Sunday I encouraged you to think about what you want 2014 to become. Today I thought I would share some things that are on my list for 2014. I personally am a fan of categories. It seems more manageable than making a random list of things. My categories are spiritual, relational, professional, financial, and personal.
Spiritual
1. I am finally putting this on my list, completing a 365 day devotional. It isn't a read the bible in a year. It is more focused on different aspects of the bible.
2. Get back in the church serving on a regular basis.
Relational
1. Host more dinners with friends at our home.
2. Connect and re-connect better.
Professional
1. Obtain my PHR Certification.
2. Help 25 people achieve better health through both my fitness classes I hope to start teaching and Advocare.
Financial
1. Finish off our remaining CC's and the truck payment. Yikes!
Personal
1. Complete my next half marathon.
2. Learn to sew.
3. Obtain my Group fitness instructor certification.
These are just a few of the things on my list. Some are pretty vague, but vision is not my strength. I really struggle thinking so far in advance if it isn't 100% doable. Other things I am looking forward to in 2014 are becoming a mommy, watching Zeb become a daddy, and spending more time with family because of the new addition.
I hope everyone has a safe and beautiful New Year's Eve! I have already popped my bottle and the bubbles are flowing! ;)
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Sunday, December 29, 2013
A Very Long Way of Saying, Make 2014 Count!
Much like many will begin to attempt in just a few short days I started my 2014 facelift with the blog. Nothing fancy, just some background changes and a new header to highlight the biggest change to come this year.
Now wait, are you one of the ones thinking right now; "Sasha I am not worried about a facelift for 2014. Or resolutions. Or goals. Or One Word! Ya you know what I am talking about. The one word resolution instead of making real resolutions. Nope not interested. That was so yesterday." Or are you the one thinking, "I have goals or facelift ideas, but I don't need a new year to force me to state them or write them down."
You see, I would venture to guess many of you are on one of those tracks. The new year, schmew year, roll your eyes and cross your arms track. You see these donuts? Well I am eating another one! and I am going to keep eating them into the new year!
Ok I know I am taking it a little far, but this is the cynic attitude I have heard recently and I am here today to challenge you to maybe think twice. Even I was kind of on that track over the last two years when I morphed to my one word theme. For the record, I like the one word theme and if anyone was wondering my word for 2014 is "Content", but I also like the resolution theme and the goal theme and the "it's a new year and time to make some changes" theme. Or at least think about them anyway.
This morning Zeb and I did church at home. In fact, since Thanksgiving we have been doing church at home and watching Lifechurch.tv online. There hasn't been any real reason other than maybe just being too tired to actually dress ourselves and make it out the door by 9:30, so PJ's, french press coffee, and our couch have made a great alternative. There were three weeks of a series called "Fear Not" by Craig and this morning featured guest speaker, Christine Cain, in a one week series about the "Maker of Miracles". The four weeks have been both engaging and convicting. Sometimes I believe there are reasons the Lord has you visit other avenues to hear his word. I believe I needed to hear what was said over the last month.
So what does this have to do with the new year and whether or not you should consider making resolutions? Well there were a few themes to the series, but one that spoke so clearly to me. Small steps make big differences. The small things matter. The lull between the miracles are where the growth happens. The magic is only a moment, everything else is in the making.
2014 doesn't need to start with a laundry list of all the reasons you need to do better and be better. It doesn't need to include 10 things you will forget you were trying to accomplish by February. It doesn't need to be about letting your image, job, friends, or lack of dictate what defines 2014. However, I would challenge you to think about the coming year and what it could amount to. I would challenge you to think about what small changes could take place to make big differences in your world. And then call them what makes you comfortable.
If you wanna hear the cynic in me, I believe our society is falling apart because we have forgotten the value of small steps. We think goals for the new year are silly. We have become so incredibly unhealthy because we don't value the small things like a few minutes outdoors to get the heart pumping and moderating our intake of "the good stuff". We don't pick up the phone for an awkward 5 minute conversation with the long lost friend or relative in hopes of one day creating a special bond that will make 5 hours feel like 5 minutes. We don't stick out the small spaces or old things until we can afford the bigger and better. Instead, we go broke dying to keep up with the Jones' or the crowd on Facebook. I am not preaching here folks, these are all things I need to hear too.
