My #OneWord for 2018

I love choosing ONE WORD to narrow my focus for the year. Sheila at BookJourney.net offers a space for us to share our ONE WORDS each year. I chose ONE WORD in 2015 and 2016, but never landed on one for last year. I missed having that focus last year and was determined to find one this year. My previous words were Balance and Begin and I found them to be helpful in keeping me focused on my goals. 

This year is going to be an emotional one for me. Our oldest will be graduating from high school in May and heading off to a yet-to-be-determined college in August. Our second child will start his senior year in August and the cycle will start all over again. It's already been difficult going through several "lasts" with our oldest during his senior year. Watching the boys compete and perform together has been so special for our family and knowing this will be the last time has been tough for me. They are best friends and I know they will miss each other deeply. 

 

I've been trying to find a word that encompasses my emotions and thoughts about this coming year. Then I hugged my son and I knew what my word should be.

The word Embrace has two definitions and both are meaningful to me this year. 

Embrace (verb) - to hold someone closely in one's arms, especially as a sign of affection.

(noun) - an act of holding someone closely in one's arms.

This photo above is one of my favorites. It's Patrick embracing his good friend Kam after he crowned him Homecoming King. Kam was Homecoming King last year and it was a special moment for Patrick to be crowned by him. 

I have been doing a lot of embracing lately. Not just with our children, but with friends as well. There are a number of moms that I am close to that are sending off their first, last, or middle child this year. As we travel together through the "lasts", it's been comforting to know that we have each other to go through it with. I've also been embracing our children and my husband more lately. I've needed the physical contact of the embrace to center and calm me. Did you know that the minimum time necessary to promote the flow of oxytocin and serotonin during an embrace is six seconds?  In order to encourage those mood-boosting chemicals, hold on to that loved one for at least six seconds. 

Embrace (verb) - to accept or support a belief, theory, or change willingly and enthusiastically.
(noun) the act of accepting or supporting something willingly and enthusiastically.  

I am embracing the idea that there will be a change in our family, in our home, in our lives. I am enthusiastic about the experience of choosing a college. I look forward to visiting him there and sending him packages after he moves in. I am excited to support him as he competes at the college level for Cross Country and Track and performs in their music program. I'm in awe of all the opportunities ahead for him and can't wait to see what he is going to be.

I'm embracing the idea of only two children in our home (for one more year) and then knowing that it will just be Pat and I and our daughter. I'm embracing the change that is to come from watching our children leave the protection of our home and begin their lives as adults. I'm embracing the idea that sooner rather than later, my focus will be less about our children and their schedule and more about me and what I want to do.

I may be a bit emotional in the next days, weeks, and months. But, I am bursting with pride over all our little family has created and the changes that are ahead for us. In Ecclesiastes 3, it states that there is a time for many things, one of them being a time to embrace. This is my time and I am going to embrace all of it that I can.

Don't fear change - embrace it.

Anthony J. D'Angelo

Life is all about embracing each moment that is given to you.

Evangeline Lilly

It's not complicated to embrace life. 

You just have to make the choice. 

Faith Hill

Joyful News for Today

"DON'T BE AFRAID!" HE SAID.

"I'LL BRING YOU THE MOST JOYFUL NEWS 
EVER ANNOUNCED, AND IT IS FOR EVERYONE! 

THE SAVIOR - YES, THE MESSIAH, THE LORD - 

HAS BEEN BORN TONIGHT IN BETHLEHEM!"

Luke 2:10, 11 TLB


May you find time to reflect and rejoice in the birth of our Savior. 
May you spend time thinking about what that means to you
 as you close out 2017 and begin 2018.

Merry Christmas to you!
May 2018 be a year full of blessings!

Children's Book Review: Benjamin Franklin's Wise Words By K.M. Kostyal

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN'S WISE WORDS
How to Work Smart, Play Well, and Make Real Friends

By: K.M. Kostyal

Illustrated by: Fred Harper

Published: January 24, 2017

Publisher: National Geographic Kids

Non-Fiction

Even though this book of quotes, wisdom, and life lessons from Benjamin Franklin is written for upper elementary to middle-school-aged kids, adults will love it too. I did! I love books that involve quotes and bits of wisdom and I have several in my own personal library. This easy-to-read hardcover offers quotes from Benjamin Franklin along with bits of wisdom and explanation for kids to go along with each quote.

