#Gratitude365 January 5th 2014
Sleeping in after a night out. My husband let me sleep until.... eleven a.m. I don't know the last time I slept in that late. That's a little extra birthday gift and one that I apparently needed. Most of the time when I get to sleep in I am up by 9am at the latest. I'm so grateful that my husband kept the kids out of my room so I could sleep in, and that my body let me sleep as long as I did. I don't have the same tolerance of alcohol that I once did so the 3 glasses of wine and 1 cocktail really left me "tired" this morning.
Today the Chargers won their playoff game and that makes my husband happy. It was cute that he left my Charger jersey out on the dresser for me, which I happily wore.
Jerry Coleman, long time Padres announcer, died this afternoon. Incredible gratitude for his service to our country and for delivering so much joy to Padres fans from the broadcasters booth for all those years. My husband used to fall asleep listening to him on the radio. His famous one liner "You can hang a star on that one" will not be forgotten. Truthfully, I'm a sports fan by marriage, but in the case of Jerry Coleman, he was a gem. My children were all curious about why their dad seemed down, tears in his eyes and asked him if someone really died. They don't quite understand the magnitude of death and I took a moment to appreciate that.
Finally, I'm wrapping up 2 weeks of a wonderful break with the kids. Back in early December I planned out my teaching calendar for 2014 After having a full two weeks off with the kids where the thought never crossed my mind "when do they go back to school?" I'm really glad to have built in plenty of time off with them this year. They are growing up so fast and that juggle of work/family balance had become a challenge for me. I know many other moms who run a business experience the same thing. This year I took action on it. Gratitude abounds for having the foresight to do this and the faith to afford the time off.
What are you doing differently this year that you're grateful to yourself for creating the space to do?
Happiness
Sunday, January 5, 2014
#Gratitude365 Day 17 BIRTHDAY POST
#Graditude365 January 4 2014
Oh, where do I start? I had a kickass birthday and I have to tell you all the awesome that I experienced.... and all the awesome I want to experience at my HALF BIRTHDAY ; )
When the social media messages start rolling in wishing you a happy birthday, it feels so wonderful and I begin to think "Wow, if I had this at the halfway point of the year, I wouldn't have any reason to hit that mid-year WALL."
One quick tip: If your partner wakes you in the middle of the night - just go with it - birthday sex is something I am going to say is NOT overrated. Catching you be surprise just after midnight is a great way to start the birthday. Not sure what to get your partner for their bithday? Don't wait til the night of, instead wake them in the middle of the night and surprise them! Live in the moment people! Happy marriages are often made inside the bedroom. I firmly stand by that statement.
I'm watching Coyote Ugly right now and am thinking back to when this movie was first released. At that time I had nowhere near the confidence level to do something crazy like that - and now I have nowhere near the body required for said position and they're opening up downtown soon - in fact I hear on the news auditions are this week. DAMN. But, I'm grateful for now having the confidence that would be required to deal with that kind of population, even if I don't have the bod, because if you can have only one, I'd take the confidence. I knew a handful of people with BOTH - but those are rare - always instill confidence in our girls - they are still lagging far behind the boys and shouldn't wait until they figure it out on their own (like I did) - GIVE THEM EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO BE EQUALLY INDEPENDENT AND FIERCELY CONFIDENT.
I'm grateful for having the audacity to wear the outfit I did tonight even though I've gained nearly 20 pounds over the last two years (weaning after 6 and a half years of breastfeeding is a BITCH). My husband said I reminded him of a "go-go dancer" (that's pretty haute when you've just turned 36 and have been married almost 12 years).
My day actually started off with an amazing massage - and I look forward to making that a part of my regular monthly regiment in 2014 because for as much as I'm on traveling all over San Diego and getting up and down while teaching and on the computer, I NEED IT! Not to mention signing, that takes its toll on body too. The last time I had a massage was my birthday last year - and those chair massages don't count because they are nearly as effective.
Then I went and got a manicure and pedicure. I think it was the beginning of summer the last time I got a mani/pedi and that is just not acceptable. So, I've resolved to make that an every other month habit... at minimum.
