Words

"Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless."

Mother Theresa

For all of those moments that you need an inspiring word, or a lift me up.

For the times when you need to hear the truth, and a good word would do the trick.

For the times when all we need to hear is an encouraging word.

For those times, I asked my Facebook friends to give me some of their favorite quotes - here is what I got:

Rebekah Sfair
“What is a friend? A single soul in two bodies.” - Aristotle

Aleksandra Ann
The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen, nor touched...but are felt in the heart.

Trudy Groppoli Baltazar
because where you LIVE should not decide...whether you live or whether you die....Bono

Scott Oakman
"Stand up for justice, stand up for truth; and God will be at your side forever." --Martin Luther King, Jr.

Scott Oakman
...either that, or "It's just a flesh wound".

Patrick Eckstrom
"All that arises eventually goes away," - A Buddhist Monk talking about the only certainty he's learned over the course of the previous 30 years while practicing as a monk.

Sarah Smith
" the oxygen we need is all around us, sometimes we just need to be reminded to breathe."

Sherie Cottrell
This to Shall pass!!!!!
I love this it's so true and has gotten me through so many of life's wonderful challenges :)
said by the guy in the hotel to Julia Roberts in 'My best friends Wedding'

Lauren Elizabeth Schnarr
We cannot become what we need to be, remaining what we are

Trudy Groppoli Baltazar
This place is not my permanent home, nor will this be the place where I get all my rewards

Aaron Moser
We will not survive unless we change, yet we cannot change unless we survive.

Rachel Boatman
"Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly. Leave the rest up to God." ~Ronald Reagan

Trudy Groppoli Baltazar
"Laughter is the best medicine" it even blesses the person who makes someone laugh.

Adam Moser
"whats your name?"

Christina Thompson
"Live each day as if it were your last"

Ashley Ashbacher
"Faith is the conviction that God knows more than we do about this life and He will get us through it." --Max Lucado

Karolyn Byers
"If the dog wouldn't of stop to take a crap, he would have caught the rabbit" John Boomgaarden

Gayle Nitti
The strongest oak of the forest is not the one that is protected from the storm and hidden from the sun. It is the one that stands in the open where it is compelled to struggle for its existence against the winds and rains and the scorching sun. -- Napoleon Hill

Katherine Otto
'teachers never stop learning.' katie otto
i also love this one....
'an eye for an eye only makes the whole world blind.' Gandhi

Eileen Quittem
My dad: He who eats the fastest gets the mostest! Ha-Ha!

Rachel Boatman
"Life is one grand, sweet song, so start the music!" ~Ronald Reagan

Lauren Kriz
''No man is worth your tears and the man that is won't make you cry.''

Katherine Otto
sometimes the hardest things to let go of are the things you don't need

Sarah Eisen
Never cry at night over not being pretty enough. Never tell yourself you'll never be good enough. Because to someone you're everything. To someone you're beautiful. To someone you are the world.

Sarah Eisen
or my favorite: Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34

Amanda Haider
"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind" ~Dr. Seuss

Josh Glassing
Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more

Lucas Stombaugh
"Here's the deal,..."

Myrna Foster
Everything has a purpose in life. :D

Steve Kubes
9 on the break!!!

Emarie Williams Klos
I know I'm late... but I was cleaning! :)"Have a heart that never hardens, a temper that never tires, and a touch that never hurts." - Charles Dickens

Alicia Fry
"It is finished" -Jesus

Rebecca Rosario
'...Whenever troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.' James 1:2-4

I am going to end this post with one of my all time favorite quotes, because I really do believe that Love is the one thing that truly makes this world go round.

'I have decided to stick with Love ♥ Hate is too great a burden to bear.' MLKJ

De-Stress

I have been so stressed and internalizing it all. I haven't been coping well and I think that it is taking a toll on my overall health. I am tired, and emotionally drained, and I feel as though I am sick way more often than I should be. The sickness led me to start investigating... check, check, check - I fit all of the symptoms... Yep, I am stressed!

