Happy to live each day!!

This is my mantra for TODAY....


"This day is all that is good and fair. It is too dear, with its hopes and invitations, to waste a moment on the yesterdays." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

I think it is my new mantra for the rest of my life. Very good stuff here:) 

Soooooo very many reasons why my life is blessed! Here are some photos from the past few weeks....

Jackson's High School Play. He is on the far right in the hat:)

Jackson with one of his best friends, Johnny. Jacks played the detective and Johnny had the lead.

The Missionaries from our Church being goofy with Jacks.

You thought Missionaries never had fun, right?;)

Em, Dave, Elder Dayley and Denise. This was his last night with us.

I love our family!!!

Thanksgiving afternoon. Everyone was sooo hungry!!

At our Thanksgiving table. I think we all look so amazing. And the food...well whomever the cook was...she was marvelous;)

Elder Johnson, Elder Christensen and the Ackman family.

 

Such a silly photo of us!! Love it!

What is making you so very happy right now?

12 Days of Christmas Challenge

 **This is an artsy Challenge I first posted in December 2010. Feel free to print off and enjoy!!

I wish we could put up some of the Christmas spirit in jars and open a jar of it every month.

- Harlan Miller

 12 Days of Christmas Project

Cover of my book

The point of this happy, little book is preserving some of your fondest Christmas memories along with using photos and supplies you already have. {you may wish to purchase a few items, but keep to a minimum}

I seem to have the most fun scrapping when I gather a basket of supplies, my photos and a few idea books and just start scrapping. For this project I am using a few different Christmas, word and alphabet stamps, glitter Christmas trees, rub-ons and stickers along with holiday patterned paper. The photos are from Christmas's past....some from my childhood mixed in with some of my children.  

Day 1

Day 1: What does Christmas mean to you? When do you get into the Holiday Spirit? Is it when you hear your favorite song, watch a beloved holiday classic or taste your first sip of eggnog?

The photo on this page is from 1979. It's me, at Grandma Jackson's house Christmas Eve. The journaling reads: "I love Christmas! It's a time for family, my fave music, kids out of school, seeing loved ones we haven't in years, Jesus Christ, our fave Christmas foods and movies! As I've gotten older Christmas is a time I reflect on my childhood. So many precious memories of 3211 Ave. J with me, Mom and Dad. I realize how special family traditions are...family times. I get into the Holiday Spirit best by listening to music. Everyday I blast carols throughout our home!:)"

Day 2

Day 2: Think about ways you can give that don't cost much. Is their a charity you help yearly or would like to start helping? Maybe you spend a few hours in a nursing home each year singing Christmas carols. Be sure and make a list of all you do or would like to do.

The photo on my Charity page is our family tree from my High School days. My journaling reads: "During this special time of giving, it's important to have Charity in our hearts for others. We will...*sing carols with the missionaries at the Sr. Center *visit at the nursing home. Feels Good!!!"

Day 3

Day 3: It just wouldn't be the Holidays without food, right? What are some of your fave food related memories from Christmas past? Do you have a traditional item you bake? Write a fave recipe down, maybe include a photo from your childhood or when your kids were small of you enjoying it.

My Mom has a real gift for table decorations so I had to do a page on that. I mean she goes all out! Journaling: "Grandma always creates a beautiful table for Christmas! I am grateful for her gift of decorating. It's festive and full of so much love."

Day 4: Share a typical childhood Christmas. From the smells, to the shows you watched, the way the house was decorated, etc. 

Day 4

My photos are from 1982. Many of our Christmas's were spent in our newly built upstairs. I can still smell the kerosene heater my parents used to heat it! Journaling: "Grinch on TV, sugar cookies with sprinkles only, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Mom and Dad's anniversary Christmas Eve, decorating the tree, Dad putting $50 bills in a box full of bricks, waiting for Gram and Gramps, me waiting on the couch, looking out the window...her gingersnaps in a box with wax paper...."


Day 5: Make a list of your family favorite Holiday movies and TV specials. If you play games over break make a list of those, too.

Day 5

Journaling: Some of our Faves....Jim Carrey's "Grinch", Rudolph, Santa Clause is Coming to Town, Jingle All the Way, Elf, Christmas Vacation, It's a Wonderful Life, Scrooged and Frosty. We ADORE movies!!! Every Holiday we play lots of games! Tripoly, Monopoly, Life, Uno and Skip Bo. The Best!"