The illustrations are super fun. They appear as watercolors with fabulous caricature-like expressions and people in time-period appropriate clothing.

Benjamin Franklin was quite the interesting man and went on to be one of our Founding Fathers. Even though he didn't go to school after the age of ten, he still found ways to learn, explore, and create. He was an inventor, author, scientist, and political activist to name a few. No moss grew under his feet! Benjamin Franklin was known for his many sayings and advice and this book collects fifty of them important for kids and adults to ponder.

In all of his travels, Benjamin Franklin made numerous friends. Those connections helped him become one of our Founding Fathers. But, while visiting friends you could hear him say one of his famous quotes, "Fish and visitors stink after three days."

The book is broken down into chapters of Tranquility, Industry, Order, Humility, Resolution, Sincerity, and Moderation. Then each of the quotes is sorted according to their area of interest. Franklin's quote is shared first, then there is a retelling of the quote in easier to understand terms. Then a few paragraphs about Franklin and his life related to the quote fill the rest of the page. I learned a lot I didn't know about him and he was quite a fascinating man.

I thought this book was really great and is one I will be keeping on my shelf. I could see teachers using these quotes as a type of 'bell-ringer" activity. Opening with the quote and asking students to write about what the quote means to them would also encourage some great discussion. This would be a great gift for history buffs and students who like stating witty quotes or learning about our great leaders.

K.M. Kostyal

Karen has worked as a senior editor at both National Geographic Magazine and the Geographic’s Book Division and as a contributing editor to National Geographic Traveler. As a freelance writer and editor, she continues to work with National Geographic publications and Paraculture Books, as well as with various magazines. She’s the recipient of two Lowell Thomas Awards and a member of Ripple Effect Images. She holds a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin and an M.A. from the University of Virginia. For more, check out her website, HERE. 


To purchase a copy of BENJAMIN FRANKLIN'S WISE WORDS, click the photo below:

I will be linking up this review on Booking Mama's regular Saturday feature, Kid Konnection. This is a place for bloggers to share posts related to children's and YA books. You will find spotlights, reviews, and sometimes even giveaways by clicking HERE, every Saturday.



Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to purchase the book through the above link, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase. Thanks for supporting SincerelyStacie.com. 

Enjoy the Beauty of Your Day

We have been fortunate to have one of our most beautiful Octobers that I can remember in awhile. The weather has been warm and sunny and hardly any rain and cold to speak of until yesterday. 

October is my favorite month of the year. I love watching the changing of the leaves and the crispness in the air.  It's the month that holds my birthday, my husband's birthday, as well as a slew of other family members. I remember growing up that it was a month of celebrating. 

Last week, as our son was preparing to run his last cross country meet of the season, I found myself surrounded by the beauty of nature. The golf course in NE Iowa where the meet was held was full of trees that were in the process of changing over to fall. I was standing by myself and just took that moment to look around and enjoy the beauty of it. It helped calm me as I was extremely nervous for our son. This was his chance to make it to the state cross country meet.  Even though he didn't make it (he finished 20th and they take the top 15), I have looked back on this photo often as a reminder of the beauty in that day.

Wherever you are in the world, I hope that you can take a moment to enjoy the beauty of your day.

A post from today, 5 years ago -  Product Review: Nature's Hand Granola
A post from today, 2 years ago - Fulcrum Gallery Print Review
A post from today, 1 year ago - #52ListsProject - Things that Make Me Feel Peaceful

My One Word for 2016

Last year, I chose One Word that was my focus for 2015. I wrote it down in places that I would see it every day. When I had decisions to make I reflected on my One Word and whether my decision would affect what I wanted to achieve. Last year's One Word was "Balance". I was completely out of balance in my life and needed to regain control in numerous areas. I really believe that I did so much better "balancing it all" and even though it isn't perfect, I know I am much more balanced than I was in 2014. To see my post from last year, click HERE.

