Me

Discipline

Your world needs to be predictable. It needs to be ordered and planned. So you instinctively impose structure on your world. You set up routines. You focus on timelines and deadlines. You break long-term projects into a series of specific short-term plans, and you work through each plan diligently. You are not necessarily neat and clean, but you do need precision. Faced with the inherent messiness of life, you want to feel in control. The routines, the timelines, the structure, all of these help create this feeling of control. Lacking this theme of Discipline, others may sometimes resent your need for order, but there need not be conflict. You must understand that not everyone feels your urge for predictability; they have other ways of getting things done. Likewise, you can help them understand and even appreciate your need for structure. Your dislike of surprises, your impatience with errors, your routines, and your detail orientation don’t need to be misinterpreted as controlling behaviors that box people in. Rather, these behaviors can be understood as your instinctive method for maintaining your progress and your productivity in the face of life’s many distractions.

Focus

“Where am I headed?” you ask yourself. You ask this question every day. Guided by this theme of Focus, you need a clear destination. Lacking one, your life and your work can quickly become frustrating. And so each year, each month, and even each week you set goals. These goals then serve as your compass, helping you determine priorities and make the necessary corrections to get back on course. Your Focus is powerful because it forces you to filter; you instinctively evaluate whether or not a particular action will help you move toward your goal. Those that don’t are ignored. In the end, then, your Focus forces you to be efficient. Naturally, the flip side of this is that it causes you to become impatient with delays, obstacles, and even tangents, no matter how intriguing they appear to be. This makes you an extremely valuable team member. When others start to wander down other avenues, you bring them back to the main road. Your Focus reminds everyone that if something is not helping you move toward your destination, then it is not important. And if it is not important, then it is not worth your time. You keep everyone on point.

Activator

“When can we start?” This is a recurring question in your life. You are impatient for action. You may concede that analysis has its uses or that debate and discussion can occasionally yield some valuable insights, but deep down you know that only action is real. Only action can make things happen. Only action leads to performance. Once a decision is made, you cannot not act. Others may worry that “there are still some things we don’t know,” but this doesn’t seem to slow you. If the decision has been made to go across town, you know that the fastest way to get there is to go stoplight to stoplight. You are not going to sit around waiting until all the lights have turned green. Besides, in your view, action and thinking are not opposites. In fact, guided by your Activator theme, you believe that action is the best device for learning. You make a decision, you take action, you look at the result, and you learn. This learning informs your next action and your next. How can you grow if you have nothing to react to? Well, you believe you can’t. You must put yourself out there. You must take the next step. It is the only way to keep your thinking fresh and informed. The bottom line is this: You know you will be judged not by what you say, not by what you think, but by what you get done. This does not frighten you. It pleases you.

Empathy

You can sense the emotions of those around you. You can feel what they are feeling as though their feelings are your own. Intuitively, you are able to see the world through their eyes and share their perspective. You do not necessarily agree with each person’s perspective. You do not necessarily feel pity for each person’s predicament—this would be sympathy, not Empathy. You do not necessarily condone the choices each person makes, but you do understand. This instinctive ability to understand is powerful. You hear the unvoiced questions. You anticipate the need. Where others grapple for words, you seem to find the right words and the right tone. You help people find the right phrases to express their feelings—to themselves as well as to others. You help them give voice to their emotional life. For all these reasons other people are drawn to you.

Individualization

Your Individualization theme leads you to be intrigued by the unique qualities of each person. You are impatient with generalizations or “types” because you don’t want to obscure what is special and distinct about each person. Instead, you focus on the differences between individuals. You instinctively observe each person’s style, each person’s motivation, how each thinks, and how each builds relationships. You hear the one-of-a-kind stories in each person’s life. This theme explains why you pick your friends just the right birthday gift, why you know that one person prefers praise in public and another detests it, and why you tailor your teaching style to accommodate one person’s need to be shown and another’s desire to “figure it out as I go.” Because you are such a keen observer of other people’s strengths, you can draw out the best in each person. This Individualization theme also helps you build productive teams. While some search around for the perfect team “structure” or “process,” you know instinctively that the secret to great teams is casting by individual strengths so that everyone can do a lot of what they do well.

