tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158502002024-03-13T22:44:35.043-05:00Scrapbookwife in Arkansas Living simply, I run to ensure a future and scrapbook to preserve the past. Loving every day of my life with my best friend, near-perfect children, 14-four legged furry kids, and absolutely wonderful perfect grandchildren and grandpuppies.https://scrapbookwife.blogspot.com/http://www.blogger.com/profile/16962286877644141412noreply@blogger.comBlogger198125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15850200.post-48176507353262593092020-01-29T17:56:00.003-06:002020-01-29T17:56:53.066-06:00Scrapbook, Running, Yoga, and Arboone <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXUbmtIMqUauJ8UWbRDX2fgHQ5v2QFfoyGaOLByqk36GmztxhgwckqEU1QXQmdOJRdtL3fLcvkIov9EF4hBh_rNrM_B4jMfnEdo8CV5qftRqqp1ahQSCcIzHDBE4WgCMU6C2P0/s1600/Valentines+Day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXUbmtIMqUauJ8UWbRDX2fgHQ5v2QFfoyGaOLByqk36GmztxhgwckqEU1QXQmdOJRdtL3fLcvkIov9EF4hBh_rNrM_B4jMfnEdo8CV5qftRqqp1ahQSCcIzHDBE4WgCMU6C2P0/s200/Valentines+Day.jpg" width="200" /></a>A lot has happened since our last visit. I have started scrapbooking again. I think I will always be a Close to My Heart Girl. I absolutely love the products. I find myself enjoying my time with paper and glue in hand.<br />
<br />
In the last year, I also started my journey in yoga. I have completed my 200-hour yoga teacher training. It has been an amazing journey. I also opened a yoga studio, with three amazing women.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgszEeR1gh6hDPd-c8Im0_ZUwdPMvVB8oVWx3X3zg3znmur3TQnqSvKzMSTTMX936uOudTlKHUK5v_VTXTOr398trJYVvdtP6K_2sA7nYd03g4oYIR6WeGAy0W25CHC16o87pnA/s1600/Nos+of+Arbonne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="752" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgszEeR1gh6hDPd-c8Im0_ZUwdPMvVB8oVWx3X3zg3znmur3TQnqSvKzMSTTMX936uOudTlKHUK5v_VTXTOr398trJYVvdtP6K_2sA7nYd03g4oYIR6WeGAy0W25CHC16o87pnA/s200/Nos+of+Arbonne.jpg" width="156" /></a>I also have added Arbonne products to my healthcare plan. I absolutely love the cruelty free, healthy products...and the 42 lbs weight loss. It is amazing what you can do when you decided to do something. Focusing on eating clean and using healthy products took time, it wasn't an overnight process, but it was easy. For me I need easy, I need to be organized, I need trusted products, and I need to feel good about what I am using.<br />
<br />
Now to Running - Yes I am running again. Still slow as a turtle but I don't care I am running. I am moving and enjoying every minute of my life...so look out world, I am back on blogger to let you know how a Southern Girl can make lifestyle changes that impact her health, her community, and touch other's lives.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Handwriting";"><i>~ ConnieKayA
~<br />
A Southern Girl sharing her passion for living an abundantly blessed life.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />https://scrapbookwife.blogspot.com/http://www.blogger.com/profile/16962286877644141412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15850200.post-70107208591106071122017-07-05T19:56:00.001-05:002017-07-05T19:56:42.663-05:00Dementia and the Fourth of July<div class="MsoNormal">
I remember a time when my family looked forward to the
holidays. We made grand plans, spent time swimming, fishing, preparing large
meals, and simply enjoying each other’s company. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This Fourth of July holiday weekend did not go as planned.
Four days off, I dreamed of working in my flowers, doing a little sewing or
scrapbooking, watching a fireworks display with my husband. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0aO6ATuQnlcQEp0VDQXTdYrgx2dbMScpPtKKBwIbKKpxIFLRFBJulsuUgg_2v8k-KuCjKnA4fUx3u0xcZIb5BdfxcDjZXiCwRJ0qEx99r6OTQ7LlGVwEuS4qpJi6V_NDTOoJs/s1600/Dad_on+the+beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="246" data-original-width="370" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0aO6ATuQnlcQEp0VDQXTdYrgx2dbMScpPtKKBwIbKKpxIFLRFBJulsuUgg_2v8k-KuCjKnA4fUx3u0xcZIb5BdfxcDjZXiCwRJ0qEx99r6OTQ7LlGVwEuS4qpJi6V_NDTOoJs/s200/Dad_on+the+beach.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
But, as one of almost 44 million U.S. adults caring for an
older family member (my Dad) I found myself trying to find Dad, cooking for
Dad, replacing oxygen tubing for Dad, cleaning up multiple accidents created by
Dad. Even sleeping was difficult, Dad was up prowling around the house two or
three times a night - waking the dogs and the rest of the house. <o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Caring for an aging parent is hard, do not let anyone tell
you it is not hard. It is also
rewarding. As I walked into my family
practice clinic the day after my not so wonderful weekend, I had to take a
minute to decompress before seeing patients.
During that few minutes of peace and quiet I realized, Dad would be
humiliated and heartbroken if he knew all the silly and sometimes risky things
he did this weekend. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikzfmPGE52Sd2rxaflptoko5tVcgOCr-lv1OM8aeTMZbWksjxV8Irbb5JLTmqt6_tdjK7WXfxvGrPy6oirePksHQEg_HJBNb5g1tzkiN-Ryk9dtUdBRP93MYo9F7v2pHA_cc5L/s1600/100_0107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikzfmPGE52Sd2rxaflptoko5tVcgOCr-lv1OM8aeTMZbWksjxV8Irbb5JLTmqt6_tdjK7WXfxvGrPy6oirePksHQEg_HJBNb5g1tzkiN-Ryk9dtUdBRP93MYo9F7v2pHA_cc5L/s200/100_0107.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
See the blessing to this weekend is Dad does not realize how
frustrating and even angry I was with his behavior. He has Dementia. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He does not always understand the concept of
time or meal schedules. He often does not know what he is trying to find.
Sometimes he cannot remember why he walked into a room. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Caring for an aging parent is hard but, it is a role I have
accepted. The role of caregiver was once
his role, now it is mine. So, we move ahead. We develop a bathing schedule, a better
nighttime routine, set the door alarm to keep him safe, add a paid caregiver to
help out, and keep moving forward with Dementia.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I would love to hear from you, let me know how you deal with
or plan to deal with aging parents. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Handwriting";">~ ConnieKayA
~<br />
A Southern Girl sharing her passion for living an abundantly blessed life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
https://scrapbookwife.blogspot.com/http://www.blogger.com/profile/16962286877644141412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15850200.post-25547888678516644182017-01-03T22:41:00.000-06:002017-01-05T17:46:31.216-06:00Finding Quiet Time <div style="text-align: center;">
This week was busy but I managed to get several things accomplished. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Office charts, done. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Volunteer health clinic grant, complete. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Humane Society newspaper article submitted</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Attended the Big Man's ceremony for the Quorum Court</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Next week"s menu outlined, grocery list prepared.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Student discussions reviewed<br />
Kennel software updated<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As I was going through my email cleaning out I started reading <a href="http://emilypfreeman.com/" target="_blank">Emily Freeman's weekly newsletter</a>, that lead me to a her blog, where Shelly Miller shared her thoughts on <a href="http://emilypfreeman.com/the-spiritual-discipline-of-idleness-solitude-and-daydreaming/" target="_blank">The Spiritual Discipline of Idleness, Solitude, and Daydreaming. </a> Shelly's statement "<a href="http://emilypfreeman.com/the-spiritual-discipline-of-idleness-solitude-and-daydreaming/" style="font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 29px; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: "lora" , serif; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;">In a busy world that prescribes more—</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "lora" , serif; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;">more exercise, more diets, more involvement in community, more engagement on social media, more ways to make money, more education, and more resources for ramping up productivity</span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: "lora" , serif; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;">—a rhythm of daily silence and weekly Sabbath is making a (quiet) comeback.</span></a>"</div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCv3p3KiMpWuuY7RDsyZ_zqwplvG-O6sDHBkkjW1VHOzxhUHc9Wo-6cT4G3MR8iH1UoiwGS6uvba0HoWCMKyrmVRstbphO4ixrERoUi9Hca4rzudR0FnmlZbGFMYn_fC-4AOWH/s1600/Morning+coffee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCv3p3KiMpWuuY7RDsyZ_zqwplvG-O6sDHBkkjW1VHOzxhUHc9Wo-6cT4G3MR8iH1UoiwGS6uvba0HoWCMKyrmVRstbphO4ixrERoUi9Hca4rzudR0FnmlZbGFMYn_fC-4AOWH/s200/Morning+coffee.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Front Yard in the Fall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This is where I am, trying to restructure to find some daily silence and maybe even a weekly day of Sabbath. The Big Man and I, spent some time together today talking about how to restructure our days to allow us to have more times together and less hustle.<br />
<br />
The focus for next week will be starting the day earlier, this will give me some quite time, time to start the day feeling less stressed and allow me to get to my office a couple of hours before I start seeing patients. The time in the office will allow me quite time to complete paper work or work on continuing education. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.miraclemorning.com/start-here/" target="_blank">Hal Elrod</a> has written about and discussed the benefits of the miracle morning. I have read his books <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Taking-LIFE-Head-Elrod-Story/dp/0979019702/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1248126021&sr=8-1" target="_blank">The Miracle Morning</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Taking-LIFE-Head-Elrod-Story/dp/0979019702/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1248126021&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Taking Life Head On.</a> Both books make sense, they encourage me to be a better person. The challenge is for me to be a better person, who is not following the prescription of more is better.<br />
