Today was the day.....

Today was the day I was born.

And all I can think about today is my angel Mother.
She sacrificed to physically bring me to the Earth on this day so many years ago.
Now that I'm a Mother myself, I know what that really means.

I've seen and experienced many miracles and blessings so far in my life.
I've accomplished many great things...and will strive to accomplish many more.
I've experienced and continue to experience joy and love in my life.

All those beautiful things and so much more are mine not only because I have a loving Father in Heaven and Savior who watch over me, but also because my angel Mother sacrificed for me today.

Thanks, Momsi.

Christmas Joy...

I've got a 'to-do' list that emulates the 5 inch wide Children's Dictionary sitting on my green boy's lap.

There is so much to do and even more to catch up on.
And I can't seem to keep up.

I decided to start whittling away my Christmas 'to-do' list months and months ago so that I could enjoy the season and not be scrambling around to keep up with the disappearing days of December.

Unfortunately, I'm still feeling increasingly uneasy with each day marked off the advent calendar.

A few days ago, I was running around the house desperately trying to get some things checked off my list when my little blue boy fell apart at the seams. In reality, the ugly meltdown only looked like a great big road block to accomplishing my goals for the day.

Then, with his head buried in the tear soaked carpet, he pointed his chubby finger into the carpet fibers and said "Mommy, here".

I knew in that moment, what he really wanted.
So....I put down my armfuls of cleaning supplies and sat down next to him.
He didn't look up, but I put my hand on his back and just sat with him.
Somehow that was enough.

In that moment, I felt a peace and calm wash over me.

I realized that in-spite of my endless daily lists and constant plans, what was most important was to let go of the schedule and just be. To feel peace and comfort in the moment together.

Those feelings are what this season is really about.

We should be feeling peace and comfort as we approach the day we celebrate the coming of our Savior to this Earth to atone and sacrifice His life for each of us.

In that exact spirit, we have started some new traditions for this little Wilson family. We have begun a seasonal project to shine the light of Christ....the light of love, appreciation, and service into the lives of those among us.

We have started with small things such as these:

- drawing a picture, writing a note of thanks, and leaving homemade cookies for the garbage man
(he LOVED that....and wrote back!)

- carrying candy canes and baggies of cookies with notes of thanks in our bag and giving them to those who serve us and often go unnoticed.
i.e. the gas station attendant, the janitor who cleans the bathroom stalls, the fun ladies at the gym who play with the boys while I work out, the man who fills my up water bottle during spin class, the disabled boy who bags my groceries, the parking garage attendant....etc.
The list goes on and on!


- cooking dinner for a new Mom or just a busy Mom, like myself, who would appreciate a little break.


- buying a couple balloons and handing them to someone who looks like they might need a smile.


- Bringing a plate of cookies and a note of thanks to the firestation


- tape a few quarters on the vending machine or soda machine with a note 


- hold the door for someone

It has been such a joy to serve those around us...in small and simple ways.
It has been an even greater joy to watch my little boys learn about thinking of others, serving others, and loving others...Just as their Savior, Jesus Christ would do.

 Even though we are ALL overloaded with constant lists of things to accomplish....there is a more important reason for the season.
Go spread some Christmas Joy...

collecting...

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What are YOU going to collect today?
See you tomorrow for a new Christmas tutorial!

"little things" for Thanksgiving Part 3

I love Thanksgiving.
Not for the turkey or pumpkin pie, although enticing and delicious....I love Thanksgiving because it is a day set aside solely to give thanks.
I know we all have so much to be thankful for...even if things in our life aren't perfect.
There is ALWAYS something for which we can (and should) give thanks!

A piano in my home. It is a great blessing to be a professional musician. Music speaks from the soul things we are not capable of expressing with words and I'm so blessed to own my own piano not only for use in my profession, but for my own enjoyment.

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Beauty. I am inspired by beauty. It brings me joy....and beauty can be seen in everything!

Calluses. I know, a weird thing to be thankful for, but it shows hard work, dedication, love, and motivation. All of which are beautiful things!
Dancing. I'm not a very good dancer, but I love the way it feels when my favorite song is on and my body can't help but express joy through movement.

Education. I'm so grateful for a chance to get a great education and I'm grateful for all the people who helped make that happen.

Fall. The color of the leaves. The crunch of them beneath my toes. The crisp, cool air....all of it.
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Garbage trucks, and their drivers. Take a second and imagine life without them.....yeah, they are pretty great. You should sincerely thank one the next time they stop by your house! I have a Thank You note ready on our garbage can for ours tomorrow!