We would probably be best friends...

If you'd rather curl up on the couch with a good book than go out partying

If meeting up consists of park playdates or shopping with double strollers

If you text vs. call

If you watch parenthood, modern family, law&order SVU, or Sons of Anarchy

If your favorite food is pizza

If your idea of a perfect vacation is spending a week on the beach, tanning, relaxing, and drinking mimosas for breakfast

If wine or mt. dew are your go-to drinks

If you photograph way too many details of your life

If a night out consists of grabbing ice cream or going for a couple of drinks on the patio

If you're also addicted to IG {or blogging}


I saw this idea on Krysten's blog a while back :)

Our Family Photos {My family}

These are the photos of my family.  Crazy to think, not very long ago there were just 5 of us.  Now there are 8 + 2 babies + 2 dogs! :)

Our Family Photos {Fall 2013}

It was 40* & drizzling rain, but I was determined to get 15 minutes of photos of my family.  Thank you to my MIL, FIL, Mom, & Dad for all of their help {wiping noses, giving snacks, keeping everyone happy and in their places}.  I'm so happy to finally have a photo of my whole family! :)

What my loved one says about me...

Okay I can't just post Adam's words without adding a few of my own, afterall...it IS my blog! :)  Let me just say that what Adam wrote took my breath away...I found tears running down my cheeks {and not hormonal ones!}.  Knowing {or thinking I know...} my husband I fully expected him to be his usual hilarious self, & throwing me under the bus.  But he was very well behaved and didn't say anything about me drooling or holding full conversations in my sleep without remembering, nothing about my total lack of 'Martha' skills, not even a dig about my dating preferences throughout college!    This man continues to amaze me each day...how in the world did I get so lucky!  :)

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His assignment::Read this…Let me know if you’re willing.  I would need it by Wednesday! :)  Thanks baby!

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Random Facts about Abby…..where do I even begin! 

1] Total grip on the house and our lives – No matter what is going on you all ways know what needs to be done to keep us going!  It is an awesome trait and I wish I had it!

2] Laundry – I never have to worry about having clean clothes.  You make sure they are always done…not put away…but done!  P.S. when you wash towels with my socks it leaves fuzzies on them.

3] The Kitchen – You pretty much leave the cooking to me and I love that as I’m sure you do as well!  What I enjoy is not having to clean up when I’m done making a mess in there!  You always make sure everything is spotless!

4] Wife – You always support my decisions and back me 100%.  It means a lot to know that no matter what is going wrong I can trust you to be behind me and encouraging me.

5] Mother – You are the best mother to my child(ren) I could ask for!  I know no matter what that our children are loved!  You do all the little things that I would never think of; i.e. treats for daycare, crafts with Jordyn, treats for Murdock…etc!

6]  Work – You have an incredibly stressful job and you make it look easy!  You rarely complain about what’s going on at your job, and you usually listen to me complain about mine!  LOL!

7] Ambition – You always have projects going and keep yourself busy, too busy at times!  But you are passionate about everything you try and do everything in your power to not fail.

8] Woman – You are beautiful, smart, funny and sincere.  Your singing voice may never light up a room but your presence does!  I am proud to walk into a room with you on my arm.  I may not show it all the time but you are the Love of my life and I couldn't ask for more!

Through Your Husbands Eyes

I found this on my friend Stacey's Blog & thought it was so cute..

1. Do you spoil your wife?

No..Not enough [Oh how I agree! :]

2. What household chore does she do the best?

Clean...She does a kick ass job at it [You can say that agian!]

3. What is her obsession?

Blogging [Gosh..this boy sure does know me!]

4. What outfit does she wear that you wish she didn't?

Her grandma shirt [haha!  I'll post a photo of it!]

5. What is her favorite color?

Red [Correct again!  He sure does pay attention to details!]

☆ ::Welcome:: ☆ [vlog]

A huge welcome to everyone stopping by!

