Gratitude Challenge 2013- November 3rd

Today, I am grateful for my faith.  This picture represents a small piece of that faith that was passed down by some very dedicated grandmothers.  Those women had faith that didn't get hidden in my life.  Another copy of this picture hung in my grandmother's kitchen, always a reminder to pray and give thanks. I have a previous post about the details of this particular piece of artwork, should you be interested.

Thank you, Brenda, for hosting Gratitude Challenge 2013 over at Quiet Pandemonium.  My readers and guests are welcome to join us and check out the other Gratitude Challenge posts.

Sidetracked by life...

I've come to this page repeatedly over the last 6 weeks.  Not sure what to say or where to go with all of the ideas swirling in my head.  The reality is, they are all so intertwined at times, it is hard to separate them to pull just one out.  There are times when I get a bit overwhelmed with life and the things I have to do.  There are times I just need to step back and say "I can't fit that in right now, check back later".  A few friends even asked if we were having problems {in our friendships} and if everything was ok.  Yep, it sure is and was.  I just run a busy schedule and have times where I need to downsize what I am doing, and focus on the biggest/most important projects.  It was hard and still is, but I had to focus on business for a bit.  I had an amazing month for August and September with both of my business ventures, but I had the great pleasure of promoting to SUPERVISOR with Lilla Rose in September.  It all started with one clip and one party, but now I have more of an opportunity to earn money to help meet the needs of my family.  My growing Lilla Rose team is a huge blessing in my life, and I can't thank them enough for what they've done for me.

Coming up?  Watch for some fun reviews.  I am also participating in the Gratitude Challenge with a sweet friend.  I have some business and health articles in the works too... I promise that winter is knocking at the door here in northern Minnesota and I will have more time to write consistently in just a few short days!

So, I took a bit of a medical hiatus....

I am sorry to those who were waiting for more, but I've been battling some physical health problems for a while and when the schedule came up for surgery within a week, all of life shifted towards preparing to have the house and children ready for my down time.  I am on the mend already and getting back into the swing of things quickly.

Coming up, I have a couple of reviews that are a bit different than what I've had in the past, more in my home business "series in the works", and more about life around here.

There are those moments to just sit back and wonder...

What will life look like in a year?  Five years?  Ten years?  Do I dare imagine 20 years from now? 

I sat in my comfy chair watching my boys from the other room, and couldn't help but to soak it in.  One sitting on the counter, admiring every word shared by a bigger brother.  One sitting on a chair challenging the one next to him to some sort of duel of knowledge just out of the line of vision from my vantage point.  One off helping the men do something outside.  I admired those 4 littler boys sitting there and going through their regular routines of "who is in charge/smartest/toughest/biggest/whatever challenge we decide today" with their little challenges of who knew the most about the latest adventure on a video game, which comic book character was strongest, and who did the most chores for the day.  Their competitive nature is hard to ignore sometimes, but it keeps them (mostly) honest...because if they don't tell on themselves, it usually isn't long before a brother will tell for them.  They have a crazy respect for one another, but also that brotherly "love".  They can often be quoted as saying "We are best friends and worst emenies" (yes, they say it wrong, but who am I to correct their little cute quirks in those moments?!?).

I wondered what will they be doing to challenge each other in the future?  What will they argue over?  Will they truly be friends?  Will they despise each other for those little quirks that often lead to spats?  I couldn't help but to laugh at the entertainment I had in front of me and soon got distracted in my day dreaming.  Back to reality with a ball hitting the chair beside my head.  The sentimental moment was over and the war was on.  Soon those boys who caused me to day dream for a few minutes had jumped back into their regular routine again and were running after one another as they headed out the door. 

I could have gotten after them for running in the house, yelling, or any of a number of things...and then I realized that instead of fussing, they gave me a gift.  A moment to treasure.  A dream to look forward to.  A plan or a bit more training.  Life isn't all wrapped up in bows and beautiful paper, but those small, tender moments have to be grabbed sometimes instead of just waiting for them to land in your lap. I am working hard to absorb those moments and catch the loving moments when I can.  Even if they may not like the camera, or even if they are camera hogs.  As you can clearly tell, I have some of both.  I couldn't get to my camera without disrupting that particular special moment, but I am learning to keep something with me at all times. 

