Grateful For Dancing 2015

We live in a crazy, chaotic world with so much going on around us. So much that we can't control. It can be overwhelming.

But there's good stuff going on in this world too. So much good stuff that I am grateful for.

No matter what is going on, good or bad, I am maybe most grateful for dancing....

(Click here to watch the video.)

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
And I hope you dance.

Thank You

Yesterday I was on the phone with the guy from AT&T and I was a little overwhelmed.  Not only by my bill, but also by the kindness of the AT&T guy.  He was helpful and calm and patient and very nice.  He was good at his job and I appreciated it so much. The AT&T guy helped me figure out my bill and how I could switch to a new plan to save money.

"Not one thing has been easy lately, thank you for making this so easy," I told him.  "And thank you so much for being so nice."

"Oh ma'am, it's my pleasure and thank YOU for telling me that," he said to me laughing a little bit.  "Merry Christmas!"

                              *****

A woman I am lucky to call a friend/mentor, Satori Shakoor, lives and breathes gratitude. She said once that she believes "in thank you and that service with a smile is the possibility of love."  Satori is a master storyteller and she spoke in the Listen To Your Mother show I helped produce in Detroit last year.  In the show she talked about how gratitude is her only religion and "thank you" is her only prayer. (Click here to watch her story, it will blow you away.)

Two Sundays ago in church I taught a class about saying thank you.  I feel like I teach a class like that a few times a year. But I think we need reminders--we need classes, stories, Satori's and AT&T guys and Christmas--because it's easy to forget. Sometimes life can be really hard and confusing and frustrating.  Life can make you want to wring your hands in the air and ask why/how with an occasional you've got to be kidding me, instead of raising your hands up and saying thank you. 

But then, the reminders, the thank yous, the gratitude...you remember the possibility of love.  It shines through the smile you give someone, the nod of respect, the thank you at the store, the thank you on the phone, the acts of service, the appreciation you give your friend or your child or a stranger, it's all love.

I have a lot of love for Detroit.
We spent time at Eastern Market in Detroit this past weekend.

I love that I have so many kids that they can play a pretty legit game of basketball together.

I am thankful for this space where I get to share my life and be creative and talk about storytelling and my friends and their wisdom; and where I get to try and be funny and post dance videos and maybe make someone feel less alone.  

I am thankful that I get to do fun giveaways and give you a chance to win stuff.  Today, my friend Katie Redmond is giving away a $50 gift card to stella & dot.  Have you seen their jewelry?  They have beautiful stuff- click here to check it out.

These are just a few items that are each under $50!  

Katie is also selling another line called Keep Collective (click here to check it out), you can use the gift card there if you wish to do that. 

Enter and win! Leave a comment about what you are thankful for right now.  Is it somebody?  Go tell them thank you.  

Spread the joy, feel the love, remember to believe in thank you. Tis the season of gratitude and love and kindness. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Lot of Children& What I Know For Sure

This past week I've  had a child with a MRSA scare, ended up in the emergency room for a possible broken finger with another child, talked down yet another child with extreme pre-test-I-don't-want-to-let-anyone-and-everyone-down anxiety and had another child diagnosed with walking pneumonia.  Phew.  All I know for sure is that I have a lot of children.  

That's not all I know.  I know for sure that there is nothing like sitting in an emergency room to know that I'm grateful for my health and my kids' health.  


Here's what else I know for sure this week:

• My kids think I'm stupid.  That's normal right?  I mean it's happening to you too, right?  Check out my latest vlog and let me know if you are experiencing similar things with your tweens.

• Sometimes I do know what's best (even though my kids think I'm stupid).  Remember when I signed a child up for an activity that they didn't want to do but I knew they would love?  And remember that child said that I "disgusted them."  Well both my children were happy at the run club I signed them up for because I knew they would be.  I knew it.  It feels good to be right sometimes. 

I knew she'd love it.

Wade in his track suit fully embracing his role as little brother/supporter/volunteer for the big kids' school run club.

• I love the new Samsung commercial with Kristen Bell and Dax Shepherd.

• I am so happy that we are still hanging on the front porch.  We will be out there as long as the weather will allow, I'm hoping for at least six more weeks. Maybe?

• I'm trying to be brave and memorize a story to tell in front of 100 people.  Yup, I am in a storytelling show tonight. And I AM SO NERVOUS.  If you are in Detroit tonight, come to the show.  Click here for details.

What do you know for sure? Tell me here or on my Facebook page.

Come play with me on Instagram.

Gratitude (Again) & A Pinterest Poser Challenge

My Pinterest-inspired (copied) chalkboard message.

This past Sunday, Tim and I taught JT's Sunday school class.  The class consisted of six rowdy, hyped-up 7-year-old boys.  Not being very prepared for class, we filled it with what we like to call "community-building ice breakers and games."  

Pre-Sunday school scramble.
We kind of have our own Sunday school class
just with all of our kids.  

Since Thanksgiving is right around the corner, we asked the very original question "what are you grateful for?" 

