Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Much to do about Nothing

My dear late friend, Reeshemah told me when I went to her for business coaching that I was wasting my time trying to sell stuff. She told me that every time we went somewhere people asked me about parenting. Reeshemah reminded me that my husband and I were raising amazing kids and that we had a responsibility to share that with others.

All that went through my mind was how many ways I was a complete failure. We have struggled financially, many times not knowing how we were going to feed our kids. My kids are on the C team for sports, makes some B's, and are in the second band and orchestra. I love to write but my ADD shows. I get depressed, I am sensitive, whatever you can do wrong in life, I am sure I do it. Who in the world would want to listen to me? I clearly don't have all the answers. But maybe that is the key. Maybe I have just messed up so many times that might slowly be getting this parenting thing.

I would love to know there was another mom out there, struggling like me. When I look at Facebook and see how perfect everyone else looks, I want to know I can come somewhere and be real. My kids don't like me right now, my house is dirty, and I want to call it quits. But I am trying my hardest and do my best. And my best is enough. Because tomorrow I will do more and learn from today.

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

New Year, New Words

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The last few weeks everyone has started to "turn over a new leaf." Last year my husband and I vowed to lose weight. I am proud to say that we lost about 30 pounds a piece. So I started thinking, what do I want to work on this year? And the answer was obvious to me,  I want to work on the words that come out of my mouth and the ones that run through my mind. Here is my list.

1) I don't have time.  I can't stand hearing this words from other people. Sometimes I want to scream, we all have the same time, just say it wasn't important. I think we feel important if we can prove how busy we are running around but how many of us miss our favorite TV show? Instead I am going to start saying, it is not a priority right now.

2) I'll start/do it tomorrow. If it is important, I am going to start RIGHT NOW! I don't have to wait until Monday or January 1st. Instead I am going to say Carpe Diem!

3) My kids can wait. No one really says this out loud. But as a mom trying to balance 30 different things sometimes your kids get put on the back burner. It is okay to go on a date with your husband or go for a walk. That isn't what I am talking about. How many times are we so busy helping others that the people in our own family misses out? Or how many times have I answered emails, talked on the phone, or reposted something from Facebook while my kids wanted to talk to me? Instead my children will get my time and the best of it!

4)That's not fair.  This isn't an easy lesson for grown ups either. Life isn't going to be fair and waiting around for it to change is a waste of time. Instead I am going to be grateful for hard work.

5)I don't care. I am a very sensitive person. My husband who doesn't have an emotional bone in his body can not understand why things bother me. So I started pretending I don't care. I say it aloud when someone says something unkind or I mutter it under my breath when my heart is breaking but the truth is I do. And it makes me, well me. I do care. Instead I am going to allow myself to feel whatever I am feeling and then get over it.

6) That hurts my feelings. On the other hand, I can control my feelings. People will say mean things, do thoughtless stuff, not like me. My self worth can not be tied to anyone else but my Father in Heaven. I have to be okay with who I am and not judge me on the people who only see 10% of what goes on in my life. Instead I am give the power of my worth back to God and myself.

7) I don't want to get in the middle of it.  I hate those words! The world does not need any more middle ground, on the fence people! Stand up for what you believe in. Fight for the things that you hold dear. You can't get where you want to go if you don't know where you want to go in the first place. Instead I will be bold with my beliefs.

8) I just stay up a few more minutes. I should have made this number one! I can not soar with the eagles if I am up with the owls. I have to get the rest I need so I can have the strength to make my days matter. Instead I am going to set a bed time and keep it.

9) That person should...... The minute I start to judge someone else, I need to take a look inside myself. If I have time to become the expert on someone else's life I must not be doing enough in mine. I want people to become the best version of themselves when they are around me because they know I love them and see their worth and strengths. Instead I am going to keep my mouth shut. 

10) I have to do it. Nope, I don't. I want to do the things that will bring the most joy to my life, my families life, and the people around me . I might not want to do dishes but it makes my house a better place to live in and I want that. Instead I will say, I want to do that.