[NO LAUGHING!  This is my first vlog...I can't believe I did it!] 

[[*BOO!  Has anyone been able to see the vlog?  It's the same one as my sidebar one...Can anyone see that either?*]]

[[*I seriously cannot believe I'm doing this but here is the YouTube link..]

Thanks so much & don't forget to leave a comment if you follow me so I can come check out your site too!  :)

Have a wonderful weekend!

[*Sorry for the technical difficulties!*]

You asked..I answered! & Giveaway Winners!

Thank You all for your awesome questions!  I answered them & posted the winners to my giveaway below!  

Mama M. asked...Where is Ankeny, Iowa?! (And how do you pronounce that?)

Ankeny is just North of Des Moines [Iowa's Capital!] in Central Iowa.  It sounds like Ank [yank w/out the y] e [A] ny [like Knee].  WOW!  I think I should take the time to learn what the little marks & capital letters mean..This question would have been MUCH easier! :)

*Mrs.messi asked...What about the married life most surprised you?

I confess..We lived together before we were married! :/  Nothing about marriage has really surprised me yet.  I guess the most challenging/time consuming/stressful thing so far is getting everything changed into my new name.  I just don't think I put much thought into everything that needs changed and the correct process of it all.  Ex: I can change my SSC & DL but have to wait to change my passport until this winter because we already booked our trip to Mexico in my maiden name and the tickets cannot be transferred...really?! ugg!

Neely asked...What is your favorite thing to do with the hubs?

STAY HOME & RELAX!  I think it's my favorite because we are usually so busy!  But I'm sure you meant something so much more exciting!  So I would say Skiing in the Winter & Camping in the Summer!  We always have so much fun & great memories from these trips!  I [heart] them! 

Krystal asked...You like Hypnotic, eh? What's your favorite way to drink it? Mixed? Straight up?

Yes..In college I didn't like ANY LIQUOR! until I found this.  It is still really the only 'liquor' I will drink.  I prefer it to be shaken with pineapple juice..YUMMO!!!  Many people call it Kool-aid because it is SOO NOT STRONG! :)

Pam, mom, honey, asked...how long have you been a nanny and will you ever do anything different?

I have been a nanny on & off [summers/weekends] since I was in High School but this is the first time I have quit my job to do it.  I have been a nanny with this family for only 5 months [holy cow the time has flown!!]  At some point I will do something different [since the girls are turning 3 next week & they wont need me forever] but hopefully I'll be able to go right from being a nanny to staying home with my own children!  That is my dream..lets see that God's plan is! :)

Kayla asked...When do you plan on having children? What is your most absolute favorite thing to do with your hubby? What's your secret for getting so many followers so quickly!? :-)

This question is great [we just talked about this during our 'weekend away'] we are still undecided!  I wish I could say I was the brave person that just 'let it happen when it happens' but I'm not.  I'm a planner!  We originally thought we would try this fall [around Adam's 30th Birthday & our 1 year Anniversary] but the closer it gets the more we want to savor our baby-free days!  So I guess short answer..we have no idea! :)  You will all know when it happens..promise! 

Absolute most favorite thing to do..anything with him!  I mentioned before but I just love our hang out at home days.  We don't have to be 'out' to have a great day.  We love to just be together & we always make it fun! 

Arizona Mamma asked...How long before you think you'll try for kids of your own?

I'm so undecided!  Some days I tell Adam I'm ready to try today and other times I think we should wait another year before starting.  The thing is I cannot wait to be a mom but I want to give my kids my full attention so I want to make sure I get all my selfishness out ahead of time!  The next time Adam & I will be kid-free I'll be like 50!  I'm sure we will do different things together at that age! :)  Adam would have got pregnant on our honeymoon if I would have agreed!

Melissa asked...What is your dream job?

I was asked the same question in 1st grade.  I still have the same answer..Stay At Home Mama! :)  I cannot wait!

Shelby Bukhenik asked...What did you do in the salon you worked in for 6 years and How long have you been a nanny?