I have decided that in order to find a better healthy balance I need to make some changes. After thinking about it all I have decided that I want to set some goals. Awareness will be my number one goal because often I am not even aware of what the issues are.

1. Be Aware -
Take a moment each day to see how I am feeling. Spend a little time to daily reflect. Relax.
2. Start caring for myself more -
Make it a habit to do little things throughout the day for myself; indulge in some way whether it be alone time with God, a bath, or going for that much needed run.
3. Start becoming more healthy -
Physically: I am starting to run again, and it feels great, I am signing up for a 5k and will be setting a goal time! I am attempting to eat more consciously, all too often I eat for pleasure and I overindulge.
Spiritually: I really need and want to start turning to God more, and praying... I really feel that this will make all the difference.
Emotionally: I need to slow down and reflect, prioritize, and take care of Me!

I have a feeling that some much needed changes are about to come, and I am excited.

I am caring for myself FIRST so that I am better able to care for others

Putting Yourself First
Daily Self-Care

'We have all heard the instructions of an airline attendant reminding us to put on our own oxygen mask before we help anyone else with theirs. This advice is often cited as a metaphor for self-care because it so accurately expresses why it is important. It seems to say, ironically, that if you can’t take care of yourself for yourself, do it for others. Few situations in our daily lives mimic the wake-up call of an airplane emergency, so it’s easy to keep putting self-care off—easy, that is, until we get sick, overwhelmed, or exhausted, and suddenly don’t have the energy to care for the people who count on us. That’s when we realize we haven’t been getting the oxygen we need to sustain ourselves. We begin to understand that taking care of ourselves is neither selfish nor indulgent; it’s just plain practical.

Putting yourself first means that it may be necessary to say no to someone else in order to say yes to yourself. For many of us, there is always something we feel we could be doing for someone else, and it helps to remember the oxygen metaphor. You can even encourage yourself by saying "I am caring for myself so that I am better able to care for others" or some other mantra that will encourage you. It also helps to remember that self-care doesn’t have to be composed of massively time-consuming acts. In fact, the best prescription for taking care of yourself is probably small, daily rituals; for example, taking one half-hour for yourself at the beginning and end of the day to meditate, journal, or just be. You might also transform the occasional daily shower or bath into a half-hour self-pampering session.

Whatever you decide, making some small gesture where you put yourself first every day will pay off in spades for you and the ones you love. The oxygen you need is all around you; sometimes you just need to be reminded to breathe.'

I was reminded today by my courageous sister that we can lose ourselves while trying to please others or take care of others before we take care of ourselves. People pleasing is something that many people find themselves trapped by. Our society teaches us that selfishness is a bad thing, that we need to put others first. I want to clarify... taking care of yourself first is not a selfish act - it is a vital act. one that is healthy for you and all of your relationships. How are you supposed to take care of someone if you are sick and in need of taking care of yourself first? Often we are not kind to ourselves. When we take care of others and put them first we often build up resentment toward that person... putting strain on the relationship, which in turn hurts everyone involved. Don't ever make a decision out of guilt, or a feeling of obligation. Don't listen to that little people pleasing voice inside that says 'I should do this/that...' Make decisions in your mind and your heart, do what you want and need, not what others want - if you make choices trying to please someone you are not being honest and fair with yourself. I always remind myself to never do anything that will be half-hearted, if my heart is not fully there, then I will say no, just follow what your heart tells you.

Just remember, "I am caring for myself FIRST so that I am better able to care for others." If need be, write this down and remind yourself everyday - it will help you to find balance in your choices and decisions.

Peaceful Serenity

My body is tried, and my mind is cluttered with thoughts... As I live this thing that we call life, I feel exhausted! Maybe it is the lack of sleep or just maybe my list of To-do's. What I would really love at this very moment is to take some time away - for just me and God.

To be swept away in Gods arms and focus on only him and Me - what a thought...

