the quote

If you came upon a person who was drowning, would you ask if he needs help, or would it be better to just jump in and save him from the deepening waters? The offer whilst well-meaning and often given: "Let me know if I can help?" is really no help at all.
(Ronald A. Rasband)

I remember reading this quote on Pinterest (yikes, I know) a few weeks ago, and its powerful message struck a loud chord with me.

I think I am this person.

"Can I bring you some brownies?"

"Do you need me to watch your kiddos?"

"What can I do to help?"

I remember once when my mother told me that I have great intentions, but that I need much more than that.  I think she quoted that, "Intentions pave the way to hell."  Ooh, what a dreary way to say what I needed to hear at the time!  And, as usual, those words of wisdom from a parent long ago did not really stick until just now.  Oh, why don't we always listen to our parents when we are young?

Anyway, I know that this has to stop.  Less offering, and more doing.  This will be a part of my little transformation.  And so, I offered and followed through with an intention this weekend.  And it felt so great!

Dane and I spent the night searching for bad guys in a video game (seriously, none could be found anywhere), protecting the youngest kids during the massive pillow fight, and monitoring Enzo as two little girls just gushed over him.  The four children were each incredibly full of energy (which we definitely weren't used to), but we had the time of our lives.  The Saturday night we spent babysitting was unforgettable!  For me, it was just as fun as a night on the town!

And what was even better:  as I drove home I just felt incredibly grateful...

Grateful I could serve.

Grateful for a fabulous husband and handsome little baby man.

Grateful that it felt so good to not be thinking so much about myself.

And I felt a little change deep inside, and I knew that this year was going to be one of the best years ever. I knew that I was bound for some great changes.  So, cheers to more doing and a bit less lip service.

And that is what this year is all about!

up and running

Today is May 1st.  Today also marks the beginning of my own LITTLE EXPERIMENT.

Lately I have become a bit too comfortable, and we all know what happens when we become this way-- NOTHING.So, I am starting an experiment to get me out of my comfort zone, to push me to new limits, to help me grow as a wife and mother, to simplify and determine what's most important, and to try new things.

Just thinking about this gives me some major BUTTERFLIES!  (My little heart just can't wait, but it is so scared at the same time!)

So, I am going to personally document the things I am doing to make life even better.  I have really stopped on the journal writing, so this will be my own little journal for the next year.  I am definitely writing for my own benefit, but if anyone else wants to come along for the ride, I am extending an open invitation.  It is going to be a FABULOUS year!

I would like to say that I really started today, but I think today added the urgency that this needs to happen NOW!  I can't believe that I am admitting this, but for the first time in my short nine months as a mother, I set E in his high chair, propping a bottle up for him, as I raced around our tiny kitchen playing an anxious clock-watching chef.  I just had to have a perfect meal ready for the husband when he got home from work, and I just couldn't let myself drop the multiple pots to spend a precious moment with the growing baby.  Come on, Kasi!  I have no idea how much longer my little guy is going to let me feed him; he is already an incredibly squirrelly little fellow when it comes to feedings.  Anyway, what I really want to say is that I think I sacrificed what is truly important today for something that is not quite as good.  A great meal on the table is good--actually, it is great (and I really want to reach deep down to find that gourmet chef somewhere)--but if I am missing out on some more important time with the baby, maybe something that doesn't require a bunch of attention and work would be better.

Anyway, I can hardly wait for all of the ADVENTURES coming in the next 365 days--from working on something I pinned on Pinterest, to developing new hobbies, to spending quality moments with family and friends, to being more comfortable flying by the seat of my pants, to whatever else life brings.  Earlier this week I told myself that I was too old to change my outlook/habits/life, but 27 is definitely a perfect time for this.

In fact, I can think of no better time than TODAY!