challenge........freebie

I could spend the next hour thinking up and dreaming up a witty challenge for the week.

OR

I could cut-out paper dolls with my 3-year-old.

I could search the WWW for the perfect picture to go with this post.

OR

I could snuggle with the kids.

I spend day after day trying to amuse the kids long enough to turn to what I want to do.  (Blogging, phone calls, house work, etc.)  Lately it has been different, changing.

I am quite sure that in 20 years I want to be sure that I savored the time I had while my children were young.  

Challenge......... freebie

A little less time blogging, a little more meaningful time.

challenge..........the not to-do list

How is your week? Filled with spiritual, uplifting Christmas happiness?
Except often times it is more stress, lack of sleep, frantic trips to the post office, rushed trips to the box stores you swore you weren't going to shop at this year.

It's here. The mad dash, the final stretch. 8 days left.
I love it. I love this week. As a lifelong procrastinator, this week, this week is where I thrive.
Shortly after I had my first child, I felt very sure that all of the sudden, I needed to do all things expected. Send out handmade personalized Christmas cards, bake the best sugar cookies for the neighbors, learn to make caramel's, and purchase personalized gifts for my loved ones. Not to mention, sew intricately pieced matching stockings for each of us and help with a church performance. I did it all. Even the caramels! And it was horrible. And I haven't done it since.
Don't get me wrong, I loved the satisfaction of accomplishing so much. But, I didn't enjoy what I should have enjoyed this time of year. I didn't enjoy the simplicity of helping another.

I was so busy thinking of all that I needed to do, that I forgot about what was done hundreds of years ago in that humble lowly stable.
Sure, I hummed hymns, hung up a picture of the manger scene, and even crafted a little nativity of my own, but I did so much more than that. So unnecessary. So much more that I didn't let the real meaning of Christmas be the simple perfection to my holiday.

challenge.......the not to-do list

Out of all of the many, many things you surely have on your agenda in the next week, let a few go. Even just one.


A few years ago, I became wise and changed our routine. I don't send out Christmas cards, and I don't take the neighbors a plateful of goodies. *gasp* *shocker*
We changed our routine to what has become a fun tradition. We send out Valentines in February and take around treats then. It is fabulous. It is stress free. It is just as good as delivering treats on December 23rd.

Mrs. A, the older lady down the street really doesn't care how cute my sugar cookies are, but she really could use someone to talk to her, to break up the monotony of day after lonely day.

This next week will be busy, but even for a procrastinator like me, still enjoyed. Because it isn't so much about all that I am going to accomplish, but very much about what I'm not.

So, what aren't you going to do?

challenge........ONE

Each week i give a little "pep talk" to promote whatever challenge has been dreamed up. This week I am going to keep it short and simple.
I like short and simple. (5'2' and definitely simple.)
For your motivation, read yesterday's post.
For your challenge:

ONE

Do one simple good deed, to one that it will make a difference to. Shovel a walk for one person who can't. Leave a $10 bill for one in need. leave a quarter for one child without. Visit just one who is lonely.
One simple deed, one simple gift, one simple message of love.

Anyone simply in?

CHALLENGE.....apology UNaccepted

A few years ago, we lived in the slum of slums in town. Our home, a glorified trailer, was one of the nicest on the street. The neighbors liked to tell stories of drug deals and drive-by's. Two doors down were several drug busts and how shall we say it? slightly peculiar behavior. We moved out over 4th of July weekend. The next night, someone attempted to have a bonfire inside of the empty home. (Attempted...thankfully did not succeed.) When company would come to stay, I would apologize for our humble abode. Despite all the things you are now envisioning, it was a good place to live; a good "starter" home.
I cried when we left. This was the home I brought my first baby to. The nursery I decorated, the place where we transitioned from "the young married couple" to a family.
This was the home that I kept tidy because Grandma and Mother-in-law lived within minutes and could stop by at any time.
Now, we live in the country. WAAAYYYY longer than a few minutes from Grandma's. Rarely does anyone come by unannounced and therefore rarely do the shoes/coats/bags/papers/keys/sunglasses make it further than the entryway of our house.
Rarely, doesn't mean never. (Sometimes the simple things get me.)
Since we recently returned from traveling, the entryway also includes junk, an overflowing suitcase, junk, blankets, and more junk. I mentioned junk, right?
I have this neighbor, you see. A dear sweet neighbor. She only lives 3 houses from us, which in the country is actually over a mile, but still equals a neighbor. Her home is meticulous. We are talking plastic-coverings-on-the-furniture meticulous. Shade-gardens-with-exotic-plants-and-water-features meticulous. So, she came by.
Of course she did.
Me, immediately, "Sorry about the mess. We just....blah, blah, excuse, excuse."

In an effort to teach my kids about service, we went to an elderly couple's home to rake leaves. (interpretation: I raked a few leaves while yelling at 2 small children to watch for dog poop and stay out of the road, while trying to keep a baby in pack warm on my back.) So, of course, when we leave, me: "Sorry I didn't get more done. Sorry it took us so long."

Why do we apologize for so many things? Why do I need to apologize to my neighbor who has raised 7 children of her own because I have a home that looks like children live there?
My brother and sister-in-law needed to stay at our home last week while traveling through town. Of course, I quickly apologized for the lack-luster arrangements made in their behalf. They just wanted somewhere to sleep.
When someone at church compliments my efforts, why do I feel the need to brush it aside and apologize that a lesson wasn't better? Why do I make effort to create dinner for my family, and then apologize for it's imperfections?

CHALLENGE................apology UNaccepted

None of us are perfect, so why do we need to apologize for it? I am quite sure that everyone in my examples above couldn't care less for my apologies, yet I still give them.

