Family Goal Week 2

I just started reading a book yesterday called One Thousand Gifts.

I had heard others rave about it so I took the plunge.

And I started reading.

And reading.

And reading.

I am only partway through and have enjoyed every word. Even the convicting ones.

The book is all about gratitude.  Even in the tough times.

If you have read any of my Thankful Thursdays, I am pretty big on this topic anyway.

But the book has stirred a new passion in me for gratitude.

Which inspired our family goal for this week (all centered around our family word "considerate").

Week 2 Rule:

It is considerate to use manners. When you do, you are thinking of others. This week’s goal is to say thank you daily, whether it is for small things (someone sharing a pencil, someone opening the door for you) or for big things (someone being your friend, someone listening to you when you are upset).  Make sure to say thank you to two people each day this week.  Be prepared to share each night.

Knowing I have to share every night sure does inspire/motivate me!  Out of my crew, only one child could only think of one "thanks" for the day on our first day of sharing. Everyone else had at least two people they had thanked and could share why they thanked them.

So I want to challenge you.

Make a point to say "thanks" tomorrow.

Today I said thanks for little things (like someone letting me make a copy of a paper I needed) and for big things (like e-mailing one child's coach to say thanks for pushing my child to do his/her best).  

Not only is it considerate.  

It also shows gratitude.

And, really...can't the world use a little more of that?

Thanks for reading today!

Reba

Day of Rest

Each day on Facebook for the month of January, I am naming a "goal" for 2015. I don't like using the word "resolution" but I guess they are...resolutions to improve myself.

Today's goal for the year?

To truly keep Sunday as a Day of Rest.

Last year in our Sunday School, we went through the Ten Commandments. Of course, one of the commandments is to keep the Sabbath Day holy.

I have read that a hundred times. A thousand times. 

But have I ever truly thought about what that meant?

I talked to some others in our class about what that means to them.

I have read opinions on it.

I have prayed about it.

And I still don't really know.

But I do know that it is a goal for me.

Even if I am not sure what it looks like.

So yesterday (Saturday), instead of being the lazy bum I can tend to be, I got up. I went to school for a bit. I ran to the grocery store. I worked on lesson plans (a typical Sunday event).  I did some cleaning/organizing.  I was pretty tired by the time I fell into bed last night.

Today I have been to church.  Read part of a book I have wanted to read. Gone out to lunch with my crew. Enjoyed a nap.  Watched a movie with the little ones (half watched...it wasn't my favorite movie). We typically have family game night but a couple family members had places to be, so we went for the movie instead.  And now I am just chillaxin', preparing for the week with a little rest.

I have not done any household chores (the dishes are stacking up in the sink).  I have a stack of report cards to tend to...they will wait for tomorrow.  And I haven't run errands.

And I have enjoyed every minute.

I am not sure what future "days of rest" will involve (other than hopefully hiking when the weather warms up a bit).

But I am going to spend the year trying to figure it out!

Reba

Thankful Thursday 2015

If you knew the kind of week I was having, you might be surprised that I am writing a Thankful Thursday post. :)

I am kind of surprised myself.

But, no matter what, there ARE some things to be thankful for this week.

Things like...

• Heat!  Because, baby, it is cold out there!
• supportive administrators
• my workouts with co-workers after school. I get to work out a lot of stress.  And the workouts (or maybe it is my workout companions)  provide some laughter in my life.
• butter. It makes everything taste better.
• thank you notes/messages.
• the beach. 
• journaling with my daughter.
• quiet times.
• a hot shower.
• my kids' teachers.
• watching child 4 snuggle with his dad. 
• watching a movie with my two older children.
• new pajamas (especially with dachshunds on them)
• baked potato soup on a cold day (even better in a warm bread bowl)
• ibuprofen.
• prayers of friends.
• organized kitchen drawers.
• music as I fall asleep.
• a beautiful moon in the sky.
• colorful sunrises; it is like the sky is painted just for me!
• my trusty van (with its heated seats).
• my new Wow Hits CD, all my favorite songs of last year in one place.
• Marley pup. It is like having my own personal heater.
• dinner dates with the Hubs.
• sunshine. After the dreary month we had in December, I treasure the sunshine.
• dehydrated pears. Yum!
• clean clothes.
• medicine samples from the doctor, an incredible blessing.
• life.  No matter how challenging it is.

What are you thankful for this week?

Reba

Our Family Word

Yes, three posts in one week.  I know, I know, I am shocked myself. It is my goal to blog more this year though I can't promise it will be quite this frequently once school starts back this week.

I mentioned the other day that we each have a "word" for 2015.  This year I decided we would also adopt a family word.  This word has been on my heart and mind for some time. To make sure we really focus on our word, our family "rule" (we have a weekly goal/rule) will focus on this word throughout the year.

Our word?

Considerate.

What is being considerate?

Showing awareness or regard for another's feelings.

Or in my words, "thinking of others first".

