Day 23

What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses?

I'm going to keep this short and sweet. I'm having a hard time focusing on stuff right now, a lot on my mind. So, talking about myself is kind of hard. I can think of a ton of things for my weaknesses and only a few for my strengths.

Strengths

• Organized
• Resourceful
• Creative
• Fun-loving
• Sensitive

Weaknesses

• High expectations
• Chocolate
• Critical
• Self-Conscious
• Coffee
• Owls - my new obsession! Love them and am always looking for a CUTE one!!

Snow Day and Project 31, Day 21

Things have been a bit crazy around here. We have had snow days the last two days, so being cooped up with 3 kids is tiring. The big girls want to go and play outside so I spend 15 minutes getting them ready to go (remember to go potty!) then they stay outside for 10 minutes! I think they were out 3 different times and each time, they put on brand new outfit when they came back in! My laundry pile is growing out of control!!



Nothing like a blanket fort to keep kids occupied!



I haven't forgotten Project 31 - I've been thinking about it, just finding the motivation to write. And for some reason, I'm having a hard time writing out my words of encouragement. And I'm never at a loss for words.

Write a letter to your husband to encourage him (or if you are single- your future husband.)

Duffy -

You are more amazing than you think. You work hard everyday at a job that isn't what you dreamed about doing and that is hard to enjoy sometimes. You get up before everyone else (3am) and work HARD all day. But you go, and make a difference to the people you encounter. I'm sorry that people aren't always nice and friendly and thankful for what you do. But I notice and I'm thankful.

It's been a rough couple of months and through it all, I've been reminded how God picked YOU just for me. You are the perfect match for me and I appreciate you so much! You've kept me laughing and smiling, which is one of my most favorite things about you! Thank you for everything that you do and making our family complete!

Love you forever - me

Day 20

Write about your job and why you love it or hate it.

Mom. Mother. Mama. Madre. Mamasita. Mummy. Ma. Mommy.

LOVE:  Comforting scratched knees and bumped elbows; that I'm the one taking them to school and picking them up; spending quiet mornings with them; playing games; doing crafts; and just BEING with them. I love reading books at naptime and snuggling. I love that I have the great blessing in helping shape their little lives and its something I take seriously.

HATE:  The whining, fighting, arguing that siblings do; always having to be the referee and negotiator. I hate when they are sick and don't feel well. I hate that I can't fix every thing that hurts them or bothers them. I hate the never-ending laundry and dishes. I hate that they grow up faster than you want them to.

Check it out!

A MUST see movie!!

This is a GREAT movie. Sweet story, wonderful music, funny, inspiring. Once is a must see for everyone. Put it on your Netflix queue TODAY!

Day 19

Write about your favorite comfort food (we are women- we ALL have comfort food!)

Hands down, Mac n' Cheese. I love it when the kids request it for lunch. I miss Olympia because Ramblin' Jack's has the best mac n' cheese around. If one of the girls orders it at a restaurant, I have to try it. YUMMY! My second favorite comfort food is Oatmeal Raisen Chipper cookies - a cross between an oatmeal raisen and chocolate chip cookie. It's the PERFECT cookie.

THE LIST:

Day 1. What does beauty mean to you?

Day 2. What makes you uniquely you?

Day 3. Who is someone you know who inspires beauty?

Day 4. Style 31. Post a pic of you in your favorite outfit.

Day 5. Write a blog thanking someone who has made your heart come alive.

Day 6. Jaded beauty. Has the world's definition of beauty ever jaded you?

Day 7. Write a blog to encourage another beautiful woman.

Day 8. Have a beauty secret (e.g. hair tip, make up tip)? Share, please!

Day 9. What virtues do you value in yourself?

Day 10. What is Jesus teaching you as a wife, mom, or friend? (Or just woman in general?)

Day 11. Post a recipe. Or if you don't cook, try a new recipe and write about how it turned out (pictures please!).

Day 12. Write about what wears you out as a woman.

Day 13. Write about something you would like to change about yourself for the better.

Day 14. Style 31. Post an outfit pic!

Day 15. Write to encourage a friend. Inspire her beauty.

Day 16. Write a letter to your daughter, or a young girl in your life. Tell her what beauty means.

Day 17. Write about 3 things that make you happy.

Day 18. Describe your personality.

Day 19. Write about your favorite comfort food (we are women- we ALL have comfort food!)

Day 20. Write about your job and why you love it or hate it.

Day 21. Write a letter to your husband to encourage him (or if you are single- your future husband.)

Day 22. What are some needs that need to be met in your community? Blog about how to extend your hand to those who need you.

Day 23. What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses?

Day 24. What is Jesus teaching you presently?

Day 25. Style 31. Post a pic of your favorite comfy clothes.

Day 26. What do you hope your grandchildren will say about you someday when you are gone?

Day 27. Write a blog to encourage someone and build their confidence!

Day 28. Write about your insecurities as a woman.

Day 29. Write about "a day in the life of me." (Pics are great!)

Day 30. Who is your role model as a woman?

Day 31. Write about your dreams and goals as a beautiful woman!

Day 18

Describe your personality.

How I would describe myself

* Outgoing * Funny * Feisty * Self-Conscious * Fun-Loving * People-Pleaser * Honest * Reliable *

How my husband described me

* Fiery * Spicy * Feisty * Funny *

How my kids described me

* Happy * Nice * Loving * Kind * Polite * Helpful *

Family Time

Cooking with my mom and sister-in-law



Putting Zoe and Grandpa to work



The great house we stayed in - lots of space, huge commercial kitchen (I was in love!), indoor hot tub.



Zoe and dad

Harper and Bella looking out the window

 

My brother - so serious.



