Mid-Life Crisis

I am 38; is that when your mid-life crisis begins? 

Ok, actually I haven’t done anything drastic, but I have noticed a change in my thinking lately.  My oldest is going to be 13 this year.  My hubby turns 40.  We will celebrate our 15th year wedding anniversary. 

As my children grow, as well as other events, I start to realize just how important it is to enjoy the “Season of Life” I am in.  Kids coming over to play, cooking meals for a family, even being busy.  I say that not to encourage busyness but to enjoy being able to go around like crazy and burning a few calories while doing so. 

If this is 38, who knows what I am going to be doing in the next few years as the Seasons begin to change.

What season of life are you in?  Are you enjoying it?

Have a “Seasoned” Day!

 

Ants

My “Little One”, who is in 2nd grade, wrote this, and I just have to share it.  I must warn you; it’s super cute!  And also not up for publication.  This is copyrighted!

ANTS

I like Ants.

Ants crawl on my pants.

Ants are fun.

Ants can run.

I like to play with ants.

Sometimes I see them dance.

Doesn’t that make you just want to squeeze the stuffing’s out of him?

Have a “Poetic” Day!

 

Happy Feb. 2nd!!!

OK, before I knew it was Ground Hog’s Day I got up feeling like I really wanted to share a happy morning with the kids.  Now I always want this, but you know how Monday’s can start off.

I gave my son a hug and said Happy Monday.  Today is Feb 2nd, 2009 and it’s the only one you will ever have in your life.  He shot back, “I guess everyday is a holiday then, huh Mom.”  Well I guess it is.

Have a “Celebrating” Day!

 

Your Own Skin

Hmm…….

Why is it that when we finally start to get confortable in our own skin, our skin is no longer comfortable with us?

Did you know…

Today is National Puzzle Day?

Have a “Thought Provoking” Day!

 

Gotta Love This!

You’ll be surprised to find out who this is…

 

KURTIS THE STOCK BOY
AND
BRENDA THE CHECKOUT GIRL

In a supermarket, Kurtis the stock boy, was busily working when a new voice came over the loud speaker asking for a carry out at register 4.  Kurtis was almost finished, and wanted to get some fresh air, and decided to answer the call. As he approached the check-out stand a distant smile caught his eye, the new check-out girl was beautiful.  She was an older woman (maybe 26, and he was only 22) and he fell in love.

Later that day, after his shift was over, he waited by the punch clock to find out her name. She came into the break room, smiled  softly at him, took her card and punched out, then left.  He looked at her card, BRENDA.  He walked out only to see her start walking up the road.  Next day, he waited outside as she left the supermarket, and offered her a ride home. He looked harmless enough, and she accepted.  When he dropped her off, he asked if maybe he could see her again, outside of work.  She simply said it wasn’t possible.

He pressed and she explained she had two children and she couldn’t afford a baby-sitter, so he offered to pay for the baby-sitter.  Reluctantly she accepted his offer for a date for the following Saturday.  That Saturday night he arrived at her door only to have her tell him that she was unable to go with him. The baby-sitter had called and canceled. To which Kurtis simply said, “Well, let’s take the kids with us.”

She tried to explain that taking the children was not an option, but again not taking no for an answer, he pressed.  Finally Brenda, brought him inside to meet her children.  She had an older daughter who was just as cute as a bug, Kurtis thought, then Brenda brought out her son, in a wheelchair.  He was born a paraplegic with Down Syndrome.

Kurtis asked Brenda, “I still don’t understand why the kids can’t come with us?”  Brenda was amazed. Most men would run away from a woman with two kids, especially if one had disabilities – just like her first husband and father of her children had done.  Kurtis was not ordinary – – – he had a different mindset.

That evening Kurtis and Brenda loaded up the kids, went to dinner and the movies. When her son needed anything Kurtis would take care of him.  When he needed to use the restroom, he picked him up out of his wheelchair, took him and brought him back.  The kids loved Kurtis.  At the end of the evening, Brenda knew this was the man she was going to marry and spend the rest of her life with.

A year later, they were married and Kurtis adopted both of her children. 
Since then they have added two more kids. (Actually I believe they have 7 now)

So what happened to Kurtis the stock boy at a grocery store in  Cedar Falls/Waterloo, IA and Brenda the check-out girl?  Well, Mr. & Mrs. Kurt Warner now live in Arizona , where he is currently employed as the quarterback of the National Football League Arizona Cardinals and has his Cardinals in the hunt for a possible appearance in the Super Bowl.  Is this a surprise ending or could you have guessed that he was not an ordinary person.

It should be noted that he also quarterbacked the Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI. He has also been the NLF’s Most Valuable Player twice and the Super Bowl’s Most Valuable Player.

 

Painting- Martha vs The Real World Martha

As we recently painted our house I am reminded, that although I like to do things well, I am hardly a Martha (S).  I am a Real World Martha and here’s why:

(Martha) Pick best paint                                         

(RWM) Pick paint you can afford

(Martha) Wash down all walls of bird poop and dirt.                              

 (RWM) Get the big chunks off and try to paint over the rest.

