True North A Roadmap for Discernment - Book Review/Recommendation

Ok don't let the whole "LifeTeen" logo deter you from this read because even though it's catered more for the teenage group/youth group level the way the world is turning out, I feel like this is even something adults now a days should read! As a parent this is going to be on my bookshelf as a read for my kids once they're of age (even if they aren't "lost" cause they sure aren't right now even in their faith life convictions). 

The way it's written I feel like there could be a correlation to the adults who didn't or haven't healed in some upbringing circumstances but the examples and manner in which things are explained, the author did really well!

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman

Holy Moments - Book Review/Recommendation

Holy Moments by Matthew Kelly was a great find and a great quick read. If you're not really a reader or perhaps an avid reader this is one for you. It's to the point and a solid read. 

I was intrigued by what the potential results could be for the reader, and it allows one to reflect on their own contributions to the world from the home to community then on a global capacity. Changing the world with a simple belief or rule of life. It really was well written for the manner in which explanations or examples are articulated. 

When you finish the read, you realize it's a good read for any journey in life. The smallest of efforts and its massive domino effect in the world brings you to valuing the simple daily moments of both grace and divine interaction. 

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman 

Children's Understanding of Space & Organization - General/Family Life

This post isn't a knock at the school districts nor an attack at school systems in general, it is a direct appointed opinion based off of witnessing other parents/parenting styles at play in society. This post is my take on the fact that I believe the success rate of the academic life of a child depends on how the upbringing of that child is/was. If you're asking, "what do you mean?" Then here we go!

I started noticing with a more critical eye how other parents and specifically mothers were, since my children were born. It was a re-evaluation and recalibrating of thought process and systems I was going to put into action, but the core belief and the core foundation of what leads my parenting style is both biblical as well as evolving the past parenting styles. It's kind of sad really, because we literally cannot raise our kids the way our parents raised us unless you started since pregnancy! One of the main contributors as to why we can't raise our kids the way we grew up is that the world we grew up in no longer exists.

I never understood the completely disarrayed houses of family's whether they had one child or ten! My mother and her mother and the mothers before those, all instilled the rule of "you play with one toy at a time, and you pick up what you aren't playing with." Granted I won't lie its harder and harder to remind for some reason as children get older, but I don't care if I'm a damned tape recorder as long as it stays in their little heads! Also as a rational OCD working professional who likes documentation and logs or a data entry logging archive, I decided very quickly how I wanted to reinforce certain things, so hence all the organization and different home pictures I've taken of the years.

The method to my madness is to be able to reinforce visually that they can't refute or deny because they lived it and I raised them in it, so it's not just a story or she said baseline of correction and discipline. They can actually see what I'm discussing or arguing or disciplining them about firsthand because they weren't slobs before and I never raised them that way. Some of you "free spirit" parents will most likely read this and think "but their just kids" - yea and then when they're slobs or can't take care of themselves make sure you have that mirror nearby to look at yourself...

Now I do fully understand that not all families are blessed with big spaces or separate rooms and so forth, which is why the size of your home has to come into play in how you organize things for your children and your parenting style...I always had and will always have my daughters sharing a bedroom until the appropriate time, same with their toys room or area of play-but what they will never have is that the family room or where family members stay to visit be basically another toys room for all their toys and books and items thrown everywhere! Heck no! So shared spaces and environments was a first in my book and striving for a visually vast space was always my goal so that they felt it big enough to play separately and be able to see all that they had to play with. 

My second goal was to always provide them their own space to call their own with the responsibility that came with that space. Mommy would help and they understood it, but it was always up to them, and it was their first chore always. My mother was a huge help to reinforce that home rule while they were growing up, and she was helping me while I worked outside the home. Kids flourish when they are given a responsibility and do it well; shoot even when they don't do it well it provides them the ability to cope with their own sense of failure but that they can try again later and do it better once more.

A different home with a more confined space but that's alright considering how they were trying to place focused attention on tasks AND were specifically playing with very little categories of toys. This toys room and the daily life was definitely more outdoors and in the family room for their growth in this home, I remember vividly...

