So, I'm really fascinated by dreams. In high school I started a "dream journal" in my psychology class, and I've always wanted to keep it up. Occasionally, i would write a new dream if it meant something to me. And lately, I've been feeling like I want to keep writing my dreams down. And what better way than to blog about it-- so for anyone interested, my dreams will be posted at http://allyougottadoisdream.blogspot.com/.
WARNING:
This is a serious look into Marie's Unconscious, and I cannot be help responsible for what crazy things I dream up in the middle of the night. Sometimes, it will make sense, but most of the time, it probably won't.
Monday, December 13, 2010
CHRISTmas
I wanted to take some time this happy Christmas season to tell you about why Christmas is so important to me. It's a day set aside to remember the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ. Now, people can research, argue, squabble, yadayadayada about what day he was really born all they want, but when my family and I celebrate Christmas, our minds are turned to our Father in Heaven in gratitude for His Son. That Christ came to earth to preform the greatest gift man would ever receive-- the Atonement-- which would allow us to return to our Father in Heaven and receive our eternal inheritance.
I love to give and to receive gifts for Christmas. I like to remember that Christmas is about both. Heavenly Father gave us His Son to save us. The wise men brought gifts to the newborn King. Let us open our hearts this Christmas to receive the Atonement, and let us also open our hands to share what we have received. Each present that we give and receive, let us remember that it is a celebration of the gifts exchanged that first Christmas, when Jesus Christ came into the world.
Merry Christmas!
I love to give and to receive gifts for Christmas. I like to remember that Christmas is about both. Heavenly Father gave us His Son to save us. The wise men brought gifts to the newborn King. Let us open our hearts this Christmas to receive the Atonement, and let us also open our hands to share what we have received. Each present that we give and receive, let us remember that it is a celebration of the gifts exchanged that first Christmas, when Jesus Christ came into the world.
Merry Christmas!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Tis the Season to Be ...
... violated?
I'm sure many of you have at least heard about the new full body scanners that are part of airport security. If not, here's the Transportation Security Administration's info page about them: http://www.tsa.gov/approach/tech/ait/index.shtm.
There's a lot of public outcry about these scanners. Here's a list of complaints and links.
They produce an image of you beneath your clothes; aka in your birthday suit. http://www.mahalo.com/full-body-scanner-images This article shows some of the images captured by the scanners. Images that are supposed to be immediately deleted after you pass through security. Apparently not, since they're on the internet. And here's a list of airports that use the full body scanners.
They emit radiation. But how much? Well, it's enough that they won't put the pilots though it-- granted, they would have to go through multiple times a day and be exposed significantly more than a casual traveler who only flies on holidays or for vacation a few times a year.http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1290527/Airport-body-scanners-deliver-radiation-dose-20-times-higher-thought.html This article seemed to present a balanced presentation of what the TSA says, and what researchers are currently looking into. What stands out to me is "skin cancer" and "children are more vulnerable" to the radiation. I'm not sure I want my munchkin exposed to that... especially when the professional jury is still out on determining it's safety.
You're allowed to "opt out" of the scanners, but what happens next if you do is humiliating. You become subject to an "enhanced pat-down" procedure. This goes for anyone with a medical concern who must opt out, to conscious objectors to the scanners. The new pat down procedure really makes one feel physically violated. http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/tsa-responds-passenger-outrages-underwear-search-happen/story?id=12208932&page=2.
I had to be pat-down once about 3 years ago because I was wearing an underwire bra and apparently my pants had these little, i think they are called eyelets?, metal circle thing on the corners of my pockets... she ran the baton scanner thingy over me, found nothing, but still had to pat me down where the thing dected metal, aka, my butt and below my breasts. It was very embarrassing, awkward, and uncomfortable. And that was before they instituted the new "ENHANCED" pat-down, which you can see in the video that's linked with my article, that's it's more like getting felt up. Ugh!
I don't want me or munchkin to get felt up, but I don't want, at least, munchkin to get exposed to the radiation of the scanners either, at least not with a confirmed-after-much-research that they are safe even for very small children. With my family's history with cancer, I don't want to risk exposing munchkin to more than necessary. Plus there's the possibility that we'd get "selected for a random pat-down." It happens to my uncle ALL the TIME; i guess he fits one of the profiles that doesn't come through often. Is there a list somewhere of the profiles they are required to "randomly search"? Does it include a breastfeeding mother? Will I get pat-down anyway because my nursing bras have metal clips? or because the full body scanners notice my nursing covers beneath my bra? or because i'm carrying babyfood? After seeing what happened to this woman (http://www.mnn.com/family/raising-a-family/blogs/watch-tsa-harasses-mom-over-breast-milk), I'm afraid to pump milk to feed munchkin during the flight.
