Anxiety

Brene Brown (http://brenebrown.com/) is fabulous! I just love her!
I enjoy her books and her TED talks. The one thing I have learned from her is being vulnerable. When we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, it creates space for others to be vulnerable as well. To me, being vulnerable is just being ourselves - no masks.

Being vulnerable also means embracing the parts of ourselves we don't particularly like. I have been struggling with some pieces of my life. I feel overwhelmed more than I care to. I yell at my husband more than I should (which is never). I only feel comfortable at home when it's uncluttered (hardly ever). I cannot seem to relax unless the chores are completed - at least visually.

This weekend I was alone in the house! Just the dog and me. I got the main level and my bedroom to a space where I felt calm. Once my family came home and they started "living" in the house, my anxiety increased. I could feel it in my stomach. This isn't a fun way to live.

I have decided to speak openly when I feel overwhelmed. I am also going to chat with a doctor to search other options. I also have a fabulous life coach Melissa: http://melissahealycoaching.com/ whom I speak with a few times a year. Hope it all helps!

Just don't drive like an asshole

I recently went to Phoenix for a family reunion. My kiddos went with me. The husband stayed home to care for our dog and his Mom. I got to see my Mom and Dad and many, many, many cousins. I even got to see an old friend in Santa Fe. As I was driving, most people were kind and courteous. The traffic flowed well, even in Phoenix. However, there were a few of "those drivers". A few people thought it was OK to drive 20 miles per hour over the stated limit. Said drivers thought it was okay to cut everyone off in his way. I kept yelling, "Don't be an asshole!" This will be my teaching advice to my children when they are old enough to start driving. Just don't be an asshole. 

Lily is a DECADE!

Lily, you are a full decade! The double digits!

Lily, this is how I see you at age 10: 

• You are a fabulous artist. You love to draw and color. You enjoy all types of arts and crafts. I am amazed at your artistic abilities.
• You are a good friend. You good buddies at School In The Woods are: Tayler, Helen, Anna, Koa and Keegan
• Your teacher is Ms. Zaranek at School in the Woods. You were so happy you got into this school. I believe this school year will change you for the better and will be a memory you have your entire life. 
• You are a night owl. Given your choice, you'd stay up until 10pm and sleep in until at least 8am. 
• You love all things sweet, minus chocolate. You are always up for a treat. (You and I are similar, night owl sweet tooth people). 
• You enjoy reading. You have been reading Percy Jackson, Harry Potter and anything about Greek gods. 
• You want to be an ornithologist when you grow up. You know quite a bit about birds already. 
• You are kind and caring. When someone is upset, it upsets you as well and you are quite giving with your hugs. 
• You are strong. You are your own person and you are confident in this knowing. I am so very proud of who you are. 
• Your favorite meal would be a plate of potatoes. 
• You are a collector. You find value in many items. 

My childhood is chipping away

2016 was a very rough year for celebrity deaths. Many of these people were quite popular when I was a child. These deaths make me feel a bit old. More than feeling old, the older I get the more sensitive I become and I cry when I think about the family and friends they have left.
Carrie Fisher - I loved her humor and her strength. George Michael - I loved his music and his kindness. You will be missed.

http://fiftiesweb.com/dead/dead-people-2016/

Jack is 8!

Jack, today you are 8 years old! You bring joy to my life every day. What a fabulous 8 years it has been. I love you always! 

This is how I see you as an 8 year old: 

• You are so very kind. You are a good friend, brother and son. 
• You laugh often. 
• You absolutely love your sister. 
• You love pizza and pasta. 
• You don't like sweets so much. You didn't have any cake on your birthday because "it's too much sugar". 
• You like to play Minecraft. 
• You enjoy Pokemon and Star Wars. 
• You give random hugs everyday. Please keep up this practice. 
• You are a homebody. You enjoy staying at home in your pajamas. 
• You like to play mini-golf. 
• You would wear a t-shirt everyday if you could, even when the high is -3 degrees. You seem to never get cold. 
• You like to go sledding. 
• You kick my butt in Uno. 
• You are quick with math. 
• You have an eye for puzzles. 
• You think creatively often. This will serve you well through your life. 

May you keep your sweetness through the years. Be Jack always, the world needs you!