Project 31, Day 24

What is Jesus teaching you presently?

Patience. Plain and simple.

Patience with my kids - it's been one of those weeks, months...

Patience with my husband.

Patience with others.

Patience with things I can't really control.

Patience with my life.

Patience, Patience, Patience.

It's been a rough week actually, and I've written this post about 10 times and nothing seems right. I'm feeling really tested/challenged and at the end of my rope. My kids look at me sort of weird when I start crying about reading a book - when what I'm really crying about is the fighting about who sits closer to me when I read and who is touching the other person and who can't see the pictures, etc. etc. I cry because what I really want to do is throw the book across the room and scream!

I'm tired from certain things in my life. I know that it's just a season and won't last forever. Things will change and get better, it's just a matter of being patient. Ahhhh, there is that word again. My girl-friend Kristi called this week and we talked about planning a girls get-away and all I wanted to do was say "Now? You wanna go right now? Great! Give me 10 minutes and I'm outta here!!" Again, patience. Patience, Patience, Patience.

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.

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 *

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 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!**



Day 10

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

Wow - I missed a few days - I have been out of town for my nephew's 4th birthday. It was CRAZY fun - for a kids party!! He was so excited and I was so glad we could be there. That being said, I'm just picking up where I left off and letting a day go. Which is a great lead-in to what I being taught - letting go.

I'm an A-type, overachiever that feels like I have to do it all, all the time. I expect the best from myself and my family and have a hard time letting go if things don't go how I think they should. I am a planner and I want my plan to be THE plan (most of the time!!)

I found myself unemployed for virtually the first time in my adult life in April 2009 (NOT part of my plan!!) and since then, I've found myself doing a lot of letting go - job, finances, stress, health, worry, fear, children, family. And giving it to God. I can't control everything and I'm learning that I really don't want to. When I had to let go of one area (my job, being home full-time), it opened my eyes to really see what God's plan is for my life. And I'm able to let go of other things I've been trying to control.

Through it all, I keep hearing the whisper of "I am here. I am with you. Let. It. Go."

Day 8

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

My toe-nails are ALWAYS painted. Even in the dead of winter, they look good. Even if everything else is out of place and disheveld, I know that my toes look good!

And I always wear mascara and lip gloss - C.O. Bigelow Mentha-Shine is my favorite - just a hint of color.

Day 7

Write a blog to encourage another beautiful woman.

I'm struggling with this post - I always feel so encouraged by others and don't think of myself as being an "encourager". This past month, two close friends had new babies. They were already mothers, of one child each (boys!!), so they were already doing the mommy-job. I found and continue to find myself in a position to encourage these mom's as they are starting the adventure of being mothers to more than one child. So, my post is dedicated to Leslie and Shannon - both beautiful women, beautiful moms, and beautiful friends.

This last month, watching each of you move into your new role as a mom of 2, has been so much fun. I know that you are feeling tired, worn-out, stressed out and wondering why you signed up for this - but that is so short-lived. You will soon look back and wonder where the time went. But you are doing AMAZING work right now!!  Your heart grows bigger everyday as you experience each new thing baby does and what P and N are learning and doing! You are so beautiful, inside and out. You are beautiful with lack of sleep, messy hair, baby goobers, etc. You are beautiful in how you nurture your babies, teach your boys and love your husbands. You are beautiful in all that you do and will continue to do!

**Leslie - I'm dreading the day you move away. You have been so good for my soul this past year!! Thank you!!

**Shannon - thank you for letting me be totally honest, all the time! Thank you for making me laugh and sharing P with me and my family!!  I love you!!

Day 5

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

You make me giddy when you walk in the door. My day doesn't feel right until I talk to you in the morning (he goes to work at 3am). You make me laugh EVERY day. Your creativity inspires me. Your ability to fix things amazes me. Your work ethic is to be admired. You make me feel beautiful all the time. You have this uncanny ability to say just the right thing at just the right moment - at least most of the time!! Thank you for making me feel like I am doing the most important job in the world and appreciating all that goes on around here. Thank you for helping me be a better "me".

***This is what I go through trying to get a "nice" picture of my hubby.

No wonder Zoe is a ham is EVERY picture we take!!***

Day 4

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

Seriously? My favorite outfit?? I have NO idea what my favorite outfit is - something that makes me not feel look like a stay-at-home mom of 3. Something that makes me feel good about myself, confident and maybe, just a tiny bit, sexy.

I love jeans and love that I can dress them up or down. I wear them almost every day and love my custom made jeans, my $3 Seven for All Mankind (yes, I said $3!!) and my skinny jeans. I laughed when skinny jeans became fashionable again and never thought I'd be wearing them, but they are definately a must with my next favorite item.