What I'm trying to say is; I'm really freaking stressing out about flying home for Christmas. Is my stress and anxiety for nothing. The TSA website would have me believe so, but many accounts on the news make me believe otherwise. What do you guys think? Are you traveling this Christmas? What do you think of the new scanners? Are they unconstitutional, like some groups say, or are they appropriate safety measures, like the TSA says? Have any of you traveled with little ones recently and could give me advice?
I'm sure many of you have at least heard about the new full body scanners that are part of airport security. If not, here's the Transportation Security Administration's info page about them: http://www.tsa.gov/approach/tech/ait/index.shtm.
There's a lot of public outcry about these scanners. Here's a list of complaints and links.
They produce an image of you beneath your clothes; aka in your birthday suit. http://www.mahalo.com/full-body-scanner-images This article shows some of the images captured by the scanners. Images that are supposed to be immediately deleted after you pass through security. Apparently not, since they're on the internet. And here's a list of airports that use the full body scanners.
They emit radiation. But how much? Well, it's enough that they won't put the pilots though it-- granted, they would have to go through multiple times a day and be exposed significantly more than a casual traveler who only flies on holidays or for vacation a few times a year.http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1290527/Airport-body-scanners-deliver-radiation-dose-20-times-higher-thought.html This article seemed to present a balanced presentation of what the TSA says, and what researchers are currently looking into. What stands out to me is "skin cancer" and "children are more vulnerable" to the radiation. I'm not sure I want my munchkin exposed to that... especially when the professional jury is still out on determining it's safety.
You're allowed to "opt out" of the scanners, but what happens next if you do is humiliating. You become subject to an "enhanced pat-down" procedure. This goes for anyone with a medical concern who must opt out, to conscious objectors to the scanners. The new pat down procedure really makes one feel physically violated. http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/tsa-responds-passenger-outrages-underwear-search-happen/story?id=12208932&page=2.
I had to be pat-down once about 3 years ago because I was wearing an underwire bra and apparently my pants had these little, i think they are called eyelets?, metal circle thing on the corners of my pockets... she ran the baton scanner thingy over me, found nothing, but still had to pat me down where the thing dected metal, aka, my butt and below my breasts. It was very embarrassing, awkward, and uncomfortable. And that was before they instituted the new "ENHANCED" pat-down, which you can see in the video that's linked with my article, that's it's more like getting felt up. Ugh!
I don't want me or munchkin to get felt up, but I don't want, at least, munchkin to get exposed to the radiation of the scanners either, at least not with a confirmed-after-much-research that they are safe even for very small children. With my family's history with cancer, I don't want to risk exposing munchkin to more than necessary. Plus there's the possibility that we'd get "selected for a random pat-down." It happens to my uncle ALL the TIME; i guess he fits one of the profiles that doesn't come through often. Is there a list somewhere of the profiles they are required to "randomly search"? Does it include a breastfeeding mother? Will I get pat-down anyway because my nursing bras have metal clips? or because the full body scanners notice my nursing covers beneath my bra? or because i'm carrying babyfood? After seeing what happened to this woman (http://www.mnn.com/family/raising-a-family/blogs/watch-tsa-harasses-mom-over-breast-milk), I'm afraid to pump milk to feed munchkin during the flight.
What I'm trying to say is; I'm really freaking stressing out about flying home for Christmas. Is my stress and anxiety for nothing. The TSA website would have me believe so, but many accounts on the news make me believe otherwise. What do you guys think? Are you traveling this Christmas? What do you think of the new scanners? Are they unconstitutional, like some groups say, or are they appropriate safety measures, like the TSA says? Have any of you traveled with little ones recently and could give me advice?
Getting in the Spirit of Christmas Cards
Ok, so I'd really love to get 50 free christmas cards, to send to our wonderful family. SO I'm going to tell you about the christmas card I want since Shutterfly will give me 50 FREE Christmas cards if I tell you about the one I want.
I designed it on shutterfly.com.
I love that it has family pictures from the past year. Shurtterfly has tons of different layouts for Christmas or holiday cards. This is just the one I chose. I think it's pretty and fits my style, while still looking festive. It was super easy to design, too. I just upload the pictures I thought I wanted to use (which was about a dozen to choose from and test out to get the perfect combination), then dragged them to where I wanted them on the design. You can save projects as you go. This one isn't quite done yet-- notice the "T" in the corner? Yeh, that's supposed to be an "N" for Neeley. But it's super easy to fix. It is a very user-friendly site and program to design adorable photo keepsakes. There was another style I was considering, but I choose the first one because it had the most pictures and I could fit the ones I wanted on it. the family pictures, taken by Lauren, is in the center and largest. Then we have lots of pictures of our munchkin as she's grown up this year. I'm normally not a Christmas card person, but this is cute and I'd love to send out a Christmas card to our family. What do you guys think of the design?