(Martha) Caulk all areas for a perfect finish.            

(RWM) “Ooops, ran out of caulk.  Will have to add more paint in those places.”

(Martha) Use Primer                                                

(RWM) “What’s Primer?”

(Martha) Have proper tools on hand.                                    

 (RWM)” Has anyone seen the small paintbrush I was using?”

(Martha) Replace all parts that are dented, worn, and have old paint that can’t be removed.    

 (RWM) Is anyone really going to notice?

Well those are just some of the difference I am sure.  I do know that I am happy and it looks pretty decent. 

P.S. – That’s not our house in the pic above.  It’s just a pic that would fit in that space 🙂 

Have a “Real World Martha” Day!

 

 

 

Contest – Discovery Denim/Capes

I can’t believe the treats that we have seen over the past month.  Such wonderful products made by these amazing people.  Here is another one:

Discovery Denim– ETSY

www.discoverydenim.etsy.com

I watched in bewilderment as my three-year-old ran back and forth holding a dishtowel around his neck. As I sat watching closely and laughing quietly, it became apparent — at one point or another, every child will need a cape.

In all honesty, the first cape I made was not by any means super. Made from extra scraps of light-blue linen, it was just a step above the dishtowel… but at least it stayed on. Luckily, my sewing and design skills heightened, as did my child’s adventures. Soon, his friends took notice of his cool new cape, and the little hero in each of them wanted also to emerge.

Before long, I was watching several caped kids run playfully around, planning daring rescues with their imaginations soaring — all in the boundaries of my living room walls. It was magical! Even the shyest of children could summon courage as a caped crusader. It made me realize that inside each child lays an abundance of strength and courage waiting eagerly for a mission. I saw that capes had the power to bring little heroes to life.

Is that the cutest thing ever????????? (Discovery Denim will determine which style for the winner.)

What do you need to do to get this?  Two ways.  Check out the ETSY shop and enter my contest!  And what kid wouldn’t want one of these?

1) Answer the question below in my comments. One entry is all I need. You DO NOT need to comment everyday to be eligible…just once.

2) POST about my contest on your blog (but not your answer to my question-I am looking for links to my contest for others to particpate too). I will need the direct link on my blog showing the post on your site.

3) That’s it!!!! Just wait to see if you are a winner of a week’s bounty of prizes. Isn’t the EASY????

Question for Week 4 – What ThanksGIVING traditions do you have? Does your family do something special that gives to others for this Holiday?

Have a “Heroic” Day!

 

Organization is Her Game!

First, I would like to say thanks to those who are participating in my contest.  I love hearing all the great stories on giving!  If you would please make sure you link and post about the contest on your blog that would be great and that is required to win.

If you aren’t familiar with the contest, please see here: https://realworldmartha.wordpress.com/2008/11/01/tis-better-to-give-than-to-receiveright/

Today I would love to introduce to you Donna Smallin.

Organizing expert, Donna Smallin, is the bestselling author of seven books on uncluttering, organizing and simplifying life, including The One-Minute Organizer. You may have seen her on the Early Show, HGTV’s Smart Solutions, or CNN Open House or listened to her on BBC, Lifetime, and CNN radio programs. Her tips appear frequently in Better Homes & Gardens, Woman’s Day, Woman’s World and other leading publications. One of the organizing industry’s most recognized and respected members, Donna received the 2006 Founders Award from the National Association of Professional Organizers for outstanding contributions to the industry.

‘Tis Better to Give Than Receive

An interview with Donna Smallin, bestselling author of 7 books including The One-Minute Organizer (www.unclutter.com)

 

Deb: How do you define clutter?

 

Donna: Clutter is all that stuff that serves no other purpose other than to take up valuable space in you home and create unnecessary stress in your life. It’s what you end up with when you have more than meets your needs. Clutter, then, is physical proof of our abundance. Take a look around. If you’ve got clutter, you are richer than you think.

 

Deb: What are the benefits of uncluttering?

 

Donna: I see clutter as an opportunity to recognize and give thanks for the abundance in my life. By periodically cleaning out my closets and drawers and giving away what I no longer need, I am able to share my wealth and that makes me feel good. It also makes it easier for me to find and put away the things that I love and use regularly.

 

Deb: Why is it so hard for us to let go of clutter?

 

Donna: Often, we hold on to things we no longer use because we paid “good money” for those things. But what is the value of a designer suit that just hangs in your closet, getting older and dustier every year? The answer is “zippo” if it’s not being used or enjoyed. All that stuff you’re hanging on to in case you might need it someday could do immediate good in the hands of someone who really needs it right now.

 

Deb: What is the best way to let go?

 

Donna: The simplest way to donate items is to pick one place such as Goodwill or The Salvation Army that allows you to drop off everything from clothing to furniture. That way you don’t have to make a decision about what to do with every item. The decision has already been made. Domestic violence shelters are another good place to donate sheets and towels, dishes, cookware and other housewares as well as women’s and children’s clothing and toys.

 

Deb: What if we just can’t bring ourselves to let go of something?