<br />
So, I would love to hear, how do you find quite time? Do you practice the Sabbath?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "lucida handwriting";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "lucida handwriting";">~ ConnieKayA
~</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "lucida handwriting";">
A Southern Girl sharing her passion for living an abundantly blessed life.</span>https://scrapbookwife.blogspot.com/http://www.blogger.com/profile/16962286877644141412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15850200.post-87672344731871922172016-10-23T19:41:00.000-05:002016-10-23T19:42:46.415-05:00Finding Quite Time This week was busy but I managed to get several things accomplished. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Office charts, done. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Volunteer health clinic, complete. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Humane Society benefit, a success. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Big Man's campaign radio ad, written and recorded. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Next week"s menu outlined, grocery list prepared.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Student assignments and final grades posted.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Next course set-up</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As I was going through my email cleaning out I started reading <a href="http://emilypfreeman.com/" target="_blank">Emily Freeman's weekly newsletter</a>, that lead me to a her blog, where Shelly Miller shared her thoughts on <a href="http://emilypfreeman.com/the-spiritual-discipline-of-idleness-solitude-and-daydreaming/" target="_blank">The Spiritual Discipline of Idleness, Solitude, and Daydreaming. </a> Shelly's statement "<a href="http://emilypfreeman.com/the-spiritual-discipline-of-idleness-solitude-and-daydreaming/" style="font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 29px; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: "lora" , serif; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;">In a busy world that prescribes more—</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "lora" , serif; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;">more exercise, more diets, more involvement in community, more engagement on social media, more ways to make money, more education, and more resources for ramping up productivity</span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: "lora" , serif; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;">—a rhythm of daily silence and weekly Sabbath is making a (quiet) comeback.</span></a>"</div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCv3p3KiMpWuuY7RDsyZ_zqwplvG-O6sDHBkkjW1VHOzxhUHc9Wo-6cT4G3MR8iH1UoiwGS6uvba0HoWCMKyrmVRstbphO4ixrERoUi9Hca4rzudR0FnmlZbGFMYn_fC-4AOWH/s1600/Morning+coffee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCv3p3KiMpWuuY7RDsyZ_zqwplvG-O6sDHBkkjW1VHOzxhUHc9Wo-6cT4G3MR8iH1UoiwGS6uvba0HoWCMKyrmVRstbphO4ixrERoUi9Hca4rzudR0FnmlZbGFMYn_fC-4AOWH/s200/Morning+coffee.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Front Yard in the Fall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This is where I am, trying to restructure to find some daily silence and maybe even a weekly day of Sabbath. The Big Man and I, spent some time together today talking about how to restructure our days to allow us to have more times together and less hustle.<br />
<br />
The focus for next week will be starting the day earlier, this will give me some quite time, time to start the day feeling less stressed and allow me to get to my office a couple of hours before I start seeing patients. The time in the office will allow me quite time to complete paper work or work on continuing education. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.miraclemorning.com/start-here/" target="_blank">Hal Elrod</a> has written about and discussed the benefits of the miracle morning. I have read his books <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Taking-LIFE-Head-Elrod-Story/dp/0979019702/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1248126021&sr=8-1" target="_blank">The Miracle Morning</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Taking-LIFE-Head-Elrod-Story/dp/0979019702/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1248126021&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Taking Life Head On.</a> Both books make sense, they encourage me to be a better person. The challenge is for me to be a better person, who is not following the prescription of more is better.<br />
<br />
So, I would love to hear, how do you find quite time? Do you practice the Sabbath?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "lucida handwriting";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "lucida handwriting";">~ ConnieKayA
~</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "lucida handwriting";">
A Southern Girl sharing her passion for living an abundantly blessed life.</span>https://scrapbookwife.blogspot.com/http://www.blogger.com/profile/16962286877644141412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15850200.post-15854143105085280152016-10-17T20:54:00.002-05:002016-10-17T20:54:26.154-05:00Feeling Bad for Not Going to Church Lately the Big Man and I have not been attending church. At first <strike>our</strike> my excuse was work, family and just being "too busy" but over time I have found myself questioning organized religion.<br />
My view of church has changed, I once believed that the body of the church would be faithful with work in the community, but over the last couple of years, I see the body of the church as being content to sit in their pew and write a check. <br />
<br />
I have watched our church dwindle in numbers, never moving outside of the walls. Yet, thousands of dollars have been poured into maintaining a big old brick structure for a few. For me that is selfish - I want people to get out, offer a hand (without a check). There is so much of God's work to be done in our little community.<br />
<br />
So, I haven't been to Sunday services and I feel bad about not going to church. I love our pastor, she is one of the most honest, kindest, hard working souls I know. Her mission in life is to spread the word and focus on God's work. But, I have learned in organized religion, you have to follow rules and you should not upset those with the checkbook.<br />
<br />
So back to me, what do I do?? How do I give God what he deserves, after all he gave us his son.<br />
God deserves His due place in our lives. Psalm 29:2 calls us to “give unto the Lord the glory
due to his name…” He deserves a life of worship, and a small start of that is to spend time in His
word, learning more about Him.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXapp05MgkWQiLJkqB4r70NashCSR0cbic90WnSCWmaEJhXyAJYb3Fan0ru6_CYbaVHy9IZ2rguv5mVQmn0qrBvSpd0LXGEIHKygenBdEgWOnPpFa4PepxXqCIwKHUPrd0YhLS/s1600/30+Days+of+Gratitude.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXapp05MgkWQiLJkqB4r70NashCSR0cbic90WnSCWmaEJhXyAJYb3Fan0ru6_CYbaVHy9IZ2rguv5mVQmn0qrBvSpd0LXGEIHKygenBdEgWOnPpFa4PepxXqCIwKHUPrd0YhLS/s200/30+Days+of+Gratitude.jpg" width="156" /></a><br />
So..I have decided that online bible study and quite time with God are how I will give God the time he deserves.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8pR7m7i-VRXm0NA9Ekq3yltrFArNRQbEPw2xS-cCA4FZ1wEYEI_aosK1Spjor1lMsgoo5Dg-AngoDrTf0z3Yr31Rgya1FtsFoDWEYekPMJapcssF_GDB8Qcu42sKnyoLv_kQV/s1600/Gratitude+Journal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8pR7m7i-VRXm0NA9Ekq3yltrFArNRQbEPw2xS-cCA4FZ1wEYEI_aosK1Spjor1lMsgoo5Dg-AngoDrTf0z3Yr31Rgya1FtsFoDWEYekPMJapcssF_GDB8Qcu42sKnyoLv_kQV/s200/Gratitude+Journal.jpg" width="154" /></a>I have started with <a href="http://timewarpwife.com/30-days-of-gratitude-a-journey-through-exodus-study-guide-and-introduction/" target="_blank">30 Days of Gratitude: A Journey Through Exodus</a><br /><br />Exodus is not a book I have read. My plan is to <br />read the passage for the day. I then plan to spend time using the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Quieting-Your-Heart-Gratitude-Journal/dp/0995056765/ref=as_li_ss_tl?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1475053459&sr=1-1&keywords=quieting+gratitude&linkCode=sl1&tag=timewarpwifem-20&linkId=47e44bb4c07bff564e4f7fbc09106142" target="_blank">Quieting Your Heart Gratitude Journal </a><br />
<br />
Will this process work? I am not sure what I will gain from the process. I do know that it is right to give God the time he deserves, so for now it will be me and God doing quite time together.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Handwriting";">~ ConnieKayA
~<br />
A Southern Girl sharing her passion for living an abundantly blessed life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />https://scrapbookwife.blogspot.com/http://www.blogger.com/profile/16962286877644141412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15850200.post-76672689752367268362016-10-14T22:33:00.001-05:002016-10-14T22:33:13.792-05:00An Organized Life Starts at Home<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7wFoh_pNioAGtZRrVmhKx6Pf9hyv4Q5lYcTcxv3hXzD1REQuxUFKtPv6HRTUA1ZNw_3ptEdXCIuBSob7EOpfd00pxhVT_BXaGKNSeugPuN0PM2ihWKZJH2ladVgK_sxoEkUwk/s1600/simplify.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7wFoh_pNioAGtZRrVmhKx6Pf9hyv4Q5lYcTcxv3hXzD1REQuxUFKtPv6HRTUA1ZNw_3ptEdXCIuBSob7EOpfd00pxhVT_BXaGKNSeugPuN0PM2ihWKZJH2ladVgK_sxoEkUwk/s200/simplify.JPG" width="200" /></a>An organized life starts at home. When I wake up looking at piles of books,
laundry waiting to be washed or hung in the closet, dirty dishes in the sink,
my stress level goes up and my
productivity goes down.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If I work late, I need to know my family is being fed and
not surviving on fast food every day.
