I volunteered today at Ben's Bells Project!

I needed to volunteer, so when I heard that I could scuplt and paint bells, I was excited. I love ceramics so this should be fun. WAS IT EVER?! I can not wait to go back. I plan on taking my daughters next Saturday so we can do it together.

First Id like to share the story of how they were created. The story alone makes me want to keep going back!
"

Our Story

March 29th, 2002 started as a very normal day in our lives. Our sons, Matthew – nearly 6 and Ben – nearly 3 – were home playing with a playmate. Ben had a cold and a bit of a croupy cough. We were not alarmed. Never did it enter our minds that Ben was seriously ill or that he could die. And then he did. It only took seconds for him to become unconscious after his airway swelled shut. Jeannette’s efforts at rescue breathing and CPR were in vain as Ben’s airway was completely closed. In those moments on the morning of Good Friday our lives changed forever.
The depth of pain we were experiencing was beyond description. Every parent’s worst nightmare was our reality and we didn’t know how we would possibly survive. More than anything we just wished we could die. Perhaps we would have died if not for Matthew. He was still alive and he needed us as he had never needed us before.
Slowly, we began incorporating coping strategies into our lives. We came up with a design for Ben’s Bells and started making them in our back yard studio with friends. The therapeutic effect of working with clay was amazing as was the power of being surrounded by people talking and working toward a common goal. We decided to make hundreds of the Bells and distribute them randomly in our community to encourage the kindness that we so depended on to get through each day. Since Ben’s death, it had been the kindness of others, strangers and friends, that had helped us begin to heal. We wanted to find a way to pass on that kindness and to help others in the process.
On the first anniversary of his death, hundreds of Ben’s Bells were distributed throughout Tucson, hung randomly in trees, on bike paths, and in parks with a written message to simply take one home and pass on the kindness.
The ripple effect that followed was wonderful and startling. Individuals finding the Bells had stories to tell - lots of them - about grief and healing and hope. Our local newspaper printed the story - front page - next to fast breaking news of the recent war in Iraq. School groups and businesses and individuals began calling to see how they could get involved and in no time, hundreds and hundreds of Tucsonans were involved in crafting Ben’s Bells.
Ben’s Bells symbolize kindness and its power in healing. We hope that they will touch others’ lives and help to make our community a more gentle place to live. We are so very grateful for our community’s incredible enthusiasm for the project and we know that we can make a difference.
Jeannette, Dean and Matthew
In memory of our beautiful boy ..."

So, as for what I did today....

You sit at a table with these in front of you:
Paint, bells that have been sculpted (sometimes you would be the on doing that part)

 

The only thing they ask of you is that you paint 3 base coats and then any design. You can put any design that you want on them. Obviously being respectful, as these are given to people and sold in this childs memory.

Here were my designs. Im no artist, so dont laugh!

 

In the end, after firing and all that is done, there are also volunteers that fire the parts. This is what the end result is. 

 

 You dont get to see the entire process but you get to see a part of it. 

If you are in Tucson, I HIGHLY recommend you check them out. They have two locations, both about 5 minutes from each other but towards the downtown area. There site is http://bensbells.org for anyone interested!

 

Crest 3D Whitening Strips - Product Review

I hate my teeth. I want braces to bring them closer and they arent weren't white enough for me. When I was younger (and occasionally now) I smoked and I love dark drinks (pop, coffee, tea).
Well, Ive been thinking about getting the Invasiline but want to wait until we move; but I was thinking and realized I could at least deal with the color right now.

I picked up some Crest 3D Whitening Strips for $24.99 at Walmart the other night. (I bought this toothpaste as well, so some of the end result MAY be due to it?)

The kit comes with 10 sets (top and lower teeth) to use once daily and directions.

When you open one of the foil packet, this is what you see. The little strip is for your lower teeth; the bigger strip goes on your upper teeth.

I decided to use 2 a day, one in the morning and one in the evening. I brushed my teeth with the whitening toothpaste, dried them off and applied the strips. After 30 minutes (the recommended time), I took them off, brushed my teeth again and I was done.

