What a blessing to have found GoodSearch since I use the internet constantly and I can now donate one penny to this charity every time I search. This may not seem like much, but every little bit helps. I have known way too many families touched by lung cancer and at least this leaves me feel like I am doing SOMETHING!! I hope you will consider using it too, while surfing the web or doing some online shopping. See http://goodsearch.com
I found LUNGevity Foundation while spending countless hours researching non-small cell lung cancer adenocarcinoma, the cancer that ended my dad’s life in 2006(www.lungevity.org). Since his passing I have wanted to give to the organization and finally found a way to do it! Just by surfing the internet or shopping online I can donate to the LUNGevity Foundation. This is done by using GoodSearch (a search engine designed to give back to non-profits).
LUNGevity Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that relies on donations and volunteers to help save the lives of the thousands of people diagnosed with lung cancer each year. They fund innovative research designed to treat and cure lung cancer, the nation’s leading cancer killer. In addition their website supplies information and a support community for lung cancer patients and their families.
It’s so simple:
1.Go to http://goodsearch.com
2.Click on the icon for ‘Web’ and be sure to enter LUNGevity Foundation (Chicago, IL) in the space that says “Who do you goodsearch for?”
To shop all you have to do is access your favorite shopping sites through Good Shop, part of the Good Search website. By accessing your favorite on line shopping sites, like Amazon, Lands End and Toys R Us through GoodShop, 1% to 30 % of what you spend is donated directly to the LUNGevity Foundation.
It’s the same process for shopping, just click on the icon for ‘Shopping’ and enter LUNGevity Foundation (Chicago, IL) in the space that says “Who do you shop for?” Your purchases and gifts you buy can be a double blessing!
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
Resolutions or lack there of
It’s a little over a month since Christmas and thoughts of a brand New Year, with brand new resolutions are already past. I didn’t make any resolutions, but I wanted to keep the sentiment of the Christmas spirit and strive to keep it alive all throughout the year. It’s a wonderful wish isn’t it? But once the year turned new, the tree was taken down and decorations were carefully put away, that wish becomes quickly forgotten. We have all gotten back “into the old routine” after my mom returned back home after a 6 week stay with us. But the old routine doesn’t mean that life has to be led at a hectic pace, leaving the heart longing for the love and togetherness that Christmas holidays bring. So I am trying to slow down and enjoy life.
I don’t really like New Year’s resolutions, I never have. Probably because in the past, I have failed miserably at them. Maybe I’ve done better since I haven’t placed a heavy focus on a ‘List of Resolutions’ and just tried to do something more positive with my life. So far this year, I have tried working out (Pilates) and am striving to have a better attitude (of gratitude). But the biggest and most important thing I am trying to do is spend more time in prayer… I mean some “serious” prayer.
It’s okay to stop and pray in your parked car or behind the closed door of your bathroom (while desperately trying to find a moments peace) or for a moment at your computer, since your friend emailed you with a prayer request, but I am striving for more. I am trying to rely on myself less, by going daily to Christ with my needs. I surely need His forgiveness daily and have realized that by going to him in everything, things always work out. It may not always be as I want, but I’ve been learning to accept His will. And hopefully along the way I have grown a little more in faith and character. The Lord blesses me and those I love every day. He shows me time and time again that His love never runs low, despite my sinfulness.
“From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.” – John 1:16
I don’t really like New Year’s resolutions, I never have. Probably because in the past, I have failed miserably at them. Maybe I’ve done better since I haven’t placed a heavy focus on a ‘List of Resolutions’ and just tried to do something more positive with my life. So far this year, I have tried working out (Pilates) and am striving to have a better attitude (of gratitude). But the biggest and most important thing I am trying to do is spend more time in prayer… I mean some “serious” prayer.
It’s okay to stop and pray in your parked car or behind the closed door of your bathroom (while desperately trying to find a moments peace) or for a moment at your computer, since your friend emailed you with a prayer request, but I am striving for more. I am trying to rely on myself less, by going daily to Christ with my needs. I surely need His forgiveness daily and have realized that by going to him in everything, things always work out. It may not always be as I want, but I’ve been learning to accept His will. And hopefully along the way I have grown a little more in faith and character. The Lord blesses me and those I love every day. He shows me time and time again that His love never runs low, despite my sinfulness.
