Life is Better with Spunk

It seems that we live in a world of constant turmoil. If it isn't war inundating the media then it is Mother Nature waging her own battle. The aftermath of each of these disasters is often jaw dropping because we witness the absolute control of Mother Nature and the lack of control that we have over such catastrophes. 

But through each of these disasters we often see that the kindness of humanity prevails. A friend of mine is currently in Joplin delivering supplies to families affected by the Tornado. Her photos portray a picture of hope, strength, and the true desire to help those in need.

 once a subdivision in Joplin

 

 Operation Stormy Weather is a relief project put together by caring citizens in Wyoming

 This picture shows half of the supplies delivered from Wyoming

 Because of bad cell service citizens wrote notes on their homes to tell others they were safe.

Once a Home Depot.

 I feel so proud to live in a world where generousity still prevails.

If you would like to donate to the Joplin Relief go visit the American Red Cross

May our thoughts and prayers be with those in need.

***************************************

It seems kind of silly now to transition to another challenge after seeing those pictures, but the show must go on.

Right-e-o!

This week's challenge is to do a family technology detox for one weekend. 

*gasp*

I know crazy, right? It can be done though. No television, internet, video games, facebook, twiter, computers, nintendo, ipods, blogging, or Angry Birds.

Don't think you can do it? Well, here are a few helpful tips  for starting and maintaining a family tech detox.

I would love to hear what you and your family plan on doing with all your free time once the tv is off and the video games are put away!

I am thankful for...

Good Morning sleepy heads. How was your Memorial Day weekend?

Ours was spent doing yard work, shopping, fishing, Pirates of the Caribbean #4, and lots and lots of watermelon eatin', oh yes, and rain. For those of you that don't live in Montana you may or may have not heard that a large portion of our fine state is under water. This coming from a place that is usually considered a drought area.

It's quite sad to look at all the pictures, and to know that many of these people have been without homes for nearly a week and will continue to be without a home for most for who knows how long. During this time though, it has been amazing to witness the sense of community that has come from this devastating event.

Even with all of the flooding many put down their shovels and sandbags to honor our military and venterans yesterday.

 Last night I shed a few tears when I was on Facebook (crazy hormones still), my cousin posted some pictures of a Memorial that has been built to

honor the war veterans from my Mom's hometown in Utah.

My Grandma's name is engraved on the Memorial--he was an amazing person who often told stories about his time at sea, and once told me that a pirate tatooed his forearm. Now, that I am older I am guessing that wasn't true.

;)

This memorial was an uplifting reminder of why I have my freedom today, and I want to thank all those that are still fighting to uphold our values and way of life so that we can still be free.

I am so thankful that we live in a place where we take time to honor and praise those that help to protect our basic values and way of life and even though we only celebrate Memorial Day one day a year I want to try to be more diligent to thank those individuals on a more regular basis.

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and took some time to honor those that have sacrificed so much.  

Feature Friday my Friends...

Okay, so I am starting to fill alive again, I even managed to get out of bed and do my hair today. Then I called Hunk and told him I looked hot and that he should take all this hotness out to lunch. He shot down my offer.

**silence**

Anyway, feature friday? Yep.

So this week's features happen to be things that are on my "to-do" list. Seriously, though, these ladies have some talent. Make sure to check out their projects and give them some of that love that I didn't receive from Hunk.

winkin' at your Honey.

;)

My Life Planned in Pencil-Red Mirror

V Spot-Spray painted pom poms

Bugaboo, mini, Mr and Me-Matching dresses

Rindy Mae-Specimen flower art piece

Awesome job ladies!

Link Party Rules:*Link to a specific post, not your homepage, or a giveaway. *Post something that you have done in the last month and not something that you have posted previously on SJ*Check out at least one other lovely and give them some sugar! Everyone loves comments and compliments.*Grab my button and put it somewhere on your blog! *Come back next week to see the featured projects!  

The before mentioned church pew...

My child is a terror.

More specifically, he is a terror at church...and our church is three hours..and from 1-4 on Sunday. 

Which seems to aggrivate the Terror aka Punk. 

 During the first hour we go to sacrament meeting. This is where we partake of the sacrament and listen to talks given by members of our congregation. We are "suppose" to be reverent and quiet during sacrament meeting, Punk is neither. He is loud, obnoxious, and completely emotional.

When he gets emotional, I get emotional. 

 Hunk then steps in to grab our terror who is often screaming/crying/growling/yelling and leaves the chapel to let our terror run amock in the halls so I can come down from my emotional high. 

It's a very dramatic experience.  

Recently, we "inherited" a church pew from the above mentioned church building. I have high hopes of making Punk sit it on with his arms folded...for an hour.

I know that no amount of briding will make him sit that long, but I am going to try.

If that doesn't work then I will make him sit there every morning for breakfast. This lovely is going to become a breakfast nook bench.

Isn't she a beaut'?

If you can, try to see past the orange-tastic fabric and image this fabric adorning her seat cushions.

My current dillema is trying to decide what color to paint the wood. I can't decide if I should go with simple barn wood white color or something more bold like tangerine or mustard yellow.

Any suggestions...

I am also planning or revamping our plane-o kitchen table as well so it matches the bench. I want to do something bright and fun with some soft white touches.

Here's some of the ideas that are inspiring me....

{source}

{source}

{Source}

{source}

{source}

If you can't tell Pinterest has become my new best friend. If any of you are interested in starting your own Pinterest account send me an email and I will hook.you.up.with an invite.

spunkyjunkyblog (at) gmail (dot) come

Or if you want to see what I am lovin' check me out here.

Life is Better with Spunk

Long time no see my friends!

I fill so elated from all of your wonderful comments and emails. The out pouring of compassion we have received over that last few weeks has been amazing. So many of our friends and family have delivered meals, stopped by to check on us, watched Little B at all hours of the night, and have even cleaned our house when we've been gone (sly lil' buggers).

{source}

Yeah, I was mortified when I realized someone cleaned our pigsty-of-a-home. "Thank you" to whoever braved that awful project.

*********************

Last week's Life is Better with Spunk challenge was to hand out at least one compliment a day.  I fill as though I get so caught up in my own life that I sometimes forget to recognize others, so this challenge was a real motivator for me.

I am sure I am the only one that gets caught up in my own life. Right? 

 For this challenge I tried to make a sincere effort to compliment strangers and it seemed like with every nice gesture I handed out there was a smile or a gracious "Thank you" I received in return.

Not only did I try to compliment strangers, but I also started to compliment Punk. At first it felt silly to compliment an 18-month-old, but then I realized at some point he is going to realize what I am doing and I want it to be a habit that reinforces positive behavior in his little life.

I think handing out compliments is one of those challenges I need to keep doing because it helps me have a more positive attitude, which heaven help me I need at times.

:)

Are you ready for this week's Life is Better with Spunk? 

{source}

This week's challenge will also be a bit inspiring--help someone in need.

It could be as simple as watching your neighbor's children, delivering a meal to a friend, helping someone garden, visiting a sick friend--you name it!

***********************

How did last week's challenge go for you? Do you enjoy these challenges or are you wanting something different?

I would love to hear your thoughts...