Just captured her first pulling up moment! I was typing and the boys yelled "Look Mom, she's standing by herself!" She is growing up so fast :)
FIVE IN THE POTTER'S HAND
Showing posts with label Progress. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Progress. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Standing!
Just captured her first pulling up moment! I was typing and the boys yelled "Look Mom, she's standing by herself!" She is growing up so fast :)
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Some Things Found in My Backyard
A dragonfly displaying its bejeweled wings of gossamer...
Luscious, ripe blackberries ready to be picked...
And GRASS!! My husband has worked very hard rototilling the tough Pacific Northwest clay soil, he lovingly sowed the tiny grass seeds, he faithfully watered every day and finally yesterday, he got to mow the backyard. This week the boys will definitely be playing in the sprinkler out back!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Becoming an On-Purpose Woman....and a GIVEAWAY!
Today I got an unexpected blessing and an answer to prayer! Do you ever feel like you know you should be doing something, but you cannot figure out your purpose? Well, I have felt like that for a long time. But I couldn't figure out how to start becoming who I wanted to be.
Then a couple of days ago, this lovely lady named Lylah Ledner came to my blog. She read my bio about strugggling to find my purpose and decided to send me a copy of her book "Becoming an On-Purpose Woman"!
And, she also wants to give away ten copies to the next 10 ladies who go to her site and mention the book as well as the fact that you came from my blog! So go over to her Lylah's blog and post that you want to become an On-Purpose Woman and that you came from Five In The Potter's Hand :)
You can check out the book here
And here are Lylah's words about the book:
Becoming an On-Purpose Woman is for the woman who is ready to be changed from the inside out. It’s
for the woman serious about her life. It’s for the teachable, the willing, the one who is tired of how she’s
living. It’s for the woman who wants more out of life. It’s for the woman who really wants to leave a good
legacy for her children's children. It’s for the woman who’s soul is desperate for God—to know Him, to
follow Him and to love Him. --Lylah Ledner, Life Coach Moms Ministries
I just started the book today, and I am so excited to see where this journey will take me!
Then a couple of days ago, this lovely lady named Lylah Ledner came to my blog. She read my bio about strugggling to find my purpose and decided to send me a copy of her book "Becoming an On-Purpose Woman"!
And, she also wants to give away ten copies to the next 10 ladies who go to her site and mention the book as well as the fact that you came from my blog! So go over to her Lylah's blog and post that you want to become an On-Purpose Woman and that you came from Five In The Potter's Hand :)
You can check out the book here
And here are Lylah's words about the book:
Becoming an On-Purpose Woman is for the woman who is ready to be changed from the inside out. It’s
for the woman serious about her life. It’s for the teachable, the willing, the one who is tired of how she’s
living. It’s for the woman who wants more out of life. It’s for the woman who really wants to leave a good
legacy for her children's children. It’s for the woman who’s soul is desperate for God—to know Him, to
follow Him and to love Him. --Lylah Ledner, Life Coach Moms Ministries
I just started the book today, and I am so excited to see where this journey will take me!
Monday, July 14, 2008
Monday, July 7, 2008
Avoiding Those Arches, Bells and Crowns...
While reading about Jennifer's impulse splurge I thought about the answer to her query. What places do we avoid now that we have reduced income and are committed to getting out of debt?
Fast food restaurants, or restaurants in general for that matter!
I can recall RARE times where we have had someone that could watch the kids for us and we could go to a sit down dinner in a nice restaurant. Inevitably, the food would be mediocre and overpriced and there would always be a nice big helping of guilt and eater's regret on the side. We might as well have been sauteeing our dollar bills and chopping up our change. After our last dining fiasco, Mr. Querido and I agreed that restaurants are overrated and we would prefer a luxurious dinner at home where there is no side of regret served for dessert.
So this got me thinking about how much we might have spent in one year on eating out. I decided to tally up what we have spent so far this year, average it and then multiply it by twelve for an approximation on what we might have spent.
