Category Archives: Reflections

Adventures, Creativity, Daily Prompts, Life As A Mama, Reflections

Movies…

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What are your top ten favorite movies?

These are some great questions. Not too hard, and easy enough to answer in the morning.

They won’t be in order of favorite. That’s way too hard. But only picking 10…

#1 How to Train Your Dragon 1-3

I know they are kid movies, but I love them. I actually asked my husband to buy them for me on my 26th birthday. 😎

#2 Star Wars 4-6

It’s not that I’m against 1-3 or 7-9; I just love the original ones. Definitely going to have my kiddos watch the original ones first. That is the way it must be done.

#3 Prince of Persia

I can’t really tell you why I like this movie. It’s funny to me, but also I like the storyline. Also probably because when I watched this movie for the first time with my older brother, he called it the ‘baby face’ movie. Mr. Jake has a baby face in this film. Haha

#4 Avatar: The Last Airbender

I love this tv show. But not only me; it has become a tradition with my husband and daughter. We sadly watch this show about two times a year. Haha My daughter loves it. Definitely recommend this show if you want to laugh and smile the 99% of the time. That 1% is the deep stuff.

#5 Calamity Jane

I wouldn’t say this was a favorite movie when I was younger; but I’ve grown to love it. It is more enjoyable for an older crowd. I didn’t get a lot of the jokes or lines when I was younger.

#6 A Walk to Remember

This was one of the first movies I watched with my sisters and mom. We had a girls day one afternoon, and we all sat together and watched this movie. They all had their boxes of tissues from the get go, and gave me one too. I had no idea what I was getting into. But boy, did I need them. Definitely a cry your eyes out movie. Crying of sadness, crying of happiness, crying just because. If you need to cry, perfect movie.

#7 Pride & Prejudice!!!

The original BBC one! I think this actually would be in the top 3. I love this movie! (Technically a show) I remember a Saturday that I sat down to watch the movie; then my mom came home and asked to watch it again with me. So of course I did. Then my younger brother showed up, so we three watched it again. So about 16hrs later I had, had my fill of pride & prejudice. But I still continue to watch it!

#8 2014 Godzilla 1 & 2019 Godzilla 2

I don’t know why I like these movies. But when I want to watch this kind of movie I watch these ones. They are great. And it’s a movie that my husband will watch with me.

#9 Harry Potter 1-7

I know many people will say these movies but I really do like them. My older sister was a huge and still is a huge Harry Potter fan. It was a fun thing to have in common with her. I also own all the books. I think the 7th book and 7th movie is my favorite. Maybe 3….No maybe 1…. Let’s just stick to all. I like all of them. Even though the 4th one was a bit scary.

#10 Any Disaster movie. San Andreas, Day After Tomorrow, Geostrom, Deep Impact, Armageddon, Independence Day, Twister, Greenland, etc.

I again don’t know why I like to watch these types of movies, but I do. My mom does too! They keep me on the edge of my seat! Greenland was maybe on the edge of a little too intense… Original Independence Day, epic!! Twister, frightening. I’ve probably watched Day After Tomorrow 30-40 times. At least once a year.

#11 Sports Movies: 42, Remember the Titian, Greatest Game Ever Played, Facing the Giants, Blind Side, Forever Strong, Ford vs Ferrari, Miracle, Glory Road, Mighty Ducks, etc.

I know it’s supposed to be 10, but I can’t believe I forgot one of my most watched categories. The ones I listed are just a few. I’ve watched so many more. All the ones I listed are great! I recommend all of them. I know why I love sport movies. I’m was an athlete. I love watching movies where they complete their goals and beat their endeavors. They are inspiring. The husband is not a big fan so I tend to watch them by myself. Which is all good; means I get to watch them over and over again.

.-.-.-.-.

I’m sure there are movies I forgot. I love dance movies. I love foreign movies. I love action movies. Right!! Probably #12 would be Die Hard. But that’s a Christmas movie. So I feel like there should be second list: Top Ten Christmas Movies. That list would be easier I think.

But I love…no wait! Shooter. I can’t believe I forgot about that movie. I love that movie. Maybe I would replace Shooter with Calamity Jane. If you like Action/ Thriller movies I definitely recommend this one.

Also Hot Fuzz. Man! I’m now remembering all the movies. This one is a movie my husband and I quote all the time. “Narp.” But it is a bit gory. Not for little eyes. I still close my eyes at some scenes.

