...have been flying by! Where does the time go? Jaina celebrated her first birthday on October 11th and Alex celebrated his 2nd birthday on the 28th. They had a blast on their special days and I now have two toddlers running around the house! What did I get myself into? Just kidding! I wouldn't trade my life for anything.
Homeschooling Samara, Andrea, and Myranda continues to be a learning experience for all of us. It has it's ups and downs and I have definitely found my patience limit :-) It's really cool to be completely involved and aware in their educational accomplishments and each day I appreciate the fact that we chose to homeschool. I was a bit nervous in the beginning but I now am confident that we made the right choice for our family.
Samara and Andrea are pretty independent with their learning although I do step in occasionally to point them in the right direction if they get lost and if I feel that a certain topic hasn't been covered as well as I would like. I am super proud of them and amazed at just how fast they can learn when there are no boundaries!
Myranda is doing pretty good as well. She can be very stubborn and distracted at times with her learning. Until recently, she was having a little trouble with learning to read but I have started to notice that everything she has learned is coming together. She can now read well with just a little help with new blends where needed. Now we are having trouble with math. She will sit for a very long time on the same math worksheet. It's not that she doesn't know how to do the work. She just chooses to daydream and goof off. I'm not too worried yet because I'm pretty sure that things will "click" for her in math just like they are in reading. In the process I have learned that beans, candy, etc. when used as a counting tool are more of a distraction than a help, even when the candy is used as a reward for good work :-)
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Sunday, October 11, 2009
From Baby to Toddler
Wow I can't believe it's been a full year since Jaina was born! It seems like only yesterday I was typing the last blog before she was born. I have to say she has been the most easy going baby I have ever known. It's a good thing because Alex is definitely in the terrible twos! Looking back on the day she was born, all of my memories are good ones. It was the most wonderful experience and if we were to have another baby (not happening, lol) I would definitely use the birth center again. I only wish that I had known my options when I had my son but I can't change that and that is okay. For anyone who is having a baby in the future I strongly recommend doing your research and deciding the best option for you. For anyone in or near Denton, Texas I strongly recommend Innana Birth Center (they take most insurance) http://www.inannabirth.com. Everyone there is very friendly, caring and helpful :-)Anyway, I gotta get Alex to go to bed. He's been fighting sleep all evening... I'll leave you with the link to Jaina's birth story: http://mistyfraker.blogspot.com/2008/10/settling-in.html
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
A Time For Learning For All of Us
Now that I have a few minutes to myself I can give a little update. We are officially in week 3 of homeschooling, and while we are still working out some kinks, it seems to be going well. I have quickly noticed that each girl has their own unique learning style. Samara is an independent learner who can read something and recite it back to me almost word for word and retains what she learned. Andrea has a little more difficulty with comprehending what she reads but when I can get her to slow down and actually pay attention to what she is reading she does pretty good. Myranda is easily distracted and sporadic. If she finds something the least bit uninteresting then she gives up. I have had and interesting time finding creative ways to get her interested in what she needs to learn. I have found that games that incorporate what she needs to learn work really good. I am also debating whether I should have them study together or at seperate times. I began with a set schedule for each subject and have had a hard time with the girls disrupting each other. Also, if I have to go over something with one of the girls, the other two are distracted by me. I have started working with each one individually the past couple days and have found that this way has its good and bad points also. I guess I will just have to weigh the pros and cons of each way and go with the one that comes out ahead.
Besides all that we have joined a homeschool group in the county that has been a big help to us in our learning process and we have made new friends as well. We even had our first field trip last week to a coffee roaster!
Besides all that we have joined a homeschool group in the county that has been a big help to us in our learning process and we have made new friends as well. We even had our first field trip last week to a coffee roaster!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Priorities
So yeah I'm not keeping up with the weekly updates for my weightloss but that's okay. I'm still keeping with my goals... I'm down to 198 as of Friday (-8lbs total!!!) so I think I'm doing okay :-) While I'm going to continue working on that I have put the record keeping on the backburner because I have an entirely new project to work on. Tom and I have decided to homeschool the girls!!! I will have more info on that later. Until I get more time to update... ;-)
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Wednesday Update (Just a Little Late!)
