S.O.S: When you just can't take it anymore

Ever felt like you just can't take it anymore? Like the world is coming against you and nothing you can do is ever good enough, even for the ones whom you are always giving to endlessly and without expectation of anything in return? Yeah.. me too.

Can I give you one tiny little clue that can turn things around?  It is really too simple, and I have talked about it many times before.

Gratitude

Just saying THANK YOU (3 times) even in a situation you do not appreciate can turn things around. No, your not saying thank you for the pain, hurt feelings, or what not but there is always something to be thankful for!

Let's say you are having a tough time in your marriage. It just seems like no matter what you do it just gets worse instead of better. Here is what I have learned (yes, I have been in this same predicament a few times... I still have to take a step back and remember.)

1. Stop trying! Kind of like cleaning a cut, the more you try to scrub the germs out the more it hurts.
2. Take a deep breath. Even when it feels hopeless, you have come this far! Don't give up!
3. Say Thank you Thank you Thank you to things you are learning through this. Here are a few examples of mine:

a) Thank you Thank you Thank you that each time we go through this rough patch, in the end we are closer than we ever were before.
b) Thank you Thank you Thank you that each morning is another chance to say I love you ~ not with words but with action, followed by a few whispers. ( Do you remember being a kid laying the dark and a whisper sounded almost too loud?.. Sometimes words are too loud ~ even well meaning ones)
c) Thank you Thank you  Thank you that I have been given the gift of this relationship and it has grown through the years.

4. Then I would begin thinking of all qualities that you find appealing about your spouse.
a) He's downright handsome.
b) He is giving and kind.
c) He is thoughtful and wise and doesn't make rash decisions (most of the time).
d) He is an amazing provider for our family.
e) He is modest and really doesn't like to be gushed over ~ though that is where I have a NEED, it makes me realize and be thankful we are not the same.

Most times, by the time I am done doing all the above, I can feel much better about what is going on. If I am still feeling uneasy, I continue digging a bit deeper. Sometimes I am just overwhelmed and tired! Sometimes I am about to be PMSing! And ya know what.. sometimes I am just having a BAD day!




I am in the midst of a second round of a Gratitude Journey that I am documenting on YouTube. Here is that playlist if you want to check it out! Gratitude.... is the answer to everything!

S.O.S: Realistic Goals & November Goal Setting

When the school year began I was going strong both at home and work as well as with my writing. Fast forward to today I am a bit worn for the wear. In reality, I have been given a head lights glance at why at times I have felt so very overwhelmed.

Let me first say that I give no ownership to the way I was feeling to anyone but myself. I am a mother who encourages her children to go after their dreams and to set goals in order to achieve them. I must realize though that in some form or another I am also a catapult that helps them get there. None of them are driving which makes me the transporting adult especially since most times my husband is working at those needed times.

With that said, I want to say that I am pretty darn proud of my family. My husband has been available to fill in the gaps for me a few times. The kids have been patent waiting on one another to get out of practice when there schedules overlap. We have found time to still spend as a family and there has even been a couple of times where I have stood up and stopped everything because I know I simply needed to spend time with my husband. As a woman being pulled into many directions it truly is my responsibility for my husband to know that I had not forgotten him or our marriage relationship.

Now, when I set goals for myself there are a lot more areas to take into account. My goals do not only effect me, nor are only reliable on myself. Well, in reality that is not true. But I must take into account other factors that effect the ability to reach the goals I desire. I wasn't so smart in my goal setting for the beginning of the school year. I didn't take into account all those extra hours in the car either picking up, dropping off, or attending a sporting event. I didn't take into account that I would be tired from all the keeping up with home stuff, working with 15 busy three year old preschoolers, when I make my writing goals. IN a perfect world, I would be completely done and marketing #mydirtylittlesecret!

I have made a few goals for November that I long to achieve. We have two weeks of football (including drill competition team tryouts) left, followed by basketball tryouts. I also have one week of Thanksgiving break off of school which will help in a few of the projects you will see listed below. Some of them are indeed weather dependent, others are just my own planning and diligence.

November Goals

Priority
1. Finish writing #mydirtylittlesecret
2. Release weight (Range 15 to 20 pounds for the month). (That journey can be followed over at a seperate blog : http://lowcarbmomma.blogspot.com/
3. Regain consistent content on www.oneprettylittlebox.com
4. Clean Carpets
5. Publish 3 Vlogs on YouTube a week.

Remaining
1. Declutter Garage
2. Flowerbeds
3. Read at least one book for pleasure
4. Work with various types of media on sharing #mydirtylittlesecret
5. Haircut

Do you make monthly goals? If you do, I'd love to know what they are so I can support and encourage you!

S.O.S: Encouragement for Working Moms!

Oh Yes I did! I just said that this post is for busy working mommas! I know that not all of my readers are working moms, but on the other hand not all of them are stay at home moms either. This post really is for everyone ~ because we could ALL use some encouragement from time to time especially during busy times of our year (or lives).

Reality #1
NOT ALL of us can do what we need to do in our homes in the mornings. I say that not as lightly as some would like because I already get up at 4 in the morning. Some mornings I can get my morning "to do's" done, some mornings I need just a bit more quiet momma time with coffee. It happens. I am a preschool teacher who is giving out of herself from 6:45 in the morning (after already giving out to my own husband and teenagers). Sometimes the extra thirty minutes to myself in the morning is just what I need to keep going all day.

Reality #2
Getting through our daily to do's is important ~ it just doesn't always have to be mornings! I still have a "to do" list every day but I no longer expect to do the things in the mornings (unless of course I am off that day) but am content if they are done before bedtime. Some days I get it all done in one big chunk, sometimes I spread it out with a little done in the morning, rest as soon as I get home from work. Sometimes I leave it all before bed! The point is... it doesn't matter when the things get done as long as they get done!

Reality #3
Sometimes, just sometimes we need to realize that more times than not if our homes are cleaned regularly ~ it only takes minutes to clean up! On the day that I did this video I cleaned for an hour but it also included vacuuming the blinds, polishing the dining room table, and taking a few moments to straighten up the cabinet in the kids' bathroom.