Day 6: What is the absolute BEST gift you've ever given? Was it hand made by you? Or did you save the whole year long just for this one perfect gift? Who received it? What did they think? What about you? What is the most AMAZING gift you ever received? Who gave it to you? What made it soooo special?

Day 7: Christmas Carols. Some people love them, some hate them...I personally ADORE the music of the season and have my personal favorites. Make a list of your favorites...or share a few you can't stand. Be sure and share any special stories that go with the songs.

Day 8: If you could choose one treat to eat this time of year what would it be? Why? When did you first eat it? Who made/makes it? Is is now a tradition in your family?

Day 9: Describe your home THIS Christmas Season. What decorations are up? What decorates your tree? Do you like the handmade look or are you into lots of sparkle and the perfectly matched look? Is their a certain fragrance you like to have in your home during the Holidays?

Day 10: Where is your favorite place to celebrate the Season? Do you usually stay home or travel far away? 

Day 11: Share what your magical day would be like in a perfect world.

Day 12: What is on your Christmas Wish List this year? What about when you were a child? List everything!!

There you go...all 12 prompts to create a special little book!! I love doing projects like this...not only will I have something for generations to come but this is soooo easy and soooo do-able even during this hectic time. One photo per page, a few embellishments, journaling and your done! Please take time to get this done!

If you would like to use this years photos be sure and copy the prompts down for future reference. I will have this Challenge at a Tab up top.

One more thing...our WORD of the Week!!

DO

–verb (used with object)

1.

to perform (an act, duty, role, etc.): Do nothing until you hear the bell.

2.

to execute (a piece or amount of work): to do a hauling job.

3.

to accomplish; finish; complete: He has already done his homework.

4.

to put forth; exert: Do your best.

5.

to be the cause of (good, harm, credit, etc.); bring about; effect.

This week I encourage you to DO your best. Give your all in everything. Your family, your blog, your friendships, your Christmas Spirit!!

Be a DO-ER!!! 

What will you DO this week? 

Christmas Cheer

It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air.  ~W.T. Ellis

So yesterday's post just didn't sit well with me. I mean it was down right depressing. I was downright depressing.

Thanks, girls for all your comments.

I appreciated each of them and

am happy to report my attitude has been adjusted 

and I am now out of Crankville:)

At Christmas play and make good cheer,
For Christmas comes but once a year
~Thomas Tusser

Tomorrow {Saturday} we are headed to Church for our Branch Christmas Dinner Party. Looking forward to friends and feeling the Spirit of the Season. Then later on the family and I are putting our Christmas tree up while watching our favorite Holiday shows. I think we'll even create a few ornaments for the tree:)

Enjoy your weekend everyone. Oh and be sure and stop by Monday for Day 2 of the 12 Days of Christmas Challenge. 

What are your plans for the weekend? Anything Christmas related? 

Bah Humbug!

 I come from the land of Swirly, Twirly...

CHAOS!

Not candy canes and lollipops...

Not peace and harmony.

Chaos!

Absolute Chaos.

And my Christmas Spirit?

BAH HUMBUG!

Now, this is not something I had planned. Heavens no. Traditionally Christmas is a magical time for me. But this year...not yet. 

I think there are several reasons for this Scroogy attitude.

1. I have been plagued with migraines and neck and face pain. UGH! There is hope though...today the pain has diminished considerable!!

2. Our home is a MESS. Seriously. So much clutter. I can't find anything...for example...I have photos to upload of my 12 Days of Christmas Challenge Book and I can't find the thingy I need to upload the photos to the computer...AAAACKKK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

3. We have a house full of hunters. {need i say more?}

4. Lots of running around to games and practices and responsibilites. I just want ONE day without one thing to do!!!!

5. I have been cutting calories all week so I am hungry which makes me head-achy and cranky....

6. Money is so tight and we have so much to pay versus what we get to spend for Christmas. And yes, I know Christmas isn't about things...I just wish we weren't constantly worrying about MONEY!!!!

Am I sounding Scroogy enough for you, yet?

Oh, ONE more whine...this morning both my kids couldn't find what they needed and were running around wanting me to find it when all I wanted to do was to be quiet so my neck pain wouldn't start up again.

I just lost it and all that stress I had been feeling came pouring out of me. I just cried and cried and cried. 

My family all thinks I'm nuts now. 

I hope you don't .

So anyway, I just threw my arms in the air and said ENOUGH is ENOUGH

and I went to my office, shut the door and started working on my 12 Days Book.

I had gathered up my supplies and photos yesterday. 

