Violence?

Last night after mass I stayed for a talk on "raising your kids in a violent culture". As our family was deciding at the last minute if I should attend, my kids kept telling me to come home because they are so sweet and wonderful...not violent at all! I would agree, and contemplated going home, but curiosity got the best of me and I decided to stay.

The first part of the presentation talked about how violence starts at home and we pass violent behavior on to our children without even knowing it. Hmmmmm? A point made that materialism, jealousy, and keeping up with the Jones' cause violent thoughts and behavior. I thought it was interesting that many of the things that are valued, are only of value because someone says that is the thing to have, and not necessarily what we need at all. Something I already knew, but when stated that way really made me think. I consider our life style simple by most standards, but I am sure we could do even better as a family when it comes to materialism.

A second point and a word associated with violence that really stuck home was "rushing". Causing a hectic household can cause friction, lack of patience, and less than nurturing behavior. With four fun, active kids I am often times rushing to get life in order. So it made me think of what we already do, and what we can do to stop that rushing violence inside our home.

We are doing some things right already. This summer I cut out all my daytime hours so that I could be home with the kids. A sacrifice financially but so worth it.

And lately I have been trying to do some little fun things as a family. Wether it is playing a game at the kitchen table, completing a project they want to do, or just laying in bed and having a much needed conversation. I've been trying!

And the kids notice...last week we took them down to the lake front for an ice cream after dinner.

We took a walk along the lake, dipped our toes in the water, played some volleyball, had some laughs. A week later the kids are still talking about how fun it was. And it was such an ordinary thing to do. But it made us slow down and enjoy some time.

So today's reminder to myself and you is to keep trying to take advantage of the ordinary, find your peace, step away from the violence you make in your own life. It can be so enjoyable!

Take a Day and Say Thanks

Here is a video to get you in the spirit for the 4th of July. The Stars and Stripes Honor Flight program is a great cause as you will see...

If you read my blog you would already know that this past year a friend of ours Alvin Stack was fortunate enough to be a passenger on one of the honor flights, and we were at the airport in Milwaukee with his wife Rosemarie to welcome him and the other veterans home. It was indescribable. So when I was assigned a project to create a patriotic layout for the Cricut feature, I immediately thought of that event.

My layout is featured on the Bella Blvd Blog today with some other great, get you in the 4th mood projects. Check them out here. And if you would like to learn more about the Stars and Stripes Honor flight, or to make a donation to send some veterans to Washington, go to their website here.

Summer Coolers

Ahhh...summer is here! With summer weather comes summer treats and drinks. Those drinks are coolers of sorts, root beer floats, slushies, lemonade with lots of ice. Oh, my mouth is watering!

Today being the middle of June we are far into summer and should be enjoying those those cool sensations trickling over out taste buds. But we do live in Wisconsin, and here is the treat I took my little swimmers out for after their 9am outdoor practice. Yes, it is a hot chocolate.

Since the air temperature was only 65 we needed a little warm up after getting out of the pool. What better way than with a donut, hot chocolate, and good friends.

Thinking Warm

Today on the Bella Blvd blog they are featuring summer projects using Family Dynamics. Here is a look at the project I created...

Now, if only the weather here in Wisconsin would cooperate and bring on the weather that goes with those state fair pics. It's been a long, long, long wait this spring for those warm, sunny days.

What A Difference A Week Makes

Ahhh, springtime in Wisconsin....Last week we had one of those spirngtime surprises that we all feel we deserve after tolerating the long winter months. It was a day that the sun was shinning bright, it was more than warm, it was actually hot!

Delaney took it as an opportunity to put on her favorite garb, her swimsuit. I took the opportunity to get some work done while spending the day outside.

Kelly cleaned out and vacuumed the car and dug all the leaves out of the sandbox. Connor did the dirty job of digging up the hostas, separating, and replanting them, Kevin cleaned out the gardens,

And my biggest helper (Ricky) cleaned out the garage.

