Saturday, February 21, 2009

sweet jewelry

My daughter has loved jewelry since she was old enough to talk. She loves little bracelets and necklaces that match her uniqueness and beauty! We made this cute glass piece together, made from authentic japanese papers. It was our first one...I think it turned out wonderfully!

Also, since the beginning of last year, I've started a journey of love for the written word. What I mean is I've been interested in
writing and designing jewelry with words "written in my heart," that is words of affirmation, inspiration, and passion.  This one is personalized but I'm in the process of creating others with a heartfelt message. It is a sweet hand-stamped sterling silver disc with gorgeous crystals or semi-precious stones.

I'd love to also include creating jewelry with acai beads, a bead that is a by product of acai berries that are known to give wisdom, strength, and good health. They are eco-friendly and acai is saving the Amazonian rainforest from extinction.

Lots of ideas and so little time...

Thursday, February 19, 2009

giggle and wiggle

I've been into videos lately - can you tell? I giggle every time I watch my son wiggle! I just learned how to post videos on you tube, blogger, and facebook. I know, finally! 


Sunday, February 15, 2009

cheerios monster

I have a cookie monster eating cheerios in my kitchen. He's not blue or from Sesame Street but he's cute...

Saturday, February 14, 2009

sweet valentine

Hope you had a terrific Valentine's Day! We sure did! Our kids made precious Valentines for us. Our 3 year old daughter decorated a card for me. She lovingly gave me this one...(ERSHP) and she said, "Here's your card, mommy!" How wonderful! I think it says mommy on it? 

We had a blast at the kids' homeschool Valentine's Day party yesterday. The mom who organized the party was so creative! She made a bingo game and had the girls decorate cookies and cupcakes, to name a few of the activities to keep the kids occupied. We were indoors because of the rain, but we made the best of it! I'm going to post some pictures on facebook so you can see the creative talents of all the kids who made tasty goodies!

You probably love music like I do. You'll have to check out Pandora for free internet radio. You'll love it! I'm listening to Pandora right now while I'm typing. You can set up your favorite songs to play with no commercials! Oh, just had a thought! And yes, it works! You can type in "Disney" and with just a click of a button you can set up Disney Channel songs that play with no interruptions! No bothersome commercials that sell the kids on stuff that they don't need but think they need because they heard it on the radio or saw it on TV. Thank you Pandora!

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

mommy intelligence

I have felt unintelligent before. I'm a stay-at-home mom of four and homeschool the two older ones. I put all my efforts into raising and teaching my kids, while saving some time and energy for my husband! Very little left for just me to do what I want to do. I mean, how much intelligence does it take to do a load of laundry or turn on the dishwasher or change a diaper?? If you have felt like this before, I have hope for you.

You need to read The Success Journey by John C. Maxwell. Books by him, in my opinion, aren't usually geared for the mom types. I used to think that they were mostly for the corporate business minded types. But lately I've been very glad to have them around. I was cleaning the living room (miracle!) and came across The Success Journey. He has a section on "Steps to Building a Strong Family." In this section, he states that there are certain tools for us to help us appreciate each family member's uniqueness and to enhance our ability to see each other's natural talents. One of the tools is Thomas Armstrong's book, Kinds of Smart.

There are seven kinds of intelligences in Kinds of Smart. Now, I do not have linguistic intelligence, logical-mathematical intelligence, spatial intelligence, or the few others that are mentioned. My husband is blessed with those! But what did catch my eye is the Interpersonal Intelligence. It is described as understanding and working with people. Armstrong says, "Those who have this intelligence are able to perceive and be responsive to the moods, temperaments, intentions, and desires of others."

I HAVE INTELLIGENCE!!! I know when my friends need someone to talk to. I know when my kids need a pep talk. I know when my three year old needs a spanking. (Ok, not rocket science.) I know when my husband needs me to be his sounding board for his ideas and thoughts. I am no longer just the housewife...I am MOM and I am INTELLIGENT! 

Thursday, January 15, 2009

life lessons #1: top 5 reasons to have good friends

I believe that good friends keeps life interesting and enjoyable, as well as has health benefits. Relationships are not just important, they are necessary. Good friends are good for you.

1. Friends share all the stories of life – the good, the bad, and the ugly.

What about the time my three year old stuck a tic tac in her nose? I was distraught when telling my story to my friends, stricken with the thought that she would actually do such a thing. But I found out that a friend of mine has a child that, when he was young, stuck food in his EAR and up his nose. What giggles we had sharing stories!

2. Friends give support when life has its setbacks.

I was furious when my child’s homeschool test was erased after spending hours typing the answers (not really hours but it seemed to take forever) and I needed to vent my frustration. My friend was there for me. Needless to say that she told me that my son should do it faster the second time around because he already knew the answers. That didn’t help because typing for a 3rd grader is almost a aggravating as trying to put a three year old to bed. She did help me by letting me vent and helping me brainstorm about things I could do to prevent it from happening ever again. That is a friend.

3. Friends are the sounding board in your life.

Personal growth is important not only in your business life, but also your personal life. I believe in personal development books to help shape your thinking, your habits, and your beliefs. But books do not take the place of those around you who can who can offer experiences that you can relate to…oftentimes better than a well-known author.

4. Friends make social activities are more fun.

I have met some friends through our kids’ activities and sports. Part of the fun is experiencing them together with other parents! Our son’s football team just had their end of year banquet. That marks the end of a tremendous undefeated season! They were league champs, division champs, and won the Superbowl! Go Cowboys! I miss the trials and tribulations of the moms and dads. We either had practices or games 4 times a week! You get to know the other families when you see them that often! Phew!

5.   Friends help reduce stress.

Let’s face it. Women are emotional. When we are sharing time with our friends, we think less of ourselves. It is my personal experience that the less I think of myself, the less critical I am about cleaning the house, my parenting skills, my need to exercise more, etc. In fact, the less I am alone with my own thoughts, the better off I am! Reducing stress has heath benefits.

***   ***   ***   ***

Friendships are to be savored…each memory together is like a chocolate cake with heavenly rich frosting and sweet chocolate shavings on top. Each honest comment (that you may not want to hear) is like sinful empty calories, unwanted and hard to bear. But each helpful word of encouragement is like a mouthwatering bite of sugary bliss that you cannot live without.

Friendships take time. Meet for coffee. Email each other, text each other, or mail a card. We are often busy with life but don’t be too busy to say I’m thinking of you! Give of your time, energy, and most of all your heart.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

valentine's day gifts

Want to send a little bit of love every time you send a card? Check out these pop-open cards at Compendium, Inc. They are fun to give and get! It's a little smile wrapped up in a card. Drop one in your kids' lunch bag to let them know your are thinking of them. Brighten your co-workers day! Encourage and inspire!

Here's the sassy description of the LOVE Window Card Collection

One month of daily flirting. Add romance to your love life with 30 pop-open love notes. Hide one under the pillow. Place one on the mirror. Give one card or the whole collection, and you'll make someone's day. 

Very unique! Enjoy!

Photo property of Compendium, Inc.