I tossed around several different words for the last few weeks, trying to see if I kept seeing one, kept hearing it in my mind, praying over the words, and waiting for a sign. It didn't come right away like I expected it too.  In fact, I'm half-way through January and I've finally felt like NOW my One Word is clear.

My One Word is..................................... BEGIN. 

To begin, begin. 

William Wordsworth 

One day last week, I came across this quote and it made me stop. Of course, to begin....you must begin. It was that light-bulb moment.  I had several of them while reading TAMING THE TO-DO LIST a couple months ago. See my post about it HERE. I realized while reading this book, that I have a problem with procrastination and starting projects. I put off the hard ones, constantly moving them to the next list and the next one while crossing off the small, easy tasks so I feel like I am accomplishing something. But, those big tasks are still looming over my head. But, since I've read that book, I have realized that just beginning is the battle. Once I start, I plow through and finish the job. I just need to begin.

Begin ~ to proceed to perform the first or earliest part of some action; commence; start:

This definition sounds optimistic and refreshing. Every day is a new beginning, a fresh start, a do-over. But, for some reason beginning can be difficult for me. Maybe it is that what is ahead is unknown, maybe I'm tired, maybe I don't know how to begin or what my next steps should be. 

I've struggled with beginning a new book because I am worried it won't live up to my expectations.

I have a hard time beginning to write a review because the words aren't coming easily.

I have big projects that seem overwhelming so rather than starting them, I just keep moving them from list to list. But, beginning it, is better than ignoring it and not doing it at all.

I need to workout and if I just begin, it goes by fast, but beginning is the hard part. 

Just beginning doesn't require me to be perfect or to finish the job right away or even without mistakes. I just need to begin it. 

God even spent seven days creating the Earth. He had a huge task in front of him and He knew he couldn't finish it all in one day....so He broke it down into parts....creating darkness and light, waters and land, plants and animals, and humans. He spent six days completing his tasks, but to do that he had to...BEGIN. 

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. ~ Genesis 1:1

Your beginning will seem humble, so prosperous will your future be. ~ Job 8:7

The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride. ~ Ecclesiastes 7:8

All of these verses inspire me to begin and I'm am hoping that this is the year I begin AND finish all those things hanging over my head.

• Organizing our mud room
• Making my heirloom tray
• Hanging up photos on the wall
• Starting the boys' t-shirt quilts
• Repotting my household plants

These are just a few projects that have been on my to-do list for over a year and are just waiting for me to........BEGIN.

What tasks to you need to begin? Are they as small as unloading the dishwasher or starting a load of laundry? Or is it as big as remodeling a room or painting the walls or rekindling a broken relationship? 

I'm am looking forward to starting 2016 with a new beginning.....a new way to.......BEGIN. 

Did you choose a One Word? If so, share it with me! 

A Little Monday Inspiration - Time

Lack of direction,

not lack of time,

is the problem.

We all have 24-hour days.

Zig Ziglar

Zig Ziglar is a well-known and respected speaker and author. Even though he has been gone for 3 years, his words and knowledge still live on.

I'm spending my time over the next couple weeks focusing on my family and myself. This may sound selfish to some, but this is just what my heart and soul needs. I'm hoping when I return, I'll be ready to dive back into my work, being more organized and refreshed.

I'm wishing all of you a wonderful new year and I'll be back soon with lots of book reviews and other fun posts!

Life is Not a Race...

Many of you know that I'm a mom with three active kids. I'm also a devoted wife who likes to take spontaneous lunch dates with her husband. I am also a substitute teacher that recently has been more full-time than part-time. I'm a community volunteer who just finished a huge campaign to purchase new band uniforms for our school. Finally, I'm supposed to be reading books and writing book reviews to share with my audience.

Well, lately, it has been a bit hard to keep up with all of these items as well as the many other hats I've been wearing lately. I'm exhausted, anxious, and overwhelmed over my never-ending list of tasks that don't seem to get done.

