• Bouquet of Fresh Flowers

    Bouquet of flowers from my girls

    My girls know how to warm my heart.  Last week we spent some time with extended family in Vermont.  Jake’s grandpa has a green thumb and when we first moved into our house he brought down some of his iris bulbs from his garden.  Every year the girls pick some of PopPop’s flowers and bring them inside to make a fresh bouquet for a counter top.  Here is a picture of one of the bouquets they brought to me a few months ago.  Thankful for my girls and their little tokens of their appreciation that brightened my day.  Grateful for Grandpa for sharing his beautiful flowers so we can enjoy them every year.

  • Be My Valentine: I Will Always “Root” for You Handsome!

    Every once in awhile I like to get a special treat for my man!  It doesn’t have to be for any specific Holiday but this would be an easy way to say “I Love You” during the Valentine season.  For this special treat I picked up a six pack of IBC Rootbeer for Jake and put a sticky note on it that says “I will always “root” for you Handsome!”   I stuck the six pack with the note in the refrigerator, when Jake opens the door to get a drink he will find his cool treat.    He appreciates the thoughtfulness and the treat reminds him that I love him.  I am truly thankful for all he does for our family!

    I will always “root” for you Handsome!

  • Gift Giving: Small Spontaneous Tokens of Appreciation

    I love celebrations…..birthdays, Holidays, anniversaries, and more!  Most of the time I have a reason to celebrate, but other times it is just as much fun to surprise someone with a special unexpected treat.   Every once in awhile I will put a gift on the table or on a person’s plate or some other random place (in this case it is one sitting on Jake’s plate before dinner) for the fun of it.

    It doesn’t need to be fancy or expensive to be  meaningful.  A favorite box of candy or a roll of coins or a sweet note to greet them on their plate when they sit down for dinner is always appreciated.  It really is the thought that counts.

    During the Christmas Season I like to spread out the fun, so at various times throughout the Holidays my family may find a special surprise waiting for them in random places.  Yes, I do specific activities like our 12 Days of Christmas 2011 or 12 Days of Christmas 2010 to help spread out the gifts so it is not so overwhelming the day of Christmas, but these more more like small spontaneous tokens of my appreciation.  How do you show appreciation and spread extra Holiday cheer in your home throughout the season?

  • Way to GO!

    So proud of my man! XO

    My husband has to travel occasionally for work since he has teams he manages in various areas.  Sometimes the traveling is due to speaking engagements as well.  Earlier this year he had to travel for a Technology Summit speaking engagement where he was a keynote speaker.

    I am so proud of him and thankful for all his hard work!  He is a great provider for our family.  God has truly blessed us with many great opportunities.

    When he came home from this speaking engagement I had a case of Orange Crush waiting for him in the fridge.  On the carton was a note from me “Jake, Way to Go on your presentation! I love you! XOXO – Bridgette”

    Taking the time to pick up a special item, write a note, or some other activity to show appreciation for someone only takes a few minutes of your time, but the positive impact of your action is usually much greater.  Spend a few minutes coming up with a way to show someone you love how much you appreciate them today!  You and the one on the receiving end will be blessed by this thoughtful action.

  • Book: “Guess How Much I Love You” by Sam McBratney

    I was thinking about some of my favorite books I enjoy reading to the girls.  The book Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney is one I have read to our girls many times.  It is a great book for parents to read to little ones.  The book is about a small rabbit who is asking how much he is loved and comparing the love to things / objects around him.  It helps put “love” in a perspective that our children can understand.  The book is a good reminder to the kids and parent both.  It is important that we show our love and appreciation for our children not only by reading the book to them but in many other ways throughout the week – a hug, listening, spending time with them, and just appreciating them for who they are as individuals.

  • Be My Valentine: “I Love You” Memory Jar

    A gift I made for Jake many years ago! The rose is from one of our college dates!

