loved ones

A dear uncle of mine recently lost both of his parents.

Tonight I learned that a friend of mine had an aunt die unexpectedly.

With all my heart,
I wish there was something to say,
something to do,
that could make it better.


I have no perfect words,
no "magic" fix.

I am sad
for their loss.

For the loved ones who they can no longer share their lives with.

Tonight,
I want to offer up a prayer,
for everyone who is hurting,
who has lost someone they love.

May broken hearts be comforted.

I love movies!

From my first floor,

comes the rocking rhythm of Chicken Little's theme song.

My two youngest are hypnotized and happy.

Me?

I must confess,

I love a great many Disney movies.

Chicken Little touches my heart.

Little mistakes can be remembered a long time.

I feel for the little bird

and for his father.

I love watching the plot develop,

seeing friendships,

cooperation and

always a happy ending.

Feel good movies are such a blessing.

Watching together,

forming happy memories.

Inoculates us against the bumps of life.

Like cocoons of warmth,

the time we spend together makes our children stronger,

our own hearts happier.

Everyone blessed!

Have I mentioned lately that I love my parents?

With coffee and dessert in hand,

my father came on a mission of mercy last night.

We talked over life,

situations that were problematic and not remotely amusing.

In the end,

two heads were better than one.

Even the problems we couldn't "fix" weren't quite so heavy.

Before he left,

my father said a blessing.

Though I offer one everyday as I blog,

I must admit it felt wonderful,

if a little odd,

to have one offered for myself and my family.

Tonight and always,

I hope that you find yourself surrounded by those who love you.

That no matter what you face,

there is a hand outstretched toward yours.

And,

if it's helpful to you,

May it contain coffee and a yummy treat along with love!

May you feel the love of God in your life,

May you know that you are loved,

May you be blessed!

Down the road...

Just like everyone in life,

I sometimes have situations that I am unsure of what to do.

Occasionally,

I have several such issues all at once.

I am almost positive that you know how it feels when you are up to your neck in questions and running a little short on answers.

I have noticed that in the end,

everything is solved,

one way or another.

I sometimes wish I could know how it works out...

Today!

Sigh...

In the end though,

the journey,

the search for answers...

Those who help us along the way,

these times,

our friends,

our families,

shape who we are...

who we become.

So,

I'll keep thinking,

keep working...

keep walking...

But,

if you see me coming your way...

Hide your cookies!

I might just eat them all.

May we, this evening, find the strength we need for our journeys.

May we be blessed.

Now, Always and Forever

Nibbling

Didn't even try to resist.
I absolutely love spinach salads.
My favorite?
Mmmmm....
A light honey Dijon or Italian dressing...
Cranberries...
Gorgonzola or Blue Cheese crumbles on top...

yummy!
Hope your frig has something fun inside!

With a smile in my heart...

As I sit here and type,
my dog has settled on the floor beside me.

For so many years I did not understand the love between pets and their owners.

now I do...

Just a word from me and his tail wags.

One motion of invitation
and my pooch is in my lap begging for all the attention I'll share.

Such devotion is hard not to enjoy.

Yet, it goes beyond that.

Companionship that cannot comment,
only listen.

I have noticed that whenever I am feeling sad,
my puppy sticks to me like glue.

When I'm feeling playful,
he brings his ball
and chases his sister and I up and down the stairs.

Tonight,
I am counting my blessings again.

It is Monday and so lovely outside that,
I simply do not want to do everything I have to do.

So, I am counting my "must do's".

It's sappy...
but it is working...
a little...

Loading the dishwasher...
I am glad for food.

Doing school prep...
I am glad to have a job I love to provide for my family.

... sigh...
I'd tell you I was grateful for laundry...
but,
lightening would probably strike me dead!

Ha!
Oh, well...
Whoever said that we must be happy with everything in life in order to be at peace,
was certainly feeding us all a load of baloney
... and not the yummy kind fried into a sandwich!

May you be blessed this lovely evening...
...escape the work that isn't really necessary
and do what you must.

May the sights of the season warm your heart
and soul and may you have peace in your heart.

I'd wish your laundry pile would magically wash and fold itself too,
but...
I've misplaced my magic wand.
=-)

Life's challenges

I tease my Kindergarten kiddos that when they are naughty it makes my hair gray.

On Friday,

as I leaned over a table,

a dear little one said,

"Miss Susan, Your hair really is turning gray!"

