Thriving in Chaos....

I'm not sure how everyone else feels...maybe it's something all moms' feel- or maybe I'm just weird- but I feel like I am so much more productive, happy and satisfied when I have just about too much on my plate!

I really started to notice it when I was in college- my last semester of college- I was taking a full class load- had three part-time jobs and an internship- I was BUSY- but I loved it- I knew what I had to do each day and I went to bed feeling accomplished each night!  That semester was the only semester my entire college (and possibly high school) career I got a 4.0 GPA!

After graduation my first "Big Girl Job" was as an administrative assistant- I was BORED out of my mind- and as a result of not being challenged at work I got a little complacent and lazy in my personal life too- I was itching for more projects, more responsibility, more challenges.  My second job outside of college was at a waterpark in marketing, and planning events- I loved it!  I got to be creative, organized, have fun and working with the public there was just a bit of craziness!


In the past few years I've had a couple of career changes, planned a wedding, bought a house and oh yeah had a baby- so it's kept me pretty busy! Just when things are starting to calm down- and I feel like I'm kind of getting the hang of things professionally and personally- I'm itching for more! I need a creative release, a project, a trip, an adventure!

I'm so happy right now in my life- I love seeing my son grow and change everyday- he's getting to such a playful age, and our puppy provides just another dash of unbridled energy. I'm happy but I'm also itching for something more-professionally and creatively. (Without taking too much time away from my little man- because he comes before everything else in my life.)

Something I know I am missing- is something we did in my time in marketing at the waterpark.  We put together little videos showing guests and events at the park. I have always loved movies and it was so fun to quickly make these promo videos highlighting the park.  It was probably my favorite thing to do at the park.  I miss it- I wish there was some aspect of my career now that gave me a reason to make something similar- but real estate doesn't exactly provide the same chaos and fun as a waterpark.

While planning my wedding I did put together a fairly long slideshow presentation of my husband and I growing up and had it transition through several different songs. I may be a little biased but I thought it was pretty good!  I also designed and printed my own wedding invitations, save the date cards, programs, cards for the guest gift and thank you cards.  Everything went together, and fit into the look of my wedding. Again- I may be biased but I was very proud of my wedding and the look I created was exactly what I wanted.

My point to all of this is- I'm itching to get some more creativity into my life.   Designing- invites, cards, whatever- I can probably do it.  Or I can put together photos, or video clips into a movie.  Just let me know what you need or what you are looking for and I'd be happy to try and help!

I loved planning my wedding day, and creating all the special little parts of it that make it unique and personal.  I love meeting new people, talking wedding and family and I'd love to help someone else plan their big day.  I've planned a number of different events in my personal and professional life- so I am very familiar with the process.

If there is something you would like my help with- designing, planning or editing- send me a message, leave me a comment, or connect with me on- twitter, instagram or pinterest.  I'd love to help- and apparently I'm lacking a little organized chaos in my life right now- haha!

Some of us just live for the mayhem- and I'm one of them- if it doesn't come my way I go looking for it!  :)

Summertime Adventures

I know it has been a while! I apologize I have been wanting to update- but I can't quite get my thoughts all in order- so while I work through this writers block- here's a photo update of some of our recent adventures!

Summer has finally arrived in Ohio and we have been having so much fun!

It's not quite the same fun that summer used to bring with weekend trips, vacations, and theme parks and all day adventures but we are definitely still having fun!  Trips and outings just take a bit more planning.

We are trying to get back out there!  Over the winter I feel like I really did hibernate- too cold and snowy to want to go anywhere especially with a newborn- but  I'm trying to figure it all out now and find out some good places we can go and fun things we can do! If you have any ideas/suggestions send them my way!

So far we have:

Springtime Family Photos! 

Gone to the park to walk and take new family photos- this was actually more spring time but that's ok!

Trip to the Zoo! 

We went to the zoo on a especially cold late spring/early summer day- it was obviously so much fun it worn the little guy out!  And it was so cold we were only there about two hours but the first couple animals he did really enjoy seeing!

Four Generations! 

We celebrated Tony's birthday with a cookout! Which also included a visit from his Grandparents from Florida and Aunt and her family.  It was so great because we had four generations all together for a family shot!

Father's Day! 

Tony had his first Fathers Day!  Which was such a busy and special day!  It started out with coffee and his favorite donuts, and ended up with a first time swimming for little man and a new addition to the family- a puppy named Cody!  

Where did I pee??? You'll never guess! 

Cody has been a great addition.  I know some people have said we are crazy- but you know I just don't like boredom so why not take on a puppy and a baby! haha.  Little man loves the pup though so all the crazy is worth it!

First time hitting the pool! 

It doesn't look like I am having too much fun...
But I promise I love it! 

Best Buds! 

