Yo, Winter..

I am SO over you. Move along.
I really want to blog...but I'm just too cold to form words.
Wait for it.....


XOX

A New Year and Other Nonsense...

Sweet Fancy Moses...what happened to the last year? How is it possible that not only is it a NEW year...it's already 16 days in?! No matter, I will fill you in.
Last we spoke, I had moved into a new home (which I LOVE...finally starting to feel like we LIVE here.), had started school (which right now I DO NOT love...), and were preparing for the holiday season. Well, the holidays are over (thank goodness!) and I think it's safe to say that everyone was pleased with the outcome. We scaled back quite a bit this year (minus a super expensive..but so very thoughtful new Mac computer from my husband.) and supplemented with homemade gifts and such...but everyone was together and warm and happy. And that's really what it's all about. We went to the candlelight service at church and I felt renewed and ready to take on a new year.
I received a beautiful journaling Bible for Christmas and have been so immersed and engrossed in it ever since. I started a year long study on January first...and have been doodling and lettering my little heart out! Funny the things you think you aren't very good at are the very things you find enjoyment in. I don't pretend to be artistically inclined...but I am learning and loving the journey.

I've also been hard at work on setting up my new planner for the new year. It's full of inspiration, words of encouragement, oh...and appointments. There's always plenty of those. I don't feel the need to be quite as forthcoming with it as I was last year..mainly because this year is a little more personal and low key. Remember that comment about scaling back? Well that has applied to the rest of our lives as well. We are living a much quieter, simpler, family oriented way of life....and I, personally, am loving it.
But I might share a FEW things with you. You know, the important stuff.
I'm hard at work on my Bachelors degree. Just started a new semester with an invitation to join the Honor Society. I'd say that I'm on the right track. Motivation has been a little lax...because it's cold and wintery outside and I really just want to hunker down and read lots of books. But, I'm getting there. Psychology is completely fascinating and excruciatingly boring....at the same time.
We have a new puppy addition here. Tobias. He's an adorable nugget of evil. Having a puppy is much like living with a toddler, a tsunami, and a speeding bullet train all at once. Everything important (read pretty, valuable, or just likable) has been relocated, removed, or replaced. And he loves his hooman mama....so I guess we'll keep him.

How could you not?
So there you go. I don't know what else to say. I started working on some really deep enlightened posts...guess I'll get back to encouraging the universe and imparting my immense wisdom. HA! But seriously, be on the lookout for those posts coming soon. And I promise to update you with new house pictures...as soon as I tackle the sink full of dishes and the basket full of dirty laundry.
Let's chat again soon.


Peas.
XOX

HI!

I suppose that when my snarky teenage daughter brings my lack of blogging to the table, that it's time for me to update you all. Funny how that works.
I have been CRAZY busy. I know I say that a lot....but in this case it's actually TRUE! I wouldn't even know where to begin to fill you in, so for tonight let's just start with a teaser.
We bought a house! And now the months and months and months of renovation projects have ceased and we have started settling in. I will update you all with pictures very soon!
And in the middle of all that renovating I decided to go back to school. Actually, I've been thinking about it for awhile now...just needed to take the plunge. Bad timing aside, I am working hard to complete Bachelors number 2 and start on Masters number 1.
More on that later as well.
For now, know that we are alive and well, living and loving, and faithfully serving.
Oh, and remind me to update you on our newest family member....Tobias. An adorable little nugget of awesomeness. Weenie dogs abound here at The Cottage.
And now, I'm off to join my handsome husband in our super snuggly bed. Sweet dreams, lots of love, prayers and peace.

XOX

Annual Summer/Fall Fun List!...

We have been super busy here...having fun, making memories, and enjoying sunshine. I can't believe that in one short week we will be back to school, back to reality, back to schedules and planners, and back to squeezing the fun times in between responsibilities and real life. BORING!

And while we got A TON of things done this summer...we still have A TON of things coming up....and A TON of things to do this fall. YAY!