I laughed and told them they were right,

that I needed to color it again.

This weekend besides coloring my hair, I had it cut short.

I've been growing it out.

I haven't honestly liked the way it has looked.

So after a few months of struggling with styling products,

I considered that I actually like my hair short and headed to the salon.

So many times things we do are just an effort to figure out what we like. Sometimes our choices are even made to try and impress others. (Sadly, teenagers do not have the corner on the market when it comes to silly behavior.)

Regardless of the likes or dislikes of others, we need to know what makes us happy. Such knowledge is not easily obtained. Thankfully, discovering my favorite type of dessert or which perfume I like the best is not a miserable thing to experiment with.

Not every lesson is self discovery is quite so simple. I am sure you'd agree that discovering ways to be polite in the face of rudeness, while not becoming a doormat, could be a challenge. And I don't imagine that anyone can tell me a quick and painless way to discover the ins and outs of meeting members of the opposite gender after many years out of the "game". The truth is that developing positive personality traits and relationships, takes a great deal of time and effort.

I pray that whatever you need to learn. Wherever it is you need to grow in your life. That you find the experience to be at least interesting, even if it is difficult at times. I pray that you will find grace in trying situations and peace for your journey.

I wish you happiness and joy.

I hope that we all find the strength to grow where and when we need to.

May you be blessed.

Now,

Tomorrow,

Always.

Mom, are we almost to the car?

A moment on the grass,
convinced she was absolutely going not going to make it back.

My youngest daughter is a bit of a drama queen.

I wouldn't have a clue who she got that from.

=-)

A most perfect day

A blue sky,
exquisite clouds,
framed through the trees.

It is like a piece of art,
yet better.

Living,
ever changing,
breathtaking.

A well worn path

Whatever I face in life.

I know others have been where I stand.

Our human situation,

no matter how wonderful or frightening,

is not new.

Like the trails I trod with my dear ones,

life has been traveled many times by other adventurers.

I am focused on picking a good path,

I am trying to keep an eye out for poison ivy.

Rocks and dust...

bumps and dips...

all are part of the experience.

Hiking...

Life...

Neither are always easy.

Always though..

The trek is worth the effort.

Life is beautiful.

Sunburned and happy

My cheeks are pink.

My shoulders are too.

I am tired and satisfied.

Back home,

I sit and type.

It is hot.

My eldest has retreated to our basement

and thinks I need to turn on the air conditioning.

My middle kiddo is cleaning up for school tomorrow with the promise of watching a Narnia movie when she's done.

My little guy?

He's sitting on my bed watching me type and enjoying the music that comes on anytime I flip back to view my blog.

Back to me...

this weekend,

this "taste" of summer...

has me longing...

daydreaming...

wishing happy things...

feeling...

I hope,

I pray,

I wish,

for you...

Blessings,

Happiness,

Peace.

Now, Always, Forever

HikeOhio

Tonight I went hiking with a friend.

Standing among the trees,

splashing in the creek,

watching the mountain bikers fly past,

I smiled.

closed my eyes.

paused...

I felt as if I was truly in heaven.

Then I came home and pondered the experience.

I went online and found a group full of people who share my love.

It's called, "HikeOhio" and I can't wait until their next hiking event.

sigh...

anybody else

really enjoying their weekend?

Sledding

Yup!

I'm not kidding.

My oldest and I took our plastic toboggans to the sledding hill today and gave the manufacturers suggested alternative use a try.

My youngest daughter stood at the foot of the hill and wisely refused to give the well worn, slightly rocky hill a try.

She thought we were crazy.

However,

despite my dear one's skepticism as to our adventure,

we discovered that it is indeed possible to sled without snow!

It works!

Sleds do go down grass!

However,

there is a down side,

When it is eighty three degrees,

and you are in shorts and a sleeveless top,

there is a great deal of skin exposed.

This is not good if you slip off your slide.

We escaped without any serious abrasions

and vowed to try again in the fall when we were dressed in jeans and long sleeves.

It was really fun, despite the slight danger.

I laughed all evening every time I thought of it.

What a rush.

It's been a long time since I've flown down a hill so fast.

I hope your day was filled with lovely adventures and your evening has been pleasant.

May you be blessed.

This day and forever.

Late night happiness

Yes,
I know I said I was headed to bed.
But,
I couldn't resist the call of my kitchen.
I love,
absolutely love,
to make treats to share.

