I have to admit that I'm a goal setter. I like to have goals for myself because I believe that I always need to keep moving ahead in life, or working for something bigger. Most of my goals revolve around health and cleaning. I have a huge goal of getting rid of clutter and making myself a small office, instead of a messy closet full of old teaching supplies. I have goals for health, like eating healthy, running in races, lifting weights, and fitting into pre-pregnancy clothes again. I should start tracking my goals, this would help me attain them faster. I have goals for my child too. I want him to have a good education, to have manners, and learn that life is more that just getting toys.
 
I've been thinking a lot about goals lately because I recently listened to an online class about getting more out of life. Brian Johnson, author of A Philosopher's Notes, stated that most people focus on "extrinsic goal," like fame, beauty, and wealth. He mentioned that focusing on "intrisic goals" like, building relationsips, contributing to community, and personal growth will lead to a more fulfilling life. This made me really think about my goals and to look within and figure out "why" I am setting goals. I think it's very easy to get caught up in the whole idea that life has to look a certain way. However, I'm chosing to live a simpler life, and working on focusing on my family and my inner being. I love feeling at peace with myself and knowing that I'm contributing to the world in a positive way.


As for now, I'll take it one day at a time, and go tackle some area of clutter.

In light and love,

Angie

*This is a pretty cool thing for women, I'm enjoying the calls.
http://www.wishsummit.com/

 

I love birthdays, especially those of family members! Today is the celebration of my husband's birth! I can't even begin to list all of the wonderful qualities of this person who I now call husband and "dee-da." He's my best friend and biggest fan. He brings out the best in me, and makes life so much better for us. I love how his mind works; always trying to problem solve and make up new inventions. Jayce absolutely ADORES him too. In the morning, right after he wakes up, he yells Da-da!! Then I tell him that Dada's at work, Now he says, Dada work? Jayce's favorite activity is to sit on Dada's lap and pretend he is driving the car. He has recently become obsessed with this activity. I'm sure Dada loves that Jayce is loving cars as much as he does!  We love you Dada!! Happy Birthday!

My little one is turning 2 in 4 months. This seems like it's coming up so fast. I'm starting to think about party ideas, which is another post. Lately, at playdates, many moms have asked me which preschool will my little guy be attending. Really? School? Already! Ahhh!! That stresses me out a bit. I'm still trying to get on track with this little guy's sleeping and eating habits. Now I have to start thinking about school choices. Oh no! I told my husband that we need to start looking around too. He was also shocked. I think we'll wait a bit. There's no rush to push this one out of the nest just yet. Stay tuned for this saga though.

Tonight I will be heading out for a much needed night out! I've realized after having a child that getting out of the house is a much needed commodity. I would like to have a date with my husband, to sit at the bar again, sip some wine, enoy an appetizer or 2...gaze into each other's eyes, and walk hand and hand through the city. That's another post though, tonight I'm headed out with the ladies, other mommies. Mommies who trade in their yoga pants and flip flops for the day and put on something that looks like night-life attire of some sort. I've thought about what to wear, and my closet is full of nothing of the sort. I don't have anything sparkly or ruffly anymore. My wardrobe contains about 20 pairs of black yoga/stretch pants, tanks and tunic-style shirts. I'm sure there is something back there though, something that is probably two sizes too small, or just a little too young looking. Oh well! I'll put on some jewelry, dust off my one pair of dressier jeans, throw on my black boots, and head out to a real restaurant. A place that doesn't have high-chairs and crayons, and enjoy a glass of wine with some lovely ladies!  In the mean-time I'm going to work on planning a night out with the husband too.

Being mommy means showing up everyday with a full heart, ready to give your best, even when you think you have no energy for it. Sometimes I gather strength from other blogs and quotes or friends who seem to be balancing this "mom" thing better than me. Sometimes I just smile and laugh even though I feel like I need to cry, but as many of my fellow friend/mommies have told me, it does get easier, and they do learn not to throw their food anymore. I do want my little guy to know that I will be there for him everyday and for every event and for all of the good and bad things that life will throw at him. When I see this smile, it makes it all worth it.  This was a big day for the little guy because he learned to go "down" the stairs, although the last step ended with a fall. I was there to let him know that it will be ok and life does move on. 

This week has been filled with love. Valentine's Day reminds us of love, love, love, and happiness. What really makes us "happy?" Some might say getting presents or maybe shoes or maybe new clothes. All of that "stuff" is great, but why not focus more on the "experience." Some guy actually did some research on that very idea of happiness. Here's some info on that. take from: 5 Reliable Findings from Happiness ResearchBy John M Grohol PsyD

Focus on experiences, not stuff. People who spend their time and money on doing things together — whether it be taking a vacation to someplace other than home or going on an all-day outing to the local zoo — report higher levels of happiness than those who buy a bigger house, a more expensive car, or more stuff. That’s likely because our memories keep an emotional photograph of the experience, whereas the material things don’t make as big an emotional imprint in our brains. So ditch buying so much stuff for yourself or your kids — you’re only buying artificial, temporary happiness.

I decided to give my little guy an "experience" at the zoo on Valentine's Day! It was a lovely day and I will always remember that moment when Jayce giggled when feeding the goat his cookies. It was a truly priceless moment. I enjoy getting out in the world and exploring new things with the little guy, and he will also have all these experiences to pull from when learning a new concept. It is very simple and inexpensive. Just get outside and explore new things with your family. My sweet husband still brought me roses (I do love getting flowers), but the zoo membership was a lovely present for our family. It will create so many fun experiences for our family!! I'm a happy mommy!!

This day brings back so many good memories. I love how we both look so proud.  I'm so grateful that this man came into to my life. Here we are 3 states later, 4 homes together, and now we share 1 little son. It's amazing to share each day with my best friend. He's such a good Daddy. I love how he reads books to our little guy, and always makes me feel better after long, messy days.

Today I decided to get dressed and clean. It's been a couple of days. Being sick has not been fun, but with a toddler you can't call in sick.
The cleaning started with the kitchen: floors, stove, stainless steel. Then on to windows. The sun was beaming in and it was nice to wipe away the little finger prints and let more sunshine in. Of course with a little one you have to stop and play. We played with magnets on a cookie sheet today and watched a little bit of "Follow that Bird." The cleaning also included spot cleaning the carpet, and picking up crumbs off the wood floor (JT decided to dump his crackers on the floor). Along with that, DVDs had to be picked up, laundry done, and dusting of the bedrooms. And to top it off, taking out the garbage and changing diapers. Little guy is down for a nap and mom is enjoying a cup of coffee. My favorite cleaning product today is multi-use pledge wipes!! Do you have a fave cleaning product??

JT is my little guy who creates lots of messes. I've learned that if you put cool whip on frozen strawberries or blueberries he'll eat them up!! It's fun too! It's a little sensory activity too.