What we always end up doing is after a move, everything is placed in their designated rooms and storage areas but then soon thereafter once the entire house is situated in the daily functions and all boxes have been unpacked! 

I start to look into organizing/reorganizing or perhaps just trying to find a better flow for the children to continue to progress in their little lives. So, I've always placed close attention to what they play with and what they don't so as to find the right bins, storage containers, give away/donate, or just repurpose on a shelf somewhere else. It may start a certain way but then the end result is more functional and cleaner for them.

Now we're coming into the actual toys room. This was always one of the best lit rooms of the entire house, not just saying that either. I was determined to ensure that the lights were in the right locations for their photometrics of the light rays for both reading and play!

Below is when we cleaned out and cleared out material, items, and toys that were just not used any longer and could be donated. A little more uniformity and balancing out of how much "ownership" from each sister had in the room. 

What our children start doing since birth become the habits (whether good or bad) that as a parent we discern if its right or wrong to prepare them and guide them, because if they grow up unprepared (organized, clean, tidy, etc) it's no one's fault but your own... 

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman 

Front Door Mosquito Sliding Net - Amazon Product Review

Retractable Screen Door

Growing up I remember so vividly the well-designed front door that allowed for basically three types of doors in one. There was the retractable mesh door part that was to the very exterior face of the door, then there was a glass door that locked where you could easily see inside the house as well as anyone inside could see outside; of course with the last layer of the door being the solid wood framed door that had a beautiful design but no true windows or visible access to the outside looking inside the house. 

Why am I mentioning that you might be asking yourself. Well, for starters I have yet to purchase my own home and with that being said I have been a renter for a while now. Sadly, the rental properties are either super cheap and without any true furnishings to the home design being either an apartment, condo, or even townhome/duplex or stand-alone house. Then there's the opposite side of the spectrum which is super expensive with great features and quality appliances as well as square footage and the quality of materials used throughout, just immaculate BUT it's an arm and a leg to move in or the monthly rent is more than what a mortgage would be! So, since there is typically no true medium on the rental spectrum compromising is a must to be able to find your happy place or better yet a place that you call home. So, with all that having been said now I come in with the point of today's post!

Screen doors or mesh doors for when there's beautiful weather outside, but you want to keep the bugs and pesky flying bugs away and at bay! Mesh doors have always worked wonderfully again the flies and mosquitos infesting into your home SO after some extensive looking and research! I found the one I really liked and look forward to continuing using!

If you're looking at something that's easy to install and can be a one-person project, work effectively and looks great! This is the product for your bug relief! 

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman 

Utah Adventures Pt 1 - General/Family/Recommendations

Obviously when someone says mountains or wanting a trip into the mountains, they think perhaps Washington state or more so Colorado for its Rocky Mountains region, maybe some Montana or Wyoming. Though many may feel that those are better options especially because of the climates overall, but there are some nice hidden gems within the state of Utah, more specifically around the Salt Lake City area. I know Utah, red rocks and heat and hiking, however that's not really what I think makes the state and more so the city vast in the options it gives you when you're taking a quick getaway, vacationing for a while or perhaps even living there for a timeframe. 

Why do I personally say that? Well not only because of my adventures through there which I'll get to, but because of the work opportunity that allowed my family and I some ample time there. Located in a good chunk of the state are the Wasatch Mountains which is a subrange of the Rocky Mountains. Of course, Colorado is known for its locations/cities and traveling fun, but don't you worry because Utah isn't too far behind especially when you want to pinch some funds and explore/enjoy more...just saying. Don't get me wrong some areas in Utah are just as expensive as areas in Colorado, but whether for a couple vacationing or a family, you can plan a more fulfilled trip to Utah without losing an arm and a leg and still splurge some, compared to that of the cities in Colorado which are more known FOR their mountain ventures and snowy seasons; let's face it, even during their off seasons in Colorado they are pretty high in costs! Compared to that of Utah, it's a year-round ability to travel as well as vacation on your dime. Something feasible, realistic, enjoyable, satisfying, spell binding in its own ways, and still plenty to explore and submerge the pallet as well!