Okay I’ve got to stop. I could probably continue to list movies. Let’s just say I like various types of movies. Just No horror or harming little kids.

Life is too short, just watch what you like. There is only so much time in a day. And let’s be honest, you maybe only have 2-3hrs at night to watch something. And you will watch something you like.

Excited to read other peoples answers. Also to see if I’m the only one who couldn’t stay within 10 movies.

Have a great Tuesday!!

Life As A Mama, Reflections

Funny Thought

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A backstory:

So when I was younger. I went over to a friends house, and I was so troubled by the option for lunch… “Sandwich of Matoes and Leaves!!” (Tomatoes and lettuce) haha

Remember I was young. But now throughout my life this quote as continued. My siblings, my mom, close friends will also use it.

Now the present:

I was telling my daughter, that her brother loves cucumbers. That he likes to munch and suck the juices out.

So… now when I order salads from restaurants, my daughter takes the croutons. And now my son will take the cucumbers….so I will once again be left with matoes and leaves. Haha 😂

Funny how things come full circle.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Art, Daily Prompts, Poetry, Reflections, Word Of The Day

Prompt, Word Of the Day, and Poetry….

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If you won two free plane tickets, where would you go?

Word Of The Day: Dauntless 7-19-23

Synonyms: fearless

…

They are free?

They are free!

What a wonderful day to be me!

Just paying for two more,

Is less of a chore.

We will pack up our bags;

Start off to the the flag,

Of Hawaii.

.

It’s so beautiful there.

I’ve never a care.

The amazing jungles,

The different sands,

Oh what a wonderful day to be grand.

Will I do it this time?

Will dauntless be me?

Can I swim in the ocean?

Can I be openly free?

Fearless that’s me!

.

Nope…

Never mind.

Sharks and me not a pretty dime.

I’ll stay on the beach,

That’s fine.

If only this was true,

To be seeing the wonders of blue.

The island of Hawaii,

With me!

…

We went to Hawaii for our honeymoon. It was forever ago. It would be fun to go again. We will go again! I just don’t know when. But it is indeed magical there. The blues, the greens, the reds, pinks, and different hues. I would love to see it all again.

“Island Charm”
Digital Art By: emily2jane
07-29-23

Daily Prompts, Life As A Mama, Reflections

Of course! Emily Elephant

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Do you remember your favorite book from childhood?

My favorite book was called Emily Elephant. She cooks, she cleans, she picks flowers. My mom actually saved me the book, and I have read it to my own daughter.

I can’t remember being read the book. But I do remember wanting to clean, bake, pick flowers, have a party. I still do all these things, but I don’t know if I would say I want to clean.

Now, my daughter wants to do all these things with me. She loves to sweep, mop, and vacuum. She helps me with the dishes. She loves baking and cooking. (Her croutons are amazing!!) She is an excellent flower picker. I get to enjoy the wild flowers both inside and out. And she is only four.

If you have a daughter or niece or granddaughter; try the book Emily Elephant. It teaches you the great skills in life that you will always use.

Have a happy Wednesday!!🌼

Reflections

I Discovered Why…

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I discovered why I’ve been so irritable and frustrated lately. I’m unhappy. My giving cup is empty.

Every person is some percentage of giving. I am 80% giving and 20% receiving. Example: 80% of the time I would rather give a gift than receive. But 20% of the time I NEED to receive.

So meaning being myself, my normal self; has not made me very happy as of late. I’ve just been stumbling around not knowing what’s wrong. Instead, I’ve been irritable. Short tempered. And unhappy. I guess I’ve been trying to figure out how to be happy, when being myself doesn’t make me happy anymore. Hence, my giving cup is empty.

So I’m just going to focus on myself. Normally I would focus on making those around me happy. Giving them what they needed. Focus on them; Focus on them! But none of my requests were being met. I was just either waiting or attempting to live without. Not even being big request, remember only 20%.

But now I’m to the point, I am going to make me happy. And I just won’t ask anymore. Not until my giving cup is full again or I feel happy. I don’t know how long that will take, but I want to feel like myself again. I want to be happy giving to others. And not feel drained and depressed at everyday life.

It’s going to be noticeable. Hopefully this will help me. Hopefully.

But on a happier note… Happy Birthday Mama!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

We love and miss you 🥰

Art, Creativity, Life As A Mama, Poetry, Reflections

Word Of The Day: Flounder 04-13-23

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Synonyms: flounder, struggle, squirm, wriggle, splash, stumble, blunder, etc.

