I guess I haven't been fully committed to writing everyday on my blog! I tend to always write my blog at night, after the kids are in bed, and the day is pretty much done. What happens is many nights I fall asleep while putting the kids to bed and by the time I wake up the last thing I want to do is turn my computer on and write! I guess like anything else I need to schedule this in during another time of the day so I can get to bed without feeling like I failed :)
I know this is just a blog, but it isn't at the same time. This is my life, and there are other things that happen in my life where I just can' t get it all in because of poor planning. Yes life is busy with three kids, but I also know there are many gaps in the day where if I took 5 minutes here and there I could actually accomplish my "to do list"!
Anyway, this is a gratitude blog not a pitty blog :) I am grateful that I have this space to spill out my thoughts. I know there are others just like me and I just want to remind them that life is a work in progress!
Last night I was fortunate enough to take a nice brisk walk with my two younger boys while Martin took Logan to hockey practice. It was crisp and clear with a full sky of stars. We took our flashlights and walked along the country road to the little red school house at the end of it. The kids talked up a storm and I listened in gratitude. How blessed I was to be with my children on such a beautiful evening winter walk!
Tonight I am grateful for being able to escape for a few hours with my hubby for a little Christmas shopping and to eat at a yummy fondue restaurant in Sherbrooke. The kids were being babysat at the church by a bunch of teen girls raising money for a trip to Haiti! Everybody wins :)
My heart goes out to all the parents who are suddenly childless tonight after the senseless episode that happened at the school in Connecticut today :( How dreadful to think that anyone could even plan something like this! How grateful I am to have my children all snug in their beds safe and sound for one more night. Life is too short to waste it on negative energy.
Blessings
Lee-Anne
Matthew 5:4 ESV
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted
Friday, December 14, 2012
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Day- 12 Food Bank
This Christmas the Beasse ladies (my in-laws) and I decided to give to our local food bank instead of buying gifts for each other. I wanted to make sure we were getting items that they really needed so I just asked!
In our community the things that were missing were kids snacks for school, feminine hygiene products, and diapers. So we all pitched in and got a variety of these items. I was able to deliver the boxes today! It doesn't matter where these items go, just as long as the person who receives them is able to use them with a sense of appreciation.
I don't give to be recognized, although it is a little hard to be anonymous when I know everyone at the center:) I do it so I can help whoever may be in need.
I am grateful to be fortunate enough to have a beautiful home, two cars, a full fridge and many other things that many people in this world do not necessarily have. I am never starving because I do not have enough food, freezing because there is not enough heat or I do not have enough clothing, or lonely because I do not have family or friends who surround me.
What I give may not make a huge difference, but I know it does make a difference. I also know that if more and more people would be able to offer just a few items then the food bank would be overloaded and more people would be able to benefit from the donations.
The single mom who has to work 3 jobs to pay the bills, the person who is out of work and can't find a job,
The senior citizen who barely has any income, and the list goes on. No one should go without the basics in life. I would like to make sure that my contributions count!
Blessings
Lee-Anne
Dear Lord, thank you for providing me and my family with the basics in life and so much more. Please guide me so that I can give back where it is needed.
In our community the things that were missing were kids snacks for school, feminine hygiene products, and diapers. So we all pitched in and got a variety of these items. I was able to deliver the boxes today! It doesn't matter where these items go, just as long as the person who receives them is able to use them with a sense of appreciation.
I don't give to be recognized, although it is a little hard to be anonymous when I know everyone at the center:) I do it so I can help whoever may be in need.
I am grateful to be fortunate enough to have a beautiful home, two cars, a full fridge and many other things that many people in this world do not necessarily have. I am never starving because I do not have enough food, freezing because there is not enough heat or I do not have enough clothing, or lonely because I do not have family or friends who surround me.
What I give may not make a huge difference, but I know it does make a difference. I also know that if more and more people would be able to offer just a few items then the food bank would be overloaded and more people would be able to benefit from the donations.
The single mom who has to work 3 jobs to pay the bills, the person who is out of work and can't find a job,
The senior citizen who barely has any income, and the list goes on. No one should go without the basics in life. I would like to make sure that my contributions count!
Blessings
Lee-Anne
Dear Lord, thank you for providing me and my family with the basics in life and so much more. Please guide me so that I can give back where it is needed.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Day 11- the Prefab House
At Halloween I had bought back a lot of candy from my kids and stored it. I actually forgot about it until today when we were running out of the candies provided in the box. As you can see there is a ton of candy on the houses!
A $10 kit from Costco well worth the money!
We started making the kits about 5 years ago when Logan was only 3. It has become a fun tradition. The kits used to be a basic house and a flat tree and flat snowman. As you can see they have gotten bigger! This is much more fun for a family of three! Yes the kids get a lot of candy while they are building, but that is half the fun of the project!