After working 12 hours a day, I need life to be simple. I need to be able to spend my productive time
without worry or regret that my home is not clean or organized. I need rest
time in my safe place, home, without feeling like a failure because the beds
are made or the cabinets are empty.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I took a look at my daily activities and decide which ones
were (a) not that <o:p></o:p></div>
important to either me or my family (b) relatively easy to
drop, delegate, or outsource. What I
found was that there are many household task that can be dropped, delegated, or
outsourced.<br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So when I decided to hire someone to do things for me around
the house to simplify my life, I had to decide what exactly I wanted them to
do.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are household task that I can do that makes me feel
better about my home, like picking throw blankets and pillows up of the den
floor, moving clutter off the kitchen counters, or sorting the mail on my
husband’s desk.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are tasks that should be done but do not have to be
completed by me, like laundry, making the bed, and washing dishes. Then there are those task that should be done
at least every few months, like cleaning the ceiling fans and baseboards, which
have no place in my schedule. There are
also task that if left to me, with my schedule, would never be done those
task include<o:p></o:p></div>
washing the windows, wiping down the light switches,
shampooing the carpets.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrF7LIooJHZNcOnNpBdgQj7YMye_HbhLXtiUB0ytayUPLN0-5Np1FB3PC2qCYIJh4_zGJE5SmcbdfzscA_hEXcVpAEinyYqGCwK8ueUM9TqZ2zwWgcdxak4ryfhoJrE8KykarY/s1600/cute_cottage.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrF7LIooJHZNcOnNpBdgQj7YMye_HbhLXtiUB0ytayUPLN0-5Np1FB3PC2qCYIJh4_zGJE5SmcbdfzscA_hEXcVpAEinyYqGCwK8ueUM9TqZ2zwWgcdxak4ryfhoJrE8KykarY/s200/cute_cottage.gif" width="200" /></a><o:p> </o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now, some of you are thinking, there is no way you can
afford to hire help, hiring someone would cost a fortune. For me I simply calculated what I earn in an
hour and then how many hours I was getting up early, skipping my exercise, or
staying up late to clean my home. It was
simple math – hiring someone allowed me to be more productive and less stress
equaling a simply organized life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How about you, have you thought about hiring someone to help
in your home? I would love to hear what is holding you back from having a
simpler organized life. Do you already
have help in the home? If so, I would love to hear how having help has made
your life simpler and more organized.<o:p></o:p></div>
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~ Connie Kay A ~<o:p></o:p></div>
https://scrapbookwife.blogspot.com/http://www.blogger.com/profile/16962286877644141412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15850200.post-59911204378630669842016-09-06T22:45:00.002-05:002016-09-06T22:45:17.234-05:00Meditation and Chicken PaintingNothing ever really changes in my life. Thankfully I still have a loving family, with needs, a full-time family practice, rescue dogs that love me, and a boarding kennel to operate. Sometimes I have no control over these obligations. The only control I have is how I handle each obligation or situation.<br />
<div>
So, I have been working on meditation. Yep, sitting quietly or standing in a tree pose helps me refocus, center my thoughts and push out negative feelings. </div>
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<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5aDMfUG8WUVeaSX_zK3dvLO_9qQdFKdQDbuUKImlLECHpCpvbwrUO2D_0b0eEqCqYCa9Y3aGqcbihvBOp_AMlHjHbVBGi6VFuHl3OvAQyv-0BMx2evqDuQEBZjV2-DyRHiPmy/s200/Yoga+Girl.jpg" width="180" /></span></div>
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<ul class="List" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Gotham Narrow SSm A", "Gotham Narrow SSm B"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 22.8571px; list-style: none outside none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 1.3em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: none outside none; margin: 0.4em 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 5px; vertical-align: baseline;">According to several books on Meditation, meditation brings the brainwave pattern into a relaxed state that promotes healing. The mind becomes fresh, and delicate. With regular practice of meditation:</li>
<li><span style="line-height: 22.8571px;">Anxiety decreases</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 22.8571px;">Emotional stability improves</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 22.8571px;">Creativity increases</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 22.8571px;">Happiness increases</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 22.8571px;">Gain clarity and peace of mind</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 22.8571px;">Problems become smaller</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 22.8571px;">Meditation sharpens the mind by increasing focus and expands through relaxation</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 22.8571px;">Meditation makes you aware - that your inner attitude determines your happiness.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Gotham Narrow SSm A, Gotham Narrow SSm B;"><span style="line-height: 22.8571px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Gotham Narrow SSm A, Gotham Narrow SSm B;"><span style="line-height: 22.8571px;">So if you see me standing in the middle of the clinic in a tree pose, know that I am working on being a better person. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Gotham Narrow SSm A, Gotham Narrow SSm B;"><span style="line-height: 22.8571px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Gotham Narrow SSm A, Gotham Narrow SSm B;"><span style="line-height: 22.8571px;">This week for my crafty side I started a painting. I am not a painter, but there is something relaxing about sitting with a paintbrush in your hand and being able to add color and life to a blank canvas.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-Xcx5rhf0cVj_4vnFKVb2XZFaij1i5wGLdcMjNbPiXItoHyttG4JKOfCgM-bd2eBJWqX1sGEEjrlQ2M6dF4i7-eTZmcjFt0s6bDLL_IYXc1yAHKBz38-pRM5zTsVeXx5Nx-x/s1600/chicken+painting_start.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-Xcx5rhf0cVj_4vnFKVb2XZFaij1i5wGLdcMjNbPiXItoHyttG4JKOfCgM-bd2eBJWqX1sGEEjrlQ2M6dF4i7-eTZmcjFt0s6bDLL_IYXc1yAHKBz38-pRM5zTsVeXx5Nx-x/s200/chicken+painting_start.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Gotham Narrow SSm A, Gotham Narrow SSm B;"><span style="line-height: 22.8571px;"> </span></span></div>
<div>
Here is hoping you have a perfect week</div>
<div>
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<span style="font-family: Mistral; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">~ Connie Kay A ~<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Gotham Narrow SSm A, Gotham Narrow SSm B;"><span style="line-height: 22.8571px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
https://scrapbookwife.blogspot.com/http://www.blogger.com/profile/16962286877644141412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15850200.post-43890823500982303352016-08-28T21:57:00.001-05:002016-08-28T21:57:09.517-05:00Be Good To Me Saturday Craft Time<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
As part of my "be good to me" routine, I spent Saturday crafting. I started with a little sewing. A friend need a few burp cloths for a baby shower, so I whipped these up in just a couple of hours. I was a little frustrated at first, my embroidery machine and sewing machine both must have liked being on vacation because neither wanted to work...but with a little prayer and persuasion the sewing machine decided to cooperate. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDOzOdZ7dWf-9RfFVEdAzpqrf2FZWuhmSQM4pcphPX6GvrkFFNx7n7mITrbtYJcosr_XNBXcFqDS1qmfj46Bi_7cB7htrpudPvZe80jTQD8fIRwRu0zJ8d7I-La1D20PGtaQlX/s1600/Burp+Cloths.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDOzOdZ7dWf-9RfFVEdAzpqrf2FZWuhmSQM4pcphPX6GvrkFFNx7n7mITrbtYJcosr_XNBXcFqDS1qmfj46Bi_7cB7htrpudPvZe80jTQD8fIRwRu0zJ8d7I-La1D20PGtaQlX/s200/Burp+Cloths.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby Burp Cloths </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Then it was nap-time. Honey Bunny and I took a short 15 minute nap. It was the best sleep, a quite house and Honey snoring. Rescue dogs can teach us all about life we just listen. Nap-time and cuddles are blessings </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4oIiH72y8CxyEYTvYMmgIkZVeBLfcmODxIw1-YpXcjeQ9-854XEnh4zQPnk9T7_H4D7rKqFwH_ftaxzsEARhuQVsd9L0nc2A0f2J05YpCfVF32FfMlDL7Xlwvm7fS3RRpbzhn/s1600/Napping+with+Honey+Bunny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4oIiH72y8CxyEYTvYMmgIkZVeBLfcmODxIw1-YpXcjeQ9-854XEnh4zQPnk9T7_H4D7rKqFwH_ftaxzsEARhuQVsd9L0nc2A0f2J05YpCfVF32FfMlDL7Xlwvm7fS3RRpbzhn/s200/Napping+with+Honey+Bunny.jpg" width="198" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rescue Dog Resting </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Looking over my schedule, I realized I had volunteered for flowers this week at church. So instead of frantically calling a florist, I made a quick run to Walmart and bought flowers.</div>
It look took an hour to put this piece together. It felt great to be creative.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9bL29WDSF196SB8qfDKERV7rUt_rzSAgjHePRXUysHcJsOA6fe3MOAa7G_1Ad6EYn3f9mZMC5AeYXwF3_P0jE50hVb5TgpGGwUndNMui-xzJ1bzlJpFBDnolalfwIazWwyg2S/s1600/Flowers+for+the+Churst+Alter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9bL29WDSF196SB8qfDKERV7rUt_rzSAgjHePRXUysHcJsOA6fe3MOAa7G_1Ad6EYn3f9mZMC5AeYXwF3_P0jE50hVb5TgpGGwUndNMui-xzJ1bzlJpFBDnolalfwIazWwyg2S/s200/Flowers+for+the+Churst+Alter.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creative Saturday Flowers </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It felt so good to be creative I just kept working I finished up a curtain for the den. I have had this fabric cut out and ready to go for weeks. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Saturday - I get to be creative and I also got to check a project off my to-do list. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFxrDV7BBRx_2FRjZmhz978V8_rNJekki2zQoFhnQUdFiafzIb7WNfqBlKdX2L3rT6Qop3HV4pmsW8IEVm26weQ9oRUA-E2nUjbpzF-lI0p1G68OvZsHkk7scXYWkHBbAbStYN/s1600/New+Curtain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFxrDV7BBRx_2FRjZmhz978V8_rNJekki2zQoFhnQUdFiafzIb7WNfqBlKdX2L3rT6Qop3HV4pmsW8IEVm26weQ9oRUA-E2nUjbpzF-lI0p1G68OvZsHkk7scXYWkHBbAbStYN/s200/New+Curtain.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Curtain for the Den </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
What did you do this weekend to be creative? What did you do to "be good to you"?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Mistral; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">~ Connie Kay A ~<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />https://scrapbookwife.blogspot.com/http://www.blogger.com/profile/16962286877644141412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15850200.post-26159100952119003062016-08-21T20:22:00.002-05:002016-08-21T20:22:37.233-05:00Recovery For A Weary Soul I am back to blogging! I feel like I have been gone forever. I took a few months off to try to regroup.<br />
My soul and body were weary. Over the last couple of months I have come to realize that stress is real. Stress and an over-loaded calendar can cause spiritual and physical issues. <br />
<br />
Over the previous twenty-four months I had opened a family practice, as a new nurse practitioner, built and opened a boarding kennel, cared for my youngest son through two tough surgeries and a life altering illness, along with my husband having two knee replacements and my father, who has dementia moving in with us. All of this, while trying to stay active doing God's work. Being mom to 14 rescue dogs, volunteering to take in emergency foster animals, running a free health clinic (two nights a month), and chairing the mission's committee at church.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8gtlgduWRaEP76ll4fTxjmBsQZej4SSbCx2PNq1tGCvuUNEVeJNYjDF8mdsTfowckFKxORS5XW4kBEQUtwyJUKijyvNhbIns2BYS28YLcBUBlw1bm8vKTZLh-2MoC8xd8-qXz/s1600/Change+for+the+Life+Waiting+on+Us.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8gtlgduWRaEP76ll4fTxjmBsQZej4SSbCx2PNq1tGCvuUNEVeJNYjDF8mdsTfowckFKxORS5XW4kBEQUtwyJUKijyvNhbIns2BYS28YLcBUBlw1bm8vKTZLh-2MoC8xd8-qXz/s200/Change+for+the+Life+Waiting+on+Us.jpg" width="200" /></a>Some days I woke up and did not have a clue what day of the week it was or where I was supposed to begin. I gained 10 lbs and lost muscle tone and flexibility. I let friendships go and found diversion from my responsibilities in social media.<br />
<br />
Now, I am making smarter choices about how to spend my time. I am saying no to things I can live without and yes to things God has spoken to me about. <br />
<br />
Over the next few weeks, I will share with you some of the information I have gained from the books I have read, the podcast I have listened to, and the ways I have found to find happiness and peace for my weary soul. The happiness that God wants us to have.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVlS3CSI5yW_6rKTFhPK_BxS32aqsjDethx3m1k4tOtfWR5oluZTyuFciNJ3gNmeKLwg6PAgJcn-oNdn2IMpmIBWYuG4lf5mCLhkkwFi__HUHiFlINALfBal-KpOB7RhqDL0Em/s1600/The+Happiness+Dare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVlS3CSI5yW_6rKTFhPK_BxS32aqsjDethx3m1k4tOtfWR5oluZTyuFciNJ3gNmeKLwg6PAgJcn-oNdn2IMpmIBWYuG4lf5mCLhkkwFi__HUHiFlINALfBal-KpOB7RhqDL0Em/s1600/The+Happiness+Dare.jpg" /></a><br />
If you are looking for the happiness God wants us to experience check out this awesome group read at <a href="http://www.incourage.me/2016/08/happiness-dare-introduction-free-gift.html" target="_blank">In-Courage Happiness Dare Book Club</a><br />
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Peace be with you,<br /><span style="font-family: Mistral; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">~ Connie Kay A ~</span><br />
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<br />https://scrapbookwife.blogspot.com/http://www.blogger.com/profile/16962286877644141412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15850200.post-24849122764644280522016-04-29T08:17:00.000-05:002016-04-29T08:17:02.469-05:00Using Imagination in a Crisis
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">Have you ever been in the middle of something bad
happening, that while it was happening felt horrible, but in the end you
realized the bad was really good? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">My home was the victim of a water leak…one of those
pesky leaks that had been secretly seeping under floors and providing water for
the sheetrock.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkrVaZ75jk-PGX-dz3i4XmdGxS6H8MWvQAk1A888DjCF9Ur1wGRfrWYtr9OwXo1GxLvIldkFUnXw4dI1KXNYhIrDPq7Ot65LIiCIPb1Ge-EJDlBmj5ZImZ2Xp-RUKjcAlm5NZo/s1600/House_2016_leak_F.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkrVaZ75jk-PGX-dz3i4XmdGxS6H8MWvQAk1A888DjCF9Ur1wGRfrWYtr9OwXo1GxLvIldkFUnXw4dI1KXNYhIrDPq7Ot65LIiCIPb1Ge-EJDlBmj5ZImZ2Xp-RUKjcAlm5NZo/s200/House_2016_leak_F.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">In the midst of furniture being stored, floors being
removed, sheetrock being cut out, while working 60 hours a week and trying to
keep some sense of normal for my 88 year old father who lives with us and had
dementia, I realized that yes the leak was an issue, but I had an opportunity
to create the home of my dreams (well, maybe not the whole house, but three
rooms). </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Imagination is powerful. Our
lives are not determined by what happens to us, but by the choices we make.