There are angels all around us

This past several weeks, I have been stuck in a whirlwind of activity that has left this blog sorely neglected.  One party laziness, one part overwhelmed mind, one part brain fog.  You see, as an independent consultant (aka home business owner), I've gotten involved with several great circles of women who often do events together.  This group of women has been torn to shreds mentally by several of these gals being slammed with major health issues.  Two of them were diagnosed with cancer less than 2 weeks apart.  This would send many reeling, and to be honest?  Mentally, it has.  These are both vibrant, active women who live full lives.  Both have children at home yet.  It could have been devastating news, but instead?  It has become story after story of inspiration. 

No, the cancer is not gone.  There is question of whether it is even possible for it to be gone.  That part of things is terribly sad and solemn...but it is not the focus of attention.  You see, instead?  This group of women that I have been blessed to become a part of on a regular basis has linked arms and said, essentially, "we are fighting this together!".  Fund raising, sharing burdens, sharing prayers, rallying support, connecting resources, and sending words of encouragement.  This group of women who otherwise has no significant connection besides doing business together several times a month has become an inspiration.  I will say that I am a Christian, but I do not believe one has to go to church or follow a particular teacher.  I believe that it is about personal relationship and actions.  I see some amazing faith in these women who've never said a peep about church or faith.  I've seen encouragement through scripture, through actions, through genuine, unashamed love for our fellow "sisters" in business.  These women have shown themselves to be angels on earth. 

Today, I am choosing to post on my designated day of "rest" or "time off", to say I am blessed to those around me who aren't overtly church going, rule following Christians who step out and show the love of Jesus in just the right time and place as needed.  They aren't always found in a church, they don't always act as if they are regular church goers to those who follow "the rules", they may slip out a cuss word or smoke or drink, but they have their hearts where they should be...and it isn't out there for the world to see on a regular basis, but it is there.  Behind the rough edges and imperfect lives.  Right where many modern churches would say it doesn't exist. 

Take the time to enjoy the simple things in life....

Summer is so busy around here, it is hard to find time to put thoughts together in words and sentences and paragraphs.  It is easy to dig in the dirt, get busy with cookouts with friends, spend time mowing the lawn, doing repair projects, working at the farmer's market, and the rest of daily life. 

Over the past weeks as things have been so crazy busy around here, I've tried to make a special effort to notice the small things that make us smile.  Enjoy!

Sunset at our favorite fishing hole.

Watching my young children appreciate their adventures in nature.

Sitting with my own bobber in the water.

Young, new life.  Full of energy and mischief, and the ability to keep rodents away from the house and garden with great stealth.

Happy Independence Day!

Today, we celebrate the birth of our beloved nation.  May you, your families, and all of your friends be truly blessed in your freedoms.  Whether you fly a flag outside your home or pass one by on the pole of a local business, take the time to appreciate the freedoms we have in the U.S.

I don't have a grand old flag flying at my house, but I do enjoy seeing them.  I love the artistry created from their inspiration, too!

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This little beauty is from Lilla Rose.  In case you didn't already know, I am an Independent Consultant with the company.  This post isn't about business, but I appreciate the beauty and wanted to share.  The link to my website is at the top of the page if you are interested ;)


Whether you are young or old, I hope that you will do what you can to learn more about our beloved history and the Declaration of Independence that started it all.
One of our favorite movies around here is National Treasure. 

The Declaration of Independence is a big part of the movie, and that movie alone has brought up more discussions than any other about how our nation was founded, how history is preserved, and how things have changed.  The boys are drawn in by the action, the girls by the content.

Among some of our other favorites?
 Liberty's Kids
Schoolhouse Rock


What resources do you use that are non-traditional?

Surviving frequent travel for medical needs

As I get more comfortable sharing our story, I have a lot of ideas and tips and experiences.  Our household has some chronic health issues that are life long and require regular, specialized care.  Among the many tips are my travel tactics that have helped us to stay somewhat sane.  We travel to a world renowned clinic for care for 2 members of our household, at nearly 400 miles each way.  We do this on a regular schedule, and have come to learn that packing and unpacking are big time wasters for us.  There are certain things we try to keep in the vehicle at all times, and a few that are in the closet, ready to go at a moment's notice.  At the height of our medical needs in the past, we were making this trek once a week.  We've had varying schedules since then.  Every 3 weeks was nice, but got to be too much.  For now, we are spread out a bit more and finding a groove to it.


