Sneek Peek-Joy Jam

Happy Friday!! I am feeling absolutely amazing this week. And a BIG part of that is because of how I've eaten for the past 6 days.
As a part of my New Year's Resolutions I am following the "Eat Clean" plan by Tosca Reno. 

Now Tosca is just like me {and maybe just like you!}.When she was 40 years old she was fat and frumpy...look at her today...WOW! She is 52 years old and in the best shape of her life.

Tosca says that 90% of what we eat determines how we'll look and feel...90%!!

The past 6 days I've eaten 5 to 6 small meals a day and taken out all the sugar in my diet. I feel fantastic!! I will be sharing more of this plan, recipes and what I eat next week.



So many things are bringing me JOY...I am linking up with "You're Heart Makes a Difference" and spreading my joy all over blogland!!

This little family of mine brings me JOY every single day!! This is us on New Year's Eve...oh what fun ringing in 2012 with this crew!! We had our bubbly and Times Square on TV and we were set:)

This sweet girl of mine is so JOYful.

She is silly and funny, too. Whenever someone's down Em will start talking in a goofy way or dancing around, spreading her light everywhere she goes. People just naturally gravitate towards here goodness. I want to be just like Em when I grow up!



The abundance of warm weather and sunshine this week has brought everyone in my small town so much JOY!! It's January 6th and my windows are open!!










And finally...my NEW and IMPROVED studio
 is bringing me joy and making my heart sing...

Here's a sneak peek at one of my shelves and a few of my favorite things....

Be sure and come back Monday for a complete tour.

What brought you JOY this week??

  Stop by for Friday's JOY JAM!!

Social Media Boundaries

So far this New Year's thing is going pretty great. I am eating 5 to 6 healthy meals a day, working out, writing in my gratitude journal, finally taking my She Art 2 class AND staying relatively calm.

I am trying my best not to be hard on myself. In years past if I didn't do everything I said I was going to every single day...I considered myself a failure.

Not this year.

I don't write everyday in my journal.
I have lost my temper a few times.
And I am struggling with my workouts...I was really out of shape.

The difference is...this year I am doing the best I can.
And I know that.
And that's ok. It feels really good to be at this place in my life.

However...there is another area of my life that needs a major overhaul!!

I came to the realization yesterday that I spend waaaaaay too much time on my computer.

And while it's all good stuff...keeping in touch, reading inspirational blogs, finding tasty recipes for my family...it's a huge time-waster for me.

Instead of doing things I should be doing...I find myself sitting at my computer wasting the day away.
Not good.

Sooooo

I have decided to set some Social Media Boundaries.

1. 15 minutes a day on Facebook. That's it. No more. I will update my Fan Page, check on a few fave groups and move on. My biggest problem with Facebook is how often I check it throughout the day. It's crazy!!

2. I love blogs. I love finding new blogs. However, when they become a means for me to put off my real life then it's time to get off the computer, get up and start living! Sometimes it's information overload, too. So my goal here is to read my blog list {which are sooo many of YOU!} then give myself permission to spend a few extra minutes blog hopping...thinking about taking one day a week and allowing myself 30 minutes or so to indulge in that...maybe even an hour a week. We will see how it goes.

3. I get sucked in to all those "scandalous" type articles on Yahoo. NO MORE! Talk about a HUGE time waster!

4. I must set boundaries on how many times a day I sit at my computer. This is soooo important!! I mean I find myself checking in my blog, FB, Twitter, blog hopping, Yahoo...3 -5 times a day. Before I know it...an hour is gone.

So I want to know...how do you do it? What are your boundaries for Social Media? How much time do you allow yourself to be on the computer? Any suggestions to help me out??:)

Please share!! I would love to know!!

Word for 2012

Happy New Year!

I am ready to let go of those things that hold me back

and keep me down.

I am ready to create a strong, fit body.

I am ready to open my heart 

I am ready to become all that I can.

I 

am 

ready

to 

tell

my 

STORY.

All of it.

Every last little bit.

The next 365 days will be real.

No fluff.

I will share my accomplishments and strengths
My failures and weakness's.

I am ready to write my heart.

Share my story.

Be real.

This is the year I live my truths.

This is the year I will forgive myself for not being perfect.

For not always doing my best.

For mistakes I will make.

I will take my time,

be patient

and give myself some slack.

This is the year I will share my STORY...

*I will submit my art, my blog and my stories for publishing

*I will write guest posts for others and ask other bloggers to share here
*I will spend time in my Art Journals weekly

*I will get in shape by eating clean and working out, inspiring & encouraging along the way

*I will read my scriptures and other church publications daily, making sure to share

This year my family and I have a very big STORY we wish to share. To celebrate Jackson's graduation in May 2013 we are catching a plane and headed to....