We went to Torrey Pines State Reserve to hike a bit and see the ocean. It was simply beautiful. I'd never been. And I've lived in San Diego since I was NINE years old. If you haven't been and see people talk about how awesome it is, do not wait. JUST GO. It is the start of a new year - every single piece of permission that you need to see the ocean and the sky meet in such beauty is before you - a picture of your kids is just frosting on the cake. Incredible gratitude for my husband knowing that this is something I've wanted to do for a long time and making it happen. There were a few moments that my monkey-like boys got close to the edge of the edge, but my anxiety was temporary and the views will be forever-lasting.
One of my favorite possessions is my Creative Travel Mug and I made sure to bring it with me when I went to get my massage so I could stop by Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf and get my favorite white chocolate latte. Grateful for caffeine and the yummy delicious drinks that I consume to give me a little bit of solace in my day. This day especially. I had a chance to enjoy the warmth and sweetness of the beverage in hand and sat in the driveway to finish it before returning to the crazy that can sometimes be my house haha!
Kudos to my husband for ALWAYS wanting to make every single birthday a "day off" for me... if such a thing exists for any mother. He handled every squabble and smiled at me every time I looked at him to take care of something, like put socks on the boys or handle snacks. He really makes this day and Mothers Day just about me and I know not all moms are so lucky. Thank you to my husband for being that guy who recognizes that I need a day to do just what I want to do.
Well, happy birthday to me and may I celebrate many more in order to bring them the special gift that I add to their lives. Yes, I am special and you should realize that YOU are special enough to proclaim the same. If I could figure out a way to fake a second birthday each year I for sure would! We all deserve to have more than 1/365 days in a year to feel like a million bucks. Sending buckets of gratitude to all those who took a minute to send me birthday wishes ; )
When is your birthday? Do you do anything special to celebrate you?
Oh, where do I start? I had a kickass birthday and I have to tell you all the awesome that I experienced.... and all the awesome I want to experience at my HALF BIRTHDAY ; )
When the social media messages start rolling in wishing you a happy birthday, it feels so wonderful and I begin to think "Wow, if I had this at the halfway point of the year, I wouldn't have any reason to hit that mid-year WALL."
One quick tip: If your partner wakes you in the middle of the night - just go with it - birthday sex is something I am going to say is NOT overrated. Catching you be surprise just after midnight is a great way to start the birthday. Not sure what to get your partner for their bithday? Don't wait til the night of, instead wake them in the middle of the night and surprise them! Live in the moment people! Happy marriages are often made inside the bedroom. I firmly stand by that statement.
I'm watching Coyote Ugly right now and am thinking back to when this movie was first released. At that time I had nowhere near the confidence level to do something crazy like that - and now I have nowhere near the body required for said position and they're opening up downtown soon - in fact I hear on the news auditions are this week. DAMN. But, I'm grateful for now having the confidence that would be required to deal with that kind of population, even if I don't have the bod, because if you can have only one, I'd take the confidence. I knew a handful of people with BOTH - but those are rare - always instill confidence in our girls - they are still lagging far behind the boys and shouldn't wait until they figure it out on their own (like I did) - GIVE THEM EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO BE EQUALLY INDEPENDENT AND FIERCELY CONFIDENT.
I'm grateful for having the audacity to wear the outfit I did tonight even though I've gained nearly 20 pounds over the last two years (weaning after 6 and a half years of breastfeeding is a BITCH). My husband said I reminded him of a "go-go dancer" (that's pretty haute when you've just turned 36 and have been married almost 12 years).
My day actually started off with an amazing massage - and I look forward to making that a part of my regular monthly regiment in 2014 because for as much as I'm on traveling all over San Diego and getting up and down while teaching and on the computer, I NEED IT! Not to mention signing, that takes its toll on body too. The last time I had a massage was my birthday last year - and those chair massages don't count because they are nearly as effective.
