Recap on week 27, which was positive speaking... I did ok. Yeah... ok. There were more times than I wish to count where I'd have been better off shutting my mouth, but there were more times that I usually would speak where I DID shut my mouth. And I did notice my tone of voice was better with my husband and kids this last week as well. Which is good! Now to continue, and work to do better and better each day. I will more than likely slip a few times, but the process is important, and I cannot do better if I do not work at it.
So, you can find week 28 here. I am starting on this a little late, but better late than never. I think I'll attempt to do the task all through this next week, even when the focus is on week 29 as well. I just... keep forgetting to check on the blog each Monday. It's sad, I know. Ah well.
The task for the week is to take a little time every day and spend it in deep breathing. Really notice how you are breathing and breathe deep instead of shallow. I tend to breathe shallow, and will probably benefit greatly in this exercise. In fact, I think in order to help me remember, I should do my wii fit and have the deep breathing exercise in it. Another thing I read on this is to visually and deliberately relax each part of your body starting at your feet as you get ready for bed. Deliberately. Yeah. I should do this. No... I WILL do this. I know it will help me to sleep better.
Saturday, July 13, 2013
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Savings Sunday - Nix the Extras
Today I'm going to post on something that I think is actually the most effective way of saving money... but also the most difficult (ain't that always the way?). Just not buying stuff.
Yeah. Sounds simple, but really takes a lot of willpower.
First, get rid of the TV. I know, that might sound weird, and I don't mean to literally get rid of it, but to stop watching it. You see, television is the main way that companies advertise their goods to us... and I think of advertisements as having an element of 'want it need it' syndrome. You didn't know you wanted the item, never mind even thinking you'd need it, but you watch a commercial enough times and you'll think you need it. Or that you want it. Or when you see it on sale in a store you are more tempted to buy it. It's been proven that the more you see an object, the more you feel you want it. And you know what? Most commercials for food items are for junk foods anyway... or restaurants. All very pricey in comparison.
I think this is one of the reasons that people generations ago didn't 'need' to work as many jobs or hours to make ends meet in their homes. They weren't spending so much of their money on the extra 'want em need em's like we do today. They weren't bombarded with advertising like we are, either.
Another thing... keep yourself busy. I don't mean being a busy body... I mean things like cleaning house, doing laundry, working outside, playing with the kids, going for walks together... work. The more free time we have, the more we spend online and watching tv, and the more we are bombarded with the 'wants'. Shopping is not a sport, contrary to what many say. If you can't walk into a store without buying something, don't walk into the store unless you have a specific goal. I always loved window shopping (what my mom called 'shopping' without buying anything) because it was fun to see different things and imagine what it might be like to have said item. But, we'd never get it. Instead, we'd go home and often I'd come up with my own version of it using whatever we had around the house. Making things is a great way to keep busy and you end up with 'stuff' without spending the money on it. Plus, it's great for making you feel like you've accomplished something. I feel much better after putting something up I've made myself, than I do when I've bought the same item. There's a sense of accomplishment that comes with it. Also, it's a great thing to teach the kids! They love making things! And imagining stuff is something else.
Something I often do when tempted by items... is imagine where that item will go. If I do not know what I'll do with that item when I bring it home, or if it will just go into storage for 'if I may need it later', I won't buy it (even if it is a great deal). It is very rare where I actually regret my lack of purchase months later. I may regret it immediately, but within a week I'm usually fine without it and don't miss the item I never had anyway. Plus, if I really find myself wanting that same item, it is generally available to buy later on anyway.
Now, I'm not saying we should never buy extras. After all, a treat now and then is great! However, the less 'extras' we buy, the more meaningful the ones we do buy will be. Plus... less clutter, haha.
Yeah. Sounds simple, but really takes a lot of willpower.
