Be a Julie and Family Photos!

As I get ready to ring in the New Year I'm thinking about my goals for 2010. I've got quite a few biggies and look forward to sharing them here.



We watched "Julie and Julia" again last night. I just ADORE that show!! If you haven't seen it you MUST! It's uplifting and fun and gets me to thinking about my own life, my own dreams and where I dream of going in my lifetime. Both Julie and Julia are amazing women, who against the odds made something BIG out of themselves. One wanted to cook, the other to write. Instead of settling for the ordinary they went out on a limb, poured their heart and soul into their work and became EXTRAORDINARY! If you haven't watched it yet...I highly recommend it.

I have been promising some photos I've taken in the past few months. I finally got them uploaded...here a few!

Check out Em and Maddie on the soccer field in Columbia for the Show Me Games 3 v 3!!! And her awesome team!!




Jackson was in his first play in November. Check us out after the curtain call. His hair is a bit goofy due to the part he played!!



Our fabulous Thanksgiving table and my family.


We are ringing in the New Year with friends tonight. Playing games, eating fondue and just enjoying each others company. Can't beat that:)

And speaking of the New Year...here is what I'm most thankful for this year!! My amazing family. Aren't they cute Christmas Morning?!



Have a WONDERFUL evening tonight whatever your plans and see you in the New Year!!

My WORD

I had such a JUBILANT week!!!

–adjective
showing great joy, satisfaction, or triumph; rejoicing; exultant: the cheers of the jubilant victors; the jubilant climax of his symphony.

with Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and my son's 15th birthday, not to mention last minute shopping, family time and playing games...there is only one WORD that could describe last week and that's jubilant! I ADORE the Christmas Season and Christmas week is my favorite!! So jubilant it is!

I have lots of photos to share and will do so later in the week.

**Lots of fun stuff in store for 2010. Be on the lookout for that post as well as PHOTOS!!

Happy New Year!

Just wanted to say...

To all of my Bloggy friends

Merry Christmas!!!!!

I appreciate my readers and look forward to an amazing 2010 with the Words of Me Project.

2010 Word

The great poet Emily Dickinson said "I dwell in possibility."

I just love the thought of "dwelling in possibility". Don't you do that? Dream about what could be. What you would like it to be.

As I was thinking about my Word for 2010 my mind kept coming back to this quote and the word possibility-I love it!

–noun, plural -ties for 2.
1. the state or fact of being possible: the possibility of error.
2. something possible: He had exhausted every possibility but one.

So this year, the beginning of a NEW decade I've picked the word

POSSIBILITY

This is the year I write my book. This is the year I get back into running and train for the Denver Half Marathon. This is the year I serve others with sincerity and love. This is the year I find peace in being me.

This is the year of possibility.

Humbled

What a week I had!! While it was so festive and filled with peace, love and joy it was also a bit scary and Monday was downright PAINFUL! So here is what I've come up with for my Word of the Week...

HUMBLED
–adjective
1. not proud or arrogant; modest: to be humble although successful.
2. having a feeling of insignificance, inferiority, subservience, etc.: In the presence of so many world-famous writers I felt very humble.

Without going into every little detail...last Monday morning I was rushed to the ER. It was like a scene right out of a horror flick for me...so very PaINfuL!!!!! ACK! I thought an alien was inside my body trying to claw it's way out. I know, a bit graphic but that's the best way to describe the pAIn.

After several shots of pain meds I was feeling pretty woozy without a care in the world. It was heaven for sure! Found out I had a cyst burst. WHAT! Anyway, without getting waaaay too personal I'm headed to KC to my gyno. There are some concerns from a previous surgery so now I have something else to worry me. GREAT.

I was so humbled by the experience as well as reminded how quick our lives can change. I need to be grateful for the now, relishing every moment with my family, living out my dreams and enjoying my life. I'm getting better at it but intend on kicking it up a notch in 2010! (yes, I've made my goals and will share soon)

Another humbling experience came about on Wednesday night. Our church's Young Men and Young Women's group went to a nursing home to sing carols and share a Christmas message. I decided to tag along...so happy I did. What joy I felt as I watched those resident's faces light up as we began to sing. (and, hey I'm not that good)

Being there reminded me how fast time passes. How I need to better care of my body and be happy that it has gotten me this far in life without too many bumps. I also realized how blessed I am to be this age...to have my kids still at home and to have my husband with me, in this life to share my days with.



Along with learning many lessons last week I also just had some good ole' fashion FUN!!! We watched "Christmas Vacation", "Jingle All the Way" and "The Grinch". We made cookies, went shopping, enjoyed church and spent time just hanging out at my Mom's house making sugar cookies and listening to Christmas music. It was just so much fun!!!

What about you? What kinds of experiences are humbling you right now? What joys are happening in your life right now? Please share with us!!!

Does this sound like a Word of the Week?

So when I came up with this idea of choosing one WORD a week for one year to describe my life I had no idea I'd ever use this one...

STUFFED
to fill or cram (oneself, one's stomach, etc.) with food.


Pretty strange-huh?

You see last week my DH's cousins were here for their annual duck hunting trip. It seems while their minds are on birds, guns and man-talk my attention turns toward food. Company is here...who wants to cook? I mean the boys are going out everyday, having fun and enjoying lunch at some truck stop/dive while I stay home, all toasty warm heating up left-overs in my microwave. Don't I deserve to go out and let loose a bit? I mean, who wants to COOK when we can go out.

So everyday the boys would come home, ducks in hand, smiles on faces and guns over their shoulders. "Look what we shot, Les." they'd say. "Oh, that's great...hey, ya' wanna go out?" I'd reply.

