A Positive Mind

Yesterday, I was reading an article about the first plus size model to get a huge contract and grace the cover of People magazine.  She said something that really made me think.  She was stating that in order to make a better future self you need to love and embrace the person you are today. This is so true.  I don't know how many times I have stood in front of a mirror and said I wish I was skinner, I wish my hair was curly, I wish I was smarter and I could go on and on.

I have always been really hard on myself and I find it to easy to degrade and say negative things about myself but yesterday I finally realized I need to change.

I went to an award ceremony for my son and we took some pictures after ward and one of them is of Jaden and I being silly.  When I first looked at it I said, "oh, how cute is this" and then immediately after I followed it up with "I just wish I wasn't so fat". As soon as it left my mouth I knew it was wrong and it did nothing to promote a positive self image.  I then remembered what I read about the plus size model and her outlook on life. That picture is a true reflection of who I am as a person, beautiful, funny, sensitive and loving. I also see how awesome my son is and he is a reflection of me.  By degrading myself I am in turn doing the same to him. My size does not reflect who I am as a person it's just physical. 

Here is a quote I read somewhere that I have posted on a white board in my house.   "A negative mind will not give you a positive life!

Today, I start a new chapter full of acceptance, and going for it.  I don't want to sit on the sidelines any more and watch my life pass me by. 

Mother's day

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all the mom's out there.  I know it can be a thankless job but it is the most rewarding job I have ever had. 

I remember when I was in fourth grade my teacher asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up.  My answer was ,"I want to be a Mom and a Lawyer". She said, "those are ambitious goals".  I have been known to set my goals pretty high. I accomplished at least one of those, being a mom. 

Being a mom to me is about dedication, loving unconditionally, sleepless nights, heartache, worries but most of all knowing there are two individuals in this world who will love me know matter what.

I am not perfect and I have made plenty of mistakes as a parent but I know I have raised two amazing young men. I look at them sometimes and think wow I had a hand in creating these amazing kids. 

Sorry, for the gushing moment but I really have been reflecting today on what It has meant for me to be a mom. 

JOY!

Everyone have a great day!

I am BACK!

It's been a while since I have gotten the chance to blog.  I don't need to explain how life can get in the way of getting things done.  My first post after a long absence is about my Aunt Jodi who is so important to me.

My Aunt and I when I was little.

Aunt Jodi, Uncle Trav, My Mom and Me
This is the last time we were all together.

A month ago I found out that my Aunt Jodi was diagnosed with lung cancer that has spread to her spine. There is no cure for this kind of cancer and as the doctor said it's the worst kind of cancer someone can get.  She has finished 14 rounds of radiation and just received her first chemo treatment. She has been in allot of pain and the treatments are to help give her some relief from the pain and quality of life. I can not begin to express how important she is to me.  I spent allot of time with her as a child and I feel it is the reason I am such a strong and resilient women today.  She is the most amazing women, mother and wife.  Her whole life was about making the people around her feel loved and special.  When I needed her a couple of years ago she got on a plane and was here in a week. This is a huge deal because she suffers from sever anxiety and flying is very scary for her.  All I can say is she is a very special lady.  Because I live so far away I haven't been able to be with her so I wanted to give her something to remind her of me and how much I love her. So, I turned to my sewing machine.

Once I decided to give her a quilt I knew this was the quilt she needed to have, Jelly Roll Race Quilt.  I made this quilt over a year ago so all I needed to do was quilt and bind it.  I bought the fabric at Three Crafty Ladies on Sanibel Island, FL.  Whenever I am down there I make it a point to go to this quilt shop.  They have all kinds of fabric that is either beach or ocean related, It's fantastic.  Living in Minnesota makes it very difficult to find fabric like this.  

 I stepped outside of my box by quilting some seashells and leaves on it.  I backed it in grey minky to give it a real soft feel.  I wanted her to have something she could snuggle up with. 

She received it and loves it so much she won't let anyone take it off her.  It gives me some peace to know she has something beautiful to hang on to while she is going though this difficult time,  Losing her will change the landscape of our family but I will cherish the time we have left with her.

LOVE,

LITTLE JODY