Among the things we depend on to get us through:

A bag that is always packed with toiletries and laundry supplies just for purpose of travel, as well as a few odds and ends for the "kitchen", such as a can opener and a microwavable container with a lid, and a small stash of napkins.  I also keep a dish cloth or microfiber rag or two in there to help with dish washing as needed.


Dollar store supplies for in the vehicle:
plastic shoe box
silverware/utensils
zipper bags
basic medicines-pain relievers, antacids, cold/cough essentials, and an allergy med or two
garbage bags
bowl or 2 with lids
garbage can/basket
basic cleaning wipes

These things do not have to be high quality or all that durable.  They are the "oops! I forgot to grab..." part of my plan.  Plastic, or even cheap metal utensils can always come in handy for a meal on the go that didn't get the needed items or a quick pick up from a grocery store. The zipper bags can contain quick leftovers from a meal on the go to be saved for later.  The medicines, I just get for the emergency times when we can't get to our regular prescriptions in our luggage or when we meet someone else who is without.  It happens regularly.  Most of those supplies fit in the shoe box.  Garbage bags and can?  Well, travel is messy.  Especially with little ones.  It gets even worse when someone gets carsick.  An ice cream bucket lined with a plastic shopping bag is my favorite. Bags lining a bucket are EASY to clean up, and in my opinion, more sanitary than wiping out a bucket with a paper towel and trying to dispose of things in a rest area.  Cleaning wipes need no introduction. 

I also try to always keep a small coin purse with several dollars in coins in it for parking meters, toll roads, and incidental needs from a vending machine.  I try to keep another in our luggage but that doesn't always happen,.

A blanket and a change of clothing and a few diapers or feminine products and baby wipes for each traveling person is ALWAYS nice.  Even if it is only a day trip, things happen.  You could have someone spill on you, your clothing get snagged getting in or out of the vehicle, an unexpected change in weather, anything can happen and you are left with clothing that isn't what you'd be comfortable wearing for the rest of the day.

Maps. 
Phone directories.  Either your own essential and possibly used numbers or a regular old phone book.  We have learned to never count on cell phone reception in all areas, and having numbers on hand has been a life saver. 
Charging cords for all phones.  We keep one for each phone in each vehicle so that there is no concern of being caught without one.  I also keep one in my luggage at all times for indoor charging needs.

I am sure there are things that I am forgetting, but we often find people who are caught off guard and have traveled hundreds of miles and are "stranded" without one or two essentials.  It is well worth the time to share the ideas that have worked for us. 

Reminiscing...

We were recently traveling for regular appointments, and ventured on a slightly different path from our normal route.  This detour allowed a bit of site seeing and re-visiting some old stomping grounds from my childhood.  Funny how things can change so much, but still be the same.  See this church?  That was my grandmother's church.  She died almost 20 years ago now, but that church somehow brought some of those memories of my childhood back as if they were yesterday.  This quick "drive by" picture just is not nearly adequate for the story it tells me.

The darker part on the right is what I knew as that church, the part to the left has been added on some time more recently than Grandma's funeral, but I do not know when.  Even though it looked so different, it was still the same.  That warm, welcome place with so many years of confirmation pictures to thumb through in the poster size flip folders that hang on the wall.  I am sure they have a technical name, but I've never known what that may be.  Most of the aunts and uncles were in there somewhere, if we took enough time to look.  This was the place where many quilts were pieced together for birthdays, graduations, weddings, or just because.  Grandma and her "church ladies" as we all knew them, were always busy doing something to help others, and they often worked as a team.  There were Mother's Day Brunches that were served by the men.  For many years, Grandma won door prizes because of the size of our family.  I can still remember all of us dressing up and going...us "girls", our moms, and then Grandma.  What a treasure she had, we always filled several seats.  I remember the laughter, the smiles, the warm welcomes, and the praise for her large family...there were, after all, 14 children to her credit.