For the week, you can't apologize for being you. You can't apologize for what you might think are your inadequacies. Make dinner and burn it? Oh-well. Don't apologize for it; at least there is food to eat.
Messy house when someone stops by? No apology needed. At least there is a warm doorway to step into.
Taking too much room in the aisle at the grocery store? Don't apologize! Just simply say excuse me.
Suddenly stop posting on your blog? Don't apologize (ok- this one might be revisited next week, after this challenge is over.)

Anyone in?

CHALLENGE..........P.Y.O.C.

Today, in celebration of my non-drinking status (so I haven't ever been able to host a B.Y.O.B. party), I am hosting a P.Y.O.C. party.

CHALLENGE........P.Y.O.C

Pick Your Own Challenge

For myself I am going to cook dinner every night this week- without consulting the family. IF I don't ask them what they want and I just make something, they will eat it. Usually, however, I get opinions. "Should we have stew tonight or spaghetti?"
Then, I am greeted with whines, lots of "I don't feel like that tonight's" and "We want chicken nuggets!" over and over again.
So this week, my own P.Y.O.C. is to cook according to me. No consulting and no in put. Selfish aren't I? That's right, and I am proud of it.

So, what is your P.Y.O.C. this week? Start picking up your laundry room? Stop picking your nose? Wash your windows? Try to sell your house so that you don't have to wash your windows? Change out of your pajamas before noon? Stay in your pajamas all day and curl up with a book? Wash your face? Face your wash?

CHALLENGE........un-just

The day that would never come is finally here. I had firmly set in my mind that today's challenge would be (duh) to vote. Then, I quickly realized that we should have a sanctuary free of the political jib jab. Plus, I really, really can't decide if hauling my 3 small children to wait in line for hours to cast my vote in a state that isn't questionable ........is really worth it? I know, I know. I will go. I am sure the experience of having 3 small children with me will be quite memorable.
Thank goodness for an endless supply of suckers leftover from Halloween- how many is too many? I think that at 9 months old, my babe can officially begin a love affair with candy. It is bound to happen sometime, right? I can't get her to eat mushed up vegetables, so why not skip right ahead to the inevitable?
In her future, when she reads history books and listens to speeches commemorating the most important presidential race in history (blah, blah), I will turn to her, wipe a tear from my eye and say, "Darling, I will never forget November 4, 2008, the day I introduced you to all things sugar. The world has never been the same since." Our family dentist will then wipe a tear from his eye and say, "Thank you, for your generous support towards my vacation home that began with your first born son, and carried on with a legacy of cavities for all of your children."

Last Friday, just hours before the gathering known as trick-or-treating, I requested and received a prescription for fluoride for my kids. Then, that evening, I let them have as much candy as they wanted because, obviously, the fluoride would outweigh the risks of the sugar. Right. Right?
It is kind of like when I justify feeding the kids Ramen Noodles for lunch by including a multi-vitamin. Chewable, in pretty colors and shaped like dinosaurs, of course!
Justification. I am good at it. Really good at it.
Today was the first really cold, really rainy day of the year. I love it. I had nowhere to be. No errands to run. No gas to waste or money to spend. I stayed in my pajamas all day. Or, shall we say running pants/lounge wear?

CHALLENGE...........Un-Just

There are a few things that I just can't justify. For instance, reading celebrity gossip sites. They are addicting, comparable only to the grocery store check-out line. I read all of those headlines too. I haven't ever actually bought a tabloid, mind you. Who does that? I did go to the Dr.'s office early a few months back, just to get my gossip fill from the magazine choice in the waiting room. In my teen years, the girl cousins and I would find Grandma's stash of the Enquirers and hide out in the basement, reading all about the latest alien abductions, end-of-world predictions and Dolly Pardon's chest size. I apparently inherited more from my Grandmother than a lack of height. Now-a-days though, tabloids are vicious. What if someone wrote those things about me? Or my family? Or my children. My children! I would be ballistic.

So, the challenge: Find one simple, unjustifiable, "fluff" item to remove from your life, even just for the week.

I won't be reading the in's and out's of the 90210 on the WWW. I don't think that Lindsey, Brittney & Paris will miss me too much. Sorry girls. Oh- and Miley- don't get me started! I should stop now, yes? Maybe I will get the dishes done in my new spare time.
Maybe I will make a few extra trips to the grocery store. Definitely Wal-Mart, the slowest lines ever. I kid, I kid. About going to Wal-Mart. I'll go somewhere else.

What is un-justifiable for you?

CHALLENGE.....Forward March!

We have one week until the face of America changes. A new leader of the free world will be crowned. We all get our moment of say, our chance to stand in a curtained booth and vote however we want. It is our individual moment that comes every 4 years to nudge the leader of our choice closer to what is arguably the world population's most powerful thrown. There it ends. Usually.
Really? Truly?
Does the person living in the big white house across the country really, truly affect my day-to-day life? Does he/she make me feel better when I balance my check book? (um....because I balance my check book.....um....and I am really organized like that) Do the powers that be in Washington ever consider coming over to take care of a mouse for me? In all actuality, a day filled with comments on this blog makes me smile and brings more simple joy than seeing my candidate of choice win an election. Did I really just admit that?
Sure, politics and the powers that be have a very necessary role in society. But, so do I. So do you.
Thanks to our good friend Oprah- whom I would love to watch daily while eating bon bons on my couch, but don't because of the daily 4 o'clock meltdown that inevitably occurs in all households with small children- the phenomenon of "Pay it Forward" gains momentum every year. Currently the media is obsessed with the doom and gloom that is our world. But really, our world isn't doom and gloom. There is goodness out there- lots of it! And, surprise! It isn't all that hard to find. It is here. And here. And over there.
Kirsten, AKA blogger "Kiddle97" has challenged her readers to take on Pay it Forward. Kirsten always leaves funny, witty comments. She has little pet names for her family. She calls her son Meister and Smoochorno. How great is she?!
Most of us don't have a huge interaction with the world population. Seriously though, do you realize how easily we can reach the masses? And for free? This is coming from a girl who spent her career days taking money from people to get their message out, (advertising).
Think of all the wonderful email forwards you get from friends, and your friend's second cousin's friend's Aunt, once removed, whom you have become best friends with through blogging. Think of all the names you scroll through to get to the actual email message and all of the names in the blog rolls. Really, easily we can make a difference. Really, easily we can spread the word.

