Playtime :)

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Something Fun to Do in Your Free Time

Visit this link and take the test. It's suppose to guide you in your strengths, gives you a quick synopsis of your strengths, and what kind of career you should pursue to utilize your strengths. This was shared with us at Bible study this morning. It's based on a book (of course the test gives you the opportunity to buy it at the end to learn even more about your strengths!) of a man that study tons of women over a period of time, and found that, across ALL realms of life (we're talking ALL of them - no factor was a variant), that what makes a woman the most joyful and successful isn't about money, status or anything other than whether or not she is living in her strengths - utilizing them on a daily basis.

I haven't read the book...a lady shared with us about it - but supposedly he challenges you to write down everything you do on a daily basis for a certain time frame, and next to it, put a "S" for strength, or a "W" for weakness. At the end of the time period, calculate what percentage of your time is spent utilizing your strength and weaknesses. The lady that shared this said when she did this, she was shocked that 75% of her time was spent doing things within her weaknesses and from there, she made some life changes.

So I did the test - on 23 questions - and they are strange questions! I thought there was no way it was going to be accurate.

Eat my words. The test - at least for me - was actually dead on. It aligned with the couple of spiritual gift inventories I've taken this past weak and other personality tests I've done through this class. It's funny because the main theme that keeps ringing true is something I've never considered myself as, but I'm starting to realize it's because I'm afraid to pursue it.

So far, througout this Significant Woman study, through all these funny little tests and discoveries we've done, I've learned I'm a Lion, an ENFP (I think I've taken this test at least 10 times through all my counseling courses!), and an Influencer/Equalizer, along with discovering a few spiritual gifts I had never perceived before...it's actual weird that until last week, I'm not sure I had ever taken a spiritual gifts inventory. It's been exciting doing some of this self-discovery. I believe it helps directionally to see how God uniquely designs us and with what purpose he molds us.

I'm excited to continue in this course I'm taking at church and see what God reveals about my gifts and strengths and how He wants to use me.

So take the test and tell me what you think!

CEC

Ha. When I saw this picture Ogi posted on FB, I cracked up out loud.

Remember that glorious Friday my in-laws gave me to myself last week? While I was out playing, they (along with Ogi, their foreign exchange student from last year) took the kids out to Lincoln's new fav place - Chuck E. Cheese, of course.

If you take close note of the picture, you'll again grasp the personality differences in our sweet boys. :)

Lincoln: "Man! This is the coolest place EVER!!!!"

Noah: "Hey guys...what's going on? Where are we?"

Love them.



Days of Fall

Is this weather amazing or what?? (that's for those that live in Arkansas - not my L.A. friends - were I hear it's over 100!!). Anyway, the above-pictured cutie discovered swings yesterday at the park and LOVES them. Was literally hackling the whole time! It took Lincoln about a year to like the swings. This new discovery makes park-going that much more fun since I can plop Noah in the swing. Oh - and of course Lincoln pushes him.

Speaking of weather and parks, I've made it my goal to go everyday (if at all possible) since (a) the weather is amazing an (b) it won't be for much longer and I know we'll be stuck indoors. And of course the kids love it. Furthermore, Bentonville (in my opinion) has AWESOME parks. I've been super impressed with this amenity since moving here. And they just opened up another brand new one behind Walmart Headquarters that might just beat out the one off the square as my favorite. What's even greater about them is that they're almost all off the gigantic bike/hiking trails that run throughout Bentonville/Bella Vista. Thus, we'll go jogging, and end the workout at the park. Works perfect.

I'm not sure what we're going to do when it gets bitter cold since most of our mornings consist of being outside for all our activities. That's why for the time being I'm holding off on the indoor crafts and little lessons because I figure we'll have plenty of time for that in the coming months. I've decide now is the time for play. :)

Speaking of learning (in keeping consistent with my tangents), I know some (more than not, it seems) are against their toddlers watching television...? I'm not one of those, but the only thing we ever watch is Nick Jr. I don't let Lincoln watch it tons (usually after his nap when I'm getting dinner ready), but I have seen him learn SO much from their programming - seriously. He's learning songs, I feel like it's helped him (added on to what I work with him on) with his counting, colors, and letters. They have it themed each month, and right now they were working on the letter "B" in-between shows, and Lincoln totally gets it! They also have a rhyming activity in-between shows, and yesterday, he was able to answer their questions and pick the two rhyming words! Jason and I just looked at each other and Jason goes "Um...I'm just going to pass that off as coincidence!"
And maybe it was, but I feel like these programs and in-between interactive activities are so helpful for him! Thanks Nick Jr. (It's like pre-school on TV - blah.)