EVERYTHING!  I started cleaning the tanning beds, then a receptionist, then purchasing products, when I ended I was doing a/p, a/r, and payroll.  I LOVED it! Then I moved..

I have been a nanny several times, this time about 5 months.

Kendra asked...What is your favorite book.? I am a big reader and love new books.

I love authors Nicholas Sparks, Jodi Picoult, and Emily Griffin but all time favorite book is probably 'Firefly Lane'  I just love that book!  It's a long read but so worth it!  

Stephanie Hartman asked...What do you like to do for fun??

Shop, get pedicures & massages, read, blog, travel, ski, go to movies, babysit, and last but most certainly not least.. spend time with family, friends, & Murdock.

*Helga asked...When you and Adam have a baby what do you want first ...a boy or a girl???

I want a healthy baby.  I don't care if I get a boy or girl, just healthy babies! I'll take whatever God gives me.  I would like 5..Adam isn't sold on that yet.  Also..I have a HUGE desire to have multiples!  PRAY PRAY PRAY! :)

Shelby asked... Do you already have baby names picked out? And if so, do you share them with anyone? 

We don't really have names picked out for sure.  We both love Aiden and Brecken for boy names.  I love Bennett for a girl name but we already have one in the family! :( Adam wants to use Dean for a middle name [since it is his & his dads middle name] and I would like to incorporate my moms maiden name [Jordan] into one of our kids names [either boy or girl].  We will just see I guess.  I don't really want to find out the sex ahead of time so we'll have to pick out both just in case!

Beth asked...Your puppy is precious. Do you tell your parents that it is their granddog until you have children??

Thank You!  Yes, my parents know they have 2 grandsons.  My sister has an English Bulldog, Uga [3] and we have a Great Dane/Weimaraner mix, Murdock [1 1/2].  They will take what they can get for now! :)

Mom24 asked...why do you Nanny? Was it always something you new you wanted to do, or do you do it for other reasons?

I always had interest but it's hard to find a family that is able to make it your full time job.  When the opportunity came..I jumped & am loving every bit of it!  Since we don't have children of our own yet, this is the closest I can get! :)

Sonora asked... Would you consider nannying even after you have children of your own?

Yes & No..I would consider it if they came to my house.  Once I have children I will not go into someone else's home.  

Kathy K asked...What are some of your favorite places to vacation?

Jamaica was the best!  I always love Florida or Alabama [I love the Gulf!] I have family in Oregon and find it such a peaceful & gorgeous place to live!  I always have fun in Chicago & Kansas City!  I love traveling! :):):)

Amanda Weezie askd... If you had your choice to go anywhere in the world and why? 

This was the hardest question for me.  I would say Australia since Adam & I both want to go there.  

Hilary Lane asked...If you had to choose between a cell phone (phone & text only, no fancy 3G) or a computer as your only piece of technology for the rest of your life, which one would you choose? 2. What made you choose Murdock? If you didn't pick him out, how did you get him?

A computer for sure.  Adam will agree I could not live without my computer.  I don't use my phone much at all.  Like maybe 500 minutes a month!

I have no idea.  We didn't really look around.  One Saturday morning we woke up and Adam said...want to go get a dog?  I was like YA!  So I searched for large dogs in the area online and we hoped in the car.  An hour later we saw him for the first time & just fell in love.  He was very underweight, shy, & just adorable.  He was good with all the dogs [even the little yippee ones] and people too.  It was a done deal...I wouldn't go home without him.  One of our best decisions!

My Husband's Watching TV... asked...What is your favorite tv show???

First, I must say...I LOVE your blog title!  It is too funny!  Same thing at my house! :)  I don't watch much TV at all but I would have to say 2 1/2 men just because it's one of the few shows Adam & I watch together.  Always a great laugh midweek! 

A HUGE THANK YOU for all of your questions!  I LOVED responding to them!  I think I'll do it again in the future.  But for now..I'm sure you all noticed the * by 2 names.  Yep..Mrs.messi and Helga Random.org chose you!  Please send me an email with your address & I'll be mailing your gift out!