Disney World!! 

Sure, Disney is pretty cool on it's own...

but what makes this story different is

what we need to do before we 

get there.

Run.

And 

run

and run

and

run.

We are training for the 2013 Disney World Marathon

the second Sunday in January!!

This isn't something we decided on a whim.

This event has been in our hearts

for 7 years.

We were there during the race in 2005 

and couldn't stop talking about it.

We promised one another that someday we

would be a part of this race.

That someday is 

NOW.

I know all about marathons.

I ran two in my 30's.

I know the time and effort it takes to train.

It's hard to run 26.2 miles.

But you know what?

It's do-able.

And I can do it!

My kids can do it!

We

are 

gonna 

do

it 

together!!

2012.

My Year.

My Word?

Story.

What's your Word for the year?

Trusting Myself in 2011

Oh how giddy I am about this New Year.

2012.

Somehow it doesn't seem possible

to even be in the 2000's...

ya' know?

I remember when I was in high school

and my friends and I 

would talk about how old 

we'd be in the year 2000.

I think that all came from the 

song "1999" by Prince.

Remember that?

I am 45.

This is the year I take my life up a notch.

No more waiting.

I learned so much this year.

It began with finding Brave Girl's Club

and taking Soul Restoration 1.

Read all about that here.

That class was life changing...seriously.

And this Time Line in particular allowed me 

to see my life...

This page in particular changed my life.

I know it sounds so strange

so over the top dramatic...

but it's true.

It's 100% true.

I realized that those 5 years of my life

between 1972 & 1976 made me 

who I am today. 

The events that happened in those

young years made me see life 

very differently.

I found the Spirit here.

 I learned how to pray here.

Those 2 things saved my life.

I took another on-line class this year...

just for fun! 

SheArt with Christy Tomlison.

This was my first girl...Claire.

Christy's class opened my mind and my heart.

Her class along with all I had learned in 

Soul Restoration really helped me

find my artistic voice.

I began making my Brave Girl's like CRAZY!!

 The more I created the better I became.

And the more I found my own style.

I was so happy putting words with images.

I began creating art to "Uplift, Encourage & Inspire".

I found out that to tell 

my story and 

share what was in my heart

I used birds and butterflies.

Collage painting

fabric scraps

sheet music

and

lace 

all became my staples.

2011 was the year of the Art Journal as well.

In June I signed up for another

Brave Girl class...

Soul Restoration 2.

Melody taught me that in order

to live my Big, Bold, Beautiful Life

I had to make better choices.

I had to to choose how to use my time.

I took this to heart and am 

still trying to watch less TV, 

limit my computer time

and spend my time doing

what makes me truly happy...

Family

Art

Writing

Reading Scriptures

Taking care of me.

Despite all this encouragement

I had several bouts with the Fear/Doubt Monster

But then

using the tools I learned in SR1 & 2

I had this HUGE A-Ha Moment.

I realized I truly was a 

Brave Girl!!

And I began living MY LIFE

on MY TERMS!

I was determined to live my

life in the best

way I knew how...

With COURAGE!

And 

GUSTO!

And I did.

I even sold my Brave Art in

2 craft shows

and gave many pieces as gifts 

to friends, family

& complete strangers.

I found myWINGS

in 2011.

I am on the right path

going into 2012.

I have sooo many new and 

exciting goals...

so many areas of my life

I want to GROW in.

My WORD for 2011

was REINVENT.

I think I did a great job of

reinventing my art.

The way I think about myself as an artist.

Where will 2012 lead?

What WORD will I choose to lead and guide me in the New Year?

I will share on Monday, January 2nd.

Happy New Year Girls!!

Holiday Photo Shoot

Howdy, Girls!! What a week it's been. Some good, some bad. Through it all I've grown and realized that all that matters in life is my family. Without their love and support life would be a very dark place.

We had such a wonderful Holiday! As you may remember we shut our business down one week before Christmas. Honestly...I wasn't sure what would happen. We hadn't bought many gifts before that and while I know Christmas isn't all about the presents I still wanted to have gifts for my kids. It all worked out so great...and yes, Jacks and Em wanted more...but were quite happy with everything.

Here are our Holiday Highlights from the past few weeks....

Here are Jacks and Em from TEN years ago making cookies at Grammies. Weren't they cuties?

Here they are NOW!

Gotta LOVE Grams! That's Sarah on the left. She and Jackson have been dating over 1 year now.

My Em is just so darn pretty!

You can NEVER put too many sprinkles on sugar cookies!