Then I went and got a manicure and pedicure. I think it was the beginning of summer the last time I got a mani/pedi and that is just not acceptable. So, I've resolved to make that an every other month habit... at minimum.
We went to Torrey Pines State Reserve to hike a bit and see the ocean. It was simply beautiful. I'd never been. And I've lived in San Diego since I was NINE years old. If you haven't been and see people talk about how awesome it is, do not wait. JUST GO. It is the start of a new year - every single piece of permission that you need to see the ocean and the sky meet in such beauty is before you - a picture of your kids is just frosting on the cake. Incredible gratitude for my husband knowing that this is something I've wanted to do for a long time and making it happen. There were a few moments that my monkey-like boys got close to the edge of the edge, but my anxiety was temporary and the views will be forever-lasting.
One of my favorite possessions is my Creative Travel Mug and I made sure to bring it with me when I went to get my massage so I could stop by Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf and get my favorite white chocolate latte. Grateful for caffeine and the yummy delicious drinks that I consume to give me a little bit of solace in my day. This day especially. I had a chance to enjoy the warmth and sweetness of the beverage in hand and sat in the driveway to finish it before returning to the crazy that can sometimes be my house haha!
Kudos to my husband for ALWAYS wanting to make every single birthday a "day off" for me... if such a thing exists for any mother. He handled every squabble and smiled at me every time I looked at him to take care of something, like put socks on the boys or handle snacks. He really makes this day and Mothers Day just about me and I know not all moms are so lucky. Thank you to my husband for being that guy who recognizes that I need a day to do just what I want to do.
Well, happy birthday to me and may I celebrate many more in order to bring them the special gift that I add to their lives. Yes, I am special and you should realize that YOU are special enough to proclaim the same. If I could figure out a way to fake a second birthday each year I for sure would! We all deserve to have more than 1/365 days in a year to feel like a million bucks. Sending buckets of gratitude to all those who took a minute to send me birthday wishes ; )
When is your birthday? Do you do anything special to celebrate you?
Friday, January 3, 2014
#Gratitude365 Day 16
#Gratitude365 January 3 2014
Three days in a row we've been out to a park/playground and the feeling of fresh air feels so good! Pretty much when the kids ask "What are we going to do today?" and our response is an offer to take them to the park, the kids often poo-poo on the idea. Not today. We bumped into some friends there yesterday and planned to meet them there again today. It was on their mind all the rest of yesterday and all of this morning:
"When are we going to the park?"
"Did we get everything for our picnic?"
"Are we riding our bikes to the park?"
I think we're like most parents, we go through slumps of not getting the kids outside to "just play" and every year it is one of the things I re-visit when contemplating my resolutions or goals. Speaking of goals, I want to make a "family goals" sheet to put up on the refrigerator... something that we've never done before and can keep us all accountable for our follow through (points finger at me!).
Living in southern California we know we pay a sunshine tax, and we take it for granted most of the time how amazing our weather really is. This winter break we've had beautiful blue skies just about everyday and it has been warm enough that shorts are an option. Since I grew up in Minnesota, I absolutely appreciate this gem of a place to live. Some of my local friends have even been posting photos of "beach days" during winter break. That is how fortunate we are.
Today I'm incredibly grateful for fresh air and friends to play with at the park.
OH, and naps. My husband mentioned he needed a nap and then I suddenly realized how groggy I felt (worn out from the park? my body still fighting this cold? going to bed at 2 a.m. last night?) and he told ME to go ahead and take a nap. A random afternoon nap is such a treat! When I woke up I could hear the kids asking where I was, he lied and told them I went to the store - cuz otherwise they'd barge into my room to wake me. I didn't have to worry about dinner, he had already made dinner, fed the kids and cleaned up! Man, that was a 4-in-1 delight. Maybe it's because it's my birthday tomorrow. I'll take it! My bucket is full and tomorrow starts a new year around the sun!
When's the last time your partner let you take a nap?
