Sorry For Complaining

         

I have to apologize to Utah for being so hateful toward it this winter. There were a few storms that I wanted to pick up and leave immediately, I thought I was going to die driving on the freeway. But then February came and totally redeemed itself! I needed to write about this because I wanted to make sure I remembered that sometimes mother nature takes pity on me and gives me a better February than I could ever ask for. I went on my first bike ride of the year yesterday. It was sixty degrees and absolutely beautiful. I had the biggest grin on my face as I pedaled along the mountain roads behind my house. I love where I live. Right now Salem is too far away from the rest of my life but I wouldn't mind settling down there for good in the distant future. It's amazingly beautiful and I love being so close to the mountains and farms. I knew this was going to be a good year!

It's Going To Be Good

Via Pinterest

I can feel it. Can you?

Maybe it's because I've finally made some decisions.

Maybe it's because I'm taking action.

Maybe it's because my stars are aligning.

Maybe it's because of my thoughts.

Maybe it's because of my plans.

I don't know what it its, but it's going to be good.

I'm looking forward to what is coming my way.

Being Vulnerable

I just watched this amazing talk by Brene Brown. The part that hit me the most was about numbing our negative emotions. When we numb our negative emotions we also numb the positive ones. I know this is something that I do in my life and I have worried that if I cannot learn to be vulnerable and accept fear, failure and sadness, that I will never experience the fullness of joy that life has to offer! Something to work on... constantly. :)

Treading Water

 

I found this on Pinterest today. It says the exact words that I have been feeling lately.

I'm very much in my own head and most of my life has been controlled by my brain, 

my logic and all of the things I think I "know." 

Ever since I got divorced I have been trying to follow my heart and what I feel.

It's been nice giving my brain a rest but I am starting to realize that I have 

gone from one extreme to another. I keep trying to "feel" every decision and choice I should make, hoping it will lead me in the right direction.

What I am starting to realize is that there needs to be a middle ground. If I don't take action how am I ever supposed to feel differently than I do right now? I'm in the same spot, doing the same things, feeling the same unsettled feelings. How are my feelings going to change if I never change my circumstances? I have been treading water just waiting for some new feeling about what I should or shouldn't do.
It's not working. I'm one of the most goal oriented,
go getters I know and I am currently without a goal and I have been for quite a while.

There are some things that are important to me and I need to find a way to make them happen instead of waiting for them to happen to me. I know better than that. 

I've always said that I don't make resolutions but I'm going to make one for the new year. I am going to make a goal to start taking action in my life...
create the life I want and deserve! 

No more waiting for it to happen to me, I will make it happen for me.

Addie's Baptism

 I'm really late posting about this... better late than never!

On November 2nd, my sweet pea chose to be baptized into the LDS church. Davey was able to perform the baptism and I've never seen her so happy. I'm proud of her for making her own decisions and I hope that she continues to choose things that makes her happy. 

I was helping her get dried and dressed after the baptism and she was shaking with excitement. She told me how good and happy she felt.

We had so many amazing friends and family show up to support her; it was quite the party. 

Anna, Steve and I made her these cakes. She still loves everything China so we made her a Chinese dragon and another cake that stands for baptims/immersion in Chinese (I think).

I love events that bring family and friends together and I especially love ones that bring me back in touch with Davey's family.
I am blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life!

Moves Like Jagger

This little nugget of mine busted out her first freestyle to Forever by Chris Brown this afternoon. I think you can count on two hands the number of times she's seen a music video, and she's probably played Just Dance twice. She was playing dress up in my clothes and asked me to watch her dance. Ahhh, it warms my heart and brings back memories of dancing in my living room to Night Ranger when I was a kid. Yep, I said Night Ranger (The Secret Of My Success to be exact).

She's 8!

My baby girl is 8!

My sweet girl turned 8 today so we planned a fun-filled weekend!

Yesterday started with a fresh haircut and a trip to the zoo.

She looks so grown up!

We had a great time at the zoo with the family.

The polar bears were the favorite, of course.

This morning started off with a chocolate glazed, sprinkled Dunkin' Donut.

We curled her beautiful hair and Davey picked the kids up for church.

She requested warm chocolate mint chip cookies with ice cream for her birthday treat.

They were delicious!

She is such a sweet, helpful daughter and sister. 

She still loves polar bears and anything to do with China.

She loves to tease her brother and watch movies with buttery popcorn. 

She loves to help me bake and is a good helper when it is time to clean up.

She is doing great in school and loves 2nd grade.

I love this girl so much. I'm so thankful that she is my daughter and in my life.

I can't imagine life without her!