Healing. The ability to heal is incredible! I've watched - and worked terribly hard - as my knee has undergone surgery and 2 months of healing. It is a beautiful miracle to behold.

Illustrations done by my children. Not only can my Green boy draw me beautiful pictures, he can write me love notes which I treasure.

Jokes. I love a good joke. I don't think I'm all that funny or witty so I am really grateful for the people in my life who can make me laugh. Man....I love a good laugh.

Kicks. I'm so grateful for shoes. Have you stopped and thought about how blessed you are to be able to own a pair of shoes to protect your little feet? I have, and I'm sooo grateful.

Littlies. I am head over heels in love with my little miracles and my blue boy and green boy have stolen my heart.
Mr. Wilson. He's the number one boy around here and I am so grateful to be married to my best friend. He lifts me up and inspires me to be better. What an amazing blessing!

Noses. Without my nose I would miss out on so much joy. I mean, there are lots of things I would rather not smell, but the smell of cinnamon, freshly baked cookies, Mr.Wilson's cologne,  pumpkin pie, bonfire, apple cider, and freshly bathed babies brings bliss.

Other people. I am grateful for all the people in my life who encourage, support and love me. They inspire me to try harder, reach for my dreams and have greater love for those around me.

Pets. We love our little black Bella and the place she holds in our family.

Quilts. My angel Mother is a maker of beautiful quilts and not only do they offer warmth and comfort, they are special works of art.

Reading. I am so grateful for the ability to read and the joy that comes from comprehending and learning new things.

Scriptures. I love the truth found within their pages. I love the joy and knowledge that comes from reading them.
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Temples. 

 
Underwear. Well, it's true!

Vacuum. ugh. I really love what a fresh vacuuming job can do for my home.

Walls. Whether it's an apartment, duplex, condo or home....I've always felt so blessed to have a roof over my head and walls to bring me warmth and comfort.

Xyzal. My allergy pills. Soooo grateful for you!

You readers who come to my little space here at 'squeezing it all in'. I'm so grateful for you!

Zesty meals. Yes, I figured out a way to use the letter 'z'.

I hope you have all had a great Thanksgiving Day! 

Remember, we don't have to be grateful one day a year.
We can be searching for our beautiful little blessings everyday.
That's what my search for life's "little things" is all about!

"little things" for Thanksgiving Part II

How are YOU doing with your challenge?

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If you didn't see the challenge....look HERE.
Don't worry, you can start today.
The "little things" I am grateful for today...well, and everyday:

-bright, green grass

-dimples
-egg white omelet with sweet red peppers and spinach

-the color mustard yellow

-a stove and an oven

-a knee, newly operated upon, that can attack a spin bike again

-a tall glass of cold water
-a handwritten letter in the mail

-finishing a project

-finding a hot-wheel race car in the bottom of my date night purse
-a spontaneous night with a friend, being spit upon by Elphaba and Galinda (because we we were in the 7th row center)
-being married for all eternity to my best friend

Go on and take the challenge... write today's list right now.
Just take a minute to acknowledge the "little things" (and big things) in your life that make it beautiful.

Happy Thanksgiving preparation day!

"little things" for Thanksgiving Part I

With Thanksgiving coming in just a few days....I've decided to share with you a couple of my "little things" lists of gratitude.
I hope you have been making yours!

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Here's the "little things" I'm grateful for today:

good dreams

giggles

warm chubby cheeks

chocolate milk

clean carpets

flannel pillowcases

warm shower water

electricity

cinnamon

words of appreciation from Mr.Wilson

surprises

opportunities to serve

creating music

glitter

hot apple cider

hearing one of my best friends voice on the answering machine

I'll be sharing a list with you everyday from now through Thanksgiving day.

I want to challenge you to make a list everyday with me!

It will only take you a minute, but it will help brighten your days.

Take the challenge and I promise you will feel more focused and grateful on our upcoming day of Thanks.

Tuning your eyes and ears to noticing all the beautiful "little things" that make your life marvelous will help you savor YOUR Thanksgiving this year!

"Un-slumping yourself is not easily done"....

I haven't been feeling myself lately.

I've been in a funk, a rut, a slump...where the world around me turns a little grey, my purpose and importance in this world become blurry, and there isn't any big, horrible or profound thing from which to find the cause.

I hate feeling this way. 

It doesn't happen often, but it still happens.

This week one of my little men picked out a book for me to read at nap time which spoke directly to how I've been feeling lately.

Here are a couple excerpts...

"...You'll join the high fliers who soar to high heights.