Three days in a row we've been out to a park/playground and the feeling of fresh air feels so good! Pretty much when the kids ask "What are we going to do today?" and our response is an offer to take them to the park, the kids often poo-poo on the idea. Not today. We bumped into some friends there yesterday and planned to meet them there again today. It was on their mind all the rest of yesterday and all of this morning:
"When are we going to the park?"
"Did we get everything for our picnic?"
"Are we riding our bikes to the park?"
I think we're like most parents, we go through slumps of not getting the kids outside to "just play" and every year it is one of the things I re-visit when contemplating my resolutions or goals. Speaking of goals, I want to make a "family goals" sheet to put up on the refrigerator... something that we've never done before and can keep us all accountable for our follow through (points finger at me!).
Living in southern California we know we pay a sunshine tax, and we take it for granted most of the time how amazing our weather really is. This winter break we've had beautiful blue skies just about everyday and it has been warm enough that shorts are an option. Since I grew up in Minnesota, I absolutely appreciate this gem of a place to live. Some of my local friends have even been posting photos of "beach days" during winter break. That is how fortunate we are.
Today I'm incredibly grateful for fresh air and friends to play with at the park.
OH, and naps. My husband mentioned he needed a nap and then I suddenly realized how groggy I felt (worn out from the park? my body still fighting this cold? going to bed at 2 a.m. last night?) and he told ME to go ahead and take a nap. A random afternoon nap is such a treat! When I woke up I could hear the kids asking where I was, he lied and told them I went to the store - cuz otherwise they'd barge into my room to wake me. I didn't have to worry about dinner, he had already made dinner, fed the kids and cleaned up! Man, that was a 4-in-1 delight. Maybe it's because it's my birthday tomorrow. I'll take it! My bucket is full and tomorrow starts a new year around the sun!
When's the last time your partner let you take a nap?
Thursday, January 2, 2014
#Gratitude365 Day 14
#Gratitude365 January 1 2014
Whoa. You blink and it's a new year. A high school teacher of mine once explained why it seems that time passes more quickly for us as we get older. When you are 4 years old and you're waiting an entire year for your birthday to circle around again, that is 20 percent of your life, a huge chunk of time to wait. When you're 40, waiting for your birthday to circle around again, a year is just 2.5 percent of your life. It's all relative. Makes sense to me.
I tend to wait until after my birthday (coming up this Saturday) to start to adhere to healthy/exercise new years resolutions - so I'm grateful that I know myself well enough to not put that kind of pressure to skip yummy treats, desserts, drinks or otherwise when celebrating my one special day a year. Even though I have that policy, I did jump in with a renewed commitment to drinking 8 glasses of water a day and starting the day off with hot lemon water before eating/drinking anything else. I got that tip from La Jolla Mom a few weeks ago and have been sticking to it almost every day (one reason I like to start new things a little before the new year is to give me some time to get used to a new habit!) I'm grateful for having found that tip when I did because I've been battling two colds back to back these last two weeks and feel like I haven't been "as sick" as I would have been if I hadn't had all that extra vitamin C. Really, I haven't been congested with either of these two colds so that was a total win.
Scrolling through the photos on my phone I saw Owen, my 4 year old, had taken a selfie, as is totally the norm with kids and iPhones, and it made me smile. There are days where I'm having constant struggles with him about personal space and respecting boundaries, but then I see one of his #lovenotes like this and my heart feels full. He gives hugs out like they are in high demand, he hugs like you're the love of his life, and he kisses me good morning, good night and just because. His middle name should be Joy because he clearly wants to pass joy to everyone around him. Today as I start the new year and still try to figure out "exactly" what my new years resolutions are, I am grateful to be the mom who gets to kiss this face every day.
What little surprises make you smile?
Whoa. You blink and it's a new year. A high school teacher of mine once explained why it seems that time passes more quickly for us as we get older. When you are 4 years old and you're waiting an entire year for your birthday to circle around again, that is 20 percent of your life, a huge chunk of time to wait. When you're 40, waiting for your birthday to circle around again, a year is just 2.5 percent of your life. It's all relative. Makes sense to me.