Here were my teeth before:

Here were my teeth after one application: (Im adding this one because I think the pic has less of a yellow tone, so it shows the end results a bit better)

And here is the comparison:

 

Today in the car:

 

Overall, Im really happy with the results. I definitely recommend them to anyone who wants to brighten their teeth. Ive tried the trays and they sucked. Im going to stick with the whitening toothpaste and then most likely do these at least once every 6 months. 

The only negative thing I have to say, is that they do make your teeth a bit sensitive. Its not enough to hurt but it just makes you a little more aware you have teeth in your mouth lol

30-Day Organization Challenge: Day 5 - Important Person Promise

• Who will my (Push) Goals effect the most, besides myself?
• My push goals will ultimately effect my children and my husband.
• Troy, Adrianna, Serenity & Nova
• Whose opinion really matters to me?
• Troys opinion
• Taking action
• This was posted on my husbands FB this morning :D lol
• "As part of my challenge, Im instructed to tell you my main goal this year ♥
  
  Its to become more organized! Since it effects you & you are the main one surrounding me & helping me - keep me on my toes & hold my ass accountable :P
  
  Love you!"
• My goals have also been posted in here and on my facebook. There are many people that know my plans and are keeping me accountable!

30-Day Organization Challenge: Day 4 - PUSH GOAL!

My push goal is to become more organized! There are many things I want to accomplish this year, some including money and some just including more time. Without organization, wreather it be time or financial management, my goals will be next to impossible.

Besides my push goal, two of my goals that will make others more achievable are to develop financial security and to love myself. Obviously, we all know what comes with money. Money doesnt make everything...But it does make a much bigger opportunity...By providing with things we need to BUY!! Regarding love for myself - I feel that once I really love and am content with myself; with who I am as a person, most of the other things will fall into play. I will know what I want and have a better idea of how to achieve what I want!

Currently, when it comes to organization, some days I do great- other days my organization is less than desireable. I think what I need to work on the most is the drive to keep things organized. With a husband and children that dont necessarily follow my organization tactics, its difficult. I am confident that things will improve this year.

Heather's Goals for 2013

I looked at the defination of a resolution & I looked at the defination of a goal.
For resolutions, we bacisally see a firm decision to do or not to do something. With goals, its something we are aiming for.
Around the first of the year, we always see people making resolutions. Ive done the same thing before but they have never really stuck. Ive always become disappointed because of this.

This year, I want goals. I have things I want to achieve but if I dont have the time or ability to do everything I aim for, I dont want to be a disappointment to myself.

Completing the 30 Day Challenge had my list out some(10) goals that Id like to accomplish this year. I want to expand on them a little bit more so I know specifically what I want from myself & maybe others know what to expect. I also want to list more because I surely have more than 10 things I want to aim for, even if they are small.

So, here are some of my goals for 2013. The first 10 were done for the challenge, after that Im adding them now. They are in no order of importance, though!

1. Read more - I LOVE LOVE LOVE reading. When I was younger it was Goosebumps or Harry Potter (lame, I know LOL). As I got a little older I expended my interests but its always been something Ive enjoyed. Having children, a husband, work, school...that all takes up a lot of time - time that I love spending with them..But Im realizing that the older I get, Im losing myself. I dont really do things I enjoy or put effort into myself because itsput into other people. So, one of the things Id love to do to get back to enjoying myself and my interests will be to read more.

2. Make SSgt - Ive been in the military 5 years now. Ive tested twice for SSgt but to be honest, I never wanted to make it. I was pregnant, wokint 12-14 hour shifts. All I kept thinking was "why would I put more responsibility on myself by making the next rank". People mentioned money, but really, the amount that it increases wasnt enough to make me want it. Now, with so much time in, being the person at this base the longest, people look to me for the answers. Im being held to those standards, even without the pay. Its now time to buckle down and make that extra stripe, so Im paid for what my effort is.