I listened to Christmas music and began losing myself in the creative process. Without realizing it I was smiling and peaceful.

It was wonderful.

After that I thought it would make me feel better to post something on my Blog today...but before that I just had to go read a few of my favorites. I found the loveliest sentiments on Leanne's Blog and Anna's Blog. Please click here and here to read these ladies posts today!!

So, like I said...I can't find the thing I need to upload the photos to the computer so you can see my 12 Days Book. My mission is to clear out a bunch of stuff today and find that along with a few other things!!!

I hope you found Day One's Prompt on Facebook yesterday...if not here it is....

Day 1:  What does Christmas mean to me? When do I get into the Holiday Season? Is is a favorite song or occasion that gets you there?

I am putting my 12 Days Journal prompts in an 8x8 book from SEI. I found old Christmas photos as well as Christmas stamps, papers, stickers, etc. that I will be using througout the project. 

So, let me ask you...are you a Scrooge this year? How is your Christmas Spirit? 

Thanks to all of you for letting me share today and Leanne and Anna for their posts I think I am feeling better already!!!

Enough aLReaDy! Word and Create!!!!

Okay...so try as I might it has been quite difficult to get this post up. I haven't missed a Monday in months....grrrrr......

I have been having one of those days for several days. 2 migraines, company, lots of cooking, overdoing, you name I have done it. My energy has been zapped!

And just when I thought today

would be a day of nothing but creativity,

blogging and the like...

I must make an emergency trip to a town an hour away...in the snow. {wonderful!}

But you know me...Little Miss Sunshine. I refuse to NOT post something today. I promised you a Word a Week for 52 Weeks and I promised you a 12 Days of Christmas Challenge....so let's get to it!

Our Word for the Week is...

CHARITY

–noun, plural -ties.

generous actions or donations to aid the poor, ill, or helpless: to devote one's life to charity.

something given to a person or persons in need; alms: She asked for work, not charity.

a charitable act or work.

a charitable fund, foundation, or institution: He left his estate to a charity.

leniency in judging others; forbearance: She was inclined to view our selfish behavior with charity.

I chose this word for several reasons. First off because a very dear friend of mine said that Charity needed to be my Word of the Week and second of all because who couldn't use a little Charity this time of year? It is the perfect Word to have on our minds.

This week I choose to have Charity in my heart 

towards all I meet, 

 donate a case or 2 of food to the Ministry Center

  and work on a few days when my family and I can go to the Nursing Homes 

 and sing Christmas Carols.

These are all things which bring joy to me during the Christmas Season.

So, I have mentioned the Words of Me Project 12 Days of Christmas Challenge. However, I haven't told you anything about it. Since all my grand plans for that have gone out the window today here is the condensed version of the Challenge:)

Beginning tomorrow,

December 1st, 

I will post journaling prompts with a Christmas theme. Some are serious....

some light-hearted....all sure to get you in the Holiday Spirit.

You can put everything in a notebook, a scrapbook, ATC's,

file folders...whatever you choose. 

I have an example from a few years back I created as well as what I plan on using this year. 

Please...even if you have NO time 

{and really isn't that all of us?}

please join me for this. It won't take much of your time, it's only for 12 days,

and you NEED some creative time just for you!! {i sure do!!}

I will post our first day Wednesday morning....on my FB Fan Page as well as here. Hope you drop by!!!!!!

Weekend

Just thinking about so many things today. Life is good. I am working on creating a plan for my health as I feel like a stuffed turkey this morning!!

Today I am cleaning up, gathering my supplies for a crop coming up in just 2 weeks and playing games with friends and family tonight.

Be sure and drop by Monday for the first day of our 12 Days of Christmas Challenge!!!!

Every production of an artist should be the expression of an adventure of his soul.
W. Somerset Maugham

What are you doing with the rest of your weekend?

Pumpkin Pie, New Blog and Challenge!!

As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving I just wanted to take time and wish you, my faithful Blog reader a WONDERFUL day!!

We are having a quiet day at home with family and I can't wait:)

On the menu??? Turkey, spiral ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet potatoes with marshmallows, rolls, a fresh veggie platter, stuffing and PIE. Lots of delicious, creamy PUMPKIN PIE!

That's me...looking all cute, ready to serve my family:) I really would love an apron like that...

After thinking and obsessing for a few months I have created another blog...this one dedicated to removing those holiday pounds, moving more and journaling. I know...TWO blogs may be a bit to take care of...

but writing is the way I do things. It's the way I manage my life. Stuff just seems to "stick" when I write it down. 