I tend to wait until after my birthday (coming up this Saturday) to start to adhere to healthy/exercise new years resolutions - so I'm grateful that I know myself well enough to not put that kind of pressure to skip yummy treats, desserts, drinks or otherwise when celebrating my one special day a year. Even though I have that policy, I did jump in with a renewed commitment to drinking 8 glasses of water a day and starting the day off with hot lemon water before eating/drinking anything else. I got that tip from La Jolla Mom a few weeks ago and have been sticking to it almost every day (one reason I like to start new things a little before the new year is to give me some time to get used to a new habit!) I'm grateful for having found that tip when I did because I've been battling two colds back to back these last two weeks and feel like I haven't been "as sick" as I would have been if I hadn't had all that extra vitamin C. Really, I haven't been congested with either of these two colds so that was a total win.
Scrolling through the photos on my phone I saw Owen, my 4 year old, had taken a selfie, as is totally the norm with kids and iPhones, and it made me smile. There are days where I'm having constant struggles with him about personal space and respecting boundaries, but then I see one of his #lovenotes like this and my heart feels full. He gives hugs out like they are in high demand, he hugs like you're the love of his life, and he kisses me good morning, good night and just because. His middle name should be Joy because he clearly wants to pass joy to everyone around him. Today as I start the new year and still try to figure out "exactly" what my new years resolutions are, I am grateful to be the mom who gets to kiss this face every day.
What little surprises make you smile?
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
#Gratitude365 Day 13
#Gratitude365 December 31 2013
The year has come to an end and we look forward to the new, a fresh start and a world of possibility.
Every year I hope for a LOT of improvements and dream up big things and while it is not all complete or perfect, I'm left remembering that life really is a constant work in progress, never to be "complete" let alone perfect.
As we went out to enjoy some fresh air at the park while the kids rode their bikes and played, I was filled with gratitude for just being able to breathe in the fresh air, time to sit and do nothing next to my husband on a park bench, for the beautiful San Diego weather and our health.
Contemplating what we are looking forward to does not always mean that we have activly sat back to appreciate what has been. I hope you've taken just a minute to revel in both the big and little accomplishments of this past year.
Some of the things I want to acknowledge and hold space for in 2013:
1. We are here in San Diego, CA rather than Austin, TX. My husband's job was relocated and we were at two opposite ends in what we thought was the best for our family. Lots of patience and talking and I'll admit stress and changing minds on both sides ended up with us staying here. I am so grateful to keep my kids in their same school and neighborhood. Starting my business over in a new city was not a task I was looking forward to, or leaving the strong community of families I've supported here, so I continued to be grateful for their support and referrals, helping my business grow. It ended up that my husband was able to find a position within the company that is a work from home position, and a small pay raise, plus cutting down on the expense of gas. I had MANY conversations with people who knew about this decision that weighted heavily on my mind, and am so grateful for their listening ear and support in bringing a few things to fruition to make the possibility of staying here appear to be the better choice to my husband. MOSTLY my husband sharing that he knew after visiting Austin that he could see us living there but through my eyes that he couldn't see ME living there. I have a partner who is truly a partner. And giving thanks that Blackbaud had that position open up that happened to be a fit! Things always work out the way they are supposed to - I firmly believe that.
2. I hired a story time leader to help with the Sign4Baby Signing Story Time programs. She is animated, she is devoted to early communication for babies and toddlers like I am and she has been a long time champion of what I do. So grateful for you Lea!
3. A project was started, by recording my classes, and will be a project that continues in 2014... starting is the biggest step. Figuring out how to secure the funds to complete the project will come!
4. I got active on Google+ which has been a steep learning curve, and so much fun in the process. One person I want to give a shout out to is Christine DeGraff for her #31Days Project where she featured me. It has truly helped me to connect with more people! I plan to do more on G+ in 2014 and use my voice!
5. I committed to my daughter at the beginning of the school year that we would allocate time for her to have friends over on Fridays afters school and create field trip experiences, which we have done almost every Friday. I can see how much she enjoys having this time to bond with her friends outside of school and will continue to do this in 2014 and beyond.
