National Adoption Month and November to Remember with Younique

Did you know that it is National Adoption Month?!? As November seems to be flying by, and I'm trying to just keep afloat, I have a few fundraisers going on to support friends who will be adopting. It has been fun to be able to be in a position to pay it forward by having a blast with Younique.

Remember the widow I was supporting in Project Gillen?!? She is now re-married and they plan to adopt a sibling group.  I'm currently in the middle of an online party with Younique and I'm donating to their adoption costs.  If you want to participate in this party please visit this link: Leah's lash party and click on shop my party. This party ends on November 22, 2014.

And, today, I just started another adoption fundraiser for the Martindale family. They have 2 biological children of their own and are in the process of fundraising for an adoption. I get the honor of supporting them through this party: Martindale Adoption Fundraiser

Please let me know if you want to participate in any of these parties on Facebook. Or feel free to make your purchase through 1 of these parties.

And, if any of you are wondering what Younique is all about, please take a few minutes watch this video:

If the video isn't loading, here's the direct link to watch it: Younique November to Remember

I'm continually amazed at what is happening with this young company and am excited to continue to be able to not only wear these cosmetics, but share it with others.

Reflections on loss

Currently I'm going through Jennie Allen's study called: Restless.  It is so amazing to see how God works.  This week the study is on suffering and so many things spoke to me as I read what she wrote.

 

Here's a few quotes from Chapter 3:

You have to thank God for the seemingly good and the seemingly bad, because really, we don't know the difference.

 

He is not a God unfamiliar with suffering.

 

God wrote suffering into our stories and wants to redeem it for his glory.

 

 

I would have to say that losing my Mom is the biggest loss I've ever experienced. There are days I yell and scream at God because it is so hard to accept that my Mom is no longer on this earth.  It isn't easy being left behind. Of course I miss her and want to spend time with her.  To just live life with her.

 

But, amidst this grieving process, I can see God working.  So many people throughout the world, especially Dominica, have been touched by my Mom's life and the way she lived her life.  People are coming to know God because of how my parents met them and loved them.

 

I feel like I live with more purpose now.  To pay it forward and live openly for God.  Not that I wasn't doing this before, but God has a way of teaching that has reminded me that I'm not promised tomorrow here on earth.  Anything can happen and living boldly for God is definitely my priority.

 

I have peace knowing my Mom is no longer suffering physical pain.  She has been healed in more ways than one. Growing up I knew she was in pain, but as Lupus progressed her pain intensified. And, I know I will see her someday when we are reunited in heaven. I have to remind myself of these things on my roughest days!

 

I may not like what my summer of loss brought me.  And, quite honestly, grieving sucks.  But I'm trying to embrace the lessons God is teaching me.

 

Here's a quote from my Mom that I want to remember as I continue on this journey:

" when it comes to obedience to the call of God and my eternity...I will do whatever He asks of me."

 

 

**If you have experienced deep loss in your life, I highly recommend attending Griefshare.  I have only attended 1 class, but it is something I will continue attend.

 

And, for those interested in supporting the Church of the Nazarene in Dominica, here's an update from caringbridge about a Memorial for my Mom:

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/carrienichols/journal/view/id/5452939fca16b4827c803e0e

 

 

 



Friday Fave: organizing at it's finest

Ok, so organizing is NOT my favorite thing to do. But when I find a thrifty way to organize that's quick and easy, that's my favorite! And, I'm starting to make progress on my office which has continued to stay a mess amidst the craziness of life. But my focus has changed. Instead of just closing the door and letting things pile up in that room I have decided it HAS to get organized! I've had this in my plans since moving into our house almost a year ago, but other things (survival) were my priority. And, my office is the 1 room my youngest doesn't go into, so instead of having that be my catch all room it needs to be my space...

 

This room also has my treadmill, Bubbles(yes I named my treadmill, now BACK OFF).

My office needs to stay clean just for my adventures in exercise. The rainy season is basically here in the Pacific Northwest and I'm ready to make sure Bubbles is ready to help me stay active (see, doesn't that sound more exciting than treadmill?!?).

Anyway, back to what I put together in a short amount of time. Do any of you have Quaker granola bar boxes at your house? I needed an easy way to store coloring books and construction paper.  Gather up those boxes and some duct tape for your creation:

 

 

 

There ya go, easy peasy!  Oh, the possibilities with this craft. Someday I'll make it look pretty with wrapping paper, but I needed the storage NOW!



September 4th will never be the same...

