this one thing I really wanted to do this summer, but didn’t, so I guess, I’ll get to it now.. maybe.

one of those awesome, “make life easier changes”, streamline life, and just plain change it up, things I was going to do this last summer, and, well, never found the time (or wanted to spend it in front of the computer long enough to execute it..), was to combine the three blogs, my three loves and identities.

yeah.

hasn’t happened, eh?

it is going to.

so when you stop by, you will understand why there might be scrapping one day, photography the next, a funny story or tow another, and then maybe some goodies posted for good measure.

it has been something that I have been mulling over for awhile, and it just makes sense!

(making sense and helping my mom to navigate and find the things she wants to..)

the archives will be up at those other two places for a while still, and excuse me if your google reader fills up with all the posts I will be importing here and re-tagging and sorting.

I know.

I am totally selfish.

I want my life to be easier! 

What it all comes down to.

I saw a version of this on this blog, and loved the thought.

So I made my own version of it, for my own use and purposes. :)

It seems that all my thoughts lately have been consumed with all the stuff that is blogging.

Blogging, to me,  is a blessing.

Forgive me if what I ramble on about and say is redundant, something I may have said before, something that means the same thing I just said, something I have said in an earlier post..  do I sound like “Lady Redundant Woman” yet?  But seriously, this just seems to be what it is all coming to lately.

Last weekend, as I was listening to talk radio, they had a panel of women who were discussing different issues that are going on right now.  One of those issues was “Mommy Blogging”. 

One of the panelists, a blogger, listed all the reasons she blogs.  She also listed many reasons why other women stop blogging, stop reading blogs, and generally have fallen into a pit of negativity.

It is absolutely true what she said about the issue, some of it summarized here: 

People, women especially, put only their best foot forward.  The rest of the world only sees what they show, the good stuff.  They don’t see when the house is messy, or when they lose their patience and yell at the kids.  They don’t put that out there.  It makes some women feel that their lives aren’t as good as others.  There is an air of competition that is unhealthy.

We do put out the best of what we have to offer.  Why would we air our “dirty laundry” for the world to see, and judge us by?

I also look at this in a different way.

Before blogging, the girls could have done something totally exasperating, which in effect would make me lose my patience, and thus, affect the remainder of my day. 

After becoming a blogger, I would look for the humor in the situation.  My kids got beat less (totally kidding), as my first instinct was to run and grab the camera, because posts with pictures are SO much more interesting.. ;)  but really, it has had a positive effect of me, how I react to what happens in life.

The shenanigans still take place, my reaction to them is different, it’s better.

Don’t get me wrong, I do have “those days” where things don’t go as smoothly, where I feel a case of the blahs, and I feel like all is lost.  I wail,and weep, and wring my hands.

I usually don’t post on those days, or I don’t post anything publicly. 

Sometimes it is just too personal, I don’t want to share, other times, as I know I have said before, I am afraid of being judged.

Kind of sad considering that this is my venue to say what I feel.  Would you possibly believe that I received an email, someone telling me that what I choose to blog about is wrong?  That I should only post about my kids, what they are doing, what they say, pictures of them, that my personal life has nothing to do with blogging.  Weird, I know.  I still can’t believe it.  But then I was later accused of not mentioning my husband enough..  who is this Merrill guy that I mention so much?  Must check into that one..

But I truly feel bad for those who look around, and then feel the plague of negativity, feel like they are lacking, or because they do “that one thing”, or maybe they do and they do it differently, it somehow isn’t good enough.

Or it could be the other way around.  Maybe we feel the negativity because we see or read something that makes us think, “Really?!  How could they do that?  Why would they do that?  I do that better..”  or my personal favorite: “I did it first.”

It is human nature and seems to be about 100 times more potent as a woman, that we have that knee-jerk reaction to judge.  I have pegged myself many times in the face with my own knee because my knee-jerk-reaction time is FAST.  I hate that about me.  I try to do better at NOT doing it every day.  It is hard.

I saw the above thought yesterday, and again, it was like it was just for me!

I need not compare myself to anyone else.

I do what I do for me, not for the praise of others, not to get a pat on the back, not out of competition, and I certainly don’t do it for the negativity I am sometimes met with.  It needn't always be a negative comment, sometimes it is all about the way people treat me. 

Now maybe I am just assuming, but I am not stupid either.  Just as human nature is, people will do things to send a message, and I get them, loud and clear.  I am kind of a blonde, I don’t always immediately see when someone is TRYING to offend me, I usually take their comments or reaction to be mere stupidity, insensitivity, or even sarcasm.

This morning while folding my laundry, Merrill called and was quite frantic, “Turn on the TV to channel 5.”  

With him it could be anything; political, a breaking news story, something local that we are excited about, a clown..  anything.  But as the today show came on, with the topic of “The Dark Side of Mommy Blogging”, I was thankful for him.

