I'm a Good Mom... And So Are You

There I am newly minted mom,
 believing I was wise beyond my 23
years on the planet.

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I started out as Babywise mom, I don't know if it was Gary Ezzo's advice on scheduling a baby's feeding and sleeping that made me feel like I knew 
what I was doing as a first time mom, or my own self inflated ego, but I was a know it all. I could tell you just exactly how to solve your child raising issues, because of course all babies are the same and all toddler behavior is completely manageable. If I wasn't telling you how to parent to your face... I was probably telling someone else behind your back. I was wrong.

When baby number 2 came along I was still semi clinging to the Ezzo method, but I had also adopted a whatever works attitude. That baby slept in her swing for months, even though the book warned that she would never learn to fall asleep on her own if we did that. She did.

Fast forward five and a half years from the first baby's arrival. Baby number 3 is born into the Scott family and I have tossed Babywise out the window. I have become a co-sleeping, baby wearing, feeding on demand mama. By the time that child became a two year old I had no certainties about how to navigate this mommy gig and resorted to chocolate and lattes to get me through the day and wine and snacks to unwind once my offspring were tucked in and drifting off to dream land. (Actually who am I kidding? I cracked that bottle as soon as Craig came through the door, home from work to be the responsible adult).

Each of my little ones had a different mama, and even though I wouldn't go back to or recommend some of those past parenting styles, I would say in every phase I was a good mom. In fact I am pretty sure that any mother practicing these or a number of other of parenting strategies that include love, caring and meeting their children's needs are good moms.

Brene` Brown in her book Daring Greatly writes “You can't claim to care about children if you're shaming other parents for the choices they are making.”

Can I get an amen?!

 As a mom when I feel shamed and judged I am way less likely to be in prime nurturing mode with my children or my husband. Shame makes us more prone to isolation, which leads to feelings of inadequacy, bitterness and anger. Not a great place to be when your job is love and kindness.

Don't do that to somebody's kid. Chances are that unless you are witnessing abuse, that thing that other mom is doing, that you of course would never do, is probably not a make or break choice in their child's life.  You think your friend's kids watch too much T.V. Get over it. That other mom at the park who is feeding her preschooler a fast food lunch and is making you cringe at the unhealthiness of her choice. Get over it. I homeschool. Get over it. We don't do team sports. Get over it. We're all doing something that some other mom doesn't agree with. Get over it.

In a stage of our lives when we already worry about whether or not we are screwing up our kids we certainly don't need jack ass opinions about the decisions that go into our child raising efforts. A friendly word of encouragement or a compassionate ear can go a long way in making another parent's child raising load seem lighter. When we feel like we are doing a good job the little things that can be blown out of proportion are better able to stay in their box of “it's not a big deal.” and we can focus on the things that actually matter.

There's no use crying over spilled coffee right?

If you haven't already head over and enter The Hunt for a New Name contest.

Introducing Simple on Purpose

Over the past few months I have been searching. Searching for ways to sculpt my life into something meaningful.  I want to say yes to the opportunities that line up with my life's purpose. Say no, with out regret, to the things that don't, and create deep relationships and fantastic memories along the way.

A big part of being able to live with more intention is to simplify.

Which is why I am super excited to be teaming up with the totally funny and completely fabulous Shawna over at Dovetail Blog to share some (or maybe all) of the ways we are living Simple on Purpose.

Now don't think we're being bossy and telling you how to run your life... That's not what we're about. We're about sharing stories and experiences and some tidbits that have worked for us. (If you're lucky we'll include some failures just so you don't start to think we're doing this simple living thing perfectly).

I'll be posting over here about books that have inspired my journey, practices we've adopted for keeping clutter at bay, ways I keep white space in my schedule, sharing my life mission statement and more...

So join Shawna and I on our journey to clear away the chaos (well you know not all of the the chaos,  we'll hold on to the chaos we gave birth to and named), breath deep and invite freedom in to our day to day intentional lives.  Keeping things simple on purpose.