We had a *few* unexpected set backs, expenses, and downpours. And we also had a *few* blessings, gains, and rainbows. My sweet boy puppy Zero had a major urinary infection and back injury..that vet visit was a rough one. Our faithful (or at least paid for) vehicle had a little hiccup..that repair was a rough one (Kudos to my hubby though for fixing it! And thanks to really great friends for the assist!). And a few weeks of unemployment..that was a rough one. The good stuff just keeps pouring in though...more on all that later.

For now, I want to share our Fun List...all the things we've done, we want to do, and we're going to do.

*4-H Project and Fair. (COMPLETED! And she got a blue ribbon!)
*Marching Band. Competitions. State Fair. (COMPLETED! The band placed 10th overall!)
*Tennis Camp. (COMPLETED!)
*Family Reunion in Wisconsin. (COMPLETED!)
*Mother/Daughter Photo Outing with Film Cameras.
*New School Year and New Semester. (COMPLETED!)
*Go to Kings Island.
*Begin Project Life Album.
*Jubilee Days as Photographer. (COMPLETED!)
*Writing Workshops. (COMPLETED! and ongoing)
*4th of July BBQ with Family and Friends. (COMPLETED!)
*Camping Road Trip.
*Connor Prairie.
*Richmond Mudhens Game.
*Indianapolis Indians Game.
*Work Concession Stand at Indianapolis Colts Game.
*Picnic. (COMPLETED!)
*Back to School Shopping. (COMPLETED!)
*Farmers Market. (COMPLETED! All Summer.)
*Make Strawberry Freezer Jam. (COMPLETED!)
*Build, Plant, and Sustain a Garden. (COMPLETED!)
*Have Garage Sale. (COMPLETED!..well, almost.)
*Make Quote Stones.
*Paint Letters for Wall.
*Update Website. (Be looking for this to be completed upon return from Wisconsin.)
*Open Etsy Shop. (Almost ready.)
*Complete Cookbook Project.
*Begin Hope Chest Project.
*Update Family Tree/Genealogy Project.
*Read. Create Book Review Blog. (COMPLETED! Follow along at bookishbanana.blogspot.com)
*Father/Daughter Tennis Competition.
*Watermelon Party. (COMPLETED!)
*Make Homemade Ice Cream. (COMPLETED!)
*Camping Sleepover Party.
*Unplug Day. (COMPLETED! Twice.)
*Sunday Game Nights.
*Family Water Fight.
*Take Family Photos.
*Antique Shopping/Junking. (COMPLETED!)
*Outdoor Movie Night.
*Go to Drive-In.
*Road Trip to Jungle Jim's and IKEA.
*Traveling Paper Craft Party with G, S, J, N, and Mama.
*Glee Marathon with Small.
*Make Wind Chimes.
*Paint Driftwood Intention Sticks.
*Canoe Trip. (COMPLETED!)
*Make Homemade Laundry Soap and Dryer Balls. (COMPLETED!)
*Set Up Recycling Station. (COMPLETED!)
*Make Homemade Cleaning Products: Establish "Green" Home.
*Begin Canning/Set Up Pantry. (COMPLETED!)
*Complete Photo Challenges on Instagram. (COMPLETED! See them at instagram.com/eosanna)
*Begin Family Bible Study.
*Paint Spirit Rocks for Yoga Space.
*Make Rain Chain and Rainwater Collection Barrel.
*Make Dream Catchers.
*Learn How to Cross Stitch.

That's a whole bunch of stuff! It's been an amazing summer so far..and it just keeps getting better! I, for one, can't WAIT for fall...and more fun stuff and quality time with my peeps.

Working on a post updating the planner notes and schedules. Check back soon for that!

I truly hope everyone is staying safe, counting their blessings, maximizing the good times, minimizing the bad times, and living life to the fullest! Life is so great...take advantage of it.

Be gentle and loving with yourselves.

Peas.
XOX

Woo Summer!