Christmas Eve was very low-key this year. Loved it!

We played Monopoly and ate munchies. The best:)

After Church on Christmas Day we came home to open presents. Santa was very good to us this year.

One of our favorite parts of Christmas are the stockings. They are always stuffed full! This year I found a white chocolate coconut bar, orange chocolate bar, DVD's and a Barnes and Noble gift card. YES!


Jacks gave Dave a hunting hat with built in lights. Perfect for the man that has everything:)

Toy Story has always been Jackson's favorite movie. When I saw this shirt I had to get it. He loved it!!!

What an awesome big brother!! He knows his sister well....

Christmas afternoon we headed over to my Mom's for a feast and more presents. Doesn't she look like Mrs. Claus?!:)

Jackson with one of Grams'presents.

That night we went to "The Hangar" to watch "We Bought a Zoo". LOVED that movie!! I give it 5 stars!!!! So inspirational.

The next day was our Ackman Family Christmas Get-Together Extravaganza!!

Here we are!

We had a wonderful time.

All the cousins along with Jackson's Sarah and Ali's Cody...

We have such AWESOME kids!!!

The next day...December 27th was Jackson's 17th Birthday!!

How did my little tag along get to be 17?!  He has always been my buddy. Even now when I need a smile or a hug Jackson just knows and lifts me up. He is a good kid!!

Now because of what's going on in our world we really didn't expect to do a whole lot this day. However...my husband is the miracle worker and we were able to go to Kansas City for a night of BBQ...

Oh this was soooo yummy!

Then we headed over to "Dave & Busters" for hours and hours of arcade fun!!

This night was exactly what we needed!!

There is no doubt I am blessed. I know the Lord is watching out over me and my family. I am so grateful.

The past 2 days I have been in bed with the flu and migraines. Today I woke up still a bit ouchy but ready to BEGIN my New Year!! I can't wait to share my 2012 WORD with you!!

How was your Christmas Break, girls? What was your favorite gift?? My wonderful mom gave me an Ott Lite for my art space. Love it!

Please share!!:)

It Truly is a Wonderful Life

My favorite movie of all time is the Frank Capra classic "It's a Wonderful Life". 

This year...more than any other 

it seems to fit what's going on in our lives perfectly.

Lately I've seen my husband

look like this many times throughout the day...

We shut down our Domino's Pizza store down last week.

The store that has been our main source of income for over 20 years.

Why we shut it down is unimportant.

The fact is we did. 

And while a part of us is extremely happy we did...

the other part is a bit frightened.

To say our income has dropped substantially in the past 2 weeks is an understatement.

But yet, we are good.

We are.

We are so very blessed.

We have other sources of income that will sustain us.

Pay our bills, keep food on our table.

There will be no extras.

None.

We knew that going into it.

But still it's scary.

We have worries and concerns about our home, our family.

My husband shares a lot of the same characteristics with George Baily.

He's always helping others...

always.

Every time that scene comes on where George is taking his own money

for his honeymoon and passing it 

out to the citizens of Bedford Falls I just laugh...

it's so my husband.

I can't count how many times Dave has

taken from us to give to others.

That's just how he rolls.

Throughout this ordeal rumors have been swirling around

town that the Ackmans are losing everything.

That we were forced to shut down.

Those rumors hurt.

It's not so easy walking into Wal-Mart when you feel like

all eyes are on you.

But for the most part...

those people that know us and love us...

they have been wonderful.

I am so grateful for them.

My husband is, too.

It's not easy on him.

He's the one out in the trenches...

making sure are bills get paid.

Making sure we can do this without too  many problems.

That's why I started keeping a Gratitude Journal again.

Having a grateful heart keeps me cheerful.

Isn't that what Christmas is all about?

A grateful heart...

A cheerful life...

A smile for everyone we meet.

Tonight as we snuggle on the couch and watch our favorite classic

I will be counting my blessings.

And even though I'm not sure what 2012 will bring

I know that I lead a blessed life. I have so much.

My family.

My friends.

My faith.

A warm home.

Food on my table.

Love in my heart.

It truly is a Wonderful Life.

Merry Christmas Girls!!

Art Journaling Everyday

It's Day 4 of my Favorite Blog List. Now, remember these aren't my only favorite blogs...heavens NO! They are just a sampling of blogs that have really caught my eye this past month and look forward to reading in the New Year.

Today's featured blog is "Balzer Designs". You may have noticed their blog button on my sidebar...

I found Julie a year ago on one of my late night Web Surfs. Her style of art journaling is so me...a bit messy, lots of texture and words and colors. Love it! My favorite thing about her blog is her monthly challenge..."Art Journal Every Day". With Julie's support {along with dozens of other girls} you are encouraged to create something in your journals every single day. Sounds hard...but the few months I did it felt so good!