.-.-.-.

Morning.

My eyes only flutter open,

When I hear the door creak.

She’s awake.

.-.-.

Brother lies still beside me,

Finally resting peacefully.

The night was a struggle.

.-.-.

Breakfast.

My essences left my body.

I stand hollow and empty.

Yelling and chattering,

Never end with these two.

.-.

Food is out.

Why such a battle.

I squirmed and wriggled,

To get one meal done.

Please nap time come.

.-.-.

Afternoon.

Chaos is constant.

Never a moment of peace.

Questions spewing, toys flying, emotions rising.

Will it ever be done?

.-.-.

Bedtime.

Screams of protest.

Anger developing.

Stumbles, fumbles, thrash, splash.

Silence follows all those blunders.

.-.-.

Silence.

Regrets and upsets,

Fill my brain.

Retrace your steps,

To learn again.

Sleep.

.-.-.

Morning.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

Being a mama is tough. One child is different than two. Especially when your first child is intelligent and stubborn. She is determined to do it her way. He way or the highway. Except that doesn’t work when it’s supposed to be my way.

Little man is so mellow compared to her. He is smart too, noticeably for his age. My life will be interesting; calm way to put it.

But I struggle. I don’t know what I’m doing. I try my best and always some part of the day seems to be….Blarghbaaaaaaaaaa!!! If you couldn’t tell, that was me having a meltdown.

And I know it will continue to be difficult if we continue to add to our family. But hopefully I can find that flow…a current of productive moments.

I do have those moments. And I need to try and focus on the happy sweet moments of the day at bedtime. It’s difficult. But I know they probably outnumber the bad moments.

To all young moms out there. You are doing a great job. And all grandma’s now, you did amazing job raising your kids. Because they decided to continue the line of family. Your kids feel comfortable and confident enough to raise kids on their own.

Thank you to my mom!❤️

“After A Storm” Digital Art
By: emily2jane
04-13-23

I will starting to paint soon. And some of the art from my blog will finally be on canvases!! I’m excited to get my art out into the world. 🎊

The word of the day today might be a negative word. But it helps show you the good in life. Like the picture above. Always after something bad, the good will come into focus, and shine in your life. Have a wonderful day ❤️

Art, Creativity, Poetry, Reflections

My Lucky Twenty-Nine

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.-.-.

My heart breaks every time.

Why the lies?

Why?

It’s not just you,

Can you understand I’m here too?

When I meet you will you be

As you said?

Or will another be a wasted day?

We shall see,

Hopefully…

Do all guys lie?

.-.-.-.

Number one was older,

A goner was number four,

I walked right back out the door.

.-.-.

Seven was a liar,

Twelve was fatter,

Lying does not flatter.

.-.-.

Fifteen was younger,

A flirt was twenty-two,

Honesty is what I pursue.

.-.-.

Twenty-four was sadly a bore,

Twenty-eight was very late.

Is loneliness my fate?

.-.-.

This is my last one,

Walking to my final meet.

Preparing for failure,

Praying to my Savior.

I can’t take much more,

Will twenty-nine slam my door?

.-.-.

The man before me…

I see nothing to deceive.

Why can’t I speak?

Nervousness escaping squeaks.

He talks, I listen,

Stunned to respond.

.-.-.

He is the one.

God washes over me,

Relief.

Our meet was not brief,

My heart still in disbelief.

Outside my home,

Ending unknown.

Side hug goodbye,

Glancing back at the guy,

My lucky twenty-nine.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.

It’s said to write what you know. So this poem is based on me meeting my husband. And I’m not exaggerating when I say I went on many first dates. Some I went on up to three-five dates, but they all ended up lying about something in the end. Online dating is already hard enough. Why lie on your profile. Yes personality is a big part of someone, but for me if you lie with a picture what else will you or are you lying about.

I guess, don’t compromise. And don’t be embarrassed if none of your dates are working out. Now you know there is someone who experienced twenty-eight bad ones before my right one found me.

God made me experience all the awful meets, so that I would know the right one when I met him. Also, so I would see all his great qualities, and see past the honesty of the handsomeness of his profile picture.

Digital Art “Love”
10-27-22
By: emily2jane

Creativity, Life As A Mama, Reflections

Baby Brain

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It’s a real thing. Other husbands out there, don’t worry it is a temporary thing….through pregnancy and maybe the next 2 years. Haha 😆 Pregnant women get forgetful, slower, and zone out. Some might not, (some women might be lucky.)

But I definitely experience the baby brain.

It makes doing anything twice as hard. Also the hubby has days where he can’t talk to me. Haha 😂

But I’ve gotten better. I now can tell him when I’m having a bad baby brain day. He usually knows before I say anything and responds with, “Oh, I know.”

My mom throughout my growing up told me that with each child we stole some of her smartness. My mom is super smart!!! I’m not saying otherwise, but now I understand what she means. I’m on baby number 2, and I’m wondering how much my new baby will take. My daughter is scary smart. (I know that’s what most parents say) but to me for a three year old she is too smart. Haha 😂

So if she is so smart she probably took a 1/4 of my smartness; meaning I’ll probably be giving away another 1/4. Because he is similar to how she was during my pregnancy.

We shall have to wait and see.

But that’s why I haven’t been posting. Because these last months have been major baby brain months. Only one more to go!!

I hope you have a wonderful day, today!

The cover photo: a snap shot I took out our dining room window. To me it looks like the typical screen saver screen. The lushest green, with the blue sky. This was the first day of actually warm weather. “Spring” but it’s been raining for almost three days. Over 500 gallons of water later, it’s sunny. (We captured all the rain we could to use it for watering the garden. We ran out of ways to capture water, all that free water gone. 😞)

Creativity, Daily Prompts, Reflections

Random Word: Tremendous

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Synonyms: huge, enormous, massive, immense, colossal, prodigious, etc.

…

First thing that came to mind… sharks.

Which I know is not the best association with tremendous. But I have an irrational fear of sharks. Not that a fear of sharks is not normal, but I fear sharks in places that sharks cannot actually be.

The swimming pool. Early or late practices, where you would see shadows. I would panic sometimes, irrationally, that a shark was stalking me.

In lakes. I once swam a 5K in a fresh water lake (dam) and I was panicking that a shark would appear.

When I was younger. This is more my siblings fault… but I would always have dreams of sharks attacking me, chasing me, or attacking my siblings and I always would save them and die.

My siblings found it hilarious to prank me. Humming the Jaws sound. Setting the family computer screen saver as sharks. Showing me videos of surprise shark attacks. Lovely things like that.

So much so that I cannot watch shark scenes in movies. That if the characters at all end up in a boat or in the ocean I begin to panic that a shark is going to appear. Which I was watching a movie yesterday, Unbroken, intense movie! But there are scenes of the characters surviving on a life boat in the middle of the ocean. I had to skip many parts of the movie… thankfully the music was great at foreshadowing. (I am not spoiling anything. It is in the description of the film.)

I will never watch Jaws! My brothers have tried to convince me for years. “That I’m missing out on a right of passage”, but nope. Not going to happen.

Tremendous….sharks…literally no, but in my brain yes.

Creativity, Reflections

The Year 2022

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This year, so far, has been full. As you may have noticed, I’ve only been posting chapters of my story. That’s only possible because I can write multiple chapters at once and post them accordingly.

But there are many changes this year. My daughter is three years old, and I cannot believe how time has passed. Her shoulder now fits under the lip of our dinning room table. She is expressing herself with words. She helps and takes care of me as I would to her. Now with her little brother on the way, I can’t help but remember when she was just a small little thing in my arms.

Next… my niece is starting to walk. She will be one year old next month. I just watched a video of a confident little girl strutting down the carpet. Last time I met her was a tiny peanut. No personality, just a little ball of love.

And next… my nephew is turning 15 this year. 15!!! My nephew who is now taller than me by about an inch. My nephew who I remember how he used to chase my dog, Sammy, around the backyard in his onesie. RIP Sammy ❤️ He is turning 15! That’s crazy to me.

The final one for now, but definitely not the last: I haven’t competed in swimming in almost 10 years. I still have dreams about racing, and I remember all the struggles and successes I had in my swimming career. But I haven’t done that in almost 10 years… that’s just amazes me. Especially since I did it for 14 years.

Which is why I am loving writing this story of a boy’s life of swimming. Not everything is from my past, but I’m able to get my desires out of my heart and into a narrative. It’s my way of continuing to live the swimming life without giving up what I have gained in these 10 years.

My husband. My daughter. My expected son. My home. My family.

As much as I love the idea of competing again. It can not measure up to the amount of love I have towards my splendor in life.

Year 2022, has been full; to the fullest. But I’m excited for the years to come. My days competing might be over, but I’m excited for this new adventure!