FROM US HERE AT THE MOTIVATION STATION

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A Giveaway!

Head over to Minimalist in the Making before 3pm New Year's Day for your chance to win!

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Question of the Week

We spend January 1 walking through our lives, room by room, drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched. Maybe this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives... not looking for flaws, but for potential. - Ellen Goodman

What are your New Year Resolutions… And/Or, Reflect on 2011 and Share your Accomplishments…

My New Year Resolutions:

• Lose Fifteen Pounds
• Paint the Inside of the House
• Keep in Better Touch with Friends and Family
• Plan More Dates with Hubby
• Clean up the Laundry Room
• Clean up the Master Bedroom
• Declutter the House One Drawer/Room at a Time
• Clean out the Garage
• Sort out the Boy’s Baby Storage Tubs
• Sort through all my Cards and Letters
• Update all the Filing and Finances
• Make and Attend Doctor Appointments
• Feel Accomplished

Happy New Year…

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Green Christmas

Happy New Year's, Festivus, Kwanzaa, and Winter Solstice too!

One of my goals over the holidays is to reduce the environmental impact of our merrymaking. We are avid recyclers at our house, as we divert over 75% of our household trash into recycling or composting. It is really helpful that our trash service provides unlimited pick up of unsorted recyclables and yard waste.
The disposal company also replaced our 96 gallon trash can, that was rarely more than 1/3 or 1/2 full, with a 35 gallon can. We received a 20% discount from our bill too, a very nice present anytime of year, :oD.

Some other things I did to have a "Greener" Christmas included shopping at thrift stores for books and kitchenware, reusing gift bags, boxes, and bows, and sending gift cards via email. We are also transitioning to LED holiday lights which are more energy efficient, and we always turn off our Christmas lights nightly.

We have an artificial tree now, but before we had real trees at Christmas, that we recycled by cutting up the branches and trunk, to put in our yard waste barrel. We used to keep a section of the trunk for our yule log for the following year, but that tradition went by the wayside, along with the real tree and wood burning fireplace, now converted to piped gas.

A lesson we try to teach our children at the holidays and throughout the year, is one of caring and kindness. This not only extends to each other, friends, family, neighbors, and the less fortunate, but to our home and world we share.

Thank you so much and wishing you a Wonderful New Years with much Health and Happiness to you and yours!

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BEEF BARLEY PASTA SOUP

It's cold over most of the country today and I thought you might like some soup to warm you up.

3 tablespoons butter
1 pound stew meat, in 1/2 inch pieces
flour
1 large carrot, diced
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 teaspoons minced garlic
½ teaspoon oregano
1/2 cup barley
1 cup pasta
1 cup White Grenache Wine
1-28 ounce cans Contadina crushed tomatoes
4-14 ounce cans beef broth*
salt and pepper to taste

• Over low heat melt the butter.
• Stir in carrots and saute until soft. 
• Add onions and garlic sauteing until fragrant.
• Dredge beef pieces in flour.
• Add beef to pan and saute' until beef pieces are browned.
• Add the wine and simmer 10-15 minutes. 
• Add the tomatoes and broth. Stir well and simmer 1 hour or more.
• Add the barley  during the last hour and simmer slow.
• Add the pasta during the last 15 minutes. 
• Enjoy with some fresh baked crusty bread.

*or make your own with 4 1/2 cups hot water and 3 teaspoons vegetable or beef bouillon.

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Motivation Monday - Time to Clean Up

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!

Today is a day many of us spend resting and relaxing after the big rush to have everything ready in time for Christmas. Let's focus on just one little thing today, just a little bit of clean up.

Let's just take a few minutes to make sure our homes are somewhat in order. If there is still wrapping paper scattered around, open gifts still stacked near the tree, or dirty dishes in the sink - let's take care of these things first before we take time to rest. It really won't take much time at all, and we will all feel better and be able to relax in peace once it's all done and out of the way - after that just relax and enjoy!

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R & R for Sunday, December 25th, 2011

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas...

Irving Berlin

R and R Tip #81:  Dreaming of a white and PEACE filled Christmas

I hope that today you are not just dreaming of a peaceful Christmas but are truly enjoying one.

These Gifts I Wish for You

...in this special season and all through the year

Happiness...deep down within your soul

Serenity...that brings peace to your heart

Love...is deep, abiding and true

Success...in everything you strive to do

Courage..to never give up being the best you can be

Health,.. inside you

Famly...beside you with close and caring friends

Special memories...to keep and cherish

Appreciation...of yourself and others

A bright today..that will shine on your tomorrows

A path...for all your journeys to follow

Dreams...that do their best to come true

I wish you all much Christmas peace and Joy!

