Not taking myself too seriously... or how to feel "sheepish"

Dear ones,
I have to laugh tonight...

I am by nature impatient...

I also like to think things through...
a lot...

My poor best guy...

It is a good thing he is a kind and sensible man.

Today,
my own dad
told me I was being unjustifiably
impatient and unreasonable with my dear one.

How was that for being called out by the ones we love?

I playfully swatted my dad,
stomped my feet and
had to admit he was right.

When I texted my guy,
telling him what my dad said and apologizing...
He texted back good naturedly
that my dad was a smart man.

So go ahead and laugh...
today was my day to feel slightly sheepish.
Tomorrow might be yours.

But, if you are as lucky as me,
Your loved ones will forgive you.
You might even get a kiss!
God Bless,
Good night!

Communication

A whisper between friends...

A text message from a co-worker...

A heartbreaking call in the middle of the night...

Communication.

The gift of speech.

Honestly a gift.

Yet, not always easy.

Friends and loved ones sometimes misunderstand each other.

At times it is hard to put into words the depths of our emotions.

But,

what a blessing to have the chance to explain...

to tell how we feel...

Sometimes we don't even need to talk,

...sometimes we shouldn't...

I chatter when I'm scared or excited...

I have to honestly make an effort to be silent sometimes.

I,

like everyone else,

I'm a work in progress...

I pray that you and I will be blessed by our communications.

With our friends,

with our loved ones,

with our Maker.

Now and Forever...

My Baby is Coming HOME!

My oldest has been gone for almost a month.
While I have been happy for her to get to visit with her dad,
I have missed her.

I got a call tonight...
She's coming home...
TWO days early!

I literally jumped up and down and squealed!

Count your blessings with me...
We are truly blessed.
=-)

French Toast

Coming home from work,

I stopped for a large diet pepsi,

turned the radio up

and rolled the windows down.

With the wind blowing delightfully,

I sang to the radio.

This is my normal routine,

though sometimes I get a coffee instead of the soda.

Since I get out earlier in the summer,

I had time to run a few errands

before I got my youngest daughter

from her grandparents' house.

I picked up some registration information from the high school for my oldest and traded last week's books for some new ones.

Heading home,

I smiled.

It was french toast night.

With fruit and whipped topping,

it is one of my favorite dinners.

Easy and quick...

and I've recently discovered a new added indulgence.

I love to spread peanut butter and jelly on top of the french toast before adding the fresh berries and whipped topping.

Sigh...

trust me...

it is like I imagine heaven to be....

The only thing left is a cup of coffee

and later

when all the kids are asleep,

a trip out to the swing to watch the stars.

Tonight I hope for you,

a peaceful evening,

the knowledge that you are loved by those who matter most.

May you be blessed this week and always...

Never forget who you are...

Sometimes in the day to day of life...

we forget how special each one of us is...

Many times we see beauty in others

and pick fault with ourselves.

While honest reflection on our problems can be helpful,

so is remembering why we are great!

Yup... you are awesome!

and so am I...

How many times have you heard someone say...

I wish I could change (name physical trait)

or

I just am not brave enough to.... ?

Most of us say things to ourselves

that we would never dream of saying to someone else.

STOP IT!

yup... that was for me and you.

Today...

think of five wonderful gifts God has given to you...

say thanks

and

always remember that you are a child of God!

God doesn't make junk!

We are not perfect...

but we are made in His image.

Though I am sure you can find good physical traits about yourself,

I feel our best traits are those that can be seen in our actions.

Are you kind?

Do you have a beautiful smile to offer the world?

Are you a good listener?

Can you fix things?

Figure out complicated math?

Give thanks,

use your gift for the benefit of others as well as yourself...

We are all blessings.

We are all blessed.

A turtle and a bucket fight...

Making the most of our last weekend day,
my two youngest and I headed back to my favorite escape...

The Hocking Hills area of Ohio...
Today's stop?
One of our favorites...
Lake Logan!

Just beach and water...

a simple place to play...

We swam some,
I built a sand turtle
and even had a
"bucket fight"
with my youngest daughter.

I made her declare me,
"Queen of the Universe"
before I'd let her be...

Yay for simple fun!
May the week before you be lovely
and full of blessings.

Playing in the water

The water was calling us.

My son lost his shirt with a grin.