“From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.” – John 1:16
Friday, January 16, 2009
It's time to say "yes"
Do you find yourself saying "no" alot to your your young children? I feel like I do, but sometimes their requests just come at a really bad time. Like last night when I got home from Pilates and was about to hit the floor, the boys wanted to me to read a really, really, really long book. Why didn't they request THAT book earlier in the day or even in the last month?
Oh I know, I was supposed to make that bubble solution for the super duper big bubbles, but I never even got around to it yet because I wanted to go to the "big park" for that. And today was definitely too windy & chilly to fly a kite (plus I always need dad for this activity). I did get around to playing "whirly twirly" (as my youngest son calls it) in the middle of the living room today. Really all you do is spin around with your arms outstretched. No, it's not quite the workout you get with Pilates, but it definitely is more fun and a simple thing after all!
While surfing the net today, I found a really great idea from some inspiring mamas, it's called Mama Manifesto: The "Yes" Jar. It is a place to store all those great ideas that just do not fit that moment so well. You'll have to check it out and maybe you'll find yourself saying "yes" more often to those quirky requests and maybe even more than once a month. At least that's my plan
Oh I know, I was supposed to make that bubble solution for the super duper big bubbles, but I never even got around to it yet because I wanted to go to the "big park" for that. And today was definitely too windy & chilly to fly a kite (plus I always need dad for this activity). I did get around to playing "whirly twirly" (as my youngest son calls it) in the middle of the living room today. Really all you do is spin around with your arms outstretched. No, it's not quite the workout you get with Pilates, but it definitely is more fun and a simple thing after all!
While surfing the net today, I found a really great idea from some inspiring mamas, it's called Mama Manifesto: The "Yes" Jar. It is a place to store all those great ideas that just do not fit that moment so well. You'll have to check it out and maybe you'll find yourself saying "yes" more often to those quirky requests and maybe even more than once a month. At least that's my plan
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
My Beautiful Chaotic Life
Surprise, surprise. While this blog didn't get a total makeover in one week I knew that I couldn't keep from tweaking it a bit. I've already changed my main photo and Blog Title to 'Beautiful Chaotic Life'. HA! It's the mid-week and I figured it was time for a blog. You know for all my adoring fans out there!! That deserves a HA-HA!
One day earlier this week I battled with liars and tigers and bears. Oh my! Not necessarily in that order. Monday was a rough day. It began with my two boys fighting over the adored stuffed animal tiger named "Selena". You may know this is my oldest son's favorite stuffed animal (one of them anyway) and the younger brother always thinks it's funny to climb up into the bunk in the morning and drag it downstairs by its tail. So a fight ensues. Some sort of fight is always breaking out in the mornings before school and then after school and the weekends... You get my drift, seems like I am always breaking up fights. This is very time consuming and energy-zapping.
Then I had to deal with some issues regarding my oldest son and another child on the school bus. Tyler was called to the principal's office. He and the "offending child" were brought in separately so that the principal could get to the bottom of things. Tyler came home with visible red markings on his face and near his eye the Friday before. Again, trying to make this the short and not-so-boring version, it all got resolved. The principal and I spoke over the phone and it appeared to be a case of horseplay that got out of control (and they were both to blame). When Tyler got home I asked him the usual "how was your day" and we discussed if he and the offending child were still allowed to sit together on the bus. Well he had nothing to offer and certainly did not incriminate himself through the whole ordeal. It was very upsetting to learn through this all that my son had been lying to me (or with-holding information), made himself look completely innocent and then found it unreasonable that he needed to be punished. Ooh I was hot, but still handled it all in a calm manner without yelling. Yay Me!!
This has been an ongoing issue for about 7 or 8 months now with Tyler. And it is very frustrating. So I became the "bear" for the evening and all the family pretty much hibernated in our respective caves and then slept it off. While there were arguments and tantrums the next day I can only pray that this lying phase will soon end. I need to get to Pilates, WOMAN (meaning Megan!). This allows me to let off a little steam. Things are never dull in my beautiful chaotic life. See why this is such a better title? So, what do you think my title will be next week?
One day earlier this week I battled with liars and tigers and bears. Oh my! Not necessarily in that order. Monday was a rough day. It began with my two boys fighting over the adored stuffed animal tiger named "Selena". You may know this is my oldest son's favorite stuffed animal (one of them anyway) and the younger brother always thinks it's funny to climb up into the bunk in the morning and drag it downstairs by its tail. So a fight ensues. Some sort of fight is always breaking out in the mornings before school and then after school and the weekends... You get my drift, seems like I am always breaking up fights. This is very time consuming and energy-zapping.