We Did It! Coldest Night of The Year 2015!

Sweet toque selfie!

I must admit I feel a little guilty that our Coldest Night of the Year walk in Kamloops was like 7C and I read that Brampton Ontario was -18C.  I guess it's a perk of living in the balmy dessert?  I'm kicking myself for not getting a picture of our team, but I will vouch that they were there... Thank you for joining me Sarah, Wyatt, Corene, Dad, Shar and Meadow (and Julie L who was cheering us on from home with a sore foot).

Meadow Pre-walk sporting her touque

I am so proud of my Meadow girl!  She raised $85 and walked the whole 5km... refusing grandpa John's offers of shoulder rides the whole way.  When we got home she promptly had a hot bath and I rubbed her tired feet (she giggled and wiggled because she's so ticklish) and she went to sleep for 13+ hours.

Dad and Shar ready to go!

As a team we raised $555.00 for our local New Life Mission and the entire event brought in more that $40,000.00.  Kamloops is a generous place!

It was fantastic to see so many familiar faces in the crowd.  Neighbors and friends and folks I haven't seen in ages!
We're planning to have more people on our team next year so keep that in mind!

My brilliant niece Abby rocking out to the tunes.

Let's Talk About Our Privilege

On Tuesday my sweetie took me out on an amazing date to celebrate Valentine's Day. I felt like I was being wooed and wined (well gin and tonic-ed) and dined. We feasted on muscles and scallops.  Perfectly cooked steak and duck in cherry sauce. Decadent desserts finishing our meal.  We were stuffed and clearly content.  We left the restaurant and walked to the car.  The air outside was way to cold for the thin cardigan I was wearing. My steps were quick and I flew into my seat eager to turn on the seat warmer.

Craig and I talked back and forth.  Sometimes about shallow things, occasionally diving deeper into the pond of conversation topics. Then he said it... with bit of a chuckle and not intending to lay down any guilt he said "We spent more on that dinner than some people spend on food for a whole week."

There is was staring me in the face.  The struggle between being thankful for the incredible gifts I have been given and realizing the overwhelming privilege I have. It is a battle to stave off the shame of indulgence and find joy in the the extravagant when brothers and sisters around the world are trying to stretch their meager food stores to last just one more day.

Raspberry Brownie, Hazelnut Cheesecake and Creme Brulee

Because the truth is I loved that Craig loves me abundantly, showering affection and luxury on me for these extraordinary nights out.  I am thankful for the tiny table and the crunchy creme brulee topped with cinnamon and a raspberry (and the hazelnut cheese cake if we're being totally honest). I'm thankful for the efforts he made beforehand, making a reservation and choosing this lovely restaurant.

Yet mixed with that attitude of gratitude there is sadness for people who don't know those same gifts. Those who don't know where their next meal is coming from.

I'm not sure how to reconcile this privilege with the mandate to feed the hungry right now... Other than to give what I have in each opportunity placed on the path I'm walking and be very grateful for what I am given.

How do you reconcile your privilege with others lack? Is it possible to be both generous and indulgent?

Thankful Thursday #27

Oh my word!  2015 rolled in and somehow Thankful Thursday was cast to the side.  This week I did some brainstorming and I came up with some ideas to bring back Thankful Thursday bigger and better!  Get ready!

Idea #1

Create a button that y'all can grab the code for and put on your own Thankful Thursday posts!  Here ya go!

<div align="center">
<a href="http://goatsmilklattes.blogspot.ca/" title="Goats Milk Lattes"><img src="http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b437/FifthStreetMama/Thankful%20Thursday%20button_zpsyzvvyoaz.jpg" alt="Goats Milk Lattes" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Idea #2 

Make Thankful Thursday a link up party so we can rejoice in all of our gifts!  So at the bottom of each post there will be an opportunity to link up your Thankful Thursday post.  Feel free to make a list... or just focus on one thing you are thankful for.  Grab the code and put the button on your post and feel free to comment on and share other folks writing.