You see, when I don’t write about it, I am talking about it to him, or to others who love me and support me, might not always agree, but are always supportive.

Just another thing, another blessing (can you believe I am calling the “Today Show” a blessing?) in my life, some direction and guidance to something that is weighing quite heavily on my mind at this particular time.  I was thankful that I was able to stomach Ann for that short period of time to glean some valid information.

Just a few points that they brought out in the segment:

1. Blog with integrity.  Integrity to me,  means that you would say, or do, the same thing consistently, no matter who happens to be with you.  It is being true to yourself.  Blogging with integrity is something that I posted about before, but didn’t phrase it that way.  Blogging with integrity means so much more to me than the way I said it earlier.  Darn the power of the right words!

2. Be prepared for backlash.  I know that not everybody will be tossing roses and blowing me air-kisses, but blogging is all about individuality, and supporting each other.  We can disagree about words, but we needn’t be mean, or personally attack or tear each other down.  We are women, we are awesome!  Can’t we just support each other?  Sheesh!

3. When one of those “trolls” (that is what one of the pros called those people who leave mean comments, and I love it!) come around, IGNORE THEM.  If you pay them no attention, they have no purpose in coming around.

I know that this isn’t the most important aspect of life.  There are so many more pressing issues out there, but when it is something that I enjoy doing, and have for a while now, when it as something that happens to be important to me, it tends to take up some of my thought process.  Just a little bit.

Just thought I would share a few things that have helped me out, encouraged me to continue on and be just who I am, and do the best I can.  Whether you like it or not. ;)

Saying it like it is.

Blogging is supposed to be an individual sport..  well, at least that is what I thought of it to be.
I am aware that I am not the sole blogger on the planet, nor am I the only person who has received a comment or e-mail in regards to one of my posts that isn’t in total agreement of my point of view.  I have never really received a comment that was outright mean (okay, once..), like I have heard of other bloggers finding in their inbox.
So why is it then, that we feel like we cannot post how we really feel, post what we really think?
There are moments in my life, when I just want to let it all out, put it all out there, but I don’t.  I am fearful that someone might not find it as humorous/sad/stressful/cool/important as I do.
That has got to stop.
I have always maintained that if people don’t like what they read, they can direct their little cursor to that cute red “x” in the upper right of the page, and click it.
(Kinda sounds like “stick-it”, but isn’t.)
It’s time we be honest with ourselves, with who we really are and how we really think and feel, without the fear of being judged.
I will admit that there were (are) times when there were (are) things going on in life that I didn’t want on the public stage of all bloggerdom, and those posts have been saved as dreafts, left un-published, but are still there, for me.  Sometimes it is a special experience, be it spiritual or otherwise, that I just don’t want to share with a public who might not appreciate it, and make me feel like it is less than what I feel (and know it to be).  Sometimes, it is just my rambling thoughts, dreams, and hopes, that I think might be boring.
(See, I am with you there Amber..)
I find myself doing that all too much lately, like people  don’t want to hear about the stress, or the mundane.  I need to be me, let those who care know about what is going on.
The rest can find that “x”.
You can plan on seeing more of me in the near future.  I need to get over this stage fright.

Daily Blessings

I started blogging to document the daily blessings, the way that the Lord’s hand had touched my life in the every day.  That way, I would have a way to look back, my children would have a way to look back, and see His hand in our lives everyday.

I kind of moved away from that.

It’s not that He doesn’t bless my life daily, it’s just that there is too much noise going on around me, and when those quiet moments come at the end of a long day, it is most likely quiet because the house full of people I love, are all finally asleep.  My reflection on the day passed drifts off to sleep with me.  Then it all starts over with the sound of the alarm clock, another day to tackle.

Today started off as a noisy day.   All the noise was in my head..  to do lists, things that NEED to be done, stresses, what I could possibly get squeezed in today, how to keep the girls happy.

My day consisted of this:

Editing the yearbook for Lynn’s school.

I am thankful to be able to be involved in her life, to volunteer my time and my talents to enrich her experience at school.  But sometimes I wonder what the crap I was thinking when I enlisted with the other moms (and dads) in the good old PTA.

I am working on a VERY TIGHT deadline (as in this week it NEEDS to be done) and there are still things missing.  I got the bulk of what I needed to get it done yesterday.  Sounds fun, eh?

I am an A+ personality (i.e. a perfectionist, hence the A+).  I picture things a certain way, I want them to turn out the way I expect them, and I have issues with others helping me when I feel so demanding.

I had help today, it came in many forms. 

It is further testimony to me of a Heavenly Father, one who knows me, is aware of me, my needs and concerns, who loves me.  He blesses me.

There were a total of 3 computers working away on 770+ pictures and names today.

I was glad that I didn’t do it alone.

