2010: Project 1

Detox. We're doing it.

I spent the day planning out a week's worth of meals for a detox/cleanse I've adapted from wholeliving.com.

We've done a detox before, but it included drinking a nasty supplement and 2 months worth of eliminating foods we love.

This is quick, and relatively easy. I'm focusing on the "quick" part. The first 3 days we'll ease in to eliminating foods that build up in our system. Days 4-7 we'll be on a mostly liquid diet--consuming a solid, protein-filled lunch each day. If you're interested in the "plan," I'm happy to send you my excel spreadsheet with our meals, what to eliminate, include, or replace.

This detox is part of our family's 2010 "Plan" (I'm working on a cooler title.) With 32 hours in a car over the course of 4 days, Matt and I had the opportunity to discuss the changes and goals we want to make this year, and for the future. We're still establishing strategies and tactics, but we're going to initiate some ideas while we finish the master plan. Doing this detox is part of the health & wellness portion of the plan.

Our 2010 "Plan" includes areas such as: Faith, Finances, Friends, Family, Health & Wellness (ran out of F's), Personal Growth, and Education. There might be more, but that's what I've got so far. I'm sure a spreadsheet will be created soon. SimpleMom.net has an awesome worksheet that we're using. (She's got a lot of other awesome stuff too, so check her out.)

The Year of The Girl

I'm not much for resolutions, but I have always been a goal-oriented person. So, as it is with most people around this time, I am reviewing the past and preparing for the future.

I have not thought through all of this yet, so this will be a jumbled post of ideas, hopes, and goals.

The last couple years have felt like they have happened to me, rather than me having any effect on life. I don't like this, and very much want to be experiencing life instead of it running me over. A mentor once told me that I needed to manage my job, rather than it managing me.

I am fed up with finances. For all the books I've read, blogs I've read, advice I've been given, coaching that has been shared with me--nothing is new, and very little is anything I didn't already know. What I'm understanding more and more is that our finances--much like most things in our life--need to work for us, not how they work for the general public or our friends, family or neighbors. We've tried so many different methods, followed so many "plans"--it's not changing much at all. We're frustrated that change isn't happening quickly, and I think change is not happening b/c the way we THINK has not changed. We've changed habits and behaviors--we spend a lot less, etc.--but money is still managing US. We're at the mercy of our income, debt, and budget. It sucks. We're going to blow this out of the water this year. I've got some real strategies--that are unique TO US--for OUR situation--for OUR thinking--for OUR needs. More to come on this.

I have a new camera coming. I can't wait to start taking more and better pictures. This is part of a long line of personal accomplishments. I'm also wanting to push my domesticate side by learning to sew and knit well.

I'm going to enjoy being a girl. When did it become taboo to be a girl? Why is it an insult to "throw like a girl," or to be "hormonal" or "emotional." Having a little girl is making me realize the fantastic blessing it is to be a girl. That loving pink, babies, pretty clothes and other trinkets are OKAY. I'm making 2010 the year of being a GIRL! Praise God, I'm a girl! If I want to wear a dress every day, so be it. Yep, I might even sew that dress myself.

Health. I've been shredding, and I love it. I love seeing my waist get slender, and having my husband's arms wrap around so easily. (I'm pretty confident he likes it too.) I love that so many of my friends are jumping on this wagon with me--it encourages and challenges me to keep going. I'm going to kick it up though this year. First, a detox. I've wanted to do this for awhile. I did one several years ago, and it felt great. I've found a simple, easy plan, and I've got a start date. I think the key word is strength. I want to feel strong. Not muscle strong, but a feeling of inner strength. I want to feel as though I can DO this (whatever "this" may be), and my body is ready for each challenge coming our way.

Write. I need to blog more. I need to finish a book. I've got ideas, and I've received so much encouragement from friends--even some strangers. I lack confidence, time, and direction. Just like with the sewing and knitting--lots of ideas, not enough resources. Kids book? Non-fiction? Theology? Not sure. Which, is why I have lots started--nothing finished. Searching for the right goal on this one.

I've got lots of ideas, hopes, and goals for my family too. I'd like Owen to be able to read before kindergarten. I'd like Eden to know her letters and numbers by fall, and to spend more time reading with her. I'd like them both to know the New Testament books, and the days of creation. More importantly, I want them to know that Jesus loves them--even if they don't quite understand. I'd like our family Bible study time to be more of a daily habit.

I'm realizing this post could just keep on going, and it's already late tonight. Obviously, it's going to be a busy blogging season.