Oh My Goodness, Oh My Goodness. I have SO much to tell you guys. It's going to take awhile to get it all blog ready though...so, for now, Happy Summer!!!
I can't believe we are here already...AND halfway through the year! I'm working on a Summer To Do List (which, of course, I will share here!)...and getting a big long blog post together. It's going to be exciting...so stay tuned for that!
Also, I have a ton of life lessons and advice to dispense. You know the drill by now.
News, updates, plans, and events. All happening. Right. Here.
And hey, I'm right smack in the midst of a writers workshop. How do you all feel about me posting what I'm creating here? Yea or Nay...vote now!
That's my post for today! Happy Summer, Happy June, Happy Saturday!

Peas.
XOX

Up To Speed...

The last few months have been full of busy! I feel like I need to make an excuse for having not been keeping up on my blog...but I just don't have one. I've been busy living life, having fun, making memories, and sharing the world! And because I like all of you, I want to update you on what I've been doing, where I've been, and all the things my planner has had to say along the way! So settle in and get comfy..here we go.

February! Small had Solo and Ensemble for band...she got a gold medal. She also had her first ever fancy pants dance, Snowball. I had a mini meltdown at how grown up she looked, and dad had a mini meltdown about her in a dress! We had a Super Bowl Party, made pizzas at the high school, had a plethora of doctors appointments and birthdays, celebrated Valentine's Day, had a sleepover birthday party, went to a Stampin' Up party and a couple sorority meetings, Small started 4-H, and I celebrated with the girls.

March! Sorority meeting, more doctors appointments, Bunco night, another stamp party, some snow day makeup days that cut into Spring Break, a sliver of Spring Break, some more snow, a phenomenal sale from my business page, a few birthdays, and a Girls Night Out.

April! Finishing up Spring Break, a round of puppy shots..and selling of all 3 babies, more doctors appointments, more sorority meetings...including a State meeting, another Bunco night, paying taxes..yuck, a photo challenge on Instagram (find me at eosanna), an amazing camera auction, a not so amazing flat tire on the interstate, a band concert, a Girls Night Out, a day of shopping with my girls for a home makeover, Easter, and THE VERA BRADLEY OUTLET SALE! Oh yes, that happened. And it was AWESOMESAUCE.

May! Marching Band started, Jazz Band started, Windy puppy has a birthday, there are more doctors appointments, another Bunco night, a birthday extravaganza, graduation, a sorority dinner event, another photo challenge on Instagram, a work family picnic with the hubby, Memorial Day, and a day in the sun with drinks and girlfriends.

There's also been dieting, walking, reading, enlightenment, studying, homework, house hunting, cleaning, gardening, shopping, funeraling and sleeping. Shew!

My planner has been busy, too! Dispensing advice, keeping the peace, offering insight, and controlling the chaos. Here's what it has had to say.

Monday, January 27, 2014: Note To Self: Love more. Worry less.
Monday, February 3, 2014: Note To Self: Don't forget to have a good time.
Monday, February 10, 2014: Note To Self: Never lose sight of the fact that just being is fun.
Monday, February 17, 2014: Note To Self: All I can do is be me, whoever that is.
Monday, February 24, 2014: Note To Self: Only the ideas we live have any value.
Monday, March 3, 2014: Note To Self: You are here. Be present.
Monday, March 10, 2014: Note To Self: I am worth my time.
Monday, March 17, 2014: Note To Self: Hold the vision, trust the process.
Monday, March 24, 2014: Note To Self: Above all, try something.
Monday, March 31, 2014: Note To Self: You don't need a plan: you just need to be present.
Monday, April 7, 2014: Note To Self: No one looks stupid when they're having fun.
Monday, April 14, 2014: Note To Self: I'm unstoppable because I don't know how to stop.
Monday, April 21, 2014: Note To Self: Tread softly, breathe peacefully, laugh hysterically.
Monday, April 28, 2014: Note To Self: Done is better than perfect.
Monday, May 5, 2014: Note To Self: Stop eating garbage. Get on the treadmill. Go.
Monday, May 12, 2014: Note To Self: Relax! Life takes time.

