Disaster Looming? Never Fear!

In the past year alone, I’ve been on an emotional roller-coaster of ups and downs, especially where business is concerned.  So, this quote from Walt has significant meaning to me. 

Last January, I felt as if my world were falling down around me and I was hopeless to do anything to stop it.  However, over the course of the next few months, I had ideas pop into my head – as well as into the heads of several friends – and together we collaborated on a new business effort that is now known as Homeschool Mosaics. 

As with Walt’s personal experience, in my own I have realized that sometimes we need to hit rock bottom in order to see which way is up and start on a course to get there! 

I’m so glad that Mickey Mouse popped into Walt’s head at EXACTLY the right time.  Otherwise, the Walt Disney empire (movies, parks, etc.) probably wouldn’t exist as we know it today.  And, I can’t imagine my life without Disney in it. 

How about you?

Half the Fun is Getting There!

If I were to relate the above quote (this week’s Destination Disney topic) to Disney, I’d say something that you’ve probably heard me say many times before here on my blog – half the fun is in the planning!  For me, I spend a lot of time planning each of our Disney trips.  I watch the Disney planning DVD’s (even though I’ve seen them all before) and Disney documentaries, and I read books and websites.  Eventually, we make it to Disney and our trip is great – but the journey to get there is rewarding too. 

And the same rings true for life . . .

Obviously, considering this quote comes from the Hannah Montana Movie, it brings this song to mind:

The words of this song are so true -

I can almost see it
That dream I'm dreaming but
There's a voice inside my head sayin’,
You'll never reach it,
Every step I'm taking,
Every move I make feels
Lost with no direction
My faith is shaking but I
Got to keep trying
Got to keep my head held high

There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle,
Sometimes you’re gonna have to lose,
Ain't about how fast I get there,
Ain't about what’s waiting on the other side
It's the climb

The struggles I'm facing,
The chances I'm taking
Sometimes they knock me down but
No I'm not breaking
I may not know it
But these are the moments that
I'm gonna remember most yeah
Just got to keep going
And I,
I got to be strong
Just keep pushing on, cause

There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle,
Sometimes you’re gonna have to lose,
Ain't about how fast I get there,
Ain't about what’s waiting on the other side
It's the climb

There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle,
Sometimes you’re gonna have to lose,
Ain't about how fast I get there,
Ain't about what’s waiting on the other side
It's the climb

Keep on moving
Keep climbing
Keep the faith baby
It's all about
It's all about
The climb
Keep the faith
Keep your faith

While I can’t claim to be a huge Miley Cyrus fan, I do like this song.  Because the words of it are so true. 

I have seen this scenario played out many times in my life, in just the past year alone.  We’re always going to face adversity and we’re always going to want to find a way around it.  There are always going to be struggles, and we need to get through them.  Sometimes the outcome won’t be the one we hope for, and that’s ok.  Each and every moment plays a part in our eventual outcome – and, chances are, we’ll look back one day and the little things along the way will be ones that have created the best memories! 

Ringing in 2013

All day I’ve been thinking about writing a post for my blog.  After all, I did last year.  At that time, I was in the midst of a LOT of changes.  And, as a result of those changes, just a week later I was in the hospital with stress-induced amnesia.  Needless to say, I’m hoping that 2013 starts off on a better note than 2012 did. 

But, the good news is that, all in all, 2012 was a pretty good year for me.  Here are some of the highlights:

By the end of January, I was feeling better and very ready for our family trip to Walt Disney World.

In February, I “graduated” from the College of Disney Knowledge and became a travel agent specializing in Disney vacations. 

In March, I celebrated my 42nd birthday.  I spent a day in Hershey with my mom – ate breakfast at the Hershey Pantry and shopped at the outlets (yay for the Disney Outlet!) 

In April, we celebrated Ian’s 6th birthday.  We also had Gracie’s orchestra performances to attend.  And, the last weekend in April found me in Washington, DC at the 2:1 Conference.  It was a great time of refreshment for me, connecting with some old friends and making some new ones. 

April was also an exciting month, because we kicked off our new website – Homeschool Mosaics!

In May, we had more orchestra performances, a violin recital, Tim Hawkins concert, and the CHAP convention. 

June found us spending a week at the Jersey shore – always a relaxing and refreshing vacation.

In July, we enjoyed having Ashley’s friend Sam come and visit with us for a week.  We did a lot of local day trips during that visit and had lots of fun.

We were excited to be a part of my friend Vonna’s wedding in August.

Soon after the wedding, the kids and I boarded a plane for a 2nd Walt Disney World trip – for the Ultimate Field Trip in September.

October found us at a lot of soccer games.

In November, Ashley and I went to Lancaster to celebrate her birthday – we spent the night, shopped, and saw Jonah at Sight & Sound. 

And December was full of Christmas festivities.  This was the first Christmas since my friend Sue passed away that I actually felt like celebrating – so it’s all good.

Now we’re heading into the new year and I’m excited about another website:

We’ve got lots of great things planned for 2013, which I’ll be  blogging about as they come!  Hope you’ll be here to join me for all the fun!

Catching Up on Quotes

Walt Disney has long been an inspiration to me, and I especially appreciate this quote.  I’ve got to admit that there was definitely a time in my life when, if someone would have said to me “you’ll never be able to do that”, that I probably would have stopped trying, believing that they were right, and giving up.

I’m not like that anymore.  Now, I look at the things that others think are impossible as challenges.  And I’m pretty determined to prove the naysayers wrong. 

And the times when I’ve actually had success with this, I feel such a sense of accomplishment.  I want to look those people right in the eye and say “Well, check this out!  It was fun to do the impossible!” 