Average workday expenditure on eating out: $4.61
Average weekly expenditure on eating out: $23.06
Average monthly expenditure on eating out: $92.25! (Holey Guacamole!)
Average yearly expenditure on eating out: $1107.00...ouch that really hurts...
Now keep in mind that we have been on a serious budget since I stopped working after Miss Precious was born...ten months ago. Before that, eating out was a regular event. Especially because I was often too tired from working to actually put a meal together. So I think we could have easily spent more like $2000.00 a year on eating out.
And let's not forget what kind of places we dined at.. "have it your way" on the way to the poorhouse King, gourmet Mexican cuisine that has "you running to the border" from your creditors, and the all American burger joint open late-night so you can snack your way into bankruptcy at 1 am.
Convenience isn't so convenient when you realize that your checkbook is hemorrhaging at the drive-thru window!
Now, Mr. Querido and I make sure that the kids have something to snack on in the car, a bottle of water for thirst and we happily breeze by those golden arches.
***I should mention that no, we are not on our way to the poorhouse or bankruptcy God has provided well for us and we are blessed!***
Fast food restaurants, or restaurants in general for that matter!
I can recall RARE times where we have had someone that could watch the kids for us and we could go to a sit down dinner in a nice restaurant. Inevitably, the food would be mediocre and overpriced and there would always be a nice big helping of guilt and eater's regret on the side. We might as well have been sauteeing our dollar bills and chopping up our change. After our last dining fiasco, Mr. Querido and I agreed that restaurants are overrated and we would prefer a luxurious dinner at home where there is no side of regret served for dessert.
So this got me thinking about how much we might have spent in one year on eating out. I decided to tally up what we have spent so far this year, average it and then multiply it by twelve for an approximation on what we might have spent.
Average workday expenditure on eating out: $4.61
Average weekly expenditure on eating out: $23.06
Average monthly expenditure on eating out: $92.25! (Holey Guacamole!)
Average yearly expenditure on eating out: $1107.00...ouch that really hurts...
Now keep in mind that we have been on a serious budget since I stopped working after Miss Precious was born...ten months ago. Before that, eating out was a regular event. Especially because I was often too tired from working to actually put a meal together. So I think we could have easily spent more like $2000.00 a year on eating out.
And let's not forget what kind of places we dined at.. "have it your way" on the way to the poorhouse King, gourmet Mexican cuisine that has "you running to the border" from your creditors, and the all American burger joint open late-night so you can snack your way into bankruptcy at 1 am.
Convenience isn't so convenient when you realize that your checkbook is hemorrhaging at the drive-thru window!
Now, Mr. Querido and I make sure that the kids have something to snack on in the car, a bottle of water for thirst and we happily breeze by those golden arches.
***I should mention that no, we are not on our way to the poorhouse or bankruptcy God has provided well for us and we are blessed!***
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Progress for Miss Precious
Miss Precious in progress...
Learning how to walk with Daddy...
Eating cheerios (if you look really closely you can see one in her mouth!)..
Learning how to walk with Daddy...
Eating cheerios (if you look really closely you can see one in her mouth!)..
Friday, June 13, 2008
Perfection
While reading I Chronicles 26-27, I was struck by how organized EVERYTHING was. There was a place and a function for every person. Not just one person was doing everything.
I began to think about my job, which, for right now, is to run my household and raise my children. I am a bit of a control freak (actually I think it is more tied into the perfectionism!) so I tend to want to do everything myself. If I do it, then it gets done correctly, right? Well, that is what one would like to think! But by doing everything, and not delegating the lesser chores to my children, am I helping them prepare for real life? By refolding the clothes Mr. Dramatic folded, just because they aren't perfectly folded, what am I teaching him? That if it isn't done perfect, it isn't good enough? What if God waited until we did everything perfectly to accept us and our humble offerings? No, instead He patiently waits and teaches us to work with skill. Developing our character so that we are more effective for him.