I went for a run last night, and as you all know the weather is cooling outside. As I began my run, I didn't anticipate all that I experienced. The wind blowing through my hair, my body beginning to respond to movement, I felt alive - surrounded by Gods beauty. The trees changing color, the sound of all of the wildlife around me. My mind cleared and as I focused on pushing my body further I felt exhilarated, and I felt Gods presence... It was, for lack of a better word, amazing.

As my run came to an end and I began to approach my house, a part of me didn't want it to end - although my body and lungs were telling me otherwise - I loved the feeling of a peaceful solitude, something that I don't know that I had ever experienced before. Maybe I am growing up and becoming my own, becoming independant or hopefully more confident to be by myself and not have the need to be surrounded by chaos. Alone-ness is underrated!

I look forward to continuing my small beautiful moments with God as Autumn blossoms...

Dancing in the rain

As life would have it no other way - we have to face trials every now and again... Sometimes things are seeming to go great and then unexpectedly a huge storm rolls in, and you are unprepared with no umbrella in hand.

I must live in Seattle or something because the storms come often it seems, sometimes they are only small, sprinkles here and there, but sometimes they seem never ending like huge storms that seem to take forever to pass, and pound on my soul. At that point I am just waiting for the sun to return again.

Then I feel as though I am lacking and that I need some sunshine in my life... but then something always seems to remind me of all those things that bring light into my life. My Daughter, who is the sun itself to my life, she is amazing... as well as so many other things that I have been blessed with: God, My Mom, Adam, My fabulous church that is filled with people who love me, friends, good times, great places, and fun things... I can go on and on... I am going to try to remind myself that I am allowed to dance in the rain, and sometimes that is the funnest way to dance, is through the storm.

Keeping my head up, my face toward the sky, and letting the rain fall down on my face, it is refreshing... renewing... and I am learning through it all.

Just think about it this way...

"Expecting the world to treat you fairly because you are good is like expecting the bull not to charge because you are a vegetarian." ~Author Unknown

Who am I to Judge?

"Judging requires that you think yourself superior over the one you judge."

"What right did he have to judge anyone? ... All his judgments had been superficial, based on appearance and actions, things easily interpreted by whatever state of mind or prejudice that supported the need to exalt himself, or to feel safe, or to belong." (pp. 159-160) The Shack

Rebecca's Raving Recipes

Yep, I am sorta infamous for throwing food together and it turning out pretty well. I need to satrt documenting these delicious dishes so I figured that this would be the best way...
So here I go. I am starting out with one of my all time faves:

Tator Tot Casserole

Lawry's Garlic Salt
Lawry's Seasoned Salt
2 Tablespoon's of Worcestershire
1 Pound of Ground Beef
1 bag of Birds Eye frozen Mixed Vegetables
1 can of Cream of Mushroom Soup
1 1/2 cup of Cheddar Cheese Shredded
1/2 Bag of Tator Tots

Pre heat oven to 375degrees.

Brown the beef on the skillet, adding both of the Lawry's seasonings (to your liking), also add Worcestershire. Once it is cooked through, drain meat in a colander.

Prepare the vegetables, once they are cooked mix the Meat and Vegetables together.
Add the can of Cream of mushroom soup, and 3/4 cup of cheese. Mix well.

Place the mixture into a casserole pan - 9x9 or 8x8 work best. Top with the remaining cheese. Bake for 15 minutes, then add the tator tots to the top of the mixture. Cover the top with the tots, be sure not to have them overlapping for cooking purposes.

Place back into the oven for approx 25 minutes or until the tots are crispy.

Let cool, ENJOY!!


More recipes to come :)

Money Money Money Muh-Nay!!

I like that song because sometimes that is what my life feels like - consumed by the thought of money and of course more than that - Money Issues! We have all been there...

A place that I have never been before now is becoming a victim of money fraud. Yes!! Someone used my bank account to make purchases, and from Great Britain none the less. At first I was confused, then frantic, irritated, LIVID!!, frustrated, and now I have finally given it all to God and I am at Peace. I know that no matter the outcome, life will go on and God is in control.

