A New Word

I went back and read my new years post from last year. I did a fairly good job of keeping my resolutions. I didn't really scrap more in 2008 but I do think that I managed to change the way I do it. A lot less focus on the "stuff" and more focus on the photos and the story.

I do think that my word for 2008, "prioritize" was in the forefront of my mind this year. I definitely made a priority out of my health. I tried not to waste time on things that were not a priority.

It's time to pick a new word for this year.

FOCUS
Main Entry:

²focus

1 a: to bring into focus b: to adjust the focus of (as the eye or a lens)

2: to cause to be concentrated <focused their attention on the most urgent problems>

3: to concentrate attention or effort

I want to really block out the white noise and focus on things that are important. Focus on goals. Focus on family and friends. To live without distraction.

Share your word with me!

Tuna Detox

"Hi, my name is Ellie and I am a tuna addict".

That's what Ellie might say. Today she told me it was her favorite food in the whole world. Lucas picked nuts (??). I knew she would pick tuna.

I know you have to be careful how much tuna a child, or anyone for that matter, consumes. So, I decided to look up the guidelines. Ellie probably eats 2 cans a week on average. For her age and weight, it is recommended that she only eat half a can per week. Uh oh!

Of course, I decided to torture myself and look up Mercury Poisoning. That lead to pictures of "Minamata Disease" where thousands of people became disfigured and died from mercury in shellfish. I started picturing Ellie with a third arm and all sorts other stuff.

Have you ever done that? Looked up some benign symptom like a headache and all of a sudden you have a brain tumor? I need to step away from Google.

So now I guess we are on tuna detox. This will not be easy, my friends. This girl loves her tuna.

A little of this, a little of that

It has been snowing a lot for Seattle. I can't remember the last time it snowed like this. It has been kind of nice though with the kids and husband home from school and work (he has been behaving for the most part)!


Baxter taking a little nap:



Let it snow!



I also discovered that Ellie most likely has Cold Urticaria.

"Cold Urticaria (essentially meaning "cold hives") is an allergy where hives, or large red welts form on the skin after exposure to a cold stimulus. The welts are usually itchy and often the hands and feet will become itchy and swollen as well. Hives vary in size from about the size of a pencil eraser to as big as a quarter or larger."

I first noticed it this summer when she would swim in the cold water of the backyard pool. I thought she was just sensitive to the cold water. But this week with the cold weather, it has become apparent that it is more. Need to get to the Dr!

Holiday Fun

Top reason I don't put the Santa hat on Maile anymore:

SNOW!

We got a LOT of snow today and it seems like it may keep on coming.

At around 7 pm, we headed outside with Lucas to play in the snow. One by one, the neighbors came out and we had an absolute blast of a snowball fight. It has been a long time since I have laughed so hard!

Baxter came out too but was not too crazy about the cold. He is still so little and gets cold so easily. He is passed out on the hot carpet right now.

Now comes the aftermath. Icy roads, canceled school, husband home from work!

New Baby

This is Baxter! He is 9 weeks old now and such a cutie. He keeps me on my toes though. It's like having a newborn.

A Little Bird Told Me

Howdy strangers!

I am not sure how many of you are aware but I try to have a one touch rule when it comes to my mail. This means that I pick it up, touch it once, and deal with it. If that means I read it and it goes in to the recycling right away, I have accomplished my system of organization and clutter control.

Well, I am in the dog house now! 2 of my very best friends have cut me from their card lists this year!

I have been a little too ruthless with Christmas cards. Here is what I do. I pick it up from the mail, read it, adore the photo, get warm feelings for whomever sent it. I take time to look at the card and read the sentiment. Then, I recycle it. It goes into the bin.

I do, from time to time, keep photos. But what I don't do is make a little Christmas card display, keep them in a box to look a later, make ornaments with them, shove them in my window blinds, use them in my scrapbooks.

It's not because I am heartless. It is simple: I am trying to control paper from taking over my life.

Not everyone keeps Christmas cards. I enjoy getting cards. I just don't need to hold the card to keep your beautiful sentiments in my heart. I love you!