Then I had to deal with some issues regarding my oldest son and another child on the school bus. Tyler was called to the principal's office. He and the "offending child" were brought in separately so that the principal could get to the bottom of things. Tyler came home with visible red markings on his face and near his eye the Friday before. Again, trying to make this the short and not-so-boring version, it all got resolved. The principal and I spoke over the phone and it appeared to be a case of horseplay that got out of control (and they were both to blame). When Tyler got home I asked him the usual "how was your day" and we discussed if he and the offending child were still allowed to sit together on the bus. Well he had nothing to offer and certainly did not incriminate himself through the whole ordeal. It was very upsetting to learn through this all that my son had been lying to me (or with-holding information), made himself look completely innocent and then found it unreasonable that he needed to be punished. Ooh I was hot, but still handled it all in a calm manner without yelling. Yay Me!!
This has been an ongoing issue for about 7 or 8 months now with Tyler. And it is very frustrating. So I became the "bear" for the evening and all the family pretty much hibernated in our respective caves and then slept it off. While there were arguments and tantrums the next day I can only pray that this lying phase will soon end. I need to get to Pilates, WOMAN (meaning Megan!). This allows me to let off a little steam. Things are never dull in my beautiful chaotic life. See why this is such a better title? So, what do you think my title will be next week?
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Untitled
So someone asked me "what do you do in your spare time"? It's a loaded question that could be answered in so many different ways. There are a lot of things I like to do and hobbies I enjoy, but mostly don’t have the time for them. This may change as my little guys grow and I have more time to myself. I relish in any alone time I can get now and frequently engross myself in inspirational readings, devotions and bible study time. My dh and boys got me a beautiful NIV study bible for Christmas which I look forward to spending more time with this year.
I am praying for 2009 to be the best year yet. We will be moving to a new duty station (up north), so life will be full of adventures. There will be new surroundings, new friends, and hopefully a renewed look at how God continues to bless our family. Yes, there are mixed emotions but also excitement for the upcoming change. This job will be the most amazing for my husband and I am so happy for him! I anticipate for the adjustment to be the most difficult for myself and my youngest son. We have lived down south near the beautiful Emerald Coast for almost 4 years now so the warmth, sun, sand and surf are all our little guy has ever known. I am completely spoiled living here.
I dread the midwest winters but hope to embrace the many offered indoor activities, assuming I will be able to get out of the house. I have been reading that ice fishing is quite fun. I am already being a fishing fanatic so this shouldn’t be too far a stretch. Give me a portable shelter to help keep out the harsher elements and I should be good to go. I only wish my dad were here to help me look on the bright side of our new assignment and remind me of all the fun things to do in the frozen tundra (he was from Minnesota). DH and I are from the Midwest, so it’s not completely foreign to us.
We lived in Minnesota until I was 10 and I have some wonderful memories of winter days sledding with my parents at Powderhorn park and walking our dog Midnight in the snow. She would seem to disappear beneath the white snow, if not for her black fur we might have lost her LOL. Even while living in Illinois I remember building snow forts and snow people and getting much enjoyment. I think when you are a kid winter/snow is much more enjoyable.
But that is far off into the future (only 5 months). I am reminded by a friend that we are not even promised tomorrow. So I must change my mind set. For those who know me well, they know I am a worrier. I truly believe that I underestimate my children’s resilience and just assume that they have inherited one of my worst characteristics, my ability to be overanxious. Hopefully as I look back on this particular blog a year from now all that I worried about will not even have entered the picture.
I am praying for 2009 to be the best year yet. We will be moving to a new duty station (up north), so life will be full of adventures. There will be new surroundings, new friends, and hopefully a renewed look at how God continues to bless our family. Yes, there are mixed emotions but also excitement for the upcoming change. This job will be the most amazing for my husband and I am so happy for him! I anticipate for the adjustment to be the most difficult for myself and my youngest son. We have lived down south near the beautiful Emerald Coast for almost 4 years now so the warmth, sun, sand and surf are all our little guy has ever known. I am completely spoiled living here.
I dread the midwest winters but hope to embrace the many offered indoor activities, assuming I will be able to get out of the house. I have been reading that ice fishing is quite fun. I am already being a fishing fanatic so this shouldn’t be too far a stretch. Give me a portable shelter to help keep out the harsher elements and I should be good to go. I only wish my dad were here to help me look on the bright side of our new assignment and remind me of all the fun things to do in the frozen tundra (he was from Minnesota). DH and I are from the Midwest, so it’s not completely foreign to us.