Monday, November 25, 2013

A Golden Story

Share Your Story With Amy


I once read that after delivering a baby, a woman has an over whelming psychological need to tell the story of the birth of her child over and over again. I know I have personally done this. Ask Blake. He has made it to six of seven births and while holding our newborn, I tell him everything that happened like he wasn't standing next to me.

We want to share those important moments with everyone around us. Those moments shape our life, they change our path, the inspire us, they make the person we see in the mirror. Big moments, little moments, ordinary, extraordinary, happy, sad. The best way to understand someone else? Learn their story.

We all have a story. Sometimes the best stories are the hardest to share. If you know me, you know I can't keep my mouth shut. I talk, a lot. There is little I won't tell the world. The last 3 years of my life have been something I don't like to talk about unless I absolutely have to. Long story short, we had a business we loved with clients who truly became family. And then, we lost our home trying to keep the doors open. Next came shutting the doors. We were homeless for three weeks, sleeping on the floor of a family members house until we could find a place to live. Our children lost all their toys, had to stop playing sports, and move into a hole in the wall 1000 square foot apartment. Nine people and one rescue dog in barely enough space to sit down in. My children have had Christmas the last two years because of the kindness of strangers and friends. I walk most places I need to go because my van has decided to retire. Some nights I cry myself to sleep because my children deserve so much better than the life we have provided for them.

 But every day, those darn beautiful, wonderful kids are grateful. Grateful for each other, thankful for electricity and running water, glad to have a roof over their head, and they are happy. Losing almost everything helped us find happiness and we didn't find it in a huge house, fancy car, expensive clothes or the newest toys. We found it in our family. We found it in the moments when we kneel to pray together and knowing that we have each others backs. We found it in the knowledge that no matter how far apart we are in distance, our heart is strong with the love we feel for one another.

When I first saw Origami Owl, it jumped at me. I had to share it with others because I could wear it every day as a reminder of my happiness, my inspiration, and my joy. The moments I want to quit and give up, eight faces push me forward. I get to wear my joy and share my story.

What is your story? Tell me what you have in your locket or what you would put in your locket if you don't have one yet and why. Send me a picture. You could win a medium gold locket.
Keep it and fill it with your story or give it away and help another find theirs.



Here is mine. Faith, Family, and a home.

The diamond ring represents my husband of 15 years and my 7 beautiful children. 

The apple reminds me of my grandmother. She would call them magic apples. You eat one of the magic apples and it will make you happy. I learned from her that happiness was my choice. 

The flag of the country I love! Books were my first best friend. And the Effel tower reminds me to dream. 




Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Exciting news!

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The WAITLIST is over! You can start your O2 journey today without any waiting. Contact me to get started. Or go to www.amymarie.origamiowl.com. My designer number is 15187. I would love to be your mentor! 

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Share Your Story With Amy







I can't believe the summer is almost over. It has gone by so quickly. My heart aches that my babies, my sweet babies will be spending most of the day away from  our home. I know that they will be doing great things at school. They will learn new things, they will grow up a little more each day. But I will miss them! My greatest blessings call me mom..

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Thank you!

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Thank you for your support! We hit our first mile stone, over 100 like on Facebook! 

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Build Your Story



I heard a story that stuck with me. A little girl walks into the woods. She sees two paths in front of  her. Confused she pondered what path she should take. An old man walks by and the little girl asks for his help. "What path should I take?"

"Where are you headed?"

"I don't know."

"Then, it doesn't matter."

Do we know where we are headed? If we don't any path will get us there. I started thinking about my children. As they start this school year, do they know what they want to accomplish?

Tonight we did our first locket party with a group of amazing little girls. One of my favorite teacher's, Mrs. Baird helped the girls pick the things they wanted to work on. She then helped them  pick actions they could work on, like reading 20 minutes a night or practicing the piano 4x a week. Next the girls picked charms to represent each goal.

Take some time to help your children prepare for this school year. Help them  shoot for the stars!