3. Become DONA certified - This....this has many steps to it, really. In this realm, I have goals to become a doula that is available for the pregnancy, labor and delivery, post partum as well as becoming a lactation consultant, a sonographer and in my current area of placenta services. After 5 pregnancies, a miscarriage, a stillborn (after induction) and 3 beautiful daughters, I can say that I absolutely love pregnancy. I love labor and delvery, breastfeeding...I love it. BUT I also know that at some point it has to come to a stop for myself. I cannot continue to pop babies out. There is a limit for me. But the part of me that urges to help others and the part of me that loves this aspect of being a woman and motherhood match up so well. This is something that will take many years. Im not ignorant enough to believe I can achieve all of this, while working, raising children, married, etc. etc. But by breaking it up into steps and taking things day by day, I believe that becoming a birth doula is a great way to begin my journey.

4. Accomplish my CCAF - Im SO close to this one, I know I can do this by the end of the year. I have 2 classes. TWO! untill Im finished. I have one management and my math. So, technically I have probably 3 classes to take (because Im re doing my math) but that is completely manageable within a year.

5. Own a home - This is something we are currently looking into. We are tired of renting. Pretty much throwing our cash in the trash and helping other people. Im tired of not being able to decorate or not wanting to do certain things because its not "my house". This is something that I feel Im going to have to settle in some way because of. Either the location or the house itself. We want a home that is not right on top of another one, yet doesnt look like garbage. I wouldnt mind renovating a bit, but I would hate to end up like those people on Love It or List It who said they would renovate and 10 years later still havent done anything.

6. Become more organized - I want to become financially, mentally, physically organized. I want to have the house on a cleaning schedule - but one that I actually keep up with. I want to get a financial plan set up, more than what we have now. I want to have a schedule that I work out. I want as little surprises as possible.

7. Love myself - Lets just say, that right now, I just dont. I dont like my health, my fitness, my attitude...There really isnt much that I can say that I do like. I forget things often and cant keep up with the things I do get done.This needs to change. I want to focus more energy on myself, while still keeping the family afloat. I want to start going tanning again, I want to have some type of hairstyle I love, make up that I have and love. I need a new wardrobe. I need to get into better shape for my health and appearance. I want to be happy alone, with family. I want to rely and need only myself to be satisfied. I want to have better anger management and better memory. The physical things are easy to "fix" its the inner workings that are going to take a bit more time and working. many of my other goals seem to reflect here. A skill/hobby, getting into shape, starting school, becoming organized, accomplishing school and certifications...I feel like all of that has to come in to play in order to love myself. & I plan on working on all of this. If at the end of the year Im not 100% where I want to be, but I do see changes, then I will be happy!

8. Spend more quality time with Family - This is a big one for me. While I cannot control other people, such as my husband or make my children want to spend time with me...I sure can try haha. They dont like a nagging mother or wife so Id like to find things we all enjoy to do together. I decided that I would be doing at least one craft a month with my girls. I think they will enjoy that. I plan on watching more tv and taking them outside more. Im not sure what to do with the husband. He cheats at games ;) and he enjoys things that Ive never really known about before we married. So, even after 6 (almost 7! OMG) years, we still have learning and forming to do in order to make the quality time work for both of us. I do feel that it is obtainable though, and I will make this work. Our entire family and structure depends on this one.

9. Develop a skill/craft/hobby - There are so many things that I have seen and wanted to be able to do. Crochet. Make bows. Paint. Photography. Sewing. Digital artwork. Bicycling. Hiking. Swimming. Running. Working out. Cooking. Blogging. Couponing. So many things, yet I dont have the resources. I dont have the money to buy the equipment/crafting materials or I feel like I dont have the time or the talent. I want to find mu nicht. When Im lonely and everyone else has plans or isnt interested, there HAS to be something I can do to entertain myself that I will enjoy. Blogging is one thing that I really found that I enjoy since life has gotten hectic. This is the place that I can talk and show things that people can go and look at. Noone has to look at this, therefor Im not nagging anyone and not boring them. I would like to find other things though...And Im hoping that this year, especially with moving back to Ohio, some of my old hobbies can come back to life!