Ready? On with the show!

What I'm thankful for this week

Painted Skies

Pink fluffy cotton candy cloud sunrises.  Brilliant, striped masterpiece sunsets.  I am thankful for the fleeting artwork that is there one moment and disappears while you're not quite paying attention.

Pink cotton candy clouds

Grandpa's who pay too much for eggs

Seriously!  $6 for a carton of eggs is such a treasure for my 9 year old entrepreneur.    

Miracle eggs!  Haha!

Valentine's date with my sweetie

Craig and I had a supper yummy fancy schmancy dinner for Valentine's Day... 2 days after Valentine's Day... and that was totally cool!  I ate duck... because that's the kind of fancy food you eat at a fancy shmancy restaurant.

Fancy Schmancy Duck

What are you thankful for this week?  Leave a comment or link up your own post below!

An InLinkz Link-up

5 Lesson I've Learned About Being Authentic

I remember the first time I intentionally answered "How are you?" truthfully.  I must have been 12 or 13.  My pet mouse had escaped from it's cage and I had found it... dead.
The phone rang so I picked it up and said "Hello" in a regular fashion.
The jolly voice on the other end said "Hello!  And how are you today?"
"Not good" I replied and carried on to tell the caller my troubles and woes.
He patiently listened to me and then said "Who am I speaking with?"
"It's Sarah!" I said suddenly realizing that I had no idea who I had been talking to.
" I must have the wrong number." said the telephone stranger; "Sorry about your mouse, goodbye."

I've ping ponged back an forth between vulnerable authenticity and comfortable conformism thousands of times since then.  And here I am 20 years later only slightly more expert at answering truthfully than I was then.  Here is what I've learned since spilling my guts to a wrong number...

Being authentic does not mean every conversation is YOU centered.

I cringe to remember a time when I ran into a couple I know, who were weeks from being married.  Instead of gushing about plans and telling them I was excited to attend their wedding, I babbled on and on about an 8 hour road trip I was taking with a friend of mine and our collective 12 children.  Blah blah blah ME... blah blah blah can you believe I am doing this? Blah blah blah.

Being mindful of other people's big exciting life events is a very good skill to acquire!

Know the difference between small talk and intimate conversation.

You are not supposed to deeply connect with everyone.   There is nothing wrong with making small talk.  Ask genuine questions. Don't be afraid to have an excuse or two up your sleeve in case the chit chat just doesn't interest you and you feel the need to bow out.

On the flip side, it is a gift to know your tribe.  To know those people who are going to still love you if you text them about poop... or when you complain about cramps... or you cry on their couch because your heart is broken.

Reserve intimate stuff  for only those most deserving of seeing your raw and weak places because they have proven themselves capable of handling those things with care.

"How are you?" should be a permissible time to compare yourself to others.

When an acquaintance asks you how you are, and they are just doing it to be polite, I say its totally fine to say "I'm good." If that's not quite the truth though you can think in your mind "Compared to a naked porcupine wrestler."  

If a kindred spirit is asking "how are you?" go ahead and say the part about the porcupine wrestler out loud.

It's OK to disappoint people.

I was put on this earth to be kind... I was put here to have deep connections... I was not put here to rearrange my life according to other people's plans and passions.  Don't be afraid to say no.  Say no to the things that don't line up with your life's purpose, your goals and your likes.

 Don't say no just because something is scary and forces you out of your comfort zone... but don't say yes because it's comfortable to be a people pleaser.

Revealing your vulnerability does not automatically equal being treated kindly. 

Being brave enough to tell someone how you truly feel can often make them uncomfortable and defensive.  (Seriously if you have any tips for this please fill me in.)  The best advice I can offer is use lots of "I feel" statements and ask the other person to explain their intentions.  Then give them the benefit of the doubt.

What lessons are you learning right now?  What challenges do you have with being authentic?

photo credit: inflated via photopin (license)

photo credit: flimg0156 via photopin (license)

Dear People In Line Ahead of Me...