To begin our Utah adventures, we will start with one of our all-time favorites at a location and place that we frequented with a high quantity! Whether it was just us three musketeers or also including my uncle, my parents, and my sister. It wasn't just one gorgeous drive through the mountain landscape, but the highway was impressively well maintained in any weather (slick rain or ice and during the winter snowy season). The Stein Eriksen Lodge in Park City. There are two routes to the destination, and both provide ample mountain views, overlooks, and a memorable experience while driving. The route I mentioned above is the easiest and shorter of routes because it takes you through main large highways constantly supervised and accessed by all travelers. The second route is more for the locals, scenic and long rides, or where you just want to take a longer route, then be my guest. So the main and fastest route takes you into and then to the outskirts of Salt Lake City, where you depart SLC city limits into the mountain canvas with high and low turns and one heck of an adrenaline and fun strip of driving. As you get closer to Park City, you can see the practice grounds for the skiing and bobsled practice area for the Winter Olympics along with all the shops for both the natives, locals, as well as the visitors. You pass quaint little areas and then your route takes you into the heart of Park City to see some beautiful housing and condos and ski resorts/spots. To get the sites entrance you drive through Park City to the "back" of the city, more towards the mountains and take a road that winds you up one of the mountain ridge lines where other homes, condos, and living rentals are; leading to the main entrance for checking in to the Lodge Resort or to valet for the experience of dining. 

Whether it's Sunday Brunch or dinner time the restaurant truly NEVER disappoints and even as the weather gets cold or the nights are a little cool in temperatures the seating outside to be still be served a full meal is one of the most luxurious feelings in the mountains, I've experienced in forever or more like for the first time but it soon becomes the first time every time! They keep fresh clean and warm blankets on hand for their evening dining on the fire pit tables. Depending on the time you go it's definitely an experience you have to have!

We sadly (although not really because it was awesome, we're just blessed for the continued opportunities) were there so many times that the Valet's always knew it was us with our vehicles whether it was my vehicle or that of my folks. They actually knew my daughters by name and always made sure to open both of their doors for exiting the vehicle. I'll admit it felt pretty damn good to be "known" from entry to table and exit but that was built over time obviously, however they detail that they entire staff went into catering to us or providing us an awesome experience every time (whether it was because of sincerity of their job) paid off because we sure kept coming back!

Oddly enough this was one of the few places that my mom even enjoyed sitting outside to eat! The weather like I mentioned allowed for it but it's the smell of nature and how well they treated the area that allowed for rodent and insect free enjoyment; more than likely why my mother never minded it. On rainy days we would obviously eat in their main dining area more but more often than nought, we almost always ate outside. They have pit tables for all sizes of parties and whether it was the warm season or not because of the mountains, you were guaranteed a cool night air to always warrant the firepit warmth.

Now their menu! Sunday Brunch was always worth it and oh so delicious from their various stations that ranged from all categories of food. It was a little hefty but so worth it and everyone ate well for the day (basically are one meal unless we went walking/biking later). As their website says, "traditional breakfast items along with a carving station, several hot entrées, a variety of salads and starches, shrimp, sushi, crab claws, salmon, fresh fruit, fresh crêpes station, omelet station, and house-made pastries (menu items are subject to change based on availability and seasonality)." Let me tell you there is PLENTY for their availability even seasonally. 

For their daily experience of delicious food for all courses and variable pricing but the best experience each and every time! It was Troll Hallen dining for us so that we could sit at the firepit tables. the entire dining experience is so tranquil and cozy as well as accommodatingly quick whether for a romantic setting, nostalgia, or a family night out. We would bring our north face fleece jackets or the thin north face wind breakers since we knew that the restaurant would provide us with freshly clean and warm blankets to cover us up with. I'll admit that the chairs weren't luxuriously cushioned and comfortable and yet they were comfortable to sit for our almost two-to-three-hour dining experience. Oh, we would always go through the entire menu from first course to last (meaning the dessert) and even the alcoholic beverages were - lordy I'm making my mouth water and the thought of it all while I type this and remember. 

My kiddos always had their dessert cup or bowl (again seasonal or special menu items) with their water and a cup of hot chocolate. It was truly a memorable experience whether it's your first or your one hundredth visit. 