10. Develop financial security - Right now in my name I have about 3 open credit accounds with limits on them. I want these paid off. I want to be able to use them responsibily and in smart ways if I do decide to use them. I want to continue to grow my mutual fund and grow my retirement fund/life ins policy. I want to create savings for events and savings that we can access easy for emergencies. I want to develop better self control. I want to not have to live month to month or be able to go out on a whim and buy something Id love. Id like to have the money to back us up when something goes wrong with the house. I want to have the money to pay for the truck and trailor our family wants. I want the money to put my kids into activies and to do crafts. I want to get my husbands accounts paid off. This is a huge one for me. Growing up my parents didnt teach me anything about money. I was talking to my mother the other day and called her out on it. Her excuse was that she never had anyone else show her what to do properly. I DO NOT want my children to learn the way we did. I still need to figure out (and soon) ways to teach them and help them (mostly Adrianna right now) how to manage their finances, their credit and their future.

11. Get into better shape/lose some weight - This has kinda already been mentioned, but I want to lose some weight(fat) and get into better shape (knowing my weight may rise if I gain muscle). I submitted my coaching paperwork for Beachbody yesterday. I want to take this and run with it. I need to look at the Beachbody programs again and decide which I want to start. I plan to begin Shakeology in the beginning of next month. I want to start (Im currently trying, I still have slip ups, but thats okay) eating better. I have seen the results friends have been coaching with Beachbody and using Shakeo and have had amazing results. I just need to stay focused.

12. Start schooling for sonography (as long as it fits my work schedule) - I plan on getting in touch with Kettering College very soon. I plan to see if my work schedule will work for their classes. If it does, I intend on starting the pre reqs for Sonography once I get to Wright Patt and submitting an application to the Sonography program once I complete those. If their schedules wont mesh with mine, then I need to decide what I want to do right now. I am going to complete my CCAF for sure. Whats after that, if sonography doesnt work is most likely my doula certifications and possibly the gridwork for a small business my husband and I have been discussing recently.

13. Increase my credit - Right now, due to my past decisions, its not the greatest. Through paying off debt and using our credit cards responsibility, I hope to increase my credit. Im sure this is going to take some time but if I can accomplish one part of this, this year - Ill consider it a success.

14. Develop education for our children (Financial, etc) - Something I just thought of as I was writing this. I guess its not something that Im just thinking about. Its more like something that I need to research ideas on and figure out what I want to do exactly. Im sure Ill post more information on this later :)

15. Establish a new website - Thats all I want to say about this. Once I get it organized and up and running, Ill post more about it!

30-Day Organization Challenge: Day 3 - Goals

We had to compile 10 goals today. We will do this 3 more times during the challenge; once a week - without looking back at our goals. I wanted to share my 10 goals and then while Im thinking of it, just jot down things I hope to achieve this year, because it seems there are more than 10!

For anyone that cannot see the photo, I have the following listed:
1. Read more
2. Make SSgt
3. Become DONA certified
4. Accomplish my CCAF
5. Own a home
6. Become more organized
7. Love myself
8. Spend more quality time with Family
9. Develop a skill/craft/hobby
10. Develop financial security.

Mission Organization: 52-Week Money Challenge

Was one of your goals to save extra money this year?! Does an extra $1300 sound good to you? Me too! A friend shared this with me and I decided that Im going to partake this year. We already have an envelope Christmas fund set up but this looks extremely easy! We set up our account tonight for it & I thought Id share it!