First, get rid of the TV. I know, that might sound weird, and I don't mean to literally get rid of it, but to stop watching it. You see, television is the main way that companies advertise their goods to us... and I think of advertisements as having an element of 'want it need it' syndrome. You didn't know you wanted the item, never mind even thinking you'd need it, but you watch a commercial enough times and you'll think you need it. Or that you want it. Or when you see it on sale in a store you are more tempted to buy it. It's been proven that the more you see an object, the more you feel you want it. And you know what? Most commercials for food items are for junk foods anyway... or restaurants. All very pricey in comparison.
I think this is one of the reasons that people generations ago didn't 'need' to work as many jobs or hours to make ends meet in their homes. They weren't spending so much of their money on the extra 'want em need em's like we do today. They weren't bombarded with advertising like we are, either.
Another thing... keep yourself busy. I don't mean being a busy body... I mean things like cleaning house, doing laundry, working outside, playing with the kids, going for walks together... work. The more free time we have, the more we spend online and watching tv, and the more we are bombarded with the 'wants'. Shopping is not a sport, contrary to what many say. If you can't walk into a store without buying something, don't walk into the store unless you have a specific goal. I always loved window shopping (what my mom called 'shopping' without buying anything) because it was fun to see different things and imagine what it might be like to have said item. But, we'd never get it. Instead, we'd go home and often I'd come up with my own version of it using whatever we had around the house. Making things is a great way to keep busy and you end up with 'stuff' without spending the money on it. Plus, it's great for making you feel like you've accomplished something. I feel much better after putting something up I've made myself, than I do when I've bought the same item. There's a sense of accomplishment that comes with it. Also, it's a great thing to teach the kids! They love making things! And imagining stuff is something else.
Something I often do when tempted by items... is imagine where that item will go. If I do not know what I'll do with that item when I bring it home, or if it will just go into storage for 'if I may need it later', I won't buy it (even if it is a great deal). It is very rare where I actually regret my lack of purchase months later. I may regret it immediately, but within a week I'm usually fine without it and don't miss the item I never had anyway. Plus, if I really find myself wanting that same item, it is generally available to buy later on anyway.
Now, I'm not saying we should never buy extras. After all, a treat now and then is great! However, the less 'extras' we buy, the more meaningful the ones we do buy will be. Plus... less clutter, haha.
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Tour of the World Week 2- Asia
This last week, we visited three countries in Asia!
Can you guess which ones?
Yup... Japan, China, and India.
The sushi rolls... not as planned, ha ha.
I tried doing some without the Nori sheets... it rolled nicely but wouldn't stay together when cutting. I think the rice was still too warm.
Monday we learned about how important manners and politeness is to the people of Japan. We watched a video that taught us how to say Thank You and Sorry in Japanese... in more than one way (the business way, the 'friend' way, and the formal way). The accompanying Biblical teaching was about how one day we will all bow to Jesus as a sign of respect and worship. We practiced bowing the traditional Japanese way (and learned that there are various ways to bow as well).
Tuesday, we made origami cranes! My husband did this with the kids. Looks like they had fun. We learned about how the origami crane is a symbol of long life in Japan, and how they believe that folding 1000 cranes will bring good luck and long life.
Wednesday and Thursday the kids were sick, but we still learned a little about China. We looked at the Chinese characters for the word Righteousness... which is the character for 'lamb' over the character for 'me'. I drew one for each of the kids, and they colored them. Later, we built a 'wall of China' using pillows. We made two different ones. My son was so sick that day that he didn't play in them at all, but M did.
Friday I was sick. We were to learn about India, but we didn't do the craft. We were to gather art supplies and make an invitation for someone to come to church (due to India having the world's second largest population but only a small percentage of Christians... learning a bit about how the Christians there are sharing the gospel). We colored the flag and the stamp that day. Saturday we watched a little video about carts called tuk tuks that are the popular way to get around in India. We pretended to be tuk tuks and I covered the kids eyes and guided them around obstacles. They loved it. We learned about how we need to trust those who guide us, and that it can be hard. We can always trust in God.