Every night we picked some place new, anywhere my taste buds took me.(They would let me pick since I was the one staying home all day). I enjoyed homemade soups, fresh bread, salads and shrimp. None of my "healthy" food for me-no way! Ugh. By the end of the week I was

StuFfEd!!!

So, there ya' go...that's how I ended up with such an odd word for my week.
This week I'm back to eating my 6 small meals of proteins and carbs each day. I'm drinking lots of water and looking forward to becoming unstuffed.

Stay tuned...

My Word of the Week will be posted later today:)

I was thinking...

Today something just overcame me and I thought..."I am so ready for some NEW goals, a NEW direction in my life." The thought of a NEW YEAR always excites me and the thought of a NEW DECADE really puts a fire into me. Can you believe we'll be in 2010?! CRAZY, that's for sure.

My husband has been asked to do a talk in church the 2nd Sunday in January on goal setting. Being a business man he is extremely goal-oriented. I think, in part, that's where I got my goal setting craziness from.

Anyways, I've been thinking about what it is I want for my life this year. As my kids grow, I find myself with more and more free time. It's been a sad transition for me yet exciting, too. There are so many things I've been dreaming of!! I've been a writer for most of my life, writing a weekly column for 5 years as well has features for our local paper. While I LOVED both of those jobs writing a book has been an aspiration of mine most of my life. This is the year I'm gonna begin that project. I've had this idea for quite some time and am so ready to begin.

Along with my list of goals for 2010 I've been thinking of my Word. While we're doing a Word a Week here on my Blog, my friend Leanne reminded me I need a Word for my Year as well. Still trying to decide...

What about you? Are you thinking and wishing and pondering your goals for the new decade? I would love to hear what they are...leave me a list and as soon as I know all of mine I'll be sharing them here with you!

BAH HUMBUG!

So yesterday was just not my day. No it wasn't, not at ALL. Honestly, I was acting like a brat. I was. I was sick of being stuck in side. I was tired of eating our food storage, I wanted to go Christmas shopping but couldn't get out. I was being a brat.
Now there was other issues going on, too that made me a Scrooge but really I had the CHOICE to change my attitude and I didn't.

But TODAY...

TODAY will be different! Oh, my yes. ToDAy I will...

*smile
*be grateful
*laugh with my family
*catch up on laundry
*finish my Christmas cards
*mail out my friend Leanne's package
*listen to Christmas music
*work on my December Daily

And most of all I will remember how completely blessed I am.

Truly.

Snow Day!!!

Oh, joy of joys...it's a SNOW DAY here in Northwest Missouri!!

The alarm woke me up at 6:30 this morning and while I had a feeling we wouldn't have school I thought I'd better check...to make sure. Sure enough the radio said CLOSED. I let Jackson know then went back to my warm and cozy bed for an extra hour of sleep. Em and her Dad woke up at 3 this morning for a duck hunting adventure about an hour from here. I've been praying for their safe return all morning. I'm a bit of a worry wart.

Oh, the gift of SNOW DAY. It's one of those rare occasions when I feel like I can do anything. Spend the day writing, catching up on a good book or scrapping till my heart's content. Here's what's on today's agenda...

*Computer time
*Getting my printer up and running so I can write and print out our Christmas letter
*Making our annual Christmas baking list
*Watching my favorite soap-"All My Children"
*Catching up on laundry
*Playing a game with the kids
*Making something warm and cozy for dinner tonight
*Working on my December Daily Book

What about you? What kinds of things do you do when given the gift of a Snow Day??

My Word for 11/30-12/6

How in the heck are ya'?! Me? Doing just GREAT!! I'm a bit slow getting my WORD on-line today. Busy with Visiting Teaching and doing home stuff...all good.

So last week was another awesome week for me. As I've thought about the WORD that would fit just so here's what I've come up with...

FESTIVE

–adjective
1. pertaining to or suitable for a feast or festival: festive decorations; a festive meal.
2. joyous; merry: a festive mood.

From decorating the tree and our home to watching favorite Christmas movies and attending 2 parties...everywhere you turn it's Christmas. I absolutely LOVE everything about it, too!!

There's the CUTEST Blog I found one day several weeks ago that you MUST visit to get in the Holiday mood-"From Chaos Comes Happiness". Leanne has become a friend to me these past few weeks...she is just so UP. You'll love her, too!!

I'm out of here...as I'm not on during my usual morning time...my "chi" is all out of whack and my daughter is glaring at me...wanting to get on Facebook.

**Remember if you want to share your WORD with us...please leave a comment!!!

Holiday Season Thankfuls

The month of November was one of reflection for me. I learned new things about myself, renewed my goals and thought about what's really important.

This wonderful family of mine has been on my mind more than anything lately.


Each one of us is growing, changing and becoming. Jackson turns 15 this month. So many changes are happening now for him. He's beginning to find his place in this world and very, very soon he will begin driving (and YES I'm ready!). My Emma girl changes by the day it seems. We're only seeing glimpses of her sweet, little girl way as she is fast becoming a young lady. She pulls away a bit more each week, choosing her friends and dances over a night sitting at home snuggling with her Mom. (This is hard on dear old Mom). Dave has come to a crossroads with our business...should we stay or should we go? In the past 2 months we've opened 2 new business's but have yet to decide what to do with our BIG Pizza place. It's a good thing we believe in prayer. With prayer we know our Heavenly Father will help us decide. (Whew, what a relief). Then there is ME. I've been sifting through some past memories I don't care for in hopes of understanding why it is I do what I do (I have so many bad habits). I made a real breakthrough with that a couple of weeks ago and feel so RELIEVED!! (Yes, once again my Heavenly Father was there for me).

Here's a pic taken of Dave and I last July in Nauvoo. He went with the Relief Society and I to see the Nauvoo Temple. Such a GREAT trip!!