My bank account - due to VERY LARGE AMOUNT of the transactions that had posted from these fraudulent charges - is now negative. I have hope though that everything will work out for the best and that justice will be done. I had to file a claim, and I am hoping that it is processed and not questioned. We will see how everything goes!

I never thought that something like this would happen to me, I always thought that I was careful and safe about stuff, until I was reading up on how to protect yourself, I suggest that everyone do the same - take a few minutes to become knowledgeable about how to prevent Fraud from happening to you. HERE is one of the millions of articles that are out there.

Prayer is much appreciated :)

Choices.... Choices... Choices...

YOUR life is shaped by YOUR choices... so what are you going to choose to do with YOUR life?

One moment does not define me...

"There is not one moment that defines you. Therefore, you cannot be judged or judge one another by one single interaction or encounter. Rather, every decision defines you. It is a series of interfaces that helps you to understand another individual, and even helps you to understand yourself. The more you observe yourself and dissect the reasoning behind your words and decisions, the more you will be defined."

I Miss my Baby!

As I was getting ready for work this morning all Madi wanted to do was to be held close in my arms! I love her, and she has been a little clingier than usual, wanting to be with me more and more - yesterday everytime I stood up she would start crying like I was going to be leaving her or something...

I am sorta sad because I really really want to be there with her and for her every second of the day. This morning was rough leaving her. Madi didn't want me to leave... the tears and screams were hard to resist and I probably held her too long, which made it harder... I won't see her until next Monday :(

5 days... really!? That is so hard, to go that long without seeing my little cutie! I just {still} don't understand why the courts would suggest a 5 day period without me seeing my little girl! I really am missing her right now...

Please say a prayer for the whole situation... The divorce isn't final yet, Child Support still hasn't been agreed upon. Dan does not want to make any changes to the schedule, which conflicts with my schooling. Childcare also seems to be a promising issue - we will see. Honestly, I just really want all of this to be over, and I want us to both be able to see our baby, but 5 days is way too long of a duration to go for either of us...

Thank-Full Friday

I am thank-{FULL} for:

...Madi, my beautiful baby

...My Job as Operations Mananger for Groom Construction

...Health and Hapiness

...The beauty that surrounds me

... For great friends and family

...A beautiful home, to call my own!

200 later

My Mom will tell you that I was born an adult - 'Responsible, and ready to take on the world...' and in some ways she is right, but I haven't always felt that way in every sense...
I am just a girl, and I think that I will always be 'Just a girl'. My Mom is a fabulous woman, who has made her fair share of mistakes - as we all have - in some ways I followed her footsteps and in other ways I deliberately became everything that she was not - you know how the saying goes about being like your 'Mom'.

I was unplanned for sure, conceived one night after 18 months of separation during the divorce process, I may have been an accident, but God obviously had some different plans! I believe that I was meant to be, That is my idea and I am sticking to it.

I am a sister, a daughter, and a Mother who has experienced so much in such a short life of 24 years and 191 days. I was born to a single Mom, who was in college, I was her second of three children and that is where my story began. My life as a kid was pretty unstable, which leaves me to say that there is no simple way to explain where and what my childhood was like, I have so many different recollections of what life looked like, and to be honest it is hard for me to know what happened when, I just have all of these memories floating around, and they make up and define who I am today...

Drugs, abuse and instability is what I grew up experiencing. I would never want to relive my childhood, but I wouldn't change it, only because I am happy with who I am today... I will say though that although I grew up in utter chaos, I felt like there is one thing that I never lacked, and it was Love - whether it came from my Mom, My Grandma, or My Sister - it was there, and I truly believe that as a human, that is the one thing that is necessary for healthy survival.

As I approached the 200th post I really began to recollect this whole blogging process, it has been truly amazing. There is something so liberating about spilling to the world your heart and your emotions, putting yourself out there in such a vulnerable way, and with it has come growth for me, it has been a great endeavor this past year writing what is on my mind.

So I have decided to re-post something that I feel really captures my life in a little nutshell of 100 words - it was a brilliant idea, and I thought about writing a 200 word autobiography but decided against it, because it was so well written in 100 words...