You won't lag behind, because you'll have the speed. 

You'll pass the whole gang and you'll soon take the lead.

Wherever you fly, you'll be best of the best.

Wherever you go, you will top all the rest.

Except when you don't.

Because, sometimes, you won't.

I'm sorry to say so but, sadly it's true,

that Bang-ups and Hang-ups can happen to you.

You can get all hung up in a pricke-ly perch.

And your gang will fly on. 

You'll be left in a Lurch.

You'll come down from the Lurch with an unpleasant bump.

And the chances are, then, that you'll be in a Slump.

And when you're in a Slump, you're not in for much fun.

Un-slumping yourself is not easily done.

...I'm afraid that some times you'll play lonely games too.

Games you can't win 'cause you'll play against you.

...But on you will go though the weather be foul.

On you will go though your enemies prowl.

On and on you will hike.

And I know you'll hike far and face up to your problems whatever they are.

...So be sure when you step, step with care and great tact

and remember that Life's a Great Balancing Act.

...And will you succeed? 

Yes! You will, indeed!

Kid, you'll move mountains!

...Today is your day!

Your mountain is waiting.

So...get on your way!"

- Dr. Seuss

As I read this to my son, my eyes overflowed as I realized that it's ME I was reading about.

YES...I was feeling as though unslumping myself couldn't be done easily.
I felt as though I had been playing a game I had no chance of winning because I was playing against myself.

But not anymore.
I've picked myself up and I'm going to keep hiking.

Thank you, Dr.Seuss and thank you my sweet green boy for helping me clear the fog and see my mountain again.

We are all on different paths in life and we are all hiking at a different rate, but one thing is certain....we all find ourselves in a slump from time to time.
Don't sit down and lose the game...get up, and keep hiking.

You are capable of far more than you will ever know!
Now, go get on your way!

"little things" by my stitched up knee

I have been spending most of my time lately in my little corner of the couch ... surrounded by needles, fabric and thread.

I've been desperately trying to be patient with myself while I heal. 

Not one of my strengths. 

Now that managing the post surgical pain has gotten easier, taking it easy has gotten harder. 

Here are the "Little things" by my stitched up knee:

1. Watching the hummingbird from my window sip nectar from my flowers

2. The constant love, support, and help from others

 

3. The smell of my new apple cinnamon candle burning

4. Snuggles, Loves, Hugs and Encouragement from all the men in my house

5. Figuring out how to sleep on my side without being in excruciating pain

6. The nice cool breeze from the open window

What "little things" have YOU been treasuring lately?

Don't let your busy life mask the little joys that can change your perspective.

I would LOVE to feature YOUR "little things" list here on squeezing it all in so keep your eyes open and then let us know what treasures you find!

email me YOUR "little things" list and how actively searching for them and choosing to savor them changed your attitude!

Let's inspire each other to live a more joyful life!

squeezingitallin@gmail.com

Give your smile...

Take a gander at these faces with me…

Pretty beautiful …right?

and handsome even when so incredibly sad…
(the adorable Monster Hat was made by one of my amazing sisters who has been working her crochet hooks like a pro!)

These faces were filled with more tears today than smiles…
literally non-stop…
except for our short trip to the thrift store.
Neither one of them could express the reasons for all the sadness and it broke my heart. I’ve been feeling frustrated all day because I can’t seem to make it better and I don’t know what to do.
There is no owie to kiss, no dirt to brush off.
Maybe they just need some sleep, maybe they need their Dad.
Whatever it is, I’ve come to the conclusion that I can’t fix it.
Not today and well,
I hate that.

What I do know is…I’m glad I have the privilege of calling them mine. Even on hard days like today.

But if you look past the hard things you can see that days like today are days where all the big and less important things disappear and all that’s left is what is most important…tears of someone you love.

No workout routine, no meeting, lesson plan or busy schedule can replace my job today. So my 1st “little thing” for today is this…
the chance I have to give my beautiful miracle boys my love and my smile.

My 2nd “little thing” so far today was the sight of this smiling face beaming a friendly welcome as I opened the pantry door.

Go and find your “little things” today. Hold on to them and cherish them and if you can’t find one…go give someone your smile!

Don’t forget to enter the giveaway…and get your friends to enter too! Don’t be shy – I LOVE to hear from you!
Next week we have one of my timed and tested tutorials for Monday (perfect for a Mother’s day gift), more “little things” features and more “thrifty tips”. 
See you then…Have a great weekend!

Let’s continue to share and inspire each other!
email me your “little things” list at squeezingitallin@gmail.com

Fairies....