Snippets From Our Day

I've been sick for the past two days. It felt as if two days of my life were stolen from me. Every second today has been precious. I've never been so thankful to be able to swallow without pain!

As Owen left for school today with Matt, he kissed his sister and said "Be a good girl for mommy."

Eden and I enjoyed some girl time. Meaning I waxed my legs. She observed, with the comments "Momma hurt?" and "Momma, ouch?" She's learning early what it means to suffer for beauty.

After our shower, I attempted to clip her nails, and push back her cuticles that seem to cover her nail. She squirmed and yelped at me, until I offered a prize: painted nails! Ooolala! That girl sat calmly as I clipped, pushed, and painted her little finger nails a lovely shade of pink.

Where have I heard this before? Owen desperately pleaded with me for more money. More money? What's wrong with the dollar in your wallet? No, momma, like Eden's. Oh, you want coins. Okay, there are two quarters on my desk. -More sadness- No, I need more like Eden. See, one, two, three, four. (He counts Eden's four PENNIES.) Owen, you have a dollar and two quarters. You have MORE than Eden. No, momma, it's only two-see, one, two. Oh, son, you have much to learn.

I'd like to nominate my husband for saint-hood. The past two days, and even today, he has cared for me unlike ever before, as well as care for the kids in addition to his already heavy load. This afternoon he made dinner before leaving for his closing shift. All I have to do is warm & serve!

Having dinner crossed off my list, allowed me to start the holiday baking--WAIT A MINUTE--maybe that's what Matt was hoping for, as I was making HIS favorite holiday cookie. Hmmmmmmm.....

Who cares? It also allowed me to get some work done, and BLOG! Oh, how I miss blogging. Darn you facebook. You suck my time, you pull me away from writing, but--alas, without you I would again feel so isolated and lonely (especially in winter months when play dates are few and far between).

We ran out of brown sugar while baking. I told the kids we'd have to wait (Matt offered & ran to the store for the sugar---hmmmm saint or cookie lover?). Owen says to Eden: "Wanna go jump on my bed?" Eden: "YES!" Off they went. No longer interested in baking.

At nap time, Owen asks "Please take this down, momma. I won't fall. See, I scoot over here." He wants the railing removed from his bed. Past experience on this has meant Owen ends up on the floor dazed and confused. "Mom, I bigger now. See, I scoot way over here." (He puts himself on the far side of the bed away from the edge. Okay, my little man, I accept that you are growing up. I took the railing down with only a slight twinge in my heart as he takes another step in independence.

Then, I quickly rethink it, as I tell him not once, but twice to get. back. in. BED!

Always catching up

Okay, so those 2 months flew by, as usual.

What's been going on?

Matt's still working--all. the. time. :( He's looking at getting his MBA, and searching for a better paying work option. He's also leading worship on a regular basis at Blue Sky Church in Loveland. We started attending last summer, and now we've both assumed leadership roles.

Owen is thriving at preschool. Last week his teacher asked about his speech development--surprised it took her this long. She said she sometimes has no clue what he's saying, and then she asked if he was premature. Why, yes, in fact he was. She suggested we continue speech therapy. :( *sigh* We're still determining whether to do this, or to do more at home (we've been slacking, since he's doing so well since starting school). His creative juices are definitely flowing lately--he wants to paint and create daily. I'm also amazed at how anything can be made into a gun or sword. He is also learning to ride a two-wheeler. Poor kid, the snow and cold isn't helping. I've also started the registration process for school--for reals, this kid starts kindergarten in 9 months?!

Eden is a force to be reckoned with, for sure. She just celebrated her second birthday, and sometimes I think she's determined to grow up & move out as soon as possible. She has an opinion on most everything, and doesn't let her brother get away with much. The two of them definitely are conspiring against me on a regular basis. Owen can get her in & out of her crib on his own--he's so proud of this too. Eden can unlock and open doors on her own--fantastic. She has her own taste in clothes, and will let you know if an outfit is not to her liking. For the most part though, your heart will swell and your face smile the second she walks into the room. She loves to make people laugh, and has a glimmer in her eyes. She delights everyone we meet, and has a way of making everyone smile.

My turn. I'm working part-time at Tenfold, and love it. I'm keeping Forty Foot Music (Matt's teaching studio) organized, scheduled, and running. I have 2 doula clients, one of which we just completed a series of childbirth classes. Sadly, I'm also looking at working full-time again. It is only through God's provision and grace that we've financially survived the last two years, and I know God will continue to provide. Matt is looking at his options, but we've also put my resume out there to see where God is leading us. We don't have much left to continue living with our current means. I'm not just talking dollars here, folks. Matt doesn't sleep much, and neither of us has much "down" time. Mentally and physically, we just can't do this anymore.