Not just to lessen the workload, but to lighten the atmosphere.  There was laughter, someone there to talk to, a sisterhood, that love..

My 12 year old niece called  just as I was starting to cry to Merrill on the phone about all that was going on, all that needed to get done, my frustrations, keeping the girls happy.

I hate to be the mom who is too busy getting this “stuff” done, too busy to play.

She wanted to know if the girls could come over to play for the day.  Now she knew NOTHING about my day, my stress, my anxiety over the girls’ weekend of boredom while mom sat at the computer organizing endless pictures…

But that little prayer, uttered silently in my heart for His help today..  that message was relayed many times today.

The pictures are organized, everyone has a name now and not a number.  They are grouped with the right class..  they are ready.

Thanks to that help.

My girls were happy, they got to have fun and play.

Thanks to that help.

And if I didn’t already realize how blessed my life was this day, I would have known for sure as my sweet husband stood beside me and helped me prepare dinner tonight.

Thanks to that one answered plea for help.

Ashley, Peyton, and I went out to play while the pizza dough was rising.  As we swung, spider style (Ashley’s new favorite), enjoying the sunset, enjoying their laughter, I again teared-up with gratitude.

I am truly blessed.

I'm baaack!!!

I hope that bloggerdom is applauding right now, not booing.
I have made the decision to come back to blogging, my life just hasn't been the same without it! One might view it as an early Christmas gift to myself. ;)
But you know me (at least I hope you do..) I have to do it bigger and better, and for me that means making it multi-faceted, uber-organized, and such.
I still do have more than one blog, and I hope it works the way I hope it to.
I don't want it to take over my life, I simply want it back.
If you came here, as a follower of Scrapbooking etc., you didn't come to the wrong place, it's just been nudged over.. you can find it here.
But don't be a stranger here now!
I am plotting an awesome fall-ish give-away for followers only.. that means, to take part, be a prospective winner, you MUST BE A FOLLOWER. I would love to re-build a community! I would love for you to be a part of it...

Why I blog..

Isn't it fun to be an individual? To have your own thoughts, feelings, experiences.. your own life?
I love my life.
I love to blog about it.
I began blogging after a good friend (one of my best!) introduced me to the concept.
Okay, it was really a while after..
I was kicking around the idea, wondering who would want to read anything about my little life, and then I heard the talk from President Eyring.
I had to do it.
I blog to record, remember, to share my testimony, to keep in touch, to make some laughs (now and later).
I want every aspect of my life to be here, for my family, for the future.
I don't publish every post I compose. There are some that are too sacred for the world wide web to view. Someday, they will be published, and bound in a book, for my family to view.
I blog about the good and the bad. There are no secrets. I want my children (and grandchildren, and so on) to know about my struggles and challenges. It just might help them someday.
I do not dwell in the past, but I do remember it. Sometimes there is a little spark of a memory that leads into something so much bigger. I feel an urgency to record those things. I don't want to lose any of them.
While I am aware there is an audience, I don't blog for them, completely. :)
It is definitely incentive, knowing that someone else might enjoy what I have to share. An audience also makes me feel accountable... what if they expect it?
Then I must blog it.
I have received comments and e-mails from some who do not care for my posts, claim that I am "living in the past".. I know some have stopped reading.
Good..
I don't blog for them.
I do it for me.

Here's some fun numbers...
I have posted about these subjects multiple times.
I thought it was fun to see how many times in the past year and a half (roughly) I have posted about them.

Merrill-65
Lynn-118
Ashley-121
Peyton-134
Prayer-37
Chocolate-4 (Whaaat?! Only four?)
Faith-12
Ben and Jerry's-3 (shocked at this number as well..)
Blessings-37
Tag(s)-29
Birthdays-29
Pregnancy-30
Food-6
The old "ex"-2

It is also smile-inducing and very heart warming to see the names of many good friends and family members included in the blogged about moments of my life...

Changes...

There have been some issues surrounding the area to your right.. the "sidebar", the "blogroll", my “blogstars”..
Today, it will be leaving.. maybe for good. After some recent happenings, I am contemplating other things, which I really don’t want to do, and this seems to be the best solution right now.
I love to read you all.. love to have readers and people who are actually interested in me and my life.. love your support and sweet comments! I will still be following your blogs.. I am there. You will see me.
I love to know that you are interested.. maybe entertained? Sometimes??
I have found and re-discovered so many good friends through blogging.. I don’t want to lose that connection. But I have considered going private.. but then I think of how many people I have connected and re-connected with. Some who were complete strangers, some who are friends I have lost touch with.. I can’t go private!!
I will be removing some areas on my sidebar.. followers, and blog lists. There need not be any hurt feelings over who is there and who is not.. it is so not about popularity.. it’s just people who happen to be entertaining writers and people who I also care about.
I will also begin moderating comments, cause I want to.. it’s a pain, but I need to make sure that things I want others to see are displayed.
So here’s to a new way of blogging!!
Enjoy more space in the sidebar for fun pics and more give-aways..
Love you all!!
Thanks for loving me..

