Simplify

Yesterday I went to Target to buy storage containers. I have a lot of things that I don't use, that take up a lot of room. A good chunk of it is fabric and scrapbooking supplies that I hope to use someday. Then I went to a class last night on Simplyifying our Lives, I felt pretty organized but thought what the heck...Well I learned a lot that I am not as organized as I think I am and that it doesn't mean I have "simplified" my life.

So now my back hurts after filling my garbage can, thank goodness today was garbage day, although I don't know what I will do with this weeks trash. I decided to throw out those things that took up more space than worth saving. I had several idea books, and catalogs for scrapbooking, I didn't really use them that much when I did it, they are gone. I went through the piles of all my kids papers I thought I needed and found I didn't really them all. I emptied and filled bins all morning. I am not done, I am achy and I need a break, but it feels good.

Now I need to simplify my emmotions. I wish I could remember the quotes on the board, but I know they got me thinking, maybe too much. I hope to get my life in order, all aspects. I know this will make me a happier person and a better mom, wife, daughter, sister and friend.

Pinewood Derby......

Well another year for the Mellon's at a Pinewood Derby, year 5 to be exact. We have learned a bit over the years.....mainly that our cars should look good because we won't win. We didn't procrastinate as much this year, which made the whole process a lot better, less stress.....less mistakes. Actually the boys did better this year than any other. Hayden placed 4th...he was thrilled. Jake knows he didn't loose every race he was in, so that is a plus. Jake wants to build a track at our house so he can race his previous cars, which unlike Chandler's are pretty much in tact, minus the weights we had to peel off his first year car to use as a last minute fix to last years car. This was Haydens first so he has some more time.

Brrrr....It is COLD outside!

This is our third winter away from the sunny, warm, desert! We have had more snow, colder temperatues so far than the first 2 winters combined and we are only half way through January! I have worn gloves to bed! I have found that sometimes the only way that I can warm-up is by a "HOT" bath. Notice I didn't say warm bath....that doesn't work for me! The kids have enjoyed the snow a bit, but even just a few rides down the hill is enough sometimes. Preston's chin was freezing, Hayden couldn't move his arms (I had to carry his sled) and Jake couldn't feel his legs so he plopped himself on our snow covered front lawn and layed there, Chandler was MIA, he is becoming a preteen and prefers his MP3 player. The last few days have been particulary cold and now event he snow has frozen and turned to ice. I hope all my family and friends in Arizona are enjoying there record highs as I survive my record lows. We will compare again when it is summer.

Things Learned

I think we often take the begenning of a new year to reflect on the last! For me it is the Lessons Learned and what I can take from them! In no particular order:

• Never judge a book by it's cover.
• It's not what is on the outside that counts it is what is on the inside.
• Family first!
• True friends will stand by you through it all.
• You don't always have to be right, just heard!
• Go with your gut!
• You may not initially understand but in time you will come to figure out.
• Do what is right, even if it is not popular, you will be blessed.
• It is okay to ask for help!
• Things aren't always what they seem, make sure you really understand!
• There is always someone out there who loves you!
• Make sure you tell the people in your life how much you appreciate them!
• Life is short, live it, learn by it and respect it!

Maybe I will come up with more later...thanks to my family and dear friends, I love you all very much!