If you're thinking about trying it out for yourself, you can design a personal Christmas, holiday, or greeting card here: http://www.shutterfly.com/
In fact, I'm working on designing a photobook on shutterfly right now too. Try out your own here: http://www.shutterfly.com/photo-books. They are adorable, and I'd love to have one. They are very affordable; though as a family still in college, the only "affordable" is practically free. But I can't complain too much. Shutterfly has lots of sales and deals. I get 2-3 emails per month with a promotion that allows me to get a FREE photobook! I just have to pay shipping and handling, which sadly, isn't free. But it's way better than having to pay for the photobook AND shipping.
Another awesome feature of Shutterfly is their calendars. You can make a personal calendar with your own photos! Check it out here: http://www.shutterfly.com/
Those are just my favorites. Shutterfly also does custom mugs, greeting cards, and invitations (bridal shower, wedding, baby shower, graduation, etc). I wish I'd known about this when I made my wedding invites-- it would have cost about the same as making our own, which we did, but taken A LOT less time.
So there's my endorsement! Check out Shutterfly.com and have fun making some of your own designs!
I designed it on shutterfly.com.
I love that it has family pictures from the past year. Shurtterfly has tons of different layouts for Christmas or holiday cards. This is just the one I chose. I think it's pretty and fits my style, while still looking festive. It was super easy to design, too. I just upload the pictures I thought I wanted to use (which was about a dozen to choose from and test out to get the perfect combination), then dragged them to where I wanted them on the design. You can save projects as you go. This one isn't quite done yet-- notice the "T" in the corner? Yeh, that's supposed to be an "N" for Neeley. But it's super easy to fix. It is a very user-friendly site and program to design adorable photo keepsakes. There was another style I was considering, but I choose the first one because it had the most pictures and I could fit the ones I wanted on it. the family pictures, taken by Lauren, is in the center and largest. Then we have lots of pictures of our munchkin as she's grown up this year. I'm normally not a Christmas card person, but this is cute and I'd love to send out a Christmas card to our family. What do you guys think of the design?If you're thinking about trying it out for yourself, you can design a personal Christmas, holiday, or greeting card here: http://www.shutterfly.com/
In fact, I'm working on designing a photobook on shutterfly right now too. Try out your own here: http://www.shutterfly.com/photo-books. They are adorable, and I'd love to have one. They are very affordable; though as a family still in college, the only "affordable" is practically free. But I can't complain too much. Shutterfly has lots of sales and deals. I get 2-3 emails per month with a promotion that allows me to get a FREE photobook! I just have to pay shipping and handling, which sadly, isn't free. But it's way better than having to pay for the photobook AND shipping.
Another awesome feature of Shutterfly is their calendars. You can make a personal calendar with your own photos! Check it out here: http://www.shutterfly.com/
Those are just my favorites. Shutterfly also does custom mugs, greeting cards, and invitations (bridal shower, wedding, baby shower, graduation, etc). I wish I'd known about this when I made my wedding invites-- it would have cost about the same as making our own, which we did, but taken A LOT less time.
So there's my endorsement! Check out Shutterfly.com and have fun making some of your own designs!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Fight Cancer, Save a Life
On December 4, I'm going to register to save a life; and I'm inviting you to join me. I'm going to go to Midvale, Utah, where the tutoring company I work for is holding a drive to get people registered on the National Bone Marrow Donor Registry. They are going to swab my cheek, and in the 8% chance that they call me because I'm a match, I can save a life.
When I was in high school, the summer between my Freshman and Sophomore years, I lost both my great-grandma Harkins and my step-grandfather Bob to cancer, within just a few weeks of each other. My grandma (dad's mom) has had a recent battle with breast and skin cancer, currently, she's in remission. Just this past February, my husband lost a dear uncle to leukemia. Cancer has really taken it's toll on my family in many ways. This past Saturday, I ran my first 5K to benefit a family in my previous church ward who's husband/father has Stage IV Melanoma. Last week, another friend found out that her 6 month old son has leukemia. I love all these people so much.
That's my Great-Grandma Harkins and my mom, the summer before she passed away form cancer.