Week 3 (Yeah I skipped week 2; shame on me!) 202 (-3lbs, 5lbs total)
Sorry about not updating sooner! It's been another crazy time, but then, when isn't it? LOL
So far my weight loss has been on track so that is good news. I've been pretty lazy at following any sort of a plan but I have been a lot more aware of what I eat. Sometimes I will splurge, like yesterday I had some yummy pizza from Papa Murphy's. I have pretty much cut out all night snacks except for the occasional banana plus I have been sticking to water and diet/sugar free/low-carb drinks. I have also been trying to stay active with my children so I think that has been helping too. Tom and I have decided to homeschool the girls for this year for various reasons so I will have to spend time with them working on physical education. That should help me get more exercise too. Hopefully I will continue having good results to report :-)
Sorry about not updating sooner! It's been another crazy time, but then, when isn't it? LOL
So far my weight loss has been on track so that is good news. I've been pretty lazy at following any sort of a plan but I have been a lot more aware of what I eat. Sometimes I will splurge, like yesterday I had some yummy pizza from Papa Murphy's. I have pretty much cut out all night snacks except for the occasional banana plus I have been sticking to water and diet/sugar free/low-carb drinks. I have also been trying to stay active with my children so I think that has been helping too. Tom and I have decided to homeschool the girls for this year for various reasons so I will have to spend time with them working on physical education. That should help me get more exercise too. Hopefully I will continue having good results to report :-)
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Wednesday Update
Lots of stuff going on right now with illness wreaking havoc on the family so I won't have a chance to update today. I have a wedding to attend tomorrow so I won't be able to do it then. Hopefully Friday I will get a chance...
Friday, July 17, 2009
Curiosity Killed the Cat
I have heard the term "partial-birth abortion" and never really knew what it was.
So being the curious type I decided to research it. BIG MISTAKE.
What I discovered makes me sick to my stomach.
I wanna go curl up in a ball and cry.
My heart aches :-(
Why is this legal???
So being the curious type I decided to research it. BIG MISTAKE.
What I discovered makes me sick to my stomach.
I wanna go curl up in a ball and cry.
My heart aches :-(
Why is this legal???
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Wednesday Weight Loss Update
Hello! I will be posting my weekly updates on Wednesdays so I keep myself in check. I will be posting the successful and not-so-successful weeks.
Week 1: 205lbs (-1lb)
Well, at least I have lost a pound. My plan started off with a bang but quickly fizzled as I have kinda lost track of my motivation. I worked out with the Wii Fit last Wednesday and that was the last of my actual working out for the week. I did walk around Space Center Houston all day on Saturday so I guess that counts for exercise as well. As for the dieting, I've had good days and bad days the past week. My problem is that I will do good all day then when night time hits I am starving like I haven't eaten all day. It's not that I'm not eating right. I make sure to eat lots of protein and drink water. I don't know what it is but around 8 or 9pm I'm ready to scarf anything in sight! I try to not give into the craving but sometimes I eat a banana or some cheese to take the edge off. I also have a big problem of tasting everything when I'm cooking dinner.
So, here are my goals for the next week:
-Cut back on the extra "taste tests" when cooking dinner...
-Cut back on night snacks...
I would like to get more disciplined with the work outs but I'm really going to focus on the first two. At least I accomplished one of my goals last week of losing at least one pound :-) Off to work on a more successful week!
Week 1: 205lbs (-1lb)
Well, at least I have lost a pound. My plan started off with a bang but quickly fizzled as I have kinda lost track of my motivation. I worked out with the Wii Fit last Wednesday and that was the last of my actual working out for the week. I did walk around Space Center Houston all day on Saturday so I guess that counts for exercise as well. As for the dieting, I've had good days and bad days the past week. My problem is that I will do good all day then when night time hits I am starving like I haven't eaten all day. It's not that I'm not eating right. I make sure to eat lots of protein and drink water. I don't know what it is but around 8 or 9pm I'm ready to scarf anything in sight! I try to not give into the craving but sometimes I eat a banana or some cheese to take the edge off. I also have a big problem of tasting everything when I'm cooking dinner.
