Sequins & Sofas: 5 Things

First things first...this is my 100th post! Wahoo! I didn't really know how long I was going to keep bloggin' when this adventure began...but I am still having fun! And as long as you are too, I'm going for 100 more!

Things I like:

1. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion +: I have tried a bunch of lotions in my storied life of skin sagas. A few were fine, some were horrible, and this one is just right. Their newest formula has added a 'plus'...not sure if it is any different than the original but the cute little plus on the bottle makes me feel like it must be true!

2. A cuticle clipper: I think this one is Revlon but any will do. A little over $10 at your local drug store and an essential tool for keeping nails (both finger and toe) looking lovely.

3. Sanita Clogs (Professional Style): These are my go-to fall shoe. So comfortable to wear for an extended period of time on your feet and they look cute with pants or dresses. You can find them on sale if you take a little time to search the internets:)

4. Daniel's Fire Roast Salsa: THE BEST EVER! It's kind of expensive (for salsa)...like 6 bucks a jar. But I splurge every once and awhile because I just have to. It's that good. You can find it at Kowalski's and Lund's type grocery stores....

5. Nubian African Black Soap: My Aunt turned me onto this when we were chatting about our skin woes (common theme it seems with most or all of my beauty product suggestions...oh well). It seems to really help my skin calm down when it's having a toddler sized tantrum. Comes in a bunch of varieties, although I have only tried the one in the black box. You can find it at Whole Foods Co-op in the beauty aisle and it's under $5 a bar.

Toddler Talk: Accentuate the Positive

Sometimes when trying to mold young minds into productive members of society, I find myself giving many directions. Many, many directions.

I get tired of hearing my own voice say the same thing over and over...and I can imagine that my little toddler friends may sometimes feel the same way.

Because it is indeed my job to persevere thru the negative and find creative ways to mold said minds, I (and my awesome teaching team) have worked hard to make a point to give directions to kids in the positive rather than from the mouth of Negative Nancy (NN).

For example, a kid keeps climbing onto the toy shelf (like a lot of times...). My internal NN voice wants to exclaim, "Get off the shelf...stop, don't do that, we don't climb there". But, with a deep breath and gathered thoughts, I can maybe say, "I see that you want to climb! Can I help you find something that is safe to climb on over here? Look at this big stool!"...and maybe later encourage that same kid when I see them choosing a safe climbing option on their own later in the day.

We have had a little issue with friends pushing/hitting each other with their hands lately. We wanted to find a way to talk about this issue in a positive tone with our dear little loves, so what else could I do but make some PICTURE CARDS! A teachers best friend...especially when I get to use the laminator, I love laminating stuff.

We implemented the positive plan and used our picture cards all week to talk about what 'Hands CAN do'. It ended up being an effective tool for discussing the underlying issue of hurtful behavior....in a fun way that didn't make me feel cranky from saying 'NO' and 'STOP' at every infraction.

Now, I understand that sometimes it is necessary to get serious and stern. I am all about consistency and rule following...and saying 'STOP' to serious situations is still a daily part of my teacher vocabulary. But I am working hard to reserve the NN voice for times when someone is in danger of injuring themselves or others. And I am finding that my heart feels more happy as my mouth accentuates the positive!

Crafty Corner: Supergirl!

My new little niece Miss P is so cute:

I finally had my first opportunity to hold her last week on a little afternoon visit to sister TT's. Because it was my first visit, I found it most appropriate to bestow a gift upon niece number three....not like in Sleeping Beauty when the fairies twinkle down and gift Princess Aurora with unmatched beauty and and the voice of a songbird....better! What else but a rockin' superhero cape:

Now this Superhero frock is really something I hope she will enjoy when she is a little older (ie. walking around and zooming her little legs as fast as they will fly), but Halloween is coming! So I added a mini bonus gift:

He He He....What a cutie pie! Pyper Power!!

Crafty Corner: Task Master 2

A ways back, I did a post on some charts for my niece and nephew. Pictures of simple step by step instructions to help them along with a few daily tasks.

A friend of mine has a bunch of super cool little boys that were in need of some chart action too! I asked her to formulate a list of a few things they wanted to work on. She came back with:
Going on a Walk
Dinner Time Rules
Church Time

I got to work with the list of specifics that she had given me. I went with one chart for hanging near the dinner table, a second chart for home discussions on 'Rules for Safe Walks' plus travel sized flip book for impromptu chats whilst walking (if need be), and finally a church activity bag with chart/drawing surface for the little dudes to write on with dry erase crayons (which are super cool by the way, you should get some).....one side with 'the rules', the other a blank slate for creative expression via crayon!

I am excited to hear how the boys like them and hope they will be a helpful tool for mama and daddy to talk about expectations in each situation!

Tattoo This!

So, on Saturday I spent many, many hours at Electric Dragonland getting a new tattoo! I have a bunch of them (7 now to be exact), but this one was by far the biggest and most significant.

I'll be honest, by hour 4, I was ready to be done...really ready:

But it was all worth it in the end to finally see the masterpiece complete:

If you don't mind, I'd like to share about my tree and why it came to be. Also, I hope it's ok if I go a little Jesus-y on ya for a moment:)

All of my tattoos tell a story of my life thus far...from work to family, friendships to passions. This one is no different.

Over the past 15 years, my life as a Christ follower has developed and grown thru experiences and relationships. He has been ever faithful to love me when I don't love him. To continue to pursue me when I fail...which is a lot. To show me mercy when I for sure don't deserve it.

This kind of love is sometimes hard for me to understand, hard for me to believe for myself. What I have battled with most is just that fact.....that he loves ME. That he has big plans for ME (dharma jane) in this world....that those plans may involve hard and scary things but he will be faithful to walk with me through them.

I have also battled with some anxiety the past few years when it comes to my health (when challenges arise or I experience something new that I can't pinpoint a direct cause). Although sometimes it feels like I am the only one on the planet to experience this, I know that is not the case. I have had enough conversations with peeps to know that we all battle with anxiety in some regard...financial, relationships, parenting...the list goes on and on.

I have learned that (for me), most of my 'issues' can be traced back to trust. Do I trust Him for my best? Do I believe that he sees ME? Do I see the big picture and long for His return?

These questions are the reason for my latest tattoo adventure. It is a reminder of life eternal....when this earthly life is overwhelming and hard, it's a picture of what is to come...restoration.

It's the Tree of Life:
Revelation 22:1-5
“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.”

I am determined to live my life to honor Him, to fight the world when it tells me I am not good enough for His love. To remember that he is preparing a beautiful and perfect new earth for his children...and that I (yes, ME) am included in that promise. That's the story of Tattoo #7....thanks for listening!

Maybe there will be a story someday for tattoo #8...who am I kidding, there will be. I am a total tattoo nut...and am thankful to share my life story through each and every one.