My challenge to myself (and anyone who cares to join me..lol) is to let go of the reigns. Allow my children to make mistakes. Allow them to mature. Maturity is learning from your mistakes.
I began to think about my job, which, for right now, is to run my household and raise my children. I am a bit of a control freak (actually I think it is more tied into the perfectionism!) so I tend to want to do everything myself. If I do it, then it gets done correctly, right? Well, that is what one would like to think! But by doing everything, and not delegating the lesser chores to my children, am I helping them prepare for real life? By refolding the clothes Mr. Dramatic folded, just because they aren't perfectly folded, what am I teaching him? That if it isn't done perfect, it isn't good enough? What if God waited until we did everything perfectly to accept us and our humble offerings? No, instead He patiently waits and teaches us to work with skill. Developing our character so that we are more effective for him.
My challenge to myself (and anyone who cares to join me..lol) is to let go of the reigns. Allow my children to make mistakes. Allow them to mature. Maturity is learning from your mistakes.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Flashback
As I was sorting through the disorganized mess of my writing portfolio (read: very small three-ring binder chockful of miscellaneous scribblings), I came across this...and I decided to share it.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
August 3, 2005 7:20 pm (Don't you like how I put down the time...neurotic!)
Tonight marks the genesis of my part-time career (excuse me while I go guffaw and snort)...(ok, I'm back again) as a writer. I find it rather amusing that I should even pretend to call myself a writer, but so it stands. A writer is someone who writes. Plain and simple. People would have this vocation become comlplex and forget the simplicity of putting pen to paper.
I, J.N. Gallegos, am a writer even if I never publish a single word or earn a cent for my work. I am a writer because it is a part of me. Writing is how I express myself best and most honestly. I am a writer because I see life as words, phrases, sentences and paragraphs. I am a writer because I write.
Long have I denied my most innate ability. I set it aside to pursue something more concrete (marriage and children..it doesn't get anymore concrete than that...lol!) And now as I stand with that dream realized, the desire and urge springs anew. It is time to write again, but now with a defined purpose. I am not so foolish as to suppose I can simply begin and have my work known. My writing muscles are grossly underused and weak. First I must strengthen them and then tone them. Perfecting my skill and finding my voice, yet once again. All of this will take time and this time must be allowed to pass. Patience and persistence shall be my watchwords.
Whether or not my writing will become good enough to be published is something that only God knows. And yet, strangely I feel Him smiling as I write the words. Why shouldn't He bless my talent, for He was the One Who gave it!
Tonight after many years, I find my voice and speak.
As I read my declaration, a sense of insignificance fills me. The feeling of breathlessness accompanies it. Yet mingled with these feelings is a "knowing" that this is what I have been called to. For so long I have ignored this calling and despised the gift I have been given. Oh God, forgive my casual attitude and ungrateful heart! I want to write what You would have me write. Let Your creativity touch my spirit as I embark on this journey to which You have brought me. Let me not grieve you any longer by neglecting this gift within me. Amen, so be it.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fast forward three years later...
What a lovely statement, but I cringe as I say that I have done nothing to make it come to pass. It was only the beginning of this year that I started my blog. The reason for its conception? An outlet for my writing and a place to stretch those creative writing skill muscles. Can you see my authorly biceps yet? However, I have immensely enjoyed coming to this humble blog and putting my thoughts down. I guess it is cathartic for a scrapbook impaired gal such as myself...lol! I like to think of this blog as my verbal scrapbook.
As I reread the above statement, I remember that failure is just strengthening you muscles for success...perhaps I have not completely failed in my quest as a writer!
And so dear readers, I begin the journey anew...
"There are no amateurs in freelance writing; there are only writers who haven't been published yet."
-Anonymous
"Write out of love, write out of instinct, write out of reason. But always for money."
-Louis Untermeyer
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
August 3, 2005 7:20 pm (Don't you like how I put down the time...neurotic!)