Imagination allows us to break down borders, to move beyond our circumstances,
to create and constantly progress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">As I was driving home after
work, late one night, I realized, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">I had always imagined a
large room with overstuffed furniture, light walls, and bold accent colors. The
word imagine means: to form a picture or idea in your mind of something that is
not real or present.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our old room had tan walls, laminate flooring,
large overstuffed dark furniture and black accent tables. It was a comfortable
room, but not the room of my dreams. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtzgxuehLLiC40Vjp9oX2o5RvLXOLTSyYP3-IhTaxMhhVkyK2blcFjurwcoWhPpuuBJ4Rn4dDU-NJ_e4YsHUM_-F4e7jhkKGzkWaI-l6oEEEysH3YhoehJJCMsJSy9Lg63jYwp/s1600/The+inspired+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtzgxuehLLiC40Vjp9oX2o5RvLXOLTSyYP3-IhTaxMhhVkyK2blcFjurwcoWhPpuuBJ4Rn4dDU-NJ_e4YsHUM_-F4e7jhkKGzkWaI-l6oEEEysH3YhoehJJCMsJSy9Lg63jYwp/s200/The+inspired+room.jpg" width="171" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">Ok, so I had a picture in my head, but I found myself
being indecisive. What if I choose the wrong flooring? What if light colored
walls looked horrible? What if no one liked what I designed?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What if bold accent colors were over
powering?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Should I also redecorate the
foyer, it does lead into the den???<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When
I start down the road of “what ifs” I become paralyzed with indecision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fear keeps my imagination from becoming
reality. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">As an educator at heart, I love books.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I often find myself turning to books, when I
do not have an answer. <br />
Years ago I had read Myquillyn Smith’s book, “The Nesting Place, It Doesn’t
Have to Be Perfect to Be Beautiful”. Knowing I needed inspiration I pulled
Myquillyn’s book out and purchased Melissa Michaels “The Inspired Room: Simple
Ideas to Love the Home You Have”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">Now I am still living in chaos, but my imagination is
running wild. I can see that the pesky water leak, as a blessing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have the ability and tools to design and
build the room of my dreams. Oh and why stop at one room, my imagination could
just run wild with making my home the home of my dreams. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">What do you imagine for your home? <br />
Connie <o:p></o:p></span></div>
https://scrapbookwife.blogspot.com/http://www.blogger.com/profile/16962286877644141412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15850200.post-40434746631791590632016-04-08T09:10:00.000-05:002016-04-08T09:10:03.661-05:00Celebrate the Flavors of spring in Northeast Arkansas
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Celebrate the Flavors of spring in Northeast Arkansas <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
In Northeast Arkansas spring is a time for being outside, enjoying
the warmth of the sun and the freshness in the air.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In Blytheville, AR. spring means it is time for the Farmer’s
Market.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Several years ago Blytheville
started looking for ways to draw people to Main Street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A once thriving place, where most of the city’s
businesses resided, was then sparsely lined with business among empty buildings
and the sidewalks were empty. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX0D56x8ke5dSpa5kvkuWZ-j7e0yPPNME63q9g54NjGHGCRjoWiZgBnCOs0M5z6CPFhAGM5I6CTk49SZu2Fb3BaWMFj6XDlruhVmMAQCmYWzP6YjhGEPTrIDw3VYm4Dx6Vvlh0/s1600/Blytheville_Greyhound_Bus_Station.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX0D56x8ke5dSpa5kvkuWZ-j7e0yPPNME63q9g54NjGHGCRjoWiZgBnCOs0M5z6CPFhAGM5I6CTk49SZu2Fb3BaWMFj6XDlruhVmMAQCmYWzP6YjhGEPTrIDw3VYm4Dx6Vvlh0/s200/Blytheville_Greyhound_Bus_Station.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">
Sitting on the west end of Main Street is a blue building prominently
displaying a vertical sign with lighted letters, identifying the building as the
Grey Hound Bus Station. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The city and
Main Street Blytheville organization has diligent worked to restore the
building to its original grander. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
building is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it is believed to be only one of three of a kind still in existence. Built in 1939, the building houses the local tourist information center, headquarters for Main Street Blytheville, and now Saturday morning Farmer's Market. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"></span></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Hi2wf-ognh7vjRgzEckAxXsmob5STpxUL_EpRybDrE3EkRzjCM6AvL3qFr035UExeEsCj00DsIKk-8iGOb_TgpV2sV5o20TnvHf2pUvGtHLcWnAXRw9kqX_jgBJjBD_hpG24/s1600/Farmers_Market_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Hi2wf-ognh7vjRgzEckAxXsmob5STpxUL_EpRybDrE3EkRzjCM6AvL3qFr035UExeEsCj00DsIKk-8iGOb_TgpV2sV5o20TnvHf2pUvGtHLcWnAXRw9kqX_jgBJjBD_hpG24/s320/Farmers_Market_3.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">Not as large as some Farmer’s Market, Main Street Farmer’s
Market in Blytheville is a taste of small town Northeast Arkansas. You can buy
fresh vegetables, locally baked goods, and craft items.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On almost any Saturday morning, there will be
coffee and homemade tamales available.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">I love to go and buy fresh vegetables. This time of year, fresh green spinach is available. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Being a vegetarian in a family of carnivores, I often try to cook recipes that will
bring my meat eating family members over to the Vegetarian side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of my family's favorite recipes is fried spinach artichoke balls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My boys never
make fun of my vegetables served up southern fried. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
Fried Spinach Artichoke Balls.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ingredients<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">9 ounces fresh green
spinach, sautéed with a pinch of salt and pepper <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">1 (6.7 ounce) jar
artichoke hearts (drain and pat dry) <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">1 cup shredded
mozzarella cheese <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">½ cup shredded
Parmesan cheese <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">3 tablespoons
mayonnaise <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">2 loves minced
garlic <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">1 cup plain panko
crispy bread crumbs <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">2 eggs, beaten <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">½ cup all-purpose
flour <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">1 lemon, cut into
slices <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">1 pinch coarse
salt and freshly ground pepper <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">4 cups vegetable
oil <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Directions<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 0.5in;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sautee the green spinach in a skillet lightly coated in vegetable oil add a
pinch of salt and pepper cook till wilted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Drain well on a paper towel. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 0.5in;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In a large bowl, combine the spinach, artichoke hearts, mozzarella,
Parmesan, mayonnaise, garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
Place bowl in the freezer for 10 minutes to firm. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 0.5in;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Place the panko, eggs and flour in 3 small bowls. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 0.5in;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Roll the spinach mixture into 1-inch balls. Lightly roll in the flour,
shaking off any excess. Dip each ball in the egg wash, then lightly roll around
in the panko breadcrumbs. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 0.5in;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Fry in hot sunflower oil until golden brown, about 3 minutes total. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 0.5in;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">They are ready to serve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you ever in
Blytheville, Arkansas stop the Grey Hound Bus Station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We would love to have you visit our little
corner of Arkansas. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">~ Connie ~<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
https://scrapbookwife.blogspot.com/http://www.blogger.com/profile/16962286877644141412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15850200.post-89216286835570502732016-01-31T22:54:00.006-06:002016-01-31T22:54:53.426-06:00The Homless Dilemma Life can be unpredictable in many ways. This week I have been praying that God would lead me to do the right thing. I listened carefully all week long, but I did not hear a voice tell me what to do, no shooting star with a message appeared, but my gut kept leading me back to <span class="_Tgc">Matthew 25:40 “The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'</span><br />
<span class="_Tgc"></span><br />
<span class="_Tgc">I had found myself in a dilemma, a situation in which a difficult choice had to be made between two or more alternatives. The dilemma: My son knows a young lady who has no family support, was recently laid off, lost her vehicle, and was evicted with a toddler. The choice, do nothing, let her find her own way, try to help her maneuver through the homeless system or open our home to her till she can find her way. </span><br />
<span class="_Tgc"></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSWPBtmymR2CEAsd6jH8OUXiuqmMza5YbSWpREpqcKr1nnFbdis4Da3BkjNi3tuOoqaGNJ2aoBtJfmj-adFrzqs5zPZJ5w375IR4JYm3K83DXvASlhgz3Gko0btq_RM-PAf8yk/s1600/Family.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSWPBtmymR2CEAsd6jH8OUXiuqmMza5YbSWpREpqcKr1nnFbdis4Da3BkjNi3tuOoqaGNJ2aoBtJfmj-adFrzqs5zPZJ5w375IR4JYm3K83DXvASlhgz3Gko0btq_RM-PAf8yk/s200/Family.png" width="200" /></a><span class="_Tgc">The Big Man and I several years ago opened our home to a young man, who was in a similar situation. That young man turned out to be an awesome man. He lived with us for several years and we have grown to call him our son. So, do we open our home again for this young mother? </span><span class="_Tgc">The answer is yes. </span><br />
<span class="_Tgc"></span><br />
<span class="_Tgc">I can't imagine not having someone, anyone to fall back on when life gets messy. I can't imagine how scary it must be to not know where you are going to sleep, how you are going to find a job or pay a babysitter. </span><br />
<span class="_Tgc"></span><br />
