bella verdi

originally uploaded by bitzi.

i read the following on an interesting blog called, ‘a small notebook’. this helpful advice was timely for me. taking good care of yourself and giving yourself a second chance is necessary, but often we forget to do it. we take good care of everyone else (that’s easy!) and leave ourselves for last. tomorrow, i’m going first… not everyday, but definitely more often.

Some mornings are better than others. It’s tempting to give up and say you’ll deal with it all tomorrow, but don’t give up just yet.

If your morning gets off to a bad start, try some of these ideas to rescue your day:

1. Are you clean? Do you have time to get a shower? Did you brush your hair and teeth?
2. Get dressed, all the way, like you’re going somewhere even if you’re not. Don’t lounge in your housepants.
3. Did you eat something? Coffee or coke doesn’t count. You need breakfast even if you’ve conditioned your body to go without it. Eat a meal with some protein and carbs, like an egg and toast, or a smoothie with fruit and protein powder.
4. Take care of yourself. Take your vitamins and drink a glass of water.
5. Do one thing to make your house better: run the dishwasher, start a load of laundry, or make the bed.
6. Read something inspirational. Read a few verses from the Bible or another book that is important to you.
7. Speak kindly and smile at your family members. No need to spread the grump.

I know how mornings like this feel, and that’s how I know little reminders like these help you to start over.

Family, originally uploaded by the carltons.

every time matt and i look at these two,
we just can’t help but thank our god for the privilege it is
to raise them.

they are….

helpful
considerate
caring
funny
creative
musical
beautiful
loving
strong
intelligent
bold
opinionated… i don’t know who that get that from!
warm
god’s servants
kind
patient…. well, most of the time

they are simply the very best thing that has ever happened
to matt & me.

Family, originally uploaded by the carltons.

bright eyed
happy
silly
kind heart
sweet
smart as a whip!
peacemaker
frugal
loves pink!
girly
hopeful
daddy’s girl
bossy
goofy
joy of mom’s heart!
lovey dovey, bunny boo!

we love you sweetie… happy birthday!

NEW, originally uploaded by Sara Larson.

… the caged bird sings
with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom.

maya angelou

shoemess, originally uploaded by danske.

one in every color.

one in every kind. flats. pumps. sandals.

love shoes… love shoes… true love (and matt too!)