Tonight marks the genesis of my part-time career (excuse me while I go guffaw and snort)...(ok, I'm back again) as a writer. I find it rather amusing that I should even pretend to call myself a writer, but so it stands. A writer is someone who writes. Plain and simple. People would have this vocation become comlplex and forget the simplicity of putting pen to paper.
I, J.N. Gallegos, am a writer even if I never publish a single word or earn a cent for my work. I am a writer because it is a part of me. Writing is how I express myself best and most honestly. I am a writer because I see life as words, phrases, sentences and paragraphs. I am a writer because I write.
Long have I denied my most innate ability. I set it aside to pursue something more concrete (marriage and children..it doesn't get anymore concrete than that...lol!) And now as I stand with that dream realized, the desire and urge springs anew. It is time to write again, but now with a defined purpose. I am not so foolish as to suppose I can simply begin and have my work known. My writing muscles are grossly underused and weak. First I must strengthen them and then tone them. Perfecting my skill and finding my voice, yet once again. All of this will take time and this time must be allowed to pass. Patience and persistence shall be my watchwords.
Whether or not my writing will become good enough to be published is something that only God knows. And yet, strangely I feel Him smiling as I write the words. Why shouldn't He bless my talent, for He was the One Who gave it!
Tonight after many years, I find my voice and speak.
As I read my declaration, a sense of insignificance fills me. The feeling of breathlessness accompanies it. Yet mingled with these feelings is a "knowing" that this is what I have been called to. For so long I have ignored this calling and despised the gift I have been given. Oh God, forgive my casual attitude and ungrateful heart! I want to write what You would have me write. Let Your creativity touch my spirit as I embark on this journey to which You have brought me. Let me not grieve you any longer by neglecting this gift within me. Amen, so be it.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fast forward three years later...
What a lovely statement, but I cringe as I say that I have done nothing to make it come to pass. It was only the beginning of this year that I started my blog. The reason for its conception? An outlet for my writing and a place to stretch those creative writing skill muscles. Can you see my authorly biceps yet? However, I have immensely enjoyed coming to this humble blog and putting my thoughts down. I guess it is cathartic for a scrapbook impaired gal such as myself...lol! I like to think of this blog as my verbal scrapbook.
As I reread the above statement, I remember that failure is just strengthening you muscles for success...perhaps I have not completely failed in my quest as a writer!
And so dear readers, I begin the journey anew...
"There are no amateurs in freelance writing; there are only writers who haven't been published yet."
-Anonymous
"Write out of love, write out of instinct, write out of reason. But always for money."
-Louis Untermeyer
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Writing...
I ran across a stack of old papers today. Written upon them were words I had penned long ago. It seems like a lifetime ago I wrote those words. And so, with some reluctance, I share a snippet of poetry I wrote as a young girl.
"Stones"
You work in wonderful ways
mysterious miracles, everyday.
On my road of Life
You carefully place each stone in front of me.
You go before me and smooth the way
when Life seems full of boulders
help me to realize I am journeying
through the quarry for my road.
Each stone, I now realize,
has a purpose in my path.
None is there by coincidence
because my Master's hands
carefully place my stepping stones.
Copyrighted 1999 J.N. Gallegos
"Help me to realize that I am journeying through the quarry for my road..." That is my prayer today, still. Often I am inclined to just see the obstacle rather than the challenge. Father, help me to see the challenge first!
"Stones"
You work in wonderful ways
mysterious miracles, everyday.
On my road of Life
You carefully place each stone in front of me.
You go before me and smooth the way
when Life seems full of boulders
help me to realize I am journeying
through the quarry for my road.
Each stone, I now realize,
has a purpose in my path.
None is there by coincidence
because my Master's hands
carefully place my stepping stones.
Copyrighted 1999 J.N. Gallegos
"Help me to realize that I am journeying through the quarry for my road..." That is my prayer today, still. Often I am inclined to just see the obstacle rather than the challenge. Father, help me to see the challenge first!
Muscle Tone...