Yes I believe in cleaning daily.
Yes I believe that the state of your home is reflective of the state of your heart and mind.
Yes I believe that you are worth more than a clean house!



This blog post also has a coordinating YOU TUBE video to go along with it as well to give you some VISUAL inspiration/encouragement!

S.O.S.: Preparation for what's ahead

It's been awhile since I have taken some time to write out a blog post ~ most likely a week or so, and I know that you are getting used to that song and dance. Yes, I live a busy life right now! And it is through that I am learning something BIG!

I have been told "embrace those moments because they go fast and all of a sudden you will be bored because the busy times end". But deep down inside I know this is different from the norm. Let me see if I can explain.

I have shared that I have a deep desire to write, speak, and lead conferences in encouraging women especially busy moms to get more out of this life then simply surviving. We were not put on this world as a test to see if we can "survive". We are not living a non reality version of the hit tv show  Survivor!

This was an epic week for me both in my career as a preschool teacher, and as said speaker that I desire to be. I got to experience two football games, four days of lots of little hugs, a day of sharing and watching women be vulnerable and REAL with one another and still kept laundry up, house cleaned, and dinner on the table. We did not eat out once. I am tired, but in the same breath I am rejuvenated and feel ALIVE with purpose.

The speaking engagement went better than I could ever imagine. Work went well and my personal life is thriving too. BUT YES... I am busy from most days 4 am straight until about 8 or 9 when I finally say enough is enough! On Monday I realized God is getting ready to do something big in my life and is releasing my ties that bind me to thinking I have only one purpose in this life. I woke up ready ~ and still at that moment not 100% sure exactly the game plan for Tuesday morning's speaking engagement. By Monday night I was ready to go ~ handout ready and I had peace. Not ONE moment of fear, not moment of being anxious. Why? I knew that it was ordained by HIM ~ and what needed to be said would be said, and He had who needed to be there including myself. For once, I didn't lack confidence in what I was doing, nor did I question my ability.

On Thursday I began to get a good sense of this busy week especially since I took the afternoon and got some landscaping done on our yard after work before afternoon practice pick ups. That morning and through the time I was mowing I could hear the quiet whisper "This busy life your living now, is only in preparation for what is to come when your dreams and goals all come into fruition." Then it hit me. This is exactly what is happening, and in a huge way I am so very grateful for this prepping season. This morning after I had my shower and was getting dressed as well as gathering the dirty clothes and making the bed, I was preparing this post and how I wanted to share the lesson at hand and was given another whisper deep within. "A marathon runner doesn't just go out there and start running a race. There is a time of preparation that is needed to prepare them mentally and physically for the race at hand. The dreams and goals I have for my life will indeed be like running a marathon on some days, and these crazy busy days that are becoming normal for me are just a preparation for me as well as to what is to come.

Many look at difficult times as a reason to complain or even get flustered, but KNOWING that I am actually being prepared for something GREAT, is heart warming and even exciting! I appreciate the slower paced days a bit more, and take on a crazy busy day with a bit of a better attitude because this is what I want!

S.O.S: Rest, refocus, and regroup!

Sit down for a cup of yummyness while we chat for a bit! I love that you are here with me, and that you come to this place I call "home" on the internet. Got your cup? Amazing! Let's begin!

Earlier on the facebook page for One Pretty Little Box, I had asked the question: "How are you coping with "back to school" and creating a new routine!?"

I can tell you for me, I have felt a bit of a struggle with it all. Remember, on top of back to school (which effects the kids AND myself since I am a teacher) I also have a daughter on the drill team in high school and twin boys who are playing football for the middle school. Our life is busy. Throw on top of that ~ neighborhood gatherings (which I ADORE) on the weekends for poker, football watching, or just hanging out together and you can say that I really have felt overwhelmed at the time.

In fact that is the reason behind this post.

Many of you have told me that you too are overwhelmed and my instant reaction is to tell you to not be so hard on yourself as you are finding your new groove, to rest, refocus on what is most important and to regroup. Yes, in that order.

But see... I don't always TAKE my own advice! Until Now!

Rest
Perfectly timed, this is a three day weekend! Yes I have been doing some Autumn decorating and some much needed catch up on cleaning and laundry but it has been at my pace, not getting it done in the time left over. HUGE difference.

Refocus
Go back to what matters most. For me it is my family, teaching career, and writing. I have a couple of books in the works, but yet I struggle to find the time and energy. I feel drained ~ and I honestly think a lot of that is because I am spreading myself out too thin ~ NOT as in doing too much but more of doing too much of what no longer brought me as much joy. Don't get me wrong when I say blogging is one of those things. I loved blogging for so long ~ it was my way of sharing who I am. I have been blogging for almost 13 years now (I had a blog before this one). I love providing content that makes you guys happy, I really do. I love sharing recipes and funny little stories. But it is hard to blog and write at the same time. Many bloggers who are also writers have some behind the scenes ghost writers and I do not (nor will) have that! When I write, I give you me ~ not someone else. With that said I am needing to make a few hard choices over the next few months.

Regroup
With all that said, I am spending some time today regrouping. Prioritizing time, and energy to where it is needed at this time. Blogging will no longer be something I "have" to do ~ but get to do when time allows. Writing however will take a front seat! I hope to have a release of #mydirtylittlesecret come the beginning of October. Also early October I will be the guest speaker at a MOPS meeting so I need to prepare for that as well.

I challenge you when you begin to feel overwhelmed to first rest, refocus and regroup!

S.O.S: The can vs the will

I am sitting here just enjoying a slower paced morning than the rest of my week has been. Time to sip my coffee not chug it, and to enjoy experiencing the morning waking up and stretching. I normally would be out the door in the dark ~ with the sun just barely breaking through but because my own teens are not yet in school I needed to drop off/pick up from drill practice and take the twins in for football gear, lockers, and turn paperwork in for their athletic year. I will be going in to work for a few hours, but I know that having a slower start was just what I needed this morning. It was just what my inner-being needed too.