Nap Time is better when we snuggle!

I'd say we are having a pretty good summer so far!  I'll keep working through this writers block and hopefully have something more informative next time! :) 

Religion Struggles...

OK- here goes another just super honest blog- I am sorry if anyone is offended by but, it's just where I am right now and my story and my struggle.

Doesn't everyone have a First
Communion picture like this??

It's safe to say that currently I am struggling to find my religious "home." I grew up Catholic attended 12 years of Catholic school, attending Mass every weekend with my family.  My family always went to Saturday evening Mass and afterwards we would go out to dinner.  It was pretty much the one night a week we ate out- it became our normal Saturday night- sometimes we would go out to dinner and then stop at Blockbuster to rent a movie!  It was special treat and a fun family night growing up.

I was actually a very good practicing Catholic until I began college. I went to college away from home and just never found a Church there.  However, even before I went to college- Mass had long become just a routine I would sit through. I just people watch and wonder how many people just came to Mass once a week thinking it was their pass for the week- were they really living their faith once they left? The homilies often made me mad- I began to criticize parts of the sermon and question parts of my faith.

I in no way have ever questioned God- I believe in God.  I know for a fact there is some higher power watching over us and guiding us if we let Him.  But what I do question is people's interpretations of The Bible- it's so very easy to interpret Bible stories/lessons in a way that gets followers to believe and act a way that is favorable to their own beliefs.

I also do not like the business aspect of the Church.  I know that it is in fact a business and that for parishes to survive they have to have money supporting them.  But I personally have seen an ugly business side of the Church where people were not treated in a very fair, respectful or understanding way. I know that one situation or person should not affect my entire faith but it is just more fuel that makes me question the interpretation/ manipulation of people in a position of religious power.

My other struggle is I want to get my son Baptized but my husband and his family are not Catholic which means no one from his side of the family are eligible to be Godparents.  We were married in the Catholic Church but because he is not Catholic our marriage is not recognized in the Church.  This bothers me- he is judge because he is not like everyone else and not fully accepted- shouldn't a Church be accepting of every person and welcoming everyone.

One thing that has stuck with me is from a World Religion class I took in high school- I found it so interesting that so may religions have similar stories. This only reinforced my belief that there is a God but people have just interpreted God and miracles in different ways and call Him different names.

I question why any religion only focuses on the differences instead of the beliefs that we all share.  Why do we say there is only one true religion- isn't it kind of arrogant to just disregard millions of other people's beliefs.  Why is any Religion given the power to judge another person based on a belief or lifestyle? Isn't it better to believe that God truly loves all people and that if we are a good kind person that helps others, and makes that world a better place that will be an enough for Him to grant us eternal life and salvation?

This is my belief and because of it I am struggling to find a new Faith home. I want my son to grow up in a Church, to learn about Religion, Faith, God and The Bible. But I also want to honestly stand behind this religion and know how to answer questions when he comes to me to ask- why is this, why do we do that?   How can I ask and teach him to believe something I am not sure I fully understand and agree with?

I want to create a Saturday/Sunday tradition where we go to Church and then share a meal as a family.  But I am not sure where to go- if I should explore another Faith or if I give the Catholic Church another try.  I am stuck and confused.

JS

Family Zombie Time!

We have sort of a fun weekly tradition with my husband's family.  About two years ago we all started watching The Walking Dead... I know right.... super fun family bonding show.  But it is for us.

We all (about 10 of us- which is pretty impressive to coordinate that many schedules!) get together Sunday night have dinner, hang out and watch the show. We laugh at the zombies, are shocked by the plot twists and/or say we called it (there's bets out on Beth's survival), try and come up with what's going to happen or how they are going to get out of each crazy situation.

It's become a fun Sunday night that we all look forward too- of course The Walking Dead is only on 6-8 weeks at a time- so we have kept up the tradition on their off seasons by getting together and watching movies every Sunday.  We watched Frozen much to some of the mens' protest.... but lets not lie- they all loved it!  Next week it's The Avenger's once we discovered someone in our group had never seen it! Plus I know our little guy will like it- he loves action... already such a boy (he laughs every time we say stinky poo-poo).

Ok enough about our movie and TV watching habits.  Since we have moved in to our house we have sort of become the house to host Sunday nights- which is fine for me because I have made Sunday my day to stay home, hang out with my little man and get ready for the week!  I love Sundays!

Sunday has also become by Crock Pot Recipe test day! The Sunday night crew has become my guinea pigs for new Crock Pot recipes!  This past week was Crock Pot Mexican Lasagna.  I personally was not 100% sold on it but everyone else said they enjoyed it- so I'll give it one more try!