Matthew 19:26 says this:

“With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”

I believe that if we have God on our side, and we are doing His will, that we should expect great things.  We should be expecting the impossible! 

This quote reminds me very much of a quote by another famous man, Dr. Seuss:

“You are you and that is true, there's no one in the world who's you-er than you.”

This is another thing that I’m learning as I get older.  It doesn’t matter what PEOPLE think of us.  It only matters what God thinks.  So, we shouldn’t spend time conforming to the world – we don’t need to be what people around us THINK we should be.  We need to be ourselves. 

One thing that I've always been very careful about is being myself here on my blog (and now on FB and other social media as well).  I’m not afraid to admit when I’m having a bad hair day, that my house is a mess, or that I didn’t get a thing on my to-do list accomplished.  I’m less than perfect.  And that’s ok.

I have seen so many people get caught up in trying to be something/someone that they aren’t.  It’s never pretty. 

So, take the advice of both these wise men – Walt Disney and Dr. Seuss – and learn to just be you.  And like yourself!

From Chaos to Calm: Day 5

This marks the end of the From Chaos to Calm: The LET. IT. GO. Christmas Challenge for me. I’ve enjoyed reading the daily e-mails and being encouraged to just “let it go” and take my Christmas holidays from chaos to calm. 

On Day 5 of the challenge, Karen’s focus is on The Gifts. I have to say that this is an area that really doesn’t stress me out.

I used to love to go shopping and would actually work on my Christmas shopping all year long, starting the day after Christmas at the half-price sales.  I’d keep a running list of what I had purchased for each child and try to stick with spending similar amounts on each and having about the same number of packages to open. 

While I’ve mentioned previously in the challenge that we’ve been trying to take the commercialism out of Christmas, I have to say that I don’t think we’ve ever really gone overboard when it comes to spending money for Christmas.  Often we tried to buy each child one bigger (pricier) item that they really wanted, and then fill in our allotted amount with smaller things.  The thing is, though, it’s those extra small things that I look back on and feel are wasted – they’re the things that get played with or looked at on  Christmas morning – and maybe even throughout that week – but then later I find laying around the house, discarded and no longer a big deal.  I’m sure you know what I’m talking about – the things I either end up gathering up for the trash or the local thrift shop.  Pretty pathetic.  And, those are the  very things I’m trying to avoid these days. 

Last year, I remember reading about a clever Christmas gift idea where you buy 4 gifts for each child.  There was a little poem that went along with it.  I know I probably saved it on my old computer (which crashed in the spring).  Out of sight, out of mind. 

So, I was pleased to see Karen’s ideas.  Here is how they did gifts when her kids were younger:

• One thing to open on Christmas Eve (usually pjs, slippers, a stuffed animal, or sports team throw) something they can use right then as they try to fall asleep with all the excitement.
• In the morning, a stocking full of treasures and treats—with a piece of fruit in the toe. One gets an orange, one a mango & one an Asian pear.
• And then, they open their three gifts from us.

Now, that they are older, they do it a bit differently:

Over the years, we heard about others doing this idea, often with a twist tying it in to the nativity account. So we morphed this tradition into a gold gift, a frankincense present, and a myrrh package. Here is the concept:

GOLD—this, like gold, is a highly desired item; precious; maybe even pricey (thus my annual shenanigans on Black Friday, trying to secure the best deal).

FRANKINCENSE—because the real frankincense was burned during prayer and arose heavenward, the gift in this category is something that will draw them closer to God. Perhaps a new Bible, a Christian book series, a CD, an MP3 player loaded with Christian music or tickets to an event or worship concert.

MYRRH—myrrh is a burial spice used to cover the whole body. So the myrrh gift does the same thing. It goes on the body. In past years this has been rain boots and a new coat, a favorite Detroit Tigers jersey, and a hunting jumpsuit and camouflage boots, for example.

By following this tradition, we have opted out of the "keeping up with the Joneses" contest that often takes place each year. Our kids don’t beg for tons of items since they know there is a limit on how many we will buy.

I am definitely going to be incorporating something similar to this in our home.  This year, I had a good friend give me some awesome ideas for practical gifts that don’t take up space – and we went with several of those ideas.  I can’t say what they are right now – lest my kids read my blog and find out what they’re getting for Christmas – that would be no fun!

In any case, they’ll each have 4-5 packages to open and not a single thing will be found discarded in the weeks following Christmas.  They are gifts that will “keep on giving” throughout 2013.  And I’m excited about them! 

Don’t let the gifts stress you out!  Look for ways to focus more on giving than on getting. 

"Then these righteous ones will reply, 'Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?' And the King will say, 'I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!'" ~Matthew 25:37-40 (NLT)

I’d love to hear about your family’s gift traditions and how they work for you!  Please leave me a comment.

What’s Holding YOU Down?

This week’s Destination Disney quote is a very profound one, especially coming from someone so tiny . . .

I’ve been pondering this one all week.  But, alas, tomorrow is the day to post a new quote; so I need to stop thinking and start typing! 

When I think about Dumbo, his ears were the  bane of his existence.  He hated them.  They got in his way all the time.  They were different.  And, he was ashamed of them.  Yet, as it turned out, there were the very thing that he ended up using to fly. 

There’s a lesson in there for us.  I’m trying to think of specific examples of this in my own life . . .

One large example was infertility and pregnancy loss.  If you’ve ever dealt with infertility, then you know what an emotional roller-coaster it can be.  It’s definitely a downer most of the time.  I went through several years of infertility before finding out we were pregnant with Baby #2, only to have the pregnancy end (it was an ectopic pregnancy that went undetected and ruptured – causing near death).  In any case, I remember being VERY down afterwards.  But, as a result, it encouraged us to pursue adoption.  So, the very thing that was holding me down absolutely did end up lifting me up in that case (and again about 6 years later!)