<span class="_Tgc">Our community has resources to assist when families find themselves in a messy life situation. I tried several times last week to help this young mother access those resources, let me tell, accessing help is not as easy as it sounds. </span><br />
<span class="_Tgc"></span><br />
<span class="_Tgc">Here are some rules I learned this week:<br />To access government housing assistance be prepared to wait on a list for housing, it could be 12 to 24 months. </span><br />
<span class="_Tgc">To access rapid housing, a grant program designed to keep people out of homeless shelters you must have a photo ID, an eviction noticed or be homeless (aka meaning you are already living on the street) and meet with the representative on their schedule (not when you have a ride, on your lunch break or after work). </span><br />
<span class="_Tgc">To rent an apartment and some houses you must have references and a decent credit score. </span><br />
<span class="_Tgc">To access food stamps you must have an address and utility bills. </span><br />
<span class="_Tgc">To store what little furniture you have, after selling things to pay the rent and utilities, you must have cash and a vehicle to move your belongings. </span><br />
<span class="_Tgc">I also learned the system sucks! I have multiple college degrees and I was overwhelmed and frustrated trying to assist this young lady get help. The system certainly isn't about giving hope, it is much more about taking hope from the homeless. </span><br />
<span class="_Tgc"></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyMVRO-H1KqtDARO4fPzjkULQV39mAuSRL32eFrHmWWzmPVY4yTIuSIiFeoqYjit4N6qqnGIsh9shs5ckO35_Z1TB-dKCDo76ymMVlCTGNwstqGAgneG8x6B6vl6yuoS0WmIbS/s1600/Homeless_sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyMVRO-H1KqtDARO4fPzjkULQV39mAuSRL32eFrHmWWzmPVY4yTIuSIiFeoqYjit4N6qqnGIsh9shs5ckO35_Z1TB-dKCDo76ymMVlCTGNwstqGAgneG8x6B6vl6yuoS0WmIbS/s200/Homeless_sign.jpg" width="200" /></a><span class="_Tgc">My family is blessed, the Lord works in mysterious ways, I never dreamed as a single mother of three to some day have a family of five, a man to love me unconditionally, the career of my dreams and the ability to make a difference in my community.</span><br />
<span class="_Tgc"></span><span class="_Tgc"></span><br />
<span class="_Tgc">So for now, we have added a sweet young lady and her precious child to our clan. My promise to her is to help her become an independent strong young woman that will someday pay forward the blessings she receives.</span><br />
<span class="_Tgc">I challenge you to look at the homeless in your community, not to judge them, but with open hearts. </span><br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span class="_Tgc">Peace Be With You</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span class="_Tgc">Connie </span></div>
<span class="_Tgc"></span><br />
<div align="center">
<span class="_Tgc"></span><br /></div>
<span class="_Tgc"></span><br />
<span class="_Tgc"></span><br />
<span class="_Tgc"></span><br />
<span class="_Tgc"></span><br />
<span class="_Tgc"></span><br />https://scrapbookwife.blogspot.com/http://www.blogger.com/profile/16962286877644141412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15850200.post-10294185156128740332016-01-09T16:38:00.002-06:002016-01-09T16:38:54.800-06:00One Little Word - Ceate The Life of My Dreams in 2016Hi Readers, <br />
I have been MIA for a several weeks I had surgery and have been a little slower than expected getting back on my feet. I hope everyone had a great holiday. <br />
<br />
As the new year begins it is time to assess what we accomplished in 2015 and set new goals for 2016. 2015 was an exciting year for my family. We completed our first year with two new businesses <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BedandBiscuitBoading/?fref=ts" target="_blank">Bed and Biscuit Boarding </a>and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Conniesfamilypractice/timeline" target="_blank">Connie's Family Practice</a>. We have worked hard and been blessed beyond our wildest imagination. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfLG8f0k3PJwmqf7hv2oDr4PidVjtUC6tupfbSKS1TVyQcfYaUzdUpQStj1lLzAkARnLkBuuWjnsGEAtsKq-DwG4o11EnNmn2LUZ-2D5D92WZHL75nMevx-TACDxxD8kDKhNxS/s1600/Blessed+Beyond+Belief.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfLG8f0k3PJwmqf7hv2oDr4PidVjtUC6tupfbSKS1TVyQcfYaUzdUpQStj1lLzAkARnLkBuuWjnsGEAtsKq-DwG4o11EnNmn2LUZ-2D5D92WZHL75nMevx-TACDxxD8kDKhNxS/s200/Blessed+Beyond+Belief.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
I love to think of the new year as a blank slate. Sine 2012 I have been choosing One Little Word to help me focus my busy life. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
In 2012 my word was Balance<br />In 2013 my word was Time</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In 2014 my word was Balance </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In 2014 my word was Shalom</div>
<br />
As we finish up the first week of 2016, I have been thinking about what I want 2016 to look like. I want 2016 to be the year I create the life of my dreams. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
My One Little Word for 2016 </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><strong>Create </strong></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Life isn't about finding yourself <br />Life is about</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Creating </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yourself. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid8C8EZLUwSJ6gGHz5uLgZti7ojia9vHR-XH2gaS3jafJVcjQ2DFefCOJwIlTrcqPzJwFl-nS-Bk7eraVJbJDSp-7R8jsD_HM8O3_JynBiOtZF_Z4E8gqF4ai_OQr5Gmfw2YbS/s1600/Create_2016_Word.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid8C8EZLUwSJ6gGHz5uLgZti7ojia9vHR-XH2gaS3jafJVcjQ2DFefCOJwIlTrcqPzJwFl-nS-Bk7eraVJbJDSp-7R8jsD_HM8O3_JynBiOtZF_Z4E8gqF4ai_OQr5Gmfw2YbS/s200/Create_2016_Word.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Creating the life of my dreams will include: <br />Spending more time with my Family<br />Learning to eat healthy<br />Incorporating Exercise and/or Yoga in to my daily routine</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Building my Family Practice</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Crafting more <br />Reading more</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Living more in the image of Christ<br />Blogging about all the I create </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am so excited about 2016 - What is your focus in 2016? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~ Connie ~</div>
https://scrapbookwife.blogspot.com/http://www.blogger.com/profile/16962286877644141412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15850200.post-19237429159470530692015-10-29T20:45:00.000-05:002015-10-29T20:45:23.051-05:00Bad Labs calls for Healthy DietLife has been busy - I recently had my annual labs drawn and the results opened my eyes to how poorly I have been eating over the last six months. Yes, I am a vegetarian but an unhealthy vegetarian. According to my labs I am anemic and pre-diabetic. <br />
<br />
Now the pre-diabetic stuff is the extra 10 pounds I have gained in six months and the 10 pounds I need to loose before the extra 10.<br />
<br />
So I started looking at healthy recipes that I could make quickly. I found this awesome recipe for<br />
Turnip and Butternut Squash Soup. I love turnips and butternut squash so I had to try it - but, I made my veggie style.<br />
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Turnip and Butternut Squash Soup</div>
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<span style="font-family: gotham, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">2c Turnips, cubed</span></span><br clear="none" /><span style="font-family: gotham, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.57143em;">2c Butternut squash, cubed</span></span><br clear="none" /><span style="font-family: gotham, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.57143em;">1 medium onion, diced</span></span><br clear="none" /><span style="font-family: gotham, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.57143em;">2 tbs olive oil</span></span><br clear="none" /><span style="font-family: gotham, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.57143em;">2 tbs butter</span></span><br clear="none" /><span style="font-family: gotham, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.57143em;">1 quart </span><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">Vegetable</span><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.57143em;"> broth or chicken broth</span></span><br clear="none" /><span style="font-family: gotham, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.57143em;">1 tbs honey</span></span><br clear="none" /><span style="font-family: gotham, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.57143em;">Salt and pepper to taste</span></span></div>
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Heat veggies with butter and olive oil over medium heat until browned and a little soft. About ten minutes. Add vegetable <strike>chicken </strike>broth and honey. Let simmer for about 20 mins until veggies are tender. Serve hot. Season to taste.</div>
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What is your favorite healthy soup?<br />Connie<span style="color: #383838;"> </span></div>
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https://scrapbookwife.blogspot.com/http://www.blogger.com/profile/16962286877644141412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15850200.post-13855752060425586262015-10-02T20:05:00.001-05:002015-10-06T09:55:44.834-05:00Focusing on fall - MumsFriday is football in the south. Tonight we drove to Jackson,MO. to watch our grand some play football. There is an awesome vegetable stand that sells gorgeous fall Mums.<br />
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The Big Man stopped today so I could just look, well just looking got me 6 mums for the front yard. </div>
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Fall mums are a tradition. We had several that would come up every year. Last year. I had my grandson weed my flower bed and mums looked like weeds. </div>
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Thanks to the Big Man we will be replacing the "weeds" with Fall Mums.</div>
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Do you grow Mums?</div>
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Connie </div>
https://scrapbookwife.blogspot.com/http://www.blogger.com/profile/16962286877644141412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15850200.post-28478010379293198412015-10-01T17:43:00.002-05:002015-10-01T17:43:39.736-05:00Staring Fall with Focus - Simple Living <div>
I have decided at the last minute to join a <a href="http://write31days.com/2015/09/personal-endeavors/" target="_blank">31 Day-Writing Challenge.</a> My focus for the 31-days of October is simple living. Every day of October you should check back to see how I am learning to live simple and focus on the moment. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMhXkyOXKFshGgkHuWffqUbEo08FhaGKxXxk5g5kdOaQG7phFkgi9ekDL1YXz7lGQVeel8VmfVkPGQQi2agZNRRVxlh7f9cr6ju7G3WQnViwvhuha8-k9ZPlHqNYrO9yt-z8eo/s1600/apple+watch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMhXkyOXKFshGgkHuWffqUbEo08FhaGKxXxk5g5kdOaQG7phFkgi9ekDL1YXz7lGQVeel8VmfVkPGQQi2agZNRRVxlh7f9cr6ju7G3WQnViwvhuha8-k9ZPlHqNYrO9yt-z8eo/s200/apple+watch.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
To help me remember and learn to enjoy the simple life, I will be reading <a href="http://emilypfreeman.com/simply-tuesday/" target="_blank">Simply Tuesday</a> with <a href="http://www.incourage.me/start/story" target="_blank">Bloom (in)courage</a> book club. </div>