I love my knee-high black boots and love to wear them several times a week. They look great with skinny jeans, skirts, leggings, etc. And they are so practical for my life - I can wear them all day, run after kids in them, walk through puddles at the store and not have wet feet. Practical yet sassy....

My favorite boots. LOVE them!!

My outfit yesterday - skinny jeans, long-sleeve t-shirt with gray sweater. And Black boots mentioned above!!

Day 3

Who is someone you know who inspires beauty?



Beautiful Danika with her girls

I first met Danika in college. She intimidated me and made me a bit nervous (she'll be surprised to read that!). She had been at Western since she was a freshman, and I was a transfer student, so I was a newbie. We were both starting the Human Services program as juniors and I knew NOBODY and she knew EVERYONE, or at least it seemed like she did! I remember thinking how confident, self-assured, outgoing, engaging, friendly cute, perky and athletic she was! ***Side note - Danika is a runner. Not a part-time, when I feel like it runner either. I had the bright idea to run with her one time - hahahaha! What a joke on me that was!! That ended our lets-run-together relationship.

I have fond memories of the first few years of friendship - Core, studying, hanging-out, partying - she told me her house was only a "few" blocks from downtown Bellingham, when we decided to walk home after a night out. It wasn't. And she kept wanting to sit down on the side-walk and rest. And it was cold. We worked together for a year, right out of college and it was great. I knew then that Danika was a forever-friend.

Life has taken many twists and turns and through it all, she continues to be an inspiration of beauty to me (read my Day 1 post). She has a great attitude about life, even when things haven't gone smoothly or how she planned them (she's a planner, like me!) She's a wonderful mother and teacher - she is patient and kind and oh-so creative. I remember when my neighbor met her recently (they are going to school together) and how awe-struck and inspired he was by her attitude about life. He saw her Beauty. I don't see Danika very often (we live 80 miles apart, have families, etc. etc.) but she means a lot to me and always makes me feel beautiful!

*Danika - thank you for sharing your Beauty with everyone you meet. Kira and Elke are so lucky to have you as their mom, showing them what true beauty is. Chad is lucky to have you as a partner and I'm lucky to have you has a friend. Love you!!

THE Project 31 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 2

What makes you uniquely you?

• my family - without the influence of my parents and brother, I wouldn't be who I am. I learned conflict resolution, problem-solving, sharing, loving, fighting, laughing, unconditional love, acceptance...
• my custom designed tattoo - no else has one like it!
• my "fiery" personality - someone described me this way recently and the more I thought about it, the more I realized it fits.
• I consider myself friendly and outgoing. But I hate talking on the phone. I don't even like to call and order take-out. What is wrong with me?
• My best friend lives 2000 miles away and we "talk" every day. But never on the phone. Thank goodness for email, texting, etc. We've been friends since 7th grade and I don't know what I'd do without her.
• My children - no one else is Zoe, Teagan and Harper's mother. No one else carried them for 9+ months (they were ALL overdue). No one else birthed them. No one else worries as much as I do, wonders and prays as much as I do.
• My hubby - God got it right on! Nathan mellows me out, helps me to not take life or myself too seriously and loves me NO MATTER WHAT!
• God made me!

Day 1

Day 1. What does beauty mean to you?

You always think you have the answers to questions like this, but when you think about it, there is so much more to it. It's more than what you or other people see on the surface. I think it's more about what you don't see that defines beauty to me.

• peace
• joy
• God's never-ending grace and forgiveness
• laughter - not taking life too seriously and being able to laugh at yourself
• self-assurance, even when you feel scared and nervous
• feeling loved
• grace towards others
• feeling appreciated
• confidence, or at least acting like you have it! I'm always amazed when people tell me they think I'm self-confident - I NEVER feel very confident. I always second-guess myself, always feel like I'm forgetting something and worrying that I'm not doing enough.
• kindness - it goes along way and speaks SO LOUDLY to others. It speaks so much to your beauty and soul.
• patience - I need to work on this. I'm not always very patient and I don't think I'm setting a good example to the girls. You should see me in the school parking lot. Not good. Not good at all.
• unconditional love

These are just a few of the things I hope to teach Zoe, Teagan and Harper about what TRUE beauty is. I want them to grow up knowing they are beautiful, inside and out, no matter what.

Project 31

While reading my friend Gretchen's blog, she mentioned Project 31 shared by Mandy at She Breathes Deeply. What a great idea and a great way to look at beauty and how God created us all BEAUTIFUL! As a mom of 3 girls (heaven help me!), I want them to always know they are beautiful and unique, inside and out.

So, here goes - wish me luck!

Here is the list of upcoming topics!!
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!