It was fun to watch Logan this year as he got more detailed and creative with his designs. Mason held quite the concentration while he worked on his house as well! Jacob managed to decorate 2 reindeer and then just focused on the candy:)
The hardest part for my little guys is leaving it alone! I am not sure how long the masterpiece will last, but I have a feeling it won't last past this weekend! Have you ever tasted the candy after it has been out for a long time? NASTY! I can't believe kids will still eat them! Hahaha
I am grateful for whoever started these little kits for those of us who want to get to the decorating right away!
Long live the holidays!!!
Blessings
Lee-Anne
Lord thank you for my three little blessings and for giving me creative opportunities with them!
Monday, December 10, 2012
Day 10- Decorations
This afternoon we decorated the Christmas tree. Actually it was 99.9% decorated by the kids, I just helped to make sure the lights went on properly and mostly evenly.
As I opened the boxes of ornaments so many delightful memories came back. From the box of hand me down ornaments from when I was a child, to the ones that I picked up at the craft fair last year, each one had its own special story of how it came into our lives.
I am so very grateful for each of these memories that I was so blessed to have. As I handed each one of the "breakable" ornaments to the children to place on the tree I said " this is special, please be careful with it", and they held it with care and pride as I allowed them to place it on the tree. For some of the ornaments I told of the origin, but I should tell of them all so that my memories can live on in my kids!
I think now, while the hearts of the children are still so young and innocent, it is important to fill their hearts with beautiful stories of their own past and their connection with us as parents. It is funny how even if you just tell a story to a child, their imagination goes wild and they can create their own pictures in their head. Sometimes they create and even more exciting story!
I do wish everyone their own special memories as you unpack the Christmas decorations and share your traditions with the family. Make every moment count and enjoy the time together while we still can :)
Blessings
Lee-Anne
Psalm 118:24 - "This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." (NIV)
As I opened the boxes of ornaments so many delightful memories came back. From the box of hand me down ornaments from when I was a child, to the ones that I picked up at the craft fair last year, each one had its own special story of how it came into our lives.
I am so very grateful for each of these memories that I was so blessed to have. As I handed each one of the "breakable" ornaments to the children to place on the tree I said " this is special, please be careful with it", and they held it with care and pride as I allowed them to place it on the tree. For some of the ornaments I told of the origin, but I should tell of them all so that my memories can live on in my kids!
I think now, while the hearts of the children are still so young and innocent, it is important to fill their hearts with beautiful stories of their own past and their connection with us as parents. It is funny how even if you just tell a story to a child, their imagination goes wild and they can create their own pictures in their head. Sometimes they create and even more exciting story!
I do wish everyone their own special memories as you unpack the Christmas decorations and share your traditions with the family. Make every moment count and enjoy the time together while we still can :)
Blessings
Lee-Anne
Psalm 118:24 - "This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." (NIV)
Friday, December 7, 2012
The Girls
I just got home not too long ago from an afternoon out with all the beautiful ladies in Martin's family. His mom, two sisters, and niece!
It seems we started a tradition of a night out of shopping then a nice dinner. It coincidentally happens to be close enough to my niece's birthday, which is on December 24th, so we celebrate her birthday as well :) Last year was Chelsey's 13th b-day so it was a perfect year to have her join us ladies!
I am grateful to be blessed with such amazing women in my family to share these fun new traditions! My in-laws are a huge support system for me and I know that I can count on them no matter what, just as they know they can count on me! To have this kind of sisterly bond is a gift from God :)
Blessings
Lee-Anne
It seems we started a tradition of a night out of shopping then a nice dinner. It coincidentally happens to be close enough to my niece's birthday, which is on December 24th, so we celebrate her birthday as well :) Last year was Chelsey's 13th b-day so it was a perfect year to have her join us ladies!
I am grateful to be blessed with such amazing women in my family to share these fun new traditions! My in-laws are a huge support system for me and I know that I can count on them no matter what, just as they know they can count on me! To have this kind of sisterly bond is a gift from God :)
Blessings
Lee-Anne
Proverbs 3:15 ESV
She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her.
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Little Belly
Today I am most grateful for having Jacob's health back to normal! Since last Friday he had been hit with the worst case of flu that I have seen in a long time. Without being able to hold down anything for 4 days I am surprised he had enough energy to walk at times. Now today he was screaming and laughing and running around with his friends like nothing ever happened!
I am so grateful that he was healthy to begin with and that he had enough "reserves" to help him stay afloat :) I knew that chunky little belly of his would come in handy!
Now I pray that our bout of illnesses is DONE! It has been a pretty rough past 4 weeks and I am ready to get out of this cycle!