Tonight, I watched as my nine-month old daughter, Miss Precious, tried over and over to sit up by herself. Each time she tried, and failed. But she didn't give up! As I sat there watching her battle with her uncooperative, immature body, I realized this:
"Failure is strengthening your muscles for success."
-J. N. Gallegos
She may have not reached the end goal of sitting up all by herself, yet, but each time she tried she was strengthening the muscles she would need in the future.
I grew up in a household where if you failed, you were the failure. But lately, I have come to realize that failure does not make ME a failure! I may just not be mature enough (spiritually, physically, intellectually, etc.) to succeed at the time. Yet that does not mean that I am incapable of succeeding in the future once I have gained more insight, knowledge or experience.
So, this year I am going to risk failure and try new things. To reach out for success and maybe not get it on the first try, but to keep trying until I can grasp it firmly.
"Failure is strengthening your muscles for success."
-J. N. Gallegos
She may have not reached the end goal of sitting up all by herself, yet, but each time she tried she was strengthening the muscles she would need in the future.
I grew up in a household where if you failed, you were the failure. But lately, I have come to realize that failure does not make ME a failure! I may just not be mature enough (spiritually, physically, intellectually, etc.) to succeed at the time. Yet that does not mean that I am incapable of succeeding in the future once I have gained more insight, knowledge or experience.
So, this year I am going to risk failure and try new things. To reach out for success and maybe not get it on the first try, but to keep trying until I can grasp it firmly.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Four...
Well, I can tell when I haven't been blogging in a while. I missed blogging on my son's birthday. Mr. Independent turned four last week. He has grown and matured so much since last year. He expresses himself so well. Mr. Independent has turned into a little boy and is no longer a toddler. I look forward to what God has for him in the future. I eagerly anticipate who he is becoming. I love you Mr. Independent...Happy birthday!
Locomotive Learning
Today Miss Precious rolled over onto her tummy...all by herself! She has done it more than once today as well! Pretty soon instead of scooting on her back, she'll be crawling on all fours. Yes, my daughter has figured out that she can get from point A to point B by scooting...on her head. It's a wonder any hair grows on the back of her head...lol! She travels like an inch worm..it is so funny to watch! But. my goodness, she can get far pretty fast. I don't think I could scoot as fast as her without injuring myself.
Sigh...they grow up so fast!
Sigh...they grow up so fast!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Effortless..Who Knew??
OK, I remember my mother giving me sage advice regarding pottytraining. What was that advice? Wait until they are ready. Easier said than done when you have friends whose little angels were pottytrained from age 2! My youngest son is 3 going on 4 and I despaired of him ever getting the knack of it. However, with my oldest son I followed her advice, and so with my youngest boy I have had to refrain from thinking that he is falling behind others his age. Not easy, but necessary!
We are going on day two of pottytraining and there have only been two accidents (all yesterday, I might add!) I feel like I am doing this on autopilot...Look no hands! LOL! We have successfully done three rounds of number one and number two in the tiny potty! Way too go! I almost cannot believe that it is true! I am so proud of my little guy! Two down and one to go...well it will be awhile for my princess as she is only five months old!
Speaking of my little princess, she is teething...yipee. Did that sound sarcastic? LOL! Today has been less than fun. My arms hurt from holding her (she weighs close to 20 lbs!) and I cannot walk around anymore. Hopefully we will be through this stage quicker rather than slower!
We are going on day two of pottytraining and there have only been two accidents (all yesterday, I might add!) I feel like I am doing this on autopilot...Look no hands! LOL! We have successfully done three rounds of number one and number two in the tiny potty! Way too go! I almost cannot believe that it is true! I am so proud of my little guy! Two down and one to go...well it will be awhile for my princess as she is only five months old!
Speaking of my little princess, she is teething...yipee. Did that sound sarcastic? LOL! Today has been less than fun. My arms hurt from holding her (she weighs close to 20 lbs!) and I cannot walk around anymore. Hopefully we will be through this stage quicker rather than slower!
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