The Big Race

We've dubbed Noah the Tortoise and Lincoln, the Hare. Noah is very meticulous, quiet, but super focused when he crawls. He sees his destination, take soff after it, but takes such a long time to get there that you'll forget about him and focus on "wild man" doing one of his crazy dances or something. However, once you realize you haven't seen Noah in a while, you'll find him that much closer to his end goal - still trucking along faithfully.

And then there's Lincoln - the Hare of all Hares. The Ham of all Hams...

The Tortoise...

And the Hare...

They make a great combo...huh?

Woo Pig

Saturday was the infamous Arkansas vs. Alabama game. Extensive hype, ample news coverage, crazy rumors, immense pre-game celebration, PERFECT weather my friends, and not a lone ticket to be found. We have season passes, so we never had to go through the getting-a-ticket frenzy - thank goodness!

And, yes, as you know by now, we lost in a heart breaker, but I think most (as in, everywhere BUT NWA) had a slaughter predicted - not in our favor. So I was proud. They played their hearts out (except for a few 4th quarter possessions) and gave us all quite a show. It was a super fun day! Here are some of my itty's team spirit:

Stupid Silly

First things first.

I'm stupid silly about today. Does anyone else remember a game THIS big in the last 10 years? Woo Pig.

And now on to something else that was nothing short of a straight BLESSING that also produced the current feelings, yesterday.

Jason's parents came in for the game early - on Thursday night - so they could getup with the boys on Friday and give me the ENTIRE day (not just a few hours people!) to MYSELF. It sounds so eerie selfish even writing that, but I did partake and it was such a glorious day! I spent all week last week trying to figure out how I would spend the day...one thought was to stay at home and clean the house (that was quickly axed when I thought about it in more detail)...another was to run? Decided to save that for Monday.

But once the day came, I didn't have to think or plan...it all unfolded and I was ON MY FEET for ten straight hours yesterday!

What dd I do?

- Went to Walmart (it's the small things!)
- Emailed a dear friend
- Went to lunch with my friend and her baby (at my favorite place - World Garden)
- Met Jason at BHS to watch their cool black-out pep-rally
- Drove to Fayetteville and spent the next few hours shopping for Baby Tucker - SO fun!
- Met up with Amy to shop some more
- Got a manicure (courtesy of the McMahan's!)
- Shopped some more
- Went to Amy's house and hung out with her and Nathan (going over the birthing process - fun stuff)
- Rushed back to the BHS football game
- Left from there to go straight to a 10:00pm movie with Jason - The Town (recommend it)
- Got home and in bed close to 1:00am

The McMahan's kept the boys with them over night, so I got to sleep in for 2 mornings in a row. Blessing.

And truly, you hear people say "You deserve a day to yourself!" But I know that none of us are deserving of anything...I feel truly blessed by my family for giving me this gift yesterday!!!

Now on to the HOG game!

Have I mentioned I'm soon to be an AUNT???!!

Yes. In a few short months, I get my fist experience as an AUNT...and I couldn't be more thrilled. My little sister (16 months apart "little") is and always will be my best friend. We've shared life together in so many facets, and to now share mommy-hood together brings unexplainable JOY to my heart.

She was the reason I laughed my head off through childhood (she says some pretty hilarious things sometimes)

She was the reason I had MANY confrontations with Junior High boys (about how they treated her - apparently it wasn't perfect)

She was the reason I cried when I moved to Los Angeles (only because she had huge crocodile tears!)

She was the reason I went over my minutes 4 straight years in college

She was the reason I moved back to Arkansas from LA

She is the reason my son likes gymnastics and loves to dance

And she is the reason why I love her SO much and can't wait to meet little Tucker and welcome him to our family!

The other night we were hanging out and Lincoln kept kissing her tummy where Tucker is. Precious. Can't wait for all of our little boys to experience the same friendship I have with my sis. :)

 

Get ready Baby Tucker! You have a fun momma waiting on you!