We were both in line last week to buy tickets for a movie... the line wound out into the street and while we were out there... where it was cold and snowy... a woman came walking along and asked for some spare change.  You seemed quite oblivious to the situation... until I handed the woman a loonie.

That's when I heard the tone of your conversation change.  Your voices got lower and your eyes quickly glanced back and forth between me and the person you were whispering to... now not that I meant to eavesdrop, but really I was right behind you and could hear what you were saying... phrases like:
"You should never give them money."
"I gave them some fries once at the restaurant I worked at.  They just kept coming back for more."

This made my heart hurt...

I obviously don't have the solution to remedy the plight of hungry, hurting people.  I'm not here to debate whether you should give a panhandler the change in your pocket or have a stack of Tim Cards ready for such a situation.  Really that's up to the individual giver.

What hurt me was the way you talked about fellow human beings, you talked about helping street people like it was a "don't feed the bears" situation at a national park.  "Don't feed those people... they'll be hungry again tomorrow and come back for more.  They'll become nuisance humans and we'll have to try relocating them."

I want to gently point out some things you might not have considered:

You probably knew where you were going to sleep that night, and every night.  I'm betting it's a nice warm safe place.  That woman probably didn't have such a luxury.

Since you were standing in a line to pay $9.00 for a movie ticket, I can only assume you were not worried where your next meal was coming from. She might be worried about that very thing.

It's cold outside.  And I might be a bit naive but I hope that dollar was used to pay for a cup of coffee... or maybe another generous person gave her a toonie down the way and she was able to buy some soup or chili and warm up a little.

Human beings are our tribe... they are our people... and if we don't help them out when the opportunity presents itself... who will?  Certainly not the bears.

Sincerely and Kindly


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Coldest Night Of The Year 2015

I often feel limited in how to serve those who are homeless or hungry... and I believe a lot of mommies with small kids feel this way as well.  
With young offspring in tow I can manage eye contact and a smile at a man huddled by the library doors.  Sometimes I can offer the change in my pocket if I can organize my little people not to run into traffic.  On occasion, when I am out and about kidless, I have been known to hand out hot chocolates with my friends.  

So I'm doing what I can... but am I doing all I can?  Probably not... and I hope to grow in this area to live up to more of my potential.

One way I'm doing this is by walking in The Coldest Night of The Year on February 21, 2015.  I have 2 feet, a pair of boots, and warm clothes to wear... I am fully capable of walking with a group of people to raise money for our local New Life Mission.

I took a tour of the New Life Mission last fall and was very impressed by the variety of ways they are able to give a hand up.  There is a health clinic and  dentist office.  They have their own catering company, a room for refurbishing computers and a safe place for people to come in out of the cold.  Just to name some of their services.  It is a place worth supporting.

How You Can Help

Be a part of the walk... You are welcome to join my team Night Owls and walk alongside my dad, my friends Sarah and Corene  and I.  Or join a team in your community if we're far away friends. 

You can sponsor us. You've heard the cliche... Every little bit helps! It's true!  Please donate what you can to help those less fortunate.  

Pray.  Pray that we have good attitudes walking in the cold, pray that the money we raise is spent with wisdom, pray for those who are cold and hungry to be warm and fed. 

  

5 Ways to Not be the Village Idiot...

Developing community is vulnerable business... I mean first you have to admit to yourself that you need people to support you in this mothering gig... and then be intentional about pursuing relationships with like minded people who you think might want to have a mutually beneficial friendship with you.  

"It takes a village to raise a child" as the saying goes... but I would like to coin the phrase "It takes a village to keep a mama going."

I have moved towns twice.  Once away from my family and then back home 8 years later.  I have here friends and there friends and each one plays a special role in my mommy experience.

 Here are my tips for being a good villager, you know, how not to be the village idiot.

Don't Judge 

I may have 3 kids and I have been a mom for 9 years now, but I am NOT an expert... and no offence but neither are you... 