Next week I'll be back with a special tip for you to have the most relaxing and restful New Year ever.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

ma

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SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN

It's Christmas Eve and Santa Claus is coming to town tonight.  If you have kids, or are just a big kid at heart, you can track Santa's progress as he travels around the world on NORAD.

Merry Christmas everyone!

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Question of the Week

Only two days til Christmas Eve! Are you Excited…

What are your favorite Christmas Eve or Christmas Day Traditions…

This week we enjoyed baking and decorating cookies and finished all the wrapping…

Sugar Cookies… Oatmeal Cookies… Peanut Butter Cookies… Fudge…

My December To Do List:

1. Advent Calendar Quotes

2. Write out Christmas Cards

3. Mail Christmas Cards

4. Put up the Tree

5. Decorate the Tree

6. Put up the Inside Christmas Decorations

7. Keep the Kittens out of the Tree and Decorations

8. Shop for Christmas Presents for the Boys

9. Fill Goodie Bags to Give to my Associates at Work

10. Wrap Presents

11. Bake Cookies

12. Eat Cookies

13. Watch Christmas Movies

14. Listen to Christmas Music

15. Drink Hot Chocolate with Whip Cream

16. Visit the Zoo Christmas Lights

17. Visit the Neighborhood Christmas Lights

18. Prepare Christmas Eve Dinner of Ham

19. Spend Time With the Family

20. Wait for Santa

21. Prepare Pillsbury Orange Sweet Rolls for Christmas Morning

22. Open Stockings

23. Open Presents

24. Remember the Reason for the Season

Happy Christmas…

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Winter Concert Highlights- Gifts of Music & Song

Here are some highlights from our son's Winter Choir Concert. The first two minutes are "Must See TV" for a laugh, it's the all guys group performing "Drummer Boy". Thank you so much and Happy Hannukah!

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Motivation Monday - Keep it stress free!

We're on the final countdown to Christmas, less than a week left to be ready for the big day. Have you remembered to keep your holiday season simple and stress free this year?

The whole month for me has been a whirlwind of activity between work, volunteering and the many concerts and shows the boys have performed in. I told myself that making memories with them by working along side them and hearing their wonderful Christmas music was the focus of my holiday season no matter what else gets done or doesn't get done, and I although I worked very hard, I truly enjoyed every single moment!

I really did just let the rest go and didn't worry about it.

We are all off school and work as of Saturday, the concerts and volunteering also came to an end on Saturday evening for the rest of the holiday season. Now we can all finally relax - notice I said relax, not spend the next week frantically getting ready for Christmas. We are keeping things super simple this year, and so far it's the most enjoyable holiday season I can remember in a long time.

This year the finances are tight with my husband being on unpaid medical leave and the economy in general. I had been introduced to a great site, Restaurant.com, though a blog giveaway I won several months back. I knew it would be a great place to purchase very reasonable gift cards for gift giving this year, especially for my teens who $20 dollar me into debt every weekend to go out to eat with their friends. Funny how things work out. After purchasing the gift cards I got an email from Restaurant.com for Feed it Forward.

Feed it Forward allows you to send an email Christmas greeting to friends and family and they include a free $10 gift card for the recipient. You can send up to 40 greetings with gift card included per day from now until Christmas Day. Here's the best part - there is also an option to send random acts of kindness if you to donate your unsent cards each day back to the restaurant.com community which includes their partners The American Lung Foundation, The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and The Make A Wish Foundation.

It's a win/win all the way around. We can send a little gift to our friends and we can make a donation to a good cause - and all without spending a cent. It's almost too good to be true!



Wishing all of you a wonderful stress free week. Remember to keep it simple! Happy holidays!

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R & R for Sunday, December 18th, 2011

Twas the night before Christmas, when all throughthe abode
Only one creature was stirring, and she was cleaning the commode.
The children were finally sleeping all snug in their beds,
while visions of Nintendo and Barbie flipped through their heads.

The dad was snoring in front of the TV,
With a half-constructed bicycle propped on his knee.
So only Mom heard the reindeer hooves clatter,
Which made her sigh, Now what is the matter?

With the toilet bowl brush still clutched in her hand,
She descended the stairs and saw the old man.
He was covered with ashes and soot, which fell with a shrug,
Oh, great, muttered Mom, now I have to clean the rug.

Ho Ho Ho!  cried Santa, I'm glad you're awake,
your gift was especially difficult to make.
Thanks, Santa, but all I want is time alone.
Exactly! he chuckled, So, I've made you a clone.

