It has by far been an amazing holiday break! Matter of fact, I think this past 5 days have been the best of all of it. I am doing really good at following my mission plan of Family Reformation. I have literally cooked Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday...that would be 4 days in a row! I have fixed breakfast and lunch every day as well except Wednesday I didn't do lunch. I have managed to add in the cleaning aspect of the Reformation process and I am quite proud of myself. I have literally kept up with my laundry, cleaned sheets, and managed to keep my kitchen clean. I am one happy momma right now! I have finally made an accomplishement as a wife.
Personally, I have also started taking better care of myself. As a momma, we all struggle with trying to fit time in for ourselves. Well, with staying home this week and not going anywhere I was able to focus some time towards myself daily. Its the little things we appreciate like using a face wash, cleanser, and teeth whitening system. I even went out on a limb and ordered a clay mask for my face :) I am even more excited that I started Jillian Micheals Ripped in 30 video. I am on day 3 this morning. I could barely roll out of bed this morning! OUCH. Anyways, I feel the video is really helping out on my abs. My abs are my problem area. After haveing two kids in 22 months, my belly is not the most attractive. It definitely looks better now than it did, but there is always room for improvement. My goal is to have a body that I am okay with. I am not setting out to lose weight, but I am wanting to feel okay in a pair of jeans and not be cautious about wearing a cute summer tank top or dress.
I have to suggest a book for you to read if you have time, Avoiding Commitment by KD Linde. It was a great book. However, in the middle of the book I got tired of flipping back to the past. I was more interested about the present part of the book. Another good series is Love Me with Lies, Book 1 and 2 were great! I can't wait to read book 3, Thief (Author - Tarryn Fisher).
Sean and I even had time for ourselves last night and the kids in bed by 8. The whole taking care of the family and staying at home is changing alot of things in this house. I owe to praying more and asking God for guidance. Following the word in verse 10-21 in Proverbs 31 has helped me as a wife and all the guidance I need.
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Rolling On
Well, this wonderful holiday has come to an end. I am rather sad to see it go. Life has been so happy the last few days maybe even weeks. It has been so relaxing to be able to focus on the kids and my husband. My job sure is fantastic. I have to keep telling myself that because lately I've been contemplating whether or not it is what I want to do forever. But, I have realized the last few days that it fits me perfectly. How many people get to go to work and change something if they don't like how its working. I get to put my own spin on things along with my own creativity. Not to mention, the pay is not bad, I don't work an 8 hour days nor do I work 52 weeks. I love my summer and holidays off. It is even better that I get to work with kids all the time. I love getting to change a life for the better.
I feel refreshed going back to work. No drama. No stress. Refreshed! I have realized that I need to go back open minded, willing to change, embracing new ideas, and learning from those more advanced. I need to leave work at work and focus on my kids at home. I'm not going to come home stressed. I will give my kids 110% each afternoon.
We started a nightly routine, again. When Jacob was little, prior to Mason's arrival, we had a strict nightly routine of a book/playtime, snack, brush teeth, change clothes, 15 minutes of television, and then lights out. It shortly faded as life got more hectic with a toddler. Well, the last year has been rough without that routine. Tonight was night one and hopefully it will continue.
I also read another book these last two days, Avoiding Responsibilities Book #2 in Avoiding Series. It was really good. Although it did have the flipping from past to present, it wasn't near as bad as book 1. I am assuming its because I knew more about what was going on in Book 2 and some history. I am now dedicating 30 minutes before bed each night for some type of reading whether it be a new book or a chapter in the Bible :)
To reflect back on my ongoing Family Reformation, I cooked dinner again tonight - yay!! I also worked out :) Sean and I had a date night last night, which was AMAZING! We had crawfish for the first time since last season and watched the Texans win their playoff game. We came home and watched two movies, The Campaign and Thats My Boy, while drinking Pina Coladas. This little self blog has really freed up some of my frustrations and allowed me to put my life into perspective. I really have the best things I ever dreamed of. I need to keep focus on my family and myself this year.
On another note, I hope to be able to get to church this Sunday. Being with God is not something we need to omit from our lives. We have had so much going on we haven't made it since the weekend before Christmas. I know you don't have to go to church all the time to be in the great graces of Our Father, but I do feel closer being in his home. I have been praying more for him to help me through these changes. I am so happy to be changing myself from the within.
My momma always said you have to get dirty of yourself before you are tired of wollering in self pity to change it. I am tired of being dirty and glad to make these changes. Now, lets hope that adding in work this week doesn't change my frame of mind. Please pray with and for me that I make it this week with keeping up my changes and not losing sight in what is really important!
Well, off to embrace this crazy week. Wednesday will be my rest day from working out and my weighin day. I'm sure I'll be posting, hopefully it will be exciting news. I also am taking that day to go pamper myself :) till then...the Family Reformation continues!
