*UPDATE: I told my sweet girl what I am doing and she wants to participate. She says she's thankful for her friends and family that love her so much.*
Today I am thankful for an amazing daughter who brightens my day with a "Mornin', Mommy!" and extra long hugs!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
The Season of Thanks
Happy fall, y'all! As autumn officially began today I have been thinking about all that comes with it. We are anticipating apple picking, the continued growth of our pumpkin (separate post in the near future with all the details on how pumpkin growing came to be at our house), Halloween and eventually Thanksgiving.
I've also been trying very hard lately to focus on the positive and all of the many blessings in my life. So I've decided to challenge myself to come up with at least 1 thing each day now through Thanksgiving that I am thankful for. My hope is that with each falling leaf, my negativity will drift away as well. I want to live intentionally, notice the little things and realize the many gifts in my life.
Tonight I'm going to start with being thankful for family and friends who love me unconditionally... even when I'm having an "EGR" Moment (Extra Grace Required-LOVE that term...thanks Pastor Bill!)
My moments tend to come all too frequently and I so appreciate the love and support of family and am grateful for my dear friends who have made the decision to become part of my life and choose to stand by me. I'm lucky to have such wonderful people in my life to love me even during the rough patches and encourage me to do what I need to do to have less of them. THANKS to all for your love, support, encouragement and inspiration.
I've also been trying very hard lately to focus on the positive and all of the many blessings in my life. So I've decided to challenge myself to come up with at least 1 thing each day now through Thanksgiving that I am thankful for. My hope is that with each falling leaf, my negativity will drift away as well. I want to live intentionally, notice the little things and realize the many gifts in my life.
Tonight I'm going to start with being thankful for family and friends who love me unconditionally... even when I'm having an "EGR" Moment (Extra Grace Required-LOVE that term...thanks Pastor Bill!)
My moments tend to come all too frequently and I so appreciate the love and support of family and am grateful for my dear friends who have made the decision to become part of my life and choose to stand by me. I'm lucky to have such wonderful people in my life to love me even during the rough patches and encourage me to do what I need to do to have less of them. THANKS to all for your love, support, encouragement and inspiration.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Changing of the Seasons
According to the calendar, tomorrow is the change of the seasons...the "official" end of summer and start of autumn. The leaves will soon turn vivid shades of red, orange and yellow and will then begin their graceful flight through the air as they drift to the ground.
Autumn, with it's ability to awaken the senses and bring back fond memories, is my favorite season. The colorful foliage, the rustle of leaves beneath my feet, a slight crispness in the air, apple picking, pumpkin spice candles and so much more...some of my most precious moments in life have occured this time of year.
Nearly 12 years ago, Ben and I were wed on an amazingly beautiful autumn day and spent a lovely week in Vermont...5 years later, we returned to the countryside of Vermont for a long weekend where we enjoyed the scenery, foliage, some covered bridges and the chance to get away from it all. Fast forward another 5 years...we traveled to Puerto Rico where we spent an amazing week with our "personal tour guide" and concluded the trip celebrating our 10th Anniversary exploring Old San Juan with some dear friends and then had a most delicious, romantic and unforgettable dinner for two at a fabulous restaurant in the Old City.
But, this year as autumn draws ever near, I can't help but think about the change of seasons in my life especially as a mother. When the school year began, Emily stated that starting with the very first day, she was going in alone. I was not to walk her to her room, not even on the first day. And this past Friday, she went on a sleepover to a friends house. Bit by bit I am having to let go as my "baby girl" takes steps towards independence. It is bittersweet. I am excited to watch her grow and blossom into the beautiful little lady she is becoming, but I can't help wishing in a way that I could rewind time or at least make time stand still. I think of all the moments spent with a tiny girl requiring, or perhaps just demanding, my undivided attention most every moment of the day (and night!)...and now I am face to face with the reality, that each day that passes brings to her a little more independence and a little less dependence on me. So begins my process of learning to loosen the grip, watch her spread her wings a little and be the safe landing place should she fall along the way.
As I walk beside her on the journey to find herself, I am also finding some of my lost and yet to be discovered dreams for my own life and coming to know how truly blessed I am and have been in each "season" of my life.
To everything there is a season...
Ecclesiastes 3:1
Autumn, with it's ability to awaken the senses and bring back fond memories, is my favorite season. The colorful foliage, the rustle of leaves beneath my feet, a slight crispness in the air, apple picking, pumpkin spice candles and so much more...some of my most precious moments in life have occured this time of year.