A clone? she muttered, What good is that?
Run along, Santa, I've no time for chit chat.
Then out walked the clone - The Mother's twin;
Same hair, same eyes, same double chin.

She'll cook, she'll dust, she'll mop every mess.
You'll relax, take it easy, watch The Young and The Restless.
Fantastic! the Mom cheered. My dream has come true!
I'll shop, I'll read, I'll sleep a night through!

From the room above, the youngest did fret.
Mommy? Come quickly, I'm scared and I'm wet.
The clone replied, I'm coming, sweetheart.
Hey, the Mom smiled, she sure knows her part.

The clone changed the small one and hummed her a tune,
as she bundled the child in a blanket cocoon.
You're the best mommy ever.  I really love you.
The clone smiled and sighed, And I love you, too.

The Mom frowned and said, Sorry, Santa, no deal.
That's my child's love she is trying to steal.
Smiling wisely, Santa said, To me it is clear,
Only one loving Mother is needed here.

The Mom kissed her child and tucked her in bed.
Thank you, Santa, for clearing my head.
I sometimes forget, it won't be very long,
when they'll be too old for my cradle and song.

The clock on the mantle began to chime.
Santa whispered to the clone, It works every time.
With the clone by his side, Santa said, Good night.
Merry Christmas, dear Mom, you will be all right.

 Author Unknown 

 

R and R Tip # 80:  RELAX Christmas is almost here.

By now I'm hoping that you are all ready for the big day coming up this next weekend -- Christmas!  I am and I'm hoping that you too can relax and unwind and take time to enjoy the holiday.  If you are like me it has taken a lot of effort to finally reach this point.  But here at my house I always say that preparation is half the fun of any celebration.  

This is a frantic time of year, to say the least; so much to do, so many to remember, so much to bake and cook… so little time! But let’s not think about the negative things and lose sight of the positive.

Instead of complaining about these darkest, shortest days of the year when we drive to work in the dark and it’s pitch-black when we travel home at night, why not look at darkness as the perfect backdrop for light? Consider the beautiful lights you see at night: the moon turning bare tree branches into a dark pen-and-ink drawing; the soft glow of Christmas candles in the window; even the brilliant red, yellow, and green of stoplights reflecting off an icy intersection.

Most of us are blessed to have a roof over our heads, heat, health food and family.  These are the important things and all the rest is just that...all the rest.   Add a positive attitude to this list of important things in your life and you've got everything you need. 

During this last week before Christmas, as you shop and bake and clean and decorate and mail cards. . .  think of this as a reminder to take a moment for extra hugs and kisses and make sure your family all know how much you love them.

That's what it's all about anyway, right?

Merry Christmas !

More about → R & R for Sunday, December 18th, 2011

It's GITTING time!

The idea of a GIT Challenge is to play catch up with whatever we need to get done. Just leave a comment saying you'll play along, minimize this post so you can easily come back to it throughout the day, stop what you are doing (meaning get off the computer and stop procrastinating!), take an hour right now to catch up on things you need to do and work as fast as you can!

Come back every hour or two and leave a comment with your progress. Check out what other participants have accomplished - all in the comment section, no blog hopping necessary. After updating, get back to work for another hour or so until you're done for the day. We always accomplish so much during these challenges!

Jump in anytime, there's no special time to start or finish. It's fun working together - join us!

More about → It's GITTING time!

Question of the Week

Are you enjoying the month of December while accomplishing your Christmas preparations…

I’ve been enjoying the Hot Chocolate…

I put the Goodie Bags together for my associates at work…

Thanks to hubby and son3 the Tree is decorated…

We’ve been watching Christmas Movies… Which is your favorite…

We went to see the Zoo Christmas Lights… It was so nice, I want to go again, definitely next year…

We have several places throughout our city that puts on light shows but this is now my favorite…

How does your city display Christmas lights…

Happy Christmas…

 

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Blue Christmas

I became sad in the car while taking my teen to school yesterday, thinking of my late brother, gone now 27 years last month. It struck me that Jim will never meet the 3 most important people in my life, my husband and 2 sons. One of those bittersweet insights out of the blue.

The holidays can be a tough time for many, of which I am reminded not only with my work as a nurse, but it also hit close to home this past week, with a dear friend getting ready to have cancer surgery. She is the mother of one of my son's oldest friends, literally since they were in diapers, and now they are teens. It's funny when you realize that the parents of your children's friends, often become your friends.

I have done barely anything for the holidays, way behind schedule for shopping, cooking, and decorating. I am trying not to stress, which is a challenge, especially with the demands of work and family. *Deep Breath*.