That paragraph was out of my morning journal for yesterday (Friday). I had an amazing but busy day yesterday and I think it was because I was understanding a few minor things that needed my main focus. One of them is personal responsibility. Yes I am a busy mom, but I am not the only busy mom out there. There are many of us who are armed and ready to take our kids back and forth from one activity to another, while still holding down our homes in a clean state, putting dinner on the table while not resorting to take out every night, and some of us are even working outside jobs while chasing our dreams in the process!

Inhale. Exhale, Breathe.

Personal responsibility is needed in the understanding of why we do what we do. See, I could sit and complain but what good does that do? I LOVE that our kids are involved in sports and extra curricular activities because they are learning a ton that will take them far in their life. They are learning about healthy competition. They are learning to better themselves by practicing and more practicing. They are learning to listen and operate under authority in a proper way and safe environment. And they also are opening doors of opportunity to serve, minister, and make life long friendships, let alone it looks great on a college application. Knowing that ~ I have no right to complain about "my time" being interrupted, being tired, etc.

Inhale. Exhale. Breathe.

The whole saying that I have quoted up top is that people don't always make the right choices in choosing what they desire. What they "will" do is definitely not the same as what they can (or should) do. That is their given right. But at some point when we want to live a better life and be able to do more survive we MUST begin to make our can's and will's have the same intention and desire. It's not easy, and sometimes it is downright hard but no one promised living a life that you desire isn't something you have to work hard for. No one promised that it would be easy. No one promised that you wouldn't have to sacrifice what is good for what is better. In fact I will tell you that if you are not willing to work hard, and be willing to sacrifice then please don't make excuses. Just be honest with yourself and others and say "I am not ready."

Inhale. Exhale. Breathe.

If you are ready to do more with your life then you also need to be ready to leave the excuses, lazy  habits behind and push forward to do more than you ever have before even if it means you will not see the fruit for a while. Harvest doesn't happen right after the planting.

S.O.S: Perspective

What an amazing week! I should have known when I shared about Confidence on Monday's Motivation post that God was ready to do some big confidence building things. It never fails, he does prepare us for what's to come ~ and that doesn't just apply to negative things!

This week I was in meetings, in-service, classroom prep, and eventually Open House & Meet the Teacher night at the preschool in which I work at. This coming year will be my 12th year as a preschool teacher (yes, in the same center). I have years where I felt really unsure of who I am in the classroom, as an employee, heck even as a woman. I have had years where I was bold in my position as a teacher. But there is something about this year for me that is different. I can already feel it.

Not long ago I wrote about the importance of a cocoon phase and how I could feel that I was needing that protection. Who knew that in a few weeks I would be sitting here writing telling you that my wings are being stretched. I am not quite flying and fluttering around but I know with confidence that it is coming!

If you are in a season of fear, anxiety, or even just at a standstill I want to encourage you to understand and know that you have the capabilities inside you to pull through. A few weeks ago I felt so desperately in a void. I couldn't quite put my finger on it ... I just knew I was struggling inside AND outside. There were a few nights I even would cry myself to sleep because I just felt so ..... desperate.

Desperation usually leads us to one of two places. Deep(er) depression, or it motivates us to become better. Thankfully... becoming better won out! I know how it feels. When I tell you those things, please know that I am not just using words ~ I desperately KNOW how darkness feels. Just as much as I know how feeling like your on top of the word feels, I can very easily imagine how being in the lowest place of life can feel too.

Since I made the conscious effort to share "Creating a Classroom They Never Want to Leave" as a freebie chapter by chapter here on the blog, I know that it's time to return to writing #mydirtylittlesecret. The time away from it was a time to regroup, do a little bit of healing and internal forgiveness. Now? I am ever more confident that I must pursue this like a dehydrated horse upon a lake.

Every situation has the capabilities to be a growing experience it just depends on the perspective in which it is viewed in. When your emotions are involved in your perspective, it influences your perspective in a HUGE way. The difference in me from a few weeks ago is that my perspective indeed has changed and thankfully improved.

S.O.S: Daily Home Blessing Habits that Make the Difference

This past week I asked one question on Facebook that I have just been itching to know. I was a bit surprised at the answers I received but I also know that we all have our own list of what is important to us at this very moment ~ and that is how it should be. It is always interesting to see everyone's habits and how the compare. It doesn't say anything more or less about a person that is for sure, it is just interesting.

So, the question was this :

In our home we have two adults, three teenagers (two of whom which are boys), and a kitty cat. We have two bathrooms. Both bathrooms get used quite a bit during the day. We also have a kitchen, living room, dining room, three bedrooms, a foyer, a laundry room, and a garage. Add on to that a front walkway, entry area and a back patio.

I used to be a let's just do it when it needs to be done kind of person. Then I went to trying to do a few things a week so that the weekends were not packed with tons of cleaning and catching up. I have evolved into a daily routine that has not only freed up my entire weekend but keeps our home in a clean order 90% of the time. I do have days where I am sitting right here in front of the lap top (or any other area of the house I move to ~ that is the benefit of a laptop) scheduling out posts, editing videos, writing books, or doing school planning. Guess what?! It also leaves me free to do a whole lot of socializing on the weekends and evenings as well.

So I thought what if I did my whole morning routine and timed it just to show that it really doesn't take a whole lot of time to clean a home. I only did my usual clean up which did not include making the bed (or changing sheets which I do twice a week on the Master bed, and once a week for the kids beds), moping of the kitchen and foyer, yard work, sweeping the front and back patios (though let's face it that takes a whole five minutes), or any other deep cleaning. This is just my daily list which I usually do first thing in the morning. I did include a task in the bathrooms that I do twice a week simply because it needed to be done and I wanted to show that it did not tack on a whole lot of time.