So here it is My 100 Word Autobiography

Unplanned pregnancy, Mom wanted me.
Loving Grandparents. Tumultuous times.
Addicted Father, passive Mother.
Mom remarried - Drug addicted Stepfather.
Drug raid, Foster home, Mother in jail.
Life spiraled downward. Hardships galore.
Instability. I Attempted perfection, wanted control.
Mom finally left him.
We were free.
Mother depressed.
Light appeared, Jesus - Glimmer of hope.
Moved to Minnesota. Alone. Depressed.
Found guy. Wanted Stability. Very abusive…finally left.
Broken. Hurt. Rebounded, met another Man. Married. Turned from God again.
Felt imprisoned.
Pregnancy. Struggle. Had a BEAUTIFUL BABY!
Cancer discovered. Marriage failing. Ultimatum, then Divorce.
Starting over, Serving Jesus… Taking one step at a time.

Please Excuse the Dust!

Blog Remodeling Taking Place! Sorry for the inconvenience.

Thank you

Busy, Busy... too busy to add a third busy...

So being a HUGE socialite, working full-time, and being a Mom, as well as sooo many other things- I have been ridiculously busy - which I am sure is needless to say, but I am saying it anyway. Maybe my schedule needs to take a break...it doesn't happen often that I have a free night available, and my schedule is booked out about two weeks - I know it sounds like my life is a business, right?!

My spirits are a little down at the moment, only because I miss my little girl. we have been on the go and doing stuff all summer that I feel as though I haven't had a moment to sit down, look her in her beautiful eyes and tell her how I love her oh so much. It has been fast paced and I just want to have some much needed quality time with my Baby Girl! So I have decided that Madi is my Priority from now on, she will be my nightly event and I am going to put her name in everyday on my calendar! I feel like I have been a neglectful Mom, not necessarily a bad Mom, but I haven't been being the Mom that I really Want to be... A Mom who pays attention to ALL of the small things, a Mom who is there at any needed moment, a Mom who has time to adore all of the precious moments of her fast paced life... I love her, and she is already 16 months, I don't want to miss any of this time that I have with her!

Being a Mom is my TOP priority.

Stupid is a relative term...

"Stupid is as stupid does."

Are we really defined by our choices? Am I a stupid person because I am defined as making stupid decisions or acting stupid once in a while?? I would say that we are not defined by our choices... just because I may do stupid things doesn't make me a stupid person.

If we were defined by our 'stupid' actions I believe that we would ALL, yes ALL - meaning everyone - would be defined as being stupid. Look at the definition here:

stu·pid
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(stpd, sty-)
adj. stu·pid·er, stu·pid·est
1. Slow to learn or understand; obtuse.
2. Tending to make poor decisions or careless mistakes.
3. Marked by a lack of intelligence or care; foolish or careless: a stupid mistake.
4. Dazed, stunned, or stupefied.
5. Pointless; worthless: a stupid job.

Can you think of anyone who hasn't been 'Stupid'?? Well, I can't... don't we all define stupid once in a while?

Just a thought, figured I would blog about what was on my crazy mind. I know, I am weird! what can I say... Maybe I define stupid once in awhile.

Beauty is in your eye, in your heart

There is beauty in everything, sometimes we see it and sometimes we don't... just open your eyes and look a little harder.

Life is great

My outlook today is amazing for some reason... I must have woken up on the right side of the bed! it probably helps that things in life right now are going really well, I do love being in a happy mood, I think that I am going to choose to be happy more often!

I am feeling quite inspirational today, and my mind is racing from one place to another with some fabulous thoughts, I just don't know how to get them out in a verbal way, so I will just smile and keep them to myself for once!

I got a promotion, I am officially now the Operations Manager for Groom Construction, I am so excited! I feel appreciated, and I feel like working my little-big tush off for this company!

Madilynn's 15 Month Shoot

Click HERE to visit CT Ryan Studios and view more pics of her!