I worry that in today's world, we have lost sight of being considerate.

The other day I had a car nearly run into me at a three way stop. I was 3/4 of the way through the intersection when the other driver decided to go. I am guessing someone was on the phone or not paying attention because I was clearly in the intersection. The best part? The person honked at me.  Really?

Or go to a restaurant. Just watch the conversations going on. Or at least partial ones. One person is talking. Another has their eyes glued to their phone.

Or spend a little time on Facebook. Watch the pictures of "get togethers" or "parties".  The same pictures that some kids (and grown ups) are going to see knowing they were never invited.

I cringe when I read online reviews or commentary or comments to news posts.  I think it has become too easy to become an "anonymous" voice throwing criticism and personal opinion around. I believe we forget that there is a person behind the story, a real person with feelings. 

I can't change the world.

But I can hopefully bring awareness to my family (and myself).

Thus our family word.

So here is what our first rule of the year is (posted on the fridge and referred to often) as it pertains to our word...

Cloud Family Word for 2015:

Considerate

Week 1 Rule:

You are NOT the only person who lives in this house. Clean up after yourselves when you make your food, when you eat, when you leave a room.  If you use the last of a food, do NOT leave the empty box/wrapper.  If you spill something, clean it up.  Think about the other people in our house.  Leave rooms as nice or nicer when you leave them.

I don't expect this will happen overnight. In fact, I have already had to remind at least two children about cleaning up their areas after they ate dinner.  But hopefully just by focusing on it this week, I will plant a seed.  And maybe, just maybe, one day the seed will grow.

Hopefully.

Reba 

The Word for the Year...

A couple years ago I heard something about adopting a "word" for the year. I never really had done that though I often got to the end of the year and thought, "Oh, ____ pretty much sums up this year..."

Last year I decided to go for it.

In fact, I didn't just choose a word for me, I carefully chose one for each of the kids.  I wrote them a letter detailing the highlights of the year before then sharing what I hoped they would focus on for the year.

I will just say they all made strides with their words, some more than others. :)

As for me, I kind of had a word but I didn't make much stride with it.

Well, here it is. A new year.  Time for new words.

Last night I typed up letters for the kids and left them at their breakfast spot to find this morning.

The words this year (in no particular order):  Kindness.  Pride (which sounds funny but it is taking pride in their role as God's child).  Self-Control. Determination.

All day long I pondered what my own word would be.

I have to admit.

It wasn't easy.

Not that I am perfect.

Oh, no.

Far from that.

More like there are so many areas to choose from.

I wrestled with words like contentment (big struggle).  Rest (much needed). Forgiveness (also much needed). Joy (much needed after last year). Balance.

But none seemed to be just the right fit.

Then last night it came to me.

Or maybe I just heard it.

Listen.

I need to listen.

Listen to God. I am always pouring out my prayer requests to Him. But I am NOT good about being still and listening.

Listen to my heart.

Listen to the Word.

Listen to wise and godly friends.

Listen to my family. As in putting electronics and phones and even chores to the side to just listen.

So, there it is.

My word.

We will see how I do...

What is your word for the year?

Reba

2014, The Year of...

Happy New Year!

How can it possibly be 2015? 

As I celebrate the new year (and I am celebrating...I was ready for 2014 to be OVER), I can't help but reflect a bit.

What was 2014 to me?

It was...

The year of snow and some of the coldest temperatures we have ever had.  That led to a freezing house (2-3 weeks of no heat), lots of snow days, and ultimately, the shortest summer break ever.

 Why no heat? It was also The Year of the Remodel.  We had many people ask us why we started in January.  Well, in a typical year, January is cold but not freezing cold.  Of course, who knew this wouldn't be a typical year?

 It was also The Year of the Supermoon. I had never in my life heard of a supermoon until 2014.  I still don't exactly know why we have supermoons (and we had more than one this year) but it was fun to photograph.

 It was The Year of the Tumor.  This picture was taken when we were trying to distract our hearts and minds from the anxiety of NO news (about a 2 week period), waiting to find out what kind of tumor Mark had behind his eye.  This time period was one of the hardest times in my whole life.  Not only were we dealing with uncertainty, my paternal grandmother passed away (fairly unexpectedly) and my mom had surgery.  The whole time period is like a blur to me and still makes me cry when I reflect on it.  (I guess that this coming year is The Year of Surgery; it is tentatively scheduled for March.)

 It was The Year of Milestone Birthdays for 3 out of 4 children.  Lauren turned 13, Maria turned 10, and Hunter (at the end of the year) turned 16.

 It was The Year of Colorado. We spend almost two weeks in Colorado. One of those weeks was our first "joint" vacation with my sister and her family.  I could write a whole blog posts on "The Year of..." just based on our vacation (year of snow in June, year of hiking to a glacial lake, year of ziplining and whitewater rafting, etc.).