I want to do what I can to save a life from cancer. I can't say I won't be scared if I ever get a call telling me that I can save a life. I know I've heard that donating bone marrow can hurt; but that pain can't be worse than losing someone you love. Please join me on Saturday, December 4. Get registered to save a life. Maybe you're not in a place in life where you can donate now; don't let that stop you from registering-- because when they give you a call, if they do, you'll likely be somewhere else in life. You might be able to when you are needed. And if you're not, you can say no, and no one will think less of you. All you have to do is get a cheek swab. It's painless to register. I'll even carpool with you if you want to join me.
My husband's cousin-in-law was able to donate blood stem cells a few weeks ago to save a man's life because she was on the registry. She registered 8 years ago, and just got a call. I know that person's family must be so grateful for her sacrifice. She blogged her experience here: http://deshazerland.blogspot.com/
Here's the info I got from work on the Registry Drive:
When: Saturday December 4, 2010
Time: 11am-4pm
Where:Huntington Learning Center
When I was in high school, the summer between my Freshman and Sophomore years, I lost both my great-grandma Harkins and my step-grandfather Bob to cancer, within just a few weeks of each other. My grandma (dad's mom) has had a recent battle with breast and skin cancer, currently, she's in remission. Just this past February, my husband lost a dear uncle to leukemia. Cancer has really taken it's toll on my family in many ways. This past Saturday, I ran my first 5K to benefit a family in my previous church ward who's husband/father has Stage IV Melanoma. Last week, another friend found out that her 6 month old son has leukemia. I love all these people so much.
I want to do what I can to save a life from cancer. I can't say I won't be scared if I ever get a call telling me that I can save a life. I know I've heard that donating bone marrow can hurt; but that pain can't be worse than losing someone you love. Please join me on Saturday, December 4. Get registered to save a life. Maybe you're not in a place in life where you can donate now; don't let that stop you from registering-- because when they give you a call, if they do, you'll likely be somewhere else in life. You might be able to when you are needed. And if you're not, you can say no, and no one will think less of you. All you have to do is get a cheek swab. It's painless to register. I'll even carpool with you if you want to join me.
My husband's cousin-in-law was able to donate blood stem cells a few weeks ago to save a man's life because she was on the registry. She registered 8 years ago, and just got a call. I know that person's family must be so grateful for her sacrifice. She blogged her experience here: http://deshazerland.blogspot.com/
Here's the info I got from work on the Registry Drive:
The Huntington Learning Centers in Utah are hosting a bone marrow drive and fundraiser to encourage more Utahans to register with the national bone marrow registry.
On Saturday, December 4, 2010 we will be hosting a Bone Marrow Donor Drive and Fundraiser in partnership with the Rich Cronin Hope Foundation from 11am-4pm at our Midvale office.
The fight against cancer goes on and it touches may of our lives or the lives of our family or friends. Cancer affects mothers, fathers, children, and it does not o overlook victims based on social status, race, or age. The mission of the Rich Cronin Hope Foundation is to register people to be on the National Bone Marrow Donor Registry. Without people registering, there is no chance for many who need a donor to find one. In addition to registering people to save a life, we will be raising money for this wonderful foundation.
We would love if you would confirm a number of people that are willing to come out and be registered onto the National Bone Marrow Done Registry on December 4, 2010. The person that brings in the most registrants will win a gift basket! You can confirm these on the attached page and return to me via email or fax. Registering is quite simple (AND COMPLETELY painless-we just swab the inside of your cheek!) and takes roughly 15 minutes of your time. Please help us reach our goal of 150 new potential donors added to the registry through our drive! Anyone in good health between the ages of 18-60 can register!
Being a registered marrow donor means being registered to save a life. It means providing the potential to save another person's life from your own. It means potentially providing a person with the opportunity to win THE GOOD FIGHT.
Thank you in advance for your support!When: Saturday December 4, 2010
Time: 11am-4pm
Where:Huntington Learning Center
719 East Fort Union Blvd.
Midvale, UT 84047
Sunday, November 14, 2010
New Look, New Acomplishments
This past Thursday, I got a haircut. It was quite a big change... but I LOVE it!
My good friend Sandy came to Utah over the weekend to visit before she moves to England for awhile. She is such an amazing woman; she made a big difference in my life when I was a young, confused, angry, and very sad teenager. And she continues to be a blessing in my life even when we don't see or talk much. Thank you, Sandy!