CHALLENGE.....Forward March

Pay it Forward this week. It can be simple. It can be letting people merge into your lane during rush hour. It can be big. It can be giving the single mom struggling to make ends meet an anonymous donation.

Spread the word. While blog surfing/stalking/lurking earlier today, (not that I do this often....I mean, I usually only look at the blogs of good friends....never at old boy friends' blogs or friend of a friend blogs or complete stranger's blogs....oh, no, not me....and I am sure not you.) I came across a post regarding the holidays. I would post the link, but since I uncharacteristically was blog hopping, I don't have any idea where I found it. Anyhow, the poster discussed the getting, getting, getting of the holidays- up until the week of Christmas. Then there is 7 days out of the year where we think about giving.
Why not start early? How hard would it be to give a little extra treating this week? To actually give something more than a few canned goods before Thanksgiving?

Last week, I was driving through town. It was a very cold, windy day. There was a woman, obviously limping from injury, weighted down with grocery sacks, trudging down the street. Now, picking up complete strangers is not exactly the smartest thing for a mom, alone with small children to do, but I did pull over. I think the lady thought I was crazy. She politely refused my offer of help. But, I like to think that maybe, just maybe, it made her day that someone attempted to help. Maybe, just maybe she offered to help someone else in return. Maybe, just maybe she didn't think I was crazy?

If it is possible, whatever good deed you decide to do, end it with a "Pay it Forward" note or answer to somebodies thanks. Imagine....we really, really can make a difference. Maybe not to Iraq, Iran, Barrack or John, but definitely to someone who needs it, lots of someones.
A lot of you read. You don't necessarily comment, which is fine, but I know a lot of you read. If each person that reads this today begins to Pay it Forward this week, we could literally make a difference in the life of thousands of people within a few weeks, maybe even days.

Oh, la, la. There I go again, trying to save the world, right? Here is the great thing though- we can. We really, really can.

Anyone in? Have any good ideas for the rest of us?

CHALLENGE.....Prioritize

Do I fix the kids breakfast or have cereal bars while watching Curious George? Clean the house or read some books? Yard work or dishes? Groceries or gas? Work or stay home? Vitamins or force-fed broccoli?
In the past few weeks, I have read many blogs about the struggle a lot of women have in the great debate of where our time is best spent.
For the most part, my current state in life is extremely flexible. My children are young enough to not be involved in a lot of activities. They are completely satisfied with a Ramen Noodle dinner or a banquet. Their boredom can be solved with the push of a button. Literally. I can hand them a banana and some crackers, turn on the flat-screened babysitter and blog/surf/veg all day long. And sometimes I do. Not always, but probably more often than needed.
I decided a few days ago to not post a challenge this week on the afore-designated Tuesday. Why not? Five years from now, will it really make any difference whatsoever that I blogged every Tuesday morning? I highly doubt it. 5 days from now it won't make much of a difference. The baby and I snuggled half the morning. The kids and I all settled in the cold morning air under an ocean of blankets for the latest in the adventures of a large purple dinosaur. Oh! How I swore I would never let my children watch Barney!
We talked together, danced together and cleaned together. And we had fun! Sure, I do some of these things everyday, but today, there were no pressing concerns on my mind. We were just simply being a family, nothing more and most importantly, nothing less.

CHALLENGE.......Prioritize


Pick something in your life that is "fluff." Let it slide to the back burner for a while. Let yourself de-emphasize the unnecessary and re-emphasize the simple, the what really counts.....the what will I really be glad that I did when I look back in 5 years. Will I be glad that I did the dishes or snuggled with my kids on the couch? Maybe you are always on the phone. It doesn't matter if you have kids or not. Before kids, I spent way too many extra minutes at work straightening the pencils in their drawer. Maybe a certain book series with a movie coming out in a few weeks has captured your being.

I was lucky enough to spend a lot of time in the past few years with my husband's grandmother. She passed away a few months ago after living for nearly a century. She was an immaculate housekeeper, good cook and quick to share her thoughts. Grandma remembered more things from her youth in her nineties than I remember of mine- and I am still in my twenties! My small children and I took over her home at least weekly for the past few years. Sometimes we were there several afternoons each week. In her life, she was meticulous in how she kept her home. She cleaned things that I didn't know needed cleaning. The filters in her furnace were actually changed before the recommended time. The rugs were beat and the light fixtures polished. I always felt inadequate in my homemaking skills until about a year ago when she told me something that I will never forget.
As my kids ran around the many breakable things in her home, she told me that she wondered if maybe all that housework really wasn't as important as she thought it was when she was raising her children. I don't remember her exact wording, but the point was that the most text-book perfect homemaker that I had ever met was saying that all those things (dusting, dishes, laundry, etc.) really didn't matter. I felt validated. I felt so happy walking in to my cluttered home that day.
It is nice to get the work done. It is nice to spend time on my own little projects.
It is even nicer to put that all aside for a while to just be.....................and maybe dance to "Pump Up the Jam" with the happiest 5-year-old in Idaho.