So, here are my goals for the next week:
-Cut back on the extra "taste tests" when cooking dinner...
-Cut back on night snacks...
I would like to get more disciplined with the work outs but I'm really going to focus on the first two. At least I accomplished one of my goals last week of losing at least one pound :-) Off to work on a more successful week!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Reality Check
I've put it off long enough. I need to get myself in better shape. I've been lacking in the self confidence lately and I'm pretty sure it's because of my shape. I'm not as healthy as I can be and I need to hold myself accountable. The stretchmarks and flabby skin doesn't bother me. It's all this excess weight. I know it's not from the pregnancies because I started gaining weight before that. I was 163 when I met my hubby in October 2005 and was up to 194 when I found out I was pregnant with Alex. On top of that I had lost weight after having Jaina. I was down to 198 not too long ago. Now I'm back up to 206. Shame on me. Now I need to get myself back to a healthy weight range which according to Discovery Health is about 167. That's pretty close to what I weighed when Tom and I met. They say that it is best to only lose 1-2 lbs a week so that would give me 20 weeks to lose 39 lbs. That would make my target date to reach my goal around Thanksgiving. So, my goal is to lose 39 lbs by Thanksgiving. I want to remind myself to check in on here with my weekly accomplishments so hopefully I remember :-)
Here's my first check-in:
July 8, 2009, 206 lbs
Here's my first check-in:
July 8, 2009, 206 lbs
Monday, June 22, 2009
June 22, 1978
That was the day my wonderful husband, Thomas Carl Fraker, was born. Happy birthday honey!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
For My Daddy on Father's Day
"Buttefly Kisses" by Jeff Carson is our song... Here are the lyrics :-)
There's two things I know for sure.
She was sent here from heaven,
And she's daddy's little girl.
As I drop to my knees by her bed at night,
She talks to Jesus and I close my eyes.
And I thank God for all of the joy in my life.
Oh, but most of all:
For, Butterfly kisses after bedtime prayers.
Stickin' little white flowers all up in her hair.
"Walk beside the pony daddy,it's my first ride.
"I know the cake looks funny, daddy, but I sure tried."
With all that I've done wrong I must have done something right,
To deserve a hug every morning
And butterfly kisses at night.
Sweet sixteen today.
She's lookin' like her mamma a little more every day.
One part woman, the other part girl;
To perfume and make-up,
From ribbons and curls.
Trying her wings out in a great big world.
But I remember:
Butterfly kisses.
She'll change her name today.
She'll make a promise, and I'll give her away.
Standing in the bride room just staring at her,
She asked me what I'm thinking,
I said: "I'm not sure.
"I just feel like I'm losing my baby girl."
Then she leaned over....
An' gave me, Butterfly kisses with her mamma's air.
Stickin' little white flowers all up in her hair.
"Walk me down the aisle, Daddy, it's just about time.
"Does my wedding gown look pretty, Daddy? And Daddy, don't cry."
With all that I've done wrong I must have done something right,
To deserve a her love every morning,
And a butterfly kisses for life.
There's two things I know for sure.
She was sent here from heaven,
And she's daddy's little girl.
As I drop to my knees by her bed at night,
She talks to Jesus and I close my eyes.
And I thank God for all of the joy in my life.
Oh, but most of all:
For, Butterfly kisses after bedtime prayers.
Stickin' little white flowers all up in her hair.
"Walk beside the pony daddy,it's my first ride.
"I know the cake looks funny, daddy, but I sure tried."
With all that I've done wrong I must have done something right,
To deserve a hug every morning
And butterfly kisses at night.
Sweet sixteen today.
She's lookin' like her mamma a little more every day.
One part woman, the other part girl;
To perfume and make-up,
From ribbons and curls.
Trying her wings out in a great big world.
But I remember:
Butterfly kisses.