Sometimes maybe things hold us down that we don’t even realize.  I had a job like that.  I thought it was wonderful at the time, yet in hindsight I realize how much it was limiting me from being who God would have me to be.  Once I let go of that job and the hold it had on me, I was able to literally soar to new heights – both personally and professionally. 

Other times, I think we’re held back because of our comfort levels.  Maybe we’re missing out on a great opportunity because we’re too scared to talk out in a group, sing in public, drive into the city, or just whatever.  These are just a few personal examples of things that used to (or still do) hold me down. 

I don’t know what may be holding you down; but I do know that you CAN FLY! 

From Chaos to Calm: Day 4

*See past posts in this series here.

On Day 4 of the challenge, Karen focuses on In-Laws and Outlaws.  Now, I don’t know about you, but I do know that dealing with the in-laws can be a real source of contention and stress for many people during the holiday season.  There have been many times, over the years, when I’ve been stressed over this very thing as well.

So, how do we deal with those hard-to-handle relatives?  In Brian’s family, there are definitely “outlaws”.  They have chosen, as a collective group, to have their Christmas festivities and exclude the troublemakers.  That definitely seems to work the best and keep the peace. 

One thing that we have chosen to do for our immediate family is to no longer participate in the gift exchange that the kids do at this gathering.  We didn’t make this decision due to financial reasons; but rather due to the fact that we are trying to teach our children not to want so much, or to expect a gift at every holiday gathering we attend.  This was simple to incorporate last year, as we had an upcoming trip to Disney to look forward to – and we simply told our kids we’d rather spend that extra money for them at the parks.  This year, I asked if they would like to participate in the exchange, and each one of them said “no”.  Guess something sunk in with them, as there is not a Disney trip to hold over them this year.

While keeping the peace with the in-laws really isn’t an issue for us, due to the way Brian’s family handles the holidays, I did really appreciate Karen’s advice (as this can be applied to any person who rubs you the wrong way!):

“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” ~Romans 12:18

You see, I cannot control another person’s behavior.
I can only control my reaction to that behavior.
I cannot control another’s actions, be they hurtful or cruel.
I can only control my own actions, making sure they are not hurtful and cruel.
I cannot control others’ opinions of me—or my mothering, or my cooking or my political philosophies.
I can only control my conduct, making sure that it is pleasing to God.
I cannot control the circumstances in my extended family this Christmas.
I can only control my responses in the midst of those circumstances, making sure to run them through the grid of God’s word.

What about you?  Do you deal with holiday stress due to your in-laws?  How do you combat that stress?

From Calm to Chaos: Day 3

If you haven’t read the first 2 posts in this series, you can do so here.

On Day 3 of the challenge, Karen encourages us to think about (and evaluate) our traditions. I have to admit, this one is a bit of a toughie for me.  I tend to be very set in my ways when it comes to traditions.  I like things to be “the way they’ve always been”. 

For example, on my side of the family, we have always gotten together on Christmas Eve to exchange our gifts to one another (even after my 2 brothers and I were grown and gone, we continue to meet at my parents’ house each Christmas Eve – now with our own families).  A few years ago, my mom suggested doing something different from the “norm” – she wanted to go to Christmas Eve service at her church.  I really balked at that.  (In my defense, so did one of my brothers.) 

Now, several years later, as I see my oldest child starting to balk at straying from tradition, I feel guilty. Because, quite obviously, it’s my fault that she’s like this. 

And, let’s face it, we have to allow for some flexibility in our lives.  Things come up that will ultimately mess with our plans.  If we are so caught up in the plans and the traditions, we’ll be overly stressed and unable to adapt.  While, on the other hand, if we’re more flexible and open to the possibility of straying from tradition as needed, our holidays will be much less stressful – and, as a result, more fun and relaxing.

Karen shared about her Christmas card tradition and how she had to be flexible and make some changes.  I shared something similar yesterday.

She encourages us to reevaluate our traditions - poll our family to see what they like, dislike, or are neutral on – and then decide what needs to go or stay. 

I will say that – just in the past 3 days of participating in this challenge, I’ve already been feeling much better about holiday stress! 

“You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men.”  ~Mark 7:8 (NIV 1984)

From Chaos to Calm: Day 2

Yesterday, I started posting about the Chaos to Calm Christmas Challenge.  You can read my thoughts on “The Dare” here. What’s the point of the challenge?  Well, in Karen Ehman’s own words, it’s to provide you with “biblical encouragement and practical ideas to help make your holidays less about stressing and more about blessing!” I can sure use that!  How about you?

On Day 2 of the challenge, we’re encouraged to think about our Expectations.  What are our expectations for the holidays?  She mentions various things that play a part in the origin of our expectations.  I’m trying to think of some of the sources of mine . . .

I’m sure my childhood plays a part in my expectations.  My first 14 Christmases were spent as an only child and an only grandchild (on my dad’s side).  So, needless to say, I was a child who wanted for nothing.  Looking back, I definitely don’t fault my parents, and I don’t consider myself necessarily “spoiled”.  However, I find myself wanting something different for my own kids.  I’ve posted recently how I’m really trying to take the commercialism out of Christmas.  I just don’t want my kids to want.  I want them to understand the difference between “want” and “need” and to be more aware of the needs of others.  Those things need to come before our wants. 

One  thing that stands out in my memory of childhood Christmases is my mother’s perfectly decorated tree.  It was all white lights and gold balls.  And, to me, it was perfect.  I’m sure it’s what instilled in me the desire to create the perfect tree each year.