So, make the time, plan a trip, and make memories on beautiful hikes as well as scenery. It won't disappoint. Come back for part two at another Utah location!

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman

Lake Mary & Lake Mary Trail, UTAH - General/Family/Adventure/Recommend

Adventuring was something I grew up with and so of course my girls would have the same experiences or close to in the ability to have low and high-cost adventures (depending on what God allowed of course.) With their ages being on the smaller side though in some instances and opportunities there was of course some adjustments to be made. 

What do I mean, well I've read and seen some horrible stories published or plastered on the news about families who have lost their toddler who fell to their death, or the baby who was harnessed on a parent but slipped out and died on a hiking trail, or a family traveling together on some treacherous off roading trail that's meant for experts but the family decides to still go anyway and the vehicle falls down the mountain killing all or in other instances parents are deceased leaving orphan children. The point is in all those circumstances it's up to God on who is called "Home" HOWEVER as parents it's our job to not knowingly or purposely put our kids and family at risk unnecessarily. Now my parents and sister could argue this point stating that I can throw caution to the wind so that we experience something but that's only because of how much hovering they've always done my entire life (lovingly and with good reasons for the most part). So though understandable from where they're coming from, I DO NOT put my kids at peril, but I also know that I'm not going to allow fear to enter into my mind or heart otherwise mistakes can be easily made and outside of God's plan. Like this particular post is about a hike that I'm taking with my two toddlers, but they are able to vocalize and communicate, carry their own little back packs of water and snacks, as well as be able to walk correctly and agilely. Therefore, leaving my two hands and senses alert and on the ready to grab and execute as needed for their safety. So, my point is that I waited until they were at least old enough to do certain adventurous things. 

My sister had found this location, and it wasn't necessarily some expert hike/climb, so it allowed for everyone to participate; my uncle, my parents, my sister, and us three musketeers to drive to this beautiful location. Take in the glorious creation God made in not just the drive there but soon after parking at the base of the mountain. Like always I packed all the essentials that the car could hold, made sure that the backpacks both my daughters were carrying had their own bottled water and at least three of their snacks, so I could hold and carry the rest in my backpack. My backpack had the large bottle waters, Gatorade, snack bars, fruit snacks, napkins, baby wipes, sanitizers, off spray, and my girls' jackets because once you got higher in elevation up the mountain the temperature was cooler.

So, there we all went up the hike with a few stop points to have everyone adjust and enjoy the trail as well as the sights in general. My goal was for my girls and I to have the snack while we rested and chilled the most at the top of the mountain where the lake was located. At the first stopping point is where my mom noticed that the girls were carrying their own things in their backpacks, actually so I do the dialogue justice its below:

Mom: You have them carrying their own stuff?!

Me: Well yeah because I'm carrying everything else.

Mom: They are little and can't carry the weight!

Me: Yes, they can and you didn't use to carry our things either!

Mom: Yea but I also didn't have you carrying heavy things either.

Me: It's not heavy it's one of the small bottles of waters they'll survive. I'm carrying the big ones; besides they need to be able to handle it and carry it themselves. Builds strength, character, and responsibility because they packed it themselves with the snacks, so I could carry the rest of the right snacks that they need.

The End

There were no other commentaries at the other mini rest breaks we took but the trail itself continued to prove itself beautiful and peaceful. People while walking down the trail from the lake while we climbed up. My sister planned the timing of the hike so that we weren't getting the full blast of heat from the sun regardless of the mountain. 

One of our favorite little pit stops was right before crossing over this little creek and wooden bridge there was an overlook with a serene sounding waterfall and a truly majestic view. 

The pictures don't give it justice so when you're there, just take as many deep breaths and mental pictures as you can. I made sure I had death grips on my children when we were on the boulder closest to the waterfall so you could feel the sprays of the misty water that was falling. When one was looking out the other, I instructed to death grip my leg and squat some to not only anchor her mother BUT to also balance her weight on the rocky area altogether. Once my uncle was with us, they wanted to go out each of them on the boulder, so I took my break at that point. 