I handed over my cell and keys to a friend and followed him in.

Playing in the water,

watching minnows swim past my toes,

sitting in the water...

Happy.

Peaceful.

We were at Old Man's Cave today,

located down State Route 33 about an hour or so from Columbus.

Nestled in Hocking Hills State Park,

surrounded by trees,

moss,

cool air,

happy people...

It is a place to leave the outside world,

relax,

smile.

Although we favor the Old Man's Cave area,

there is absolutely no place in the whole area that isn't lovely.

Visit http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/parks/tabid/743/Default.aspx to consider a trip for yourself. Go for a day trip or come for a weekend or longer. Leave the stress of the world somewhere else. Play in the water, walk the trails... enjoy the company of those you love or come solo and enjoy the peaceful views yourself.

May your day,

your night,

your always,

be blessed by the beauty of our world.

Peace to you.

Standing on the edge of forever...

More than thirteen years ago my life was changed forever.

A dream became a reality...

I became a mother.

That September day,
my life,
was
made better,
forever.


The years passed
and I was blessed twice more.


Today,
I am the mother
of three children.

There is nothing
I wouldn't give,
nothing
I wouldn't do,
to protect them,
to provide for them...

I know every good parent feels the way I do.

I find myself,
in a position,
I wouldn't wish
on anyone in this world.

My youngest son...
has behaviors and needs...
that may just be too much...
to remain in my care...
in our home.

There are no easy solutions,
no way to look into his eyes,
and explain... no ready answers.

I sit typing...
wishing that I wasn't the one who had to figure it all out.

I try to pray,
I feel like Job...

I want a rescue,
an answer
that won't break any one's heart.

I'm headed out to my swing,
to look into the sky...
to soak in the beauty of creation.

To try,
to find a way to accept
the unacceptable.

I pray for you,
I pray for me...

That tonight and always,
when we hit that wall...
the one at the edge of forever...
That you,
that I,
that we,
are given the strength and wisdom
to do what has to be done.

May our dear ones,
be held close by the
God who made us all.
May He,
keep them safe,
bless them,
Now, Always, Forever.

Ordinary days...

Today we filled our pinatas,
danced and sang to a Kidz Bop DVD in our movie room
and read some books.

We played Spanish Bingo
and won balloons to play "ball" with.

At home I made hamburgers on the grill
and my two youngest watched Finding Nemo.

Nothing amazing,
earth shaking
or
incredibly impressive.

Just an ordinary day,
simple pleasures,
bringing quiet happiness to the young ones around me.

My own week has been long,
but despite several issues requiring my thought,
I have been blessed by the time I have spent
with the children I am entrusted with.

Moments of happiness,
delighting in the soft feel of a pony,
being tossed by a steer...
even making pinto bean fudge
and enjoying story time at the library.

I am truly blessed to be surrounded by
little shinning lights of joy.

Though they fuss and fight from time to time...
though they, like we, can be a bit mischievous...
even perhaps a bit naughty...

There is not a better job in my opinion,
than that of a teacher.

I am so glad for the licence hanging on my wall and for the dear ones I call my own.

May your Friday be peaceful
and may you find moments to inspire you on your journey.

May you be blessed.

Just Playing

My two youngest children and I took our dog for a walk tonight.

On the way back toward home,
I picked up two pine cones.

Round and hard,
they are good to throw.

I tossed them at my youngest daughter and laughed as they zoomed by her head.

I fetched the missed missiles and chucked them again
repeating the process until she picked them up and threw them back.

With a laugh the game ensued,
my dear one chuckled and tossed.

It was fun.

A moment of whimsy in a world that moves too fast.

So many times I get so caught up in the day to day that I don't take time to reach out to those who need extra help to have "fun".

Like my youngest,
my Katie has autism.

Unlike my son,
my dear daughter is so typical in so many ways that sometimes it is hard to remember that her self absorption isn't purposeful. It is hard to remember that she would actually like to be goofy... that she just needs some help.

We all have our moments when we need mercy.
When we need someone to reach out to us and meet us where we are.

Tonight,
my Katie Bug and I were both blessed.

A bitty happy thought floated through my mind and I was moved to seize the moment and play. She was blessed with the knowledge that I enjoy playing with her, I was blessed once again with the realization of how very endearing my precious baby girl is to me.

