Friday Fill-Ins August 13th!!

This is my special little guy that I get to spend my days with when the girls go to school!
1. Music is something that is important to me. Like many of you, my life has many theme songs. I must have music that speaks to me in some way. It may be through the lyrics or it may be through the melody, harmony and rythm. If none of those speak to me in a particular song - then I skip it. I have to have some kind of music every day.

2. A cup of good coffee, my quiet time, and workout is what I like first thing in the morning.

3. The first thing I said this morning was: "What time is it?!" I thought I over-slept. I didn't have to be anywhere, I just don't like to sleep late.

4. Chicken breast stuffed with spinach and mushrooms; it's what's for dinner tonight.

5. It's all been so crazy since the end of last school year! We had the end of the school year dealings, we moved to a new house, we went on a two week trip to see Jaime get married and visit with family and friends, we came back and unpacked, started on all of the many summer activities, camps, etc and now we are gearing up for a brand-new experience at new schools with me staying home with my little guy. Phew! That's a lot!

6. Getting a pedicure is what I feel like doing right now since I haven't had one since before July 4th. All of the summer activities and dryness have taken a toll on my tootsies!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to visiting one of our newer families at church, tomorrow my plans include maybe some early morning junking and then a reunion my hubby needs to attend and Sunday, I want to relax and enjoy my day after a full morning at church!

Friday Fill-Ins for August 6

My sweet daughter Taryn at the water park. Summer's wrapping up so quickly! =(

1. Life is going to be very different this year. The kids will be going to public school for the first time ever! I am looking forward to all of the options and programs they will have access to, however I am nervous at the same time.

2. Even if there are stumbling blocks, you've got to keep going, you never know what's just around the bend!

3. My last text message (or IM) ended in these three words: "my last one" It was a text to my cousin (long-distance personal trainer) telling her that I did better this time. =)

4. Fresh lobster is what I'm thinking about for dinner sometime soon. I've never cooked it before and would love to try it for something special.

5. On the 1st day of August I felt panicky because I still need to do school shopping (clothes and supplies) and the summer is ending quickly!

6. The crossfit workouts and Paleo eating really help me to feel lively and energetic.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to family game night at a friend's house, tomorrow my plans include a family day retreat at the beach with our church and Sunday, I want to relax and enjoy the Lord's day with family and friends!

Friday Fill-Ins for July 30th.

Marco LOVED this jumper slide...Obviously.

And...here we go!

1. I'm going to stick with these work outs. I know I feel better and I know that the results will be worth it.

2. Paleo eating can be an adventure and daring.

3. Perhaps today you can make it a point to move past the hurts that you've been holding on to, and move on. You deserve to live life fully.

4. My son really has a true adventurer’s spirit.

5. Compassion is a virtue that you can not fake. There is action in compassion.

6. I need to make time to exercise and eat right... no matter how difficult.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to relaxing with the family, tomorrow my plans include a birthday party for my sweet boy who is 3 now, and Sunday, I want to spend time at my favorite church with some of my favorite people doing my favorite thing!

Friday Fill-Ins...

And...here we go!

1. I feel a little anxious about the upcoming school year.

2. I am so behind on my Summer reading list, I'm going to need to call it my summer, fall, winter reading list just to catch up.

3. Do what you know in your heart is the right thing to do. Don't let fear or intimidation get in the way.

4. It's okay to be completely unique.

5. It's hard to know how much you can handle if you never try. I never want to try anything that I am not sure I can do perfectly...that's ridiculous. I need to worry less about perfection and just try. I am teachable...so that's a plus. It's just scary sometimes, you know? And I'm talking about everything from a new art project, to losing weight, to work-related items, to fixing things in a relationship and more!!

6. Be honest, keep it real, and hope everyone else follows suit.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to some much needed family time, tomorrow my plans include working out, cleaning, school and church year planning, and more family time and Sunday, I want to meet with some of my favorite people at awesome church!

Friday Fill-ins... 5/21/10

(some sights I look forward to seeing again when we drive up to Washington)

You can follow this meme here.

1. Knowing that my children are safe, healthy, and happy never fails to make me smile.

2. I'm looking forward to moving and settling in before we have to go on a road trip for an out of state wedding.

3. Pandora (cello music) is what I'm listening to right now.

4. Potato salad must have DILL pickles in it!

5. A juicy, Fuji apple was the best thing I ate today.

6. Today was long anticipated.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to dinner at a friend's home, followed by music practice with the band, tomorrow my plans include finishing up the cleaning/purging of the garage, visiting and checking out a house to rent and Sunday, I want to relax and worship my Savior!