I am so BLESSED to have this man in my life!!!!

So many blessings to be thankful for this Christmas Season...how about you...

What are you THANKFUL for??

Holiday Fun

Just had to share a fun holiday memory from The Carpenters. Enjoy!

My Word for 11/23-11/29

With great JOY I share my WORD of the Week with you...

ABUNDANCE

–noun
1. an extremely plentiful or oversufficient quantity or supply: an abundance of grain.
2. overflowing fullness: abundance of the heart.

My heart is overflowing with love, peace and happiness as a result of last week. My family and I spent some much needed time together...here's a recap.

Wednesday-No school. Em and I spent the afternoon at my Mom's house, baking pumpkin pies and just hanging out. Mom helped Em with her new sewing machine.

Thursday-The day began with a workout for me. I needed that!! Then I turned on the Macy's Parade (our tradition), woke the kids up and starting preparing our dinner. I enjoy this ritual so much!! Soon our home was filled with smells of turkey and and sweet potatoes...Heaven:) That afternoon my Mom and I walked outside and just visited. It was so nice to be out in the crisp air!! That night we went to see the movie "The Blind Side"...GO SEE THIS MOVIE!!!

Friday-Woke up at 4 am and left for St. Louis for our High School's State Championship football game. Got there around Noon, saw tons of people we knew and enjoyed the game. Guess what?! Our Hounds WON!! Final Score-35-0!!! Got back in the car around 4PM and headed home. It was a long day...

Saturday-Em and I shopped all day and night in Kansas City with friends. So Much FUN!

Sunday-Church from 10-1 then a lunch of leftovers. I decided to nap for about an hour. So NICE! Dave and I watched the Vikings game and then the Ravens that night. So relaxing!!

My family and I are so very blessed and I am so very grateful!! I would love to hear your WORD from last week. Please share!!

BTW, I Sarah and Leanne BOTH won a stamp from me!! E-mail me ladies with your address!!! leslieackman@yahoo.com

So I just gotta say

Happy Thanksgiving!

I love and adore the is holiday so very much. Tomorrow I will wake up, turn on the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and begin to prepare our feast! On the menu?

Turkey
A yummy smoked spiral ham
Sweet potatoes with lots of brown sugar and marshmallows
Stove Top stuffing (I'd make homemade but my family would never eat it)
Mashed potatoes
Freezer rolls or Crescents...haven't decided yet!
Cranberry Sauce (the jellied kind)
My Mom's cranberry/orange salad-YUM!
Pumpkin Pie (which we are making this morning at Mom's!!)

We'll eat, laugh, relax, watch some football, maybe play a game or two then head to the movies. We're seeing "Old Dogs".

We are so blessed!!!

My wonderful WORD for 11/16-11/22

Oh, joy!! It finally happened...I had such an amazing, happy and FUN week!! This past week was filled with time spent with my children, my husband and learning a lot about myself. Here is my WORD for the week...

CHEERFUL

–adjective
1. full of cheer; in good spirits: a cheerful person.
2. promoting or inducing cheer; pleasant; bright: cheerful surroundings.
3. characterized by or expressive of good spirits or cheerfulness: cheerful songs.
4. hearty or ungrudging: cheerful giving.

Here is a bit of why my week was just so CHEERFUL...

*My son Jackson was in his first HS play Thursday and Friday night. I was so proud of him. Just watching him, a bit nervous, yet doing his absolute best brought me such joy. My son has struggled in school his whole life. This year has been so different!! Seeing him on that stage helped reassure me that Jackson is going to be okay. Our whole family just laughed and played right along with the play that was called "The Ballad of Gopher Gap". It was a melodrama so we got to play along. VERY FUN!!

*My daughter and I along with several friends got to be the first people to see New Moon in our town. I felt like I was in HS again, standing in line, giggling with my girlfriends then oohing and ahhhing over Jacob!! Such fun:)

*Dave and I shared some time together Saturday night watching our favorite show at the moment Dexter. We just finished up the 2nd season. We also had several good talks this week. I sure do love my husband!!!!

*Christmas music started on XM/Siruis radio Monday. I've been listening to it daily and bursting with the Christmas spirit.

*We have picked our 2 families we are going to help this year. I know we have chosen well and look forward to helping these 2 young ladies out and bringing a bit of joy to them during this difficult time.

*My Mom, Em and I spent one late afternoon/evening at a HUGE craft auction!! We not only got lots of bargains but we had fun just spending time together.

*We had the YM and YW over to our home Wednesday night for dessert and a devotional.

What about you? How was your week? What word would you choose to describe it? Remember to leave a comment or share your word to win a stamp from Hero Arts!!!

I'll leave you today with another fun RETRO holiday memory!!! Enjoy!!!

What's Inspiring Me Right Now

This has been quite a cathartic week for me. I've been letting go of all my "ghosts" from my past and feeling such peace and comfort because of it. I have this community to thank.

Letting go has allowed a whole new world to open up for me. I can feel my writing coming back, my creativity starting to flow again. I find myself listening and learning and finding "stories" in others again. All of this is quite exciting for me.
My heart is full of love and gratitude...just in time for Thanksgiving, right? Thought I'd share what is inspiring me right at this very moment...

*LOVE this Blog called "Good Grief". It is filled with heartfelt ways to scrap your loved ones who have passed on.

*Thanksgiving week is coming up! For as long as I can remember the week of Thanksgiving has been my favorite. As a kid I looked forward to the extra days out of school along with spending time at home. Now I love having my children home and filling our home with the cozy smells of turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie. There is also the Macy's Parade, our annual Thanksgiving movie night and shopping with my Mom and daughter. This will be a GREAT WEEK!!