Here are a few of the Crock Pot recipes I have tried- that I'll definitely make again:

• Mexican Lasagna
• Cheeseburger Sandwiches
• Chicken Tacos 
• Chicken Cheesy Spaghetti
• Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
• Spinach Alfredo Ravioli 
• Cheesy Spinach Tortellini 
• Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
• Chicken Pot Pie 
• Breakfast Casserole- who doesn't love breakfast for dinner! 

Tonight I am trying Creamy Chipotle Tortellini! (I'll let you know how it is.)

There are many more recipes on my Pinterest Page- You are welcome to check them out- I haven't made them all but - it's kind of like all the crafts and home decor- they sounded good enough and easy enough for me to re-pin them!

I just have to say again- Crock Pot recipes are awesome- they make enough to feed 10 people, and sometimes we even have leftovers!  I really think I could throw just about anything in there and it would turn out!  It's amazing!  I'm thinking I need to buy like three more!  Plus and possibly best of all- its a one pot clean-up- so I can rinse it and get back to the party- because after all I made it- so hubby's on clean-up duty! :)

JS

40 Acts of Kindness Summary

Hey guys,

A belated Happy Easter!

Sorry it has been a while- I just decided to wait and do one post to do to summarize my 40 acts of Kindness Challenge.  I am happy to report that I have completed my Lenten Kindness Challenge- with the exception of one final act:
Planting a Tree/flower- the weather has not been on my side and I am waiting to do this until it consistently warms up- who knows this one may have to wait until June!

But here is a summary of the rest of the items on my challenge list:

• Clean up litter- I did this in our grocery store parking lot
• Bring Flowers to a friend- I did this twice for two different friends 
• Compliment someone- completed twice with two work friends 
• Make dinner for a friend- I did this one 5 times throughout Lent for a few different friends
• Donated Food to the Lebanon Food Pantry 
• Make a Donation to a Charity-I donated money to 2 local charities 
• Leave a generous tip- Completed for my birthday dinner out with my husband 
• Let someone go in line in front of you- Completed at least twice- at the post office and at Starbucks 
• Hold the door for someone- Completed 4 times- this one was cutting it close the last one was  Easter morning at Church
• Write a letter to a friend- Completed twice
• Bring Co-workers a special treat- Completed twice 
• Buy Someones lunch- Completed one time- I bought my friends lunch when we were out shopping one afternoon
• Donate Used Clothing- I donated some clothing and other items to the Vietnam Vets
• Plant a tree/flower- To Be Completed as soon as the weather is consistently warm
• Be an active listener to someone who needs to talk- Completed
• Give a Thank you note- completed two times
• Donate Blood- My husband and I both donated blood on April 12th
• Make Breakfast for my husband- My husband is very lucky I did this three times throughout Lent
• Say Good Morning and smile- I think I did this really almost everyday but I know I completed it at least four times
• Thank and praise a co-worker for their good work- Again this a grey area because I think I did this a few times but I only noted doing it one time

Adding up all the acts we are at 39 plus one TBD- when Spring officially arrives and sticks around for a while!   

Here is what I have taken away from this challenge.  I had a good time with this; it felt very rewarding to do simple acts of kindness for others.  It was fun to surprise a friend with flowers, to make someone's day by just letting them go in front of you in the coffee line.  Taking the time to write an actual letter to friends who I don't get to see often is important to help us stay in touch and connected.  I hope all of these acts made people smile and brightened their days- and perhaps they passed on the kindness to others- I don't really know but I hope so!  :)  

My favorite act that I did on this challenge was I took flowers to my very best friend that has unfortunately passed away. I had not visited her in way too long.  While it is always hard to go and see her, it also brings me a strange sense of peace. I was able to talk to her, tell her I miss her, and would give so much just to have a stupid conversation and hear her laugh about everything and nothing one more time.  Somehow going to see her- makes me feel more connected to her again and know that she is still a part of my life and is looking over me and my family. 

I think I will do this again next year I'll keep some of these acts and try and come up with a few new ones.  Having my acts out on a list made me take the time to think about them and start doing them again-like saying good morning- I always mean to say it but sometimes I jump right into working I forget- having the list just made me more aware. Over the next few years our little guy can become gradually more involved and help with some of them- I think it will be very rewarding, fun and educational for him and our whole family. 

Thanks for going on this journey with me and helping me complete my Lenten Challenge.

I'll get back to my "normal" blog posts now- we are getting ready to travel for the first time with little man- so hopefully I'll have some tips and/or lessons for you on that soon! :)

JS

Random Acts Update

So I've been working on my acts of kindness Lenten challenge for about of a week and a half.  I have to say I think I'm doing pretty well.  It's been fun and rewarding- I like planning out some of the acts and others have just happened naturally. Some of the acts on my list are so simple they really should be done without even thinking about it, but its nice to challenge myself to continue to work on these simple easy acts and put someone else in front of my own worries and stress.