Blessings
Lee-Anne
"And the Lord will take away from thee all sickness..." Deuteronomy 7:15 [If you follow His commands and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior]
I am so grateful that he was healthy to begin with and that he had enough "reserves" to help him stay afloat :) I knew that chunky little belly of his would come in handy!
Now I pray that our bout of illnesses is DONE! It has been a pretty rough past 4 weeks and I am ready to get out of this cycle!
Blessings
Lee-Anne
"And the Lord will take away from thee all sickness..." Deuteronomy 7:15 [If you follow His commands and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior]
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Zumbalicious!
I love love love ZUMBA fitness! I am so grateful that I jumped in and got licensed to be a Zumba instructor!
Honestly, for those of you who really know me, know that dancing is in my blood. I hear music and I have to move to the beat. Ever since I was a little girl I have been choreographing my own dances just for fun. I was always part of a dance club if there was one. I even remember having a very small group of friends when I was in grade 5 and we created a break dancing club!
Through the years, I have helped choreograph dances for community theater and for various school performances. Yet, other than my last year of high school, when I majored in dance, I never really had any formal training.
I got certified to be a group fitness instructor in 2001 so I had the formal fitness training. Even though a Zumba instructor isn't required to be certified in anything, it certainly does help to make sure form is suitable for everyone and body parts are where they are supposed to be! I would not recommend teaching any form of fitness without some theoretical and practical background with a certificate!
Zumba is the perfect medium for those who love to dance and enjoy a great workout. Seriously, I have so much fun dancing in class and showing others how to do the moves that sometimes I forget that I am "working out" :) The sweat that comes off me and my participants is evidence that it is a super duper workout!
Not only do I get to teach adults, but I went the extra step and I am licensed to teach kids their form of Zumba, ZUMBATOMIC! Yes you have to be licensed or you cannot teach it or at least you cannot call it Zumbatomic. I teach two classes a week at my children's school during lunch break. What a fun way to promote health and fitness and FUN!
I am licensed in Zumba Gold as well so I can give the active older adult a good workout without all the hip action! This is also great for beginners, people recovering from injuries, and women who are pregnant.
Basically Zumba is for ALL AGES!!!
Oh yes, I am the only Zumba Instructor in town! I have been at it successfully for a year. ON MY OWN SCHEDULE! What a great way to earn an income! What I am even more excited about is what my plans will look like in 2013. I am scouting out some possible people who would like to teach Zumba so that there can be more classes available and we can have substitutes in case of emergencies :)
Who says you can't be paid for your passions or that you have to put your passions on hold? Not Me!
Can you tell I am running off a Zumba high? I taught my class tonight!
What are you passionate about that keeps you moving and grooving?
Blessings
Lee-Anne
Dear Lord, Thank you for blessing me with two legs to dance and the heart to feel the rhythm!
Honestly, for those of you who really know me, know that dancing is in my blood. I hear music and I have to move to the beat. Ever since I was a little girl I have been choreographing my own dances just for fun. I was always part of a dance club if there was one. I even remember having a very small group of friends when I was in grade 5 and we created a break dancing club!
Through the years, I have helped choreograph dances for community theater and for various school performances. Yet, other than my last year of high school, when I majored in dance, I never really had any formal training.
I got certified to be a group fitness instructor in 2001 so I had the formal fitness training. Even though a Zumba instructor isn't required to be certified in anything, it certainly does help to make sure form is suitable for everyone and body parts are where they are supposed to be! I would not recommend teaching any form of fitness without some theoretical and practical background with a certificate!
Zumba is the perfect medium for those who love to dance and enjoy a great workout. Seriously, I have so much fun dancing in class and showing others how to do the moves that sometimes I forget that I am "working out" :) The sweat that comes off me and my participants is evidence that it is a super duper workout!
Not only do I get to teach adults, but I went the extra step and I am licensed to teach kids their form of Zumba, ZUMBATOMIC! Yes you have to be licensed or you cannot teach it or at least you cannot call it Zumbatomic. I teach two classes a week at my children's school during lunch break. What a fun way to promote health and fitness and FUN!
I am licensed in Zumba Gold as well so I can give the active older adult a good workout without all the hip action! This is also great for beginners, people recovering from injuries, and women who are pregnant.
Basically Zumba is for ALL AGES!!!
Oh yes, I am the only Zumba Instructor in town! I have been at it successfully for a year. ON MY OWN SCHEDULE! What a great way to earn an income! What I am even more excited about is what my plans will look like in 2013. I am scouting out some possible people who would like to teach Zumba so that there can be more classes available and we can have substitutes in case of emergencies :)
Who says you can't be paid for your passions or that you have to put your passions on hold? Not Me!
Can you tell I am running off a Zumba high? I taught my class tonight!
What are you passionate about that keeps you moving and grooving?
Blessings
Lee-Anne
Dear Lord, Thank you for blessing me with two legs to dance and the heart to feel the rhythm!
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