Please don't think twice when you see that frazzled mom head-banging with a baby on her hip. She is just getting her priorities straight.

Anyone in?

CHALLENGE......Extra Baggage

Spring cleaning. In general, my attitude to spring cleaning is: phooey! Spring is the time of year to escape the house and go outside. Dirty kitchen? Shut the door and go outside. Clean, fresh air aplenty.
Fall, however, in the fall, I go a little crazy. I finally get my motivation that lacks the rest of the year. I begin preparing to settle in for the cold weather. I begin to clean out and clear out. I am really good at beginning these projects. I am really bad at finishing. This week, I began to clean out my bedroom closets, dumped everything out of them and began to sort. That got boring, so I left the mountains of linens and clothing to clean out my pantry. Soon enough, I had enough of canned goods and went on to start to finish decorating my son's bedroom from when we moved 2 1/2 years ago. All the while, eating candy after snack after candy that I discovered in the pantry. (Pantry? Really, it is just a large cupboard. A real pantry? Someday.)

The week has come to resurrect my favorite challenge from the past.
Here it is, the original Extra Baggage challenge from April:

This weekend has brought to light a few.....shall we say....issues that I have. Friday night, I fed my family pizza. I really, in all seriousness, do not think that pizza is that unhealthy- in moderation. After my 3rd cheesy bread stick & 4th piece of pizza, (all of which were dunked in creamy ranch dressing), it was obvious I don't think too much about moderation. I exercised last week for the first time in many many months..... I was quite proud of myself. I was even a little sweaty, the heart was thumping and my legs felt like jello. Too bad this all occurred after 10 minutes of jumping on my kids' mini trampoline.... and that was the entire workout session. (Shout-out to mini trampolines- I really do know several women who have lost A LOT of weight doing this. I think you have to jump for more than 10 minutes though.)I bought 2 lbs. of candy from the bulk section at the grocery store Saturday.I bought 2 dozen rolls, 2 loaves of bread, 12 bagels, cream cheese and marshmallows. Carbohydrates anyone?I ate 2 lbs. of candy this weekend...... ok, it isn't all gone yet..... but I kid you not, it is getting close. AND, I only have let the kids have 3 pieces each so far.Our Sunday tradition is to have Cinnamon or orange rolls. Not for a snack- for a meal.... or two meals.I could keep going with my terrible habits, but I wouldn't want to gross you all out. For those who don't know me, I am lucky enough to have a petite build. I have never been extremely overweight- but I have never been right on target either. I have about 15 to lose. My problem isn't necessarily the weight- but the distribution of the weight. There is some major "baby baggage" to lose. The "muffin top" doesn't stuff into my warm weather shirts. The "junk in my trunk" only gives me 2 pairs of jeans that are wearable. My girdle is only comfortable for a few hours- seriously- I have a girdle. AND I LOVE IT! Anyone who has had a baby or needs to fit into some cute little dress should get one. It is self esteem in a store wrapped package. I know, I know... you shouldn't think you can buy self esteem... blah blah blah. I LOVE my girdle! I got it just 2 months ago after baby #3 was born. My body decided that pooches are very trendy these days. Anyways....

CHALLENGE

It's all about the extra baggage baby! On yourself and around you.

Lose 1 pound. (For the skinny mini's and pregos out there: gain 1 pound!)

Throw something away. Clean it out or donate it. We all have some things we have been holding onto.

I still have several old t-shirts from high school. I don't wear them. I just move them around and have them take up precious space in my next-to-no storage home. Why? I wouldn't be that sad if they were lost. I just have a few hoarding behaviors. A few months ago, I geared myself out to de-clutter. I threw out lots of clothes that aren't in style- I just held onto them in hopes they would fit again & you know.... they might come back in style. I threw out shoes. Really, did I need 5 different pairs of lawn mowing shoes? (Truly, I had 5). And, the old canvas shoes I was keeping for the once-every-5-years rafting trip I go on. Extra bonus- I have a bit of a water phobia- so next time I am invited to go rafting..... darn. I just won't be able to go without my special "rafting shoes."So, I de-cluttered. It felt amazing! So, this week I am going to try and clean out some more. Maybe I will get so busy that I won't eat the rest of that candy & then I will lose my 1 pound.

Back to the present: This original challenge is pretty much verbatim to what I could have wrote today- except that the baby is a little older. And, instead of multiple lawn mowing shoes, it is pair after pair of ragged flip flops. Time to get back to work.

Anyone in?

CHALLENGE........double veggie dare

You are all famous. That is right, every one of you that read about the Nielson family & participated on the auction- you are famous.......in a roundabout sort of way. The story of Stephanie and the blogging world coming to help save the day was on the Today Show today. So cool.

Ok. Back to reality.
I love seeing the fresh produce sold in stands all over town. It all looks just so good. Except, I don't really think it is good. I just can't bring myself to actually go to the farmer's markets and see everything that I should eat- but don't.
Squash? yuck. Pumpkins? only to be carved. Broccoli? the only food that has ever made me puke. Beets? we won't even go there.
I love the look of fresh vegetables. I don't so much love the taste. Actually- that is a lie. I might like it. I don't really know- because I refuse to eat it.
In college, my roommate Angie would eat bowls full of brussel sprouts. disgusting (not Angie- just the brussel sprouts) I have always admired her for it though. I don't have a clue what a brussel sprout tastes like. My sis-in-law makes fancy looking sweet potatoes in hollowed out oranges for the holidays.
We are a steak and potatoes family.
Chicken and rice.
Pasta & meatballs.
PB&J
When I am feeling like a really exotic cook, I might have bananas out on the counter- you know, because they are imported form South America. Sooooo exotic.
Sometimes I even saute' sliced potatoes instead of bake/mash them. (In this case, saute' would be my schmancy replacement for "fry.") I start my children's' dietary needs out with great gusto- all the variety that Gerber & Beechnut have to offer. A few years ago, while in Mexico, I even stocked up on the baby food offered there to add more variety to my then-baby's palate. Papaya, mango, veggies I had never heard of. Once the mush stage of feeding ends though, variety in my home also ends.
This time around however, when it comes to the baby food, I am attempting to go organic. Not organic off the shelf, but organic from the garden. The beans from my garden have already been steamed, smashed & frozen. I even bought a yellow squash last week (gasp). It is still sitting in the crisper, but I have great intentions of baking it, and having it baby ready in nice little ice cube trays in the freezer soon.
Will I try the squash myself? Well.........