It was a good day!

And now a week later, on a Monday morning, we wake up to 30 degrees and snow.

But even that white fluffy stuff, although totally unwanted on an April day,

has it's joys when it mixed with spring.

What The Cold Looks Like

Today they say is the coldest day of the year. The temperature this morning is a -3. But this is the view I work up to from the 24th floor...

God sure does create some beauty. I've thought of that before. Usually when there are really cold days the high pressure system brings clear skies. Maybe it's Gods way to give us a little treat while we endure the discomfort of the sub zero temperatures.

Groundhog Snow Day

This is a groundhog day that goes down in the books as historical as far as snow fall. So as my boys dig out from under the drifts my job is to photograph and blog about the morning.

I am the lucky one staying inside because the wind continues to whip the snow into pelting crystals. It doesn't matter what the conditions are, my kids have to venture out and experience the white stuff for themselves. But we are not as prepared as we use to be. Ricky had to grey tape a hole in his snow pants and Kevin had lost one of his warm gloves. And forgetting how to dress, both the boys ventured out in their sneakers.

The combination of 40 mile an hour winds and over a foot of snow had created some interesting conditions. The news is saying that the airport is closed as well as Pick-n-save, and UPS. There have also been reports of snowplows stuck in the drifts. The media has even been distracted from talking about the Packers for a while. And you know it is really bad when Ricky stays home from work. (Although he says he would have made it in with the Pilot). The van looks like it is definitely going to take a rest for a while.

But the report here is that is the best Groundhog day ever! Home from school and work with no where to go and nothing to do but hang out together.

Burrrr....Grrrrr

BRRRR. I know that the chilly temps we have been experiencing here in Wisconsin are normal for December. I know that this is what we should expect to face for 5 months out of the year. But since it is the first cold snap of the season I am reminded of what I do not like about winter, and would like to do a bit of griping today....

Things I do not like about the cold:

*drippy noses

*taking longer to get the kids ready in the morning, (more clothes to get on, or should I say find)

*snow blowing down my neck

*slippery sidewalks

*cold floors in the morning

*dry skin and chapped lips

*scrapping the car windows

*hooking the blowdrier to the extinsion cord to thaw out the car doors (OK maybe we need a two car garage)

But it's not all bad, there are some things I do like about winter:

*rosy cheeks

*heated car seats

*snuggling under the covers

*the frosty crystal designs on the windows

*the white blanket of fresh snow

*finding money in my coat pockets left from last year

*Ugg boots

*my new cozy mismatched mittens that I bought in Michigan (find them at baabaazuzu)

So stay warm out there, put aside the grrrs, and try to enjoy what comes with the brrrrr.

My office

When I attended college back in the day, I flip flopped my degrees quite often. I ended up graduating from ASU with a BS in Finance. Hummmmm? Some of you who know me better may ask why I choose that degree? Now, many years later, I really can't remember. I think I had the idea of having a corporate career where I would wear a suit, make loads of money, and work in a downtown high-rise.

Funny how back in my twenties, I had no idea of who I would want to be, and what my values would become when I reach my forties.

Although I have not really used my college degree for a career, I have once again been fortunate to be working in a job that is so rewarding. And interesting enough, it has brought me to work twice a week in a high-rise in downtown Milwaukee.

This building is where I care for a elderly woman two days a week. I help her write a book she has started, cook meals for her, and share some interesting conversation about her life. And on our visits, we make time for long walks in a beautiful area of Milwaukee.

And yes, this is the view from my office, which is her home. This photo doesn't really do the sight justice. She resides in her million dollar condo on the 24th floor. The living space has a row of windows about 50 feet long that looks over this spectacular sight on the lakefront.

So maybe my job is not a career, it definitely does not bring in a load of money, but it is a calling of sorts where I feel I am making a difference. And each day when I am up on this 24th floor looking out at this beautiful view I can't help feel closer to God and know that I am in the right place (for right now anyway).