*Christmas music is on full blast in our home!! We are fortunate enough to have a music system throughout our house...that is our favorite feature and one of the main reasons we bought this house!! XM/Sirius radio started playing their Holly and Christmas Traditions channels this week which have been on everyday here. Christmas music brings such joy and comfort to me. I LOVE it!!

*Ali's "December Daily" has inspired me to create one of my own this year which means I've actually taken the time to scrap the past few weeks. I've never participated in this challenge before so really looking forward to this!!

*These 2 kids of mine
continue to inspire each and everyday. They make me want to be the BEST wife and mom I can be. They make me want to live the Gospel. They make me want to be the best ME there is! I love these 2 and am so proud of them!!


So what has been inspiring you lately? Leave me a comment below and you'll have a chance to win a cool Autumn stamp from Hero Arts!!!

Top POP Christmas Songs

Here's My Word and more Retro

I know, I know...I'm one day late posting my WORD from last week. This was just a hard one for me to decide. I mean all in all last week was good. But along with the good were a few bumps in the road and honestly I couldn't decide what to pick. So, I've picked a very boring word which I'll never use again (because, after all, we can't use a word twice anyways)...

AVERAGE
typical; common; ordinary: The average secretary couldn't handle such a workload. His grades were nothing special, only average.

The highlight of last week was going to Columbia for the Show Me Games so Em could and her team could play 3 v 3 soccer. That was so exciting! I do have lots of photos to share...I'll do that a later time.

So, how are your WORDS coming? Are you scrapping them? Do you keep a journal? Right now I have this super cute little book I altered and all my words are in there along with a few notes about my week. Need to post that book, too...

Before I leave you today I had to share another favorite Christmas memory. This one is from the late 70's...remember Donny and Marie? I was a HUGE fan of their TV shows. I still have my Donny and Marie dolls!! I found this Christmas video on YouTube this morning...it put a smile on my face and reminded me of a simpler time. Enjoy!

Getting so Excited!!

Driving home from the Show Me Games tonight we put on Star 102 and listened to Christmas music all the way home!! Boy, did that get me in the mood. And yes, I know it's not even December yet...but I LOVE the holidays. And besides...what the heck is wrong with getting giddy over them before Thanksgiving? The way I see it Thanksgiving and Christmas are GREAT holidays and just because I may enjoy "Jingle Bells" before we carve the turkey doesn't mean I'm "skipping" Thanksgiving.

So with all that in mind I'm gonna start my "Retro Holiday" tradition a bit early with today's post...hope you don't mind!

Last year I had a blast finding old Christmas shows, music videos and movies and sharing them on my Blog. I was going to wait till December 1st to share the fun but like I said...I just can't!! So here goes...

There was just something about the 1970's Christmas commercials. Here is one of my favorites from McDonalds. Enjoy!!

Thank you Vets

Yesterday while waiting to be seated at our favorite restaurant, my husband and I noticed the dearest older gentleman sitting in a booth chatting with a younger woman. His smile lit up his whole face and his eyes twinkled liked Santa.

A bit later as we were eating I peeked at that man again...just to see what he was doing. There he was, all alone enjoying his meal. He looked my way, I smiled. Then I noticed his ball cap. It said..."World War II Vet". Without warning I got a lump in my throat and tears sprang to my eyes. What that man must have seen was all I kept on thinking.



By the time we left the man was gone. I was so hoping he was still there...I just wanted to say THANK YOU!!!

Today is Veteran's Day. I say to all the men and women fighting in past wars and the one going on now...I APPRECIATE YOU. THANK YOU SO MUCH. GOD BLESS YOU.

Check out this AWESOME Site!!

**This article is from the Scrapbook Trends Blog.I not only love this blog but I love the Scrapbook Ideas they talk about in the following article...***

Scrapbooking from the Inside Out
November 10th, 2009 Ana

Scrapbooking from the Inside Out has launched their November kit Generosity, perfect for this time of year. This kit is so graceful and stylish – full of rich, deep color and elegant design, with coins, copper accents, shimmery self-adhesive mosaic tiles, and pretty Prima.

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This month they’ll help you explore how you give of your time and money, inspiring a generous spirit in yourself and your family, positive self care vs. selfishness, and the big and small gestures that create connection in your life.



Scrapbooking from the Inside Out’s industry-exclusive content will help you explore your inner world with a music playlist, journaling prompts, moving photos, inspiring quotes, and meaningful monthly challenges.

To enter to win one of these great kits, repost this post on your blog and link it back to Scrapbook Trends, then give us a link to your blog post in the comment section of this post, and you could be exploring what GENEROSITY means to you!

I've had the flu...and my Word

I'm feeling yucky...oh so yucky...Last night I had that rumbling feeling in my tummy. You know the one that says "Tomorrow's not gonna be a very nice day". I was in bed by 7:30, woke up at 6:00 this morning and continued to sleep off and on all day. BLECH!

Now I'm all hot and sweaty, so tired of just laying around all day that all I've done is toss and turn in bed...so now I'm up, it's late and I'm writing in my Blog. I hope tomorrow is a better one.

So, last week was a another good one. while life is still going full speed ahead, I made some time for fun!! My favorite part of last week was helping at my 14 year old son's Speech and Debate Tournament Friday and Saturday.



I had so much fun listening to Public Forum Debates, Storytelling and Dramatic Interpretation. Brought back a million memories from my HS speech days.

I fit in a night of scrapbooking with a couple of old friends Friday night and Saturday after the tournament Jacks and I went and saw "Paranormal Activity". All in all an awesome weekend!!