THIS is why...

THIS is why I blogged about last night's dinner and Skyler..
Christie made me this shirt for my Birthday.. it turned the whole night into a Bloggin' joke.. and no, I will not be blogging about my chest :) That would be comical though...
And this...
Must be why...
My basement (well, one room really..) is flooded...
and stinks!! Who wants to work out with that stench?!
Anyone up for ice skating when it freezes out there? :)

From the corridors of Mindy's brain...

I've been dong some thinking lately...
(Like that nice shot of my inner nose area.. I know, totally flattering...)
This whole private blogging thing...
I understand the need to go private.. I have been kicking the idea around for a LONG time now. Off and on, the need arises. Mom was soooo worried when I was preggers with Pey that some psycho would stalk me, somehow render me senseless, and give me a totally involuntary c-section and steal my cute baby girl.
I told her that I don't post info, especially specifics, until after the event has transpired. I try not to post too much information (unless it's about my children's bowel movements, questionable language, or my sex life ;)..) like addresses, details about where I hide my huge stash of cash... etc.
I have decided, for the time being to leave my blog open. But I totally understand why a lot of you are changing...
Let me explain why I am not...
Not saying I am awesome or anything.. but I am continuously drawn to the fact of the friendships that are made or strengthened through this outlet. Ally, I wouldn't even know you if it weren't for blogging! Look at all that I would be missing? I think of how many people need other people out there, who could benefit from the examples of others. I wouldn't want to close that door, even if there's the chance that some crazy yahoos might enter through that same door. Speaking of crazy yahoos, I have crazy friends who have moved away, I wouldn't have found them, and have been able to keep in touch without blogging.
I find blogging as a way to share my testimony... first of all, to have it recorded for my kids, and my grand kids, but to have it out there for others. Hopefully the influence is for the better... there will always be negative people out there, criticism is a part of life. I have had to take some every now and then, I don't crumble when some body leaves a negative comment. I am so oblivious most times, I don't even take it the way it was meant to be taken. If I don't like what someone has to say, I can always delete the comment, and then let everyone wonder what the comment said... ;)
Another reason, to connect with others. Old friends, new friends, potential friends...
How many homemakers/mother are out there, and have a not so good day? How many find another blogging homemaker/mother that can twist it into a positive, and helps you to remember that it is just a moment? To let it go? I have found that when my kids have gotten into something, or behave in a way that makes me want to scream, I think, "This is bloggable..." and my attitude towards my child and the situation changes, for the better.
At the risk of sounding totally naive, I believe that if some sicko out there wants either my personal information, or desires to stalk me, they will find a way to get it, or to get to me ( and good luck, I'd totally kick your ass(es).. 3 brothers, who taught me well, my 9mm..). Blogs were not the beginning of this kind of activity. We just have to be careful about what we post.
I personally have no beef posting pictures of my kids. I also am aware of freaks out there who would think certain thoughts when they see how cute my girls are. I am not going to bait them, I am not going to post pictures of my kids that I would not scrapbook. Fact is, people see my kids everyday out in public, I am not going to put a brown paper sack over their heads to hide them from everyday people, some who are the sickos aforementioned... I also cannot control the thought or feelings of people. I don't stay awake at night worrying about what the checker at the store was really thinking about Ashley when she said that naughty word...
Bottom line, we are here for each other. We share our talents, feelings, inner-most thoughts, joys, hardships, memories, laughs, but most of all, we share support. I love that when I am having a hard time, I get encouragement. I love it!
I cannot privatize my blog.
There might just be someone, someday, who might just need something that I might write... maybe.

Happy Birthday Blog!

I know, cheesy... but today is a first birthday for my blog.
I have shared happy times, sad times, funny times, stressful times, and many pictures to go along with all of those feelings... I have made many new friends, gotten to know current friends a lot better, and have reconnected with old friends.
It all started out as a goal to keep a personal record, to be able to record those funny things the kids do and say, a way to keep track of those small, daily blessings that President Eyring says we'll be able to look back on someday and see how the hand of the Lord has blessed our lives. It may sound corny, but this blogging thing has been such a blessing...
I am thankful.
And I am thankful for all of my bloggin' buddies!
If you are one of them, go here... (give away!)
For those of you wondering about a birthday cake, I considered it, but settled on a Root beer float... remember, I am addicted!

This is too funny...

Can you tell we are all busy moms?
We are all bloggin at 11:30 at night!
Ahhhh... gotta love it.
I just got a funny spam-mail: "Mindy, Do you want to FIRE YOUR BOSS?"
I was laughing a bit too hard at that... maybe cause I am loopy tired...