I'm just going to re-cap the acts I have done so far- that way you guys can help make sure I get to 40 by Easter! 

1. Write a Thank you note:  I wrote a Thank You note to our mail man- just thanking him for delivering the mail every day through this very cold and nasty winter!  Hopefully- as much mail as he sees it was a nice surprise to get something for him!

2.  Say "Good Morning" and smile:  I am trying to do this every morning, its so easy and really should be done but sometimes we just walk by someone in the morning without thinking or we are already wrapped up in our work for the day.  I'm trying to make it a point though to say Good Morning to all of my co-workers each morning.  (some people are more morning people then others- haha)

3. Make Dinner for a Friend:  I made dinner for my family and friends on a Sunday evening- We have a set date every Sunday night where we get  together hang out, and then watch a show or movie. I usually make a dessert or snack but this time I made chicken and macaroni and cheese and a salad- it was an easy dinner but I say it still counts! (Look how happy they all are- my husband can't wait to eat it!)

4.  Praise a co-worker for their good work: This happened sort of by accident but I had a co-worker questioning her success and just getting a little overwhelmed.  It was really nice to help reassure her and help her see why she has earned and deserves all the success and opportunities she is receiving. I would have of course said the same things whether I was doing this challenge or not- but like I said some of these acts just happened naturally.

5.  Write a letter to a friend:  I wrote a letter to a friend who was expecting a baby Mid-April - just catching up with her and trying to reassure about becoming a mom and that she is going to be an amazing mom.  I wrote the letter last Thursday but I was waiting to send it because I was sending it with a little package- and on Friday I found out her little guy just couldn't wait to come into this world and he was born the week before!  I just sent the package today- hopefully the letter will still be a nice surprise and provide some encouragement in the first couple challenging weeks!

6. Hold the door for someone: This is another really easy one and it's surprising how it catches people off guard because it does not happen that often anymore.  I have been able to do this one three different times so far and I always get a Thank you in response- which is not needed but nice! 

7. Donate Food to a Food Pantry: I was able to do this last Friday, on Pi Day! I stopped into a local food bank and dropped off a bag of groceries and I didn't even spend any extra money picking up the groceries I just went through our pantry and picked out some items we had extra of. 

8. Buy Someone's lunch: A friend came to visit me on Saturday and we went out to lunch- I picked up the tab- much to her protest!  But it was nice to do and I told her she was helping me with my Lent challenge! :) 

9. Let someone go in front of you in line: I did this today at the post office while I was mailing the package to my friend. 

10. Bring my co-workers a special treat: In honor of St. Patrick's Day I made my co-workers a special treat- Lucky Charm Treats!  There are no more left in the cafeteria- so I assume they were a hit! 

I still have a lot of things to cross off my list- but I think I am off to a good start.  It has been very rewarding so far to make someone smile with such simple little acts!

JS

40 Acts of Kindness- Giving Back instead of Up

Ok so I know I said that my next post would be about actually balancing the mayhem of Mommyhood- but this idea just came to me last night and since Lent is starting today I feel that I need to post this today. 

Lent is beginning today- Lent the 40 day period before Easter Sunday- traditionally Catholics give something up during this period.  It signifies the 40 day fasting period Jesus experienced while in the dessert before beginning his public ministry. (thanks for the summary Wikipedia).

I personally always struggle to find something to give-up and I never really found it rewarding to so this year I am trying something new.  Instead of giving something up I am going to give back- with 40 acts of kindness. For me this is a more positive spin on Lent and hopefully by putting positive energy and goodness into the world it will help make it a little better and make a few people smile along the way.

Now the goal would be to do one act a day- but I know that may not happen so as along as all of them are accomplished before Easter- I say it counts.

I'm writing this entry as a way to make myself accountable to accomplishing this goal and as just a way to track the acts.  Also this is just going to be my list to work off of.

Here my list of acts of kindness- obviously there are only 20- so some of them I'm going to do more than once but I will complete each act at least one time in the next 40 days.

1. Clean up litter
2. Bring flowers to a friend
3. Compliment someone
4. Make dinner for a friend 
5. Donate food to a food drive/pantry
6. Make a donation to a charity
7. Leave a generous tip
8. Let someone go in front of you in line
9. Hold the door for someone
10. Write a letter to a friend
11. Bring Co-workers a special treat
12. Buy someone's lunch
13. Donate used clothing
14. Plant a tree/flowers
15. Be an active listener to someone who needs to talk
16. Give a Thank you note
17. Donate blood
18. Make breakfast for my husband 
19. Say "Good Morning" and smile 
20. Thank and praise a co-worker for their good work

My hope is that by completing this kindness challenge I will be setting and being an example for my son and in the future we can do this together. Wish me luck!  I will be posting updates as I complete each act!