We got the usual "my family," "video games" and "pizza" responses of course.  But then a sweet little squeaky voice said "time."  That squeaky voice belonged to my rowdy, hyped-up 7-year-old JT.
 

Source: Pinterest

I was kind of blown away.  Maybe he got the whole bigger picture of time as in his time here on this planet.  Maybe he was only talking about the time he got to play goofy ice-breaker games with other rowdy 7-year-olds.  Whatever, I just loved his answer.  It stopped me in my tracks and made me grateful.  Grateful for my time right at that moment.  Tim and I together in those tiny little chairs in the Sunday School room. Overacting the skit about the prophet Elijah for the handful of second-graders.  JT's squeaky voice and crooked smile.  Being together.  Being alive.  Being loved.

You should ask your kids what they are grateful for this Thanksgiving.  Sure a lot of them will say "my iPod Touch" or "Pop Tarts."  But some kids (maybe those same kids that say Pop Tarts) may also say something profound or sweet that makes you all feel a whole lot of gratitude and love.

Source: The Pleated Poppy
Love this and you can print it out for your Thanksgiving celebration of gratitude.
Click here for the free download it.   

Due to a power outage and my kids missing school, I didn't do the Pinterest Poser Challenge I wanted to, but here are a couple old favorites.

(In an attempt at not being a Pinterest Poser,* every week I  detail a new Pinterest challenge whether it be a new recipe or a craft.   

**My definition of a Pinterest Poser is someone who is all pins and no substance.**)

Here are two Pinterest-inspired gratitude projects to inspire thankful thoughts and feelings:

The Gratitude Dinner is simple.  It involves brown paper from the Dollar Store, Sharpies and a dinner table.  This would be the perfect, fun way to get the gratitude conversation rolling at Thanksgiving (the kid table and the grown up table).
Click here to find out more.

The Give Thanks Project is sort of like an Advent Calendar only with gratitude challenges and activities. We got really into this last year. The whole project is pretty much free and can be abbreviated to a one week countdown to Thanksgiving.
Click here to find out more.


I am grateful that I get to host giveaways on my blog and make people happy.  I'm no Oprah or Ellen, but I'm happy to announce the winner of the Sweet Serendipity dress giveaway:
Rebecca Xavier, congratulations you won!!!

Did you ask your kids what they are grateful for?  What did they say?  What are you grateful for?  Have you made anything on Pinterest lately?  Share what worked and what didn't, leave a comment here or on my Facebook page.

Come on over and follow my Pinterest boards too.

Here are some of the projects I've already attempted, the good and the bad:

Make Your Own Stamps- click here
Birthday Shirt- click here
Gluten Free Pop Tarts- click here
Front Porch Kid Art Display- click here
Door turned into Table- click here

Summer Wish List Chalkboard-click here

Peanut Butter Nutella Cookie Sandwiches-click here

Painted Mason Jar Vases-click here

Cinco de Mayo Paper Flowers- click here

Earth Day Cupcakes- Click here

Nail Art-click here

Homemade Photo Booth Fun- click here

Fake Bangs- click here

DIY Subway Art- click here

Furniture Painting and Bench/Chest Makeover- click here

Thanksgiving-y Project/Gratitude/Holiday Countdown- click here
The Smoothie-click here

The Free Printable Turned Artwork in a Boring Hallway- click here

The chalk board-click here
Seven Layer Dip in Individual Cups (my favorite so far!)-click here
The pumpkin address-click here
The Kitchen Dancing Sign--click here

Come play with me on Instagram @jumpingwithmyfingerscrossed.

Oh yeah, and come follow me on Twitter @AngelaYBlood and subscribe to my MomPulse YouTube channel here.

Grateful

It's that time of year again...  

Tis the season to throw leaves up in the air and throw them around like you just don't care.

The time of year to be grateful for everything and let everyone know it on Facebook.  I have to admit, sometimes I get annoyed with everyone's gratitude.  It's not nice of me or very mature.  So in an attempt at being a better, more grown-up person, I'm giving it a go this year and taking part in the November Gratitude Challenge.  

This past weekend was full of things to be grateful for like:

Banjos.  I love the Banjo.  I dreamed of playing one my whole life, ever since I saw some distant relative play one at my Great Aunt Opal's house a million and five years ago.

Awesome duo at my favorite coffee shop jamming hard.  

Art and learning about kick ass, fascinating women from browsing the real books at the book store on an impromptu date night at Barnes & Noble.

The more I learn, the more I am mildly obsessed
with Frida Kahlo.

Dogs that like to help out with the raking.

She may not ever stop jumping on people or running into the street, but just maybe she'll help with the yard work.
Or chew up our good rake.

Neighborhoods full of so many children it looks like it's recess in your yard.

Good insurance, hospitals just around the corner and glue.  Peyton fell while playing with all the neighbor kids and he bit threw his lip.  I kept my cool and only swore once and took my crew to hospital to get Peyton's lip glued back together.

THE loom. I know so many people are annoyed with this thing. "3.99 for rubber bands! What the hell?!" I've heard.  Or "they are too distracting in school."  Well, guess what, I got my money's worth and then some when the kiddos kept themselves busy making bracelets and rings for the hospital staff in the ER.  It may have been just a little glue, but we waited a long time for that damn glue and I am forever grateful for the loom.