She'll change her name today.
She'll make a promise, and I'll give her away.
Standing in the bride room just staring at her,
She asked me what I'm thinking,
I said: "I'm not sure.
"I just feel like I'm losing my baby girl."
Then she leaned over....
An' gave me, Butterfly kisses with her mamma's air.
Stickin' little white flowers all up in her hair.
"Walk me down the aisle, Daddy, it's just about time.
"Does my wedding gown look pretty, Daddy? And Daddy, don't cry."
With all that I've done wrong I must have done something right,
To deserve a her love every morning,
And a butterfly kisses for life.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Right Now
I've been a bit busy lately but here's a quick update:
So a couple weeks ago Tom and I go to a Kia dealership in Irving which is about an hour and a half away from our home to look at a van I found on Autotrader. Big suprise the van no longer is there so we find a different one we like. It's pretty much like the one we were looking at. Unfortunately the battery is dead so I can't test drive it but I really like it so we work up some numbers and send us home in a similar van that is like the one we are getting but a foot shorter and a 2009. The other one is a 2008 but still new.
Our only chance for financing is our credit union (divorces kill your credit) so they fax a buyer order to them to review. After a couple of days of phone tag the credit union informs us that they will only finance 2008 vehicles for NADA book value as if it were used and on top of that based on credit they will only consider financing 85% of that. The dealership wouldn't consider that because that would be too big of a loss for them so they ask if we would consider a similar van that was a 2009 model. It would be less rebates but easier to finance. I say sure...
They call me back and tell me that all they have left are short wheelbases and asked me if I like the one they sent us home in. I tell them that it is great except for the fact that I can't fit my double stroller inside it... I would have to strap it on top! BUT if that is our only option then we would go for it. My transmission is about to go out in my van AGAIN soon so we need something reliable. So right now we are waiting to hear back about whether or not we can finance it.
In the meantime both Alex and Jaina got sick again. They both have a horrible cough and chest congestion plus night before last Alex had a fever so I took him to the doctor. They diagnosed him with a double ear infection. Again. As I was driving home late that night, a huge wild boar charged the van so fast that I slowed down the van but he still hit me. Alex was sound asleep in the back seat so I wasn't about to pull over or anything plus we were almost home. When I got home I found that the boar ruined the bumper but luckily it looks like that's all it messed up. I submitted an online claim to my insurance company and all we have to worry about is the $500 deductible.
So that's what's happening right now...
So a couple weeks ago Tom and I go to a Kia dealership in Irving which is about an hour and a half away from our home to look at a van I found on Autotrader. Big suprise the van no longer is there so we find a different one we like. It's pretty much like the one we were looking at. Unfortunately the battery is dead so I can't test drive it but I really like it so we work up some numbers and send us home in a similar van that is like the one we are getting but a foot shorter and a 2009. The other one is a 2008 but still new.
Our only chance for financing is our credit union (divorces kill your credit) so they fax a buyer order to them to review. After a couple of days of phone tag the credit union informs us that they will only finance 2008 vehicles for NADA book value as if it were used and on top of that based on credit they will only consider financing 85% of that. The dealership wouldn't consider that because that would be too big of a loss for them so they ask if we would consider a similar van that was a 2009 model. It would be less rebates but easier to finance. I say sure...
They call me back and tell me that all they have left are short wheelbases and asked me if I like the one they sent us home in. I tell them that it is great except for the fact that I can't fit my double stroller inside it... I would have to strap it on top! BUT if that is our only option then we would go for it. My transmission is about to go out in my van AGAIN soon so we need something reliable. So right now we are waiting to hear back about whether or not we can finance it.
In the meantime both Alex and Jaina got sick again. They both have a horrible cough and chest congestion plus night before last Alex had a fever so I took him to the doctor. They diagnosed him with a double ear infection. Again. As I was driving home late that night, a huge wild boar charged the van so fast that I slowed down the van but he still hit me. Alex was sound asleep in the back seat so I wasn't about to pull over or anything plus we were almost home. When I got home I found that the boar ruined the bumper but luckily it looks like that's all it messed up. I submitted an online claim to my insurance company and all we have to worry about is the $500 deductible.