6. Winning the Red Tricycle Most Awesome Language Classes in So Cal for the 3rd year in a row was a wonderful accomplishment because I didn't promote the contest the the extent that I had the first two years, showing me that my audience has grown and that audience is very appreciative of what I do for them. AND I was ecstatic to be listed with some of So Cal's Coolest Power Moms!
7. I had a couple of successful social media projects for other businesses this year that I expect to expand next year. Grateful to Natural Baby Pros, The Center for a Healthy Lifestyle and Kids for Peace for giving me an opportunity to help get your messages out into the world through social media.
8. This year I had my first ever $1,000+ invoice with repeat business resulting in my first ever $4,000+ invoice. AND they've already contracted me for repeat work in 2014. Seriously, repeat business is the best!
9. I've had the pleasure of building upon existing sponsor relationships and adding new ones and excited for what is to come in 2014 with our sponsors! Partnering with brands that I truly believe in is a very good feeling because I'm able to use my platform to further educate families I serve about their choices of products and resources for their growing families.
10. This year we had the annual Sign4Baby Birthday party and the 2nd annual Signing Mrs Claus event - which I look forward to continuing in 2014 - even adding in another big Spring event!
11. It may not be a big feat for others to stop and acknowledge but for me it was a personal commitment that I was proud to keep to myself, that was taking time for 2 facials a month and I will be continuing that going forward. I'm lucky to have connected with Firefly Wellness who I see as my skincare coach! In 2014 I'm adding a monthly mani/pedi to the self care regiment!
12. Another moment that I just enjoyed so much was seeing the kids choose to all be Star Wars characters for Halloween! It was the first time they have ever done a theme and it was their idea and I just LOVE the picture of the three of them.
13. I was part of a mastermind group this year. It was a challenge to make the meetings all work and despite having to move some of my own personal calendar items and work on my own challenges of commitment, I managed to make it to every single meeting. I'm looking forward to continuing working with these women again in 2014.
14. We bought more organic foods than we ever have - especially grateful to Costco for making this an easier option! I get excited whenever I see a brand new organic produce option or healthy super food offered in their store because I believe the more organic options that reach the masses, the more people will buy them and the healthier we will all be.
15. I switched to the Diva Cup this year. TMI for some people, but honestly another way to reduce my carbon footprint and proud of that.
16. We added Sparkletts water delivery to our home. We were not making time with the Brita water pitcher to be full enough before leaving the house to fill everyone's personal water bottle and often times the personal water bottles were missing or not clean so we were stopping at convenience stores to buy water bottles and that's not helping our earth. SO, while we tried the best option, we realized we were not committed enough and found another way we could work on reducing our use of plastics.
17. We kept up on our date nights - averaging one per month. Sometimes we'd go a stretch of 2 or 3 months between and boy we would recognize when it was time for us to get some alone time together. I started this commitment to my husband about 4 years ago and it has been a huge factor in the happiness in our marriage. My favorite date night was one where we had a private chartered yacht tour via Details Matter App and Zolna Yacht Tours with an amazing sunset and view of downtown San Diego from the bay. Every year we have been better about making time for our #datenight and I always appreciate the special couple time!
Now it's your turn. What did you want to recognize as an accomplishment in 2013??
The year has come to an end and we look forward to the new, a fresh start and a world of possibility.
Every year I hope for a LOT of improvements and dream up big things and while it is not all complete or perfect, I'm left remembering that life really is a constant work in progress, never to be "complete" let alone perfect.
As we went out to enjoy some fresh air at the park while the kids rode their bikes and played, I was filled with gratitude for just being able to breathe in the fresh air, time to sit and do nothing next to my husband on a park bench, for the beautiful San Diego weather and our health.
Contemplating what we are looking forward to does not always mean that we have activly sat back to appreciate what has been. I hope you've taken just a minute to revel in both the big and little accomplishments of this past year.