 It was also The Year of Reconnecting. I was able to reconnect with a couple of dear friends this year, one being Audrey (pictured below), a dear friend from college.  I also later was able to reconnect with my dear friend Brandi as we watched volleyball games together.

 It was The Year of the Mouse. Eek!  If you know me at all, you know that mice strike fear in my heart. And for whatever reason, we had three of these critters (all caught and released away from our house) in our house. 

 It was The Year of Chauffeuring.  At one point, Maria was playing volleyball...

 Hunter was running cross country...

 Lauren was playing volleyball...

 and Hunter was also playing soccer. 

Of course, there was also school (3 different schools), church, and other activities.  Our days were rather busy. My head is still spinning.

It was (sadly) The Year I Did Not Go to the Beach.  It was NOT for lack of trying.

The Year of Challenges.

The Year of Jigsaw Puzzles.

The Year of Working Out.

The Year of 1000 Miles.  (Walked or run according to my Fitbit)

The Year of Change.

The Year of a Blogging Rest.  I never really intended for it to be. It just kind of happened. I guess because all of the above happened.

But (thankfully) 2014 is gone.

And the new year is upon us.

I don't have "resolutions" necessarily. But I have goals.

And blogging again is one of them.

So check back soon!  (I will likely update my personal blog more than this one; just ask for an invite if you would like one)

And happy New Year to you!

Reba

43 and Counting...

It is that time of year. 

My birthday.

My 43rd birthday.

I have actually started losing count. To figure out how old I am, I have to subtract my birth year from the current one.

But if my kids ask, I am 29.

Anyway, every year I write a post about my blessings for the year.  So this year, I am going to share 43 things I am thankful for...in no particular order.

43 Blessings

43.  Sushi...which I can only eat with chopsticks.  Just doesn't feel right using a fork.
42.  My "blanket"...a certain blanket that stays on our bed.  It is just the right weight for me. I often use it at night when I am chilling on the computer or when I need a nap.
41.  Speaking of naps, afternoon naps. I LOVE my afternoon naps.  Even better when the pup is curled up next to me.
40.  Reading glasses.  I hate that I need them but glad they are there when I do!
39.  Working out with my co-workers...even though I am usually really sore the next day.  Will that ever stop?
38.  Reconnecting with friends from earlier parts of my life.
37.  An ice cold Coke at the end of a long day.
36.  Sunsets.  The colors across the sky are truly God's handiwork.
35.  Finding cash unexpectedly (that I probably stashed away in a "safe" place only to forget about it).
34.  Finding "love" notes around our house from child 4.  That child can make me cry and has a few times but also brings a lot of joy to our lives.
33.  Getting an area of the house organized and cleaned up/out.
32.  A hike in the woods on a beautiful fall day.  Especially if it leads to a waterfall.
31. A rainbow in the sky on a cloudy day.
30.  My chilled dark chocolate with sea salt caramel squares...I eat one each day.  Good for the heart. :)
29.  Jeans and a Razorback shirt, my favorite outfit.
28.  Reading the comics each day.
27.  The servant's heart of child 3...she loves to be a helper around the house (as long as it is her idea :).
26.  My pedicured toes in the warm sand, the smell of salt water, sea gulls flying overhead.  Oh how I love the beach!
25.  Parmesan cheese.  I will eat it with almost anything.  Or just by itself.
24.  A fuzzy dog curled up on my feet as I type this.  She is such an example of devotion, complete devotion, to me. 
23.  Walks around the neighborhood after dark with the Hubs and the pup on a starry night.
22.  A new book to read (and the time to read it!).
21.  HGTV...pretty much the only TV I watch. 
20.  My crockpot which certainly makes our lives a little better and helps me with dinner. Often.
19.  My quiet times...times alone with His word and prayer. 
18.  Our second floor. Didn't appreciate it as much in January when we were without heat but SOOOO love it now.  It has honestly changed our lives.
17.  White lilies and magnolia blossoms...not really together. But they both make my heart happy.
16.  A hot shower after a long workout.
15.  Shrimp. Cooked any way. Cooked all ways.  Even better when I don't have to be the one to clean it. :)
14.  Shopping with Child 2, our favorite "together" activity. She makes me laugh.
13.  My iPod music...an eclectic mix. Each song has a meaning, a memory.
12.  My Fitbit which keeps up with my steps so I don't have to.
11.  My job.  One of the few places I ever feel like a "rock star". Every day.
10.  The dependability of child 1...I can always count on him.
9.  Warm Vanilla Sugar bath gel.
8.  New Sharpies.
7.  A full tank of gas. Especially if I didn't have to pump it.
6.  The colors of fall in the Ozarks.
5.  Hearing from former students.  Always makes my heart smile.
4.  Heated seats on a cold day.
3.  Supermoons and meteor showers. I love the world our God created!
2.  Floating on the Buffalo (even when I tip over).
1.  You!  Thank you for being my friend.  I am blessed.

Reba