I like to start in the kitchen because I am already in there making the husband's breakfast and lunch. When I finish that I get the following done and it only takes me 9 minutes. I will show you the breakdown:

Wipe down counters and surfaces(appliances on the counter such as coffeepot, Keurig, lamp as well as the front of the dishwasher, cabinets, and stove.)
Clean the cook-top on our stove
Wipe out the microwave
Clean the sink
Unload the dishwasher (This takes 4 of those 9 minutes, and I often do it as I am cooking his breakfast/lunch)
Sweep floor and Swiffer mop


After the kitchen I will go into the kids bathroom and do the following for 5 minutes and 43 seconds:

Wipe down sink, counter, toilet
Scoop the cat-box
Sweep/mop
Empty trash

When I finish their bathroom I go into the master bathroom and do the following in 5 minutes and 41 seconds. While I do not have to scoop the cat box in our bathroom, our bathroom is quite a bit larger.

Wipe down sink, counter, toilet
Sweep/mop
Empty trash

After finishing the master bathroom I take my cloth that I had been using and put it in the dirty clothes. Next on this list is to vacuum the entire house. This includes the dining room, living room, kitchen rug (it's an area rug), hallway, and all the bedrooms. Before I start vacuuming I move all the dining room chairs into the kitchen and wipe down our table with a Pledge wipe. Wiping the table, moving the chairs, and vacuuming the house takes me a whole 11 minutes and 40 seconds.

That whole routine takes me 31 minutes and 4 seconds. Daily. And by doing those things our bathrooms stay clean, the kitchen stays clean, and the floors for the most part stay clean.

What I haven't listed is my daily laundry routine which is :
1 load of kid clothes in the washer before bed. If I am still up when the load finishes it I toss it in the dryer. In the morning I will add the laundry out of the master bedroom to the washer as soon as the husband leaves for work. This ensures that I can not only fold the kids laundry and have it put away, but the new load can be tossed in the dryer and then be finished up when I return home from work.

In the evening I am able to concentrate on dinner, pick ups from practice, writing, etc.

Now:
*Mirrors/TV's/Dusting ~ these get done weekly or more if needed.
*yard work ~ these get done weekly. Sometimes in an afternoon when I have free time, otherwise on the weekends. I enjoy yard work.
*garage ~ it gets picked up weekly, but deep cleaned every three months.
*Entry way I mop it twice a week.
*Tubs and showers: The master bathroom shower gets cleaned daily as I am showering. I take the time to clean it while I am in there. The kids' bath/shower I get the teenage girl to do it twice a week while she is in there taking a shower or as a quick thing when I get home from work.

Keeping our homes clean really doesn't take as much time as we would like to make it out to be. Now mind you, I am out of the little kid stage of my life ~ and I have taught our children that their stuff stays in their room. They also know when I go to vacuum there bedroom their bed needs to be made and things need to be put away. It hasn't always been this nice of a routine, and I have worked diligently through all the stages of having two infants and a toddler to now three teens. I can promise you it gets easier as they grow, and you mature. Typically we put off too many things out of feeling overwhelmed when really we work it up in our minds to be more that it really is.

You have to find what works for you!

Cleaners I use:
Method All Purpose Cleaner ~ that is what I wipe down just about every surface of our home with. I spray it and wipe it with a cloth. When I get to the bathrooms ~ I spray even the toilet (all around and inside) but I use a Clorox wipe to wipe that down. Twice a week I will use a specified toilet bowl cleaner.
Windex: I love Windex for mirrors, windows, tvs, etc.
Pledge wipes: I use these on my dining room table as well as any wood surfaces.

*note*
During Autumn and winter ~ I add in daily cleaning of the fireplace! :)

S.O.S: Your Back to School Game Plan!

I don't know about you but I am so getting ready for the new school year! For today's S.O.S I wanted to share with you a small pdf pack of forms to help you get ready for school for your kids! I know it can be overwhelming especially for first timers as well as those who have to get multiple children ready. In this pack I am sharing are four charts on three pieces of paper.

1. Supply info!
You have a column to list the supply needed, qty needed, qty purchased, the date in which you packed it to go to school, and where you can check it off that it was sent.

2. Documents for enrollment
Every district is different, but I know ours is a highly sought after district that requires multiple steps each year. This form has a place for you to gather and check off that you have each of the following items: Birth Certificate & Social Security Card, Medical information (shots/allergies info), Previous school records if any, and proof of residency.

3. Personal shopping list
This is for your own notations of either items you have already purchased or need to purchase in the following areas: # tops, #bottoms, intimates, and shoes.

4. School & Homeroom Information
I know peace of mind is always near when I have school contact information, and in the very least my children's homeroom teachers and contact information. So on this form you can document the following:
School Phone #, Homeroom Teacher, and Homeroom Teacher Contact Information.

If you would like to have the whole pack for your own use as you get your kiddos (and yourself) ready, feel free to CLICK HERE to go to the FREE copy just for you!

S.O.S: A little fun goes a long way!

I know that I talk a lot about setting goals, and working to achieve them. I am often goal driven and work my tail off to get some of the things I want accomplished completed. With that said, I have to tell you that I have not spoken enough about how important it is to have fun!

You cannot be successful in any area of your life if you are all work and no play just as you can't find success when it is all play and no work. There has to be a balance of some sort. Yes, you will find you might have a few  more work days than you do play days, but if you make your play days worth it ~ they go a LONG way!

Last weekend, the husband and I spent a lot of time with our friends, and neighbors. It broke out in lots of conversations, laughing, jokes, dancing, and even incriminating videos! :) We also played a few games, and simply just enjoyed the company of one another, great weather, good food and drinks and well... it was just what the doctor ordered. This week I have been the most refreshed that I have been in a long time. I wasn't so worried about the little details in life that always take care of themselves.

Maybe you are not as blessed as we are to live in such a fun and fantastic neighborhood. I get that. It used to be us for eighteen years until we moved. It is still so important to plan out some fun in your weekend (or week) to get you over the hump of hard tedious work. Here are a few ideas:

1. Spontaneous Nerf Wars (This can be done inside or outside, with your family alone or even multi family! )

2. A walking potluck! Got a few good neighbors? One of you cook dinner, one serve drinks and appetizers and someone else serve dessert! Not one person's house is occupied by a ton of people, and every pitches in!