Waiting in my kitchen,

cooling overnight,

are dozens of peanut butter and powder sugar confections,

known affectionately as "Buckeyes"

here in the best state in the U.S.

(Yes, that was a shameless plug for the most wonderful of the fifty states!)

In the morning,

I'll dip them in melted chocolate and let them cool again.

Sigh...

they will taste yummy...

We'll have lots to share.

Pleasant dreams and God Bless.

Good night

Swings and Starry Skies

Laying on my swing,

my feet dangling over the edge,

brushing the grass with each gentle pass,

I looked up into the sky,

darkness was settling around me.

The multitude of fences were disappearing,

as if into a mist,

from somewhere,

the smell of popcorn floated by on the breeze.

I chatted on the phone

and thought about what an absolutely lovely evening it was.

Friday

Payday

No rain predicted

for the whole weekend

My girls came out for a little while and joined me.

Even the dog sat with us.

A brief trip indoors to put everyone to bed,

then back out with a blanket,

a cup of coffee.

I fell asleep for just a little while,

waking at my pup's slight whine.

Why was mom,

sleeping outside?

Back,

writing to you,

telling the story,

getting ready to climb into bed.

Planing the day tomorrow,

daydreaming in my head.

It has to be a park day,

a play day.

A picnic,

bring a smile day.

One park,

two..

dare I say

three?

warm

happy

blessed.

May your evening be beautiful.

May tomorrow find you refreshed.

May you always know you are loved.

May you be blessed.

Time

I just got home from my last teachers' meeting of the school year.

I've been up since four thirty and the hours have caught up with me.

I know I need to get myself to bed.

And yet, I find that my mind is swimming with a list of "to do's" a mile long.

I am sure you know exactly what I mean.

It often seems that there are just not enough hours in the day to complete every project, chore and dream.

What is it about time that makes it something that is seemingly endless in some ways and other times extremely finite?

I think tonight,

my pillow is going to have to win soon.

I start to turn into a puddle

and get highly emotional if I'm awake too long.

Happy and giddy or weepy and sad...

there is no middle ground when I'm exhausted.

I pray that your day tomorrow is as lovely as ours promises to be here in Central Ohio. That the sun warms you all the way through.

May you be blessed,

Tonight,

Tomorrow,

Forever.

Fish!

I am happy to tell you,

our field trip was a wonderful success.

My students were well behaved,

intelligent in the "education" piece of the program

and

happy in the green house.

Delightful eating their lunches and

not too loud on the bus.

But,

do you want to know a secret?

We went to see the butterflies,

but,

I think everyone's favorite part was seeing the giant Koi!

I don't blame them,

I love the fish!

My favorite is the massive yellow one.

I call him Sam.

The kiddos were also fascinated by the texture on the magnifying plate that showed how butterflies see.

...sigh...

The world is lovely through the eyes of my little ones.

I wonder though,

if they are as tired as I am.

May you be blessed this evening,

no matter what your day has been like thus far.

As night falls,

may you find peace and a moment of quiet.

I wish you only happiness.

Looking towards a bright future

I am a person who likes the concrete. While I enjoy musing about happy things in life, I'd prefer that the important day to day issues were all worked out according to some nice neat schedule. I do not enjoy "hoping" for the best or waiting to see what will happen.

Never the less, sometimes I am forced to "wait and see". My eldest's high school choice is one of those issues. There is actually a very good chance that everything will work out. While I wait for confirmation of several issues, I am continuing enrollment preparation for the fall.

This afternoon, we received word that my kiddo got into Honors English! I am so proud of my eldest. She is such a smartie. Her mind is like a little steel trap, quick and accurate. I can not wait to see her put it to good use in high school!

With all my heart,

I smile when I think of her...

challenged,

growing...

excelling.

Yay for my oldest daughter!

May she find high school to be a wonderful adventure.

May those of us,

who care for dear ones,

of any age,

find a way to let the ones we love know we are proud.

May they be strengthened,

wrapped in our love.

Blessings and peace to you and yours now and forever.

Field Trips

Tomorrow, about mid morning,

I'll be climbing aboard our school's van and loading little ones up to head out for a field trip.

With lunches packed, chaperones accounted for and children occupied with small toys or books, we will head out to the Franklin Park Conservatory to see butterflies from around the globe.

With a special dispensation from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and volunteers posted at all the doors to prevent exotic escapees, beautiful jewel like treasures will surround us.