This weekend I'm making a 7-hour drive to meet my new great-niece and celebrate her sister's 2nd birthday. Then I'll be traveling again for Thanksgiving. The next week, I will again be traveling to visit my dear friend and another niece in Colorado. Amongst all this, I'll be shopping and preparing our family for the Christmas season. Then we will be taking a quick family trip after Christmas. So, needless to say, I have a lot of my plate.

But, I am so thankful to be able to have a full plate. I'm blessed to have family to visit and the time to do so. I'm blessed to have a husband that picks up the slack when I'm overwhelmed. I'm thrilled to be able to get away and spend time with those I care about.

So, I'll be slowing down my posts from now through the end of 2015. I'll be finishing up my commitments and posting a few extras, but for the most part, my family will be my focus during this precious holiday season.

Thank you for supporting me and hanging around, both when I am active and when I am not.

Dr.Wayne Dyer couldn't have said it better when he said,

Life is not a race; it is a journey, 

something to be enjoyed each day. 

I'm enjoying the journey each and every day and I hope that you relish in the moments this holiday season, absorbing the joy of a child, the laughter of a friend, and the hug of a loved one. 

A post from today 2 years ago - Braces in Our House
A post from today 3 years ago - So Thankful Days 17 and 18
A post from today 5 years ago - Blessing #18
A post from today 6 years ago - A Thought for the Day

Inspiration for Today - 43 is Beautiful

Today I'm celebrating turning 43. 

I'll be spending the morning baking cakes with my daughter for a fundraiser tomorrow. Then my afternoon and evening will be spent cheering on our Marching Bobcats in a marching band competition. It sounds like a perfect day to me!

My daughter and I in Teton Village, Wyoming

I saw this quote a few months ago and knew today was the perfect day to share it with you. 

As they grow older women should be 

celebrated, looked at and 

spoken to as 

vibrant, relevant, and gorgeous.

- Jennifer Aniston

I'm happy, cared for, and loved by many people that are dear to me. My life is hectic and sometimes stressful, but I wouldn't ask for any other life. Most of my days are full of smiles, laughter and joy. I couldn't be happier than I am right now. Life is good! I'm thrilled to be celebrating birthdays and spending the day with those I love most of all! 

Take a moment today to celebrate the women in your life and tell them, 

"I love you." 

"I appreciate you."

"You are beautiful."

A Little Monday Inspiration - Unplug

Everyone needs to unplug

from work, 

from responsibilities,

and from the internet

for a time. 

It's healthy, rejuvenating, and refreshing.  

This is exactly what I will be doing for the next few weeks. 

Unplugging and enjoying life! 

Not that being "plugged in" isn't enjoyable. 

But we all need a break and this is my break.

I'll be spending the next few weeks devoted to my family.

Don't worry, 

I'll also be doing lots of reading. 

I'll be back some time in August (date yet to be determined) 

to tell you all about our family fun and about the great books I read. 

Thank you for always supporting me and understanding 

that this blog is just a small part of my life. 

For understanding that I am always 

first a mom and a wife. 

I hope that you will also take some time out of your summer to... 

unplug. 

Almost everything will work again 

if you unplug it for a few minutes, 

including you.

Anne Lamott

A Little Monday Inspiration - Create Light

It has been awhile since I shared some inspiration to kick off your week. Last week, this quote stuck with me and I wanted to share it with you.

Today's inspiration comes to your from another blogger whom I admire, Dani DiPirro.  She shares positive quotes and inspiration and creates beautiful ways to do it. Her blog, Positively Present makes me happy and makes me think every week!

I am using her calendar, EVERY DAY MATTERS, daily and you can see my review of it back in January, HERE. Today's quote comes from the month of June, where her word for the month is "nuture". This final sentence from last week struck a cord with me and I thought it might with you too.

Sometimes we get stuck in our rut 

of blaming others, self-pity, and general crankiness.  

We can't sit around 

waiting for someone else 

to make our situation better, 

only we can make that change. 

So, quit pouting and being angry! 

Create some light in your life today!

 I promise you will feel better! 

Thanks Dani DiPirro for this kick in the butt! 