I've decided my Word of the Week is

CONTENT

con⋅tent
2  /kənˈtɛnt/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [kuhn-tent] Show IPA
–adjective
1. satisfied with what one is or has; not wanting more or anything else.
2. British. agreeing; assenting.
3. Archaic. willing.
–verb (used with object)
4. to make content: These things content me.
–noun
5. the state or feeling of being contented; contentment: His content was threatened.
6. (in the British House of Lords) an affirmative vote or voter.

Last week was just a good, content week. I was happy just being a wife, a mom and puttering around the house, picking up kids from games and practices and hanging out with my family for down time. No drama, no trauma...just good, normal stuff. It was nice.

This week has started out on a bad note with me being sick...but I have a feeling, as the week progress's it will get better. I have a few "big" ideas I want to start working on plus Thanksgiving is right around the corner. And this weekend we all head to Columbia for Em's big soccer games at the "Missouri Show Me Games".

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

Remember I would love to hear your words. Please share them with us!!

My Girl

Oh this girl of mine!! How I love her so!! She is at that age that is just fun yet moody...not quite a teenager yet not a little girl either. My dear sweet Emma is 12 and on the verge of teen-dom. *sigh* Where in the heck did the time go??

The other day I got a few of her scrapbooks out and just enjoyed flipping through them. Em has always been a special little girl full of magic and creativity. She can turn anything into a masterpiece. Whether she's using crayons and paper, scrapbook supplies, cardboard or cooking...she just adds flair to everything!!


I love my girl!!!!

This touched my heart today

I enjoy reading all different kinds of Blogs. From scrapbooking and cooking to fitness and inspirational...I love them.

My absolute must read Blog on my list is the NieNie Dialogues. You may have read it or perhaps it's your favorite, too...whatever you do please take time out of your day and read today's post. It touched my heart and I know it will yours.

New Look

As you can tell I've got a new "look" to my Blog. I like doing that...changing things up. Since it's fall and Thanksgiving is right around the corner I thought a more "homey" feel was in order. Hope you feel right at home here.

Been working on my "December Daily" album from Ali Edwards. I've got through December 7th done. My goal is to finish the album by the end of next week so it will be all ready to put a photo in by December 1st.

This is by far my favorite time of year. I love the shorter days, colder nights and all the holiday festivities. From church Bazaars and programs to shopping for gifts and family gatherings...I enjoy it all!! Especially grateful for my home, my family and my Heavenly Father this time of year. I'm always counting my blessings that's for sure:)

What about you? What are you loving about this time of year? Would love to hear your thoughts on this.

My Word for Oct. 26th-Nov. 1st

It's finally happened...I had a GOOD week!! Not only did I make a major decision in my life that has totally freed my spirit up and helped with the mind clutter but I got the house cleaned (it's ready for another overhaul today *sigh*) and I got my Primary organized. All that has made me so very happy:) So here goes...my word for last week is...

HOPEFUL

adjective
1. full of hope; expressing hope: His hopeful words stimulated optimism.
2. exciting hope; promising advantage or success: a hopeful prospect.

I really love the part that says "promising advantage or success." What I learned this past week is it is okay to say NO. Now you don't have to be mean about it. You can be gracious and kind and loving and say Thank You but No. Doing this has released much tension in my life and has freed my spirit. Seriously. It wasn't anything bad I was doing...just the opposite. It was something very good. However, it wasn't good for me at this time in my life. I am grateful for finally coming to my senses and just saying No thank you.

As the weeks go by I'm striving to perfect my life, trying to live up to the word I'd like to have for myself. I have a feeling that doing this WOMP is so much more than just another fun way to document my life. I think I'm gonna grow and learn so much about myself by doing this project.

Pretty cool.

I would love for you to join me in this year long project. Start today!! And if you are playing along I would love to hear how it's coming. Leave me a comment!!:)

Peace is just around the corner

"Order your soul;reduce your wants;live in charity;associate in Christian community;obey the laws;trust in Providence>" -Saint Augstine

This quote sums up what I want in my life. This is what I've been striving for all week. I'm happy to say that by Sunday I should have my WORD...and it's gonna be a good one.

I had something in my life that was weighing me down. I realized this week that not only is it okay for me to say NO, but I can do it with graciousness and love and not feel bad about my decision. So many people have faith in me. It humbles me daily. But, believe it or not I am NOT Wonder Woman. Now, I strive to be. But usually end up failing miserably. And to be honest...I am tired of failing. I'm ready to TAKE FLIGHT!! I'm ready to excel at my weight loss, at my art, at my writing, at being a mom and at being the best Christian woman I can.

I'm ready.

A new project to work on

Just wanted to share with you what I'll be working on besides the WOMP. So excited to do this project this year!! December Daily

I'm Evolving...

Okay, Week 4 already with the Words of Me Project. Can you believe I actually forgot to have my word ready for this morning?! AGH! Just one busy life I'm leading right now!!

Last week I made some strides in certain areas of my life yet took a step backward in another. Will I ever get it right? The word I've picked to describe my life from last week is....

EVOLVING

–verb (used with object)
1. to develop gradually: to evolve a scheme.

That's me...I'm developing gradually...oh so gradually. *sigh* LOL!

I'm working on so many things right now...

*my clean eating
*working out more with weights
*better time-management
*serve others without feeling overwhelmed
*cook healthy, yummy foods for my family
*too, too many to mention

Maybe each word from here on out will be some form of the word EVOLVE or CHANGE or TRANSITION. I'd like to think soon I'll have words like FABULOUS, PERFECT, HEAVENLY and FUN!

How are your words coming? Are you choosing a word before the week starts and focusing on that? That's a great concept...have done that many times before. Lots of fun and if you really try, you can learn so much and actually "live" out your word. Let me know how you're doing AND REMEMBER it is NEVER too late to jump right in and play along with the Words of Me Project!!