3. Out door movie night! There are so many ways (check pinterest) to have a movie projected onto your garage door! Clear out your driveway of vehicles, and allow anyone around to pull up a chair and  join in! Just have a cooler full of ice, and lots of popcorn!

4. Family game night! That is always a fun option! I enjoy playing Texas Hold Em with the guys, so I have been trying to teach the kids too! Who says you can't be a poker playing family?!

Those are just a few.. but get out there and have some fun this weekend! Come Monday, when you are refreshed and ready to tackle your week you will thank me!

S.O.S.: Be Authentically You!

What a week! Between a death in the neighborhood, sickness, and anxiety attacks.... I am just glad it is the weekend! And I am glad to be sitting here with you right now, blogging and sipping on my coffee.

This morning, I was hit with a thought that pierced me all the way deep into my inner being. And usually when this happens I find that it isn't solely just for me. It is for you as well. And it is simple really.

Be Authentically You 

Yep. One sentence. Be authentically you! Sadly though not many of us know what this means let alone how to do it.

Authentic is defined as not false or copied, being genuine and real. In a world of cookie cutter homes, mirror careers, and the desperate need to find acceptance from something outside of ones self, our true authentic self can be lost in the shuffle.

I see it, hear it, and have experienced the emptiness of ones soul because they have chosen to embark on a journey that invites them to simply live as they are told ~ not as they are able to experience it. Oh my gosh, I am sure that made no sense! Let me see if I word it a bit differently. If you were to follow in the footsteps of someone and only did what they did, a part of you ~ the real you will die. It will not have anything to encourage it to thrive. Gifts that you would be able to share with the world, that might just change not only you, but a whole generation would be lost. Words that would heal hurts and hearts would never be whispered, written, sang, or preached. Generational curses would never be broken. And sadly, your impact on the world (the reason you were created in the first place) would be lost and void.

So many of us though have no idea how to be authentic anymore as we have been living under the wishes and wants of society for far too long. While I can't give you all the answers you are going to need to put together that puzzle, I do pray that I can give you a good start.

1. Know who you are. 
What do you stand for? What are your habits (good and bad)? (Not what you want them to be, but what they are right  now.) These will tell you the deepest root of you. Embrace them. Understand them.

2. Know what your gifts are. 
Are you gifted in teaching? (Do you know even if you do not have a degree the best teachers are the ones who teach by gift. I can tell you ... there are more non gifted teachers out there right now than gifted ones.)Are you gifted in working with your hands? What about building a community? These are the things that make you different from your best friend, your spouse, even your own mother. We are not all created to do the same thing in this life, nor should be told that we are.

3. Know what goals you want to set in your life. 
Goal setting is huge. Goal setting and achieving will display your deepest true character of you, not only to you but to the world. Sadly, I know too many people who are afraid to make goals because they don't' want to fail. Not setting goals, already makes one a failure. It's not the achieving them that makes you a success in this world, it is the process in setting and doing the work in achieving them. The process itself is a journey that cannot be replaced by anything else. In reality, whether you want to admit it or not ... not setting goals is a form of setting goals. You say you do not want to fail, so you choose not to set a goal. Well, in short you set a goal to stay the same, and you achieved it. You basically succeeded in staying the same, staying stagnant, remaining complacent.

Quotes to encourage you!

"Goals are not only absolutely necessary to motivate us. They are essential to really keep us alive." ~ Robert H. Schuller

"People with clear written goals, accomplish far more in a shorter period of time than people without them could ever imagine." ~ Brian Tracy

"If you aim at nothing ~ you will hit it every time!" ~ Zig Zigler

"A goal is a dream with a deadline." ~ Napoleon Hill

Never, never, never let someone condemn you or make you feel guilty for truly being the authentic person you are. If your life does not like up with theirs or their own desires take a breath and understand we are not all on the same journey in this life. Some of us are here to be world changers, and if we just keep doing what we know to do, eventually the world around us will change. But to let you in on a little secret, if you hide your authentic self the world around you will change too but it will not be as it was intended to be for you. Don't rob yourself, or others of that experience!

S.O.S: Holler at Saving a Dollar!

Ya'll know how much I love Summer Vacation. I mean seriously I get to be a full time mommy, wife, and writer! No other responsibilities, though trust me I keep very busy with just those! But during the school year I am a teacher. A paid teacher. I do not get a salary of any kind in the summer, so I used to stress about that.

This year? Not so much! Do you know why? Every year we have proved to get by just fine. Yes, the husband works hard and sometimes harder in the summer to compensate but our bills are all paid, there is food on the table, and more than a time or two we are on an excursion to have fun in the sun!

With that said, this is one of those slim and trim weeks and for just a spit second I got a bit concerned about what and how I was going to feed the family. Sure, we have savings ~ no big deal, but we really do not like using it unless we need to. Guess what!? This week we do not need to!

I sat down yesterday morning and began to begin listing the "fixings" for meals that I already had on hand. For the moment, it was not my intention to go to the grocery store until Monday. As I began listing things I was able to come up with a tasty dinner menu that included some new recipes as well as some old (and simple) favorites. I made the grocery list for the few things I would need and decided what the heck, I would go to a discount grocery store that I do not often frequent and see how good we could come out. Who knew?! I did fantastic!