This week has been fun, too. I look forward to posting about it when the week is over.
Monday, July 1, 2013
Mommy time??
Anybody else ever wonder who they are once becoming a mom?
Now, don't get me wrong. I love being a mom! However, becoming a mom not only brought out so much more in me than I knew I had, it also brought a load of responsibilities. So many responsibilities that I feel I have lost a part of myself somewhere in them.
I hope that doesn't sound selfish, or somehow wrong. I know that my calling now is as a wife and mom, and this is something I am thankful for. However... as of late I have been feeling depressed, tired, as though there is little left in me.
Being a mom is hard work. I never realized how much... my mom made it seem so easy!
Hours upon hours of cleaning, laundry, changing diapers, washing diapers, nursing, cooking, baking, crafting, kissing boo boos, teaching, building forts, wiping noses, telling stories... I could go on. And at the end of the day, we kiss those little foreheads as they go to sleep, and spend the next hour or so cleaning up and winding down (or in my case, too many hours before going to bed myself, and then I'm drained the next day). I find it hard to take the time to spend with my Lord anymore, and that is a travesty. I find that time with my spouse is farther and farther removed as well, which isn't good for our relationship. And as for hobbies... sigh. I have so many, and I cannot take the time for any of them (I could find the time, but I'm so tired that I don't wish to... I just don't have the brain power for any of it any more).
So, what do you do? How do you take time for yourself in among all the responsibilities you have in day to day life? How do you make sure that they don't overtake you as a person and drain every last bit of life out of you?
I haven't been doing any of my hobbies lately. Costume making has happened briefly... for the sake of my kids. Baking is for my kids. Crafting of any type is with my kids, for their sake. Anything I look up is based upon something I want to learn to help my kids and my family. I hardly spend time on myself anymore, unless I'm sick (and even then, it takes everything just to take a nap, and it seems the baby knows when I want to nap because she will refuse to, and when she finally falls asleep, my older two keep coming up to me asking 'is nap time over yet' every two minutes... take Friday. I was sick... had whatever the kids had Wednesday and Thursday... and while trying to nap they come up to me and ask every couple of minutes if they can play. I finally say yes, and then they come up asking for a snack, or if I'm done napping (finally fell asleep too... sigh). Ah well.).
I have been dedicating more and more of my time to trying to save our family money, to making healthy meals that are worth eating (which means more and more time in my kitchen), and to trying to teach my children. I'm not very good at that. I don't have the patience. I want to get my work done, and just be done with it. However, I cannot do everything anymore. I am drained. I am exhausted. And I am having breakdowns... again... over silly things... again.
What brings me peace? I need to spend more time with God, and I just find less and less of myself doing so. It is depressing. The only thing that can really fill me up is spending time with Him... and yet I feel so far away. I miss Him. And I know it isn't Him. It's me. But how do I get that closeness back? Where am I going wrong?
I feel refreshed after the weekend... especially when my husband has time off. Church refreshes me. Bible study does as well. Time with my parents and siblings... talking about God and the things we are learning... I need that. But then it is back to work, back to the responsibilities... back to life.
Except today...
Now, we don't get long weekends. My husband was collecting bales today, in addition to his usual work. However... I was sick. Very. I managed to start a load of laundry, and that was it. My body had enough. I could barely nurse my baby, or change diapers. I couldn't eat. I spent all day on the couch alternating between a hot pack and a cold one. I actually took Tylenol (the horror, lol). I am still not feeling great, but I was finally able to help with (and eat) supper, and finish my lone laundry load.
I slept all day. And somehow, my kids let me! Even though daddy wasn't in the house much more than making and eating meals would allow.
Needless to say, we missed the fireworks.
Perhaps I can have a soak-in-the-tub-me-time... after the diapers are in the wash. I can hardly believe I'm still tired after all that. I guess today was my body's way of telling me enough is enough. Slow down. Sleep.
I hope I'll get a good, healing sleep tonight.