So that's what's happening right now...
Friday, April 3, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
I'm such a slacker.
So yeah, I've been a bad blogger. Shame on me! Here is a much needed quick update...
Hmmmm...... Where to start?
Well after several months of my Ford Freestar minivan sitting in the driveway of our home in Abilene we finally got the money to get the P.O.S. fixed. So far I have had the transmission rebuilt and replaced the compressor. Now I have a light that turns on occasionally telling me my transmission is about to crap out on me again and my rear air control doesn't work. It blows hot air when we need a/c and cold air when we need heat. I had it checked out at the shop and they tell me that it will cost around 3500 to fix it. All I could do was laugh. I recently tried to trade in my van and they appraised it at 3500! I still owe over 8500 so yeah we are going to have a slightly difficult time trading it in. I'm going to keep trying though :-) Until then I'm just using the van as little as possible hoping it doesn't completely fall apart on me.
Well, I guess that's it for now...
Hmmmm...... Where to start?
Well after several months of my Ford Freestar minivan sitting in the driveway of our home in Abilene we finally got the money to get the P.O.S. fixed. So far I have had the transmission rebuilt and replaced the compressor. Now I have a light that turns on occasionally telling me my transmission is about to crap out on me again and my rear air control doesn't work. It blows hot air when we need a/c and cold air when we need heat. I had it checked out at the shop and they tell me that it will cost around 3500 to fix it. All I could do was laugh. I recently tried to trade in my van and they appraised it at 3500! I still owe over 8500 so yeah we are going to have a slightly difficult time trading it in. I'm going to keep trying though :-) Until then I'm just using the van as little as possible hoping it doesn't completely fall apart on me.
On top of that, the past couple weeks we have all been battling chest colds. The youngest two also have pinkeye and Alex is getting over an ear infection. Everyone is slowly getting better except Jaina's eyes are still about the same. The pediatrician thinks she may have blocked tear ducts. I think she has bad allergies. But what do I know LOL.
We are still working on our house in Abilene trying to get it ready to rent. The kiddos and I spent all of spring break working on it getting carpet pulled up and cleaning *Special thanks to my brother, Jessie, for helping us out*. We were supposed to have carpet installed on Sunday after we left and my dad was supposed to be there to let the installer in and pay him but my dad had a bad asthma attack and had to go to the hospital. He said that he is getting better and should be allowed to go home Friday. After we get the carpet installed, the rest of the stuff cleared out, and countertops installed in the kitchen then it should be ready to go. I'll be glad because we are paying $600 a month plus utilities on a house that we are not even living in. Once we are finished we should be able to get at least $1000 a month if not more because there are not many 4 bedrooms in the neighborhood.
Well, I guess that's it for now...
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Hope
This passage always gives me hope....
"So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while. These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold. So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him, you trust him; and even now you are happy with a glorious, inexpressible joy. Your reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls. This salvation was something the prophets wanted to know more about. They prophesied about this gracious salvation prepared for you, even though they had many questions as to what it all could mean. They wondered what the Spirit of Christ within them was talking about when he told them in advance about Christ’s suffering and his great glory afterward. They wondered when and to whom all this would happen. They were told that these things would not happen during their lifetime, but many years later, during yours. And now this Good News has been announced by those who preached to you in the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen. So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the special blessings that will come to you at the return of Jesus Christ. Obey God because you are his children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of doing evil; you didn’t know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God—who chose you to be his children—is holy. For he himself has said, "You must be holy because I am holy." 1 Peter 1:6-16"
"So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while. These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold. So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him, you trust him; and even now you are happy with a glorious, inexpressible joy. Your reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls. This salvation was something the prophets wanted to know more about. They prophesied about this gracious salvation prepared for you, even though they had many questions as to what it all could mean. They wondered what the Spirit of Christ within them was talking about when he told them in advance about Christ’s suffering and his great glory afterward. They wondered when and to whom all this would happen. They were told that these things would not happen during their lifetime, but many years later, during yours. And now this Good News has been announced by those who preached to you in the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen. So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the special blessings that will come to you at the return of Jesus Christ. Obey God because you are his children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of doing evil; you didn’t know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God—who chose you to be his children—is holy. For he himself has said, "You must be holy because I am holy." 1 Peter 1:6-16"
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Just the Two of Us
Hope everyone had a great weekend! Friday was a blast... The day that Jaina was born, my mother-in-law bought tickets to the AC/DC concert in Dallas as a Christmas gift to Tom and me. We had great seats and my ears are still ringing! The intro video to the concert was hilarious and ended with a giant train with devil horns appearing behind the band. Too cool :-) They played a few new songs as well as a lot of their hits, including my favorite, "For Those About To Rock." This was the first time we have gone anywhere without any kids in a long time.... For a breastfeeding mama, it seemed like an eternity! I was worried that she wouldn't take a bottle, but Jaina did great.