Here is what I bought from our local Joe V's:

Frozen Chicken Strips (kid's lunches) 2.97
4 Pack Totinos Frozen Cheese Pizzas 4.17
1 shredded cheddar cheese (2 cup bag) 1.77
Hickory Bacon (1 lb) 2.97
1 1/2 pound sirloin tip (for stir fry) 5.44
Oscar Meyer Chopped ham 2.37
Green onions .50
18 ct Eggs 3.42
Grands Biscuits 8 ct 1.38
Grands Biscuits 8 ct 1.38
Blueberry Muffin Mix .58
Blueberry Muffin Mix .58
1 Gallon Whole Milk 1.98
Family size Rice A Roni chicken Rice 1.68
Red Lobster Biscuit Mix 1.97
Red Lobster Biscuit Mix 1.97
4lb bag of sugar 1.84
Whataburger Spicy Ketchup 2.00
HEB Splenda 100ct 1.88
1 8 oz can of Mushroom pieces 1.08
Baking Cups 1.28
1 lb rice 1.08
Rotel Diced Tomatoes .88
Rotel Diced Tomatoes .88
1 lb bag of Shell pasta .58
Zipper Freezer Bags Gallon Size (40 ct) 1.88
10 lb bag of potatoes 2.74
Canned green beans .62
Canned green beans .62
Folgers Classic Coffee 3.47
5 lb All Purpose Flour 1.48
Honey Wheat Bread 1.85
White Bread 1.78
24 ct Ozarka Water 3.33
8 ct Powerade 3.78

Total: 68.75 (without tax 68.18)

Here is our dinner menu for the week:
Friday:Bacon grilled Cheese  & Ramen Noodles (or Tomato Soup)
Saturday: Chicken Fried Steak, French Fries, Gravy, Salad, Biscuits, and Gravy
Sunday: Roasted Chicken Thighs w/ roasted veggies, Chicken Rice, salad, and "The Best" ever rolls
Monday: Beef & Broccoli over Spicy Noodles or left over rice from night before
Tuesday: Goulash & Cornbread
Wednesday: Hamburger Steak w/ gravy over mashed potatoes, corn and green beans.
Thursday: Homemade Cheeseburger macaroni (shells really) & garlic knots

For dessert this week I will be making:
Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars
Chocolate Chip & Peanut Butter Chip cookies
Smores

As you see my family is NOT going to go hungry. In fact, they will be eating very well and really will have no clue that they are eating on a slim grocery budget. We did already have some of the meat in our freezer (burger meat, chicken thighs, hamburger steaks), and staples on hand and this is why I do that! It is easy to pull together a menu when you keep a set amount of regularly used items in your pantry and freezer. This was also a week I did not need any pet supplies, cleaning supplies, nor paper goods.

S.O.S: Creating a New Routine

As seasons change in life, and we go from one way of living to another it is often wise to sit down and create a new routine that actually matches your lifestyle at the moment. I don't know about you but there are a few times a year where my daily routine at home has to change for one reason or another. Usually it is when school starts coupled with football season, the winter/early spring, and of course summer.

So, as of yesterday afternoon I am officially on "Summer Break"! That's right ~ Summer Break! I will stand up for every teacher I know (and believe me I know a whole crew of them), and say that we wouldn't have an amazing school year without them. See, we not only have your children in our classrooms but we also have homes of our own. Many of us have children of our own ... just like you but ... we also have yours. We take your child in as one of our own, to nurture far beyond a text book, and to teach life skills that will help them later in life ~ not just for the next year but quite possibly the rest of their lives.

With that said I am one completely exhausted woman at this very moment. Emotionally, physically, mentally and just about any way you could imagine. I had less children in my classroom this year but their needs on a personal level were so much greater than that of any large class I have ever had. I have given all I have into the year ~ and when I walked out of the door for the last time today... I left every ounce of me I could possibly leave in the hearts and minds of all the children I have interacted over the last year. It's an investment. In the same breath it is a privilege.

The point of this post isn't to make you "feel" for me as a teacher, a busy mom, or as a human being. It is really to encourage you to adjust the routine that makes you a better you as often as needed. I can say that in my classroom environment I often change my classroom AT LEAST four to six times a school year. Why? Because the needs of the room change. Sometimes it has to be shook up to prevent or cure boredom. Sometimes it simply isn't functioning anymore as it once did. There is no error in making changes. Did you know that? There is HUGE error however in not making any change. Ever.

1. Know the time
Do you know the time you have available to do what needs to be done in the day? That is one of the most important things to know in order to set goals that are attainable.

2. Most important
Figure out each day what is the  most important thing that needs to be done. I can tell you I am lacking in our home the last couple of weeks ` but I have done what needed to be done at that time. For me today, rest and relaxation will most likely be on the top of the list.

3. Consistency is key
If you are creating a new routine being consistent is key. You cannot be wishy washy when creating a new routine, especially if it involves the little people of your home.

4. Apply Discipline
Yes, it may be fun to do things spur of the moment, but let me tell you when you are creating a new routine for yourself that is NOT the best option. Be disciplined to make better habits for you every single day.

5. Keep track
For the first few weeks of your new routine, keep track of it in a journal, notebook, or any other tracking tool that you find helpful. I love using my Erin Condren Life Planner!

My routine will be a bit more relaxed yet complicated at the same time. See, I won't be leaving everyday for work but I will be mapping out time to write every single day. As I find a new groove I will share with you. What is one area in your life where you need to create a new routine? Is it in exercise? Quiet time dedicated to the Lord? House blessings? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comment section!

S.O.S: How flexible are you?

This Saturday is not a "normal" one for us. Usually on Saturdays I am menu planning, grocery shopping, cleaning, and taking care of the yard. But like I said, NOT this week! This week we are having a Family Fun day which I will be sharing (hopefully) on Friday with you! We are celebrating the twins birthday ~ and the fact that we now officially have THREE teenagers in our home! WOW!

Having a change in our routine used to really just put me in a tailspin. I mean full on anxiety and panic because I would just do whatever the change was and still try to get done what I should have done. Now? I am focused, and can for the most part adjust my timing or ... actually go with the flow! Can you believe that?! I contribute most of that to living with a husband who is more spontaneous than a toddler in a toy store! And I mean that in a good way. He is always so able to just jump up and go ~ with no *gasp* plan! I think he is starting to rub off on me .. at least a little bit.