I recently attended the funeral of a man I never knew. His son is good friends with my husband, but I never actually met him. However, as I sat in that sanctuary for almost 2 hours I learned a lot through the stories of people that loved him. There were two common themes in his service. He worked hard and you never doubted the love he had for his family or anyone who crossed his path. He greeted everyone with a big smile and a firm handshake. He loved talking on the phone with people to check in on them. He valued the time with his family and made special memories through things that required more than an electronic source. Friends, I believe he knew the value of smalls steps and big differences. I wanted to know that man by the time I left that church.
Two more things I came across recently through social media and then I am closing it up.
"I hope you press talk more than you press send this year."
Now wait, are you one of the ones thinking right now; "Sasha I am not worried about a facelift for 2014. Or resolutions. Or goals. Or One Word! Ya you know what I am talking about. The one word resolution instead of making real resolutions. Nope not interested. That was so yesterday." Or are you the one thinking, "I have goals or facelift ideas, but I don't need a new year to force me to state them or write them down."
You see, I would venture to guess many of you are on one of those tracks. The new year, schmew year, roll your eyes and cross your arms track. You see these donuts? Well I am eating another one! and I am going to keep eating them into the new year!
Ok I know I am taking it a little far, but this is the cynic attitude I have heard recently and I am here today to challenge you to maybe think twice. Even I was kind of on that track over the last two years when I morphed to my one word theme. For the record, I like the one word theme and if anyone was wondering my word for 2014 is "Content", but I also like the resolution theme and the goal theme and the "it's a new year and time to make some changes" theme. Or at least think about them anyway.
This morning Zeb and I did church at home. In fact, since Thanksgiving we have been doing church at home and watching Lifechurch.tv online. There hasn't been any real reason other than maybe just being too tired to actually dress ourselves and make it out the door by 9:30, so PJ's, french press coffee, and our couch have made a great alternative. There were three weeks of a series called "Fear Not" by Craig and this morning featured guest speaker, Christine Cain, in a one week series about the "Maker of Miracles". The four weeks have been both engaging and convicting. Sometimes I believe there are reasons the Lord has you visit other avenues to hear his word. I believe I needed to hear what was said over the last month.
So what does this have to do with the new year and whether or not you should consider making resolutions? Well there were a few themes to the series, but one that spoke so clearly to me. Small steps make big differences. The small things matter. The lull between the miracles are where the growth happens. The magic is only a moment, everything else is in the making.
2014 doesn't need to start with a laundry list of all the reasons you need to do better and be better. It doesn't need to include 10 things you will forget you were trying to accomplish by February. It doesn't need to be about letting your image, job, friends, or lack of dictate what defines 2014. However, I would challenge you to think about the coming year and what it could amount to. I would challenge you to think about what small changes could take place to make big differences in your world. And then call them what makes you comfortable.
If you wanna hear the cynic in me, I believe our society is falling apart because we have forgotten the value of small steps. We think goals for the new year are silly. We have become so incredibly unhealthy because we don't value the small things like a few minutes outdoors to get the heart pumping and moderating our intake of "the good stuff". We don't pick up the phone for an awkward 5 minute conversation with the long lost friend or relative in hopes of one day creating a special bond that will make 5 hours feel like 5 minutes. We don't stick out the small spaces or old things until we can afford the bigger and better. Instead, we go broke dying to keep up with the Jones' or the crowd on Facebook. I am not preaching here folks, these are all things I need to hear too.
I recently attended the funeral of a man I never knew. His son is good friends with my husband, but I never actually met him. However, as I sat in that sanctuary for almost 2 hours I learned a lot through the stories of people that loved him. There were two common themes in his service. He worked hard and you never doubted the love he had for his family or anyone who crossed his path. He greeted everyone with a big smile and a firm handshake. He loved talking on the phone with people to check in on them. He valued the time with his family and made special memories through things that required more than an electronic source. Friends, I believe he knew the value of smalls steps and big differences. I wanted to know that man by the time I left that church.