You would think that on my Mom's birthday I might have a different emotion. But this morning I was angry.

Angry that on my daughters 1st day of 1st grade a few days ago I couldn't call my Mom and cry together over my baby growing up.

Angry that on my Mom's birthday I didn't have it in me to tell my daughter it is her Mammie's birthday because I didn't want to have her think about it all day at school without me.

Angry that I can't call my Mom and sing the birthday song as horribly and off key as possible.

I'm angry that  my son won't have a memory of his Mammie other than what we tell him.

Angry that I'm even in this situation.

 

Angry over being angry, and how much it hurts.

 

And, then, just like that as I was getting ready to head out the door to spend time with others focusing on health. 

My anger evaporated.

I spent time with amazing people willing to listen to me despite my tears. 

Agreeing that it is ok to feel so deeply.

I also had lots of texts from dear friends saying they were praying for me today.

And, when I got home this was waiting for me on my doorstep:

 

It is beautiful! And, my Mom loved roses!

Happy Birthday Mom, I wish I could deliver these flowers to you in person!

 

 

Thank you my dear friends and family who are praying and supporting us through this time!

I know I will look back on this time and see how God carried me!

 

 

And, thank you to a new friend for sharing this quote from my Mom about going to Dominica:

" when it comes to obedience to the call of God and my eternity...I will do whatever He asks of me." 

 

 

Monday Motivation

May 28th, 2014 marked the day I started my new journey of focusing on health and wellness.

I saw changes right away, but there were more changes in my life I didn't know were coming.

 July 5th I lost my sister in law Rachael.

 August 7th I lost my Mom.

 

On a more positive note, I continued making healthy eating choices. 

The stress made me dig in my heals and say:  I'm doing this no matter what!


More to come at a later date..
However, I want to pay if forward.
Please contact me if you are interested in focusing on your health too!
healthylifewithangie@gmail.com



Back to school

 

 

Right now I'm getting my daughter ready for the 1st grade.  And, it's hard. 

 

This time last year my Mom came shopping with us to get Beth ready for kindergarten.  Growing up my Mom always made getting ready for school fun.  She would take each of us shopping separately and it was our day to get new clothes.  We would spend the day 1 on 1 with her.  I always looked forward to that day every summer. She always had a hard time that 1st day we were back at school.  I get it now, I totally get it.

 

This summer with my daughter we were going to be prepping not only for school but for my parents visit in September. That visit was so close, I kept telling my mom:  "Hang in there, I get to hug you in person soon." Oh, how I'd love to hug her right now.

 

I'm writing this amidst sobs. I know my Mom is in heaven and no longer hurting.  But we all miss her so very much. She had a way of making every little thing a celebration. She had a way of knowing when you needed encouragement and gave you those encouraging words you needed to hear. She loved deeply.

 

I will miss her everyday of my life here on earth.

 

 

 

My brother put together this slideshow, it's a great

tribute.

Grief and Loss

Most of you already know that I lost my dear sister in law, Rachael, in July.  What I haven't done is update this blog on losing my Mom.  God took her home just about a week ago. You can see more information here: http://mytoughmama.com/

I have lost 2 very influential people in my life this summer. It hurts and it hurts deeply. Rachael was a true sister to me.  My Mom was an awesome mom.

Tears continue to come freely.  I had a moment when I wanted to call Rachael to ask her what I should wear to my Mom's service on Tuesday.  And, I've had several moments where I've wanted to send my Mom another imessage so she could see pictures of my kids or just say I love you.  But she's not on the other end of her ipad in Dominica anymore.  And, it hurts, Oh, it hurts. I know I will have times like these for the rest of my life.

So many people are missing her.  My Dad, my family, all of our extended family and the list goes on.  But there is our church family in Dominica that lost a very important person in their community.  Although my parents were in Dominica together for a short time my Mom made an impact on everyone there.  She loved her community and showed God through her actions. That is how she lived her life.

To all of you in Bataca:  I'm praying for your loss. I wish there wasn't so much distance so I could hug all of you and tell you how much my mom cared for you. I'm so glad you were able to spend time with her and see her passion for God.  I pray it has ignited a passion in you to live to the fullest for God.  And, quite frankly, I want to see all of you in heaven!

I don't understand many things that happen this side of heaven. I don't understand why I've lost 2 very special people in the same summer.  What I will continue to cling to is my faith in God, who loves and cares for me.

This was my Mom's life verse, and it is something I'm clinging to now.