As much as I enjoy planning and following a plan, I have learned that sometimes it is fun to just go without one! Well, I say that but I think inside my brain I am still forming a plan of some sort ~ even if it is for what to do when I get back home.

Yesterday I knew of today's plans, so I was able to at least stop at the store and pick up a few things that would get us through the weekend if I decided to wait until Monday to pick up groceries. With the weather that will be coming in this afternoon/evening and into tomorrow I know that at least we have enough to get us through Monday if not maybe further. This morning I was able to wake up (on my own timing mind you ~ not the alarm clock), and still have time to get this post up, clean up a kitchen that I allowed to be a mess before bed, and do some vacuuming. If I decide to leave the rest of the house cleaning until Sunday or even Monday morning .. guess what ~ it's okay!

Summer is coming and for me that means being able to be more flexible in a schedule ~ and while I LOVE routines, and some things will stay in place I am soon going to be more flexible to make some changes in my daily habits that I have been wanting to take serious. If I am not flexible in what was once my "normal" how else would I be able to make changes?

If you do not make any change in your life in a week's time ~ you should challenge yourself to do so. Do not allow yourself to succumb to living life stuck in a rut!



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S.O.S: Embracing your journey

I know that my S.O.S title is a bit elusive and makes you think HOW is that going to "save our Saturday", but hang in there with me!

As wives, mothers, or just women in general we often have a lot on our plate of life to "digest". I don't know about you but often times life doesn't offer a "doggy bag" for another day. In fact, if we are honest with ourselves time is often feast or famine. We either have a lot of time to spare or barely any time to catch your breath before the next thing on the list to tackle.

Being a teacher, the last few weeks are just as tough and hectic as the first few weeks. Heck, just being a parent it is that way with all the projects, finals, reports, banquets, and fine art shows it is enough to make you ask "When is rest coming?". For the entire time our kids have been in school, I have been a teacher ~ so I get the best (and craziest) of both worlds.

I for one am thankful that Summer Vacation is coming! Come August when I return to school, I know that I will be refreshed and rejuvenated. I also know that ti is my goal to have written at least 2 books, and begin writing book #2 in the Ladies of Cotton Lake Series! Yes, a bit ambitious but when you have a fame that is lit deep inside of you ... there is no denying that passion. I was a bit discouraged that my first two books were not such "big hits" but again ~ who am I? To many of you I am a stranger and why would you invest your hard earned dollars into me? Well.... that WAS my thinking. This is something that I posted via social media and I decided that if your reading this ... maybe YOU are the amazing support I need! I boldly come ask you to share this link ~ and tell those you love about my books! The word says to ask ~ and that is something that has been given to me often the last week "ASK and you shall receive", so I ask YOU to share the following on your Facebook page!

Not every writer has such a sweet and strong support system as I do. I am very honored and blessed to consider you as part of my very own dynamic team. I am writing to ask you for you help in getting the word out about the two books that I have written in the last nine months. Being a writer who is also a self publisher carries the weight of self promotion as well. Currently I do not have many professional contacts in the writing and publishing field but I do have wonderful and willing friends like you! It would be greatly appreciated if you could share the following link with your contacts via various social media outlets that you use. Rest assured if you purchased an early copy of " You Are More" it has been edited and many first time overlooked mistakes have been corrected. By sharing this information you are helping me to reach many other women who are stuck in a season of their life who are feeling very overwhelmed and overshadowed. My passion for writing and sharing via the books I have written (so far) is to inspire, encourage, and uplift those who need it. Thank you for helping me reach further out than my own arms know how to on my own! If you by chance know the owner or manager of a small shop that may like to feature products from new talent feel free to share this with them as well. Again, thank you for your loving support and generosity as I strive to follow my dream of writing with purpose! Here is that link: http://www.amazon.com/Sheila-C-King/e/B00SNOX5MU/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1432209404&sr=8-1

I am embracing my life as a writer and self publisher. Some may think I am foolish for spending time writing when no one is buying but really ~ that is not why I write! I do not charge you to read my blogs do I? Nope! I write because .... well I am a writer! Each book that I publish is  process for the next one. And let me tell you ~ the next one is a doozy! #mydirtylittlesecret  Embracing the journey doesn't mean it is flawless, but it means that I have come to accept it as something truly beautiful. It is revealing my inner-self and what really matters to me in my life. It is truly about becoming who I am becoming as human being and I am amazed at how much more I accept other people's journey as the beautiful and personal gift it is. If I can't accept my journey, how can I expect others to respect it? I challenge you ~ go beyond just doing things day to day. Dig deep. What is it that you can offer the world that stretches YOU out of your comfort zone? Until you are living outside of that comfortable little box you created for yourself ~ you are neither following the path God lined out for you, nor are you embracing your true genuine self.

S.O.S: Grow and Let Grow

Before I begin, I want to thank you all for being so patient with me for the lack of posting. Between writing a book, the teenage girl drill team tryouts, work, and funny mishaps all week long (really they weren't funny but for the first time in my life I can laugh instead of worry), I just haven't had much time that matched up with words and energy. But this week alone brought MANY things I knew I wanted to share with you!

We have had so much rain around our area this past Winter and throughout Spring. Don't get me wrong, after a few dryer than normal years it was a welcome treat, but now I am reaping some of the benefits of such a blessing. I have two hydrangea bushes that I planted back in 2013.

They are growing so big this year, and have many blooms. First blooms since I planted them. Well, when I planted them they had blooms but I trimmed them.... and none grew back. I was very sad. Until the last couple of months. I have been taking a few progressive pictures but the ones in this post are from today. The neat thing is .... When I look at them, I am reminded of so much.

Let's take this picture specifically.

The innocent beauty of this bloom really just grabs my heart and leaves me speechless. Especially when I hear the gentle whisper of the Father in Heaven. See, we are much like this bloom both as individuals and as a collective whole.