Two more things I came across recently through social media and then I am closing it up.
"I hope you press talk more than you press send this year."
"Relative gather from across the country to stare at screens together."
It may seem as if nothing I just wrote goes together, but I believe it is a ripple effect. The apathetic ripple of not needing to write down a resolution has drifted into our everyday life. We have less heart and motive behind our actions because we are consumed with things that are temporary.
All I am trying to encourage is a more intentional thought process for the new year. I am encouraging you to write down some resolutions and when you are doing it to know that it is today and this small step of putting the pen to the paper that could make the big difference for 2014.
Happy New Year!
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas!
My goodness! Where did 6 weeks go?? Every week I have been meaning to get on and write and everytime it seems I find something else to absorb my time. So lets re-cap the last few weeks!
1. Shortly after my last post we found out what we are having! See below for more.
2. The very next day we took off to Phoenix for 11 days where we watched one of my very best friends get married, spent time with my family, held a baby shower for my sister, and watched all the boys jump out of a plane!
3. The first weekend in December we watched our poor OSU Cowboys lose to OU! BOO! But finished off the night with painting the nursery!
4. Two days later we welcomed Zeb's friend and his wife into our home for 4 days and finished that weekend with Christmas parties and baking!
5. The very next week was spent with working a half week and making our way to Oklahoma to do an in-law Christmas. The weather ruined the plans I was looking forward to most, The Christmas Train, but we got plenty of time with the family and left with a new jogging stroller, Trisha Yearwood cookbook, a few new OSU baby clothes, and Zeb's golf travel bag!
6. That brings us to this week, which has been mostly work. Once Zeb and I got off work on Christmas we opened our presents to eachother and then did a google hangout with my family in Phoenix to open the remaining presents from each other. P.S. if you haven't checked out Google hangout and you have family far away, I highly recommend it! It is wonderful. I was pretty excited about my new kitchen items: pyrex dishes, cast iron set, Ninja blender, and the most recent Pioneer Woman cookbook. Not to mention the heart rate watch I have been wanting, a few gift cards to my favorite places(Target and Starbucks), and a prenatal massage with Pedicure! Zeb's Christmas theme was Golf, so he ended up with this cool golf swing analyzer, a net to practice with, some new OSU balls and tees, along with an OSU hat for him and baby, and some new jeans! I would say we are pretty darn blessed! We finished off the night with a nice church service on Lifechurch.tv and a big ole' ham, scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole, deviled eggs and rolls. And yes it was way too much food for the two of us so now we have dinner...and lunch...and maybe even breakfast for the rest of the week!
There you have it! 6 weeks of updates that have been crazy busy and super wonderful. I have found myself lately in this constant state of wanting to freeze time. I don't want to lose this time or forget it and so instead I'm sad when it's over because I just know it will never be this way again.
Example: I was a little sad to be spending Christmas, yet again, by ourselves. Just the two of us. However, with a baby on the way I also knew it would more than likely never be this way again. For at least the next 18 years and then some it will never be JUST the two of us again. I used that as my incentive to soak it in.
I can hardly believe we are under a week away from 2013 closing. There is so much to look forward to in 2014! So with that I hope everyone had a Merry, Merry Christmas and looks forward to a Happy New Year!!
1. Shortly after my last post we found out what we are having! See below for more.
2. The very next day we took off to Phoenix for 11 days where we watched one of my very best friends get married, spent time with my family, held a baby shower for my sister, and watched all the boys jump out of a plane!
3. The first weekend in December we watched our poor OSU Cowboys lose to OU! BOO! But finished off the night with painting the nursery!
4. Two days later we welcomed Zeb's friend and his wife into our home for 4 days and finished that weekend with Christmas parties and baking!