Yeah right!



I love her!



On the water

This past weekend, we spent the entire weekend relaxing, visiting, cooking, eating, playing cards and celebrating being a family. It was nice to get away from our day-to-day life and enjoy time with my parents, brother, sister-in-law and niece. It was a much-needed reminder of how blessed I am to have the family I have!!

Day 17

Write about 3 things that make you happy.

Coffee. It makes my day, literally. I'd drink it all day but I need to get sleep at some point. One morning, I told my kids they couldn't bug me until I had finished one cup of coffee. While they were coloring at the table, I overheard Teagan say, "Mommy's coffee is kind of like a time-out for adults." A 4 year old totally gets it!!

Creating. I love when I am feeling creative. Whether it is sewing, embroidery, making cards, craft projects with the girls - it makes me happy to see something hand made. I love the blog-world and how people can show off all their projects!

Cooking. I cook to show people I love them. I find it relaxing (most of the time!) and often, therapeutic. I love that food is a center-piece for almost every event at our house. I want to go to culinary school - not for the grades or to prove anything. Just to go and learn and be there, cooking.

Day 16

Write a letter to your daughter, or a young girl in your life. Tell her what beauty means.

Dear Zoe, Teagan and Harper -

Don't ever stop being YOU! You are each unique, smart, funny, and beautiful. You are beautiful when you are playing together; when you are playing fair; when you are being respectful and loving. You are beautiful when you stand up for yourself and when you forgive someone who hurts you. You are beautiful when you show others grace. You are beautiful when you smile. You are beautiful when you laugh. You are beautiful forever and always.
Teagan, you are beautiful when you are laughing so hard your eyes disappear. You are beautiful when you are doing things the way YOU want to do them. You are beautiful when you let your big sister be in charge. You are beautiful when you take risks and try new things.

Zoe, you are beautiful when you just KNOW you are right! You are beautiful when you learn something new and are excited. You are beautiful when you treat others with kindness and love. You are beautiful when you are being helpful.

Harper, you are beautiful when you laugh at everything I do - that will change someday! You are beautiful when you follow and copy everything your big sisters do. You are beautiful when you try and pout your way into getting what you want!

I want to you grow up knowing I love you forever and always and no matter what. You are beautiful and it has nothing to do with what you look like.

I love you - Mom

Day 14 and 15

Day 14: Style 31. Post an outfit picture.



So, this is what you get. Taking a picture of myself, or even just what I was wearing, was difficult! I tried getting Zoe to take one but she kept goofing around, so I had to figure it out!

As far as the outfit goes, I wear jeans a lot. So, instead of always just a t-shirt of sweatshirt, I try to dress it up. Today is a smocked collar, 3/4 sleeve shirt with a scarf. I love scarves - they go with everything and on windy, blustery days like today, are so nice and cozy. My Dansko mary-janes and Smartwool socks are keeping my feet nice and toasty too!

Day 15. Write to encourage a friend. Inspire her beauty.

Dear Becky -

You are my sister-in-law but you were my friend first. Before boys, drama, life, babies, jobs - you were a friend. I was always drawn to you fun-loving spirit and miss the days of working out, shopping and just being women with no worries.

I have so loved watching you as you have moved into your role of mommy. You have your hands full with 3 babies 4 years and under! I think you are doing an amazing job and I pray for you regularly - your sanity, peace of mind, health, spirit and well-being. Your job is an important one, but remember to take care of yourself as well. My mom used to always say, jokingly, "If mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy" and there is a real truth to that! Do what makes you happy; be what makes you happy!

Be Beautiful, my friend!

Day 13

Write about something you would like to change about yourself for the better.

I want to live in the present. I think I spend way too much time thinking/planning/worrying about what's going to happen tomorrow, this weekend, next week, next month. I want to enjoy each day for what it is - a new chance for experiences, memories and ways to teach AND learn from my children. I can't ever get this day back, so why am I busy thinking about the next?

Day 12

Write about what wears you out as a woman.

Me.

I wear myself out. I expect a lot of myself and my to-do list is a mile long. All the time. With things on it that I'll probably never get done, but like to think I will.

I wear a lot of hats (what women doesn't) - wife, mom, sister, daughter, friend, chef, doctor, counselor, taxi driver, story-teller, house-keeper, personal shopper and bookstore employee (very part-time!). And I want to do every one of those jobs perfectly. But that is impossible. And I know that, but I still try and that wears me out. And it comes back to this, I just need to let it go. I need to continue to strive to do great things but I don't have to be perfect, I never will be.

Day 11

Post a recipe. Or if you don't cook, try a new recipe and write about how it turned out (pictures please!).

Totally planned on making this and taking pictures today, but, it didn't happen!! Oh well! It is super easy and I think you should go make some. Right now. I would, except everyone is in bed and I'd end up eating it all by myself.

Melissa's Caramel Popcorn

Pop popcorn (3 bags of microwave popcorn) and put into a clean, brown paper bag (I know, seems strange, but it totally works! and it makes for easy clean-up.)

1/4c. Karo Syrup
1/2c. Brown Sugar
1/2 tsp. Salt
1 cube butter

Put above ingredients in microwave safe bowl and microwave for 2 minutes on high. Remove and stir well and blended. Return to microwave and cook for 2 more minutes. Remove and add 1/2 tsp. Baking Soda and 1 tsp. Vanilla.

Mix caramel into bag of popcorn. Stir well with long-handled wooden spoon. Caramel is really hot! Close paper bag and microwave for 30 seconds. Pour into large bowl or cookie sheet and let cool 30 minutes. Enjoy!!

**I like lots of caramel and sometimes make 1.5x the caramel - super yummy!**