CHALLENGE........double veggie dare

We all know that diets and healthy living trends seem to come and go as fast as my sink fills up with dirty dishes. Lately, I have been noticing a lot of vegetarian talk. A lot of emphasis being put on "all things in moderation," especially meats.
I am not necessarily about to ditch the meat from my recipe box- chicken nuggets are a major staple of my children's diet and my husband....well.....the man likes his prime rib- but could I, at least add a little variety to our culinary life?
Could I at least give the squash a little taste test?

The rules:
Try a new vegetable/fruit that you wouldn't regularly.
Try it more than once.

So simple. So easy. So scrumptious.

Ok- scrumptious- that might be pushing it. How about, so healthy?

Anyone in? How do you do when it comes to eating your veggies? What do you think about the vegetarian lifestyle? Could you do it? Would your family revolt?

CHALLENGE...........bag it

Don't let yesterday's post fool you. I am not all that resourceful. I mentioned how canning peaches was so much easier than I thought.......
Apparently canning is sorta like child birth. The excitement of the end product makes you forget the long, hard, back-breaking work. And it was my friends, a very long day.

Many, many times today I contemplated the necessity of my day's project.

Wouldn't it be easier and make just as much sense to simply use the coupons I clip every Sunday and just buy the fruits & veggies- already washed, peeled, canned and ready to eat? The actual expense isn't that different.
The time it takes for a novice like me is great. All day long, my children were left to their own devices. The babe spent the day in the same onesie she spent the night before. There was a lot more TV and a lot more..... shall we say, creativity? This meant a messier than usual family room and lots of snacks. Apparently my starving daughter can make a PB sandwich by herself. Who knew? I was super excited to discover this makeshift kitchen on the carpet. Something like that.

Speaking of coupon clipping-
Each week, I gather the newspapers into a pile.

Each week, I have great intentions to take these papers with me to drop off at the recycling bins in town.



Each Thursday morning, I take the piles of newspapers out to the trash for garbage day, and think to myself, next time I will recycle. I seriously have guilt about my newspapers. Silly, ridiculous guilt.
A few weeks ago, in one of my many time-wasting, blog-stalking moments, I clicked to The Story of Stuff. This is a web-video all about production, consumption, environment. Now, generally, I lose interest in such things after a few minutes. This story is a full 20 minutes long- almost an eternity by internet attention span standards. I watched the whole thing. There was a statistic given about the football field sized areas of trees being cut down at an insanely fast rate. It has stuck with me.

The grocery store that I go to requires customers to bag their own groceries, in exchange for cheaper prices. I usually double bag, almost always use plastic and use more bags than I need to.....on purpose so that I have the bags to use at home as garbage sacks. Please don't hate me. I keep thinking I will maybe try out those re-usable shopping bags, but frankly, I have been too lazy.
But that video- that dang video.

CHALLENGE......bag it

Take your own bag to the store this week. It doesn't have to be the grocery store. It could be the dollar store, produce market or your candy bar fix at the gas station.

Maybe you all are much more "aware" than I am and have already been doing this- if so- well, I have a different challenge for you.

Use a coupon. Don't just clip the coupon, but actually use it.

So, some of you probably already are coupon queens. Couponing is all the rage right now. So, how about another one.....

Recycle something that you normally don't. I will actually take my paper pile to the big blue bins. Maybe I will get all crafty and make something new out of something old. Don't hold your breath on that one.

Really? You already recycle too?
I would type what I am thinking, but then this blog wouldn't be quite so family-friendly.

I am running down the road to catch the environmental awareness bus. Ok- maybe speed walking.

I know! Use cloth diapers instead of disposable.
HAAAAAA! I kid. If any of you really do that- I bow to you. And really don't envy you.

So basically, do something, anything this week, to be a little better of a steward of this lovely Earth........even if it just means simply not double-bagging your groceries.

I would love to know what you already do, what you have good intentions to do. If you complete this challenge, come back here and leave another comment and tell us all about it.

You might just be surprised at how a simple little something can make your heart happy too.

Are you in?

CHALLENGE.......Bon Appetit

I was very tempted to not post a challenge today. I am still having too much fun reading the comments from yesterday! But, alas, rules are rules, and Tuesdays are new challenge day.



On the days that I actually act like a "proper" housewife and cook my family a "proper" homemade meal, rarely do I actually get to eat it while it is still hot.

A typical dinner would be the rush of the short order cooking, dishing up everyone's meals, pause for prayer, sit down to eat..... oh- wait, the 2-year-old needs a new fork. Now, I can eat.

Oops. Forgot the kids' milk. Ok. Done.
Now milk spills. Clean-up time.

Finally, sit down, raise first now-luke-warm bite to mouth....interruption....."I gotta go potty......"
Help 2-year-old, come back to eat. Now, 4-year-old needs second servings. The baby needs nursed. Eventually, usually after everyone else is nearing completion of their meal, I begin mine.

