Phoenix Project: Day 100

100 days...
100 good things...

I was talking to a friend today and she said that whatever the situation, good or bad, we should ask ourselves, "What did I learn from that". These last 100 days have been challenging at times but I've learned a lot...I'm still learning. I actually considered wrapping this project up but then I crashed my car and the thought crossed my mind that I still have more to learn from this. I've been torn between feeling frustrated that something like this could happen. I mean, haven't we been through enough? But the rest of me feels so incredibly grateful that I was so lucky--nothing serious happened and no one was seriously hurt...that's miraculous considering everything.

But since I feel frustrated first and grateful second, I think I have more to learn. Hopefully, this is enough of a lesson and I'll get it now ;)

Phoenix Project: Day 99

Lukas woke up this morning really worried about what the kids at school would say about his face. It's not too bad but his lip is still really swollen. Lukas has always been really self conscious and concerned about what other people, particularly his peers, think about him. He's careful when he picks out his clothes and how he wears his hair and when he looked at me with his swollen little face and said, "Do I have to go to school today? The kids will all laugh at me..." I didn't know what to do. I missed most of work on Monday already and I really needed to go to work.

I sent out a bunch of texts to everyone I could think of to see if someone could come and stay with him so I could go to work. Regan cleared some of his schedule so he could stay with Lukas during the morning and Kelly took shift #2 in the afternoon. Any other day, any other week, staying home with Lukas wouldn't have been a huge deal. But, I needed to work and I didn't want to feel like a bad mom for sending him to school. What a huge blessing for me to have Regan and Kelly step in and take over so I could be at work and Lukas could have a day to recover.

Phoenix Project: Day 98

I would have to say the best part of my day was watching Lukas in his ninjitsu class. His instructor has started giving out stripes for students that are making progress - they can receive up to 4 stripes. At the end of class today, he called Lukas forward to receive a stripe. I have never seen him so happy and so proud of himself!

While we were getting the kids ready for bed, Lukas was telling Bob all about his new stripe and then...he fell...on face! Poor Lukas! His nose is likely broken and he's got some bruising around is nose and his eyes. He also has bruising INSIDE his upper lip! I've never seen a bruise INSIDE a mouth before! He's feeling much better now and we had good snuggle before he went to bed. He's such a trooper!

Phoenix Project: Day 97

Monday...wow! Monday's are usually a tough day because it's Monday and the weekend is over and it's back to work again. Today was particularly fun because I had to deal with the car and insurance stuff but, lucky for me, my boss was awesome and I was able to go into work late. It's been a huge blessing that things are moving along really smoothly. Now, I'm just waiting to see whether they can fix Roxy or not.

KC wanted to do something to make me feel better so she got up early and cleaned up the house! What a great kid! I could get used to this ;)

Phoenix Project: Day 96

Today I just tried to relax and get some rest. There were three highlight moments:

1. Kelly made us dinner! Hooray! I love dinner but was way too tired to make it.
2. Bob Logic - Bob has a gift for saying things spontaneously that are either ridiculous or funny or a combination of both. Today's Bob Logic - Bob to me: "So what's your opinion? I mean, really, it's second to God's because both of you can make my life hell." Me: (uncontrollable laughter!) To clarify, this was not during an argument it was just Bob's way of saying, "Tell me what you want me to do because I'll do whatever you want." So so FUNNY!!
3. Late last night Jayden and Jillayne came over to drop off some forms for me. While we were chatting it up, I heard a noise at the front door. I said something like, "BOB GET THE BAT!!" He went to check out the noise and found Regan plastering my door with hearts. They also brought over some cupcakes ;) and a picture from Jessah.

I guess smashing your car has it's perks!

Phoenix Project: Day 95

Well, today didn't go exactly as I planned. I was supposed to go to Toronto with our youth for a temple trip and we rented a bus to get there. We had such a great turn out that the bus filled up with youth and some of the leaders had to drive. I took my car with Meagan and Myril.

We were about 20 minutes from the temple in Toronto and traffic was moving pretty good. A car, driven by a little old man, came down off an over pass and, without signalling, moved right into us. I swerved to get out of his way but I lost control of my car, fishtailed across 5 lanes of traffic, spun a 180 and hit a retaining wall.

We were so lucky that we didn't hit any other vehicles. It could have been so much worse. None of us were seriously injured; Meagan hit her knee and we took her to the hospital to have it checked out and it's bruised but it should be ok.

Phoenix Project: Day 94

Tonight we hosted a Youth Sports Night! We had a great turn out and the kids seemed to really enjoy the activities. Mike did an awesome job teaching martial arts and Crystal taught a great beginner yoga class. I was really impressed with the time and effort Mike and Crystal put into making this activity a success. Jenn put together a fantastic spread of healthy snacks, which everyone LOVED!