We all have our moments of not so wonderful, like a week ago when we were stuck in town due to heavy snow and staying with some friends.  On the second night of the spontaneous sleep over we kinda realized that none of my kids had changed their underwear... not my proudest moment but the other mom and I kind of cringed and then shrugged it off.  No judgement... 

Don't Offer Advice

Unless you are asked for advice.  Maybe that thing that would drive you nuts if it was your kid, isn't even on that other mom's radar.  So hold your tongue mama... 

Take Advice

If you ask for it then you gotta take it.  It is super annoying to be asked for input on a situation only to be told 30 seconds later why your strategy won't work.  You don't have to implement the advice given but at least appreciate the help you asked for and consider it. 

No Drama Mama

So I haven't called you in a month... call me.  Maybe there's something going on and I could really use an ear... or just maybe I am exhausted from being a full time homeschool mom of 3.  (Just sayin').  This is probably one of those things where it's truly not you it's me.

To Each Her Own

Respect other family's cultures.  We aren't really sports fans around here... but I know families who are really excited to watch whatever big game is on T.V., together, and that's fantastic!  We head to the ski hill as often as possible and other folks like to stay where it's warm and read a book instead (I must admit both sound divine to me).  It all works out and one family is not making a better choice than the other... just a different one.

We are all in this together... doing the best we know how.

What would you add?  What do you appreciate about your village?  

Looking Back... 2014

I was looking back through some old blog posts and I came across some questions I had responded to New Years Eve 2013.  I thought I would chose some other questions and do the same for 2014...

1. What was the most important lesson you learned in 2014?

What other people think of me should not be the driving force behind what I do.  I have learned that it is truly OK to say no and if the person you said no to is annoyed with you, well that's OK too.  I need to make decisions based on what is best for our family, not whether or not I will be approved of in the world.  I have also learned that whether I try to make someone else happy or not, my efforts probably won't change their opinion of me one way or the other.

2. What little things did you most enjoy during your day to day life?


For this I shall need to write a list:

• Morning snuggles with my kiddos
• Afternoon lattes on the deck or couch with Craig
• Family walks to the end of the road
• Spontaneous trips to town
• Fun mail from far away friends

3. What was your favorite compliment that you received this year? 

There are two fantastic compliments that come to mind...

The first is the texts my dad sent as I released parts of a short story that I wrote.  I would often receive "When's the next chapter" as a message on my phone. 

 The second was a list of why I am awesome from one of my sister friends.  Even though it was slightly coerced.  There were things on the list that only someone who knew me really well would be able to compliment me on.  I loved being known and loved in that way.

How would you answer these questions?  Feel free to leave me a comment or a link to your New Years blog post.

Yesterday...

My sister Julie's birthday is one of those volatile things in my life.  There have been years when I did not even notice the day until it was gone and there have been years when I have sobbed uncontrollably until my head ached and my body was exhausted.
This year was precious.  I almost felt like I was wrapped in bubble wrap this year.
 Julie's 30th Birthday fundraiser was a huge success for no other reason than I am surrounded by the most generous and kind people a girl could ever imagine.
My kindred spirit friends sent texts and called to "check up" on me.  My mom and I spent the day together having lunch and shopping.
My heart overflows with gratitude at the support and care I received this year.  Thank you.
photo credit: Xamonich via photopin cc

Carry a Flashlight and Don't Play the Trumpet...

Writing this post is a daunting task... I am not looking for a battle.. battles cause wounds and wounds create bitterness and bitterness fights against love... and I really want to be a spreader of love... maybe that's why these two scripture passages stood out to me.

Matthew 5:14-16
14“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 6:2-4
2“So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

These are red letter verses here people... Jesus said both of these things in the same sermon on the mount!  I have heard each of these two points used against each other in arguments.  So which is it?  Let your light shine so that people can see your good deeds or keep it a secret, private, between only you and God?