Saturday, I finished my first ever 5K! It was a benefit race, called Five to Fight Cancer, to benefit the Leo Teemant family. They are a family that lives in the church ward that Brad and I lived in last year. Such am amazing and wonderful family! One of their children were in our nursery class last year when Brad and I were nursery leaders at church. The father was diagnosed with Stage IV Melanoma, and was told he had less than 1 year to live. The family's story can be found here: www.fivetofightcancer.com
I can start crying anytime I think about them. They have a baby that's only 5 months old, and two other children, about 5 years and 3 years. It makes me wonder what would happen if something like this were to hit my family. If I or Brad were to die young, would our children remember us? What would they remember? Would Naomi remember how much we love her?
As I was about half way done, my asthma was making it very difficult for me to keep going. Utah air is dry, and it was a particularly cold morning when the race started. Cold, dry air is the WORST for my asthma. I didn't know if I could finish, but as I'm struggling to breath as I fight my way up a hill, I see Leo Teemant run past me. He just had his last chemo treatment 1 week ago. And I just start crying. This amazing man is fighting for his life. To stay with his family on this earth for just a little while longer. He is so strong and courageous. I could finish the race for him. Instead of trying to go faster and go into a full asthma attack, I get out my inhaler and decide that I will finish the race. I may not finish very fast, but I will finish without killing myself. I walked most of the race, stopping when necessary going uphill to use my inhaler, and walking/jogging in downhill areas. I finished with a time of 59:29. It felt amazing! I never thought I would do any kind of race, but I'm so glad I did!
Oh, and there was also a craft sale that same morning; all proceeds went to the Teemant's to help pay for medical expenses. I finished crocheting 4 scarves. Two of them sold for $20. I still have the other 2, and would be willing to sell them. Any money made from them will be given to the Teemants. Pictures below.
This one was my favorite. I made it from leftover yarn from a few years ago when I made a Steelers' scarf for my then soon-to-be father-in-law. The yarn was inexpensive, but very soft. It is also the first time I made crocheted flowers. I was very pleased with them.
The yarn for this and the other 3 was exquisitely soft! A wonderful woman donated this very expensive yarn to me for the purpose of making scarves for the sale. It was my second favorite, and is still available to buy! All proceeds will go to the Teemant family.
This one sold first. Made of the same exquisitely soft, very expensive, donated yarn; just a black instead of cream color, with a matching red crocheted flower.
There is a 4th scarf, not pictured, but still available. It's the super soft, expensive, donated yarn, but in a rich purple color and 2 cream colored crocheted flowers sewn on the end. Very beautiful, soft, and still available to benefit the Teemant family. I'll try to post a pic soon, when I get one.
My good friend Sandy came to Utah over the weekend to visit before she moves to England for awhile. She is such an amazing woman; she made a big difference in my life when I was a young, confused, angry, and very sad teenager. And she continues to be a blessing in my life even when we don't see or talk much. Thank you, Sandy!Saturday, I finished my first ever 5K! It was a benefit race, called Five to Fight Cancer, to benefit the Leo Teemant family. They are a family that lives in the church ward that Brad and I lived in last year. Such am amazing and wonderful family! One of their children were in our nursery class last year when Brad and I were nursery leaders at church. The father was diagnosed with Stage IV Melanoma, and was told he had less than 1 year to live. The family's story can be found here: www.fivetofightcancer.com
I can start crying anytime I think about them. They have a baby that's only 5 months old, and two other children, about 5 years and 3 years. It makes me wonder what would happen if something like this were to hit my family. If I or Brad were to die young, would our children remember us? What would they remember? Would Naomi remember how much we love her?
As I was about half way done, my asthma was making it very difficult for me to keep going. Utah air is dry, and it was a particularly cold morning when the race started. Cold, dry air is the WORST for my asthma. I didn't know if I could finish, but as I'm struggling to breath as I fight my way up a hill, I see Leo Teemant run past me. He just had his last chemo treatment 1 week ago. And I just start crying. This amazing man is fighting for his life. To stay with his family on this earth for just a little while longer. He is so strong and courageous. I could finish the race for him. Instead of trying to go faster and go into a full asthma attack, I get out my inhaler and decide that I will finish the race. I may not finish very fast, but I will finish without killing myself. I walked most of the race, stopping when necessary going uphill to use my inhaler, and walking/jogging in downhill areas. I finished with a time of 59:29. It felt amazing! I never thought I would do any kind of race, but I'm so glad I did!
Oh, and there was also a craft sale that same morning; all proceeds went to the Teemant's to help pay for medical expenses. I finished crocheting 4 scarves. Two of them sold for $20. I still have the other 2, and would be willing to sell them. Any money made from them will be given to the Teemants. Pictures below.
This one was my favorite. I made it from leftover yarn from a few years ago when I made a Steelers' scarf for my then soon-to-be father-in-law. The yarn was inexpensive, but very soft. It is also the first time I made crocheted flowers. I was very pleased with them.