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Ya'll know how I try and try to stay organized with my busy life, always looking for ways to stay find more time, to slow down. I love my iPhone and my planner. But, I often do not have them with me, especially when I am seeing patients.<br />
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So the Big Man bought me an Apple Watch. Today is day one with the watch, so I am undecided if the watch will be an organizational tool or a toy. </div>
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Staring Fall with focus.<br />
Connie </div>
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https://scrapbookwife.blogspot.com/http://www.blogger.com/profile/16962286877644141412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15850200.post-11139273205662108132015-09-24T09:16:00.004-05:002015-09-24T09:20:50.147-05:00Finding Time For Me, In a Busy Season<em>This post has several links to great books - I am not a paid spokesman for any product. I simply want to share my thoughts on these great books and websites with you. </em><br />
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Yesterday was the first day of fall, a new season. A season is defined by changes in the weather, ecology, and environment. We often refer to times in our lives as seasons. I have been in a extremely busy season for almost a year. I have opened my own family practice as a new nurse practitioner, built and opened a boarding kennel with my husband, moved my 87 year old father in with me and tried to be a good Christian, wife, mother, and mom to my four-legged family. I have not been very good to myself. I have quit running, quit practicing yoga, added fast food to my vegetarian diet, fallen behind on scrapbooking, missed Sunday morning church and rushed my time with God, I seem to be doing all the talking and very little listening. .In all the hustle and bustle, I feel like I am alone. In my business, my family has become my sole support system, I have lost my sense of being in a community. <br />
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In a busy season we often overlook taking care of ourselves. Several months ago I picked <a href="http://fringehours.com/" target="_blank">Jessica Tuner's book The Fringe Hours</a>. I read when I can not sleep. As I was reading, I realized I miss being creative. I tell my patients that they have to have balance in their lives, but I have lost my balance. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTpuQSBgoi8pnW7hTHRlxMKzc4I2twGOq5_oIrF8eOtZJowJjijO8OsU0IJ6FEghCUuYWFzkbceRGutEzMPVRuhetXK1NN77QAU4T7Y1fKfzbGWCjP3w7OdGE1hTMlws5XCGZX/s1600/fringe-hours-finalcover-300x345.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTpuQSBgoi8pnW7hTHRlxMKzc4I2twGOq5_oIrF8eOtZJowJjijO8OsU0IJ6FEghCUuYWFzkbceRGutEzMPVRuhetXK1NN77QAU4T7Y1fKfzbGWCjP3w7OdGE1hTMlws5XCGZX/s200/fringe-hours-finalcover-300x345.png" width="173" /></a></div>
This week I started reading <a href="http://emilypfreeman.com/simply-tuesday/" target="_blank">Simply Tuesday: Small-Moment Living in a Fast-Moving World, by Emily Freeman.</a> Yesterday, I stumbled upon an online book club, <a href="http://www.incourage.me/start/story" target="_blank">Bloom (in)courage</a>. I am supper excited to find that the book club is reading <a href="http://emilypfreeman.com/simply-tuesday/" target="_blank">Simply Tuesday.</a> So, I have made a decision. I am going to join Bloom (in)courage book club and spend some online time with a community of like-minded women.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4QlkxoYjJ45BB6o-NCo7H4V1NHDteLPeH2QVW0GDJeuEYkQ7e5LZWA_0WaBwrjbyGq-fwcHbe7I0TTEQ2yIARoTUht4EIDmU4rG3kg805H3hTqjOt8l9o92-buGZpuutKBlXp/s1600/Simply+Tuesday.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4QlkxoYjJ45BB6o-NCo7H4V1NHDteLPeH2QVW0GDJeuEYkQ7e5LZWA_0WaBwrjbyGq-fwcHbe7I0TTEQ2yIARoTUht4EIDmU4rG3kg805H3hTqjOt8l9o92-buGZpuutKBlXp/s200/Simply+Tuesday.png" width="200" /></a><em>Why an online book club?</em><br />
I can read and post comments on my own schedule. <br />
People I interact with come from a wider variety of places and backgrounds.<br />
I will be involved with people who want to read the same genre<br />
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Have you ever participated in an online book club?<br />
Want to join me?<a href="http://www.incourage.me/channel/bloom" target="_blank"> Go to Bloom Book club (in)courage and sign up today</a>. <br />
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Happy fall, ya'll<br />
Connie <br />
<br />https://scrapbookwife.blogspot.com/http://www.blogger.com/profile/16962286877644141412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15850200.post-42687928093724424182015-08-30T21:56:00.002-05:002015-08-30T21:56:49.122-05:00Finding Time For Me I have been MIA for several weeks - life has been busy. I was on call for 17 days. Being on call means seeing 30+ patients a day, hospital rounds, and answering after hours call. I found myself <br />
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working 16 hour days. In my spare time I was trying to grade papers, keep my classroom discussions going, run the kennel, make sure Pops was taken care of and relying on the Big Man to take care of the house and our rescue dogs. In the end - I was tired, miserable, and grumpy.<br />
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About 13 days into this crazy schedule the Big Man showed up in my office and announced we were going on a mini vacation - aka, I am taking you somewhere so you can sleep and not be disturbed. Pick a place ??? Just in time a drug rep showed up in my office and suggested we go to Branson Missouri. So, we made reservations, and decided we would travel without an schedule.<br />
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This mini vacation, also meant, I had to find someone to stay with my Dad, keep my dogs, and cancel borders. What are a few more task...but on Thursday of last week, it all cam together, we set off on our mini vacation. Branson Missouri bound - of course I slept most of the drive. <br />
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We had dinner the first night at the Dixie Stampede </div>
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We played Put-Put Golf</div>
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We rode the Branson Scenic Railway</div>
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I slept<br />We visited the Top of the Rock </div>
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I slept</div>
It wasn't until Saturday morning when we started home that I begin to feel like I would be healthy again. <br />
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Healthy means - I wasn't going to fall asleep every time my bottom hit a chair, cry at the silliest things, or eat every piece of junk food I could find. <br />
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I tell my patients everyday that stress is bad for you, stress can lead to chronic disease, stress can kill you...but, I wasn't listening. So, today is a new day. I spent Sunday at home, distressing. I spent most of the day cleaning my studio, playing with dogs, a little cooking and a little scrapbooking (watch later this week for the scrapbook stuff0. <br />
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Our mini vacations is just what I needed to hit the reset button. <br />I am back - focusing on controlling my stress and finding ways to be healthy.<br />
What do you do to be healthy?<br />~ Connie ~<br />
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https://scrapbookwife.blogspot.com/http://www.blogger.com/profile/16962286877644141412noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15850200.post-88705683430457745052015-07-13T09:11:00.003-05:002015-07-13T09:11:27.361-05:00When you Coummnity is Made to Look Bad<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn-EjkQIEt8_69CD39VB3Jhm0lqs-0EBtIc0lzOmvn6CvCY6gFMLUcggLxMRs5X6fKxD2ENb4pXtW0keiNGCR2VJ58rUkLcrhkfZnNwqoG_Ea_cWcviM_Drw8fFWZZCu0hTiEN/s1600/Blytheville+AR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn-EjkQIEt8_69CD39VB3Jhm0lqs-0EBtIc0lzOmvn6CvCY6gFMLUcggLxMRs5X6fKxD2ENb4pXtW0keiNGCR2VJ58rUkLcrhkfZnNwqoG_Ea_cWcviM_Drw8fFWZZCu0hTiEN/s200/Blytheville+AR.jpg" width="200" /></a>I live in a small town in Northeast Arkansas. I have lived her for 26 years. I truly believe that my little town is a great place to live - but lately the media has been focusing on the bad things that occur in our community. Now don't get me wrong - we do have crime, I am not trying to cover up what has happened in our community. Every town / community in America has crime, but crime should not define a community -the people of the community define the community.<br />
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My favorite way to describe Blytheville is: "Blytheville may not have a lot of commercial things to offer, but Blytheville has a big heart." I could list example after example of how the community has rallied to help out another member of the community. From simple bake sales to auctions to building a free clinic.<br />
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It is not just the local residents that care for each other, the local businesses and industry are active parts of our community. Like <a href="http://nucoryamato.com/" target="_blank">Nucor-Yamoto Steel</a>, <a href="http://www.nucor.com/" target="_blank">Nurcor Steel</a> <a href="http://www.tenaris.com/en/default.aspx" target="_blank">Tenaris </a>and Lowes, who give both of time and resources. They are a huge part of our community. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiIf77D2ROt1Wl81br7VuX0BSwfgqOH4B4_7YRzOA4w9imS73yy9mQ6Puha8Jbuus5lUs-RbP4lqQmuQsGjeEAtDT_YOfpbg6GAMcz3NBlCHOvvicgvXrTK-zKfhv_Nw3urmy0/s1600/The+Bus+Station.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiIf77D2ROt1Wl81br7VuX0BSwfgqOH4B4_7YRzOA4w9imS73yy9mQ6Puha8Jbuus5lUs-RbP4lqQmuQsGjeEAtDT_YOfpbg6GAMcz3NBlCHOvvicgvXrTK-zKfhv_Nw3urmy0/s200/The+Bus+Station.jpg" width="200" /></a>The community members know that Blytheville has has a period of decline, but they also know that Blytheville can over come anything. Community member's big and small are working to revitalize <a href="http://www.mainstreetblytheville.com/" target="_blank">Main Street Blytheville</a>. The Blytheville Ministerial Alliance works diligently to solve social issues and help build a stronger community.<br />
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<br />
So why is their crime in Blytheville? Like other communities in America, big or small, there is a segment of our community that feels hopeless and helpless. These members of our community lack the imagination to see a better life or the solid foundation to recognize that life is precious. They often act out of anger, greed, or mental health issues (mental health is a whole other blog and then some - out mental health system is broken). <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ySxaHNJ4NjPeS_hGVfxh7vnU2ouRlwhI-7fGERaYlXuUq1eRqOoj3AwTRB9VlH9pFy4qudoNNNiJfmklG9N6_bVzefOjjpFMDebPkC9NCodMKknubvJqlVe8itEJ2zJl_y0u/s1600/Courthouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ySxaHNJ4NjPeS_hGVfxh7vnU2ouRlwhI-7fGERaYlXuUq1eRqOoj3AwTRB9VlH9pFy4qudoNNNiJfmklG9N6_bVzefOjjpFMDebPkC9NCodMKknubvJqlVe8itEJ2zJl_y0u/s200/Courthouse.jpg" width="200" /></a>How do you change the image of Blytheville? How do you focus the media on the good and not the bad? How long will it take to see a change? <br /><br />
