Celebrating all month long!

Back when I was 24, I met a guy who did a bit of traveling. He told me of some of his travels. I even dated him for a little bit. But the thing that caught my attention of what he said, was WHEN he intentionally travelled and not just for work. He took trips on or around his birthday every year. I'm like, "What a great idea!". It so happened, that year I was turning 25 and my dad asked if I wanted to take a trip with him to see my extended family in Texas. Um, yes please! And that's when I became intentional about celebrating my birthday.

First, it started off with celebrating for a week. One year, some good friends of mine celebrated with me for two days the week of my birthday! I'm not sure what order we did the following things: One night we watched a movie and ate pizza and ice cream.  Another day we went to Universal Studios! During that week, I also got my hair done along with my nails and also got a wax. Ha ha! I went shopping for an outfit to go to Universal Studios in. That was fun! I would have liked to go to somewhere out of town but where I live, there is plenty to do around and close by.

So, I did a week celebration for several years. I even took a week off on my birthday several times. I just wanted to celebrate life! I've flown out of town to visit a friend, I've driven with my mother to go visit my great Aunt and so many fun things! You don't know when it's your time to go, enjoy the time that God has given you!

Then I turned 30! At the time, where a lot of women and friends alike dreaded turning 30, something happy clicked for me! I was excited! I felt more mature. I also felt like I was becoming more of the woman I was suppose to be. Trust me, I hadn't arrived and I still haven't but I felt like good changes were around the corner! Little did I know that in the near future that I would be learning some hard lessons which included going depression. But it also held good times, like going to Africa for the first time and reconnecting with my future husband and marrying him a couple of years later!

Later on in life it hit me! Why not celebrate the whole month of April as my birthday! It's the little things people. I don't have to go all out every day but like I said it's the little things.

Last year, my husband and I went to Ensenda for a house building trip on my birthday for several days. That was an adventure! And the day before we went, I found out that I was pregnant! What a birthday surprise that was! What a gift to be able to be in wonder at the miracle of life! It was very heartbreaking though when I lost the baby the next month.

So this year, this month, I'm taking it one day at a time to look for things to celebrate. So this is it so far:

1. April 1st, it was the first day of my birthday month! I went to see my OBGYN (I know fun!) and we talked about the possible cause of my infertility - a polyp acting as "natures" IUD. And the possibility of having it removed next month! So far, so good! Then I capped off the day, with having a "Black Girls Night Out" with my birthday twin (4 years removed) and her friends, for dinner and drinks!

2. April 2nd, I met a new group of girls who blessed my heart! We are all on a journey towards having babies. We have all dealing with infertility is some form or fashion. All of our stories are different as well as similar in so many ways. They were all encouraging. We support each other, root each other on and I feel like there is still hope for me!

3. April 3rd, since being a part of the ministry listed in #2, one of the ladies put a song on Facebook to encourage us. It's a song, sung by an artist named Meredith Andrews and the song is called Not For A Moment. It was just the song that I needed around the time I miscarried. It spoke to my heart of God's care for me and not for a moment did He leave me. I was reminded of that once again on this day!

4. April 4th, today is Coffee Friday! I decided that at least once a week, I could treat myself to a nice big cup of coffee, preferably a foo-foo drink. Today, I had a Salted Caramel Mocha hot coffee. It was mm-mmm good! I also got a call from my doctor's office scheduling me for my surgery!

This month, I have so much to look forward to and I'm thankful for each day I get to wake up, kiss my husband and start the day! So far, so good!

How do you like celebrating?

Love,

Mrs. M

I didn't know I was....an introvert!

I used to watch that show, I Didn't Know I Was Pregnant, on TLC. And being a women who has been trying to get pregnant, I was wondering how can a women not know that she is carrying precious cargo? Give me a break! But it was interesting nonetheless. And if you were that woman, please give me your story.

Somewhere in my late 20s I found out that I was an introvert! For most of my life I thought I was an extrovert! Really, I did! My dad, on the other hand, had known for years that I was an introvert because he already "typed" my sisters and I and we all turned out to be introverted, according to the Meyer-Briggs Type Indicator book that he had been reading. On a small note, my mother is the only extrovert in our family of five!

I couldn't believe it! How could I be? I loved to talk, I loved hanging out with my friends, I liked to meet people and a lot of other things that I thought extroverted people liked to do. When I heard the word Introvert, I saw a very shy, awkward, didn't like to be around people and a nerd. I know! I know!

It wasn't until the church that I started going to (which I LOVE!) had a conference that they called SOMA. This conference included Meyer Briggs testing and Strengths Finder 2.0 assessment. I found out my "type" is INFP. My "strengths" are Adaptability, Connectedness, Empathy, Harmony and Relator.