I'm not a scholar and I tend to do a lot of interpreting scripture with my gut.  Relying on the Holy Spirit whispers that remind me that the word is living and can be relevant to me in different ways as my life evolves and changes.  The advice I take can be different than my brother or sister.  And the lessons I learn may or may not be a hill to die on.  There are few things I hold tight to with a closed fist...

Here's my humble take on maybe why there are two passages of scripture so close together that express very different methods to love your neighbor.  Your eye.  "The Hebrew language uses 'eye' in many idioms that describe a person's attitude toward others." (Walking in the Dust of Rabbi Jesus by Lois Tverberg)

It seems a little too simple to be the be all that ends all answer to this old debate... and maybe it is.  Keeping in mind though that love seems to be really important to Jesus according to quite a few bible verses,  I'd be willing to guess that He cares about your attitude toward those that we give to.  Do we turn up our noses at the guy shivering on the street corner because he obviously doesn't know how to manage money very well, honestly he is smoking a cigarette, does he even know what those things cost?  Then puff out our chests, find the perfect Instagram filter and post all over Facebook and Twitter that photo we took as we tossed a loonie into his paper cup?  The problem, as I see it, is not posting that photo, it's the intention behind it.  

Social media is powerful, but just like money it is neutral until we determine how we will use the tool before us.  Our status updates and the pics we post can be used to so a lot of good.   They can shine light so inviting that people want to join you.  We can encourage others to add to the light, whether it's by joining us on our next "hand out hot chocolate on the street" night, or just tweaking an attitude closer to grace and love for those in need. 

If you get nothing else out of this...take away this lesson... always carry a flashlight and don't play the trumpet!

Chime in here... What are your thoughts?  

Note: This post contains an affiliate link.

Because Sometimes you Have to do Something.

My family is big on birthdays... or maybe just I am and the rest of my family indulges me... I don't know.

I love my own birthday... send me best wishes?  Yes please!  Come out a celebrate with me? Of Course!  Oh you got me a gift!  Now I know you love me so.

The last birthday I spent with my sister Julie she was turning 20.  One of those milestone birthdays that end in a zero and tend to be bigger celebrations than the rest of the birthday for the next decade.

Well this year, in just over a month Julie would have turned 30.  I need to do something to honor that... to celebrate my little sister.  To reflect... has it really been 10 years since we've celebrated a birthday together?

In true Julie style I am using her birthday to help others.


Friends, family and random strangers who may read my blog... lets work together and carry on Julie's fight to find a cure and celebrate the light she was to others who fought alongside her against Cystic Fibrosis.

How To Be a Saint... According to Saints

I first fell in love with All Saints Day 2 years ago...  A day to celebrate sainthood... what a glorious way to spend 24 hours... this year has me thinking though... How does one become a saint?

Fourteenth-century mystic Meister Eckhart said, “Do not think that saintliness comes from occupation; it depends rather on what one is. The kind of work we do does not make us holy, but we may make it holy.”

So according to Eckhart what you do does not make you a saint... but how you do it.  Make work holy.  What does that look like?  I have a couple of ideas.

• Holy work looks like shaking off the criticism of your fellow man and concerning yourself with following Jesus.
• Holy work looks a lot like sacrifice and discomfort, but with purpose and a smile.
• Holy work looks like being humble enough to do menial jobs with joy.

Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.

Francis of Assisi

Serve... serve those who need it... and those who don't... go the extra mile... be kind... smile... give up your share (seat, snack, lunch,) for someone who has not.  Shine.

“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”― Mother Teresa

And then there is love... great love.  Love which covers a multitude of sins and is patient and kind.  Love makes work holy... love allows joy to rush in to the "dirty" jobs of life.

Oh the lofty status of being elevated to sainthood... truth be told there are perhaps more saints than we know... and I bet most saints don't know they are saints.

What saint might you celebrate today?

photo credit: Lawrence OP via photopin cc

Thankful Thursday #24

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.