5. The very next week was spent with working a half week and making our way to Oklahoma to do an in-law Christmas. The weather ruined the plans I was looking forward to most, The Christmas Train, but we got plenty of time with the family and left with a new jogging stroller, Trisha Yearwood cookbook, a few new OSU baby clothes, and Zeb's golf travel bag!
6. That brings us to this week, which has been mostly work. Once Zeb and I got off work on Christmas we opened our presents to eachother and then did a google hangout with my family in Phoenix to open the remaining presents from each other. P.S. if you haven't checked out Google hangout and you have family far away, I highly recommend it! It is wonderful. I was pretty excited about my new kitchen items: pyrex dishes, cast iron set, Ninja blender, and the most recent Pioneer Woman cookbook. Not to mention the heart rate watch I have been wanting, a few gift cards to my favorite places(Target and Starbucks), and a prenatal massage with Pedicure! Zeb's Christmas theme was Golf, so he ended up with this cool golf swing analyzer, a net to practice with, some new OSU balls and tees, along with an OSU hat for him and baby, and some new jeans! I would say we are pretty darn blessed! We finished off the night with a nice church service on Lifechurch.tv and a big ole' ham, scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole, deviled eggs and rolls. And yes it was way too much food for the two of us so now we have dinner...and lunch...and maybe even breakfast for the rest of the week!
There you have it! 6 weeks of updates that have been crazy busy and super wonderful. I have found myself lately in this constant state of wanting to freeze time. I don't want to lose this time or forget it and so instead I'm sad when it's over because I just know it will never be this way again.
Example: I was a little sad to be spending Christmas, yet again, by ourselves. Just the two of us. However, with a baby on the way I also knew it would more than likely never be this way again. For at least the next 18 years and then some it will never be JUST the two of us again. I used that as my incentive to soak it in.
I can hardly believe we are under a week away from 2013 closing. There is so much to look forward to in 2014! So with that I hope everyone had a Merry, Merry Christmas and looks forward to a Happy New Year!!
26 Weeks!!
This week, baby is the size of a: Cauliflower or Cucumber depends which app you ask :)
Due date: April 1, 2014
How far along: 26 weeks
Next appointment: January 14th and then from there we go to every two weeks!
Gender: It's a BOY!!
Total weight gain/loss: 28 pounds! Yikes!
Stretch marks: Nothing new that I have noticed. I just got this excellent creme. It smells wonderful and I hope it works! Let me tell you though, if I end up without them then every pregnant woman in America should invest in this creme because I am destined to have stretch marks!
Swelling: Not too bad. I know my face feels puffier and maybe I am seeing a little bit, but nothing too out of control.
Maternity clothes: I need more! Badly! Shopping this week!
Belly button: It just kinda looks smashed from stretching, but not poking at all.
Sleep: Hit or miss. Some nights I sleep great, other nights it's awful.
Food cravings/aversions: Nothing out of the ordinary. This time of year I always want lots of good treats and it is no different.
Movement: He moves quite a bit these days. However, it seems everytime I want him to move he quits. Stubborn already!
Wedding ring: Still fits great! Hoping that lasts!
What I miss: Being able to go and go and go without much complaining. Yesterday I was in the kitchen for 3 hours and I am not kidding my feet felt like someone had put pins in the bottom of them by the end.
What I'm loving: The slow accumulation of baby stuff. We haven't gotten far, but it is exciting every time we do.
What I'm looking forward to: Baby showers with the people I love and seeing others I haven't seen in a while! We have 4 on the calendar over the next two months! So blessed!
Best moment this week: Probably last week's doctor appt. Just to hear his heartbeat again and know how close we are getting to him being here.
Milestones: Passed my Glucose and got a name! Grady Cole Austin, we can't wait to meet you!
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Tiny Dancer
Every year around this time I get very antsy for the holidays. I look forward to warm smells, good food, family time, and shopping! This year I am also looking forward to baby news and purchases! As I mentioned last week I have taken up crocheting and am actually well on my way to having my first project complete! Once we get back from Phoenix I am going to get some stuff to make a wreath. This project has been on my to do list for two years now and every time I get too intimidated by the thought. This year I am determined to complete one. Stay tuned for more there!