In a few words, I learned that when it comes to relationships, introverts like to get to know a few people really well and extroverts like to get to know a whole range of people and have an array of friends. I don't know if that makes sense. But I'll say for me, getting to know and close knit group of friends is important to me (though my husband says I act more like an extrovert in that way but I'll always count on my hand, maybe one and an half hands the friends that I will always consider closer to me than others).
This was so helpful to me! Some people seem to know just who they are, how they are made and what their strengths are. For me, I was still trying to figure myself out! As funny as that sounds, I was. And now I had the opportunity to really get to know how God created my "bent".

Taking these two assessments really opened my eyes and helped me to see myself for who I was. For one, I was an introvert. Ahh, it started to make sense to me!

This is what I have learned about myself so far:
    
     - That it's okay that I'm not the "life" of the party
     - That I do love talking to people but on a one on one or even two people conversation
     - That I love to get away where it is quiet, so that I can regroup
     - That fun and relaxing for me is going to the beach or pool and reading
     - That I can be a little socially awkward but not like I use to be
     - That I love my extrovert friends and that I don't have to compete with them to be heard
     - That I'm still growing and learning more about my "bent"

So what would you say your personality bends more toward: Extroversion or Introversion?

Until next time,

Mrs. M

Weighing on my mind! - Self Image

I know it's been awhile ladies! But here we are!

A little more than a week ago, I was honored to guest post over on sweet Danielle's blog called The Girlfriend Letters. I was going to write something else today in regards to weight but I will repost what I wrote over there. In your free time, please go check out her blog.

*************************************************************************************

 

Selfie - Cheese!

I have really enjoyed this series and reading what Danielle's guests have written in regards to their journey through body image. I believe by sharing our stories, we encourage other women that they are not alone. Hopefully in sharing you see how unique and wonderfully made you are.

For me it all started with my buck teeth that I humbly inherited from one of my parents. As far as I know, I neither sucked my fingers and I couldn't stand having a pacifier in my mouth.

As I grew a bit older, I was called Bugs Bunny and bunny rabbit by some of my peers and sisters alike. When I was nine years old, my mother took me to get my pictures taken with Sears photography. The photographer kept telling me to close my mouth. I tried my hardest to but I couldn't. I remembered feeling pretty when I walked in but shamed even before that session was done. Even though that made an impression on me, that didn't stop me from smiling and making friends.

Even though I had friends, I still wondered what it would be like to have straight teeth to the point I took paper clips, unfolded them to try to make retainers and would put them in my mouth. I dreamed of having braces. Some of my friends who got braces complained on how ugly they made them feel and how they couldn't stand having "tracks" in their mouth. I would do anything to have "tracks" in my mouth.

That time did come and my grandmother blessed me by paying for the down payment for my braces! So four teeth pulled, spacers put in for awhile and molds made, I finally got my braces. And it was worth every bit of pain!

Within a matter of two years, I finally had straight teeth! Yay! But then puberty hit and friends started talking about their weight and looks. You know normal girl talk.

I went through what, I think a lot of young girls go through when they are teenagers, especially when it came to body image. But I don't think it really hit me until my middle twenties, when a friend's mother had asked do I eat. "Of course I eat", I replied.  She said I was looking on the skinny side. Well, I thought that was great! My sister, who was also my roommate at the time thought I was starving myself.

That time in my life, looking back, was about what I could control in my life when other things seemed out of control. And I could control what I ate. 

I can't say that I was by any means anorexic but I had lost enough weight to have my family concerned. I was even concerned when in between my periods I would spot, like as if I was about to start my period. My doctor said that he could prescribe me birth control so that my hormones could get back on track. But I knew what the problem was. I wasn't eating normally.

I restricted what I ate at times because I was getting noticed and it felt good to be noticed. 

But I had to come to a point where I was okay with who I am and live what I say I believe about what God says of me as His creation, that I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

As time went on, I put on some weight. Looking more healthy, though I felt I was getting fat. But I had to be comfortable in who I was. 

Thankfully, I married a man who loves me just the way I am. Sometime after we got married, I berated myself about my weight and he said something to the effect, "I will still love you if you gain weight". I laugh about it now, but I think I may have taken what he said a bit far.

But that's okay. I know what I need to do to be healthy through diet and exercise. The body I have is mine and won't look like the girl next to me or the girl I see on the magazine. And I'm learning that, it's okay!

To all of you ladies out there, know this: YOU are Beloved and Beautiful!

Thoughts run through it

My mind, that is!

I have so many dreams of what I want to do when it comes to blogging, vlogging, cooking and crafting. What I want to write about, what I want to talk about and what I want to make. Sometimes, I write those ideas down on post it notes!

And all this thinking happens when I am at work. Seriously?!

You see, the reality is, I am a dreamer. One of the guys I use to date (obviously, use to, duh!) told me to get my head out of the clouds, that I dream too much. He was  a "realist". Whatever that means. Um, maybe another term for that would be "pessimist"? I understand that a person can dream so much and not actually do anything. But then again, who knows, that same person can dream and do something.

I want to start here on this blog with a few changes and then go on from there. So much can happen between now and then but that's okay.

In the meantime, I'll continue to dream and write down my thoughts on post it notes.