 

Donna: If you are reluctant to let go of clothes that no longer fit, shoes you haven’t worn in years, or whatever, try this: pack it up in a box and write the word “Donate” and then date it for six months from today. If you haven’t opened the box before that date, you know you didn’t miss the items inside.

 

Deb: Any final thoughts?

 

Sharing your abundance (I’m talking about your clutter – not the stuff you love and use) will go a long way toward uncluttering your home. But the best part about donating your stuff is what you get in return – the joy that comes from giving.

Don’t you want to read her book?  The winner of this weeks prizes (all that are featured this week) will get an autographed copy!!!!!!!

To win:

Answer the question below in the comments.  Then post about my contest on your blog with a link back to it.

Question for Week 1 – Tell me something that you do/done, individually or as a family, that really shows it is better to give than to receive.  Do you give food to the food bank every month?  Have you adopted a “grandma or grandpa”?  Tell me about it.

And don’t forget to “give” this info to others so they have a chance to get to know these wonderful people and products and check out Donna’s sites:

http://www.unclutter.com

Here’s a tip from Donna:

Organizing tip #597: Did you know that you can send real paper greeting cards from your computer — with your own handwriting font and signature? Learn how at http://www.yourcardconnection.com

Have an “Organized” Day!

 

What’s Izznit?

Well I am glad you asked!

Izznit is a ETSY shop that I found that has some great products.

All things handmade with Love!

The prize that is being offered is a Fabric Grocery Bag.  I love them!!  It’s great to look cute and feel good about not throwing away so many bags, right?

Here is one of her cute bags:

The winner for this weeks contest will have winners choice of bag.  Now this is something you won’t forget to take to the store with you.

So how do you win this plus all this weeks prizes?  You just need to answer this question in the comments and post my contest on your blog (any link with the contest in it is fine).

Question for Week 1 – Tell me something that you do/done, individually or as a family, that really shows it is better to give than to receive.  Do you give food to the food bank every month?  Have you adopted a “grandma or grandpa”?  Tell me about it.

And don’t forget to check out Izznit’s ETSY shop here : http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5677437

Have a “Stylish-Izznit” Day!

 

Tis Better To Give Than To Receive..right?

CONTEST INFO***(added 11/16) This contest started on November 1st so you will have to go to my home page for this weeks question.  Please go to my home page to see where the contest is at as this is a month long contest with weekly drawings.  Just click on Real World Martha at the top or home.*******

Today I am starting my month long contest “TIS BETTER TO GIVE THAN TO RECEIVE”. 

This month is my birthday month, Thanksgiving and the start of the Christmas season (after Thanksgiving, k?).  What better way to celebrate this wonderful month by focusing on others.  And that will be the way to win as well.

These are not daily prizes but a weekly giveaway.  That’s right, you will win the entire weeks prizes that have been featured!  Isn’t that AWESOME?

To enter this weeks prizes you must answer the question in the comments and leave a link about the contest on your blog.

This weeks question: Question for Week 1 – Tell me something that you do/done, individually or as a family, that really shows it is better to give than to receive.  Do you give food to the food bank every month?  Have you adopted a “grandma or grandpa”?  Tell me about it.

And remember only one entry a day!

Prize 1 /Week 1

Here’s just one of the prizes for this week from Julesmaeclothing

Flower Velour Headband 

 “Made from a brown vintage men’s necktie overlaid with a soft green velvety ribbon. Hand embroidered details include floral embellishments and edge stitching in a salmon pink. Lined with a soft pink floral print cotton. Guaranteed a one of a kind Jules Mae Original.”

Isn’t that the cutest thing?

About Jules:
I’m just a girl who grew up in the sleepy countryside just outside of Vancouver, BC

I studied Fine Arts in Halifax, and there I discovered my love of embroidery. There seemed something so beautiful to me about this painstaking process of committing a design to a surface. My plight was to “draw quickly” with this slow process as though I were jotting down quick sketches or “memo notes”. On my daily transit to and from school I would sit and embroider on carefully chosen rescued fabrics. I still have those projects tucked away and they inspire me forward.

I’ve sewn for as long as I can remember, or at least as long as my mother would let me have-at her sewing machine. She instilled in me such a respect for the female form and how it is expressed in garments. She was an amazing woman, and is dearly missed. Now I’ve had to grow up into my own right as a dressmaker. To be honest, I wish she was around for consultation!

Fashion is about the ego. I made a decision a while back that this venture can’t be about ego, not in it’s vision, anyway. (We all know ego is difficult to evade.) There is no point in me chasing this dream if it’s only about ego. My commitment is to finding eco-friendly and socially responsible ways to get involved in making a difference in both local and international communities; in people’s lives. It’s a lofty goal, but a worthy one. I’m still working out all the logistics, and if anyone has any suggestions, I’d love to hear from you at julie(at)julesmae(dot)com.

Here is all her info:

www.julesmae.com

and her ETSY Shop

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5252543

Be sure to check out all her fun stuff and don’t forget to leave your comment for a chance to win this adorable headband.

Have a “Cute” Day!