The yarn for this and the other 3 was exquisitely soft! A wonderful woman donated this very expensive yarn to me for the purpose of making scarves for the sale. It was my second favorite, and is still available to buy! All proceeds will go to the Teemant family.
This one sold first. Made of the same exquisitely soft, very expensive, donated yarn; just a black instead of cream color, with a matching red crocheted flower.There is a 4th scarf, not pictured, but still available. It's the super soft, expensive, donated yarn, but in a rich purple color and 2 cream colored crocheted flowers sewn on the end. Very beautiful, soft, and still available to benefit the Teemant family. I'll try to post a pic soon, when I get one.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
A Happy Halloween Weekend
Well, that Recapturing Beauty Challenge was great. I've started a little project now with it; I've put all my blog posts about it in a word document, and am fixing it up and designing it into a little book. I'm going to add pics and colors and make it look super pretty. Then I'm going to save it as a pdf, and print it out like a little book. So I can always look back at it and remember the challenge and what I learned from it. I'm excited. Luckily, I learned how to do so mildly creative book creating when I was in my classroom management class. We had to do a "Management Plan" that we created into a little handbook. I think I learned more about designing books in word than about how to manage a classroom in that class, but it's paying off now!
(Photo courtesy of Lauren Barnes-- our awesome upstairs neighbor!)
Brad's cousin, Joanna, came through Provo and we got to visit with her. I really love that girl! She is always super nice. Example: she took graduation pictures for me on Sunday! And you're thinking, "didn't you graduate, like, 6 months ago??" And yes, you'd be correct. But since I gave birth only 3 days before graduation, I looked stoned out of my mind, my milk came in, had gotten no sleep after one day home with a baby, and was still in quite a bit of pain on graduation day-- I didn't feel like walking around campus with my 3 day old baby, fighting crowds to take pictures. You could not have paid me enough to do that. But 6 months later, I was feeling sad that I didn't have pictures to commemorate that major accomplishment. So Joanna, being her awesome self, took the pics!!! I'm so excited to see them!
(Taken at the Provo Library with my phone-- too cute!)
We also had a Halloween party at Megan and Todd's (another of Brad's many awesome cousins). Munchkin stole the hearts of everyone with her cuteness as a little pumpkin. And I rocked at Just Dance 2; it's a Wii game that is now on my Christmas wish list. ;-)
(I Love my pumpkin!!!)
Pictures coming soon! But here's some just to keep you coming back for more.
(Thanks, Lauren, for the awesome pics! This is Brad's favorite!)
(Another Lauren Barnes masterpiece.) And this is my favorite!
Happy Halloween, from the Neeley's!
(Photo courtesy of Lauren Barnes-- our awesome upstairs neighbor!)Brad's cousin, Joanna, came through Provo and we got to visit with her. I really love that girl! She is always super nice. Example: she took graduation pictures for me on Sunday! And you're thinking, "didn't you graduate, like, 6 months ago??" And yes, you'd be correct. But since I gave birth only 3 days before graduation, I looked stoned out of my mind, my milk came in, had gotten no sleep after one day home with a baby, and was still in quite a bit of pain on graduation day-- I didn't feel like walking around campus with my 3 day old baby, fighting crowds to take pictures. You could not have paid me enough to do that. But 6 months later, I was feeling sad that I didn't have pictures to commemorate that major accomplishment. So Joanna, being her awesome self, took the pics!!! I'm so excited to see them!
(Taken at the Provo Library with my phone-- too cute!)We also had a Halloween party at Megan and Todd's (another of Brad's many awesome cousins). Munchkin stole the hearts of everyone with her cuteness as a little pumpkin. And I rocked at Just Dance 2; it's a Wii game that is now on my Christmas wish list. ;-)
(I Love my pumpkin!!!)Pictures coming soon! But here's some just to keep you coming back for more.
(Thanks, Lauren, for the awesome pics! This is Brad's favorite!)
(Another Lauren Barnes masterpiece.) And this is my favorite!Happy Halloween, from the Neeley's!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Recapturing Beauty FINAL Challenge
This was held in the Wilk. Talk about a powerful challenge! When I arrived with munchkin in her stroller, I felt surrounded by beauty. All these incredible women who were going through the same challenges I was for the past 10 days, all of us rediscovering or "recapturing" our beauty. I could jsut feel the excitement! I got my t-shirt, and munchkin and I sat at the outside of the group, mostly so munchkin would have room to wiggle around on the floor and play.