A Little Monday Inspiration - A Mother's Legacy

Yesterday was a wonderfully luxurious day at home with my whole family. I didn't sleep as late as I had hoped, but did lazily lay in bed later than normal.

Pat and Reagan made a huge breakfast of eggs, bacon, hash browns, and waffles. The rest of the day including the required laundry, catching one of my favorite movies on TV (Up Close and Personal), finishing a book, Pat grilling our supper, the whole family playing Michigan Rummy, and ending the day painting my toenails.

We rarely get a day at home like this so it was wonderful. Even if the boys spent part of their day downstairs playing video games, we were all in the house at the same time.

On Saturday, I was able to spend time with my mom and dad since they came to Patrick's soccer game. We went out to eat together and caught up on life.

My mom is an amazing woman and my best qualities come from her. She is so giving and caring and is always making cookies or pie for some group, club, or fundraiser. She picks up her friend a few times a week and they go to Curves together. She is always sewing a quilt or mending some clothes (I did NOT inherit this skill from her). My mom has the most beautiful gardens and knows about every flower and shrub that can be grown in our area. When I saw this poem, I knew this described my mom perfectly:

I am truly blessed with two loving and supportive parents and a family that I can continue to share my legacy, planting seeds of kindness, generosity, and love into the hearts of our children.

A Little Monday Inspiration - Family

With what pleasure do we look upon a family,

through the whole of which

reign mutual love and esteem,

where the parents and the children

are companions for one another,

without any other difference than what is made

by respectful affection on the one side,

and kind indulgence on the other...

Adam Smith

One of my favorite pictures of our family from July 2008. Taken in the Smokey Mountains

As our children have turned into a tween and teenagers right before our eyes, this quote has even more meaning for me.  The conversations we are having, the trust that we are building, and the love and laughter that is shared in our home reminds me of what a family is all about.

These cuties above have turned into strong-willed, intelligent, and funny young adolescents. I am amazed by their talents, their convictions, and their insights.  I have no idea what the future holds for them, but I do know whatever it is they decide to do, it will bring all of us joy!

Reagan, Patrick and Bennett on Easter 2015

A Little Monday Inspiration - Winter is Dead

Some beauty for your Monday morning - 

Wintertime

Even though I am sick of cold, snow and winter, this quote and photo brought a smile to my face. I took this photo after one of our snow storms this winter.

Winter is full of some of my favorite comfort foods: chili, potato soup, and lasagna.

Winter is a time for extra snuggles on the couch and getting cozy under a blanket with a book and a cup of coffee.

Winter is family movie night by the fire place.

Winter is snow days where everyone gets to stay home and sleep in.

Winter can seem like it lasts forever. Winter can cause us to wish for beaches and summer days, but it can also remind me of home.

I have always lived in Iowa (except for 6 months in Wisconsin) and I know that if I lived somewhere that didn't have a true winter, it probably wouldn't feel like home.

So, as much as I am tired of WINTER, I am reminding myself of the small joys and beautiful moments of WINTER while waiting for SPRING to arrive.


If you are feeling like you can't handle one more snow storm or ice storm or cold day, find hope in the fact that WINTER is almost over and look for something to make you smile today.

A Little Monday Inspiration - Balance

Part of my focus on Balance is making time for the things I enjoy 

as well as the things that must be done. 

This quote reminded me 

it is necessary to be luxurious with my time once in awhile. 

How could you be luxurious with your time?

A manicure?

A long soak in the tub?

A walk in the woods?

A date with your spouse?

Find time to be luxurious today! 

A Little Monday Inspiration - Balance

Last week I shared my One Word for 2015.

That word is

Balance

and you can read all about it, HERE.

Over the course of the year, I plan to share quotes and inspiration related to 

Balance

here on Mondays. 

This is exactly where I want to be. 

Right in the middle of too little and too much.

This past week was my first real week of focusing on

Balance

and I feel like I did pretty well.

I actually got a lot accomplished even after subbing for 3 days and 

being busy nearly every evening and all weekend.

I crossed off a couple projects on my list that had been on there for awhile.