Love,

Mrs. M

P.S. I want to thank the bloggers who have been especially encouraging to me through e-mails, who have taken the time out of their day to respond to readers like me, like we were friends. You ladies put a smile on my heart!

Out With the Old

And it is!!! Happy New Year y'all!

I hope that you enjoyed last night's festivities, whatever they were and stayed safe. We ended up going to two homes in one night. We hung out with our church family for the first part of the night. There was lots of food to be eaten, a billiard pool game to be played, a fire pit to be warmed up by (but I stayed inside), and encouraging and fun conversations to be had.

Then we went to our friends, Kaja and Matt's place for part two and had drinks, appetizers, good conversation, watch funny videos and rung in the New Year!

Today, the first day of the New Year, I get to relax. Yes! I've been waiting for this. As a matter of fact, I took off for the rest of the week from work. Ahh, wonderful!

This morning, I felt so energized to get up at 6 a.m. to take the dogs outside and after I did that, I decided to go back to bed because I could and I did! So we slept in. And it's been a leisurely morning/afternoon so far. No expectations.

So this is the time of year where people have already made their New Year's resolutions. The expectation is there, the motivation is there but then we all know what happens more than not, we break our resolutions. And then it happens more than once and we give up. I've decided not to make any and just take one day at a time.

What I would like to do is add juicing into my diet. So far this past week I've been doing it. So good, so far! It's amazing how my body feels when it has been kicked in the cells with all these good vitamins coming from fruit and vegetables. I feel like when I drink it, my body turns on, my brain is more clear. It's that potent! So we will see how that goes. I do feel good and not worn down. Not like the high and crash you get after eating sugar. I'm not ready to give up my Ghiradelli brownies though :)

Here's to a New Year and everything it will bring! Thank you Lord for a new start to a new year!

Mrs. M

Merry Christmas 2013 - 10 random facts about me - Christmas Edition

I'm so sorry that this card is so small!

Good morning all! It is one day before Christmas! The day we remember our Savior's birth. It is a good time to get together family and friends, to take a breath, to reflect, enjoy good food, open gifts, watch good movies and be thankful!

Random Facts:

1. I'm a last minute shopper. I have a friend who starts thinking very early in the year about her Christmas shopping, that's not me. My husband even starts thinking early about Christmas shopping. Bless his heart!

2. I love seeing Christmas lights and decorations! But I do not take a whole lot of joy in putting them up, my husband does and he usually does most of it. I add some touches. And no, I am not Scrooge.

3.  I don't like the expectation that comes from gift giving and receiving but I LOVE watching my niece and nephew open their gifts!

4.  This will be the first Christmas that Adam and I have at our house with some of our family. In the past, we were either with my in-loves or my family.

5.  My favorite Christmas songs are "Oh Come All Ye Faithful!" and "Oh Come Let Us Adore Him!"!

6.  I have some good Christmas memories, like when the grandchildren/cousins would go to the the back room and sing.

7.  I DO NOT like Christmas music to be played before Thanksgiving. After Thanksgiving is just fine for me. Stop trying to mix the holidays or rush Christmas. It's become so commercialized! Ugh!

8.  My parent's family tradition is to watch "It's a Wonderful Life".

9.  While watching "It's A Wonderful Life", we eat the popcorn that comes from the tin can (Caramel, Butter, etc). Side Note: The cans seem to be getting smaller these days.

10.  This past Sunday as we were singing a Christmas song (I wish I remembered which one), the Christmas message about Christ's birth struck me afresh! How awesome that the Son of God would be born in a stable and laid in a manger, a trough! The announcement of His birth was made to Shepherds! He was born to a common woman. It was a Holy Night!

Luke 2:1-20

1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

² (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

³ And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

⁴ And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

⁵ To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

⁶ And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

⁷ And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

⁸ And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

⁹ And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

¹⁰ And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

¹¹ For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

¹² And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

¹³ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

¹⁴ Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

¹⁵ And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

¹⁶ And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

¹⁷ And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

¹⁸ And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

¹⁹ But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

²⁰ And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

MERRY CHRISTMAS ALL!

Love,

Mrs. M



Today

Today, I was happy to wake up next to my husband in the darkness of the morning as the light was deciding to come out or not.

Today, I was happy to think that tonight I get to go watch Thor on base with my husband. I can't wait! A date night---woo-woot!

Today,  I am happy just to be me and no one else.

Today, I am so happy that I can read other blogs because though I should be working, I need to take a break and see what people are sharing.

Today, I feel super blessed that God is taking care of us. When things have been so frustrating the past couple of weeks dealing with doctors, insurance company, pharmacies, us fighting each other for what we each want ---things have calmed down and we are getting closer to our answer. (Blog for another day)

Today, I'm grateful for the air in my lungs. That I can breath without thinking about it.

Today, I can't wait to drink the Peppermint Tea from Celestial Seasonings. It's won my palette! Sorry Trader Joes, but you need to work on your peppermint tea.

Today, I thought it would be a good time to be right here, to write, and be present!

I hope you all are doing well!

Love,

Mrs. M