After almost 5 years of my housewife gig, daddy dearest has started to notice this mealtime regime, and is enforcing the "wait for mom before you eat" rule. But, then everyone's meals end up cold- so, I tell them to go ahead.

Is this just my house? Is this normal? Why, when it comes to dinnertime, am I always left on the back burner?

Then, there are the simple meals.

A peanut butter sandwich for the kids:




The remnants that I eat:




Again, is this just me? Hopefully not- or this challenge is going to leave a bitter taste in my mouth. Man, I am on a roll with all of these foodisms.



CHALLENGE........Bon Appetit



Treat yourself to a luxury meal. For me, this means sitting at the table, (not standing at the counter with a baby on my hip), and eating fresh food. Fresh as in, immediately after it is prepared- not when everyone else is prepared for me to enjoy it.

Make something that YOU like to eat. (gasp)

Serve yourself first. (bigger gasp)

Back in my career days, most meals were spent at my desk or stuffing my face between stoplights while going to see clients. Imagine going to a restaurant or even a shady park and actually relaxing for a quick break. Most of us spend so much time serving others- this is the week to serve ourselves- or at least our stomachs.

I might even eat breakfast before 10 a.m. It might even be something more than a few handfuls of dry cereal or scrambled eggs (not handfuls of eggs, in case you were confused. Except, actually, I guess I do technically pick the leftover bits out of the pan after I dish up the kids' plates). I wonder if my body will go into shock from being fed well and on a somewhat scheduled basis this week?!

What is your favorite meal? When was the last time you actually got to eat it? How about the last time you got to enjoy it?

CHALLENGE.........be

This will be brief. Keeping on theme with my post yesterday and last week's challenge, it is a good week to just.....how do I put it?.....just breathe.......be........be happy with who you are today.

I first titled the challenge "just be." Then, I realized that is exactly the problem. We all often see ourselves as "just" a mom. "Just" a wife. "Just" single. "Just" fill in the blank.

Challenge......be

There is no "just" about it. Each of us, each and every one of us, are amazing. Amazing as we are today, right now, in this very moment. You are amazing. You just have to recognize it.

I am obviously all about finding little ways to improve myself. But, for today, this week, I can take a break from improvement, and try to be happy with who I am and who I want to become.

Can you? Just for now?

Consider it a vacation from challenges. Summer is coming to a close and we all need a little R&R.
Leave a comment and you are in for a prize. The winner will receive a $20 gift card for the restaurant of their choice. There is nothing like feeling amazing about yourself while eating equally amazing food. Contest is over at Saturday's end.

The only catch? There is always a catch. Your comment must begin with the words "I am amazing because"

CHALLENGE.......jack of all trades, master of SOME

Nancy Drew and the Sweet Valley Twins (popular late 80's/early 90's book characters), were great friends of mine 15+ years ago. Together, we would hide away in the depths of my overflowing tween closet, racing to finish chapter after chapter instead of more "productive" activities such as cleaning or practicing the piano.

There are 5 children in my family. 3 boys, 2 girls. Without much objection, I am the bossiest and loudest. I remember growing up: showing off for attention, batting my lashes for praise and brushing my hair 100 strokes each night. That is what Claudia, from the book series, The Baby-sitter's Club, did to have gorgeous hair- and she never wore the same outfit twice.
Taking this great literary example to heart, I spent my spare time babysitting many unlucky kids in order to afford the luxuries of the local mall. Meanwhile, my siblings were working their tails off for more long-term rewards
Brother #1 is a doctor and does his personal home remodeling on the side. Brother #2 is an amazing musician- can play any instrument- and a published author. My sister can play the piano beautifully, teaches her small children sign language and never forgets anyone's birthday. I thought I had hope in my little brother- but nooooo- he has decided to get all impressive on me too- He just graduated with a 4-year degree and is now studying for graduate school.

Whatever.

Seriously.

Mom- I know you secretly read this blog- maybe you should have tied me to the piano bench and withheld my food until I practiced.

I loved to try new things- the love was always at first sight though- and never lasted long. There was the year of softball, the year of gymnastics, the years of karate and clarinet. My on again, off again relationships with piano and swimming lessons, 4-h photography & babysitting. I dabbled in crafts and sang a great lip sync to Ace of Base.

I was then, and am now, the classic jack of all trades, master of none.

CHALLENGE........jack of all trades, master of SOME

We all have something we are good at. The problem is if we can recognize it. As women, we compare ourselves so harshly to one another. In a poll a while back, 100% of you said that you compared yourself to others. I am going to take a wild guess and assume that these comparisons were in a self-depreciating light.
After a bit of reflection, I am forcing myself to acknowledge that my "talents" don't necessarily need to be flashy or showy.

This week's challenge rules:

Identify 3 things that you are good at- some sort of talent- whether it be an amazing voice or the ability to get your white laundry brilliantly bright. Maybe you can parallel park in 2 easy maneuvers like they teach you in drivers ed. Can anyone really do that?
Comment here with your skills or write them somewhere that you will see them all week long.
Take a few minutes to recognize a little lovely about yourself, and try to be proud of it!

If you have trouble, ask someone else- a close friend, your 2-year-old, anyone. Don't question what they tell you. Accept the praise.

This challenge is similar to one a few months ago, but I think most of you out there, me too, need a little nudge in finding the good within.

My "special talents" will be listed in the comments.

CHALLENGE............Media Meltdown

Just over 2 years ago, we moved our little family out of the ghetto in the city to a "fixer-upper" in the country. Since most of our budget was blown on the "fixer-upper" part of the equation, we cut out the "extra's." Out with Kellogg's and in with Malt O' Meal. Good bye bottled water, hello tap. We put a little more effort into opening the windows at night and not using the AC. We did not get the Internet.
And, really, truly, I did not even miss it all that much.....
until we got it back.