Karen also mentions Keeping up with the Jones’.  I think that, if we’re all honest, we all have a bit of a tendency to look at what those around us are doing, and compare.  That’s part of the reason I haven’t really allowed myself to get too into Pinterest.  There are so many wonderful ideas there, but it’s just not possible to put them all into practice, no matter how much we might want to.  Sure, I’d love to have a nicer house, decorated with all those hand-made and repurposed things.  But, in reality, I’m lucky if I can accomplish one or two crafts a year, let alone in a week, or even a day! 

Karen’s encouragement is 3 fold:

• Avoid perfect.
• Embrace imperfect.
• Redefine perfect.

This is SUCH a great reminder.  Because, you know what?  Your perfect might look very different from mine, and that’s ok! If all our houses were decorated exactly the same way and our kids were all getting the same gifts under the tree, life would be beyond boring!  Variety is the spice of life! 

We need to stop worrying about what others are doing or thinking and start focusing on the internal – our families and our hearts. 

It’s ok that my tree might not look perfect (though Gracie’s got it pretty darn close!) and our family pictures are less than magazine worthy (because those crazy little boy moments are what memories are made of).

Our assignment for  today is to list 2 or 3 new measuring sticks for the holidays.  Here are mine:

1. Is my family focused on the real meaning for the season?
2. Is my family happy?  Are we all getting along?
3. Is my family relaxed and comfortable (rather than uptight and feeling awkward)? 

What about you?  Can you let go of some of your unrealistic expectations this year and replace them with some new – more realistic and important – ones?

“Do not remember the past events, 
pay no attention to things of old. Look, I am about to do something new;
 even now it is coming. Do you not see it? 
Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, 
rivers in the desert.” ~Isaiah 43:18-19 (HCSB)

From Chaos to Calm: Day 1

Yesterday, I received an e-mail inviting me to take part in the From Chaos to Calm: The LET. IT. GO. Christmas Challenge!  being hosted  by Karen Ehman. I read about the challenge and thought it was  totally worthy of my time.  I read the encouragement for Day 1 – and thought “maybe I should blog about it”.

Day 1 is titled “The Dare” and pretty much lays it out on the line for us moms – we need to let go of some of the control! 

This really hit home for me because, quite frankly, I’m a control freak.  Or maybe, more accurately put, I’m an out-of-control freak.  I don’t know.  I like to be in charge of things and I definitely lean toward perfectionistic tendencies. 

Karen shares her personal experience of relinquishing control when it came to decorating their home for the holidays.  This is a tough one for me.  I’ve always been super hyper about our Christmas tree looking “perfect”.  Here’s a picture of our tree in 2009 ===>

It was all rusty tin and country, complete with popcorn strings and weeds that I would cut, one by one, and place among the branches. 

My best friend passed away the following year, and I lost my desire to really decorate for the holidays.  So, though it’s not really my personality, I did relinquish my tree-decorating control last year.  We went out and bought a new tree and all new ornaments in bright, cheery, non-country colors and I let my middle daughter take over. 

And guess what?  She’s not half bad at it. 

It’s an all-new look for us – and I like it.  It really wasn’t that hard giving it up to her and she does a great job.  She loves doing it and I think it gives her a sense of pride.

And me?  I’m left wondering why I was so uptight before.  I mean, is it really worth it?  Does it matter if 2 ornaments of the same color are placed on side-by-side  branches?  In the grand scheme of things, who cares, right? 

I’m going to challenge myself, going into this year’s Christmas season, to relinquish a lot more control.  Yesterday, I left the kids bake cookies, pretty much on their own.  That’s not like me – I don’t like the mess, so it’s easier to just do it myself.  But, that takes the fun away from them. 

Karen encourages us to practice saying “I have no opinion in the matter—you choose!” I’m going to try – really hard – to use that phrase throughout the month of December.  Hopefully, it will become a habit!  We’ll see. I think, if nothing else, I’ll become more relaxed.  And, hopefully, my family will feel more relaxed as well!

“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.” ~Philippians 2:3-5

What about you?  Are there areas in your life where you need to let go of your tendency to be in control?  Be challenged to do so this month – and may your holidays go From Chaos to Calm as well!

Moving Forward --- new doors, new paths

This week’s quote for our Destination Disney meme is one of my favorites from Walt Disney ===>

To me, this quote can be applied to so many areas in life, but I’m going to apply it to mine in the 2 areas that I seem to be the most focused right now --- my kids and homeschooling, and my job. . .

Ever since Gracie was a tiny little thing, I dreamed of her one day playing the violin.  Any time I would mention it, though, she would say she wasn’t interested.  She wanted to take piano lessons instead – so, she did.  Then, one day, out of the clear blue (and after I had long given up on having a violinist in my family), she came to me and said “You know, I think I would like to try the violin now.”

Why?  Because she had a good musical foundation by that time, and she was struck with curiosity . . . what might the violin be like? 

We were fortunate enough to get her in with an excellent violin teacher, and she’s been doing great with both violin and piano!  Her curiosity definitely led her down new paths, as she’s playing with the Central PA Homeschool Orchestra for the second year now!

As for me, I talked a bit about my new work adventures in last week’s post.

When we’re curious, it gives us new ideas.  New ideas lead us down new paths and through new doors. 

True, those doors don’t always open to success.  But, many times, they do.  We just need to do as Walt suggests in the quote and KEEP MOVING FORWARD.  No looking back at the things that maybe didn’t work out quite as planned.  Those things are all part of the process that led you to TODAY!  So, it’s all good! 

What are your thoughts on this week’s quote?  Share them on your blog and come back to this post to link up.

Just do it already!

This week, as part of our Destination Disney in QUOTES series, we are focusing on this quote:

Notice the background image on this graphic – it’s part of the new Fantasyland expansion project at Walt Disney World.  We took this picture on our last visit.  It reminded me so much of the quote – Disney is always seeking ways to expand, grow, and change.  Sure, they make plans; but then they put those plans into action.  Very soon, these plans will be reality, as the new Fantasyland will be totally unveiled in a very short time!  I, for one, can’t wait to see it!