Here are a couple pics from the concert:
Here are a couple pics from the concert:
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Interesting
I took the Jung Typology test for giggles and grins and here is what it came up with:
Idealist Portrait of the Counselor (INFJ)
Counselors have an exceptionally strong desire to contribute to the welfare of others, and find great personal fulfillment interacting with people, nurturing their personal development, guiding them to realize their human potential. Although they are happy working at jobs (such as writing) that require solitude and close attention, Counselors do quite well with individuals or groups of people, provided that the personal interactions are not superficial, and that they find some quiet, private time every now and then to recharge their batteries. Counselors are both kind and positive in their handling of others; they are great listeners and seem naturally interested in helping people with their personal problems. Not usually visible leaders, Counselors prefer to work intensely with those close to them, especially on a one-to-one basis, quietly exerting their influence behind the scenes.
Counselors are scarce, little more than one percent of the population, and can be hard to get to know, since they tend not to share their innermost thoughts or their powerful emotional reactions except with their loved ones. They are highly private people, with an unusually rich, complicated inner life. Friends or colleagues who have known them for years may find sides emerging which come as a surprise. Not that Counselors are flighty or scattered; they value their integrity a great deal, but they have mysterious, intricately woven personalities which sometimes puzzle even them.
Counselors tend to work effectively in organizations. They value staff harmony and make every effort to help an organization run smoothly and pleasantly. They understand and use human systems creatively, and are good at consulting and cooperating with others. As employees or employers, Counselors are concerned with people's feelings and are able to act as a barometer of the feelings within the organization.
Blessed with vivid imaginations, Counselors are often seen as the most poetical of all the types, and in fact they use a lot of poetic imagery in their everyday language. Their great talent for language-both written and spoken-is usually directed toward communicating with people in a personalized way. Counselors are highly intuitive and can recognize another's emotions or intentions - good or evil - even before that person is aware of them. Counselors themselves can seldom tell how they came to read others' feelings so keenly. This extreme sensitivity to others could very well be the basis of the Counselor's remarkable ability to experience a whole array of psychic phenomena.
Mohandas Gandhi, Sidney Poitier, Eleanor Roosevelt, Jane Goodall, Emily Bronte, Sir Alec Guiness, Carl Jung, Mary Baker Eddy, Queen Noor are examples of the Counselor Idealist (INFJ).
I found the test here: http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/JTypes2.asp
Idealist Portrait of the Counselor (INFJ)
Counselors have an exceptionally strong desire to contribute to the welfare of others, and find great personal fulfillment interacting with people, nurturing their personal development, guiding them to realize their human potential. Although they are happy working at jobs (such as writing) that require solitude and close attention, Counselors do quite well with individuals or groups of people, provided that the personal interactions are not superficial, and that they find some quiet, private time every now and then to recharge their batteries. Counselors are both kind and positive in their handling of others; they are great listeners and seem naturally interested in helping people with their personal problems. Not usually visible leaders, Counselors prefer to work intensely with those close to them, especially on a one-to-one basis, quietly exerting their influence behind the scenes.