Just a mile or so down the road is the cemetery where my dear Grandmother's body was laid to rest, but for some reason, the church is the place that tells her legacy to me.  Thinking of all the baptisms, the confirmations, the prayers that happened there for her family.  I stand in awe of this small town church and all the events it has held for our family.  Even more so, I stand in awe of the legacy of a dear woman who made this place as important as her home, and took her family there as often as she could.

A personal update from "Aunt" Mae

ANNOUNCEMENT OF FINAL NUMBERS!!!

As of this evening, April 16th I have gotten 55 orders for over 300 bars of soap not including the back ordered soaps.
April 8 ~ 20 orders
April 9 ~ 10 orders with 3 still unpaid
April 10 ~ 4 orders
April 11 ~ 4 orders with 1 still unpaid
April 12 ~ 7 orders
April 13 ~ 4 orders with 1 still unpaid
April 14 ~ I'm closed
April 15 & 16 ~ 10 orders with 8 still unpaid
(I had a show on Monday and didn't get a chance to process any orders)

The orders from the 8th & 9th were shipped out on the 9th. The 10th & 11th's orders were shipped out on the 11th. The 12th, 13th & 14th's orders were shipped out on the 15th. One order from today included a pair of my earrings.

Out of the 13 scents available I have sold completely out of 6 of them. The Oatmeal, Milk & Honey scent sold out in two days and I have 6 - 8 back orders already.

There were a total of 26 donations between April 8 - 15th not including the generous donations from you sweet ladies prior to the blogging giveaway and the generosity of the sweet lady who paid for the giveaway items and shipping costs.

I have received offers of free website design from 2 people (one was before the giveaway went live and she is working on it already), an offer to take product pictures by a photographer, numerous offers for free advertising, one lady said she was passing my information on to all her friends, one person interested in becoming a Young Living distributor, 1 Lilla Rose hair clip order and lots of love and prayers.

14 people signed up for my Aunt Mae's newsletter.
145 signed up for my blog newsletter (Honey From Flinty Rocks).
3 signed up for my Lilla Rose hair clip newsletter.

My son made (to my specifications) a rack to hold my tissue paper to make packing orders for shipping easier and less back straining. I organized the shelves where I keep my soaps so I can store more in the same space and have room for my other products.

Ladies, I thank you for all your efforts to help me by getting the word out about my financial situation after my beloved's death and to promote my soaps. The world will know you are Christians by the tremendous outpouring of love you have shown to me.

I love you and will be praying for you each by name over the next few weeks. ♥

Now, for a more personal update: 

Mae added a few more soaps to the line up a few days ago.  I was too sick to bother posting, but here they are now! 

1) Beach Breezes
2) Bordeaux Blend
3) Black Amber & Lavender
4) Champagne
5) Winter Grapefruit

Do you need the link again?  Sure! I have it right here:  Aunt Mae's

To those who prayed, entered, bought soap, or donated, I want to say thank you.  Mae is a dear friend and Lilla Rose Consultant, and it is only a blessing to be able to help her as she tries to get on her feet while still freshly grieving. 

Stacy

P.S.  The winners of the drawings have been chosen but are being verified yet as of the scheduling of this post!  Stay tuned!  There were thousands of entries among the various blogs!

Nothing completes the day for me more than...

The "big" guy trying to be bigger at Grandma's.

 The snuggles and hugs of my little ones.  Now that they are all old enough to use the bathroom by themselves and eat without help, the physical touch moments have to be planned and intentional more often than not.

I can't tell you how full those little 4 or 6 year old hugs feel when it has been a day or two for the real, deep, meaningful hugs that say "My world is safe with you here!".  In a house with several boys, it seems those hugs went away faster and faster with each one.  Our recently turned 4 year old seems to have given them up earlier than any of the others, now that he is "big".

At the end of each day, when I have set aside time for writing, this little "big" guy will now slip out of bed, wander to wherever I am working, and "sneak" onto my lap (I can't quite call it sneaking, but who am I to burst that little bubble of his?!?!).  I can't help but to cherish those moments of guaranteed time.  Sure, I may not get writing done when I want.  I may not get to bed as fast.  He may not be in bed quite on time.  But those last snuggles are worth every moment.  Once in a while, there is chance to steal a kiss, but they are not nearly as sweet as the little, soft hands, reaching around you and letting you know that you are important in this new world of independence. 