What are some projects you all are working on?
What are some projects you all are working on?
Week 20
This week, baby is the size of a: Banana!
Due date: April 1, 2014
How far along: 20 weeks
Next appointment: November 20th! Gender check!! One week!
Gender: ?????
Total weight gain/loss: 16 pounds.
Stretch marks: I think they are slowly making an appearance...hard to tell what is new though
Swelling: None!
Maternity clothes: Nothing new, but loving what I have purchased so far. Comfort is key!
Belly button: Normal. I really don't think much will change here...I have a deep inny.
Sleep: I have gotten much better at sleeping on my side, but did try out a body pillow this weekend and it makes things much nicer!! Will be purchasing one soon!
Food cravings/aversions: Chocolate milk. I want it all the time! In fact it sounds good right this moment! :)
Movement: This little one has become quite the little dancer. I feel him/her all the time now!
Wedding ring: Still fits great! Hoping that lasts!
What I miss: my energy...I miss working out regularly. We went to the outlets over the weekend and were there for maybe 2 hours. We got back and I WAS WIPED! I wanted to sleep after that. Seriously...2 hours!
What I'm loving: All of the movement! It is such a great feeling being reminded constantly throughout the day what is growing inside of me.
What I'm looking forward to: Gender reveal! We find out on the 20th, but won't actually be finding out at the appt. We are gonna have them put it in an envelope for us and then find out with our family! Such a fun time!
Best moment this week: Last night I kept feeling a little kick and for the first time could feel it by touching my stomach so I had Zeb try. He kept saying he didn't feel it and then finally felt one. I nearly cried, I was so excited!
Milestones: Movements. That has been such a huge milestone this week. Loving it.
Stay tuned for next week!! We finally get to know what we are having!!
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Lost Arts
November is here and this girl is looking forward to the upcoming holidays and family time! Some call it nesting, but I have been taking up some new hobbies lately. I have never been much of a crafty person. A couple months ago one of my cousins posted a crochet project she was working on and it sparked a flame in me! I wanna crochet. I wanna sew. I wanna quilt.
What am I thinking??
I immediately went out and bought what it would take to teach myself to crochet. I have since been taking on that task and excited to teach myself the others. I think these are lost arts that deserve more attention and time than they get these days. I'm hoping to have some blankets done before the baby arrives, but we will have to see how it happens. I will post pictures as I finish up projects!
Toodles!
Week 19
This week, baby is the size of a: Small Cantaloupe. 6.5 inches
Due date: April 1, 2014
How far along: 19 weeks
Next appointment: November 20th! Gender check!! Woo hoo!
Gender: 2 weeks from tomorrow
Total weight gain/loss: 15 pounds! Yikes!
Stretch marks: not any more that I have noticed
Swelling: None!
Maternity clothes: I finally had to break down and buy some stuff. This weekend I got some very comfortable skinny jeans, a dress, and some work pants! Yay for being comfortable!!
Belly button: Normal
Sleep: I am not transitioning very well to sleeping on my side. I have really been trying lately, but I don't enjoy it. I think I may need one of those awesome pillows!
Food cravings/aversions: Still nothing. I am definitely more hungry, but I don't really crave anything.
Movement: lots of flutters!
Wedding ring: Still fits great! Hoping that lasts!
What I miss: Maybe just feeling normal. My back hurts a lot and I'm just uncomfortable. I am happy to endure the pain for this little one, but I can't wait to feel normal again.
What I'm loving: Just progressing through the months. It's fun to grow and experience these changes.
What I'm looking forward to: Gender reveal! We find out on the 20th, but won't actually be finding out at the appt. We are gonna have them put it in an envelope for us and then find out with our family! Such a fun time!
Best moment this week: buying some maternity clothes. Sounds silly, but just having that comfort is awesome!
Milestones: Well we are just about half way through this! So. Blessed.
Happy November and Turkey Month!!
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