But, this quote really hit home for me.  You see, I’m a professed plan-a-holic.  It’s true.  My name is Heidi and I like to plan.  A LOT. 

And I’ve always said that, especially when planning our Disney trips, 1/2 the fun is in the planning.  It’s a way for me to extend the vacation fun so that it lasts all the time and not just on the few too-short days of our actual visit. 

But, planning can sometimes be a hindrance.  Sometimes I get so wrapped up in the planning that I tend to feel like I miss the actual event.  I've felt like this many years after the holidays.  I’m left wondering where the days went because I was so caught up in the planning that I lost sight of what was really important. 

I used to be like that with our homeschool too – I’d spend so much time (months!) planning everything out, only to end up disappointed if things didn’t go exactly the way I had planned.  I’ve certainly learned to relax where our school plans are concerned!

But, Walt is right – he hit the nail head on with this quote – planning is ok, but it needs to go one step further.  I need this reminder – daily!  Take my plans and put them into action! 

What about you?

Finding Joy in Depression by Amanda Pelser

Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to attend the 2:1 Conference.  That weekend was a great time of rest, reflection, healing, and rubbing elbows with some old and new blogging friends.  Amanda Pelser from ThePelsers.com was in attendance as well.  Little did I know, at that time, that God was going to bring Amanda into my life in amazing ways this year! 

With the growth of Homeschool Mosaics, we felt that it was time to search out some new contributing writers. I got an e-mail from Amanda, expressing interest in one of the spots.  Amanda offered to write a column on sharing the Bible with your children (“Walking in the Way”).  Great fit!  So, watch for that column to debut in July! 

As Amanda and I were e-mailing back and forth, ironing out the details, I kept seeing little things about her book – Finding Joy in Depression.  Finally, I decided to check it out . . .

Finding Joy in Depression is a story. It’s a story of facing depression and learning to manage it day by day.

Hiding from your depression? Finding Joy in Depression will encourage you to face depression and take your first step towards finding joy.

Learning to manage your depression? Finding Joy in Depression will give you tips for managing your depression and encourage you to share your story with others.

Don’t deal with depression? It’s likely that someone close to you is battling depression and needs your support. Finding Joy in Depression will give you a glimpse into the life of someone with depression so you can support a loved one and create environments where it’s ok to talk about depression.

Amanda Pelser has been married to her high school sweetheart, Josh, for over eight years. They have two young boys, Jonathan and Jacob. She has a BA in Bible from Anderson University and a MA in Old Testament Studies from Talbot School of Theology. She is a former church communications director turned stay-at-home-mom. She spends her days running after and homeschooling her boys. She opens her home as an inspiring and encouraging shelter for the heart of women through her writings of faith, motherhood, and homeschooling at ThePelsers.com. She loves to read, so any time she can, she hides away with a book, her fuzzy blanket, and a homemade chai or vanilla latte in her favorite mug.

I e-mailed Amanda and said “I should probably read your book.”  To which she replied, “Do you deal with depression?”  I wrote back, starting with, “Well, I’d like to say ‘no’, but . . . “

The truth of the matter is that I’ve never been diagnosed with depressions issues, but I think that we all deal with various levels of depression at certain times in our lives.  Hormones, of course, play a role; but so do the things that are going on in our lives each day. 

On Sunday, in a review of a music cd, I shared a bit about some of the things that have been going on in my life over the past several years.  To expand on that a little bit --- in the fall of 2009, I was sure I was experiencing thyroid issues.  I had shared my symptoms with friends and many of them said “thyroid”.  I went to the doctor, had various blood tests done, and everything came back normal.  I went on my way thinking that the problems were “all in my head” and I needed to put on my big girl panties and get over it. 

Then, the following spring, my best friend passed away and I started to cry.  And cry.  And cry some more.  (To this day, just typing it has me crying!)  By summer, I was still crying.  I took Gracie to the doctor for something and when she was leaving the room, she bent down and asked me how I was doing (she had been Sue’s doctor also).  I lost it.  She said “wait here – I want to write you a prescription for something”.  I took that prescription with me; but I never filled it.  Why?  Because I’m one of those in denial, “I”m fine”, “I can handle it on my own” type people.  From someone who has “been there, done that”, let me tell you that if you find yourself in the place that I was in, do NOT think you can just handle it on your own.  You can’t!  And it’s ok to need help sometimes – even in the form of a pill. 

This past January, as a result of my amnesia episode, I was given a low dose of Ativan.  When you have a health scare like that, you do what the doctor tells you! Besides, at that point, I was in no condition to “handle it on my own”. At that point, I could care less what anyone thought of me.  I just knew that I needed to get better. 

I’m not saying that my amnesia was depression-induced.  I know that it was stress-induced.  But, looking back at the circumstances surrounding that time in my life, I know that depression was there as well.  I’m not a person who likes major change – and I was experiencing a lot of changes at that point. 

Anyway, I share all of that to get to this . . . Depression isn’t something to take lightly, it’s not something that you can handle on your own, and it’s ok to need help!  Amanda talks about all of this – and so much more – in this little book called Finding Joy in Depression.

When I told her that I’d read and review it, I warned her that I’m a little slow with non-fiction.  Then, I sat down with my Kindle and read the book in a few hours time.  I pretty much devoured it.  I could see myself – and my situation – reflected in the pages.  Nobody wants to admit to being depressed, but why?  If we all choose to hide away and not share our stories, then we are missing out on an opportunity to help and minister to others.