I have been visiting her blog a ton lately in anticipation of the new year and my goal to get back to art journaling. I totally abandoned it last fall when I began painting so much and getting ready for my shows. Not anymore!! 2012 is the year of STORY for me and art journaling will play a huge part in that!!
 
Okay...so do you remember this room?!?!?  And that turkey??

More...

And one more...

Girls...this room looks NOTHING like this now. Oh,no!! It is now my DREAM SPACE!! I am soooo excited to share all the photos with you!! Be sure and stop by tomorrow:)

Girls, I am sooo excited for 2012. I can just FEEL the goodness coming my way...how about you??

Funky Vintage Lovely

December 20th?? Really??! Oh goodness...there is still sooo much to do!

But wait...I have decided not to run around like a maniac this year baking 3 kinds of cookies and 5 different candies and mailing out dozens of Christmas cards.

No.

This year I have decided to focus on my family and my Savior.

Em and I are making our family favorite candy, wrapping in a pretty cellophane bag and tying with a Christmas ribbon. I mailed out a few Christmas cards to friends and family that don't have Facebook and that's it. It feels good not to try and do it all this year:)

Okay...so we're on Day 3 of my 7 day "Favorite Blogs of the Past Month Tour".

Meet April. She is amazing! She is oh, so talented and works side by side with her husband creating "Funky Vintage Lovely" things for your home.

If I could afford everything she creates I would buy it all. And she is just so darling!! Every Wednesday she shares what she wears. Someday I hope to dress just like her...so my style:)






Here is a sample of her posts and her photos...they are so inspiring. I think half of my Pins on Pinterest are from April!!

Queen Bee Market
What I Wore
Her Shop

Stop by and Say Hi to the lovely April today!! Be sure and tell her I said HI.:)

Click here to day HI!

Have you cut down on some of the Holiday craziness?? What and how are you doing??

The Amazing Danielle!!

Today's Featured Blogger  is Danielle Daniel. Her Blog "Her Painted Word" has brought me smiles, joy and such peace these past few weeks.

Danielle has a way with words. She speaks from her heart-100% and you know it. She tells stories about her family and her art. Each of her beautiful girls has such a story to tell.

Danielle has been published in two of the latest Somerset Publications {i have them both!}

I have never read this magazine before...simply because I have never sewn...but Danielle is changing all that! I picked this issue up last Friday and made a goal to begin stitching in 2012!!

You can also find her work and a wonderful article in this magazine. If you've never read Somerset Studio...you are in for a REAL treat!! Not only does Danielle have a truly remarkable tale to share but Sweet Soraya is in this issue as well. In fact both Danielle and Soraya are on the COVER!!:)








I love it when a Blog not only inspires me with their artwork but also with their heart...their words...their stories. Danielle does that and so much more!!

Photo from Danielle's Blog

Be sure and stop by "Her Painted Word" when you have a chance. You will love it!!

Retro Seventies

In the Spirit of Gratitude...for the next 7 days I will be sharing 7 blogs I am grateful for. 7 blogs that continue to touch my heart, inspire and encourage me to be a better me. They are in no particular order and please note...just because your blog may not be on the list does not mean that you aren't inspiring, ok?? There are soooo many...I am just highlighting a few that have helped me so much in the past month.

Today I am featuring Danielly Thompson's blog and her "55 Days of Vintage Christmas".

I found Danielle via Twitter and fell in love instantly at all her kitschy Christmas crafts from the 1970's. Everytime I visit it's like a trip back to my childhood. Memories of Grandma Jackson's needlepoint snowmen and angels, date balls and watching the  Lawrence Welk Christmas Special:)

Remember these melted plastic ornaments? I have all of these!! My Grandma Jackson was the Queen of 70's Christmas decorations.

This is my very favorite time of year...I love everything... from the special holiday movies, music and extra love we have for one another. Danielle's fun blog has given me a little bit of my Grams and my good memories from that time in my life.

Oh, hey...before I go...here is my absolute favorite Christmas treat...Gram's Date Balls. Enjoy!!

Ingredients

2 eggs, beaten 1 cup white sugar 1 cup chopped dates 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon butter 3 cups crispy rice cereal or Special K 1 cup flaked coconut

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the eggs sugar and dates. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, and boil for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla. Mix in crispy rice cereal. Butter hands and roll the mixture into walnut sized balls. Roll the balls in coconut. Serve.

 These are sooo good!!!

*What is your favorite Christmas treat? Please share!