Friday Fill Ins...

My little guy loves to "read" and lately Mickey Mouse is his favorite!
Friday Fill Ins is a fun weekly meme. You can check out more right here.
My words are in this color...
And...here we go!

1. The last thing I ate was free chicken strips from Chik-fil-a and one of their brand new Peach shakes...YUM.

2. A new swimsuit for each of my older girls is something I recently bought.

3. When it rains, it surprises us all. We don't get many rainy days here in Southern California...I used to live in Washington state, now that is another story. My sentence would probably read, "When it rains, it probably is a day that ends in a 'Y'. lol

4. My husband, Marco, was the first person I talked to today.

5. Hugs are best when spontaneously given.

6. Knowing that everybody in my family is always looking out for each other brings me extra comfort.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to preparing my presentations for tomorrows meeting, tomorrow my plans include speaking at said meeting and Sunday, I want to spend the day relaxing with my family and meeting in the house of the Lord!

Friday Fill Ins...

These kids are my life. Look at them! Growing up so fast!!

This fun meme is one that I used to do and want to do more often. My answers are in bold - you can join in the fun here.

1. She had a great way of listening. She didn't try to get ahead of me or finish every sentence. She didn't try to have all the answers. She didn't agree with everything. She didn't try to "fix" everything. She just listened. A true friend.

2. My Abba Father is by my side, always.

3. I know this: I am blessed beyond measure.

4. I really need to learn to be still. There are times when you just need to rest. Rest from everything. At night, I have a hard time shutting down. If it's not physically, then it's mentally. It takes me forever to fall asleep because I am thinking and planning a million different things. Lately, I have been meditating on a verse or thought from my quiet time and that has helped.

5. These words apply to me: I am loved. I am blessed. I am surrounded by people that care about me and I care about them. THINGS do not matter. Being perfect is over rated. I am an artist. I am a believer. I cry easily. I love to laugh. A lot. I want people to like me. I will not compromise my beliefs for someone to like me. I want to be a friend to everyone, especially those that most others "write off". I am married to my best friend.

6. This morning the sun was shining, the birds were singing, the air actually smelled good and I knew it was going to be a great day.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to spending time with my favorite people - my family, tomorrow my plans include helping out with school registration and Sunday, I want to be surrounded by some of my other favorite people - my church family!

Friday Fill Ins... and a praise!

Aren't these lovely? I bought these at Trader Joe's and they were all closed - I love watching them bloom "before our eyes".

Getting back in the swing of things here. Here are my Friday Fil Ins. My words in bold.

1. Apparently there's some sort of promotion at Chick Fil A this week. They are giving away free breakfast EVERY day. No purchase necessary - one per person. The school kids are loving it!

2. I love a sunny day, but really love it if it's not super hot.

3. I've been trying to focus more in 2009 and so far, I have been able to do so. I've blogged about it a few times, but I am FOCUSING more on my spiritual, physical, and mental self. I am FOCUSING more on being organized, because that always leads me to being more creative...it's a good thing!

4. What was the name of that lady? Oh, yes. Susan Boyle - that was it. She reminded me how much I love the music from Les Miserables.

5. For too long, I've been worried about what others think and it's high time that I do and be what I know to be right for me. I believe that if I feel that God would accept me the way I am, why should I care about anyone else?

6. I am not obsessed with Facebook or Blogging; I am not! =]

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to getting together with some great friends, tomorrow my plans include spending the day with my family and Sunday, I want to pray and worship with my awesome church family!

I also have a praise that I wanted to share with all of my bloggy friends.
Many of you have been sending up good thoughts and praying for my former student, Michael Chandler. After being in the hospital with heart failure and later pneumonia for almost two months, he is HOME! We are talking about someone who the doctors thought would not be alive today!! Yesterday, he stopped by the school where I teach to thank the students and staff who have been praying for him.
He is still a bit weak and shaky, his voice sounds horrible because of the ventilator and tuves that have been down his throat and he's lost a lot of weight. However, his spirits were up and he is alive! Praise God.
He is having trouble absorbing potassium, which apparently, is very important for his heart. Here is the picture of his visit yesterday:

Friday Fill-ins!

1. Enough with the bad economy.

2. Comfort foods causes me to be conflicted.

3. I've been craving a get away.

4. The Office and King of Queens makes me laugh.

5. I wish I could go to anywhere away (as long as it's with my hubby) next week.

6. So much has been on my mind lately.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a birthday party for my friend's son this evening, tomorrow my plans include visiting for church and Sunday, I want to relax!