We lived in Minnesota until I was 10 and I have some wonderful memories of winter days sledding with my parents at Powderhorn park and walking our dog Midnight in the snow. She would seem to disappear beneath the white snow, if not for her black fur we might have lost her LOL. Even while living in Illinois I remember building snow forts and snow people and getting much enjoyment. I think when you are a kid winter/snow is much more enjoyable.
But that is far off into the future (only 5 months). I am reminded by a friend that we are not even promised tomorrow. So I must change my mind set. For those who know me well, they know I am a worrier. I truly believe that I underestimate my children’s resilience and just assume that they have inherited one of my worst characteristics, my ability to be overanxious. Hopefully as I look back on this particular blog a year from now all that I worried about will not even have entered the picture.
Hello out there!!
Well, I have finally decided to officially enter the blogger community. I have blogged a few times on my myspace page, but it is quickly growing old. I thought of closing that account because there is a certain person that insists on causing issues every few months. But that would then defeat the purpose of having it open to connect with old pals who may try to find me in the wonderful world of myspace. For those who don’t think myspace is such a wonderful world, what do you think of Facebook? Just curious.
I decided to start this blog in advance of inevitable changes about to occur in life. The air force will be the backdrop to our new adventure in June 2009… a new duty station and the best job thus far in my husband’s career! For my new blogspot I’ve been throwing around the following titles: Adventures of a Military Family or Reflections of a Mother’s Heart. Then I tried to get a little more creative and came up with my favorite, Rocks In My Pocket.
Rocks In My Pocket… Seriously my little boys are crazy for rocks!! Everywhere we go they are picking up rocks and asking me to put them in my pocket to take them home. It’s rather cute until I hear them clinking rather loudly in the dryer. The big rocks end up in our front “flower bed” by the way and we have grown quite a collection (along with the shells). Since I don’t have a green thumb, they will have to do. And in case you are wondering I used to collect rocks too, I suppose that’s where they get it from. My collection exists somewhere in the attic of my parents’ home back in Illinois. Have to dig them up sometime (no pun intended) and show my boys that I used to do that too!
But I digress. Time to carry on with writing or “blogging” and hope that I get some creative juices going. Seriously, I have a few friends who are so talented and I guess you could say that they’ve kind of become my inspiration for blogging. Seriously one of them says “seriously” a lot. You know who you are and I love you to death!!
I think I will go with the title ‘Easier Said Than Done.’ I’m sure someone already has that title… but I don’t mind and I’m sure it doesn’t really matter. Knowing me it won't last long anyway. I will probably change the title at least a half dozen times. And my photo too. I'm sure my whole blogspot will be refurbished by next week. LOL
Well, see ya next time!
I decided to start this blog in advance of inevitable changes about to occur in life. The air force will be the backdrop to our new adventure in June 2009… a new duty station and the best job thus far in my husband’s career! For my new blogspot I’ve been throwing around the following titles: Adventures of a Military Family or Reflections of a Mother’s Heart. Then I tried to get a little more creative and came up with my favorite, Rocks In My Pocket.
Rocks In My Pocket… Seriously my little boys are crazy for rocks!! Everywhere we go they are picking up rocks and asking me to put them in my pocket to take them home. It’s rather cute until I hear them clinking rather loudly in the dryer. The big rocks end up in our front “flower bed” by the way and we have grown quite a collection (along with the shells). Since I don’t have a green thumb, they will have to do. And in case you are wondering I used to collect rocks too, I suppose that’s where they get it from. My collection exists somewhere in the attic of my parents’ home back in Illinois. Have to dig them up sometime (no pun intended) and show my boys that I used to do that too!
But I digress. Time to carry on with writing or “blogging” and hope that I get some creative juices going. Seriously, I have a few friends who are so talented and I guess you could say that they’ve kind of become my inspiration for blogging. Seriously one of them says “seriously” a lot. You know who you are and I love you to death!!
I think I will go with the title ‘Easier Said Than Done.’ I’m sure someone already has that title… but I don’t mind and I’m sure it doesn’t really matter. Knowing me it won't last long anyway. I will probably change the title at least a half dozen times. And my photo too. I'm sure my whole blogspot will be refurbished by next week. LOL
Well, see ya next time!
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