Please click here to check out "Skinny Me" today!!!

Be sure and join us here on Monday for the 12 Days of Christmas Challenge!! Create a sweet little book in 12 days!! 

Have a Blessed Thanksgiving my dear friends!!!

The Ackman Family Blueprint

So, last Friday I told you about our family Blueprint we created. Here it is...

Ackman Family Blueprint {40 Days of Doing Good and Changing Our Lives}

1. The foundation of our family is Jesus Christ
2. We will pray daily, as a family, on our knees
3. We will DO the hard things

4. We will always tell the truth...even to ourselves

5. Each week we will do ONE nice thing for each family member {no matter what}

6. Accept that we can't have everything we want. We have all we need right now

7. We will give of our time and talents to others as well as tithe 10% to our Church

8. We will be kind towards one another...watching our language and tone of voice

9. We will treat our bodies with love and respect...watch what we eat, exercise, etc.

10. We will truly enjoy the Season, taking time to play games, watch movies and just spend quality time together

Our 40 Days begins today and ends on December 31st.

We are looking forward to this Challenge and hope we will grow...together...in ways that will affect us the rest of our lives. I will keep you posted!!!!

This week just happens to be my very favorite week of the entire year! Thanksgiving week...I am soooo excited!!:) Lots of good, fun things going on...but lots of work, too. Mostly cleaning, cooking and preparing for company. Tonight we are having 4 friends over for a homemade spaghetti dinner. Looking forward to sharing with Denise, Megan and the Missionaries.

Tomorrow is the Ackman Family Thanksgiving. On the menu? 2 homemade soups, rolls, a veggie tray and dessert. Wednesday is our annual Game Day. The kids and I will spend the afternoon playing Monopoly and eating popcorn. Thursday Mom and Roger will be here along with the Missionaries from our church {we feed them at least once a week!}...Friday is Black Friday shopping with a friend and Saturday will probably be ART Day!!! So many good things to look forward to!!!

With all of this going on I thought the best word for our 52 Words 52 Weeks Challenge would be....

FAMILY

–noun

1.

a.

a basic social unit consisting of parents and their children, considered as a group, whether dwelling together or not: the traditional family.

2.

any group of persons closely related by blood, as parents, children, uncles, aunts, and cousins: to marry into a socially prominent family.

Families are the compass that guide us. They are the inspiration to reach great heights, and our comfort when we occasionally falter.-- Brad Henry  

And truly...what I think about when I think of family is not only my own family but those people that I choose to call family. My church family, my blog family...you get the idea.

This week I am focusing my family. Spending time with them, serving them and loving them. I am so grateful for my family during this Thanksgiving week!!

Thanksgiving is the holiday of peace, the celebration of work and the simple life... a true folk-festival that speaks the poetry of the turn of the seasons, the beauty of seedtime and harvest, the ripe product of the year - and the deep, deep connection of all these things with God.  ~Ray Stannard Baker 

 Tell me, what would YOUR Family Blueprint say?

What a Beautiful Life

I am continually amazed at the twists and turns our life keeps taking. I know Heavenly Father has a plan for us. I know it.

And though our lives aren't easy right now...we are here. We are well. And we BELIEVE.

We believe in the power of positive thinking. We know we are not alone. Our foundation is built upon our Savior Jesus Christ.

"God gives us always strength enough, and sense enough, for everything He wants us to do."  -John Ruskin

Each and everyday I give thanks for all I have. I give thanks for our home, flannel sheets, food, our health and our business. 

And even though there are times I am scared...not sure what is going to happen next...I hold on to truth. I hold on knowing that we will make it through.

"We shall draw from the heart of suffering itself the means of inspiration and survival."  -Sir Winston Churchill

I know that when I'm creating in my space I am in another world. All my cares, concerns and sorrows seem to vanish...if only for that time.

What a gift.

"Creativity healed me. I don’t know that I could think of any word that I get more inspired by than the word healing."

SARK from "Succulent Creativity Can Heal Your Life"

My family and I are making a blueprint for our lives in the next year. We know there are harder times ahead and we want to be prepared. And the way we see it...if those harder times don't come...that's AWESOME!! But it will give us such peace of mind knowing that we are ready for anything...



"Go forth to meet the shadowy Future without fear and with a manly heart."  -Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Next week I will share our family's Blueprint with you as well as some ART and a Christmas Challenge starting the Monday after Thanksgiving!! I am soooo grateful to each one of you:)

Happy Weekend!!!