That was a good feeling.

I spent some quality time with our daughter and 

tried to keep up more with laundry and household tasks.

I even had time for fun!

So far, this Balance thing is working out great!

Where is your Balance between too little and too much?

Did you choose One Word for your year? If so share it in the comments! 

A Little Monday Inspiration

A flower does not think of competing 

with the flower next to it, it just blooms.

Sensei Ogui, Japanese Buddhist Priest

• We live in a world full of competition. 
• We want our kids to be the superstar in sports. 
• We want our kids to get the best grades.
• We want to have the best house on the street.
• We want to be skinnier.
• We want to be prettier.
• We wish we had long blonde hair.
• We wish we had gotten the promotion at work.
• We are jealous of this couple's marriage.
• We are envious of the car our neighbor drives.

I could go on and on with how we try to compare ourselves to others. I am guilty of it on a regular basis. Our society of wants and gotta-have-its only encourage us to constantly compare ourselves to others.

Today, I want you to stop shooting yourself in the foot. I want to you look at the good things happening in your life. I want you to be grateful for everything you have. We all have difficulties, struggles, hopes and dreams. What your friend has or doesn't have shouldn't make any difference in how you feel.

Only you can create your own happiness. 

Your happiness shouldn't be based on other people.

Stop comparing yourself, your life, your dreams with someone else 

and start loving YOUR life.

A Little Monday Inspiration

Has your summer flown by as fast as ours has? 

I feel like the kids just got out of school yesterday and now they start up again a week from today! 

I feel like this summer was all about 

rush, rush, rush 

and not enough laid back, go with the flow kind of days.

There are so many things I didn't get accomplished. 

I still have two craft projects unfinished. I

 didn't have as many "fun days" with the kids as I wanted to have. 

But, I can't change it now. 

What I can do is try to slow down our last week of summer.  

We can try to cherish the little things 

and have fun before life speeds up again.

 I can't believe I'm the mom of a high schooler, an 8th grader and a fourth grader.  

Where did the years go? 

I know these four years of Patrick's high school life are going to fly.

So, I'm taking Lily Tomlin's advice and going to do my darndest to slow life down. 

"For fast-acting relief try slowing down."

-Lily Tomlin 

A Little Monday Motivation

Photo Source - HERE

Start somewhere today. Don't put it off. You can do something, no matter how "small" you think it is in terms of your long-term goal. Every step you take is one you'll be thankful for when you get there. Remember: You're lapping everyone who's still on the couch.    Caressa Sharp, runner

As part of my Runner's World #RWRunStreak, I've been doing a mile a day for 40 days from Memorial Day to July 4th.  Sometimes that mile is a run, other times it is a walk.  It really depends on what I have time for and how my body feels.  That is why I love this quote.  It doesn't matter how fast I do the mile, just that I did it.  It doesn't matter whether I did my mile in 7 minutes or 27 minutes or somewhere in between.  I'm moving my body. I've made a commitment to this challenge.  I'm going to finish.

I've actually already done 50 miles as of Day 28.  Does that mean I can stop?  Since I've done my 40 miles I can quit?  NOPE! I've committed to 40 Days and I'm going to give it my 40 Days.  The extra miles are just a bonus!

Get off that couch and get your mile in today! 

A Little Monday Inspiration

Run when you can, 

walk if you have to, 

crawl if you must; 

just never give up. 

Dean Karnazes, American Ultramarathon Runner

This has been a good quote for me as I am participating in the Runner's World RunStreak Challenge to complete 40 miles in 40 days. From Memorial Day to July 4th, runners just run one mile/day. It sounds pretty simple, just one mile a day.  But, it has been more difficult that I thought.  Some days I just don't have time for even 1 mile.  So, a few times already, I have had to add it on to the next day or even the next day.

But, as the quote above says, I'm not giving up.  I'm getting those miles in whether I'm running, walking or crawling (haven't resorted to that one yet). I will finish this challenge!

What race, challenge, goal, milestone do you need to finish? It doesn't matter how you get there, but just that you finished! Enjoy the journey, get back on track, and finish that race!