Favorite Meals: DINNER > Garlic-Ginger Chicken Thighs

Here is the photo and recipe I started with:

Ingredients

• 2 pounds skin-on, boneless chicken thighs
• 1 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons minced peeled ginger
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup fresh tangerine or orange juice
• Freshly ground pepper
• Vegetable oil, for the grill

Directions

Combine the chicken, onion, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, juice and 1 teaspoon pepper in a large resealable plastic bag. Seal and shake to coat the chicken with the marinade. Refrigerate 1 hour or overnight.
Preheat a grill to medium high and oil the grate. Grill the chicken skin-side down until marked, 5 to 6 minutes. Flip and continue to grill until cooked through, about 5 more minutes. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Mission Organization: Minimum Daily Cleaning

I decided last year that I wanted to come up with my own cleaning list. Something minimal that has to be done before I get on the computer or do other things that I enjoy for the night and something in depth that I can ensure a clean and orderly house at all times. Im still working on the very detailed portion but last night my husband and I worked out the minmal checklist for us to do.
We want to buy a house this year but I refuse to do so if we cant keep one that we are renting under control.
Here is the minimal list that I have so far; Im happy to say I finished it tonight before relaxing. While my house isnt spotless, I dont want to burn myself out, which happens when I do a ton in one day.

As I get the rest worked out, Ill post :)

30-Day Organization Challenge: Day 2 - Priorities

Priorities – 30 Day Challenge worksheet

1. Priority Brainstorm: Use the area below to list any and all areas of importance to you in your life today. The bigger the list the better! Think about what makes you happy, what gives you pride, what you wish to be remembered by at the end of your life, what you want people to know was most important to you. Consider what makes you feel good about yourself, gives you confidence and what gives you pride. 
Family*
Money
Stability *
Success
Helping others*
Cleanliness*
Fitness*
Achievements

2. Now star the top five areas of importance to you.

3. Next, write down your top three priorities in no particular order–
Family, Stability, Achievements



4. Rewrite the above list in order of importance to you.

My number one priority is family

My number two priority is stability

My number three priority are my achievements

5. Take the priority you’ve listed as number one and complete the following statements:

The reason why I have placed the greatest importance on this area of my life is because:  My family will always love me and stand by my side. I am my families rock and they count on my for support. My family is my friends and I want only the best for them.

I will honor my number one priority by vowing to do my best to always:  being honest, hardworking, dedicated and supportive.

The following action(s) would be inconsistent with my commitment to my number one priority: to put other people, activities, goals in front of my family’s stability, success and happiness.

To honor my number on priority I will limit: The time I spend on the computer or doing other things that will take away from my goals.

To live my life according to my number one priority I need to make the following changes: Spending less time on the computer, on my phone, watching tv. Spending more time with my children, doing crafts, taking them outside. Trying to make sure that my husband is first and we spend as much time as possible together without driving each other crazy.

6. Be as detailed as possible. Create a Top Priority clarity statement in the space below:



My number one priority is my family. I want to spend more time with my family talking and listening to them, doing activities, going places, caring for them and being happy around each other. I want to make sure my family is financially supported, living in a clean life and supported in every aspect. I want my family to be healthy, taking in healthy foods and partaking in healthy activities. I want everyone in my family to have goals and succeed in them.

Mission Organization: Planner/Envelopes/Finances

Part of my organization this year includes not only being organized with all of our junk but also financially, physically, mentally..., all around, really. While at the store the other night I picked up some things that I have been needing (wanting?) to get things straightened out. I picked up a printer, a cash logging book, a new planner and some envelopes to start saving cash in. One major thing I want to save cash for is Christmas. Year after year I always tell myself I want to save so we are set and dont have to worry the following year. But again and again, it doesnt happen. I think that doing it electronically kinda messes with my head. Its much easier to spend when its a card youre swiping. This year, Im doing the envelop method; there is 60 in there so far. I have some other ideas I might start saving this way, but for now Im okay with Christmas cash. So, back to things I purchased.

Everything together

Inside of the cash book. I plan on taking this with me so I can balance my account out after my transactions.

Right inside, on the first page, I added my bills that are due on either the 1st or 15th pay. I hope to change my pay to once a month soon, but for now, this is when I pay them. I often dont get on my laptop and thats where I have the electronic version of this. Now, Ill have it on me at all times.

The planner is just your normal planner. It has a month and week by week view. With my PCS coming up and all the plans Im making, I have a feeling it can only help!