Melody Beattie

1. After a particularly hard day with a certain three year old... I whispered to Craig that he now had sole custody of her... without hearing me that little munchkin who was sitting across from me at dinner announced "I'm on team mommy!" and gave me a crooked thumbs up.

2. A special friend who complimented the way I  handled that same 3 year olds meltdown at the (very quiet) museum. We gotta stick together mamas!

3. An afternoon of Full House, snacks, pillows and blankets, and snuggles with all 3 kiddos yesterday.

4. Some pretty amazing crockpot beer chicken for supper... 

5. A full wood shed and a cozy fire.

6. Writing with a friend... no interruptions... just write.

7. Kiddos who can make me hot drinks.

8. Love, compassion, personal growth... who doesn't like those things?

9. Shopping in my own closet... oh the outfits I have rediscovered.

10. Finishing 2/3 of my kiddos Christmas blankets.

Tell me what you're thankful for this week...

photo credit: MTSOfan via photopin cc

3 Habits I Want to Establish in 21 Days (How Did I Do?)

21 days ago I set a few goals... And here I am now being accountable to you... please be gentle...

1. No Phone During School Time

Oh my word... epic fail.  If I wasn't on my phone I was searching something on the laptop... I think I want a restart developing that habit.

2. Write for a Minimum 10 Minutes 6 Days a Week

I probably did this for 2 out of the three weeks... and I wrote a decent amount the third week as well... only a bit more work to make this habit stick!

3. Spend at Least 15 Minutes Outside Everyday

Umm did it happen everyday?  No... but I was outside a whole lot more than usual... we went for walks on our street, jumped on the trampoline, went hiking in the woods, took our rabbit out on a leash... and played at the park... Again just some more reinforcement to make this an unbreakable habit.

So 2/3 almost habits... not too bad right?  

photo credit: Kaptain Kobold via photopin cc

Because This... 20th Edition

Welcome to the end of the week... where I share my favorite photos and the links that have impacted me most:

So until we have the imagination and the wherewithal to bring God’s kingdom down to earth, I guess I will continue to keep one foot out the door, always looking for who isn’t here. I will of course continue to go to church most days, support it, love it, learn from it, push it, and prod it. But may I never fully belong there, may I never fully be satisfied. May I never, ever stop asking: who isn’t here? Why I Don't Go to Church

The church contacted me after the trip and asked how Maureen liked her new phone? I told them it was useless and said, “Don’t worry about it. I gave her mine.” Dear World: Let's Stop Giving Our Crap To The Poor

Thankful Thursday #23 (A day late...)

Yesterday was ridiculously and gloriously busy... And it provided me with much to be thankful for...

1. I live in such a giving city... Seriously I have been to the Food Bank and the New Life Mission this month and I am thrilled to know that our local grocery stores, Cobbs bread, Starbucks and several caterers in town donate leftovers and unused food to help hungry folks in our community.  Bravo Kamloops!
2. Girlfriends... I love getting together with other women... there is something energizing about the way we talk and joke and feel bonded.
3. Random acts of kindness... it's so much fun to pull off a great RAK!  I just wish I could be a fly on the wall to see the other person's reaction... and then turn human again so I don't have to eat poop... just sayin'.
4. History... or maybe I am just thankful for other people's stories... never the less I quite enjoyed wandering around "haunted" places on Wednesday night hearing the stories of the ghosts who "live" there.
5. My little sister... I just love you Heather.
6. Night shift is finished!  Sleep has returned to me... it's a beautiful thing.
7. Letters from my Compassion Kids... I love that we are actually corresponding... Maria Brenda our 9 year old girl just sent a letter thanking us for the Mother's Day card we sent to her mom... I love hearing from them.
8. Following my friend Cole's trip to Disneyland via Facebook... it was magical... every picture and post from his mom made my heart swell... 
9. Planning for Christmas... 
10. Afternoon project time with my bigger kids... (Delaney is claiming to be big as well these days).  It's been so sweet to explore The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe... and work on weather science projects.  

What are you thankful for this week?

photo credit: rustman via photopin cc