Nearly 12 years ago, Ben and I were wed on an amazingly beautiful autumn day and spent a lovely week in Vermont...5 years later, we returned to the countryside of Vermont for a long weekend where we enjoyed the scenery, foliage, some covered bridges and the chance to get away from it all. Fast forward another 5 years...we traveled to Puerto Rico where we spent an amazing week with our "personal tour guide" and concluded the trip celebrating our 10th Anniversary exploring Old San Juan with some dear friends and then had a most delicious, romantic and unforgettable dinner for two at a fabulous restaurant in the Old City.
But, this year as autumn draws ever near, I can't help but think about the change of seasons in my life especially as a mother. When the school year began, Emily stated that starting with the very first day, she was going in alone. I was not to walk her to her room, not even on the first day. And this past Friday, she went on a sleepover to a friends house. Bit by bit I am having to let go as my "baby girl" takes steps towards independence. It is bittersweet. I am excited to watch her grow and blossom into the beautiful little lady she is becoming, but I can't help wishing in a way that I could rewind time or at least make time stand still. I think of all the moments spent with a tiny girl requiring, or perhaps just demanding, my undivided attention most every moment of the day (and night!)...and now I am face to face with the reality, that each day that passes brings to her a little more independence and a little less dependence on me. So begins my process of learning to loosen the grip, watch her spread her wings a little and be the safe landing place should she fall along the way.
As I walk beside her on the journey to find herself, I am also finding some of my lost and yet to be discovered dreams for my own life and coming to know how truly blessed I am and have been in each "season" of my life.
To everything there is a season...
Ecclesiastes 3:1
I'm back...
So after a long blogging hiatus, I have decided to come back. I guess at times I felt I had nothing of any importance to say and I'll admit I have become a bit addicted to Facebook. But since I tend to change my status numerous times a day to reflect my thoughts and what's happening, I decided maybe I should start writing here again. So, I'm back!
Monday, February 2, 2009
My Girl
Just the mention of her name, the sight of her or a quick thought about her brings a smile to my face. That's my girl! Before I became a mom, I could never have imagined what joy it would bring my life. Saturday we celebrated Emily's 8th birthday and I have to say I am so proud of her...the little lady she's becoming. She has such a sweet spirit, genuine love for all and compassion like I've never seen.
As an only child, she has not wanted for much...in fact she's been quite spoiled. At times I think she competes with Geoffrey the Giraffe as far as how many toys she has! During a sorting/organizing session one day in her room, the idea came that for her birthday she wanted a puppy party and that instead of gifts for her she wanted the guests to bring toys and treats to donate to the local animal shelter.
This past weekend, we hosted the 8th birthday Puppies & Pjs sleepover party and the girls brought all kinds of goodies for the animals. So today, after I picked her up from school, we headed to the local SPCA to deliver the gifts. (We took Nana along to be sure that we kept our promise to Ben not to bring anyone home no matter how cute or snuggly they were!) What an awesome afternoon watching my daughter go from cage to cage handing out toys to the cats & dogs. How I wish it could be different for them...how I wish when we had gotten there the cages were all empty...everyone had found a forever home. That isn't the case and most likely will never be. Unfortunately, there will always be a need. A sad fact that brings a tear to my eye...but knowing that my girl brought a ray of light to an otherwise dark and gloomy place brings tears of joy and pride.
P.S. We did not adopt anyone...although there was a kitten that I could've easily made mine and a puppy that Emily thought should join the family. And if it couldn't be hers, well...we could bring it home to Poppy! Nice try, sweetie!
As an only child, she has not wanted for much...in fact she's been quite spoiled. At times I think she competes with Geoffrey the Giraffe as far as how many toys she has! During a sorting/organizing session one day in her room, the idea came that for her birthday she wanted a puppy party and that instead of gifts for her she wanted the guests to bring toys and treats to donate to the local animal shelter.
This past weekend, we hosted the 8th birthday Puppies & Pjs sleepover party and the girls brought all kinds of goodies for the animals. So today, after I picked her up from school, we headed to the local SPCA to deliver the gifts. (We took Nana along to be sure that we kept our promise to Ben not to bring anyone home no matter how cute or snuggly they were!) What an awesome afternoon watching my daughter go from cage to cage handing out toys to the cats & dogs. How I wish it could be different for them...how I wish when we had gotten there the cages were all empty...everyone had found a forever home. That isn't the case and most likely will never be. Unfortunately, there will always be a need. A sad fact that brings a tear to my eye...but knowing that my girl brought a ray of light to an otherwise dark and gloomy place brings tears of joy and pride.
P.S. We did not adopt anyone...although there was a kitten that I could've easily made mine and a puppy that Emily thought should join the family. And if it couldn't be hers, well...we could bring it home to Poppy! Nice try, sweetie!
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