My Birthday...Oh Joy

That's exactly what I decided when I woke up on my birthday. I was going to do everything that brought joy to me that day. This did not mean that I was going to just party and have fun, it meant real joy. Let me explain how my day went.

Elliott decided to wake me up at 5 AM, since I couldn't go back to sleep, I got this joyously brilliant idea. I decided to strike out on a walk at 6 AM before my husband went to work. I got to do this on my own and with the Lord; praising God and be still my heart. It was rather amusing that every time I did a small sprint a car happened to come along. Trust me I'm not a hard core jogger I just wanted to get back fast enough.

Before the kids awoke I was able to do my early morning cleaning without interruption. What a joy! I got a load of laundry folded in like 2 minutes flat. This never happens with little "helping" hands. I wanted to complete this so I could just spend time enjoying my children. They are so awesome, but I get caught up in the things I need to get done that I sometimes don't take the time to focus on that. Not this day!

OK the list is kind of long so here is the shortened version. I spent a little time with my husband since it was his birthday too. I did my daily Beth Moore Bible study of Esther; which I am loving right now.  I got some facebook time in, ate yummy raspberry refrigerator oatmeal, Starbucks coffee and fresh watermelon. Oh how I love alone time! I was even able to go back to bed for half an hour before the kids woke up.

I took my birthday money and went to the chiropractor. I finally have full range in my shoulder and a much clearer head. You know you are getting older when you choose something like that to do for fun. For lunch Alice and I got ice cream; cappuccino crunch for me and "spider man" (superman) for Alice. Did a little thrift store shopping, painted our toenails and went to the library. I LOVE books!

When Jeremy got home from work, we went to see my best friend Karen. She bought us supper at Binion's. It was fabulous of her, I always crave time with Karen! We also did bathing suit shopping. Jeremy got me one at TJ Max. The day ended with our ritualistic bedtime routine. Routine makes me feel so safe. I had one of the most joyous days ever. "For each person given one year to live, trust that time is God's alone to give." Beth Moore. I believe it!

Summer

Lately I have been so busy with summer fun, a new Bible Study series and Vacation Bible School that I haven't had a lot of time to write or read anything else. I can't even believe so much time has passed since I wrote something last.

 I was able to enjoy Dollywood with my daughter and son, mother-in-law, sister and niece. How awesome that my 3 yr old daughter and 2 yr old niece were able to have their first amusement park experience together. It was a joy to see them have that much fun. I really recommend taking your children to this park. It is a friendly and God centered park. It is beautiful and shaded. Both pleasing to the children and their parents.

Wow on the new Bible study! I am learning so much already about Esther. We are only in week 2 of a 9 week series! I'm learning more about myself and how "
It's tough being a woman" in this world. Also learned that there is a total absence to any reference to God in the entire book. How wierd is that! Maybe I can write a review about it at the end of the 9 weeks.

This year VBS has an amusement park theme which I thought was super cool since we just went to one. It also follows the life of Paul. He is one of my favorite writers in the Bible. The main verse is "For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." II Timothy 1:7. This seems to be one I have needed to quote over and over since I have taken on this year of classes. So here goes a week that I am giving to God to take care of; I am feeling very unequipped.

The Honest Life: Living Naturally And True To You

Couldn't say it any better than Jessica Alba says in her book The Honest Life: Living Naturally And True To You. "No lectures. No judgement. No guilt. Just tons and tons of useful tips, stylish ideas, and inspiration that you can incorporate- easily and affordably!-to live a healthier, more organized, joyful, and above all, honest life...that's true to you."

Alba shares her philosophies on “Honest” eating, beauty, style, home, parenting and inspiration. There are three navigation guides throughout the book; dishonest ingredient, honest tip and keeping it real. This book is designed to read straight through or jump around from topic to topic. I read it straight through and found that some of the information in home and baby were redundant. However, if you’re a new mom and just read the baby section it’s great or maybe not a parent and just read the home section you would be covered.

There are many topics that we have “heard” information on but are not sure of the truth behind it. I enjoy that she touched on many of those for me in the food and cleaning section. There are great references and websites to ensure food and product safety. I like how within all this helpful information; there is practical, doable advice.

Alba does not encourage us to think beige and white, while thinking organic, natural and eco-friendly.  We are shown how to be true to who we are. Not only are we advised against products in our beauty routine, but are given beauty secrets and hints to keep it simple. We are advised to listen to our own authentic sense of style, instead of trying to copy someone else, or the next big trend.  Alba says, “Now that I’ve had two kids, my idea of physical perfection has changed completely – and I finally feel confident, secure, and, yes, sexy.” 

At the end of the book there is “Honest Details” with guides to help find the resources pulled together.  There are many charts, websites, references, blogs, and companies in easy to find form. There is also a chapter by chapter reference and index. I really appreciate this detail since I don’t just want to take one persons word for it. Plus, it’s nice to have valid data when sharing information.

It’s a must buy book. Not one to just rent from the library like I have. You really need to use it as a reference, underline it and tag pages to come back to. A book that should have taken me a week to read took two because I had to keep jotting notes and looking at my household item. I really appreciate that she’s not just plugging “Honest Company.” It’s very realistic instead of oppressive. Doesn’t focus on what you can’t do, but what you can.

A New Week

Reading Now

Last week is over! Here is one lady who is thankful for Monday and a new work week. I know, it's crazy to say that.

I am reading a lot of material right now. Just finished The Honest Life. A review is coming. In addition I have read over four grades of VBS Bible lessons, facebook statuses, blogs, pinterest, newspaper, ingredients and tons of children's book.



Skinny Oats in a Jar
skinnytaste.com

In the interest of my family's health, we have been walking with our family and friends. This is one of my favorite forms of exercise, because it doubles as socializing. What a great stress reliever! I also tried some new recipes. Made homemade red pepper hummus, proceeded to make a lettuce wrap with it, turkey, and a slice of pepper. One of the most delicious things I have put in my mouth lately. Tried this "refrigerator oatmeal." First one I tried was mocha, because I LOVE coffee. It was all I could do to get that down. I didn't give up tho. I tried a raspberry vanilla one this morning...couldn't get enough!

Stick with it this week. It' a new week! There's so much to read. If a health benefit doesn't work for you, try it differently before you throw it to the wayside.