If it is overcast or rainy, the butterflies will stay near the ground and the children will have to pay attention to find all the varieties. However, if the sun is shining through the massive greenhouse windows, the fluttering will be breathtaking and the children's happy squeals are likely to echo long after we are gone.

I feel very blessed to be the one they look to for answers. Today I had a child ask me why there was "wind". I said, "Wow! that is a very complicated question". I explained that it had a lot to do with oceans, and the sun, but that I would find a book that could explain it to children in simple words. I can only imagine what my students will ask tomorrow.

I am grateful that I do not have to hold all the answers, that it is o.k. to say we must look it up on the Internet or that we need a book.

Isn't it nice to know that at least half of being educated is knowing how to find answers, not just having raw triva stored in our minds.

Saying, "I don't know yet, let's find out together." is a delightful experience.

I think it can lead our children to feel more positive about learning. They will see that we are still learning and that education is a continual process.

I pray that you and I will never believe we are too old to learn something new,

something wonderful.

I dare to hope that Road of Life has a lot more to offer us.

May your evening,

your night,

your forever,

be filled with useful knowledge,

new interesting tidbits of information

and

a mind that never stops wanting to know the secrets of the word.

May you be blessed.

Testing

This week,

in addition to practicing for our play,

we are taking a standardized test.

My students,

Kindergartners,

are doing well.

However, sitting quietly for twenty minutes is not something little people like.

So, they are humoring me.

Mostly...

I know I am not the only one who will be happy when it is over.

In life, there are many tests.

School tests,

like our SESAT or an SAT.

Medical tests,

like MRI's and CAT scans.

Professional tests,

like the Bar exam

and even Life tests like parallel parking

and babysitting for the first time.

There is something in our very nature that makes us want to succeed.

One of my students summed up the feeling when he said,

"Ms. Susan, I want to be RIGHT."

Who wants to be wrong?

To fail?

To not do as we should.

I told my student that he just needed to choose an answer

and that as long as he tried his best,

it was going to be fine.

He wasn't entirely sure he believed me.

Was my answer truthful?

What do you believe?

Is your best good enough?

I say yes.

Our gifts are graces that are given to us.

I am not able to believe that our worth,

our value,

has anything to do with the result of any test.

Our worth was declared a long time ago,

when the Maker of the World

Chose us for His very own.

So,

though it is in our nature to strive for perfection...

We are loved,

regardless of the outcome of our efforts.

May you and I never forget this truth.

May our hearts be filled with joy.

May we be blessed.

Yikes! Ticks!

After a very successful Girl's Night with my oldest kiddo,

we headed upstairs to chat.

Our dog of course came with us and as we sat on my bed,

we petted and fussed over him.

Suddenly,

I felt something not right in his undercoat

and looked down to find a tick.

I felt terrible as I had six months of K9 Advantix sitting unopened in my closet. It's been so cold lately that I hadn't even thought about icky insects and other nasty creatures.

My dear one ran for the tweezers and we made the dog nervous with our unhappy and slightly panicked noises.

We removed one tick and applied the medicine. By tomorrow night, Ben's blood and body should repel and kill nasty ticks, mosquitoes and fleas.

If you have a dear one that is furry and four footed, don't forget their meds. Especially, if you are like my family and love to take your "baby" to the park.

May your life be filled with companionship, be it human, furry or both! May your life be made better because of the love you share.

May you be blessed...

This evening,

tomorrow,

forever!

Girl's night

I have a date tonight.

One that is absolutely up my alley.

You see,

it is with my favorite girls,

my two daughters.

Tonight is "Girl's Night"...

a not so original concept,

just now adopted by me.

Comfort,

cookies

and maybe

a board game.

I wonder if they'll go easy on me.

Ha!

I really doubt it!

May you find something equally wonderful to do with yourself this fine day!

May you be blessed!

Walking the path

Walking the path before us can be unsettling.

I am a creature of habit, of routine.

I love the familar traditions that make up day to day existance.

In times of great turmoil,

it sometimes seems,

as if it is,

at least metaphorically,

very dark.

The unknown path is scary.

The familar road a distant memory.

It seems sometimes as if I am all alone.

Perhaps you have felt this way as well.

I know in my heart, that I am not.

That I have family and friends who love me.

Yet,

for the first time,

it really is just me standing out in the world.

Discovering its beauty

and quivering a little in the dark.