Where the Wild Things Are

I can't say that I truly wanted to see this movie. I mean I remember the cover of the book but have never read it (that I remember anyway). However, last night it was all cold and rainy so several of us decided to take our kids to see the movie. Oh boy.

I had read some bad press regarding the film already so I went into the movie fully expecting something a bit weird...but I'm okay with weird most of the time. What I was not expecting is a case of full blown depression and sadness. I mean who needs that from a kid's film?

I thought the little boy Max was a total BRAT. I can't imagine biting my mother and getting away with it. Max was shown as an out of control child with deep psychological problems. Then the Wild Things. Carol the main beast was cute and cuddly for the most part...but the rest of the group-pretty scary to most little kids. It was violent and crazy and well, wild. Poor Douglas (Carol's best friend) gets his arm ripped off in a fit of rage.

I really wish I hadn't seen this movie. It depressed me and left me with an unsettled feeling.

**BTW, I have never written about a movie in such a negative way before...but honestly, I would NEVER take my little ones to see this.

Photo Shoot!!

I uploaded a bunch of photos to my computer yesterday and thought I'd share a few with you.
The top photo was taken a few Sundays ago. Jackson and Emma finally getting along!! They spent the afternoon hanging out. It was just great.

The next photo was taken our anniversary in Weston. This was the Apple Festival. So fun!

That's Em being so silly.:)

Just a comparison of how tall my little boy is getting!! That's his Grandma!:)

How is your week going? Have you been working on anything creative? I have two talks to give this weekend at church so I'm gonna use my talents writing today! Make it a good one:)

Word for the Week-10/12-18

You know this whole Word of the Week thing is really making me stop and take a long look at how I spend my time. I notice myself trying to pick a word by Wednesday...I'll think of 5 or more that have described my week so far. By Friday I'm panicking a bit as I can't decide which word to choose or because my week has taken a drastic turn and what I thought would work Wednesday is so not gonna work by Friday. Then Sunday night, as I'm looking over my planner, checking out all the "To-Do's" for the coming week a word will just pop up and I think to myself..."That's perfect!"

My word from last week is

TRANSITION


tran⋅si⋅tion
  /trænˈzɪʃən, -ˈsɪʃ-/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [tran-zish-uhn, -sish-] Show IPA
Use transition in a Sentence
See web results for transition
See images of transition
–noun
1. movement, passage, or change from one position, state, stage, subject, concept, etc., to another; change: the transition from adolescence to adulthood.
2. Music.
a. a passing from one key to another; modulation.
b. a brief modulation; a modulation used in passing.
c. a sudden, unprepared modulation.
3. a passage from one scene to another by sound effects, music, etc., as in a television program, theatrical production, or the like.
–verb (used without object)
4. to make a transition: He had difficulty transitioning from enlisted man to officer.
Origin:
1545–55; < L trānsitiōn- (s. of trānsitiō) a going across, equiv. to trānsit(us) (ptp. of transīre to cross; cf. transit ) + -iōn- -ion

Related forms:
tran⋅si⋅tion⋅al, tran⋅si⋅tion⋅a⋅ry  /trænˈzɪʃəˌnɛri, -ˈsɪʃ-/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [tran-zish-uh-ner-ee, -sish-] Show IPA , adjective
tran⋅si⋅tion⋅al⋅ly, adverb

Synonyms:
1. changeover, passing, conversion.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source
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I am in the middle of starting a new business, changing my diet by clean eating, exercising more and trying to learn how to accept the fact that my kids are growing up. It's all good stuff but overwhelming for me most days. Top this off with the fact we are helping 2 very dear families start business's and one is living with us on weekends...I'm a bit frazzled. When I'm feeling this way I tend to go into "Mean mode"...not nice to anyone. Since that is just not the way I want to be I'm giving it my all to change the way I look at these changes and am trying to make the most of them. The word TRANSITION just seems to fit.

It's funny because as I got to really thinking about all these words I kept hoping for words like "bliss", "charming", "peaceful" or "spiritual" to describe my week. Maybe in the future...but not at the moment!!

Okay, so for now here are my words from the past 3 weeks...

BEGINNING
EXHAUSTING
TRANSITION

It seems like I'm that homely caterpillar, growing and changing to become a butterfly. That's what I'm hoping for...we'll just have to wait and see.

What's your word for the week? Let us know!!

Thursday's are good

Ever since I can remember Thursday's have been my favorite day of the week. I think it all goes back to my HS days and "Fame" was on the TV Thursday nights-LOL. Anyone else watch that show?? The top photo is from the album that was born out of that show. Lori Singer from "Footloose" fame starred in it. I loved it!!

Anyway...been thinking about writing and words a bit this week. I used to write a weekly column for my local newspaper...did this for nearly 5 years and enjoyed it.I quit nearly 4 years ago to pursue on-line writing. Yesterday at the gym this sweet older lady kept staring at me. Finally she said "Do you still write?" I smiled and said "You must have read my column." She shook her head and announced proudly "I made your Grandma's cookies once." I had forgotten I had even put those in the paper!!

Not only did this kind lady make my day but she made me think when she asked me if I still write. I don't think a whole lot about it but LOTS of people have asked me that since I quit the Forum.They just assume that just because I used to write I must still...that's pretty neat to me. For as long as I can remember I wanted to write. Books, plays, movies, articles...you name it I planned on writing it. I wanted to be known as a writer. Writers lead mysterious, exciting lives. Writers wear long flowing scarves and have rumpled hair. Writers are a bit quirky, they stay mostly to themselves and always have their nose in a book. So I"m wondering does this describe me in any way? HMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM...