Some of the things I want to acknowledge and hold space for in 2013:
1. We are here in San Diego, CA rather than Austin, TX. My husband's job was relocated and we were at two opposite ends in what we thought was the best for our family. Lots of patience and talking and I'll admit stress and changing minds on both sides ended up with us staying here. I am so grateful to keep my kids in their same school and neighborhood. Starting my business over in a new city was not a task I was looking forward to, or leaving the strong community of families I've supported here, so I continued to be grateful for their support and referrals, helping my business grow. It ended up that my husband was able to find a position within the company that is a work from home position, and a small pay raise, plus cutting down on the expense of gas. I had MANY conversations with people who knew about this decision that weighted heavily on my mind, and am so grateful for their listening ear and support in bringing a few things to fruition to make the possibility of staying here appear to be the better choice to my husband. MOSTLY my husband sharing that he knew after visiting Austin that he could see us living there but through my eyes that he couldn't see ME living there. I have a partner who is truly a partner. And giving thanks that Blackbaud had that position open up that happened to be a fit! Things always work out the way they are supposed to - I firmly believe that.
2. I hired a story time leader to help with the Sign4Baby Signing Story Time programs. She is animated, she is devoted to early communication for babies and toddlers like I am and she has been a long time champion of what I do. So grateful for you Lea!
3. A project was started, by recording my classes, and will be a project that continues in 2014... starting is the biggest step. Figuring out how to secure the funds to complete the project will come!
4. I got active on Google+ which has been a steep learning curve, and so much fun in the process. One person I want to give a shout out to is Christine DeGraff for her #31Days Project where she featured me. It has truly helped me to connect with more people! I plan to do more on G+ in 2014 and use my voice!
5. I committed to my daughter at the beginning of the school year that we would allocate time for her to have friends over on Fridays afters school and create field trip experiences, which we have done almost every Friday. I can see how much she enjoys having this time to bond with her friends outside of school and will continue to do this in 2014 and beyond.
6. Winning the Red Tricycle Most Awesome Language Classes in So Cal for the 3rd year in a row was a wonderful accomplishment because I didn't promote the contest the the extent that I had the first two years, showing me that my audience has grown and that audience is very appreciative of what I do for them. AND I was ecstatic to be listed with some of So Cal's Coolest Power Moms!
7. I had a couple of successful social media projects for other businesses this year that I expect to expand next year. Grateful to Natural Baby Pros, The Center for a Healthy Lifestyle and Kids for Peace for giving me an opportunity to help get your messages out into the world through social media.
8. This year I had my first ever $1,000+ invoice with repeat business resulting in my first ever $4,000+ invoice. AND they've already contracted me for repeat work in 2014. Seriously, repeat business is the best!
9. I've had the pleasure of building upon existing sponsor relationships and adding new ones and excited for what is to come in 2014 with our sponsors! Partnering with brands that I truly believe in is a very good feeling because I'm able to use my platform to further educate families I serve about their choices of products and resources for their growing families.
10. This year we had the annual Sign4Baby Birthday party and the 2nd annual Signing Mrs Claus event - which I look forward to continuing in 2014 - even adding in another big Spring event!
11. It may not be a big feat for others to stop and acknowledge but for me it was a personal commitment that I was proud to keep to myself, that was taking time for 2 facials a month and I will be continuing that going forward. I'm lucky to have connected with Firefly Wellness who I see as my skincare coach! In 2014 I'm adding a monthly mani/pedi to the self care regiment!
12. Another moment that I just enjoyed so much was seeing the kids choose to all be Star Wars characters for Halloween! It was the first time they have ever done a theme and it was their idea and I just LOVE the picture of the three of them.
13. I was part of a mastermind group this year. It was a challenge to make the meetings all work and despite having to move some of my own personal calendar items and work on my own challenges of commitment, I managed to make it to every single meeting. I'm looking forward to continuing working with these women again in 2014.
14. We bought more organic foods than we ever have - especially grateful to Costco for making this an easier option! I get excited whenever I see a brand new organic produce option or healthy super food offered in their store because I believe the more organic options that reach the masses, the more people will buy them and the healthier we will all be.