Phoenix Project: Day 93

Have I mentioned that it's been a busy week? I was listening to One Republic's song, Marchin' On and some days it really feels like I just moving one foot in front of the other--like I have to keep moving forward but I can't think about how far I need to go...it's all about the next step and getting through the next hour or the next task. Just keep moving...

Lucky me, I was invited to a FREE showing of Iron Man 2 with my friend Aimee. What a great evening with a great friend! We've both been so busy with life that we've haven't had a lot of time to just get together so it was so nice to get out and catch up. Aimee is one of those people that juggles a job (or two), kids, church responsibilities and all the other things that life brings but she's always saying to me, "If you need anything..."

I had such a great night with awesome conversation and CHOCOLATE with an awesome friend!

Phoenix Project: Day 92

So far, it's been an INSANELY busy week. Tonight I was at the church having a mother/daughter activity with Kailyn and Bob was with his scouts. I wasn't sure what to do with Lukas and, even though Bob probably could have taken Lukas with him, I didn't want him to be up too late on a school night. I persuaded Jillayne to come over and watch him until I could get home.

By the time I got home, I was exhausted! Truly, I wanted to collapse on the couch and not move for the rest of the night. But, being some what responsible, I headed into the kitchen to look at (not do) the dishes from dinner. What I found was a clean kitchen with all the dishes washed and counter cleaned.

I know it probably wasn't a big thing for Jillayne to tidy up the kitchen for me but (I'll blame it on the exhaustion) I almost cried because I was so happy that I didn't have to do them AND didn't feel guilty for not doing them. She spent her night watching Lukas AND did my dishes...her simple act of service completely turned my day around.

Thank you!

Phoenix Project: Day 91

Dinner and movie? Absolutely! Tonight was date night so Bob and I left the kids with Naye and went out for a little time to ourselves. We chatted about things we wanted in the future and reminisced about the last dozen years that we've spent together. We had fantastic food (I really REALLY love food) and then relaxed during a movie.

Honestly, life seems so busy that we rarely get to spend any time together. I don't want to be one of those couples that grows apart as they grow older--I want to grow together and have fun! I want our kids to grow up knowing that their parents really love each other, even if they think it's gross!

Yes, Bob's out of the doghouse...for now ;)

Phoenix Project: Day 90

It's been one of THOSE days. I had a challenging day at work, Bob was in the doghouse, I haven't been to the gym in days, Kailyn needed to get to ballet and I was running on empty. I really REALLY just needed to PUNCH something! Naye picked up Lukas after school so I texted her and asked if she could stay later. She is amazing! She didn't mind staying so I came home, quickly changed, dropped Kailyn off at ballet and went straight to the gym. I had no idea what classes were running but I decided it didn't matter and I'd slip into whatever class was open.

I walked in and checked the schedule and headed into...

...INTERVAL BOXING!! What could be more perfect? I needed to punch something and they gave me gloves and a punching bag! It was the BEST class for me tonight!

Phoenix Project: Day 89

MOTHER'S DAY!! I am so grateful for the many wonderful women in my life. I have my Mom--she's always been amazing! She's the type of person who can do anything: cook, clean, work, fix a washing machine, lay tile, sew, knit, computer programming, shop, babysit, re-wire a lamp...she's practically a super star!

I have wonderful grandmothers who still spoil me. I am blessed with aunts who are still very involved and connected with me and my children...Aunt Sherry calls all the time just to see how we're doing. Even though she wasn't able to have children of her own, she is cherished as a mother and grandma in our home.

I am also blessed to have sisters and sisters in-law who have inspired me to be a better mom. There have been many times that they have strengthened and sustained me when I've been overwhelmed.

Friends...good friends have made being a mother so much easier. There is something about getting together with girl friends to talk about...whatever, that decreases the amount of stress I feel. There's a saying, "If momma ain't happy, nobody's happy" and friends help make me happier!

Thank you to all the wonderful women in my life!

Phoenix Project: Day 88

Today I had the opportunity to meet up with Mercy River, a musical trio from Utah, at Time Out for Women. They came up to London to perform for our youth last spring and I was able to chauffeur them back and forth to airport.

It was so amazing to spend some time with them again! They are delightful women, not only are they beautiful singers but they are also busy moms! They have 10 kids between the three of them and they travel around Canada and the US sharing their amazing talents. After having some lunch and a delicious butter chicken dinner, catching up and laughing it up, Meagan and I said goodbye to Soni, Whitney and Brooke.