Now, don't get me wrong. I love being a mom! However, becoming a mom not only brought out so much more in me than I knew I had, it also brought a load of responsibilities. So many responsibilities that I feel I have lost a part of myself somewhere in them.
I hope that doesn't sound selfish, or somehow wrong. I know that my calling now is as a wife and mom, and this is something I am thankful for. However... as of late I have been feeling depressed, tired, as though there is little left in me.
Being a mom is hard work. I never realized how much... my mom made it seem so easy!
Hours upon hours of cleaning, laundry, changing diapers, washing diapers, nursing, cooking, baking, crafting, kissing boo boos, teaching, building forts, wiping noses, telling stories... I could go on. And at the end of the day, we kiss those little foreheads as they go to sleep, and spend the next hour or so cleaning up and winding down (or in my case, too many hours before going to bed myself, and then I'm drained the next day). I find it hard to take the time to spend with my Lord anymore, and that is a travesty. I find that time with my spouse is farther and farther removed as well, which isn't good for our relationship. And as for hobbies... sigh. I have so many, and I cannot take the time for any of them (I could find the time, but I'm so tired that I don't wish to... I just don't have the brain power for any of it any more).
So, what do you do? How do you take time for yourself in among all the responsibilities you have in day to day life? How do you make sure that they don't overtake you as a person and drain every last bit of life out of you?
I haven't been doing any of my hobbies lately. Costume making has happened briefly... for the sake of my kids. Baking is for my kids. Crafting of any type is with my kids, for their sake. Anything I look up is based upon something I want to learn to help my kids and my family. I hardly spend time on myself anymore, unless I'm sick (and even then, it takes everything just to take a nap, and it seems the baby knows when I want to nap because she will refuse to, and when she finally falls asleep, my older two keep coming up to me asking 'is nap time over yet' every two minutes... take Friday. I was sick... had whatever the kids had Wednesday and Thursday... and while trying to nap they come up to me and ask every couple of minutes if they can play. I finally say yes, and then they come up asking for a snack, or if I'm done napping (finally fell asleep too... sigh). Ah well.).
I have been dedicating more and more of my time to trying to save our family money, to making healthy meals that are worth eating (which means more and more time in my kitchen), and to trying to teach my children. I'm not very good at that. I don't have the patience. I want to get my work done, and just be done with it. However, I cannot do everything anymore. I am drained. I am exhausted. And I am having breakdowns... again... over silly things... again.
What brings me peace? I need to spend more time with God, and I just find less and less of myself doing so. It is depressing. The only thing that can really fill me up is spending time with Him... and yet I feel so far away. I miss Him. And I know it isn't Him. It's me. But how do I get that closeness back? Where am I going wrong?
I feel refreshed after the weekend... especially when my husband has time off. Church refreshes me. Bible study does as well. Time with my parents and siblings... talking about God and the things we are learning... I need that. But then it is back to work, back to the responsibilities... back to life.
Except today...
Now, we don't get long weekends. My husband was collecting bales today, in addition to his usual work. However... I was sick. Very. I managed to start a load of laundry, and that was it. My body had enough. I could barely nurse my baby, or change diapers. I couldn't eat. I spent all day on the couch alternating between a hot pack and a cold one. I actually took Tylenol (the horror, lol). I am still not feeling great, but I was finally able to help with (and eat) supper, and finish my lone laundry load.
I slept all day. And somehow, my kids let me! Even though daddy wasn't in the house much more than making and eating meals would allow.
Needless to say, we missed the fireworks.
Perhaps I can have a soak-in-the-tub-me-time... after the diapers are in the wash. I can hardly believe I'm still tired after all that. I guess today was my body's way of telling me enough is enough. Slow down. Sleep.
I hope I'll get a good, healing sleep tonight.
Week 27 - Speak Positively
You can find the link to this post on the whole healing challenge, here.
Week 26 recap - Live for today.
