a lazy day. I feel a tsunami of grief building to wash over me. I'm not sure why since its not near another month marker. I just miss Dylan. It's gloomy for me today. My heart is aching. So if you happen to see me today, don't take it personally if I seem out of it. Im just struggling.
I see the sun shining through the clouds today as I look out the window and its giving me hope that I WILL make it through today.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
The Park
I HAD to get out of the house today. Being a stay at home mom is hard work. Anyways, I thought Isabella was feeling a little bit better so I thought why not head to the park. We live in between two parks so its nice to have options.
Let me first state that I am NOT one of those moms that take their kids to the park on a regular basis. When Brianna was younger I let my Dad or Kalen take her. It was their special thing to do. I ALWAYS love to hear about what fun they had but chasing a kid around the park isn't something I enjoy doing. It's A LOT of work and I don't find much enjoyment in going, but I decided to give it a try with Isabella.
I pushed her in the stroller and walked down the end of our street. I pushed her on the swing and then let her climb the play structure. With some coaxing and me going down the slide with her, she had fun.
Here's a few pictures from our trip to the park today:
She enjoyed watching the other kids and said hi to all of them.
I of course got asked the dreaded question, "How many kids do I have?" I wasn't in the mood to cry to a stranger that my sweet Dylan died, so I said 2. I immediately felt guilty. I want everyone to know about Dylan but hate to be given the "sorry" look from others when they hear his story, but just wasn't in the mood to deal with it today. It's a tough situation. Please no judgements........
Isabella of course threw a fit when it was time to leave. I forced myself to remain calm as I felt the eyes on other parents looking at us. Despite her fit, it was somewhat enjoyable.
Im not quite sure I'm a "park" mom yet or if I ever will be. If you are a "park" mom what do you find enjoyable about it???
What activity do you like the least that moms are "suppose" to do at least occasionally with their kids?
Im just hoping Im not alone in not loving the park.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Let me first state that I am NOT one of those moms that take their kids to the park on a regular basis. When Brianna was younger I let my Dad or Kalen take her. It was their special thing to do. I ALWAYS love to hear about what fun they had but chasing a kid around the park isn't something I enjoy doing. It's A LOT of work and I don't find much enjoyment in going, but I decided to give it a try with Isabella.
I pushed her in the stroller and walked down the end of our street. I pushed her on the swing and then let her climb the play structure. With some coaxing and me going down the slide with her, she had fun.
Here's a few pictures from our trip to the park today:
She enjoyed watching the other kids and said hi to all of them.
I of course got asked the dreaded question, "How many kids do I have?" I wasn't in the mood to cry to a stranger that my sweet Dylan died, so I said 2. I immediately felt guilty. I want everyone to know about Dylan but hate to be given the "sorry" look from others when they hear his story, but just wasn't in the mood to deal with it today. It's a tough situation. Please no judgements........
Isabella of course threw a fit when it was time to leave. I forced myself to remain calm as I felt the eyes on other parents looking at us. Despite her fit, it was somewhat enjoyable.
Im not quite sure I'm a "park" mom yet or if I ever will be. If you are a "park" mom what do you find enjoyable about it???
What activity do you like the least that moms are "suppose" to do at least occasionally with their kids?
Im just hoping Im not alone in not loving the park.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Monday, January 7, 2013
2012 - A year in review
I thought it would be fun to see the past year through some of the photos on my phone.
I can't believe how different Brianna & Isabella look. Isabella definitely looks more like a toddler now.
Hope you enjoy this "review".
Brianna & Henry - Epiphany 2012. The king & queen
I LOVE this photo of Isabella
My first Pinterest craft!
Kalen's birthday
Isabella loved looking at Dylan's picture
Matching hats made by Grandma Bjurstrom
Cousins before family photos
Isabella with just a few teeth
I ran another 1/2 marathon in March with my friend Hannah.
Easter Dinner at with my parents & brother's family.
Eating lunch....
Visiting Dylan's grave
Isabella's 1st birthday
Rainbow word party in 1st Grade
LOVE her smile
Driving me crazy
Dylan's 2nd Angel Day
June
On our way to Hawaii
Last photo with Grandpa & Grandma before they left.
Sad Grandma & Grandpa left for their mission
That about does it. We made lots of memories. Isabella turned 1, we went to Hawaii for our 10 year anniversary, and Disneyland for Brianna's 7th Birthday. We are adjusting to my parents being gone on their mission for our church. While its been hard not having them around, our family has seen the blessings come because of their service.
Here's to hoping 2013 will be a great year. Hopefully we will make lots of good memories:)
Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
I can't believe how different Brianna & Isabella look. Isabella definitely looks more like a toddler now.
Hope you enjoy this "review".
Brianna & Henry - Epiphany 2012. The king & queen
I LOVE this photo of Isabella
My first Pinterest craft!
Kalen's birthday
Isabella loved looking at Dylan's picture
Matching hats made by Grandma Bjurstrom
Cousins before family photos
Isabella with just a few teeth
I ran another 1/2 marathon in March with my friend Hannah.
Easter Dinner at with my parents & brother's family.
Eating lunch....
Visiting Dylan's grave
Isabella's 1st birthday
Rainbow word party in 1st Grade
LOVE her smile
Driving me crazy
Dylan's 2nd Angel Day
June
On our way to Hawaii
Last photo with Grandpa & Grandma before they left.
Sad Grandma & Grandpa left for their mission
That about does it. We made lots of memories. Isabella turned 1, we went to Hawaii for our 10 year anniversary, and Disneyland for Brianna's 7th Birthday. We are adjusting to my parents being gone on their mission for our church. While its been hard not having them around, our family has seen the blessings come because of their service.
Here's to hoping 2013 will be a great year. Hopefully we will make lots of good memories:)
Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
LinkWithin