Adding more police officers might keep residents safer, but the addition of police officers will have little impact on fixing the feeling of helplessness and hopelessness. Lately our local elected officials seem to think that prayer is the answer. I do believe that prayer can fix anything, but like the joke about God sending multiple rescuers to get a man off the roof - God has given us the intelligence, resources and tools to start fixing the issue, to rescue those need hope and help. We need to be active - this activity has start in homes and schools. <br />
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How long will it take to fix the social issues that lead to crime, a lifetime. Until then, pray that our elected officials use their knowledge and tools to help
save those in our community that feel helpless and hopeless. Me, I plan to continue to focus on my community as having a "Big Heart" by continuing my work with the free health clinic and the local humane society and urging others quit talking about the issues and put your "Big Heart" to work, making Blytheville a better place to live and letting the world know - Blytheville is a good place to live.<br />
~ <i>Connie ~</i> <br />
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<br />https://scrapbookwife.blogspot.com/http://www.blogger.com/profile/16962286877644141412noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15850200.post-32800609945696216552015-07-05T22:40:00.000-05:002015-07-05T22:40:05.514-05:00My Newest Obsession - Coop DreamsA few weeks ago I was visiting the <a href="http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/" target="_blank">Chicken Chick</a> I found her post about a new reality TV show -<br />
<a href="http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2015/06/reality-tv-behind-scenes-with-coop.html" target="_blank">Coop Dreams</a>. Being a new chicken farmer (I guess that is what you call someone who owns backyard chickens) I set a reminder in my calender so I could watch the first show. <br />
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Getting home for work at midnight I decided to find the channel and set up the TV to record the first episode. I had no clue the show would air at 5 AM...thank goodness for the technology to record TV shows. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8pS25GrFHPCuGSJ3gu-06GaqyB_0kGTAQoasIYdMyZTgJlAMl2ilf_KBkP1_3cqGA_LIQrgtjZeP5Bc5Sg7VE39YUvHh3zpff67ivOhyphenhyphengCRvaJ0mVCz0LIrN2Ch7fJrByIfA1/s1600/Girls_June2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8pS25GrFHPCuGSJ3gu-06GaqyB_0kGTAQoasIYdMyZTgJlAMl2ilf_KBkP1_3cqGA_LIQrgtjZeP5Bc5Sg7VE39YUvHh3zpff67ivOhyphenhyphengCRvaJ0mVCz0LIrN2Ch7fJrByIfA1/s200/Girls_June2015.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
So, first thing the next morning before my feet hit the floor I had to watch the first episode of <a href="http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2015/06/reality-tv-behind-scenes-with-coop.html" target="_blank">Coop Dreams. </a> The Big Man watched it with me...the show was awesome. <br />
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We are struggling with where and how to build our feathered girls and boys a new coop.<br />
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As we try to incorporate the extra acres we purchased a year ago, into the land our home sits on we have encountered some water issues. Deciding where to place our new coop, has been challenging. Every time we decide on a location, we get rain, and we realize that location holds water or is all clay and the spot will not work. <br />
We have finally decided on a location - no trees but we will build some shade into the structure.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyvEJHXcx7Q7q9bv1BhrIoRXM64YS24YH_QOnEuVQWPdt_YlQZxNt-XR8dhZXDiDNN9k1uP3gB1mmNX6x_7VML4QhNOgCiPMzgAKEu2hUmSsZTJgCi_yxrYvl4K7MXYfv95JXx/s1600/New+bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyvEJHXcx7Q7q9bv1BhrIoRXM64YS24YH_QOnEuVQWPdt_YlQZxNt-XR8dhZXDiDNN9k1uP3gB1mmNX6x_7VML4QhNOgCiPMzgAKEu2hUmSsZTJgCi_yxrYvl4K7MXYfv95JXx/s200/New+bridge.jpg" width="200" /></a>This weekend my guys built me a bridge joining the two pieces of property - as you can see from the picture we had drainage put in a few weeks ago, that has resulted in me having to walk out to the road and back up the drive to the kennel to keep form walking in the mud. I am so proud of the Big Man and the boys they built the bridge without out any plans, just their imagination. <br />
If you notice the first telephone pole behind the bridge, that is the new location of the chicken coop. We are going to have dirt hauled in before we start building so the girls will be out of the water, but we have a location!!!!! I am so excited. I can't wait to get the coop built - I also have a new swing that The Big Man is going to set up near the coop so I can have my coffee in the morning and watch the feathered children play. <br />
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We are also finishing up the youngest son's apartment. That is the building you see in the background. Stay tuned for the next couple of weeks as we work hard to build our little urban farm. <br />Do you ever wonder what to do with your land or your yard? For those that have chickens, any hints you want to share about building a chicken coop? <br />Connie <br />
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https://scrapbookwife.blogspot.com/http://www.blogger.com/profile/16962286877644141412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15850200.post-79888822146863476192015-06-28T15:24:00.003-05:002015-06-28T15:53:34.401-05:00Keeping it Simple with Water <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijF_HzAy8X4Ry3I6Zd2MPDpebVL2WNaPh9osT04xAfxfVhYg2VESVIal1jBtnnYfvQgrs_08FVbTf4g91WM9xfmIxa179G_2VQV7syeOYOKvqwhkft9wz4UuKiSpE6fgQf3FBZ/s1600/glass-of-water_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijF_HzAy8X4Ry3I6Zd2MPDpebVL2WNaPh9osT04xAfxfVhYg2VESVIal1jBtnnYfvQgrs_08FVbTf4g91WM9xfmIxa179G_2VQV7syeOYOKvqwhkft9wz4UuKiSpE6fgQf3FBZ/s200/glass-of-water_1.jpg" width="200" /></a>This past week I had an opportunity to write a guest article for our local newspaper, the <a href="http://www.couriernews.net/story/2205577.html" target="_blank">Blytheville Courier News. </a> I opted to write about the simple steps of hydration. I am still trying to find some balance in life and in my role of nurse practitioner, nursing educator, entrepreneur by keeping things simple are important to me.<br />
Drinking water is simple, easy and inexpensive. Yet, so many people I see in my practice drink sweet tea, soda or energy drinks instead of water.<br />
Every cell in your body needs water. That is why it is
important to drink enough fluid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did you
know that muscle consist of 75% water, your brain consists of 90% water, bone
consist of 22% water, and blood consist of 83% water. If you do not supply your body with enough water your brain
cannot function well, this can even cause a headache or a migraine.<br />
As we approach summer and temperatures above ninety degrees,
you should be aware of the symptoms of dehydration such as, dark urine, dry
skin, thirst, hunger, and fatigue. <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIP3yq-izXYj3IOOorxlUs0dINEPuXjfD_nCb_LtFDINtM_iw4z12-mQVBr2Xofku2fwwqrROm2N34ktdHUxqv9IBUi7Zwu_9eJwnSUyd5f3do1tZZIX_0LnktrmZwf1p2BVXw/s1600/_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIP3yq-izXYj3IOOorxlUs0dINEPuXjfD_nCb_LtFDINtM_iw4z12-mQVBr2Xofku2fwwqrROm2N34ktdHUxqv9IBUi7Zwu_9eJwnSUyd5f3do1tZZIX_0LnktrmZwf1p2BVXw/s200/_2.jpg" width="136" /></a>Dehydration can make you feel tired, become constipated,
have muscle cramps, a headache, irregular blood pressure and even kidney
problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Becoming more than twenty
percent dehydrated can put you at risk for death. </div>
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We lose water through sweating, exhaling, and urination. In
hot weather, you tend to lose more water through sweating, in cold conditions,
you tend to urinate more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you are
ill, like with flu and diarrhea you tend to loose fluid.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR4kcvx_y0PvGdEcrysZWPVvIVBRUUkehB4gxvfHm_qmSbyHzsVWD92RMxZGmJnS_R1adcqurspqOT84IFL1udr6y-JcOwL4YwJh_mGti72FIT-SoiGeA_4eUZsa3btxKkpyGY/s1600/water+with+lemon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR4kcvx_y0PvGdEcrysZWPVvIVBRUUkehB4gxvfHm_qmSbyHzsVWD92RMxZGmJnS_R1adcqurspqOT84IFL1udr6y-JcOwL4YwJh_mGti72FIT-SoiGeA_4eUZsa3btxKkpyGY/s200/water+with+lemon.jpg" width="160" /></a>How much water should you drink in a day to avoid
dehydration?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have all heard we need
to drink eight glasses of water a day, but in reality there is no clear-cut
answer to how much water to drink per day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Water intake depends on several factors like your health condition, your
activity status, the climatic conditions, physical size, your weight, and your
environment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Here is your challenge using the formula below on an average
day determine if you are drinking enough water to be healthy. </div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Your weight is 150 lbs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Divide you weight by 2 – the result is the amount of water in ounces you
should drink every day. 150 ÷ 2 = 75 (you should drink 75 ounces of water per day). </div>
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So, have you had enough water today? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
~ Connie ~ </div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span>https://scrapbookwife.blogspot.com/http://www.blogger.com/profile/16962286877644141412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15850200.post-26074064230832188302015-06-17T22:01:00.002-05:002015-06-17T22:01:21.826-05:00Ending My Unproductive Time on Social Media<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This week has been another challenging week. I have struggled all week to minimize my sleep debt, find some time for me and keep the rest of my life balanced. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have been focusing on identifying ways to minimize wasted time in my day.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnnGmlQyxBcijRAs87U9dIjIBeir0pv5SU7bRWYjmhWT7xnZfOhS1Xm5wquHYPkcNPzVN8nFN_3DslDokcJHGVTFS74lb5sgaxiAaEuP8b_CZpWIuhm-vmZ-CXUzfaVkUMrNim/s1600/phone+screen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnnGmlQyxBcijRAs87U9dIjIBeir0pv5SU7bRWYjmhWT7xnZfOhS1Xm5wquHYPkcNPzVN8nFN_3DslDokcJHGVTFS74lb5sgaxiAaEuP8b_CZpWIuhm-vmZ-CXUzfaVkUMrNim/s200/phone+screen.jpg" width="112" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In thinking about how to improve my productivity I found some interesting statistics.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The average employee will spend 12% of the working day using unproductive applications, such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube. This amounts to 65 hours a month, which have not been used productively</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, according to data analyzed</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> by </span><a href="http://desktime.com/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Desk Tim</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">e</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/informate-report-social-media-smartphone-use/#ixzz3dFQkL4JT" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">According to other research</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, people in the U.S. check their Facebook, Twitter, and other social media account</span><a href="http://mobilemarketingwatch.com/mobile-social-networks-growing-rapidly-says-new-report-50633/#more-50633" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank"> 17 times a day</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, meaning at least once every waking hour, if not more </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />I am no exception - when I am feeling stressed or overwhelmed, I grab my phone and check Facebook</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> or twitter. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Why do I use diversion to support procrastination? Maybe it is human nature to avoid things we don't want to do??? Maybe I am lazy? Maybe it is just that I am more interested in social media than the things I need to do? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />Either way - social media is impacting how I use my time. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Work!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So - I am making an effort to limit my time on Facebook by not opening the app at work except at lunch. I am not grabbing my phone first thing in the morning.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I would love to know how you handle social media. Do you find social media taking up productive time? How do you limit your time on social media? <br />Connie </span></div>