Counselors are scarce, little more than one percent of the population, and can be hard to get to know, since they tend not to share their innermost thoughts or their powerful emotional reactions except with their loved ones. They are highly private people, with an unusually rich, complicated inner life. Friends or colleagues who have known them for years may find sides emerging which come as a surprise. Not that Counselors are flighty or scattered; they value their integrity a great deal, but they have mysterious, intricately woven personalities which sometimes puzzle even them.
Counselors tend to work effectively in organizations. They value staff harmony and make every effort to help an organization run smoothly and pleasantly. They understand and use human systems creatively, and are good at consulting and cooperating with others. As employees or employers, Counselors are concerned with people's feelings and are able to act as a barometer of the feelings within the organization.
Blessed with vivid imaginations, Counselors are often seen as the most poetical of all the types, and in fact they use a lot of poetic imagery in their everyday language. Their great talent for language-both written and spoken-is usually directed toward communicating with people in a personalized way. Counselors are highly intuitive and can recognize another's emotions or intentions - good or evil - even before that person is aware of them. Counselors themselves can seldom tell how they came to read others' feelings so keenly. This extreme sensitivity to others could very well be the basis of the Counselor's remarkable ability to experience a whole array of psychic phenomena.
Mohandas Gandhi, Sidney Poitier, Eleanor Roosevelt, Jane Goodall, Emily Bronte, Sir Alec Guiness, Carl Jung, Mary Baker Eddy, Queen Noor are examples of the Counselor Idealist (INFJ).
I found the test here: http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/JTypes2.asp
Thursday, January 1, 2009
New Year, Renewed Hopes
I hope you all had a wonderful New Year's Eve! I had a good one at home with the family. This year we bought a little party kit with hats, noisemakers, and leis which the kids enjoyed. All but Alex and Jaina were awake to ring in the new year! That means that Alex was bright eyed and bushy tailed at 7:45 am this morning. While I cannot say the same for myself, I was however awake as well :-)
I want to apologize for not being as active lately online as far as keeping in touch goes... The month of December kind of took me by suprise, keeping me constantly moving with last minute Christmas shopping, school plays, wrapping (which took lots of time considering we have 5 kids with at least 10-15 presents a piece), working on our house in Abilene (still not rented) and various illnesses and appointments. This is the first time I have been able to really sit down and write anything. The fact that our internet was down for a few days didn't help matters much either. I'm just glad that I wasn't in school and that I was taking a break from my Creative Memories business at the time otherwise that little outage would have hurt!
Next, a couple updates... Jaina had her 2 month checkup in December and weighed 13lbs! She is 95% for weight and 75% for height. Pretty good considering she's not bottle fed :-) The pediatrician told me not to worry about her weight, that it's pretty common for breastfed babies to be chunky monkeys now and then thin out around their first birthday.
Alex has been quite the handful considering he can run and climb, making it hard to keep him out of things and from jumping up and down on the sofa. He's actually fallen a couple of times but do you think that stops him? Heck no! He climbs right back up there and resumes his jumping. He's also talking a lot more. Right now his favorite word is "cool." Anything he likes he will point to and say, "Cool!" He's also eating everything that we eat with the exception of tomato sauces. His tummy doesn't like them for some reason. He will also point to Jaina and say "Sissy." If you ask him to love on her, he will lay his head next to her and sing, "Love" in his pretty little baby voice. It's too cute :-)
Myranda is doing great in Kindergarten. She is learning how to read and while she gets frustrated at times and wants to give up and go play instead of working on her words she eventually learns them. It's so neat to hear her randomly call out words that she recognizes when we are out and about. She has been getting a little mean streak lately but I think its a little phase that she is going through and she is just testing her limits. She has a best friend named Dennis that she plays with at school but don't dare call him her boyfriend or she will scold you LOL.
Andrea is doing very well at school. So far she has had all A's on her last couple report cards and competed in UIL Music Memory. Her team took 2nd place! At home she has been singing karaoke with us when we play Karaoke Revolution and Singstar and has been doing really good. She has an ear for music and I have noticed that she sometimes picks up harmony. She can belt out a Hannah Montana song with the best of them!