Amanda has chosen to step out and shout her story from the mountaintops (or, at least, from the pages of this book); and, in so doing, she is ministering to every person who picks up this book.  To me.  To you.  To anyone who is willing to read it.  Because maybe you don’t personally deal with depression – but surely you know someone who does – or maybe you will someday. 

This book is divided into two parts.  The first part is Exposing Depression.  In this section, Amanda shares what depression is, the various stages of admitting that you are experiencing depression, and ways to deal with it.  She shares her personal story, causes and symptoms, and factors that may play into depression.  The second part is Taking Care of You.  As the section title suggests, Amanda shares ideas on the best ways to take care of yourself – diet, exercise, Bible reading, rest, etc.

The chapters are short and easy to read. At the end of each one, Amanda has added a “Finding Joy . . . “ section that includes a few questions for you to ask yourself. 

By the end of the book, you’ll likely feel differently about depression.  You might even realize that you’ve been dealing with depression, but didn’t know what it was. If nothing else, you should realize that depression isn’t something to be hidden – it’s ok to talk about it, and it’s ok to experience it.

I am really proud of Amanda for sharing her story on the pages of this book and on her blog! 

GIVEAWAY!  Amanda has offered to give one of my readers a .pdf copy of her book.  If Finding Joy in Depression sounds interesting to you, please leave me a comment telling me why.  Have you experienced depression?  Are you dealing with depression now?  Do you have a loved on who struggles with depression.  Open up and share! 

I will select a random winner next Friday, June 29th, at noon (est).  Good luck! 

Random Post-Vacation Thoughts

In no particular order, here are a few random thoughts that have come to me this past week:

• I’m so glad I don’t live in a neighborhood that requires parallel parking.  Parallel parking makes me nervous. 
  
• To the person in the dark blue Yaris who parked VERYCLOSE to our van last Thursday at the Cape May County Zoo, thanks so much for opening your door and scraping the side of my van with it.  Those blue streaks you added are so stylish.  NOT! 
  
• Why is it that I don’t mind unpacking at the vacation house, but when we get home and have to unpack all over again I don’t have any desire to do it?
  
• Vacations are supposed to be relaxing, right?  I mean, we don’t really relax at Disney, so I call those “Disney trips”.  But, the beach is usually pretty relaxing, so it’s a vacation.  Except that Ian came barging into my bedroom (using the excuse that he wanted to snuggle – awwww!) every. single. morning. between 6 and 6:30.  What?!  I need a nap!
  
• For the first time in several years, I was able to stay away from the computer a good bit during this trip.  It was nice not to feel like I had to sign on to check things and to work. 
  
• And lastly, how in the world did my baby girl get to be 12 years old?!  Time flies when you’re having fun!

Where in the World (wide web) is Heidi?

I love my blog.  Really, I do.  Finally – after all these years of blogging – I finally have it looking just right (thanks to my friend Christi from The Graphic Lady).  But, sometimes I’m just so busy that it’s hard to find the time to write. 

So, on those days when you are missing me, I thought you might like to know where you can find me if I’m not here (in) Heidi’s Head . . .

Several months ago, I shared a heartfelt post about a new adventure that I was on with some friends. That adventure is Homeschool Mosaics – a great resource and encouragement site for all homeschoolers (without regard to race, religious affiliation, homeschool style, etc.)  You will find me posting over there on the following dates (each month):

1st – Mosaic Musings (my editorial, from-the-heart, column)

14th – Homeschool Mosaics Giveaway Day! (it’s my privilege to announce our monthly giveaway, sponsored by some of our favorite homeschooling friends)

24th – Sharing Our Favorites (a “review” style column that I share with Brenda, co-creator of the site)

And you can find me (almost) daily over at our Facebook page – announcing the latest posts and other fun stuff. 

On the 16th of each month, you can find me posting over at The Disney Moms. Ordinarily I post something pertaining to “Disney with Teens”, but that doesn’t always hold true – it just depends what my Disney brain is thinking about at the time.  My post for May was a list of great Disney-related gift ideas for the graduate in your life.

I post over at Your Highway in the Sky when I’m feeling like a really clever, Mother-Knows-Best type of mom.  Or, when I get some juicy Disney-related news that I just have to share somewhere.  It’s a fun bunch of writers over there!

Sometimes, my boss will let me post over at the blog for 3D Travel Company.  Over there, we post news of the latest Disney deals and specials, as well as share from our personal Disney experiences.  Lots of big pictures and fun over there!

So, there you have it.  When you don’t see me over here on my personal blog, it’s likely because I’m busy blogging somewhere else.  No matter where I might be on the web, though, I’m always blogging from the heart! 

miscellany monday ~ 5/14/12

[1] First of all, I just have to say that sinus issues really stink, you know?  I’ve  been having sinus issues all weekend and the symptoms just aren’t any fun at all – headaches, runny nose, stuffy nose, sneezing, watery eyes, painful & itchy eyes, eyes that will barely open, lack of voice (OK, so maybe my family kinda enjoyed this one), and the list goes on.  Thankfully, the OTC Claritin seems to be helping (cause a trip to the doctor is not in my radar for this week!)

[2] Despite feeling kinda crappy, I spent my weekend (Friday & Saturday) at the CHAP convention in Harrisburg, PA.  Thankfully Ashley went along and actually acted as chauffer this weekend because I really don’t think I would have been capable of getting myself there on Saturday.  I was very disappointed in my booth location; but I think we made some good connections and we certainly enjoyed talking about Disney all weekend!