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https://scrapbookwife.blogspot.com/http://www.blogger.com/profile/16962286877644141412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15850200.post-82719038241819404062015-06-08T21:40:00.001-05:002015-06-08T21:40:31.885-05:00On a Journey with My Best FriendI am married to my best friend - and we have been on a journey for 20 years. This journey hasn't always been easy - we have raised 5 kids, bought and completed rebuild a home, faced retirement and health issues, rescued a few dogs, opened a business and loved each other unconditionally. <br />
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The Big Man spent 25 years as a police officer, he is now the City of Blytheville Building Inspector and is the Justice of the Peace for Mississippi County District 8. Besides me, he loves his guns, hunting, food, our children, dogs (he is allergic to cats). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Gydibj6kr-s17K6oCrzyAu7Xebaj3qGRUWw003W1g-YtvJJBHbcoc28PdXoBySpnCvNrYcOFoH9blFNbfh82mACaS-CC3lUsdAycfEcs7Bctd-h9ZpJjNmMvmwH7K8_tOdaq/s1600/Me+and+Ricky+at+the+Hangout.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Gydibj6kr-s17K6oCrzyAu7Xebaj3qGRUWw003W1g-YtvJJBHbcoc28PdXoBySpnCvNrYcOFoH9blFNbfh82mACaS-CC3lUsdAycfEcs7Bctd-h9ZpJjNmMvmwH7K8_tOdaq/s200/Me+and+Ricky+at+the+Hangout.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
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He literally walked into my life. We meet at the park running. He doesn't know it but, I almost quit running that night. Being competitive I thought I had to keep up with him - all 6'3 inches of him with my 5'2' frame.</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ_t4obypw8YYz6dfNORwJDRWNaGpSaVRpMZDIFNATrudeQWMq5eVFVQ8RLOFQr_HocoCR5Uec0Xj8x7_gAeEr7o-Ji06g1PTJBQJ-STPZSBmQNr0pMUjAFHRbvRTU6dtyPDpd/s1600/Ricky_Kissing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ_t4obypw8YYz6dfNORwJDRWNaGpSaVRpMZDIFNATrudeQWMq5eVFVQ8RLOFQr_HocoCR5Uec0Xj8x7_gAeEr7o-Ji06g1PTJBQJ-STPZSBmQNr0pMUjAFHRbvRTU6dtyPDpd/s200/Ricky_Kissing.jpg" width="187" /></a>He loves my children as his own, accepted my houseful of dogs, learned how to trout fish, bought me a tractor and chickens. Has supported me during my 18 years of formal education. Helped me loose weight, meet the military weight and physical fitness standards and supported me during my time in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps Reserves. He has been my biggest cheerleader as I struggled to open a free health clinic and my own family nurse practitioner office. He has shielded me from mice and even used a live trap to trap the mice and relocate them rather than kill them so - I would not cry and feel guilty about killing the mice. He is beside me everyday on this horrible journey of dementia my dad is taking us down. He has laughed at me, made me laugh and cried with me. He has prayed with me and for me... he is my everything.<br />
We never go to bed mad - we always say I love when leaving each other or ending a phone call. I can't imagine this journey through life without him....I am so glad you stopped by my blog today to meet my best friend. I would love to hear about your best friend.<br />
~ Connie ~<br />
<br />https://scrapbookwife.blogspot.com/http://www.blogger.com/profile/16962286877644141412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15850200.post-82415938625246204162015-06-03T19:56:00.000-05:002015-06-03T19:56:53.314-05:00Dementia Sucks<div style="text-align: center;">
Living with a family member that has dementia is difficult, there I said it! </div>
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Dementia sucks!</div>
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In August of last year my then 86 year-old father came to live with us. He was beginning to have some memory issues. The issues were starting to impact his life - he was a risk when driving, he was starting to have anger issues, he did not always remember to eat or to take his medication. He had started having difficulty managing his finances.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj31VNhCIZ6_R1Z-8RhCJoRJ-81foDkG5MbpauHaQruiYNpOj06aQvELoQPIeutfZHopmWgZuSk1A4fa75Oag-iIPaCcIXjlmexhQbQ2wcv5F3rF2GbTzkXkgKfFROwhpxxU4fV/s1600/Dad_Coco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj31VNhCIZ6_R1Z-8RhCJoRJ-81foDkG5MbpauHaQruiYNpOj06aQvELoQPIeutfZHopmWgZuSk1A4fa75Oag-iIPaCcIXjlmexhQbQ2wcv5F3rF2GbTzkXkgKfFROwhpxxU4fV/s200/Dad_Coco.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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Ready or not we drove to Texas and brought him to our home in Northeast AR. This was a big move for a man who was born and raised in Texas and never had any plans of moving out of Texas.</div>
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The first few months we adjusted. The Big Man and our youngest son pitched in and we established a routine for providing care for Pops.</div>
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Routines are important for people with dementia. Structure helps keep things constant which minimizes the confusing that occurs with dementia.</div>
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But, we were not prepared for the feelings that come with watching a vibrant independent person loose their ability to be able to recall dates, memories of their life, or complete simple daily task.</div>
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Life will never be the same - it is like loosing someone you love, yet they are still standing right in front of you.</div>
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Next week we are headed to the geriatric specialist - I know there is nothing we can do to stop this demon called dementia, but maybe we can slow the process down?? maybe we can find a way to accept what the next months or years may hold??? maybe we can find ways to make Pop's life less forgetful???</div>
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Dementia sucks! Over the next few weeks I will be sharing information on dementia on my business blog - <a href="http://conniesfamilypractice.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Connie's Family Practice</a> stop by and check out what I learn as Pops and my family fight the demon Dementia. </div>
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~Connie~</div>
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<br />https://scrapbookwife.blogspot.com/http://www.blogger.com/profile/16962286877644141412noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15850200.post-1241669595493735662015-05-31T21:11:00.000-05:002015-05-31T21:11:02.931-05:00Sleep Debt? <div style="text-align: center;">
Another week and I am still not where I want to be - I am still working hard on being mindful of the moment - but it is really difficult. I have almost finished reading <a href="http://laracasey.com/" target="_blank">Lara Casey's</a> book "<a href="http://laracaseyshop.com/products/make-it-happen-surrender-your-fear-take-the-leap-live-on-purpose" target="_blank">Make it Happen."</a> I highly recommend the book - it is a great starting point for prioritizing and remembering.</div>
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I have come to realize this week that one of my issues is rest. I work 12-16 hour days Monday - Friday. Saturday I try to catch up spending time with my family and dogs. Then Sunday I am exhausted - all I want to do is sleep, eat, and watch TV. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHGttnhXOJA3Y5Fbg6QCtAIVCPlCVoceo3rrNcicQ-0CYC8wRAFktZAtMq9DtbT_-tVCI6fB3t6dZDZJssFvm-GIz-AYjLUgLjV87A9ya_G6hCpFLF0W2PIhRcQeVCzwV4DsUI/s1600/sleeping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHGttnhXOJA3Y5Fbg6QCtAIVCPlCVoceo3rrNcicQ-0CYC8wRAFktZAtMq9DtbT_-tVCI6fB3t6dZDZJssFvm-GIz-AYjLUgLjV87A9ya_G6hCpFLF0W2PIhRcQeVCzwV4DsUI/s200/sleeping.jpg" width="110" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coco Chanel Sleeping In </td></tr>
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Getting too little sleep creates a "sleep debt," which is much like being overdrawn at a bank. Eventually, your body will demand that the debt be repaid. We don't seem to adapt to getting less sleep than we need, while we may get used to a sleep-depriving schedule, our judgment, reaction time, and other functions are still impaired.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQNA5jNyVDEUS3S8_NsNu4kFjLb93-_dNGwu_rA_T3kcKuuBzV5TrQ4RN6YE5jUa7cGjyJSldwPGLohSzZzVUnVu-62wfoImkndXMu0rLO_wlidRIYbXlzww6rgsrfLSV39Bwl/s1600/meme_coco_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQNA5jNyVDEUS3S8_NsNu4kFjLb93-_dNGwu_rA_T3kcKuuBzV5TrQ4RN6YE5jUa7cGjyJSldwPGLohSzZzVUnVu-62wfoImkndXMu0rLO_wlidRIYbXlzww6rgsrfLSV39Bwl/s200/meme_coco_1.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meme and Coco Sleeping Buddies</td></tr>
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So - Sunday has become my day to repay my sleep debt. But, I feel like I can not give up a whole day - I feel like I am wasting a whole day. There are so many things I want to do on Sundays - run, yoga, quilt, scrapbook, and I get nothing done. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOigmCKimdgLyT_ZTbkmPZpPoswoJJmd0T-lGWL7Qd0g3y3gbMkuQlFH8IJBEepiEq_0Qw0z7lej1a_qkqL6I4KA0Q2ish1Gebghh63OcJAdDgCKaKe38X1gR1EnTL6wF7DRkm/s1600/Oreo_Boarding.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOigmCKimdgLyT_ZTbkmPZpPoswoJJmd0T-lGWL7Qd0g3y3gbMkuQlFH8IJBEepiEq_0Qw0z7lej1a_qkqL6I4KA0Q2ish1Gebghh63OcJAdDgCKaKe38X1gR1EnTL6wF7DRkm/s200/Oreo_Boarding.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oreo Getting Ready for Bed</td></tr>
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My goal next week, starting tonight is to be in bed by 10 PM, no TV maybe a little reading. Up at 6 AM. No hitting the snooze button. This will allow me to have some me time. </div>
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Have you ever suffered from sleep debt? If so, how did you keep from getting back into debt? </div>
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~ Connie ~ </div>
https://scrapbookwife.blogspot.com/http://www.blogger.com/profile/16962286877644141412noreply@blogger.com1