Positivity

In an effort to create momentum to update my blog more consistently, I will begin by sharing a conversation that happened yesterday evening.

Context: I was sitting at my husband’s desk at work, and saw a list of his 5 top strengths according to StrengthsFinder or something like that. They read:

1. Woo

2. Includer

3. Positivity

4. Communication

5. Arranger

When he came back into the office from wherever he was, I said, “I think Arranger is one of my strengths too.”

Ronnie: “Yeah I think it definitely is.”

…

Me: “And positivity too probably.”

Ronnie: “HAH! Psh…”

Let’s just say his woo wasn’t working too well for him in that moment…

Unfortunately, he’s probably right. But at least between the two of us we will have a well-balance spectrum of organized thoughts and opinions. 

Show Us Your Life: Singles Edition

I am using an opportunity today to show off one of my dear friends over on Kelly’s Korner for the singles edition of “Show Us Your Life”. Her name is Robyn – and I am lucky enough to have her forever as my sister-in-law! 

Robyn is 29, the oldest of 6 siblings (which does make her extremely responsible), and queen of balancing her busy life and friendships while always looking stylish! She will graduate in December from Biola University in La Mirada, California, and would like to spend her time serving the Lord in a church or para-church ministry involving students and missions. Besides being a great family member and close friend, she is an amazing woman of God - being an active leader in our church youth group, missions and outreach team, greeting team, and probably more I can't even remember right now. Not only does she fulfill her commitments whole-heartedly, but somehow she also finds time to remember and celebrate the birthdays and other special events of her very many friends and family members (and, trust me, that's saying alot). She is probably the sweetest and most encouraging person you will meet, but is also not afraid to tell you when you're being a bit stupid, and is happy to steer you back on the right track.

One thing I have recently learned about Robyn is that her Myers Briggs type is ESFJ. MyPersonality.info defines it as follows: “ESFJs are social butterflies that value relationships, supporting and nurturing others. Never one to shy away from social events, they are often the host. They are great encouragers of teamwork. ESFJs are responsible, dutiful, observe traditions and follow rules. ESFJs have a deep concern for others and often end up as caretakers. They are sensitive to criticism and have a need to be appreciated for the good they do for others. ESFJs are understanding, generous, have a quick wit and a knack for composition and beautification.” Well, that pretty much sums up Robyn =). Always generously giving of herself for the nurturing of others. She has been so obedient to the Lord's direction for her life, and I can't wait to see what He has in store for her next!

(Robyn’s super cool and amazing family!)

To learn more about Robyn, visit her blog at Robyn’s Rejoicing, or her Facebook. 

an awesome discovery.

I have known for a while what I wanted my next post to be about, but I couldn't find a great opportunity to share. I finally found a little time to squeeze it in to my schedule, so here goes:

Facewash.

Do you ever get tired of your current Neutrogena or Clean and Clear facewash? You are staring at your half-used bottle with just enough in it that you can't justify throwing it away, but you feel like it is never going to be used up? You get this odd craving to go to Target and buy a new one because, well, it's always fun trying new things! Only to get to the personal care aisle and be bombarded with TOO many choices? I don't know about you, but I don't do well when options such as size, sensitivity, exfoliation, and price all hang in the delicate balance of this situation. I also stress out a bit wondering if I will be happy with this $7 spent and if I will want to try a new kind next time even if I am happy with this one... Well my friends, I have found a very satisfactory solution to this awkward predicament. I give you......

Seriously. I don't know how and where to start on my love for this product as a facewash because it is just that great. It is super cheap, it comes in large, medium, or mini bottle sizes, it removes difficult makeup with ease, and it doesn't hurt when you get it in your eyes! Ever since I tried it, I was hooked! I know not all faces are created equal, but if you are struggling to find just the right facewash for you, I would definitely try this. And no, I am not getting paid to promote Johnson & Johnson's baby shampoo =). Actually, I wouldn't want to even if they asked, because then they would just re-package it and bump the price up! No thank you. I am happy with my cheap, large bottles of yellow baby-shampoo a.k.a. facewash.

Back from the dead...

Hello everyone! I'm sorry it has been SO long since I have posted anything. Tax season has been crazy and I have hardly had time to read the blogs that I love let alone take time to write a post. However, the worst is over, my hard work is slowing down, and I think I am all caught up on my reads. Therefore I fully intend to resume posting soon as there is much to catch up on!

Until then, I have to direct you over to The Anderson Crew. I don't know if you remember my post last October on the bundle giveaways to raise money for their adoption. Well, after months of waiting, the adoption was finalized and they were able to bring Elsabeth home from Ethiopia! She just posted a short video of the family reuniting as a whole in the airport and it is awesome! Watch the video here. I am so excited to have been a super small part of that process and hope that someday I can experience something so amazing with my own family.

Have an awesome day and do something to celebrate the warmth!

Summatime...

OK so I decided that we really need a Christmas for the summer. Because over the past few Christmases I have bought and received a ton of cute sweaters (which I love), but I have realized that I somewhat lack in the summer clothes department - not ideal for the SoCal resident. I mean, you have to buy all of those for yourself, which just isn't quite as fun sometimes. So, in honor of the warm weather that is so quickly approaching, here are some things from my summer wishlist which has already begun to accumulate:

This dress and this top from Old Navy. Please go on sale soon!

  

This top that I actually just bought at Target on clearance (I guess I'm into the ruffly thing)! I got it in black and a purple-ish color along with this cardigan which was $5! Love it!

I also love these sandals Target just brought in. So cute!

On my summer wishlist is also: more jewelry (rings and necklaces), a new pair of rite-aid shoes, more colorful tank tops and short-sleeves, more skinny jeans, and a good pair of sunglasses. Ah summer, please come fast!

Albums

I am so inspired!

Today, Ashley Ann posted a blog about the annual album she prints of all of her photos. I think this is one of the smartest decisions ever. Not only does she take the most amazing pictures - documenting the everyday life of her family - but she takes the time to print them in a book for them all to enjoy. (Actually 2 books, one for kids to enjoy now, and one to store away safely). I also have a good friend, Jenna, who is also a photographer and has been doing this for the last few years too. You should see her books, they are ginormous! I find that so often I take pictures that might someday get organized in files on my computer or maybe even put on a cd, but I rarely take the time to print them or make them easily accessible for future viewing. Fail.

She posted a link to this super cute scrapbooking album kit called Curated. The following pictures we retrieved from Paisley Press:

This is totally going on my wishlist! It seems like a kit that you can download and use to easily place your pictures in, and then you can upload the spreads to any type of book-printing site like Blurb, Shutterfly, MyPublisher, etc.

My goals for as soon as possible: Organize my pictures from this last year, make a book documenting our 2010 adventures of wedding preparation and marriage, and take more pictures with us in them this next year! (I find it is so much easier to take pictures of other people - like the middle school kids - than pictures of ourselves, especially together). My long-term goal is to make a book for every year from now on until my kids are old enough to do it for me =).

Go be inspired.

Soccer & Outreach

This last Saturday, the Middle School had an event called "Soccer & Outreach". We met at church, made a banner for the Middle School kids at Escuela Integrada, wrote letters to our missionaries, and then headed over to the park for some fun games and pizza!