I smile when I imagine that this is how most people feel from time to time,

when their lives are at a beginning point of some kind.

It just has been an awfully long time since I've felt this way.

So, when it's dark on the path and I'm scared.

I look for a light.

May you,

may I,

find what we are looking for...

May we remember the One who is the Light

and cling to him...

instead of quivering quite so much.

Peace to you this evening and always.

May you be blessed.

Wonderment

Today,

I treated my students to an amazing experience.

Our Painted Lady butterflies had hatched over the weekend

and were fluttering about when we arrived at school.

I put my finger into their habitat and took one out.

Quietly we passed the new beauty from fingertip to fingertip.

It was a magical experience for my Kindergarten kids

and one I would have never known to be possible,

if not for my dear friend Bev.

The first time I saw her do it,

I gasped and sat as spellbound as the children in the class.

For some reason, "baby" butterflies do not know to be afraid

for the first hours after they are born.

If you are gentle and quiet,

they really will allow you to handle them.

The sighs and exclamations from the kiddos in my care,

were music to my ears....

To watch the awe on their faces was a

blessing....

a gift...

I pray that you are privileged to see the world through the eyes of a child.

Simple moments made more special because of their innocence.

May tomorrow bring you the kind of happiness I saw radiate from their faces.

May you be blessed.

This night,

Tomorrow,

forever!

Rites of passage

Late this afternoon,

on the way back from walking our dog at Blendon Woods,

my oldest announced that she'd like to get her ears pierced.

I was so excited.

I've been waiting...

literally for years!

I love jewelry,

especially earrings.

Glittering pretties make me smile.

So as I stood at the counter while she had them done,

I am positive that I was at least as excited as she was nervous.

When it was over,

the smile on her face was one hundred percent girl.

I know that in six weeks,

it will not be a question of if she wants to go to Target and look at earrings but rather, how fast we can get there!

Yay for us!

Being a woman is fun.

Sneaky Challenge!

Let's make Monday interesting!

Tomorrow...

Do one nice thing for someone.

Be sneaky if you can.

Or...

in the case of a Great Aunt or other "shouldn't startle" loved one...

just do something lovely so they know you care.

If you want, share what you did in the comment section of this post!

I'll be waiting to hear!

I think Monday will be more fun this way!

(sneaky would be fun though... mmmm.... possibilities!)

Graham crackers and frosting

After Mass today, a dear friend came home with us.

Her name is Cathy and she is absolutely one of the kindest women you could ever meet.

This morning she taught Sunday School (known affectionately as PSR in Catholic circles) and this afternoon she was volunteering at our parish's "People of God" program for adults with special needs.

Cathy is one of those people who would help you, even if she shouldn't.

Because she is soft spoken, I have seen bossier "Christians" mistakenly believe that she needs them to tell her what to do.

Without a doubt, Cathy is the one to call if there is something to be done.

But, if that is the only time that someone calls, they are missing out on a true friend.

A giver of cards on birthdays,

a baker of the most delicious bread,

an understanding ear to talk to

and a very willing participant in happy adventures,

Cathy is a treasure.

I am glad to call her my friend.

I am sure you know someone like my Cathy.

They bless the world by their very being.

Like the chocolate frosting on graham crackers, they make life special.

I pray that we will always know at least one "Cathy"...

that we remember to call her...

with fun,

not just work.

Everyone needs to relax...

to have that chocolate...

the cup of coffee in the kitchen...

May you be blessed with beautiful friends to accompany you on your adventure!

Now!

Always!

Forever!

Happy endings

Tonight my oldest and I watched a chick flick when her siblings were in bed.

We laughed, cringed and even felt like we needed to cover our eyes once or twice.

In the end though,

my daughter headed to bed before the movie finished....

It was pretty late.

Me, I had to stay until the end.

For what a long ago friend, used to call a "Suz" happy ending.

Yes,

I'm a dreamer...

Ever hopeful.

I want the hero or heroine to choose correctly,

to do the right thing,

I want the problem worked out

and I want the Prince to be waiting for her....

Sigh,

who doesn't like a feel good movie?

Two thumbs up for The Devil Wears Prada.

Moments together

Tonight my eldest daughter and I continued a tradition together.

We made hardtack candy.

I used to make it with my beloved grandmother.

As a very little girl I remember how happy I was when I would be allowed to twist the tray and crack the candy.

It was so very satisfying to watch the smooth sheet of "glass" shatter into a zillion yummy pieces.

