Hiatus

I'm going to be taking a short hiatus while we go back to visit family in Kentucky. I'm going to practice being present and enjoying every second of our time together. AND....I'm going to give my new nieces LOTS of love. :)

I will return in a couple weeks. Love to you all!

Love

A couple months or so ago, I sat down w/my journal and asked myself what is most important to me, what do I need to focus on the most in my life? The answer I found was that the most important thing in the world is Love. Period. So the most important thing for me to do is create more love and share the love I have with the World. I know some will think that sounds nuts, but...so what? :) I still believe it with all my heart and soul. "Radiate my love to the World." Has become one of my mantras. I do this whenever possible. When my children are hurt or upset and I hold them in my arms, I imagine love emanating from within and enclosing them in a sphere of love and peace. When I see a stranger who looks troubled, I send love their way as well, along with a smile and kind word. It costs me nothing, but I truly believe it does help the World be a better place. If nothing else, it helps me be a better person.

Love to you all.

"Demonstrate that love is the most powerful force in the universe
as it finds expression through your belief in your life and yourself."
--Alan Cohen
Dare to Be Yourself

This quote jumped off the page at me this morning.

We are not being unloving or selfish when we take care of ourselves,
set limits or boundaries, and say "no" when we need to.
We are actually setting an example for others of
love and self-respect.
-Siri Bletzer

This is something I need to constantly remind myself. I tend to take it to heart when someone is upset or unhappy...thinking it's my fault and that I need to make it "all better," regardless of the cost to myself. I have a feeling some of you out there know what I mean. This is something I'm working on....not only with my children, but with friends and family as well.

Full of Joy & Miracles

How can anybody doubt that there is a God when they're around a happy child? What else could create such unabashed joy? The smiles, giggles and happy little jigs are gifts directly from Him to the World. My children bubble over with it and share it so freely, it leaves me in awe and full of joy. May your day be full of love and joy and maybe even a little jig.

These lyrics are from a new CD some friends of mine just released. All of the songs are just as wonderful. Here's a link if you'd like to check it out: http://colleencrosson.com/

Miracles - words & music by Mark Sloniker ©1999

He sees miracles in the dawn's early light

He sees miracles in the first star at night

He sees miracles in the simplest of things

In a butterfly's flight, in a hummingbird's wings

In the magic that each moment brings

She finds miracles in the thunder and rain

She finds miracles in a fire fly's flame

She makes miracles with a hug and a kiss

In just holding hands through moments like this

She finds miracles in such bliss

When did I go so far astray,

That I stopped running wild, that I stopped playing free?

Searching in hopes I'd find my way

I found a child of three, with so much to teach me

'Cause he sees miracles in the marching of ants

And she sees miracles in a honey bee's dance

They see miracles in the simplest of things

In the first winter snow, in the blossom of spring

In the magic that each moment brings

She finds miracles on the string of a kite

And he finds miracles in a moment's delight

They find miracles on a warm summer breeze

In a puddle of rain, in the climbing of trees

They find miracles in moments like these

Where in the world did I lose track,

When the wonders of life, lost their wonder to me?

It's time that I found my way back

There's a child in my heart…'n'

She yells…"allee allee in come free"

Then we'll find miracles, whether young or old

We'll find miracles in each story told

We'll see miracles when we laugh or we cry

Through all of our lives, 'til the day that we die

There's a miracle, even in goodbye

For we're miracles…You and I

Blossoming

And then the day came
when the risk to remain tight in the bud
was more painful
than the risk it took to blossom.
--Anais Nin

I've always liked this quote. For some reason I'm feeling drawn to it today. Makes me wonder what's in store for me. What would it be like if I did blossom?

Funnies

Why did Tigger stick his head in the toilet bowl?
He was looking for Pooh!

My son is full of these jokes today. Who was it that thought teaching him to read was a good thing? :) You wouldn't believe how many times my daughter has fallen for

"You know what?"
"Chicken butt!"

She gets sooo mad at him that I have to admit, it is pretty funny.

Watching my children grow and develop their own sense of humor is so fun....they're each so different and so creative. Is there anything better in life?

Today

Today I feel the need to get grounded...when I get off my regular routine, it can take awhile to get things back in line. To help me focus on where I am, I'm falling back on my favorite simple journaling format and this quote:

If you want to be happy, be.
-Leo Tolstoy

For Today, Thursday, 7/2/09...

Outside my window...everything is a luscious green, thanks to all the amazing rain we've had recently.

I am thinking...about being where I am and being more mindful.

I am thankful for...my home and family.

From the kitchen...I hope to create something delicious for dinner.

I am reading...Living Dead in Dallas and Peace is Every Step

I am hoping...to get a lot done today and enjoy every second.

I am creating...a peaceful home.

I am hearing...Dora the Explorer on the TV.

Around the house...things are good....I can't wait to have the bathrooms finished.

One of my favorite things...is cuddling.

A few plans for the rest of the week...we're going on a playdate at the park tomorrow and planning firework fun for Saturday.

Amazing

The Avon Walk was great. The people, the energy, the money raised, the scenery....everything was awe-inspiring. I am so thankful I had the opportunity to participate again. Over 1400 people walked last weekend and raised $2.6 MILLION!! It's impossible to truly convey the experience. If you ever have the chance, check it out! :)

Yesterday another wonderful thing happened. My second niece was born! Ainsley Paige weighed in at 8lbs, 6 oz; 20 inches. She has a little dimple in her chin and is as precious as can be. I can't wait to hold her and love on her.

I wonder what amazing things are in store for today.