I feel refreshed going back to work. No drama. No stress. Refreshed! I have realized that I need to go back open minded, willing to change, embracing new ideas, and learning from those more advanced. I need to leave work at work and focus on my kids at home. I'm not going to come home stressed. I will give my kids 110% each afternoon.
We started a nightly routine, again. When Jacob was little, prior to Mason's arrival, we had a strict nightly routine of a book/playtime, snack, brush teeth, change clothes, 15 minutes of television, and then lights out. It shortly faded as life got more hectic with a toddler. Well, the last year has been rough without that routine. Tonight was night one and hopefully it will continue.
I also read another book these last two days, Avoiding Responsibilities Book #2 in Avoiding Series. It was really good. Although it did have the flipping from past to present, it wasn't near as bad as book 1. I am assuming its because I knew more about what was going on in Book 2 and some history. I am now dedicating 30 minutes before bed each night for some type of reading whether it be a new book or a chapter in the Bible :)
To reflect back on my ongoing Family Reformation, I cooked dinner again tonight - yay!! I also worked out :) Sean and I had a date night last night, which was AMAZING! We had crawfish for the first time since last season and watched the Texans win their playoff game. We came home and watched two movies, The Campaign and Thats My Boy, while drinking Pina Coladas. This little self blog has really freed up some of my frustrations and allowed me to put my life into perspective. I really have the best things I ever dreamed of. I need to keep focus on my family and myself this year.
On another note, I hope to be able to get to church this Sunday. Being with God is not something we need to omit from our lives. We have had so much going on we haven't made it since the weekend before Christmas. I know you don't have to go to church all the time to be in the great graces of Our Father, but I do feel closer being in his home. I have been praying more for him to help me through these changes. I am so happy to be changing myself from the within.
My momma always said you have to get dirty of yourself before you are tired of wollering in self pity to change it. I am tired of being dirty and glad to make these changes. Now, lets hope that adding in work this week doesn't change my frame of mind. Please pray with and for me that I make it this week with keeping up my changes and not losing sight in what is really important!
Well, off to embrace this crazy week. Wednesday will be my rest day from working out and my weighin day. I'm sure I'll be posting, hopefully it will be exciting news. I also am taking that day to go pamper myself :) till then...the Family Reformation continues!
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Kids Say the Craziest Things
Well, I told myself there would be no "New Year's Resolution's" this year because everyday should be filled with self improvement. However, a 4 year old has a way of making you change your mind. It intrigues me how they have no filter and its complete honesty. I have always struggled with the idea that I cannot completely be the wife that can do it all. I am just not physically, mentally, or emotionally able to manage. However, I have thought I have done a decent job at raising the kids as I do work and Sean works shift work. I have managed I guess is the best way to put it.
Jacob, 4 years old, saw me on the computer today. I was of course on Pinterest. No I am not a woman who looks at pinterest and puts herself down for all the things she cannot accomplish. I am content with the idea that I am not ever going to be Better Crocker. But, I do enjoy looking and pinning things that I may be able to try one day. After all, I am a teacher and have nice holiday breaks that allows some opportunity for hobbies. Anyways, Jacob asked, "What are you doing Momma?" I proceeded to tell him that I was searching for some new meal ideas. I know that I am lacking in the cooking field and its been an ongoing battle to cook more. I have a wonderful husband who has almost taken over this family duty. I don't mind that he likes doing it, but I know that my place as the wife is to provide for her family, including her husband. The conversation with Jacob took an unexpected turn. After his inquisition about my computer search and our short verbal exchange, he finishes our conversation by comparing me to Sean by saying, "You are going to start cooking more like Daddy?"
Wow, the things kids say really bring things into perspective. It is obvious that with me the kids see constant change and never stability with one thing and that is food. I have always prided myself on being the parent that provides a foundation and stability...man have I failed this one. FAILED! Ouch...that hurt. The words from a babe.
Since I said no "New Year's Resolution" I am going to call this a Reformation of Family. We are going to make some huge changes and it has nothing to do with a new calendar. It has to do with the realization that I am failing on a motherly duty....cooking. I was trying a challenge from the book, My So-Called Life as a Proverbs 31 Wife, it consisted of being a better wife, but I think I am going to throw in my own swing to this challenge. I'm going to challenge my self a little more by adding in being a better wife and mother. Its not going to be about cooking, but more play time with the boys, more special things for them, more dinners for my husband when he's on nights, better at cooking breakfast, less process foods and more whole foods....wonder if I can manage all that I'm biting off here. We shall see.....Reformation of Family.
Jacob, 4 years old, saw me on the computer today. I was of course on Pinterest. No I am not a woman who looks at pinterest and puts herself down for all the things she cannot accomplish. I am content with the idea that I am not ever going to be Better Crocker. But, I do enjoy looking and pinning things that I may be able to try one day. After all, I am a teacher and have nice holiday breaks that allows some opportunity for hobbies. Anyways, Jacob asked, "What are you doing Momma?" I proceeded to tell him that I was searching for some new meal ideas. I know that I am lacking in the cooking field and its been an ongoing battle to cook more. I have a wonderful husband who has almost taken over this family duty. I don't mind that he likes doing it, but I know that my place as the wife is to provide for her family, including her husband. The conversation with Jacob took an unexpected turn. After his inquisition about my computer search and our short verbal exchange, he finishes our conversation by comparing me to Sean by saying, "You are going to start cooking more like Daddy?"