As individuals there are many areas where we have good solid and strong growth. It is healthy and thriving and more than anything we LOVE this part of our life. Maybe we are pretty solid in our growth as caretakers of our home, yet we are still so tiny in budgeting or money management. Maybe we are doing well in our parenting, but our marriage is lacking. Whatever it is, it is amazing to see in a visual such as this bloom how if we stayed the same ... we would be completely out of balance and sadly we would be not as beautiful if we were growing in more than one area. For those who are striving to go after their goals, yet the other parts of their life is lacking reaching those goals are not as satisfying as they could be.

One thing I will say is that staggered growth results in the thrill and excitement of new blooms in our day to day lives. When one blossom gets full, and you get a sneak peek at a new one forming it is so exciting. We cannot expect to grow and then be done. Growing in our lives is a continued process, and just like this plant, there will be times where it feels like the growth has come to a stop as the plant goes dormant for the winter. We need to rest in those times and understand that the roots are deep and at times the plant itself has to take a break so that the roots can continue to be strong and healthy. The blossoms that we see are not exactly the fruit that is happening right this minute but .... weeks of growth that becomes evident.

That first picture is the perfect example though of how one might be growing more or less than someone right next to them. Here let me post it again, and then I will delve further in.

See, they are both beautiful, but yes one plant is bigger than the other. The larger one has more blooms on it as well. We must be patient with others that may be around us that are not growing at the same speed as us ~ whether it be slower or faster. I have often felt overshadowed when I see others around me growing faster than I, yet I wouldn't' be jealous or hurtful in anyway. I often would be wondering why I couldn't get my act together, but I never blamed them for growing so greatly. When the shoe is on the other foot though.... I don't receive as much acceptance and kindness as when I am not growing. I hate the saying "Misery loves company" and I see it all the time on Social media .... that when someone is hurting their friends and loved ones FEED INTO that.... instead of being honest and truthful. We are NOT helping someone who is living in misery by cheering them on to keep living that way. Perhaps that plant isn't growing because it is being cheered on to stay like it is... not reaching out to develop and grow better.

Be very careful in your lives, of NOT allowing others to stay as they are and not grow, and be very careful in not allowing the ones who HAVE Grown to continue to grow for your lack of support and encouragement. Sure, they may look like they are doing great ~ but inside.. they need you just as much as the plant who is struggling.

S.O.S: Pass the torch!

This week has been a beautiful world wind week that has kept me busy and made me realize really what means most to me. My faith. My husband and that relationship, Our children. Writing. Really in that order too!

On Monday I told you a a bit about a "writing deadline" that I gave myself and little did I know that was exactly the push I needed to get something incredible done. Little did I know though that Tuesday morning that "writing" project would be something that was created from scratch and not something I had already been working on yet I was going to keep the same deadline. Yep, that meant that I was going to write a book in four days. Do you know what? I did it. That's right. But... let me tell you something. The process was amazing and worthy of it's own blog post coming up this week!

With that being said, I must share that the house didn't fall apart this week. I wasn't as "strict" on my cleaning habits, but I wasn't so far off that it felt disgusting this morning when I woke up. This week was KEY for me to see that keeping up with the cleaning routines and having the daily tasks in my planner are just what this busy mom and wife need!

Saturday mornings are often my getter' done times especially if my husband is sleeping, or in today's case ` working. I didn't realize though that I would find so much to do!

One thing I have done this Spring is to pass the torch on yard work to the twins. It's hard to do, because I like to do it, but I know that I can't do it all. If they can keep the outside done not only does it give me time back into my week (an hour at that!), but it gives them something to be responsible for. They are about to be 13. So, starting this week we have a deal. One of them does the yard and the other deep cleans their room. Next week it will switch. This week I let the one who was good mowing mow the yard. The other is good at cleaning their room. Now... if they want less to do next weekend ~ they will keep up stuff this week! Especially the one who doesn't like cleaning the room!

This week the girl will tend to her room as well. *ugh* I remember being a teenager, and I remember my room staying a disaster too. It comes with the territory, but she can change those habits. She doesn't like the house being a mess, and will usually  help keep on the twins from leaving their stuff strewn about and that gives me hope that when she is a momma ... she too will have a clean and tidy  home no matter how much her room looks like a tornado went through it.

Are your kids old enough to pass the torch? Even wee ones can fold towels, socks, dust baseboards, etc.

S.O.S: Stop Hesitating & Planner Update

I have spoken much on procrastinating and how silly it really is. I think the desire to procrastinate comes from the desire to have an excuse not to accomplish the goal. Sound harsh? I don't mean it to. I just know from my own experience the more I let go of procrastinating, the more I realize how foolish I am for thinking it is a good choice to make in the first place.

I was looking over some notes I have taken while listening/watching to podcasts in the last few months and an area that hit home for what I wanted to share with you today caught my eye. It was not by accident, but was more like a reinforcement. On the paper I had written at the top "4 reasons people remain in a broke mindset" though I can't say that was the title of the podcast itself.  The fourth reason was something that caught my attention the most because it is something that I am deeply working on in my own life ~ both personally as well as professionally.

4. Too risk adverse (not taking risks is settling) 

In my own notes I had written the following words in parenthesis "surviving ~ not thriving". Wowzers! When we hesitate... we are being too risk adverse. We are settling. We are .... barely hanging on. Aren't you TIRED of that?! I know I for one am! I have put a bit more of "ME" out into the world this week. I can tell you this. It feels amazing. Do you know why? I am not hiding from anyone. I am not pretending to be something I am not. And in the mean time, I am freeing up some energy and time to stop procrastinating and getting things done. I am no longer hesitating wondering if I am doing the right thing. Trust me, you will know when you do it if it is right ~ there isn't much doubt and doing the "right thing" feels NOTHING like doing the wrong thing. Even if others might try to convince you otherwise. Deep down ... you know.

This week I have utilized my planner as far as my home management as well as time management goes and I have had a successful week. So much so that this weekend was left open and I refuse to procrastinating in getting a couple of personal projects underway. Here was this week's planner peek! You will see Saturday and Sunday are pretty much open ... that is how it should be!

P.S. I am still loving my Erin Condren life planner!



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