Rolled in sugar and tucked into jars,

everyone had their favorite flavor.

Real peppermint oil made the green ones icky in my book,

while yellow guaranteed a lemony treat.

After dinner tonight,

as we spent several hours together,

we talked about her journey to high school.

We discussed where she was going to go.

I had to tell her that while I would do my best to send her along with her buddies to our Catholic High School... I couldn't promise her it would happen.

This was a sad reality that she hadn't considered.

Over the course of the evening, while we stirred, shattered and sugared, we talked it out.

The possibilities,

the future.

We even ended up talking about college and career choices.

It was an important discussion, one made more natural, more tolerable by the task we were completing together.

The delicious candy,

"sweetened" the situation just a little.

Memories were made and I am so proud of the woman my daughter is becoming.

I am blessed by her gentle spirit...

Glad she is mine to love.

I pray that your own life will be blessed with dear ones to cherish...

that your walk be "sweeter" because of them.

Ode to fishing line

Oh fishing line so clear and strong...
I'll sing your praises all day long.

A swing is not much fun you see,
if its seat cannot hold three.

With a needle and some time,
you helped to make my small son shine.

Happy and bright his voice we hear
when on his swing he parks his rear.


Ha! ... I know, I'm over the top here.
But, I couldn't resist. I really did fix our yard swing this afternoon. My son really was overjoyed and I was extremely happy that all it took was about an hour and a half and fishing line I already possessed.

I sincerely admire people who

repair cars,

set bones,

build homes.

Their talent,
their art,
is so necessary.

What a blessing that there are people who can

cut hair,

shingle roofs

and lay down roads.

Where would we all be without them?

Whatever your talent,

be it small or large,

thank you for sharing it with world.

May you be blessed each day as you use what you've been given.

Disclaimers and small print

Sometimes I feel a little like I ought to add a small print disclaimer somewhere on my blog.

It would assure my readers that I am not "Pollyanna", that I do see the potholes in life.

That I spend plenty of time worried and sadly, do not always follow my own good advice.

My blog, is a special place to me.

It is a place where I think over my life and apply what I know to be true, to how I feel.

Feelings can change with the moment.

The truths of life DO NOT.

I invite you to journey with me.

To look at your own life.

To seek truth and beauty.

A bucket of sunshine to replace the mud.

Peace and blessings to you today.

(And to me as well!)

Friday

As our week winds down.

You may be very weary.

You may be invigorated at the thought of the weekend.

Perhaps you're a little of both.

I pray.

I wish.

I hope.

That your day,

my day,

our day.

That it is filled with peace.

Whatever comes your way...

may you face it with the assurance in your heart that there is a God,

a Creator,

who honestly loves us.

That you,

That I...

That we...

That we are never alone.

Come what may...

(Dear me! Did I just say that? )

We will walk on...

with joy!

May I,

May you,

May we be blessed.

This morning,

this day,

this evening....

Forever!

Beautiful... but needed a blanket and a couch...

With breathtaking music,

panoramic pictures

and

extraordinary

animal footage,

Disney's new Planet Earth is an amazing movie.

Unfortunately,
things die...
so, this is not a movie for the faint of heart.

It is also about an hour an a half and told in a narrative form that older elementary animal fans and above would probably appreciate. I would best describe the experience as a long nature special.

I enjoy the big screen and I found myself on the edge of my seat watching lions, polar bears and even a shark or two. However, I also found myself very cozy.

How I longed to cuddle up on a couch with a blanket and comfortably watch a little and let James Earl Jones' voice lull me to sleep.

The movie is beautiful. I do recommend it. But, if you go see it at the theater, make sure you go see it with someone who can work the kinks out of your neck and give you a back rub after you've been sitting quiet and still.

For me,

I felt it could have been a delightful prelude to a lovely nap...

Unfortunately, the couch, blanket and loved one were missing!

Tonight,
may you find someplace comfortable to lay your head.
may rest come to you and leave you feeling relaxed for your day tomorrow

May you be blessed.

Widgets!

Besides being the name of an adorable dog that stars in at least two lovable children's books,

"Widget" is the name given to things that can be added to websites by "embedding" codes copied from other sources.

While visiting http://suzeeez.blogspot.com/ today I discovered the cutest kitty clock widget.

As I have always wanted one of the "real" vintage kitty clocks, I simply was overjoyed at the discovery.