May you be given mercy when you need it and may you offer it as well.
I am sure
you will be blessed.

A Beautiful Adventure....

Laughing,

sitting in hay with fourteen children...

Petting,

deer,

bunnies,

steer,

horses,

kittens,

chickens...

Leading ponies,

with delighted children aboard...

Eating together,

sharing cookies

and laughter.

Playing in the play barn,

climbing to the tippy top with the children,

following the peacock

with a smile mirrored on every face.

Marmon Valley Farm,

delightful and caring staff,

gentle animals,

quiet happiness.

Count me in.

Sigh...

Life is full of beautiful places.

Check out Marmon Valley Farm at: http://www.marmonvalley.com/ .

I can honestly say that it has been a long time since I have been to a for profit location that felt so honestly like a family that cared for it's loved ones.

If you are up for an adventure about an hour outside of Columbus, Ohio, please click on my link.

Call for more details and speak with wonderful people.

(ph 937-593-8000)

May your evening,

your tomorrow,

your forever...

be blessed.

I wish you happiness,

a sure path to follow

and a hand to hold on the journey.

The One who made us,

the dear ones He gave us...

They are with us on the path,

we are never alone.

wet

Today our school went to the outdoor pool.

We left with 34 kids and three adults
and returned with the same children and adults.

No one was hurt.

No one drank too much water.

The children enjoyed the sunshine
and the high eighty degree temperature.

The trip was a success.

Sleepy and hungry
our children were ushered off the bus
and into our school.

A few of them are still at school,
their day not quite done.

Me?
I'm back at home,
contemplating dinner
and thinking about what a trip to the pool means
to an adult with little ones in tow.

As I stood in the pool,
water up to my waist,
I watched people...
counted my students and
cheerfully observed the amazing,
breath holding,
bottom touching,
big splashing,
talents
of the children in my care.

I sigh a little as I type this,
anyone
who has accompanied small ones
to the pool
knows what my afternoon was like.

A small shrug...
another sigh...
I am convinced
there is a special place in heaven
for lifeguards,
who sit so still,
watching,
being splashed repeatedly,
carefully guarding the lives of their charges.
They make my job look like a day at the spa.

For me it was an effort of patience,
I was cold and I really don't like being splashed.

Yet,
I honestly care for the children in my crew.
I believe that happy carefree memories from our childhood
are blessings that insulate us from sadness as an adult.

So,
I stood and smiled.
Laughed and watched.
Just like all the other grown-ups.

On the plus side,
my tan is a little more even.
...a bit more golden....

Yah...
it's always good to find the silver lining.

May you be blessed this evening,
with the knowledge that what you do
can make the world a bit better.

...and may you find a moment of
happiness just for you...

I found a coffee...

what would make your evening nice?

I pray you find it... whatever it may be...

driving

Today our summer camp visited the library.

One group saw a magic show,
another attended story time.

The kids had a lovely time.

The staff at our local library is superb and the children always enjoy an outing.

Me?
I played bus driver
as well as teacher.

Shuttling kids to and fro,
I made multiple trips.

I spent most of the day going in circles.

I imagine many of you who have children,
or travel for work,
sometimes feel the same.

Moving in and out of traffic,
and taking care not to speed,
I had plenty of time to think.

I considered my weekend,
thought happily about the fun activities planned at school this week
and even considered what to fix my children for dinner.

I didn't reach any grand conclusions,
but then again,
I wasn't really searching for any.

I hope for you today,
a little time for reflection,
peaceful moments,
happy thoughts.

May a smile find its way to your lips,
a song wiggle its way to your heart...
and happiness never be too far out of reach.

May you be blessed,
Now,
Always,
Forever.

thinking

Sitting in the pew today,
I heard the pastor talk about trying to figure out God's plan.

Pastor Spence had my attention,
I could identify with what he was saying.

I found it comforting that this man,
this kind and holy man,
was puzzled...
had questions...
worried.

The words of this man,
seeking answers for his own life,
touched me.

Gave me hope,
and challenged me.

I have so many questions.
It was wonderful to hear someone else say
that seeking the truth isn't always easy...

that the walk on the path is not without rocks...

and yet,
the walk itself is a blessing,

meant,
I think,

to bring us closer to the one who loves us perfectly,

even if we do not always understand,
his plan,

or follow it,
quite so perfectly.