After 1 1/2 years off-line, we rejoined this century and justified the expense.
Of course, the plan was to bank on line, pay bills, be able to email.............. then I discovered the world of blogs. At 8 months pregnant with heartburn keeping me awake and nothing but infomercials on tv, I became a woman obsessed.
How had I missed so much technology change in such a short amount of time? And, my-oh-my, have I made up for lost time.
All of the sudden I felt like I had friends surrounding me. Blogging is like having co-workers to bond with. Being a stay-at-home-mom, living out in the country, surrounded by fields, the Internet all of the sudden connected me to the adult world again. I could have a much-needed girls' night out just by sitting on my couch and gabbing through the keyboard.
Fast forward 7 months, and my family seems to be constantly plugged in- one way or another. My children watch way too much tv while "mommy is working" on the computer, working, riiigghhtt. Once the evening news comes on, the TV seems to stay on much longer than needed and I check this blog for all of your lovely comments ridiculously often.

CHALLENGE..........Media Meltdown

Pick your time frame. (For me, it will be 2 days, a full 48 hours).
Go without any media for that time. No TV and no Internet. Depending on your situation, you might want to throw in Ipods, texting, etc.


I am hoping to use my new "free time" this week to play catch- up after the big family vacation. Besides housework, maybe I will be a better mom for a few days- read a few more books & play a few more games. Maybe I will be a better wife- a little calmer, a little more "on top of it." Maybe, and mostly what I want, is to be a better me for a few days- a little -A LOT- more productive and to re-align my priorities.

Can you do it? Will you even consider trying? How much do you rely on the Internet and TV in your life?

CHALLENGE......Procrastinate Not

Months and months ago, my sister-in-laws and I had the brilliant idea to create a book for our husbands' grandmother about her life. LAST summer we started, and planned to finish the book well in time for a Christmas gift. Christmas came and went, Grandma passed away and we continued our brilliant idea.... now to be finished in time for the summer's family reunion. The reunion is now 2 weeks away, one sister-in-law has worked A LOT on the project and the other two.....not so much. I, (surprise, surprise), am in the "other two" category.

I am the QUEEN of procrastination. In fact, I am so good at it, that my days revolve around playing catch-up on everything I procrastinate. Today, for example:

Woke up- late.
Instead of feeding my kids breakfast, we all went outside while I attempted to find my pumpkin and tomato plants underneath a thick blanket of weeds.
After finishing about 1/3 of the rows, we went inside- 3 out 4 of the group crying in hunger. Then, I let the 2 & 4-year-old eat chips while I nursed the baby. Yes, I said chips for breakfast.
Finally, we had cold cereal 3 hours after waking up.
NEXT: talked on the phone with aforementioned sister-in-laws and realized that the midnight hour of our project was here.
THEN: Of course, I had to check my blog, email, daily surf sites....because you know, that is a necessity when you have actual important things to do.
Glancing at the clock, I contemplated putting off my errands in town until tomorrow, but then remembered I had an even bigger project to procrastinate, so of course, went to town. After spending the entire afternoon in town, running errands, paying bills that should have been paid long ago, and buying some flowers- because you know, I needed to buy new flowers today, because, you know, I don't have enough yard projects that I am not caught up on....refer back to the beginning of the day.
Eventually, we made it home. The kids found their 2nd wind and now, after 10 pm, the 2-year-old is still awake and singing her own rendition of "Moooommmmmm, I neeeeedddd a dddrriiiinnnnk," over and over again. I guess I was asking for it when I let her have chips for breakfast.
So, here I sit, typing away on my blog- instead of Grandma's book. I am sitting next to a humongous pile of unfolded laundry, and looking at a table full of dirty dishes. I have until tomorrow mid-day to have my part of the book finished. I should probably get on with this week's challenge and maybe get started.

Speaking of this week's challenge- did anyone notice that it is the END of Tuesday that it is being posted this week? I guess I procrastinated that too. Go figure.

CHALLENGE.....Procrastinate Not

As far as playing catch up to past procrastinations- we aren't even going to go there- this would have to become a lifetime challenge for me if we did that- SO....

NO procrastinating this week! Do the task right off the bat.
Wow. I am smiling just thinking about how amazing my day would go if I would just get things done as they come to me.

Old habits are hard to break, but if only for a few days- hopefully a week, stay on top of things. Think constantly, this little jingle I just invented...
A date. A date...to not procrastinate.
A date. A date.....to not procrastinate!
Dorky, I know, but I bet you will think it at least once this week.

And an evil side of me hopes that you get this silly little chant stuck in your head all day long. HA!

So, anyone "in?"

CHALLENGE......I've been meaning to....

The past few days have been quite nostalgic. Besides the big high school reunion, there was also extended family dinners, driving through the home town and visiting a former workplace.
Coincidentally, for the past few weeks, I have also had a woman from my youth on my mind.



When I remember attending classes at church during childhood, I remember Julie. Julie is not a glamorous woman. She has never had the opportunity to marry or raise children of her own. I had many teachers through the years, but Julie is the one I remember most. She truly loved me and any other bratty, noisy, hyper child in her class. I don't remember the lessons she taught, but I remember knowing that she really cared.

Neither of my parents still live in the town I grew up in, but every now and then, my mother gets the update on Julie. She never fails to ask how my siblings or myself are. We aren't particularly special- she is that way with everyone.
I have been thinking lately that I should send her a card, a letter, something. Come to find out, through the grapevine that binds small towns together, Julie recently had surgery. If I had actually sent her a card/letter- could it have cheered up a home bound woman? Can it still?