We finally made our way past the dam structure and over more rocks and boulders. My being cautious and searching for any wildlife as well as snakes, spiders, and any other creepy crawlers that like to stay within and around nice cool temperature rocks. We three settled on as flat an area as possible and that was very close to the water so we could relax once more before making the trail back down. I could see that the girls were getting tired and carrying them with the sun fast moving into sunset position was going to be close, so we went in search of my family back at the top area (because they had already passed us in their perusing of the area). 

I don't know why it's always easier to go up on mountain hikes but going DOWN, it takes a toll on the sense and body-I think it's because your mind knows you're about to completely dip your energy and just relax with no more sensory overload. My family helped me with the little ones on the going down. Where possible my uncle and I were swinging one daughter to make progress down the trail and my folks were doing the same with my other daughter (my uncle and I had my heavier weight daughter in hand). We made it to the very bottom where the vehicles were parked in record time and with the sun finally setting so that rays were pointing towards the sky and the mountain was covering the sun entirely. 

We did our wipe down, the girls were sweating and hungry so second snacks and food were provided and the girls went potty in the special private setup I had at the back of the car for them to not have to hold the restroom, especially since one was well past potty training and the second child was close to being completely potty trained and no incidents. Vehicles were loaded up and we made our way back home...

So, plan a trip, make a plan, experience a kind of peace that only you can receive when you mix faith and God's creation into the day. It's worth it believe me...

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman 

Broad Shoulders - General

When I first started school and mind you this is pre-k, I was already one very confident person but that was all personality and character NOT regarding or understanding that being confident about your body was another level and another layer of confidence. So, my Catholic private school had school uniforms and grade pre-k thru 1st grade you had to wear this jumper skirt that was over a white specific style shirt and then white socks and a specific brand of shoes (that all boys and girls would have to wear). At that age group it was white Keds tennis shoes.

You might be wondering what that has to do with this post? Well, I never paid attention to my physical attributes until much later in life and it was only because of others pointing it out. So, one thing began to become obvious to me because of how shirts or sports jerseys used to fit me. I didn't have some delicate physique nor was a puny thing, small but tall and able bodied. Then my sister would pinpoint my tomboy phase with my broad shoulder and that's where it started. Growing up in junior high and then into high school I knew I never looked completed docile, and my broad shoulders were always a factor. I actually really liked my high school uniform because it was an elegant style, sporty when desired, and it was a style that allowed me to actual "feel" feminine for a change. 

Broad shoulders was always a thing in my life, always a challenge for outfits whether in high school or in college. It was always trying to because my mother and sister would try to provide me outfits that I didn't like but that would "help you look good with your broad shoulder". I knew then and know still now that it was all with good intentions with probably the thoughts that it, I wouldn't be concerned but the fact it was something I didn't have a problem with, and others tried to insist on clothing that would be more flattering to my physique...it all went into another direction.

After many trials and errors as well as personal reflection and my life circumstances it was blatantly evident to me (but not to everyone else apparently, because of course at the time they didn't know that I was going to be married let alone also have kids). It didn't matter what exercises I did to lean out, stay toned, have muscle, and it also didn't matter what foods I was consuming either. I finally decided to accept what was mine. I also secretly liked how strong I was physically for lifting and weights so I knew it would be something for a reason.

With the deadbeat father I sadly chose for my kids the broader shoulders helped in my life as a mother. Not just the first time but especially more so when the second little one came into the world. I was always trying to ensure that my arms could hold them both, I strove to make sure that my arms and hands wouldn't be weak to hold them both whether at the same time or when I was with one and the other. It was a promise I made to myself not just once but twice during my emotional nights. I would pray and work at always having a solid hard grip, that the muscle memory in the arms as well as my wrists would be strengthened and challenged. To hold my precious gifts in my arms, carrying one in the front and back at the same time, or in whatever way fits. I will try what I can do maintain the strength that God gave me physically. Not many women are powerful in their lower and upper body, well naturally and without body building or bulking up of some kind. It's part of my motherhood strength and not a flaw. 

Embrace your shape by learning how it defines you and not how the world defines it. You'll be not only happier that way, but you'll know how to make it a part of what makes you attractively unique. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder-specifically speaking that's supposed to you your one and only that is.

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman