Tag Archives: Husbands

Daily Prompts, Life As A Mama, Reflections

Be Brave!

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If your future self could send you one sentence, what do you hope it would say?

Be brave; be proud of who you are, and understand you don’t need other’s approval.

I know it’s a few sentences, but I wish I had knew this throughout my life.

Like in elementary school. When my first group of friends were the bullies of the school. I didn’t know that when I became their friends, because I was always swimming whenever there were social things to do.

But looking back now, I’m sure I knew subconsciously at the time. But I wasn’t confident enough in myself that I would find friends that would want me. I’m happy to say though that I stopped being their friends when they told me to bully someone else. Umm…no… I’m not one to make anyone an outsider; I like including everyone.

But I wish I had been braver to stand up and tell them they were wrong and that they should try and be better people. So first part: be brave.

In my teenage years, I was proud of who I was. I was a Christian trying to be strong in my faith, being around unbelievers. As a parent now, man that was rough. Trying to figure yourself out; and constantly being drowned by others trying to make you do wrong. It was tough. Really tough.

I wish I could have told myself to be strong. Be proud of who you are. Be proud to be a Christian. Be an example to those that might have needed one.

The other issue was that there was a girl who portrayed herself as a Christian. (And she might have been, but maybe was lost at the time) but her actions and lifestyle choices would suggest otherwise. And me wanting to be a proud Christian didn’t want to be put into the same category as her. Into the category of I’m using my faith to appear innocent and unattainable to guys, but date around. I didn’t want my faith to be tainted. But I wish I had been stronger. To stand tall and proud in my faith. No matter what. So second part: be proud.

My adult years. I wish I had known that I don’t need approval of others. Not always, but usually the people who need to anoint their approval on you, are not the people that you need in your life. That if you don’t do everything right and everything they say; that you will not be approved and you will probably be shunned.

I’ve had several people like this through my life. That I wish I could have told myself that you are great the way you are, and you don’t need their approval. I’ve recently come to grips with this, after my most recent encounter with someone. But now, my life is better! I don’t stress over acceptance. I don’t nitpick all my actions. I don’t be selective in my ideas. I am just me, and I’m assertive of who I am now. I’m pretty much at the point of, “this is me; if you don’t approve, then we will agree to disagree.” Life is only so long. I’m going to start filling my life with people who will help me thrive and grow. Especially in my faith. I want to surround myself with other Christians, and drench my kids in people who love the Lord. So that they grow up the way I hope they will.

That they will be brave. Be brave to do what is right, even if they are the only ones doing it.

Be proud. I want them to love the Lord. I want them to desire to know Him more. I hope they will be rich in God’s love. But also to be proud to be seen as a God fearing, loving person. That their actions show, even if they don’t speak.

And live knowing you don’t need and won’t get everyone’s approval. And that is perfectly fine. There really are only a few people in life you need to approve of you. God. As my kids keep telling me, they love Him most! My husband. I always want my husband’s approval. My mom. Yes, even if we don’t agree on some things I will still want my mom’s approval in my life. I ask her questions often, especially now as I’m diving into the Bible more. My kids. Not so much their approval, but I want them to respect me. That I can be a good role model for them. And maybe another is, if you’re lucky, your pastor. Some people can have a relationship with their pastor. Our church is probably too big. I’m just at least hoping to make some friends, who also love God.

I know being friends with non believers is good. It is good to be an example to them, to show that that everyone makes mistakes. Everyone struggles. Everyone sins. But the difference is we Christians get back up, ask for forgiveness, and try to live right again.

So after all that. I wish I could tell myself, Be brave! Be proud of who you are. And you don’t need other’s approval.

Even if I didn’t have this knowledge back then, I have kids now…

Art, Creativity, Daily Prompts, Reflections

First Time Again…

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What’s a book, movie, or TV show that you wish you could experience again for the first time?

Book:

Masterpiece By Francine Rivers

This is one of my favorite books. And I just discovered it on my mom’s audible list. I remember the first time I heard this book, yes heard. I listened to this book with my mom while we drove up to my brother at his second year of college. I don’t know how long ago that was…for sure over fifteen years. But the drive was five hours up and five hours home. I finished the last five hours of the book once we got home. I don’t do well with cliffhangers. Parts of this book I still remember, but I’ve always wanted to read it again. So over fifteen years later, I’ll listen again.

Movie:

This one is hard. I don’t really know if I have a movie I would want to see again for the first time. All the movies I have seen in my life, I’ve enjoyed to an extent. Where I either watch the movies over and over again, or I only watch it once, and once is enough. Like mom had us watch a movie called, “The Silver Stallion”. It was terrible. She probably remembers. Haha! But I only remember the ending of the movie, and once was enough for me.

TV Show:

I’ve seen so many TV shows. So many! Probably more tv shows than movies in my lifetime. At least in my teenage to early twenty years. Now I just watch the shows that I’ve liked in the past, new shows always have new ideas they want to force on you. So I just stick to a few. A couple are: “Lie to Me” was a good show that I wish I could see brand new again. It got cancelled but I still occasionally watch it. “Veronica Mars” I remember liking it, but it’s been years since I watched it. I watched it with my older sister. But I’ve recently started watching “White Collar” again. I’ve seen the first few seasons a few times, I don’t remember later on. But it should be interesting to finish again. Again, it’s been over ten years since I last watched the show. I’ve been sticking to YouTube or short tv shows.

Here’s one. Maybe I would want to watch “Lost” again. For the first time with no knowledge of it. Because now you could sit down and start and finish the show. You wouldn’t have to wait until next seasons are coming out. It wasn’t my favorite show, and I don’t really remember most of it, but i might watch it again. Maybe. It was a show I watched with my older brother. How time does fly.

But something I would really like to experience for the first time again, is meeting my now husband for the first time. I would love to be an onlooker watching what went down. How I walked right by him, and didn’t recognize him. How he ordered me a hot chocolate. How he talked the entire time and I awkwardly listened. How he drove me home. How he gave me a side hug. BEST SIDE HUG!! (That hug told me he was the one). I wish I could watch it all again. Or maybe watch our first few dates. I really need to write our love story down. So our kids know what a true love story can look like.

Enjoy your weekend. 😊

Daily Prompts, Life As A Mama, Reflections

This has been a thought a few times.

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If you had to change your name, what would your new name be?

So actually before I knew where my name came from, I thought about wanting my name to be changed.

I had thought about keeping the Emily but changing my middle to Elizabeth. Because I used to love Clifford.

Then for a bit I wanted my initials to be DW. I didn’t care what my name would be. But that show Arthur was my favorite, and I of course I gravitated towards the sister DW. I’m amazed my older brother still likes me after those years. Haha!

Then in elementary school I wanted to have the name Samantha so that I could match my friend’s name. We could be Samantha twins. Instead I’ve given my daughter this name. funny how things come full circle.

In high school I liked my name. But I wanted a new last name. I had even thought about changing my last name to my mom’s maiden name. But then at some point I decided to see my last name as my brothers’ name.

Then pretty much the rest of my teenage years I dreamed about finding my Mr. Right. And I actually looked up men last names and wondered what my name would be.

In my twenties, I met my husband. My only true name change. And I’m so happy I kept everything the same. My mom chose my name because she liked it. And I could never be anyone, but who I am.

Love you mama ❤️

Enjoy your Sunday!

Three days until my husband comes home!! The kiddos and I have been counting down the days.

The cover photo is of my newer daughter. She likes to have capes. Her siblings don’t know yet, but she is the boss. Haha!

Creativity, Daily Prompts, Life As A Mama, Reflections

A Few.

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What personal belongings do you hold most dear?

Obviously husband and kids can’t be my personal belongings…

#1 My giant metal bowl.

We have finally move again. We are in a townhouse for a year so that we can save up some money for a down payment. But we are unpacking boxes, and I found my giant metal bowl! It can rise four loaves of bread at once. It’s amazing. It’s been about two years since I packed it away.

#2 Mr. Pinky

I unpacked my giant pink bear named Mr. Pinky. It’s the one stuffed animal I didn’t want to pass down to my kids. However, my youngest saw Mr. Pinky and it was live at first sight. The hugs she gave him, made me happy but strangely possessive of him. Haha!

If you want to figure out what is your most important things; live in a 200sq ft camper and then a single 300sq ft room for a year. You unpack your belongs and it can make you cherish them more.

#3 The Sound Bar

The sound bar has been with us this whole time. Having the ability to play my music out load is a gift. Music somehow helps me with the chaos. And the more rock n roll type music calms my kids. I’m other parents worst nightmare.

#4 Berry

My two foot blue rubber chicken. I love Berry. He’s been with us the whole time too. Even in the camper. He has had his own perch this whole time.

#5 My skinny clothes

Since last August I have lost forty-five pounds. So I’m so happy I haven’t gotten rid of any of my clothes through the years. Because my clothes from ten years ago are now fitting. The clothes I wore when I had just begun dating my husband fit. It’s amazing.

I don’t have a picture of this. But believe me! Most of them fit!! Some I will just pack away and save for my daughters.

I know there are more, but I can’t think of them. As I unpack things I’ll find more. But for now I’m good with these few. Small blessings.

Enjoy your Tuesday!💕

Some tricks for losing weight. Realistic tricks:

I paid for 6 months of wall Pilates. But I got my deal on Pinterest for 50% off. I thought if I paid for it I would commit to it. And I did. (It was $36 for 6 months).

A big one is cut out all sugar. I know it’s quite hard because sugar is in everything. But switch to making things with honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar. What I learned from my years. For coconut sugar it’s a 1:1 ratio. But for maple syrup or honey it’s a 2/3 to a cup. So if a recipe calls for 1 cup sugar it would be 2/3 cup honey or maple syrup.

But also I did do the fasting part of watching your foods. It was included on the wall Pilates app. So it really did help to quit my nighttime snacking. I always loved to indulge in random sweets or chips at night. But if you don’t eat from 6pm to 7am you burn so many calories. As a woman you need to fast for 12hrs. My husband said a man needs to fast for 16hrs I think. Happy I’m a woman! But the fasting really helped.

The last one was stress. I don’t recommend it. I’ve been in stress maybe the last six months. I don’t stress eat. I only overly indulge myself when I’m depressed. I know when I’m in my depression. Painting helps with that. But I haven’t been in depression for a bit. I at least know the signs. I tell my husband and he super helps me stay motivated to get out of it. But back to weight. I know the stress helped me lose weight, but not a recommendation. Live happily and stress free.

But I’m human. I always eat the whole bag of chips. I can’t stop myself. Especially these spicy bbq chipotle chip we’ve found. If I’m given a bag, it’s mine. And it will be gone in a sitting. My husband now hides the chips. Haha!

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

It’s All Mesh Together!

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How do you balance work and home life?

For me at least it’s all mixed together. Because as a stay at home mom I don’t get balance. I get chaos ties with a bow of craziness!

But if we go for the idea of me painting, then I try to set aside one to two hours of painting time. Not really keeping it separated, but that I try to allow myself that small window of time to focus on only myself.

But being a mom, home chef, whole house cleaner, personal school teacher, etc. It is all my work. I’m constantly working.

But when I originally read this question I thought of my husband. He currently started a new job. His schedule is going to be twelve days working, twelve days off. So he is going to have a harder time balancing his work and home life.

I will just struggle with how life is going to be when he comes home. During fire season he can be gone for fourteen days, in various places. Out of state. He might miss out on some big moments for his kids. He also wants to still become a pilot. So even on his days off he might be flying or hunting…

Life is changing! But it’s a good change.

P.S. I finally posted my paintings on a secondary page on my blog called Portfolio. We have been so busy the last month that I have not had a chance to paint.

But I’m excited to have the paintings able to be seen. Also, when I go to a gallery to sell, I can give them a link to see my paintings.

Adventures, Art, Creativity, Daily Prompts, Poetry, Reflections

Word Of The Day 02-23-26 Culminate

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What advice would you give to your teenage self?

Culminate

Synonyms: come to a climax, come to a crescendo, peak, climax, come to the end with, etc.

.-.-.-.-.

Why are you rushing,

Constantly brushing,

Important people off.

Slow down!

Life won’t pass you by,

It’s not just about finding a guy.

Enjoy the sights,

Enjoy the heights!

Growing up will come real quick.

Should have been patient.

Those guys were just a few some,

If you waited he could have come.

Now at thirty-two,

Your dreams have come true!

He is perfect.

At twenty-two,

You found your crescendo,

Finally taking life slow.

.-.-.-.-.

My advice to my teenage self would have been to slow down. Unless you are one of the few lucky ones, most people don’t find love at fifteen.

And if I had been patient, I might have met him at fifteen. We were in the same sport and at same sporting events. We lived close enough. I would drop my brother off at our cousin’s house, and it was just down the block from him. He worked right around the corner from where I grew up.

But by the grace of God I didn’t miss him, by being impatient. I just met him later in life. Meeting him was at the peak of life. Now I’m enjoying the lowering decent into my adult life. Of kids and adventures.

Life is good. 😊

Digital Art: By emily2jane
10-12-23
Art, Creativity, Daily Prompts, Life As A Mama, Reflections

Three? I think it said three..!

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Tell us about your favorite pair of shoes, and where they’ve taken you.

Three different pairs of shoes came to mind.

First: My black combat boots.

Those shoes were throughout my teenage years. I wore them everywhere. They were so comfy. They laced up, but had a zipper. They went mid shin. Oh! I loved those shoes. They made me feel confident.

They took me to several different places. They took me to trivia nights. I was always so nervous to go to trivia. I’m not a social butterfly, but I wanted to try and work on my social skills. Those boots went with me.

I wanted to go to a Ball. (Yes. Think princess) but I had to stand before a panel of judges and say why I thought I should be selected as a Pasadena princess. I wore those combat boots. I looked cute, but compared to the other girls around me I looked tough. Haha! To help end your curiosity, I was not selected. But I still got to go to the ball, just because I tried. Getting ready was more fun than actually being there. That was too much socializing for me.

I wore those boots when I had coach banquets. They helped me walk into a situation I did not want to be in. Public speaking. Terrible. But my shoes were cute.

The shoes finally died. I really do miss that shoe. Maybe I’ll get another pair one day. But I got those from Nordstrom rack. They were on sale for $50. Normally $180. I can’t afford shoes like that anymore.

Second: My wedge sandle heels.

I love these heels. They are the most comfortable high heeled shoe I own. The straps are a light tan color. The wedge is light brown. They are quite tall. About three inches. So I’m taller than my husband when I wear them.

But I feel so pretty and fancy when I wear those shoes. My posture is also perfect when I wear heels.

Fun story. My mom and I got the same shoes at the same time. I tried them on and said they were so comfy, that my mom found a pair, rusty orange straps, and she thought they were super comfy too. So we got them together. I don’t think she has them anymore. But I do!

They are currently in storage. But occasionally I wish I had them currently. Some outfits would just pop a bit more with those shoes. My confidence would be back. I’m not one, but some women can wear the heels and deal with their toddlers. I can’t. My toddler is super fast and sneaky. Heels would just make it that much harder.

So as long as my feet stop growing with having babies, I’ll wear them again. At some point.

But they have taken me to dances, family weddings, dates (with hubby), all events where I felt the most fancy, just because I could dance the night away in those shoes. (without any pain!)

Third: My black short snow boots.

Its silly. But I’ve had those boots for so many different milestones in my adult life. I had them as my first daughter grew up. I wore them 95% of my pregnancy with my son. Also with my newest daughter.

I hiked trails, our old property, sledding, snowman, snowball fights, etc. And the boots still live on today. Merrel footwear is awesome! Expensive!! Buy them on sale, but they last for several years. Instead of buying a pair of shoes every two months for $12, it makes more sense to spend the price tag and not buy shoes for several years. (Not a sales pitch, just like the shoes!!) I like to use things until they are falling apart. And even then I still keep them sometimes. My husband usually has to throw them away, because I can’t seem to part with them.

But yeah. Those black boots are my favorite! But there is no snow…so they are too in storage. I can’t wait to have a closet big enough to have everything out! And me and my daughters can have a fashion show in mommy’s closet.

I’m excited for that day. I really want an extra closet in the house. And I’ll put all of the clothes I’ve been hanging onto. And for chores my daughter will get tickets. The tickets will allow them to wear clothes from that closet. But not to keep.

Just a way for them to “shop” without actually spending their money. Instead it’s hard work “buying” them.

I don’t know if that will be a thing, maybe they will just raid my closet like I used to do to my mom and sisters. (With permission) but good memories.

I think my most used shoes right now are my slippers. I wear them everyday, for almost 80% of my day. They are old, flat, and uncomfortable, but free. I like free.

Enjoy your Thursday! Just finished making my tortillas. Hubby wants Chicken Tortilla Soup tonight!!

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

Changing It Up

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What’s your #1 priority tomorrow?

I need to make a change. I hurt. I hurt everywhere. I’m only in my thirties, and I feel like I’m well into my forties. I need to do more.

The point of having our kids young, was so that we could enjoy them more. But I have no extra energy in a day; not even to go on a one hour walk at night. Key word: Walk! Not even strenuous. But I have no energy to accomplish that. I need to say it’s an hour walk, but about 30min in my son is tired and “needs” to be carried back. He’s about thirty pounds…so I’m usually dead when we get back to the house.

My night doesn’t end there; I have showers, bedtime, story time, baby feeding time, then I get to go to sleep. But do I? No. By then I’ve missed my window of being tired and I have to wait until the next window opens.

So back to changing. My husband feels the same. He wants to start exercising. He’s in his thirties too. He shouldn’t be hurting so much either.

So we are starting things. I’m going to try and cook differently. Not severely. But less carbs and more vegetables. Not the kids, they need carbs.

The husband wants to start a military month workout. I’m all for this plan. Haha!

But I want to swim occasionally. Try for three times a week. Swimming is the best exercise for me. It works my whole body. It will also help loosen my back muscles.

But something needs to change. This is usually when we make these decisions. At the end of the year. But we are hoping to try for our last kid this time next year; so I want to loose sixteen pounds before trying again. That’s not a crazy amount.

My doctor told me I was a little overweight at my last appointment; that if I lost sixteen to twenty pounds my BMI would be back to perfect. But when my doc told me that I was ten pounds heavier and I already lost that.

So my #1 priority is to change things. Like even this blog. I wrote a post instead of mindlessly playing my game, I decided to write instead. Make a change!

Creativity, Daily Prompts, Life As A Mama, Reflections

Brands…?

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What brands do you associate with?

I am not really a brand type person. I’ve never cared about brands on clothes. If it fits, and it’s comfortable that’s what I’m buying. Which actually works the best for me because most brands are designed for smaller women. Like 5ft 3” to 5ft 6”. Add 5” and you’ve got me. So their dresses are shirts. Their pants are capris. Their shorts are…scandalous.

So instead I’ve always loved handmie downs. I love them! Free clothes! It’s gotten to the point though that I have to give handmie downs to my sister and not vice versa.

But I love shopping at thrift stores, Ross, Burlington coat factory. Any store where you have to dig for your pieces. Because then you really are picking them hints you like initially off the rack. Then you try it on, and decide again, “is this me?”

I used to take ten things into the dressing room and buy all ten things. Spending about $300 without blinking. My mom told me I had to stop. There was only so many clothes I could wear in a lifetime. $100 limit. So then before marriage I would take ten things in and maybe only buy 3-4 depending on prices. I actually was that person that did the calculations before buying, including tax. Making sure I didn’t go over the limit. Which is why I loved thrift stores. I could get ten things and still be under budget.

And now with kids I think differently. Also the thrift store I go to is a pay what you can. At least $1 an item. Which is awesome!! Because there was a while there that we had no extra money. And I was able to still get nice things for about $5 every few months.

I guess the only brand store I’ve gone into and spent the shiny penny recently was called Lilyful. The name was so pretty and their clothes were pretty too. But I still only shopped in the clearance section. Because I got a beautiful dress for $50. Originally $150…!

But I’ve gone back a few times. But always I go straight to the clearance. But now they are only online. Which I won’t be doing, because that means less clearance items and no trying on. And I have to try things on. Since I’m not a normal size ever.

But I do know other brands. Like Merell shoes. My husband likes them. Milwaukee tools. Again my husband loves. And Ram. My husband loves his truck. Haha!

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

Various Things.

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What motivates you?

Cooking food for my family. Hearing my husband praise my food. Or even better, my kiddos yelling, “this is the best food ever, mama!”

Trying to be patient. I struggle with this one. But when I do succeed I usually get huge smiles from my kids.

The end of the day hugs. Usually at the end of a day I feel defeated. Like there were times I could have had mor patience. Or could have made better food. Or given my husband more attention. But usually at the end of those days I get my kids coming up to me saying, “you are the best mama ever! I love you,” and finishing with hugs and kisses.

Fitting into my skinny pants. When I’m good and stay within my healthy food intake I can fit into those clothes that should be packed away, but I keep them out to motivate myself. And as soon S I get to that point I….will be pregnant again. Haha!

Sometimes I just need a hug. When I’m feeling discouraged or useless, I need a hug from my hubby. His hugs gives me so much more energy, that I feel motivated to finish out the awful day.

Writing a post. Posting something on my blog makes me think that I’m having a more accomplished day than I might actually be having. But publishing something can motivate me to be extra productive. Which I have made breakfast, started bread, cooked food for my husband’s upcoming trip, started a load of wash, and have my kids ready for the day. Now I’m posting something. Pretty full first half of the day.

Swimming. Anytime I swim I feel rejuvenated and ready for life. I miss swimming. I really want to be in a pool.

Motivation can come from anything. Things said, things you do, things are done, memories, etc. It’s not going to be a generic motivation moment, you might have to look through your life and find unconventional types of motivation. They are out there!