Cherish all those little moments if you still have young ones.  I know I sure do.  Those moments are numbered...and the number shrinks more and more each day.  Don't let work steal those moments from you, they do have a shelf life. The memories will never expire though.  Take the time to stop and embrace the moment.  Give a little extra squeeze.  Writing and work can always wait an extra 5 or 10 minutes.

A place of peace and contemplation

 While spending time in Minnesota in the winter, it is easy to find yourself being dragged down by the weather.  On a day when this is what it looks like outside:

Along with snow and -20F temperatures at night, it is easy to find places inside that can warm the spirit.  A recent journey to the Mayo Clinic introduced me to one such place.  Among the various subway tunnels and art and historical displays, the powers that be at Mayo have created some spaces that are just relaxing and restful.  On this particular day, while it was barely safe to walk outside due to the freezing rain, I happened across this beautiful piece of stone:

 This lovely work of art was found in a beautifully large room full of many, many live plants and trees.  What a welcome sight this time of year!  What a relaxing place for a weary soul!

The skylights top it all off nicely, even on a gloomy rainy day.  While my photography skills are very amateur, the sentiment carried well for me.  In my time in that atrium, I spent some time reading.  Some time crocheting.  And even a bit of time watching others come and go and enjoy the quiet peace of this room.  Those who come and go at the Mayo Clinic tend to be there because of difficult things going on with themselves or a loved one.  Such is the case with my own family, but this place brings a special comfort.  Not just in this atrium, but in many of the various buildings and walk ways.  Over the years, we have found many favorite spots to sit and relax.  I hope to share more with you in the future.

What better way to spend the day?

Than to spend it next to this lovely warm creature?!?!  Especially when you can snuggle with a giggly little one with a good book to read or movie to watch and your favorite warm drink.  During various conversations about the temperatures that we see in the winter, people will often ask how on earth I can survive the cold.  *THIS* is how I survive the cold.  Truth be told?  I *LIVE* for the cold for this very thing.  A day to stop the outside world, be close to those you love, to relax, and to soak it all in next to a warm fire.  Of course, today isn't that day, but I can always look at this wonderful stove and be happy and warm and fuzzy inside knowing that I will have a date with its glorious heat again one day very soon.

Reminiscing....

I can't help but to share a picture that is special to me.  We all have those things, a specific fragrance, a sound, a taste, or a small knick knack or toy...  those things that bring back special memories from the past.  In my case, there are many such things, but one is set apart from the rest.

I told my husband a few years ago that I some day wanted to get a picture.  One like my Grandma and Grandpa had on the wall of their kitchen.  I often wonder if they ever realized how that small piece of decor could impact their family for many years to come.  Seeing that picture reminds me of the family gatherings, the meals with all the aunts and uncles and cousins, the great big pot lucks, the softball games, and the togetherness that happened in that kitchen.  The picture hung next to the kitchen door, and under that picture was a small wood shelf that held several pair of Grandma's old glasses and a dried loaf of bread.  Last summer, my kids found a box of pictures and frames at an auction.  Low and behold, there it was.  It isn't in great condition, but it is good enough for me.

"Grace" as the print is properly named, was colored by Rhoda Nyberg, the daughter of Eric Enstrom, natives of Minnesota.  Mr. Enstrom was the original photographer in 1918, but the piece of work really took off after the print gained color.  There are thousands of copies and reprints of this classic picture.   Learning of the death of Ms. Nyberg last year, the picture brought a new, more involved interest in this piece history for me.   Local artists always catch my attention, even if they are from previous generations.

As soon as I pulled it out of the box and showed my husband, he told me that was the same picture his grandparents had on their wall.  I can't help but to wonder as I look around me, "what will my kids see and remember me by in my house?".  "What memories am I making for my family" and "how many other people have special memories when they see this stoic older man humbly praying, hanging on walls around them?".  I can't help but to fondly remember the times I had with my grandparents, and the special moments that come back swiftly each time I gaze at that picture and let my mind wander.  It now hangs in my dining room, just to the left of the doorway.  I am still waiting for the perfect wood shelf to hang beneath it so that I can place my grandmother's glasses on there, just as she did.  The memories will continue.  Hopefully for a few more generations.