We were given 10 dots, and on them we wrote the "labels" that we felt we or others put on us. Then we put the labels on us. I can't tell you how... ashamed... I felt. Munchkin was looking at me all confused and started trying to take them of of me. They started reading the children's story You Are Special by Max Lucado. But I saw munchkin the whole time. Looking at me funny and trying to take off my dots. I kept telling her, "no, munchkin. Don't take off mommy's dots. They need to stay on her."
wow. What was munchkin seeing? I was her beautiful mommy, devaluing herself. She knew those shouldn't be on me. She tried taking them off. But I wouldn't let her. Man, how often have I refused to let go of a negative label? Do I really "need" it? What am I teaching Naomi by defeneding my negative self-image? Do I want her to learn to do the same thing?
NO!
I want to teach her that she is beautiful. because she is. I want to teach her that her worth can't be taken away from her. that she will always be beautiful. even when she's small right now. even when she hits puberty in 3rd grade, like I did. even when she has acne. even when she is told that she isn't by stupid boys, or magazines, or tv shows, or anyone else. But how can I teach her that if I don't believe it about myself? what kind of hypocrite will I be if I expect her to always know that she is beautiful, if I can't show her how to believe it? That's why I'm beautiful now.
After reading the story, we went one by one and removed the labels. Thank you, WSR, for such a great challenge. We need to let go of those labels and stops justifying them, defending them, believing them, I let munchkin take off the ones on my face, slobber all over them, and drop them. They will never stick to me again. Because I'm beautiful. Because I know I am a daughter of my Heavenly Father. He loves me. Because Jesus Christ is my Savior and He died for me. He loves me.
I am BEAUTIFUL!
We were given 10 dots, and on them we wrote the "labels" that we felt we or others put on us. Then we put the labels on us. I can't tell you how... ashamed... I felt. Munchkin was looking at me all confused and started trying to take them of of me. They started reading the children's story You Are Special by Max Lucado. But I saw munchkin the whole time. Looking at me funny and trying to take off my dots. I kept telling her, "no, munchkin. Don't take off mommy's dots. They need to stay on her."
wow. What was munchkin seeing? I was her beautiful mommy, devaluing herself. She knew those shouldn't be on me. She tried taking them off. But I wouldn't let her. Man, how often have I refused to let go of a negative label? Do I really "need" it? What am I teaching Naomi by defeneding my negative self-image? Do I want her to learn to do the same thing?
NO!
I want to teach her that she is beautiful. because she is. I want to teach her that her worth can't be taken away from her. that she will always be beautiful. even when she's small right now. even when she hits puberty in 3rd grade, like I did. even when she has acne. even when she is told that she isn't by stupid boys, or magazines, or tv shows, or anyone else. But how can I teach her that if I don't believe it about myself? what kind of hypocrite will I be if I expect her to always know that she is beautiful, if I can't show her how to believe it? That's why I'm beautiful now.
After reading the story, we went one by one and removed the labels. Thank you, WSR, for such a great challenge. We need to let go of those labels and stops justifying them, defending them, believing them, I let munchkin take off the ones on my face, slobber all over them, and drop them. They will never stick to me again. Because I'm beautiful. Because I know I am a daughter of my Heavenly Father. He loves me. Because Jesus Christ is my Savior and He died for me. He loves me.
I am BEAUTIFUL!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Recapturing Beauty Day 9: Connect
Take a nap, go for a walk, get a massage, take a bubble bath, or anything else that helps you appreciate and connect with your body.
Wow. I really am kinda brutal to my body. Not just mentally and emotionally, but physically too. I keep myself so busy and I don't get many chances to relax and "connect with my body" in a positive way. I carried munchkin to the library and my back was killing me! Then we had bowling, and I could hardly throw the ball because my back hurt so much. But I have a wonderful husband that would give me between bowling shoulder rubs. Such a sweety!
That evening, before bed, I did yoga for about 30 minutes. It always makes me feel SO GOOD! It's relaxing, challenging, and enjoyable. I use the Wii Fit to do the yoga, but I don't use the weighing feature on the game anymore because it always made me feel terrible about myself. Now I enjoy doing an activity that in high school I thought was only for vegetarians and hippies. Boy, was I wrong!
My great hubby then gave me a back rub as I fell to sleep. Seriously; he's the best! He can always remind me that I'm beautiful when I forget. Thanks, babe!
I am trying to stay beautiful.
Wow. I really am kinda brutal to my body. Not just mentally and emotionally, but physically too. I keep myself so busy and I don't get many chances to relax and "connect with my body" in a positive way. I carried munchkin to the library and my back was killing me! Then we had bowling, and I could hardly throw the ball because my back hurt so much. But I have a wonderful husband that would give me between bowling shoulder rubs. Such a sweety!