Friday Fill Ins...

1. It's January; school's back in session.

2. Peace of mind is what I crave most right now.

3. Cork and wine go together like cheese and crackers.

4. Reading is so nourishing.

5. Let us dare to be honest, not only with others, but with ourselves.

6. I need to appreciate my home.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a dinner party with friends, tomorrow my plans include visiting friends from church and scrapbook/create and Sunday, I want to meditate on the Lord...and scrapbook/create! =]

Finding Joy: My MEMES

Wikipedia's definition: A meme (pronounced /miːm/)[1] comprises any idea or behavior that can pass from one person to another by learning or imitation. Examples include thoughts, ideas, theories, gestures, practices, fashions, habits, songs, and dances. Memes propagate themselves and can move through the cultural sociosphere in a manner similar to the contagious behavior of a virus.
I just say that it's a fun and easy way to add some variety to your blog. It may be random info, but they do help me to get to know my fellow bloggers a little more.
Some of the memes that I like to take part in are:
Simple Woman's Daybook
Wordless Wednesday
Friday Fill-Ins
12 on 12
I enjoy blogging just because I like to write, share pictures, and just "be". I like "being" in the blogging world. I like to settle down in my spot and know that I can relax and be who I am as I write or read here.
I've issued two challenges and have had several people actually take part in them. It's been fun and I've enjoyed reading their responses. Who knows? Maybe one day I will have a well know weekly meme that tons of people follow? That would be fun - but until then...I am choosing joy by completing my memes and looking forward to reading yours! Here's my Friday Fill-Ins a little bit early!

Friday Fill-Ins
1. Snow is fun if you're dressed for it.

2. I'm looking forward to Christmas and being with my grandmother.

3. Marco is the best husband ever!

4. One of my favorite old tv shows is Little House on the Prairie.

5. I'm done with worrying over how we're "gonna make it" and I am ready to really trust Him.

6. The most enjoyable thing around the holidays is being with friends and family.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to sitting with hubby and watching our show, tomorrow my plans include teaching, cleaning and putting up the Christmas tree and Sunday, I want to relax!

Friday Fill-Ins...

A little place I discovered yesterday.

1. The last band I saw live was Barlow Girl - a CCM all-girl sister group.
2. What I look forward to most on Thanksgiving is the Macy's Thanksgiving parade, getting together with family and my mother-in-law's turkey. (if you don't celebrate thanksgiving, insert your favorite holiday)
3. My Christmas/holiday shopping is started.
4. Thoughts of the Twilight movie fill my head.
5. I wish I could wear skinny jeans...LOL...not really....hmmm...a smaller size.
6. Bagpipes remind me of the song Amazing Grace and men wearing skirts.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to some rest and relaxation, tomorrow my plans include a church yard sale and Sunday, I want to enjoy some time with my family and friends!

Friday Fill-Ins

1. Please feel free to leave me a comment and leave your name so I know you stopped by!
2. When I buy a new book I can't help sniffing it occasionally.
3. My favorite thing to cook is chicken taquitos.
4. Hugs and kisses from my children and my husband is something I can't get enough of.
5. That's the thing I love most about family.
6. Young girls and women that use foul language out loud and in public always makes me think to myself, what the heck?
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to taking Taryn to cheer practice and getting ready for her party, tomorrow my plans include cooking a ton of taquitos and celebrating Taryn's 9th birthday and Sunday, I want to spend time with my family in the house of the Lord, have a great lunch together and take a Sunday nap (those are always so nice)!

1. My blueprint for success includes hard work, determination and Philippians 4:13.
2. Milky Way fun size was the last candy I ate.
3. The best facial moisturizer I've ever used is Hope In a Jar by Philosophy.
4. Scrapbooking retreats can be good therapy.
5. I'd like to tell you about my family.
6. Keepin' it real! is my strongest characteristic. (honestly, I don't know...what do you think?)
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to spending time with my husband, tomorrow my plans include time with family and friends and Sunday, I want to meet with friends in the house of the Lord!

My favorite food seasoning is fresh garlic.
The sound of my children laughing is music to my ears.
Lucky is not something I depend on.
My spiritual life is something I take very seriously.
Many people are going to eat too much candy this weekend! =D
Prizes for the Harvest Party was the last thing I bought at the store.
And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to Juan & Denisse's wedding rehearsal, tomorrow my plans include the wedding we've all been prepping for and Sunday, I want to be thankful for all He's given us!