[3] For Mother’s Day, I woke up voiceless; so I stayed home from church.  My dad and Brian prepared our lunch – hamburgers on the grill, baked beans, and some pasta salads – with strawberry shortcake and homemade ice cream for dessert.  Oh, how I wish I could have tasted it better!  I’m sure it was yummy!  The kids spent the afternoon playing a new Nancy Drew game while I napped.  Sunday afternoon naps don’t happen too often around here – so I’ll chalk that one up to being sick and a Mother’s Day gift!  The kids are getting me a renewal to my favorite magazine – Celebrations!  Yes, indeed, these kids know what makes me happy!

[4] We arrived home from the convention late on Friday evening, but found some fun treasures that had come in the mail that day --- the first was Ashley’s diploma (which I ordered from HSLDA), the second was Gracie’s school planner (which I ordered from The Well-Planned Day – I took a chance on this one, but wanted to try a print planner for this year, so we’ll see how it works.  Of the planners I’ve looked at, this one definitely has most of what I was looking for.)  More on  both of these items in upcoming posts (I’m sure).

[5] My friend Crystal is so thoughtful!  We don’t get to see each other nearly often enough – but she was thinking of me and picked up an old Disney cookbook for me at a used book sale.  I’ve been having so much fun looking through it and picking out some recipes that I’d like to try.  I’ve been wanting to start a Disney cookbook collection; and now she’s started it for me.

[6] We have our homeschool evaluations scheduled for this Thursday.  And guess what?  I’m really not prepared.  So, over the next few days, we need to get to work on our year-end videos and putting together an assortment of work samples from this year.  I’m planning to go paperless this year and submit everything on one cd.  We’ll see how that works out.

[7] Speaking of school . . . I’m working on cleaning off the school shelves and organizing the stuff for next school year.  That’s one of my goals for today – to get that all accomplished.  That means, coming soon, I’ll be posting about the choices we’ve made for next school year.   Those posts are always fun, right?

[8] Next Sunday, we are having Ashley’s Graduation Celebration (open house style).  That means that we have some  cleaning to do and lots and lots of preparation.  It seems like we never have any down time around here; so we haven’t even planned a menu, made a store list, or anything yet.  Hopefully we will work well under pressure and pull something off that doesn’t look totally thrown together at the last minute.  We shall see . . .

I’m sure I have lots more random thoughts that I could be sharing; but, alas, I also have lots of work to do.  So, I better stop blogging and start working! 

Politics & Lightbulbs

Bet you’re wondering what in the world that title means, huh?  Well . . . normally, I’d be the last person in the world to talk about politics.  In my list of non-interests or things that stress me out to talk about, “politics” sits at the top, right beside “taxes”. Start a conversation on either, and my eyes glaze over and I zone out. 

The last time I took much of an interest in a presidential election was in 1988 – my senior year in high school and the first year I would be able to vote.  Thankfully, my hubby is all over politics and knows what’s going on with the candidates – so, I usually depend on him to feed me just enough information to know who I should vote for these days.

Anyway, enough on that!  The real matter at hand here is something that I want to complain about . . . the government!  I mean, seriously, what were they thinking when they decided to regulate the type of lightbulbs that we can use?  Really?  Have they nothing better to work on down there in D.C.?!  Seems to me that matters like the National Debt would be a bit more important, but whatever.

In any case, here’s my issue . . . I live in an old house and a lot of our light fixtures have exposed light bulbs.  Up until the recent past,we always purchased those light bulbs that looked like candle flames (?)  Anyway, with the new light bulb regulations, those aren’t available to us anymore.  So, we started out trying what appeared (in the package) to be the next best thing.  What is wrong with this picture?  The shape of the bulb itself isn’t bad – but those words around the bottom?!?  Why in the world would they do that?  I mean, talk about tacky.  And, my other complaint about these bulbs . . . they take forever to brighten up.  C’mon people – I don’t have all day!

Then we discovered these babies.  I mean, these things are as ugly as all get out, aren’t they?  They, too, have the tacky label with words at the base.  And that twirly appearance . . . well, quite frankly, it looks horrendous in our candle-like fixtures.  But, their saving grace is this . . . when I flip on the light switch, I have immediate light.  I like that.  So, while I hate the way they look, I will choose them (for now) because of the whole “speed of light” issue. 

Then, there are the non-exposed light fixtures in our house -  the ones we’ve replaced over the years for whatever reason.  Like the ceiling fan in our kitchen, for example.  A few weeks ago, the bulb burned out and we needed to replace it.  Brian went to put the shade back on and guess what?  It won’t fit.  All these new lightbulbs are just slightly longer than the old incandescent bulbs.  So, now, we have exposed lightbulbs even on the fixtures that weren’t meant to be that way.  Tacky?  Indeed! 

And that’s my rant for today!  In order to abide by government orders, it seems that I’m going to need to replace all the light fixtures in my home. I wonder – do they have a tax credit for that?!

It’s my party and I’ll cry if I want to . . .

I don’t really think of myself as a creature of habit.  I’ve never been a big fan of a schedule.  But, I do appreciate traditions.  Once you do something several years in a row, it becomes a bit of a tradition – and I like that. 

For the first 32 years of my life, I shared this special day (my birthday) with my Pap.  We would often have a cake that said “Happy Birthday Heidi & Pap”.  He passed away on March 10th, 2003 – just 10 days before our birthday.  I told my mom I never wanted another birthday cake again.  It’s just doesn’t feel right somehow. 

I spent at least 15 of my adult birthdays with my best friend Sue.  As young married couples with not a lot of money to spare, our first few birthday celebrations were spent enjoying $1 Roast Beef sandwiches at Hardee’s, followed by Free Italian Ice at Rita’s (a perk of having your birthday on the first day of spring!)  We even learned how to “work the system” – we’d go through the drive-through for our first free ice, eat it, switch drivers, and go back for another one! 