    Are you looking for a unique Valentine’s gift this year packed full of love and memories?  I have created jars (or containers) full of memories for various occasions in the past and they have always been a huge hit with both kids and adults.  These little containers are easy to make and will be treasured by those who are on the receiving end.  It gives your family something to remind them your love and appreciation for them.  There are 5 super easy steps on how to make your own Jar of Memories:

    • Step 1 – Find 1  jar or container with a lid per person you want to create this gift for.  We have used anything from a cleaned out peanut butter jar to cute boxes on clearance from the Dollar Store.  Make sure it is a reasonable size so you can easily fill it up.

    Karlie's decorated "Memory Jar"! (Made out of a peanut butter container).
    • Step 2 – Decorate your container.  You can decorate with about anything paint, stickers, markers, ribbons, a simple written message on the outside or any other creative decorations.
    Papers for the girls "Memory Jars"!
    • Step 3 – Once you know the size of the container sit down for a few minutes and start writing a list (on paper or the computer) of positive attributes you appreciate in your spouse or child, great memories you’ve shared, phrases of love, and special times  with the person your giving the jar to.  Put each one on a separate line.  I usually keep my list on the computer or with me so I can fill it out over several days as I think of new things to add to it. It is fun to have a good mix of attributes, memories,  nicknames, events, etc…. be creative!
    Filling up Brina's "Memory Jar"!

    • Step 4 – After creating a list that is long enough to fill the container you have chosen print the phrases on colorful paper.  Cut out the phrases and fold them at least once then stick them into the container.  It is a good idea to do this a couple days before in case you need to add more to fill the container.  Fill up the container to the top.  I like to have it so full it is almost spilling out because when they open the gift it gives them a small visual picture of my overflowing love for them.
    Wrap your Memory Jar!
    • Step 5 – Wrap the container in tissue paper and tie it with a bow or give it to them as is. Take time when they open it to have them to pull out and read some of the great things you have written about them.  It is fun to hear them read out loud some of the memories, laughs, and phrases you have included in their jar packed full of memories.  Write a special note or favorite saying on the inside.  It is sure to bring a smile!

    It is important to reflect on the positive traits and memories you have with those you love.  I have done this for Valentine’s Day in the past as well as for other special events in our lives.  It is a great treasure chest full of positive memories for everyone to enjoy.  My husband still has the one I gave him years ago and the girls have theirs on the dresser.  Occasionally we will sit together and read through some of their memory notes.  When a person knows that they are loved and treasured it allows them the freedom to share the joy with others.

    “Be My Valentine” is a series of creative ways you can celebrate Valentine’s Day with those you love.  You can make it a special Holiday without spending a lot.  Spread a little extra cheer to those around you this Valentine’s Day!  Surprise your loved ones with a fun and thoughtful gift from the heart.  It is a great time to reflect on sweet memories as well as create new ones with whole family.  May this Valentine’s season be bursting with love for you!

  • “Flip the Coin”

    “Heads” orFlip the Coin “Tails”?!  Then….pause….with a moment of excitement before finding out if you are the winner of the toss.  We do not like to admit it, but there are  times when the coin lands in what appears to be our disadvantage.  Unfortunately, our first thoughts in these situations are not always encouraging or positive.

    A few weeks ago on a clear sunny day my husband was in a car accident.  The person that hit his car failed to stop in a timely manner.  My first reaction was of concern for him quickly followed by thoughts of  “we do not have time for this extra inconvenience right now.”   After several days I began trying to figure out ways to “Flip the Coin” and look at the positive side of the situation.

    • Thankfulness – Although the car is totaled my husband is still with us.  The car is much easier to replace!
    • Together Time – More time in the car together for communicating during the busy days.
    • Creativeness – You can creatively coordinate and balance an entire family’s schedule even when you only have one vehicle.
    • Appreciation – For Jake because he is a great Husband, Daddy, Friend and contributes to the family in so many ways.  Also, an appreciation for family and friends who encourage during the challenges of life.

    Find ways to “Flip the Coin” and make even the difficult circumstances a positive experience.  It will not always be easy to change your mindset but by being proactive and taking the time to think of ways to see the good will benefit you both personally and professionally.  We will still face obstacles along the path of life and situations out of our control so let’s remember to encourage one another especially during the tough times.  Do you have an example of how you were able to “Flip the Coin”?