Phoenix Project: Day 87

I have a lot to be grateful for. Today is my 11th wedding anniversary...yep, 11 years! It seems like yesterday but at the same time like we've always been together. In these last 11 years we've been through so much--good and bad and we're still here. We're still strong!

How did we celebrate? I spent the weekend at Time Out for Women with my friend, Meagan! I really admire her ability to make me laugh, even in the craziest situations. I have learned a lot from her about how to make the best of all circumstances.

And what about Bob? Bob was hanging out with his very first missionary companion. They haven't seen each other in 14 years! Even though we didn't really see much of each other, it was still a great anniversary.

Phoenix Project: Day 86

Today I attended a Relief Society (the women's group of our church) function and I was listening to my friend, Jill, talk about how she gives service to others. She described a situation where she was asked to befriend a old grouchy lady in her congregation and as she served this women, they built a strong friendship. I was really impressed with her determination to help others and I want to follow that example and reach beyond my comfort zone to help those around me.

Phoenix Project: Day 85

Today my inspiration for this post comes from Lukas' ninjutsu class. Usually I drop Lukas off and Bob picks him up on his way home but Bob's working out of town so I just waited and watched the class. Lukas has an amazing teacher! He's very engaging and fun but also disciplined. Today there were new students in his class and during one exercise the entire class of 6 - 9 year olds had to hold a push up position...for EVER! The new kids were wiggling around and couldn't hold it very long but Lukas did a really great job. At one point, his instructor said, "Look at Lukas! He's a MACHINE! Look at how well he's doing!"

As soon as the class ended Lukas came running running over to me and said, "Did you hear what he said to me? He said that I'm a MACHINE!"

I am always impressed to see others build self confidence and self esteem in my children. Lukas has definitely made great strides with his class under the dedicated teaching of his instructor. I would really love to learn how to build up others the way this wonderful teacher did.

What a great moment!

Phoenix Project: Day 84

I've been working on my Personal Progress (which is a goal setting program used in our church with the 12-18 year old girls to help them develop spiritually, intellectually, emotionally and socially) and because I'm a leader, I need to set the example and complete mine as well.

For the next couple of weeks I'm working on this goal:

• Read Doctrine and Covenants 18:10 and 121:45. Do all you can to build others and make them feel of worth. Every day for two weeks notice the worthwhile qualities and attributes of others. Acknowledge them verbally or in writing. In your journal write what you have learned about the worth of individuals and how your own confidence grows when you build others.

This goal is really good for me because, not only does it fit in with my Phoenix Project in being a more positive person but it also helps me look outside of myself and what I'm doing and look at other around me.

My inspiration for today comes from Bob. He had a really long day at work and didn't get home until 7:30. When he walked in the door I asked him if he wanted me to make him some dinner and he said he'd get something in a few minutes. Then he disappeared. After about 40 minutes I went to check on him and he was upstairs with Lukas; both of them were sitting on the floor playing a game and chatting back and forth. About 20 minutes later he came down and talked with Kailyn for a while then about 9:00 he headed to the kitchen for some dinner. He has always been an amazing dad but I think he gets better as he gets older! He always makes time for his kids even when it's not convenient.

You (my loyal readers, which in honesty is probably just my MOM ;) are welcome to join me and for 2 weeks look for the positive and worthwhile qualities in those around you. It can be family, friends, strangers...anyone! Then either post a comment or a link to your blog and let me know how it's going! I'd love to hear back!

Good Luck!

Phoenix Project: Day 83

Today was a fantastic day! People commented all day on the pictures that Jayden took...it was great to hear from people I haven't talked to in a while and receive such great compliments! Bob was home early, which NEVER happens and we took Kailyn to ballet and then spent an hour hanging out with Lukas. It was just a great day!

Here's some more pictures from Jayden:

Phoenix Project: Day 82

Today was an amazing day! We've been trying to get our family pictures taken for a few weeks but the weather and scheduling hasn't worked out...until today! Jayden is a fantastic photographer! She's in grade 11 but she is naturally talented! She's also accepting new clients so if you're interested in getting photos, send me a message and I'll give you her contact information. Here's a few of the ones she took:

Phoenix Project: Day 81

Saturday! The day to catch up on everything we couldn't get done during the week. Today was groceries, cleaning and gardening! This is our second attempt at having our own garden and the kids are really excited to pick out the seeds they want to plant, preparing the garden and watching them grow. This year they picked: corn, cucumbers, watermelon, pumpkins, onions, lettuce and I picked some herbs to start a mini herb garden. Really, we only have a few of each one because our garden is 2 feet by 8 feet but I think it's probably a good idea for us to start small.

It was a great day to work together!