May you be comforted on your "walk"
with the knowledge that sometimes
even the most faithful among us are confused...

May you be blessed.
We are never alone.
=-)

Girls' Day

My youngest daughter and I climbed a mountain today.

Last year the mountain "won" when she took a tumble,
today,
together,
we
made it up and down the rocky path without a mishap.


For lunch we visited the golden arches,
she had grilled chicken wraps and I had a grilled chicken salad.
I laughed as I took a fry and declared it a fry "tax"...
she happily tried to eat them quicker...
so I stole a bit of her ice cream.

Together we laughed and giggled,
like the girls we are.

Our day was delightful,
I even convinced my dear one that a hair cut was needed.

My youngest is such a beautiful young woman.
Fun and sweet.

I am so glad she is mine.

Tonight as I type this,
I have just finished watching, "Bride Wars".

I must admit the movie brought tears to my eyes.

Friendship,
the kind the lasts forever.

Family,
Parents....

Blessings we are so fortunate to have been given.

Tomorrow as so many of us celebrate Father's Day,
may you and I
spend time with those who we love.

If you are blessed with a loving father who is able to share your world,
give thanks.

If the day makes you sad,
I am so sorry.

Find a dear one who loves you,
spend the day with them.

We are not meant to be alone in our sadness.

May this day,
this night,
this forever....

Bring you lasting blessings and peace.

Relaxation

As a collective sigh begins to be heard across the land,
it is a good bet that the weekend is about to arrive.

Though I love my job,
there is something about having hours left to my own planning that is comforting.

What we do with those hours
probably tells a great deal about who we are,
what we value,
who we care about.

I've thought over how I want to "spend" my precious time.

Family,
friends,
church,
even an evening
with a very special man.

As this weekend becomes a reality,
may you and I,
make time
for what is most important.

May what we choose
be worthy of our involvement,
may we rejoice in the company of loved ones.

When we must spend some of our hours
on the chores...
or even time at work,
let us still find worth in what we are doing.

May we be blessed.
Now, Always and Forever,
with faith, joy and love.

Thinking of those we love.

When our phone rings
and it is a loved one calling to say hello,
our day is made better.

When we walk through the grocery store
and pick up corn on the cob,
just because our youngest daughter loves it,
two people are blessed.

It seems to me,
that living in relationships with others is a beautiful thing.

Not always easy...
Sometimes we hurt each other...
on purpose
or
on accident...

It is then we must communicate,
work out our problems,
find a way back to happier shores.

From time to time it is hard to look beyond our own wants and see what our loved ones need. It is at these moments we must stop and think carefully what to do. What is best...

Strangely enough,
it can also be difficult to accept the care of others. To let them help us when we need it. To accept our place in their lives. It is not obligation that will bind us, rather the bonds of love and friendship.

Today as I look at those around me,
I will be thinking about all these things.

I may shake my head in wonder at the offerings of loving children or perhaps sigh and try not to step back when offered kindness from the dear ones who love me.

Life, Relationships, Friendship....
Gifts from our Father.
That,
in our imperfect hands,
can bring happiness or sorrow...

May we be guided toward the sunny side...
May we be blessed!

Counting my blessings...

Today it will probably rain.
I am starting the day with a prayer for all of us.
May we find joy on in our adventures today.
May we be the kind of people we are meant to be.
May we be blessed!

I am listing five of my blessings, then I am hitting the shower. Feel free to leave a list of your own if you'd like.

1.) My children. My kids are gifts given to me by the One who made us all. Each one a humble moment when God himself allowed me to be part of the process of creation. They are blessings, even on their most challenging days.

2.) My parents. They helped to make me who I am today and are the best people I know. I love them.... now... always... forever.

3.) The wonderful people in my life who I am fortunate to call my friends and dear ones.

4.) The children and families who I am blessed to encounter when I teach.

5.) The everyday blessings all around me. Chocolate, Metro Parks, porch swings...

Pool Day!

Under gray skies,
I head to school...

With a new suit tucked under my clothes
and dry things for later in my work bag,
I grin at the day before me.

If it doesn't rain,
my afternoon is outside in the pool.

If it does?
Yay for us,
I'm indoors in the pool!

See where I'm headed with this?

My students and I are going to the pool!