Have you ever had one of those days?

Where the dog is demanding attention....
The littlest one in the house just isn't settling in well and finding trouble at every turn...
The weather is just disagreeable for the big plans you'd like to make...
The messes around you won't clean themselves...
The ones in the house who needed a nap didn't take one...
The bedtime seemed to disappear in all of the busy-ness of the day...
And you just want to snuggle up by a warm fire with a good book and disappear???

Nah, me neither ;)  BUT, if I did.... I might be found with a nice warm cup of coffee too...how about you?

Look for more posts today with the Lilla Rose specials going on!  They are one day only, so this is big news.  The discounts may not seem like much, but they add up fast.

Those random pictures are sometimes amazing...

Especially when taken by a little one who has been sneaking around with your camera!

Every so often, I will upload my photos only to find a few dozen extras on the SD card.  I have learned that those are not to be a bother meant to annoy me, but to inspire.  To give me perspective.  To view life from someone else' eyes.  In my case, that "someone" is a 3 year old.  I can't count the number of pictures I have of my desk or of random fingers.  I love the ones from under the table that only show legs.  The ones that tell of someone's misadventures are something I love to find.  Hard to tell mom you didn't do it when your little brother took a picture of you in action, huh? 

And then, every once in a while, there is a gem that just amazes me.  The perspective, the details, the angle.  They all just make me wonder how those little hands who don't really know what they are doing, can capture something of beauty or just a special moment in time.  This one is my newest favorite. Someone had just rolled back the rug to sweep when Jr. Photographer got the shutter bug itch.  The card just draws my attention each time I look at this!

Do you ever wonder what happens to this blog behind the scenes?

I can tell you. From the outside perspective. As a blogger, you are busy with life and think "Oh! I have GOT to share this!" And then, when you get time so that you stop and sit down to write? And forget what was so exciting. You sit there, you hem and haw. You check facebook. You browse through your overly full inbox and think that it should be cleaned out, but you generally don't feel like it. So then you hop over to Pinterest and get sucked in for a bit. You decide that all is lost, you might as well get up to do something TRULY productive again, and go on your merry way. It only takes a few moments before you are busy and the memory is back and you are itching to write it all down. Somehow, along the way to the keyboard, the phone rings, a child talks to you, or the cat meows and it is all over and you are back to square one. This may even happen several times over!

You get past that and you sit down the next time, and wonder if you really had such a great idea after all. Was it earth shattering? nope. Was it new? Fresh? Appealing to anyone besides your kids or cat? What about the dog, did he care? Oh, husband didn't care...hmmm... Then the questions start coming to mind: Has someone else written something like this? Who will care to read it? What if this is boring to them? And the list could go on and on.

Then, there are the questions of pictures: Hmm, that one shows the mess on my counter. If it is posted, what WILL people think? Ok, not that one. What about this one? Argh! If I just edit that out, it would be a great picture! Yeah, but then that wouldn't be *real*. What is the point of a post if it isn't real and from the heart?!?! Why do I blog again? Oh yeah, because there is a lot to say and I want to share ideas with someone besides my poor husband who would rather not hear about project attempt number 327 and how the pieces just didn't fit together like I planned.

Now that you know the running commentary in my head? Welcome to my blog with a fresh purpose for 2013. Grab a cup of coffee while we chat. I know, you aren't truly chatting with me, but what is the point of writing if it isn't *to* someone? It makes it more personal. And that is what this blog is all about. Each and every blog has something unique to them. I am a mom, a wife, a homeschool teacher, a home business owner, a friend, a daughter, sister, niece, cousin, neighbor and so much more. Each of my roles in life will color what I share. The randomness, the reviews, the ramblings... what? you don't ramble? That is ok, I tend to do enough of that for all of us!

And speaking of pictures? Why is it that the cutest ones always seem to have half naked little kids in them? PLEASE tell me, I would love to know.

The Mom