A sense of humor even in pretty yucky situations.  I may not be able to teach my kids the most appropriate coping skills, but they are learning to try and find the funny.  And share it and help others find the funny.  At the ER, JT was stealing the gloves, blowing them up and making us all laugh, even Peyton and his holey lip.

My kids.  I am so proud to be their mother.  I love their spunky spirit, their funny, interesting-ness.  I love that they support each other and worry about each other and care about each other.  I love that when one of them is hurting they rally, we rally.  

A worried Wade fully embracing our No Matching Socks! philosophy.

A pensive Peyton before getting the hole in his lip.

Oh man, all those people on Facebook are right on.  It feels good to make a list of stuff to be grateful about.  That means I have to stop making fun of them and grow up a little.  But I refuse to stop eye rolling when people post all the "share if you love your brother or mother or sister" quotes and pictures.  I just can't stop that.  But gratitude?  Yeah, I'll join in on that party.

Your turn.  What are you grateful for?  Do you participate in the November Gratitude Challenge?

Glitter, Gratitude & A Pinterest Poser Challenge

Ready for a couple Pinterest Poser Challenge* projects in one post? Here you go:

Wade and I spent the day crafting.  So. much. fun.

In an attempt at not being a Pinterest Poser,* every week I  detail a new Pinterest challenge whether it be a new recipe or a craft.   

**My definition of a Pinterest Poser is someone who is all pins and no substance.**

Glitter Falling Leaves Garland

I love glitter.  I admit it.  I mean what's wrong with glitter?  Sure it is hard to get out of anything.  But I kind of love that about it.  I mean it can make your carpet sparkly (why is that bad?).  It can make you laugh when you see a speck of it on your husband's forehead three weeks after using glitter in a craft project at home (when he wasn't even there).  Not everyone sees the humor or gets the whole glitter appreciation.  That's cool, we don't all have to agree on everything.  

If you happen to be one of those glitter-loving fools than this project might be right up your alley.  You might also like it because it only cost me around $3.  

After getting the idea on Pinterest from this site, I headed over to the dollar store and bought glue, glitter and a packet of fake leaves (all for $1 each).

Wade was more than happy to help.  Actually he did all the hard gluey, glittery parts.  

I poured glue onto a paper plate.  He dipped a leaf in the glue, then sprinkled it with gold glitter and let it dry.

I found some yarn and glued the leaves to it and hung it.

This project was simple, fun and I am surprised how much I love the way it turned out.  It is great for Halloween or even to dress up a Thanksgiving display.

The Gratitude Dinner

When I was a kid my dad took us to a fancy restaurant where we could draw on the paper tablecloth.  We used to have so much fun.  Then as a grown up my now husband and I used to go to a restaurant like that when we were dating.  But who says you have to go to a restaurant for that kind of fun?  And who says you can't tie a little life lesson into it?  Pinterest that's who (and this site).  And now me, because I am no poser.

Last night at dinner I laid out a piece of plain brown paper I got for $1 at my favorite dollar store.  I also sat out a bunch of Sharpies. 

After we all sat down, I informed the family that while we ate we could draw and write what we are grateful for right now. 

We had fun with it and each shared what we wrote.

Tim got fancy and drew pictures.

I love how Lucy is thankful for her brothers "sometimes" and how she is grateful for herself!

Quick, simple, fun, cheap and meaningful.  

Have you made something from Pinterest lately?  Had any great successes? Or advice?  Or warning about a project that's a total waste of time? Do tell.

Please share whatever you're working on in the comments here or over on Facebook.

Speaking of Pinterest, do you follow The Fake Pinterest on Twitter?  It pokes fun at all us Pinterest lovers and it's pretty funny.  Here are a couple tweets:

 

You should follow them, and me, follow me on Twitter (@AngelaYBlood).

Come on over and follow my Pinterest boards too.

Here are some of the projects I've already attempted, the good and the bad:

Birthday Shirt- click here
Gluten Free Pop Tarts- click here
Front Porch Kid Art Display- click here
Door turned into Table- click here

Summer Wish List Chalkboard-click here

Peanut Butter Nutella Cookie Sandwiches-click here

Painted Mason Jar Vases-click here

Cinco de Mayo Paper Flowers- click here

Earth Day Cupcakes- Click here

Nail Art-click here

Homemade Photo Booth Fun- click here

Fake Bangs- click here

DIY Subway Art- click here

Furniture Painting and Bench/Chest Makeover- click here

Thanksgiving-y Project/Gratitude/Holiday Countdown- click here
The Smoothie-click here

The Free Printable Turned Artwork in a Boring Hallway- click here

The chalk board-click here
Seven Layer Dip in Individual Cups (my favorite so far!)-click here
The pumpkin address-click here
The Kitchen Dancing Sign--click here

Come play with me on Instagram @jumpingwithmyfingerscrossed.

Oh yeah, and come follow me on Twitter @AngelaYBlood and subscribe to my MomPulse YouTube channel here.