Come rain or shine,
happy fun awaits us.

Sure,
I'll be counting kiddos constantly,
making sure everyone behaves
and no one wanders off....

BUT... I'll be doing all these things...
AT
THE
POOL!

God Bless you this day.
There is sunshine in my heart
and a smile on my face.

I pray,
I wish..
I hope...

That your day is beautiful because of the blessing of being with the ones you care for.

May your day be all it is meant to be.

May you find peace,
even if it rains.

Scavenger Hunt Day!

With a hearty chuckle,
I had my kids sit,
hear clues
and search for goodies today.

We found popcorn under a bush
and our movie on our school bus.

We looked for our stickers
and counted in Spanish
while we searched for our art project.

I even made them find their "sporks" before they could eat lunch!

We played fishy fishy in the deep blue sea...
and
"smooshed" goldfish crackers
when they were "eaten" by sharks.

I gleefully chased kiddos with a squirt bottle
and wrote names with "bubble letters".

We searched,
played
and
laughed,
ALL DAY!

I love summer camp.
=-)

Monday Morning

With a smile on my face I head to work.
It's Nature Day!
I get to spend the day
teaching kids about the world around us...
and enjoying the beauty of God's Creation!
Yay for me!
I'm going to catch some bugs too
and make a yummy treat at snack time!

May your day be filled with blessings as well.

A very pleasant day

With pizza and cake,

children playing games in the field

and smiles all around,

today was a very lovely day.

Celebrating my eldest kiddo's graduation from eight grade

was a wonderful reason to bring both families together.

Talking, laughing and helping the children all enjoy themselves,

everyone made it a point to make sure all the kids had fun.

New family dynamics

can make things tense...

But not today.

Today was a blessing for everyone.

Especially the beautiful reason for the gathering.

I pray tonight

that you are fortunate to spend time with your dear ones.

May you,

may I,

be blessed with lovely peaceful times.

(...and maybe some pizza and chocolate cake as well!)

Happy Play Days

Running and yelling....

Laughing and squealing...
They are so fast...
They've also gotten smarter...
Almost always...
someone doubles back and comes at me the other way...
Completely delighted when they catch me...

Exhausted,
eventually we head in...
Then the music goes on...
we're dancing around...
hopping...
laughing again...

Big smiles all around.

We all love play days!

Yay for summer!

May you be blessed with a smile,
and silly happiness...
though,
maybe not the game of chase...
if it's not your cup of tea.

May you find,
This evening and always
only good things.
Love and peace to you.

The mystery of Chocolate

Today,

in Ohio,

our sky was overcast.

It rained from time to time.

It was chilly.

I was one of those who donned shorts

and a sleeveless top

and later wished for a jacket

and jeans.

Just as sunny days bring happy thoughts,

there is something about a gloomy day

that seems to affect many of us.

Pondering the world,

grateful for several issues that have been resolved,

shaking my head over a new one...

I traded text messages with my sis...

laughing instead of crying

and knowing

that we are so grateful

for the love

of our friends and family.

I found some coffee,

some chocolate

and some tiny happy note cards

from Target's One Spot.

I made the rounds to two of my dearest "girls".

I love them.

I knew they would need some chocolate too.

There is something about sharing chocolate...

something that makes us all happy.

I thank God tonight for those I love,

for those who love me...

And...

of course...

for chocolate!

May you,

may I,

always know we are loved.

May we be blessed!

moments of beauty

Tonight,

with a graduation,

important meetings

and all sorts of life events

on my heart and mind...

I took a walk,

found some coffee,

and talked to my family.

As I gather my kiddos into their evening baths,

pondering tomorrow...

considering life...

I must confess that I yearn

for the solitude of a quiet forest,

the dark of a star lit meadow,

the quiet hush as the sun sets over water.

Instead,

like all of you,

I am at my computer.

And yet,

I give thanks,

God is good.

Today,

Tomorrow

Always.

He has never left me.

Though the path is bumpy

and I'm feeling the rocks...

I know...

yes,

I know!

You and I are loved.

We are not alone.

No matter what is going on in our lives,

there is someone who cares for us.

Who loves us.

Not only is this true,

but my friends,

my family,

my dear ones...

They are with me.

... sharing my path...

May you and I keep walking.

Find the happiness around us...

Keep smiling.

May we be blessed.