Yeah, pretty much. (well, minus the flowing scarves part and rumpled hair. I mean with me it's all about the hair. Oh, and really my life isn't that mysterious it's rather normal...but the quirky part? To a T.)

My Word for Oct. 5-11

Happy Monday everyone!! I hope your weekend was awesome:)

Okay, here's the deal...last week was wonderful. We had friends here all week, I made a new friend, lots of spiritual stuff going on, Em's game, Jackson's debate, etc., etc. but all of it WORE ME OUT!! There was very little ME time and my house is a disaster today...so my word from last week is

EXHAUSTING

I almost feel bad saying that but honestly it describes how I felt last night...exhausted. Exhaustion doesn't have to be bad...and all the stuff I did last week was good...so I'm exhausted in a good way.

I learned quite a bit about myself last week...I need my time to just relax and be myself. I need to eat clean foods and I need to exercise no matter what. My week would not have been so exhausting if I would have done those things.

How was your week? Did your word describe your week?

I'd like to share this quote with you today...

"Three outstanding qualities make for success: judgement, industry, health. And the greatest of these is judgement." -William Maxwell Aitken, Lord Beaverbrook

BTW, Mary I will get your gift out this week!!:)

Thursday

As the week goes by I find myself wondering what WORD will describe this week. I've been pondering on a few but won't know until Sunday sometime. This is so fun and has given me a different perspective on my life. Isn't that what creativity is all about?

Speaking of creativity...I'm excited to be baking today with friends.I have always loved to cook but it hasn't been until the last year that I've really been interested in cooking and baking and learning how to do it better. Cooking is definitely a creative thing. I get the same type of "high" when I finish a layout or other scrappy project. Today I'm getting together with 3 friends to learn how to bake homemade rolls and granola bars. We're finishing the afternoon off with homemade soup! Yum-o! It's all rainy and cold here today-PERFECT:)

What creative activities do you find yourself wanting to learn more about? I would love to hear and become inspired!!

Check this site out

I was visiting one of my fave blogs today and found a cool, very inspirational sketch site. Check out Twisted Sketches. I haven't had much time to look around but it looks FUN! I'm gonna put a link on my sidebar, too. Looks like a place I'll enjoy.

What in the world did we do without blogs? I mean, seriously...I LOVE checking out new blogs, my fave blogs, all blogs. Each day I get a chance to catch a peek into other's lives from all over the world. How awesomely amazing is that?

My first Word and we have a winner!!

So what a WONDERFUL week I've had! It started with my Week in the Life project and ended with inspiration and creativity flowing through me like never before. I know when we DO projects we become more creative. It's just the doing them that's hard to start.

Not only did I take more photos this week than I have in MONTHS but I kept track of our daily lives in my journal AND I totally cleaned out my creative space so now I'm ready to scrap at a moment's notice-Hooray! You know just by going through my old supplies, photos and memorabilia I found myself coming up with endless ideas for pages projects. (Note to self: creativity keeps me sane and makes me happy ) I even created the cutest little book for my 52 words!!

So, let's just get right to it...my WORD for the first week is

BEGINNING

No, I didn't choose it because it's the start of something new. I chose it because this past week it was like a lightbulb went off in my head and I could see more clearly than I have in possibly years. Seriously.

This week I kept my home clean and organized with very little effort. I had meals planned out and cooked and served with a smile on my face (not to mention my family's). I created, I wrote in my journal, I scrapped, I worked out, I ate clean, I blogged. I did so many things I LOVE to do. My heart is overflowing with joy this morning just thinking about it. **The one thing I did not do and that is read Scriptures. Still a biggie on my list. *sigh*. I'll work on that this week!

So BEGINNING is a fitting word for me this week as I feel like I've begun some pretty awesome habits and hope to continue. I would love to have 51 more weeks like this past one!

WE HAVE A WINNER!!! The scrap pack goes to Mary. Thanks Mary for leaving a comment and putting a link on your blog. Thanks to everyone that did that these past 2 weeks. I appreciate it!! And hey, if you weren't a winner this time...there will be more give-aways throughout this project.

By the way, if you love this Blog and the 52 Words Projects won't you please let your friends know?!!

Make it a great day everyone!:)

Awesome photos of what inspired WOMP

First and foremost Ali Edwards inspired this Words of Me Project. Then last year I came across a pile of my race photos and some other daring things I've tried. I thought that they really should be scrapped and the Words of Me album was born. I have changed it up for this challenge...but what I did with this cool 8x8 book is use one word to describe me at that particular moment. I really love the results. Check out a few of the pages...oh and I've also posted a pic of my little book I use to jot my journaling in for scrapping.

PHOTOS!! Prize Pack and more!!

So I got the computer/photo upload thingy figured out. So easy...I'm embarrassed!! In the above photos you will see the coolio prize pack I'm gonna give away to one luck Words of Me Project reader. Remember to leave your comments!! You have until Monday October 5th!!! Also a few photos to show you how my Week in the Life is coming along!!

Prize photos

I got to thinking today...I should take a photograph of the PRIZE PACK and put on here! So I gathered the goodies together and plan on taking a photo today and putting on tomorrow. Plus I'll have some of the photos I've taken for my "Week in the Life" project. Hooray!

Life is going good.

It's Monday!!!

Happy Monday!! I hope you had a great weekend and are ready to begin your "Week in the Life" project. Remember we are doing this (if you want) before the "Words of Me Project" officially begins 1 week from today!!

I woke up this morning and already missed 2 cool photo ops. Oh, well. Gotta get back in the habit of carrying my camera EVERYWHERE!! My first photo ended up being of my doggie Gizmo sticking his tongue out. Too, cute:).

Had fun reading my notes from last year on this day. Several things have changed but mostly we are doing the same types of things. Spent a few minutes jotting down the mornings events.