One year, in particular, I remember sitting in traffic on our way to my birthday celebration in Harrisburg.  We thought we’d never get there.  Then, when we finally did, we went through the drive-through for our roast beef sandwiches, and were heading to shop.  My sandwich dropped on the floor of the car!  I burst into singing “It’s my party and I’ll cry if I want to!” – and Sue, being the good friend that she was, sang right along.  I think we both laughed through tears that day.

In later years, we graduated to some  better eating establishments, such as Texas Roadhouse (where she would have NEVER let them put that huge hat on me!) and T.G.I. Friday’s (where they made me stand up on my chair while they announced my birthday to the whole restaurant – and I promised to get her back on her birthday!) 

Sue left just 15 days before my 40th birthday – so I’ve spent the last 3 birthdays without her too.  Birthdays just really aren’t the same anymore. 

While it seems rather fitting that I woke up to rain this morning, I am glad that today is the first day of spring.  I love spring and the promise of new life.  In fact, the lilac bush that’s planted outside my living room window in memory of Sue has tons of buds on it.  I wonder if it will bloom this year? 

No birthday cake or roast beef for me today.  But my mom is making me supper – and she’s taking me out on Friday for a nice breakfast and shopping at the Outlets.  Sometimes we have no choice but to change our traditions.  And that’s ok. 

Do you have any special birthday traditions?

miscellany monday ~ 2/27/12

I just looked back and realized that I haven’t participated in miscellany monday with Carissa since October!  Don’t think that means my life isn’t miscellaneous or anything – because it always is!  I think it just means I was busy posting my Disney countdown – so my blog was well-covered.  Anyway, I’m back . . .

{one}  I’m one of those moms who never quite knows when to break down and take my kids to the doctor.  Gracie and I both got sick when we got home from Florida, and we’ve both been farming coughs and colds ever since.  We treated with over-the-counter stuff, and we’re getting back to “normal”.  Now, Ian is coughing like crazy.  And he’s had several nosebleeds this past week.  I don’t know if it’s just because it’s extremely dry in our house and he’s Asian; or if there’s something more going on with him.  Man, I wish there was a more specific parenting manual out there.  I don’t want to run to the doctor, but I also don’t want to deprive my kids of medical care when needed.  You’d think I’d have it figured out by my 3rd kid, wouldn’t you?

{two} Does anyone know what Wednesday is?  If you said “Leap Day”, you’d be right (you know, that day that only rolls around once every 4 years).  If you said “One More Disney Day” (the day when the Magic Kingdom and Disneyland Park will be open for a full 24 hours), you’d also be right (and I’ll be posting what I’d do if I were there on Wednesday).  What Wednesday is to me, though, is my 5th “real” anniversary.  Yep, I’ve been married to Brian for 20 years.  Wow.  Just wow!  I don’t know which one of us should be voted into sainthood – seriously!

{three}  Having an 18-year-old is rough sometimes.  I’m not able to understand what my mom went through with her first 18-year-old (me).  Ashley is so mature and is spreading her wings – and, while I’m ok with that and want to support her – I also really miss her when she’s gone.  She’s at work today; then tonight she’s off to spend the next  few days “nanny-ing”.  (is that a word?)

{four} I know that God brings  trials into our lives to make us stronger; and I also know that sometimes when it seems like He’s taking something away, it’s often because He has something better planned for us.  I’ve seen these two truths played out in my own life over and over again in the past 2 months.  And, it’s pretty amazing!  I’ll share more later – when I can get my thoughts together enough for a full post.

{five} I booked my first Disney vacation last week.  Can I just say that this job rocks?!  I mean, I was already crazy about Disney and planning, so could there be a more perfect fit?  And, even on the days when I was slightly confused and ended up having to call Disney, I got off the phone with a smile on my face (and in my heart)!  Yep, it fits!  (If you’re not following my Magical Travel Specialist page on Facebook, please feel free to do so – right from my sidebar ===>)

{six} Awhile back, I won The Well by Mark Hall (lead singer of Casting Crowns).  I have so many books here to read at any given time – most of them requiring reviews – that I didn’t know when I’d get to sit down with one that was “just for fun”.  Should I admit on my blog that I laid it in the bathroom for “bathroom reading”?  Well, I did.  And, I have been really enjoying this book!  Not only do I love his writing style (which reminds me so much of my own candid personality), but the book is just really reaching me when I am right now.  You should buy it.  Really. 

Things that go bump (or crash) in the night

I don’t know about you, but at my house, I have to be the light sleeper.  Brian could sleep through a World War.  So, over the years, I’ve trained myself to be on the alert.  I mean, you never know when someone might break into your house or a tornado come rushing through your town, right?

Last night, I was awakened by a very loud crash at 3:25am.  Just out of curiosity, if you hear a loud crash in the middle of the night, what is the first thing that your very-panicked mom brain fears?  For me, it’s Ian falling out of his loft bed. 

So, I jumped out of bed, turned on the hall light, and checked his floor.  No Ian.  (Thank God!)  I looked into Gracie’s room and all was well.  Ashley isn’t home, so I knew it wasn’t her.  I rushed downstairs – because my next panic-stricken thought has something to do with the pellet stove (thought I have no clue what!)  Fortunately, all is well downstairs.

By this time, Brian is up – curious as to what I am finding in my tour of the house.  And, I’ve pretty much turned up nothing.  So, by this point, I’m wondering if I’m going crazy or if I dreamed the crash. 

I decide to head to the bathroom and go back to bed (even though my heart is about pounding out of my chest and I know I won’t be able to get back to sleep for awhile).  In the bathroom, I discover that the pegboard that was hanging behind our toilet has fallen off the wall.  Yep, it was the source of said crash!  Finally!  I’m not nuts, after all.

Please tell me I’m not the only one who has strange things like this happen to me!