That evening, before bed, I did yoga for about 30 minutes. It always makes me feel SO GOOD! It's relaxing, challenging, and enjoyable. I use the Wii Fit to do the yoga, but I don't use the weighing feature on the game anymore because it always made me feel terrible about myself. Now I enjoy doing an activity that in high school I thought was only for vegetarians and hippies. Boy, was I wrong!
My great hubby then gave me a back rub as I fell to sleep. Seriously; he's the best! He can always remind me that I'm beautiful when I forget. Thanks, babe!
I am trying to stay beautiful.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Recapturing beauty Day 8: Mindfullness
Pay attention to your thoughts today. Ask yourself: "Is what I'm thinking really true?" Practice challenging negative thoughts and replacing them with more truthful ones.
thought: "I'm so fat."
truth: I'm overweight according to health charts, but I am active and I eat healthy. My body feels good, so I should feel good about it.
thought: "I've got double wide hips."
truth: well, the above might be true, but I just gave birth 6 months ago, and having those double wide hips really helped. And my husband loves them, so I should love them, too.
thought: "I'm such a horrible mommy for (fill in the blank, anything I'm not perfect at)."
truth: I love my munchkin and will do anything for her. I'm quitting my private tutoring job so she is well cared for and Brad can work more at his job. She is the center of every day. I may not be perfect, but I'm the perfect mommy for munchkin. And where I fall short, I can call on my Savior Jesus Christ to help me where I feel weak.
thought: "I hate utah and want to move back east. NOW!"
truth: I hate living so far away from family. I miss them so much! I'm excited for that time in our lives after Brad graduates and gets a job and we move, and I REALLY hope it's closer to our families.
thought: "I must not be feeding munchkin enough because she's so small!"
truth: She's health and growing slowly but consistently. She's very happy and smart. She's perfect.
thought: "I love my family so much!"
truth: I love my family so much!
thought: "I'm a failure because I couldn't get a teaching job."
truth: I applied everywhere within a 1 hr commute where I was qualified. I spent 10-30 hrs/week applying for jobs over the summer. But at the end of the day, I'm a good mommy, and the Lord has blessed us by meeting our needs so far. I'm very lucky to get to take care of munchkin and not need a babysitter.
thought: "I'm trying to be beautiful, but I don't know if I ever will be."
truth: I am a daughter of my Heavenly Father who loves me, and I love Him. I am beautiful in His eyes. I am beautiful in my husband's eyes. I am beautiful in my daughter's eyes. I am beautiful.
Not all of my thoughts are untruthful. Some I'm totally off base, and some are just a little off the mark. When I say something negative, there is almost always a more positive truth that I can replace it with.
thought: "I'm so fat."
truth: I'm overweight according to health charts, but I am active and I eat healthy. My body feels good, so I should feel good about it.
thought: "I've got double wide hips."
truth: well, the above might be true, but I just gave birth 6 months ago, and having those double wide hips really helped. And my husband loves them, so I should love them, too.
thought: "I'm such a horrible mommy for (fill in the blank, anything I'm not perfect at)."
truth: I love my munchkin and will do anything for her. I'm quitting my private tutoring job so she is well cared for and Brad can work more at his job. She is the center of every day. I may not be perfect, but I'm the perfect mommy for munchkin. And where I fall short, I can call on my Savior Jesus Christ to help me where I feel weak.
thought: "I hate utah and want to move back east. NOW!"
truth: I hate living so far away from family. I miss them so much! I'm excited for that time in our lives after Brad graduates and gets a job and we move, and I REALLY hope it's closer to our families.
thought: "I must not be feeding munchkin enough because she's so small!"
truth: She's health and growing slowly but consistently. She's very happy and smart. She's perfect.
thought: "I love my family so much!"
truth: I love my family so much!
thought: "I'm a failure because I couldn't get a teaching job."
truth: I applied everywhere within a 1 hr commute where I was qualified. I spent 10-30 hrs/week applying for jobs over the summer. But at the end of the day, I'm a good mommy, and the Lord has blessed us by meeting our needs so far. I'm very lucky to get to take care of munchkin and not need a babysitter.
thought: "I'm trying to be beautiful, but I don't know if I ever will be."
truth: I am a daughter of my Heavenly Father who loves me, and I love Him. I am beautiful in His eyes. I am beautiful in my husband's eyes. I am beautiful in my daughter's eyes. I am beautiful.
Not all of my thoughts are untruthful. Some I'm totally off base, and some are just a little off the mark. When I say something negative, there is almost always a more positive truth that I can replace it with.
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