Yesterday two beautiful cleaning fairies came to our house. They looked just like this... They fluttered in and before I knew it my floors were clean, my carpet spotless, all my laundry in the machine, dinner in the fridge, my dishes done, my counters wiped, my toilets shiny....everything! What was one of the best parts about this fairy visit was to slip between the covers at bedtime and have crisp, clean smelling sheets welcome me. It was just perfect!

I can't even begin to explain to you what this small act means to me and it honestly was pure torture to watch it all take place, but once I get myself past that, it was one of the most beautiful sights to behold. I wouldn't let just anybody do all that for us, but it's an amazing thing to see how much love is had for this little baby of mine, by his family, before he has even shown his face!

Tomorrow is another appointment and today is filled with worry...unfortunately that's nothing new. I feel like there might be some more changes this week. I say that just because of some of the things my body has been feeling, but I've been wrong before. Our prayers never cease.

I know a lot of my thoughts on this blog now focus on bed rest and what that is like, but the biggest part in all of this is WHY I'm lying here and I have to remember that all the time.... I'm lying here because my body can't hold a baby nice and tight in my belly like it's supposed to and that is NOT my fault, it's just the way my body is. I'm lying here because it is my part in doing all I can to fulfill a portion of our Heavenly Father's plan. I'm lying here because the life of one of Heavenly Father's special spirits is depending on it. I'm lying here praying that this whole process will ensure our arms with a beautiful child in the end, but nothing is ever certain.

We love the Lord and know He is watching over us. We know He has a plan and is leading us down the path that has been carved out for our family. We know there is much to learn from all trials with which we are faced...that's one of the reasons we are all given them. The Lord is good to all of us, even in hard and scary times.

Much love to my beautiful fairies...you blessed my days (and Doug's days) more than you will know.

Zebras

these are what made me happy today

I'm not going to lie. I had no patience for all of this today
my problem at hand, that is, and all that comes with it.
I'm thinking it was because I had a whole day full of irregular contractions yesterday and
Last night I had some big whoppin' contractions which caused me to not get much sleep and wake up exhausted
I don't know...maybe it was just one of those days.

I felt like letting out a scream ... maybe just a little one.
Tomorrow will be better

Thanks, Mom, for bringing these shoes home for me! And for the Luau Salad from the Cheesecake Factory...they were counted as some of the serious highlights of my day! And thanks for everything else you've been doing for us.....your amazing....i love you. and i love these shoes.

Purple

Today was fairly uneventful...which is good. Here are 4 of the things I did that made me smile today: (please don't laugh, the simple things in life are all I have right now and where I must find the most joy) :)

1. Hugged, Kissed, read books to and loved on my Drewboy
2. Made a paper race car for my nephew, Spencer
3. Fed whip cream to my niece, Lauryn
4. Wore a beautiful bright purple scarfToday I am grateful for showers. I have always held a nice scalding hot shower close to my heart, but now that they are one of the only two times I am allowed to sit up and get out of bed or off the couch...they are more wonderful than ever before!

Chubby, tan legs....

I just got back from my weekly appointment and the ultrasound showed that there have been no changes in the weakening of my body this week. It was great news since we are so close to being on a hospital bed rest... and thought it very possible to start this week... but it also means that nothing has changed. We were super excited and really happy after the ultrasound results and then, while we waited to see the doctor, I think the reality kind of sank in. That's when Doug and I found ourselves looking at each other wondering why we weren't feeling super happy anymore. I guess It's hard to explain how it feels to get good news and yet have it not change your circumstance or possible outcomes at all. We do continue to feel very blessed. We've made it another week! We love the Lord and know He will never cease to watch over our little family.

I've decided to include in my posts, during this time, some things that I am grateful for each day or things that just make me happy...

Yesterday: I'm grateful for the sounds of my little boy and my husband running around the house playing hide and go seek. It makes me so happy to hear my Andrew count to 16 and then mess up the next number and say "...eleventeen...oh, umm....ready or not, here I come!"

I'm grateful to have an amazing husband who will make me homemade black bean nachos and fruit smoothies when I'm hungry. Also, and most importantly, to have a husband and best friend who is able and willing to pass me the sacrament when I am not able to go to my meetings and receive it on my own.

Today: I'm grateful for a nurse who can take my blood with one prick, not 4. I'm also grateful for red vines....they remind me of my Grandma and taste oh, so delicious!

It makes me so happy to see rainstorms in the sunshine, steam rise off the hot pavement, and the chubby, tan legs of my niece, Lauryn!