Sunday, February 2, 2014: RESOLVE: Therefore, let us not pass judgement on one another. Instead, resolve not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother. Romans 14:13
Sunday, February 9, 2014: GRACE: Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer all. Colossians 4:6
Sunday, February 16, 2014: TRUST: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5
Sunday, February 23, 2014: HOME: She is loud and defiant, her feet never stay at home. Proverbs 7:11
Sunday, March 2, 2014: WHOLE: Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, who seek Him with their whole heart. Psalms 119:2
Sunday, March 9, 2014: JOY: Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no stranger shares its joy. Proverbs 14:10
Sunday, March 16, 2014: CHARM: Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Proverbs 31:30
Sunday, March 23, 2014: QUIET: My wrath against you will subside, my jealousy shall depart; I will be quiet and no longer angry. Ezekiel 16:42 (This happened this week!)
Sunday, March 30, 2014: REST: There the wicked cease from troubling, and there the weary are at rest. Job 3:17
Sunday, April 6, 2014: WAIT: Our persecutors are swifter than the eagles of the heavens...they lay in wait for us in the wilderness. Lamentations 4:19
Sunday, April 13, 2014: PROGRESS: Be diligent in matters, give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 1 Timothy 4:15
Sunday, April 20, 2014: LOVE: Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers a multitude of sins. Proverbs 10:12
Sunday, April 27, 2014: LEARN: The suffering you sent was good for me, for it taught me to learn your principles. Psalms 119:71
Sunday, May 4, 2014: BETTER: It is better to trust in the Lord, than to put confidence in man. Psalms 118:8
Sunday, May 11, 2014: FORWARD: So then, beloved, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless, and at peace with him. 2 Peter 3:14
Sunday, May 18, 2014: GATHER: Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. Matthew 12:30

WOW! All caught up and up to speed. Life...lived real...right here in paradise.

See you again soon.

Peas.

XOX

Hear Ye...

Today I want to talk about LISTENING. Having spent the last few days home alone (not including the zoo), and therefore not saying very much, I've had some time to think about what I DO say..and WHEN.

We all know loud people. People who speak loudly. People who think loudly. People who live loudly. These are the people who command attention, who require notice from others, who always have something to say...an opinion, an idea, or (most annoyingly) the last word. These are people who speak more and hear less. These are people who either control a room...or other people. We might appreciate or envy them for awhile...their no nonsense attitude, their outspokenness, their obvious extroverted personalities. We might even have BEEN them for awhile. But soon, these same qualities make us spend less and less time with them, make us avoid interactions, make us confrontational or bitter.

Do you know WHY? Because these people have forgotten how to LISTEN.

A healthy part of any relationship is communication. Knowing what to say and when to stay silent. Hearing what others say to us is vital in understanding who they are and what they need. How can we expect to help others, to learn about them, to be a support system...if we fail to hear what they are asking for?

Now understand, HEARING and LISTENING are two different things all together. Hearing, in short, is easy. It's biological. But listening? Listening is a skill, a trait, a conscious decision. It involves paying attention. It requires focus. It demands that we actively participate in life, in conversation, in other people. Hearing is background. Listening is front and center.

Active listening is a way of listening and responding to another person that improves mutual understanding. Often when people talk to each other, they don't listen attentively. They are often distracted, half listening, half thinking about something else. When people are engaged in a conflict, they are often busy formulating a response to what is being said. They assume that they have heard what their opponent is saying many times before, so rather than paying attention, they focus on how they can respond to win the argument.

My challenge..to myself, and to you if you so desire to join me...is to learn to listen. Actively. To mentally be present and engaged. To stop allowing my focus to wander. To be insightful and attentive. To let go of my desire to win every argument, have the last word, offer my opinion or advice, or be heard. My challenge is to listen..with an open mind and an open heart.

In the hopes that I will truly hear.

"The richness of life doesn't lie in the loudness and the beat, but in the timbres and the variations that you can discern if you simply pay attention." (Seth S. Horowitz)

To everything there is a season...a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak. (Ecclesiastes 3:7)

Blessings to you all as we learn to listen. To others, to ourselves, and to the universe.


XOX