I am thinking of those less fortunate this holiday, not just financial need, but also pyschological. Those are much more difficult to meet.

If this is a hard time of year for you and your family, you are not alone, and others, do care.

"I love my cracks, it's where the light comes in".

A Memento Mori

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Motivation Monday - Keeping it simple

Only 12 days until Christmas!

Are you in the mad rush to decorate, shop, wrap, mail packages, bake, etc? Why not join me in a minimalist holiday season - forget all the commercialization and ridiculous expectations! 

                                                           Source: digsdigs.com via Martha on Pinterest

Let's all remember to keep it simple and focus on what's really important!

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R & R for Sunday, December 11th, 2011

It’s Christmas time, & Lucy comes in where Charlie Brown is standing and says, Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown. Tis the season of peace on earth and good will toward men. Therefore, I suggest we forget all our differences and love one another.

Charlie Brown, whose face lights up at this, says, That’s wonderful, Lucy. I’m so glad you said that. But tell me, do we have to love each other only at this season of the year? Why can’t we love each other all year long? Lucy retorts, What are you, a fanatic or something?

R and R Tip # 79:  Remember the important things

You can thrive, not just survive and create a wonderful holiday season this year.  You just need to do four things. 

 Keep your expectations rational

Take care of yourself

Take control of your time and limit your commitments

Embrace your family and friends

You don't have to have the perfect party, perfectly behaved children or the most beautifully decorated house.  Gve yourself a break and you will enjoy the holidays in a more meaningful way.

In the midst of this busy month, let’s stop. Put down the tinsel; discontinue the decorating. Turn down the Christmas carols and get alone to be silent.

Relax, get some rest and you will find this holiday season will be the best ever!

See you all next week!

Love, Live, Laugh and Be Happy!

ma 

 

More about → R & R for Sunday, December 11th, 2011

It's GITTING time!

The idea of a GIT Challenge is to play catch up with whatever we need to get done. Just leave a comment saying you'll play along, minimize this post so you can easily come back to it throughout the day, stop what you are doing (meaning get off the computer and stop procrastinating!), take an hour right now to catch up on things you need to do and work as fast as you can!

Come back every hour or two and leave a comment with your progress. Check out what other participants have accomplished - all in the comment section, no blog hopping necessary. After updating, get back to work for another hour or so until you're done for the day. We always accomplish so much during these challenges!

Jump in anytime, there's no special time to start or finish. It's fun working together - join us!

More about → It's GITTING time!

Question of the Week

How are your Christmas Preparations coming…

Outside Decorations are done…

Inside Decorations are coming along…

Tree is up but not decorated yet…

Advent Calendar is full of Christmas Movie Quotes and we are on Day Eight already… The boys are loving it…

Christmas Cards are all addressed… Just need to finish signing them and into the Mail they go…

Shopping is done… Just need the last minute Stocking Stuffers…

Happy Christmas…

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What Would I Do If I Won $1111.11? Give It Away for a Child's Smile

Fairy tales can come true. About a month ago, I entered a contest at the website, Chime.in, by writing an essay, (2000 characters or less), of what I would do if I won $1111.11 in honor of 11/11/11.
Well, I entered, and I won! I won one of 14 prizes of $1111.11 each given away.

Here is my entry-

My Chimewish-

What would I do with $1111.11? Give It Away for a Child's Smile.

My Chimewish is to make the wishes and dreams of children come true. I wanted to share some background information for my motivation and plans for a granted Chime Wish. Our family is blessed in many ways, and we are fortunate to be able to provide for our boys' passions for sport and the arts. Unfortunately this is not the case for many in our school district, which is located in a diverse neighborhood where a significant percent of students qualify for free lunches. Our area is no exception in that our local schools' budgets have been cut to the bone. Because of budget cuts and the economy, many children can no longer participate in Art and Athletics. This became poignantly clear to me when I overheard my son's classmate, a new choir student, telling the choir director, he would have to drop out of the program, as he could not afford the transportation or costume fees. Or when my husband, who is a volunteer youth referee, (along with our teens), tells me that the demand for scholarships and free equipment for the soccer program is higher than ever before. I would divide and donate this gift to our often overlooked teens & their families, with the assistance of American Youth Soccer Organization, ww.ayso678.org, & Hart High School district, www.hartdistrict.org, music program. I feel very passionately about this, as not only do I want every child to have the experience of being part of something bigger than them, but also for their families to witness and share in this joy. Please help spread a smile by Liking or Sharing this chime with my sincere thanks.

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