Um... last week I had no time to think about the past, even if I had wanted to. Our house was ill. Yeah. My kids were sick, throwing up and whatnot, and so the only thing you can do in that instance is live for that day. Life is too busy to focus on the past hurts and afflictions... I don't know why I'd even bother any more. Ok... Sab... you said it yourself. Let us not focus on negative pasts.
Anyway, this week is going to be a doozy.
Positive speech.
I've recently been reading a book called 'Jump off the hormone swing' by Lorraine Pintus. The chapter I just finished was on words. More specifically, how our words can kill. ouch. I have a lot to do in this area. I didn't have as much of a problem with this area years ago... I'm not sure why I let my words sting those people I love the most, but I do. And I need to stop. Shut my mouth up tight. Just... shut it. Once I read that chapter on Saturday, I've been working my hardest to really take note of all the thoughts that cross my mind before they slide off my tongue. It isn't easy. I had a breakdown on Friday, and the words I said, while they weren't meant to hurt my husband, they did. I wasn't sensitive to his situation, and just 'blah blah blahed' my thoughts without thinking them through. Then when he said things to me that angered me... well...
Let's just say that I am proud that the words that did cross my mind did NOT exit my mouth. Because I don't even know where those words came from.
Not to mention, my in-laws probably think their son married some kind of crazy woman, what with me going outside to just scream. Hey, I've got to let the anger out some how, and I definitely see that way as better than the other options.
So... yeah... finding out that my words need to be the words of Christ, that my hurtful words bring death... I've got to work on this. Majorly. I wrote down Ephesians 4:29 on my chalkboard as a reminder...
Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Ok... so... this is necessary. I think I may need to look up other verses, write them all over the house, and keep in mind that my words ARE very important. Not just in what I say to others, but what I say about myself, to myself.
This is going to be tricky... but I WILL do this! I WILL change this. I WILL take my tongue captive, take my thoughts captive, and only permit those that are wholesome and positive!
I will need prayer on this one!
Week 26 recap - Live for today.
Um... last week I had no time to think about the past, even if I had wanted to. Our house was ill. Yeah. My kids were sick, throwing up and whatnot, and so the only thing you can do in that instance is live for that day. Life is too busy to focus on the past hurts and afflictions... I don't know why I'd even bother any more. Ok... Sab... you said it yourself. Let us not focus on negative pasts.
Anyway, this week is going to be a doozy.
Positive speech.
I've recently been reading a book called 'Jump off the hormone swing' by Lorraine Pintus. The chapter I just finished was on words. More specifically, how our words can kill. ouch. I have a lot to do in this area. I didn't have as much of a problem with this area years ago... I'm not sure why I let my words sting those people I love the most, but I do. And I need to stop. Shut my mouth up tight. Just... shut it. Once I read that chapter on Saturday, I've been working my hardest to really take note of all the thoughts that cross my mind before they slide off my tongue. It isn't easy. I had a breakdown on Friday, and the words I said, while they weren't meant to hurt my husband, they did. I wasn't sensitive to his situation, and just 'blah blah blahed' my thoughts without thinking them through. Then when he said things to me that angered me... well...
Let's just say that I am proud that the words that did cross my mind did NOT exit my mouth. Because I don't even know where those words came from.
Not to mention, my in-laws probably think their son married some kind of crazy woman, what with me going outside to just scream. Hey, I've got to let the anger out some how, and I definitely see that way as better than the other options.
So... yeah... finding out that my words need to be the words of Christ, that my hurtful words bring death... I've got to work on this. Majorly. I wrote down Ephesians 4:29 on my chalkboard as a reminder...
Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Ok... so... this is necessary. I think I may need to look up other verses, write them all over the house, and keep in mind that my words ARE very important. Not just in what I say to others, but what I say about myself, to myself.
This is going to be tricky... but I WILL do this! I WILL change this. I WILL take my tongue captive, take my thoughts captive, and only permit those that are wholesome and positive!
I will need prayer on this one!
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