I have lots of things I have been meaning to do. I am assuming that so do you.

CHALLENGE.......I've been meaning to....


Write a card or letter (NOT AN EMAIL- something personal, handwritten) to someone that you have been meaning to thank/wish well/send your love to. It might be an old teacher- maybe an old friend? Perhaps an acquaintance that left a lasting impression. Some really sincere thank you notes from a baby/wedding shower long ago? Whatever it is you have been meaning to do....well, here is your (and mine), push to get it done.

And just so your efforts aren't in vain....don't forget that the price of stamps recently raised...again! 42 cents will make your challenge a success.

Are you in? And Julie, if you happen by some chance to read this, keep an eye on your mailbox, a letter is on it's way.

CHALLENGE.......Soak it up

While my stomach tried it's very best to turn itself inside out this weekend, I remembered a recent challenge idea sent in by Amber. A hot bath -so hot that my body aches seemed to melt down into the water. I couldn't tell you the last time I took a bath.
As a mom, my clean routine includes a quick shower. If I am lucky, I have enough time to shave one of my legs. No matter how well I plan it, it is only moments before my 4-year-old runs in to tell me that my 2-year-old is mauling my 4-month-old. And let me tell you- that gets old.

I deserted my husband with the kids, (if you don't have that option, call a friend & make a trade), and disappeared to the master suite....not really much of a suite, but if you are talking about a luxurious bath, you can't just say bathroom..... After fishing way too many tub toys from my precious bubbles, my relaxation began.

Do you ever see the razor commercials on TV with the beautiful girl shaving her long lean legs in a luxurious bathtub? I was that girl....only for about 45 minutes- but oh how nice it was. I even put some bubbles in my hand and blew them into the air.

I also finally had the revelation of a life long question of mine....oh- that's what soap scum is.....but that is beside the point....and it has since been taken care of. Anyways....

CHALLENGE......Soak it up

Take a bath. Not a clean-up bath. Take an "escape" bath. Escape just for a while. Go all out: Bubbles, lights out and candles. Take a luxurious, relaxing bath.

You will feel renewed and rejuvenated.

Enjoy!

CHALLENGE........Appointment Necessary

I've been meaning to call......

I keep putting it off.....

I just didn't have time.....



We all have appointments that need to be made. Certain words or phrases seem to keep making us "forget" to call. (Like: drill, stirrups, co payments, "just a little pinch," credit check, etc.)

This weeks Challenge?

APPOINTMENT NECESSARY

Make the call. Schedule whatever appointment you have been delaying. And look- bonus for you: I actually am keeping this post short, just so that you have the "time" to schedule away!

Accept the challenge?

CHALLENGE....Showdown

It has been one of those weeks.

The shortened condensed version is:
hurt back, pulled over by police for speeding, tantrums, hospitals, grandma died, scouts, took dinner to 2 different families, procrastinated church lesson, viewing, pulled over by police and late fee at the library.
Yes, all those things really happened. No- I didn't accidentally put the police thing twice- it happened twice- by the same officer- 5 days apart from each other.

Now then, I share all of this not to complain or ask for sympathy- but to help you understand why my house is a complete absolute horrific disaster. Not only did all of the above happen, but I also chose to "take Mother's Day off," which in and of itself could cause at-home-chaos.


On the way to church, I questioned if I had remembered to unplug my hot curlers. Now, obviously, to those who have been with this blog from the beginning, it is not often that I actually curl my hair. When I do, I usually forget to unplug the electronic hair miracle.....ok, moving on....
So, I am driving down the highway thinking, "I wonder if I unplugged the curlers." As I repeat my mental checklist of things I did while getting ready, I also thought, "My house is such a disaster. If anyone stops by I will be mortified." Please note, this thought was especially scary because of extended family, (fancy aunts and schmancy cousins from the big city and all), being in town for the funeral.
Then, looking at my children safely buckled in their car seats behind me, I also think, "My children are safely with me. We have good insurance. I would be completely fine if my house burned down while we are at church. Precious pictures of my children are somewhere in cyberspace. I have my credit card. No need to go back and double check the curlers."
Really, truly, I thought all of that.
Do I have a problem? Naaa.... just a really overwhelmingly messy house. And, in order to help myself out, you are all going to help motivate me by participating in this week's challenge full heartedly......... RIGHT???

Here goes:



We each have somewhere/something in our homes that is equal to an enemy.

Maybe it is your kitchen that has counter tops.....somewhere;
your french fry/crumb/wrapper infested vehicle;
the closet that can only be opened while wearing a safety helmet;
the flower bed that is a safe haven for all weeds known to mankind;
a laundry room that doubles as a walk-in clothes hamper;
grout in the tile that's original color is unknown;
between the couch cushions- no explanation necessary;
a junk drawer/cupboard that was organized.......once;
and many many more.

Pick and choose your battles, right?


Presenting the:
Showdown Challenge

Find that one chore that just needs to be done, the one chore that has been staring you down, the one chore that thinks it is winning and take back control!

For me, it will be the Showdown at the Kitchen Corral...I mean kitchen sink. (Sometimes I get a little carried away w/the cutesy writing- I'm assuming you are now thinking, "Ya think?") The dishes, pans from dinners not even enjoyed by me, and the grime.... yowsers.

Some of you are obviously better housekeepers than I. Hey, we all have our faults....but we can't talk about those, because we just finished up with last week's positive thinking challenge.

Anyhow- even though it may be small, I am sure you each have something- somewhere in your home that has been "attacking" you. Well, to this, I say CHARGE!!!!! Battle back, accept the challenge and I hope you conquer the enemy.