The laundry beckons, the children are "cooking" with my good pots and pans, and my laptop battery is running low. We need a positive story to end this blog.

Matt and I have been doing the 30 Day Shred workout video. From time to time, the kids join in with us. Working out has never been so much fun! It can be hard to concentrate though--watching Eden do her hip circles is hilarious. The best part--she does them all throughout the day. She puts her tiny hands on her hips, and rolls those chubby little thighs round and round. It is absolutely adorable. Both Owen & Eden attempt push-ups: laying flat on their bellies, and pushing up just on their arms. They get bored after a few minutes, and then just run under our legs during lunges--that'll get you in shape and hone your balancing skills quite fast! It's all worth it--I've lost 5 lbs, and 4 inches thus far. Matt is toned and building muscle. I just love that we're doing it as a family.

All In A Day's Work

I'm usually up at 6 a.m., and strive to be in bed by 10 p.m. That's 16 hours. What all do I do in 16 hours?

4 hours at Tenfold

.5 hour driving to/from work

20 minute workout

1.5 hours eating/feeding kids

3 hours "getting ready" (for work, to workout, prepping Owen's various therapies, bed, whatever)

2 hours cooking

.5 hour getting kids down for naps

2 hours working on Forty Foot Music and/or Nurtured Mother (or, more Tenfold tasks)

.5 hour Family Bible Study time/put kids to bed

The remaining 1.5 hours or so, I'm checking e-mail, catching up on facebook, tidying or cleaning, and doing all those things that must get done every day.

Owen's Drum Money

A few weeks ago Owen busted one of his drum heads. Now, this isn't too terribly expensive to replace, but Matt was determined that Owen learn to respect his instruments.

Enter: THE DRUM MONEY JAR

We've never liked the idea of paying our kids to do chores, or rewarding them for good behavior. Chores are part of being in a family, and being good is part of walking the Christian life. These are their own rewards.

However, this seemed like an opportunity to teach Owen not only to respect his instruments, but also paying to repair them doesn't magically happen. It has to be worked for and earned.

So, when we catch Owen being especially good, doing extra chores, or doing things without being asked, we add nickels to his jar.

Owen thrives on praise, so in the past an enthusiastic high-five was more than enough for him. I was shocked to see how excited he was about this jar. Matt had done the explaining of the process to Owen yesterday, so this morning Owen gave me all the details. He was surprised to find out that momma would give him nickels too! He eagerly asked if he could do anything to earn nickels this morning. My boy set the table, vacuumed (including edging), and has been an extremely helpful big brother. Near saint-hood today.

Eden too wanted a coin jar. I haven't yet figured out what she's earning money for, but she joyfully helped me with laundry to earn her pennies.

Eden

Eden told me this morning "Watree ee whet." Translation: Water is wet. She's got a bright future, this pretty girl.

It's hard to believe she's going to be two years old in just a couple months. Eden is so unique, so happy--all the time. She draws attention--in a good way--EVERYWHERE we go.

For instance, today at Panera (she tagged along when I met with a new doula client) she wooed a shop owner as we walked down the sidewalk. The shop owner commented, as all who meet Eden do, on how happy Eden seems. I smiled, and replied with my usual response: Yes, all the time. Her favorite word: "happy." (Eden obliged my comments with saying "happy, happy, happy" as she crawled into her carseat.)

Have I told you the story of Eden's name? We struggled for the entire pregnancy, and even through labor and birth to choose a name. Throughout my pregnancy we prayed. Each night that I prayed I dreamed that I had a little girl, with dark hair, blue eyes, and her name was Eden Mara. I dreamed this over and over. At the time, neither Matt or I really liked the name Eden. I told a close friend, who immediately leaned over to my belly and said "Hello Eden Mara." I laughed it off. Sure enough, the big day came, and out came a dark haired, blue eyed baby girl. I looked at Matt and said "Oh no." I looked at our baby girl, and said "Are you Eden Mara?" The biggest smile you've ever seen stretched across her tiny lips. No crying, just smiling. The room was filled with ahhhs and gasps--many claiming they had never seen a newborn smile. When we came home I looked up the meaning of the name Eden. "Delight" No name could quite encompass her more. She is our delight. Our precious, delight from God.

I think I could write books about my little delight, but she's waking--calmly asking for water (you know, it's wet).