15. I switched to the Diva Cup this year. TMI for some people, but honestly another way to reduce my carbon footprint and proud of that.
16. We added Sparkletts water delivery to our home. We were not making time with the Brita water pitcher to be full enough before leaving the house to fill everyone's personal water bottle and often times the personal water bottles were missing or not clean so we were stopping at convenience stores to buy water bottles and that's not helping our earth. SO, while we tried the best option, we realized we were not committed enough and found another way we could work on reducing our use of plastics.
17. We kept up on our date nights - averaging one per month. Sometimes we'd go a stretch of 2 or 3 months between and boy we would recognize when it was time for us to get some alone time together. I started this commitment to my husband about 4 years ago and it has been a huge factor in the happiness in our marriage. My favorite date night was one where we had a private chartered yacht tour via Details Matter App and Zolna Yacht Tours with an amazing sunset and view of downtown San Diego from the bay. Every year we have been better about making time for our #datenight and I always appreciate the special couple time!
Now it's your turn. What did you want to recognize as an accomplishment in 2013??
#Gratitude365 Day 12
#Gratitude365 December 30 2013
Have you ever misplaced something and then found it - like a long time later and were so happy to have found it? That happened.
Amberly's big Santa gift in 2012 was her Easy Bake Oven and she was super excited about it because she had thought long and hard about what to ask Santa for for Christmas.
But we never got to use it because we couldn't find the cupcake or cake pan. I thought it had wound up in the trash by mistake in the hustle of cleaning up wrapping paper and boxes... and we never got committed to going to Toys R Us to see about buying a replacement part. Total #momfail.
Anyway, in cleaning up stuff in our spare room from wrapping presents this year I saw one of the cake boxes for her Easy Bake Oven and picked it up - it was open - so I looked inside. What did I discover? The damn missing cake pans! I showed Amberly and my husband and called it a #ChristmasMiracle.
Gratitude for finding something that you thought was lost and now is found. Something small and simple. We had talked about it perhaps a dozen times and I have a feeling that with Amberly's consistency in putting it out in the universe by asking me when we would use her Easy Bake Oven and buy the replacement parts is what led to it being found. Visualization from an 8 year old works too!
So, we made cupcakes in her Easy Bake Oven! They were delicious not so much in the taste, but more in the experience being realized.
After a full day focused on cleaning out her closet and her help in organizing the playroom after an overflow of Christmas toys - this was a real treat to get do one of her two favorite things = bake! Next time I need to get a live action shot of the baking - perfect reason for us to get to do it again during winter break though ; )
Has anything like that happened to you or your kids?
Have you ever misplaced something and then found it - like a long time later and were so happy to have found it? That happened.
Amberly's big Santa gift in 2012 was her Easy Bake Oven and she was super excited about it because she had thought long and hard about what to ask Santa for for Christmas.
But we never got to use it because we couldn't find the cupcake or cake pan. I thought it had wound up in the trash by mistake in the hustle of cleaning up wrapping paper and boxes... and we never got committed to going to Toys R Us to see about buying a replacement part. Total #momfail.
Anyway, in cleaning up stuff in our spare room from wrapping presents this year I saw one of the cake boxes for her Easy Bake Oven and picked it up - it was open - so I looked inside. What did I discover? The damn missing cake pans! I showed Amberly and my husband and called it a #ChristmasMiracle.
Gratitude for finding something that you thought was lost and now is found. Something small and simple. We had talked about it perhaps a dozen times and I have a feeling that with Amberly's consistency in putting it out in the universe by asking me when we would use her Easy Bake Oven and buy the replacement parts is what led to it being found. Visualization from an 8 year old works too!
So, we made cupcakes in her Easy Bake Oven! They were delicious not so much in the taste, but more in the experience being realized.
After a full day focused on cleaning out her closet and her help in organizing the playroom after an overflow of Christmas toys - this was a real treat to get do one of her two favorite things = bake! Next time I need to get a live action shot of the baking - perfect reason for us to get to do it again during winter break though ; )
Has anything like that happened to you or your kids?
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