If you're joining along and want to share just jump right in!! I'll be posting photos later in the week.

**Remember to leave a comment to be in the drawing for a FREE scrap goodie bag to be given away 1 week from today!!!

Week in the Life

So, as I said in my earlier posts...I'm getting ready for my Words of Me Project by first taking this Monday (September 28th) through Sunday (October 4th) for the Ali Edward's inspired "Week in the Life". Here's what you need to know if you plan on following along!! And I sure hope you do.:)

1) Get your camera battery charged and ready to go.
2) Make sure there is plenty of space on your media card (you'll be taking LOTS of photos!!)
3) Have some kind of smaller notebook dedicated to this project. Last year I bought one of those cute little $1 books from Michaels. Worked perfectly!
4) Get used to carrying that notebook with you EVERYWHERE!! Oh, and the camera...let' not forget the camera!! Your camera and notebook and your new best friends.
5) The reason I chose this week last year is simple because this is always a busy one for us. My Mom's birthday is October 1st and my anniversary is the 3rd. Plus throughout the week my kids have their sports practices...so lots to document this week!
6) I took photos of everything. Houses in our neighborhood, the street I drive everyday to pick Em up from soccer, a political bumper sticker on my truck and signs in my yard (it was the election last year, remember?), food we ate, people we spent time with, lots of photos of our family, our pets, the way our house looked. You take photos of whatever matters most to you and whatever best documents your week!!
7) If you have questions post a comment here or head over to Ali's Blog...there is an article on this in her Archives section.

Truly this is a FUN and EASY way to share your family's life with future generations. Think how fun this will be for your grandkids to read!!!

Week in the Life

So good to read your comments!! Missy I have MISSED you!!!!!! I was going to call or e-mail and let you know about this project...just hadn't done that yet!! You will hear from me though...I have something in mind for YOU!:)LOL!!

Okay, so last year I took Ali Edwards "Week in the Life" idea and ran with it! I took dozens of photos throughout the week and kept my notebook handy for journaling. After the week was done I sat down with the photos and words and went to work. Boy, it sure was FUN!! I decided right then and there that a "Week in the Life" would become a permanent project in the Ackman Family scrapbooks.

Next Monday marks the 1 year anniversary of that project...so guess what I'm gonna be doing? Yep! How fun will that be to take the same week this year, chronicle our lives then compare???

Along with that I'm gonna start the "Words of Me Project" to give an example of how I'm gonna be doing this. Looking forward to next week!!

**Just wanted to say how invigorated my life feels right now. I am so happy I finally got this project underway and I'm just doing it. It seems like when I'm writing I become actively engaged in the world around me...I see the little things again. My desire to create consumes me and I am happy.:)

Speaking of Happy...please check out my daughter's blog. I am so proud of her.

More information regarding the Project & photos

Just thought I'd add a few more details to the Words of Me Project. Along with your weekly word it is optional to create a layout with the word as your title, in your journaling or however you see fit.

My goal with this Project is to create one scrap page a week with my word and a photo from the week (if I have one). I do not want to stress about this...the important thing is we just do it. I figured it would be pretty cool to have an entire album filled with 52 words that described my year!! 8x8is my favorite size of mini album so that is the size I'll be using.

Again...you do not have to scrap any of it!! Just thought I'd throw that out there!!:)

The photos up top are of my AMAZING family and my inspiration!! Just wanted to show them off today!:)

Remember to leave me a comment...all comments posted by October 5th will be elegible to win a scrapbook prize pack!!!

Quotes are a part of my Life

Ever since I trained for my first marathon back in 1998 quotes have kept me optimistic, inspired and loving life. I used to buy one of those perpetual calendars to that shared a daily quote...loved those. Now I find myself buying every book of quotes I can get my hands on. Some of my favorites are those I've found at old antique shops or flea markets.

Throughout the course of our year long word journey I will be sharing quotes with you. Many will be my favorites, many will be new...I to hear your faves, as well.

Here's one that caught my eye today...

"Happiness is not so much in having as sharing. We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give."

-Norman MacEwan

Rmember if you stop by and love what you see please share with your friends, family and anyone else you can think of! Also be sure and leave a comment. All comments left between now and October 5th are elegible to win a scrapbook pack!!!!

Welcome to my year long project!!

This idea has been running around in my mind for several years. Since I ADORE words so very much, have kept a journal nearly all my life and am always looking for new and creative ways to explore my creativity...I thought it would be fun to create a "Words of Me" journal.

My Blog was created to inspire and encourage you to take a look at your life this year in a very different and very unique way...one word at a time.

Throughout the week we'll be keeping notes on our lives. This journal can be as detailed as you want it to be or not. You can make lists, full sentences or jot down a few events that took place that week...you decide. At the end of our week...there's where the fun begins! At the end of each week we'll look back on the past 7 days and come up with ONE WORD that best describes that week.

Did I mention you can't use the same word twice?

This Challenge officially starts October 5th, 2009 and runs until October 5th 2010. Now don't worry if you start late...just jump right in and get to work!

Throughout the next year we'll be sharing our words with each other. This place will be filled with journaling prompts, scrapbook pages and prizes to keep you coming back and to keep your creativity charged.

I am looking forward to the next 12 months...I hope you'll join me for one amazing journey!

PS...I would LOVE to get the word out about the Words of Me Project. If you love this Blog as much as I do would you please send them my link?

Leave a comment below...I would love to meet you. And if you're an old friend...let me know you've stopped by!!

By the way...stay tuned for one heck of a prize package give away to kick this event off!!

And by the way...I'm not finished putting up links, photos, etc. yet. So if you've stopped by and I know you and you're saying...Hey where is my link?!! It's coming!!!:)