Samara is doing great in school too. She's been a straight A student all year. She competed in UIL Art Apreciation and her team took first place with Samara taking first place over all!!!! She also had the lead part in the school play as the grumpy elf (think Scrooge) and did wonderfully.
I am so proud of all of our children :-)
Christmas was great. The kiddos all enjoyed their presents as did the grownups. I was happy to expand my collection of Phantom of the Opera music boxes and Tom was happy to finally get that set of Cowboys floor mats for his Tracker that he had been wanting.
If you have read this far, thank you! LOL
I also want to let you all know that I am back to being a Creative Memories Consultant. Thanks to my wonderful upline, she explained my situation to home office and they were more than happy to reinstate me. If you want more info or anything just send me a message with your email...
Well, I guess that's it for now. I'm sure I left out a ton of stuff but for now that's all I could think of. Take care and Happy New Year!!!
I want to apologize for not being as active lately online as far as keeping in touch goes... The month of December kind of took me by suprise, keeping me constantly moving with last minute Christmas shopping, school plays, wrapping (which took lots of time considering we have 5 kids with at least 10-15 presents a piece), working on our house in Abilene (still not rented) and various illnesses and appointments. This is the first time I have been able to really sit down and write anything. The fact that our internet was down for a few days didn't help matters much either. I'm just glad that I wasn't in school and that I was taking a break from my Creative Memories business at the time otherwise that little outage would have hurt!
Next, a couple updates... Jaina had her 2 month checkup in December and weighed 13lbs! She is 95% for weight and 75% for height. Pretty good considering she's not bottle fed :-) The pediatrician told me not to worry about her weight, that it's pretty common for breastfed babies to be chunky monkeys now and then thin out around their first birthday.
Alex has been quite the handful considering he can run and climb, making it hard to keep him out of things and from jumping up and down on the sofa. He's actually fallen a couple of times but do you think that stops him? Heck no! He climbs right back up there and resumes his jumping. He's also talking a lot more. Right now his favorite word is "cool." Anything he likes he will point to and say, "Cool!" He's also eating everything that we eat with the exception of tomato sauces. His tummy doesn't like them for some reason. He will also point to Jaina and say "Sissy." If you ask him to love on her, he will lay his head next to her and sing, "Love" in his pretty little baby voice. It's too cute :-)
Myranda is doing great in Kindergarten. She is learning how to read and while she gets frustrated at times and wants to give up and go play instead of working on her words she eventually learns them. It's so neat to hear her randomly call out words that she recognizes when we are out and about. She has been getting a little mean streak lately but I think its a little phase that she is going through and she is just testing her limits. She has a best friend named Dennis that she plays with at school but don't dare call him her boyfriend or she will scold you LOL.
Andrea is doing very well at school. So far she has had all A's on her last couple report cards and competed in UIL Music Memory. Her team took 2nd place! At home she has been singing karaoke with us when we play Karaoke Revolution and Singstar and has been doing really good. She has an ear for music and I have noticed that she sometimes picks up harmony. She can belt out a Hannah Montana song with the best of them!
Samara is doing great in school too. She's been a straight A student all year. She competed in UIL Art Apreciation and her team took first place with Samara taking first place over all!!!! She also had the lead part in the school play as the grumpy elf (think Scrooge) and did wonderfully.
I am so proud of all of our children :-)
Christmas was great. The kiddos all enjoyed their presents as did the grownups. I was happy to expand my collection of Phantom of the Opera music boxes and Tom was happy to finally get that set of Cowboys floor mats for his Tracker that he had been wanting.
If you have read this far, thank you! LOL
I also want to let you all know that I am back to being a Creative Memories Consultant. Thanks to my wonderful upline, she explained my situation to home office and they were more than happy to reinstate me. If you want more info or anything just send me a message with your email...
Well, I guess that's it for now. I'm sure I left out a ton of stuff but for now that's all I could think of. Take care and Happy New Year!!!
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