Wow, the things kids say really bring things into perspective. It is obvious that with me the kids see constant change and never stability with one thing and that is food. I have always prided myself on being the parent that provides a foundation and stability...man have I failed this one. FAILED! Ouch...that hurt. The words from a babe.
Since I said no "New Year's Resolution" I am going to call this a Reformation of Family. We are going to make some huge changes and it has nothing to do with a new calendar. It has to do with the realization that I am failing on a motherly duty....cooking. I was trying a challenge from the book, My So-Called Life as a Proverbs 31 Wife, it consisted of being a better wife, but I think I am going to throw in my own swing to this challenge. I'm going to challenge my self a little more by adding in being a better wife and mother. Its not going to be about cooking, but more play time with the boys, more special things for them, more dinners for my husband when he's on nights, better at cooking breakfast, less process foods and more whole foods....wonder if I can manage all that I'm biting off here. We shall see.....Reformation of Family.
ref·or·ma·tion
/ˌrefərˈmāSHən/
Noun
|
Pictures from 2013
Neuschwanstein Castle, September 2012
Sean's 9 points - Broaddus, TX, November 2012
Jacob's School Christmas Play, December 2012
Lexi and Me to Barksdale, TX - December 2012
The Eastman Grandkids and Madison - Yogi Bear Park, June 2012
My Doe - Fry Ranch, December 2012
Family Baptism - Trinity Episcopal Church, September 2012
Good bye 2012. Hello 2013!
2012 was really great to us, The Cooper's. It has been a year since I last posted on my blog. I find that it has been a rather hectic year with the kids and trying to keep up. It seems that we never really got in a routine. I, as a mother, seemed to search continuously for what would work for us the best, but I found myself not giving anything enough time to work. I would get irritated and frustrated, which ultimately led to me giving up. Mason turned 2 in January. He has grown so much this year. He ended the year being potty trained - what a blessing! Jacob turned 4 years old. He has matured so much and spends a great deal of time with his Daddy, Sean. Sean killed a nice 9 point buck in East Texas. It weighed in at 180 lbs. It was by the far the prettiest and biggest deer I have ever seen. I was so proud of him.
The best moment for me this year was becoming apart of a church family. We joined Trinity Episcopal Church in Baytown, TX. On September 9, we were all baptized together. It was such a joyous occasion. Although this was the best moment, we had yet another adventure that was very memorable. For my 26th birthday, I spent it in Hamburg, Germany. Sean's job, OilTanking, sent us to Germany for 7 days on a work trip. While we were there we got to tour Germany by train. It was by far the coolest trip I have ever had in my entire life. It was definetly something I could mark off my bucket list. We visited Munich and the Neuschwanstein, Germany. We got to see a beautiful castle. Cinderella actually centered their castle around this particular German Legacy. It was breath taking to say the least. Every girls dream to see such a beautiful castle and to picture herself a princess. My husband is by far the greatest man to me.
2012 went beyond any expectation that I could have had for my family - financially and emotionally. It was all I asked for and more. It allowed us to slow down a little and get our feet underneath us. Thanks for that 2012.
I hope that 2013 blesses us with a little more ease and more great adventures with our boys. We are planning lots of summer mini vacations. Hopefully this year will bring us a new home and new car. I am going to strive to cook more, schedule more, and stick to a budget plan for us all. We have done some really great things in the last 6 months. I hope it continues!
The best moment for me this year was becoming apart of a church family. We joined Trinity Episcopal Church in Baytown, TX. On September 9, we were all baptized together. It was such a joyous occasion. Although this was the best moment, we had yet another adventure that was very memorable. For my 26th birthday, I spent it in Hamburg, Germany. Sean's job, OilTanking, sent us to Germany for 7 days on a work trip. While we were there we got to tour Germany by train. It was by far the coolest trip I have ever had in my entire life. It was definetly something I could mark off my bucket list. We visited Munich and the Neuschwanstein, Germany. We got to see a beautiful castle. Cinderella actually centered their castle around this particular German Legacy. It was breath taking to say the least. Every girls dream to see such a beautiful castle and to picture herself a princess. My husband is by far the greatest man to me.
2012 went beyond any expectation that I could have had for my family - financially and emotionally. It was all I asked for and more. It allowed us to slow down a little and get our feet underneath us. Thanks for that 2012.
I hope that 2013 blesses us with a little more ease and more great adventures with our boys. We are planning lots of summer mini vacations. Hopefully this year will bring us a new home and new car. I am going to strive to cook more, schedule more, and stick to a budget plan for us all. We have done some really great things in the last 6 months. I hope it continues!
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