Musings from my Window

A sweet note from first-grader, Lily.  I found myself teaching first grade earlier this week. It was a shock to my system because I have primarily substituted for the older grades this past year.   As I worked with little class I found myself toggling between feelings of compassion and annoyance. They were so needy and emotional. One little girl refused to be consoled when her Christmas tree that she was cutting did not turn out the way she planned--after three attempts. Several children would come to me to tattle on another child hurting their feelings. By break time I was slightly frazzled. I ran down to my friend Amanda's classroom to borrow two of her little stuffed owls. It was time for an episode of "Daw TV" with this band of first graders. Daw TV came about when I was substituting for Amanda last year. Two of her stuffed owls fell in front of the document camera on accident while we were getting ready for math. I, being funny started making them talk about ho

Listening to Jody Moore and Brooke Castillo has provided a lot of "aha" moments, but the biggest insight is that our thoughts are the drivers of everything in our lives.  This concept has blown me away the past few months. If I want to change anything, I do so by first changing my thinking. And so with this in mind, here are a few thoughts to look at when it comes to keeping a tidy home: "It is just one thing." --Not true! That cup in the sink will become 20. The outfit left on the floor cause your bedroom to look  like the changing rooms at Old Navy if not addressed pronto! "I'll do it later." --This is my favorite phrase, but it causes so much trouble in my life. Trevar has been the biggest teacher of the phrase, "Do it Now!" I used to put off unpacking from a vacation for a day or two, but after being married to Trevar I have followed his example and unpacked almost as soon as my feet enter my house. Sometimes I have wondered if I am s

Yesterday I had to run to rental property to check on a bathroom shower rip-out project. Julia, home from school came along for the ride. It has been about five years since Julia has returned to the home of her birth. The renters, some of the nicest people on the planet, have made it their home now. It was sobering for Julia due to the fact that our old house is now full of wall-to-wall stuff. The basement, where the project was taking place housed many items. The garage was very full with a makeshift four-wheeler repair shop set up. The front drive housed four cars--not one in the garage. Julia was shocked. "Mom, I don't even recognize our house!".  On the way home we talked about the differences. Now mind you, I love our renters and I am not judging them. They are doing the very best they can and I am grateful that they have been such reliable and kind renters over the years. Someday they will move, and take all of their stuff, and I will repaint and replace all of th