I of course happily added the "widget" to my blog and then indulged in a few more.

sigh...

They were so fun, it was hard not to get carried away.

I hope you find my new additions enjoyable!

=-)

I've heard the rain is ending soon!

Maybe the sun will even come out!

Making life just a little better!

Sitting in my freezer at any given time

is generally

at least one tub

of some form of whipped topping.

I am convinced

that almost anything

is made just a little more delicious

with a cool "cloud" of yumminess on top.

Alright...

maybe,

just maybe,

spaghetti isn't better...

but I think you know what I mean.

:-)

My kiddos will happily eat a somewhat "boring" dinner without too much complaint,

if they hear our featured desert is frozen fruit with Cool whip or

if they're especially lucky...

ice cream!

If you think Cool Whip is fantastic,

Don't get me started on the absolute state of Nirvana

that a sprinkle of chocolate chips delivers.

I think happiness in life is a little like that dollop of whipped cream.

It is the small things.

The call from a friend.

The dessert made and shared by someone who cares.

That make life beautiful.

Blessings are found all around us.

Sometimes they are "serious"....

...like when we are given

a warning instead of a ticket...

Or when we've wronged someone

and they offer forgiveness and understanding instead of anger.

Other times our blessings come in simpler,

even silly forms...

A text message from a friend that lifts our spirits.

That extra quarter you discover so you don't have to spend "real money"

to get that small treat you desire.

The pen and paper you find when someone calls

and you honestly need to take a message.

Small blessings.

Daily silver linings to counteract life's craziness.

May your day,

your night,

your life...

Be filled with glimmers of goodness...

moments of small joys...

and

tiny happy surprises.

May you be blessed.

How was your day.... otherwise?

I think that often in life we can either cry or laugh. Sometimes the trauma is just too great and the choice of our expression is taken from us.

Other times, it is sometimes more cathartic to roll our eyes heavenward, shake our head and save the tears until later.

Today was one of those days for me.

A normal busy day...

I was tired on the way home as I counted the change out for a cup of coffee.

I turned on my easy listening radio station

and took the first sip of my chocolate cream infused coffee.

As I turned up the dial on my radio and began to sing loudly, I grinned.

I absolutely love happy music. It is a wonderful lift at the end of a pleasant but tiring day.

As I headed up the road toward home,

my cell rang.

I missed the call and when I glanced at the number it wasn't one I immediately recognized.

In was about 4:20.

I stopped to pick up my youngest from my parents' house and headed toward home,

expecting to be greeted by my son and his aide.

I wasn't.

The house was dark and I could tell they hadn't been there all day.

Knowing they were on an outing this morning

but were due to be back by noon,

I was concerned.

I started dialing...

Eventually,

I found out most of what happened.

My son made it home.

I even made it to my staff meeting and back.

I called my sis to ask for help with tomorrow's babysitting situation and thanked God yet again for family.

The picture at the top of my post

made me think of how often it is only by looking up...

by counting my blessings...

that I am able to keep walking...

keep smiling...

Life is such a blessing.

Such a gift...

It is not always easy to remember.

I pray that it the midst of life's chaos,

you find an oasis.

A refuge.

Peace.

May your life be filled with beauty...

and humor to carry you through the rough spots.

May you be blessed.

Tonight...

Tomorrow...

Forever!

Benches here we come!

It is with a chuckle and a smile that I post our first "Bench" picture of the new year!

My youngest kiddo has an almost worshipful devotion to these favored resting spots.

Every trip to a park...
any park...
and he will find and sit on at least half a dozen given the opportunity.

Last summer the rest of my kids began to think it was especially funny to pose with him and have a snapshot taken.

So, here's to the coming summer.

New adventures...

Warm days...

and most especially,

Park Benches!

Play time!

The past few weeks,

my friend,

and fellow Kindergarten teacher

and I have been working on our Spring play.

It has been challenging.

Though we are both intelligent women who love to write,

we have found writing a play to be a whole new experience.

Yesterday, the play was finally complete and

today we passed out the roles to our future Broadway stars!

With the play scheduled for the beginning of May,

I know you can guess one of our daily Kindergarten activities.

Thankfully,

like so many other fascinating and useful activities, practicing a play fits well into our standards.

We are learning public speaking skills,

memorization,

team building

and even musical skills.

We also learn to work hard,

set goals

and obtain them.

I know the next few weeks will be extremely busy.

However, when our classes take their bows and the families cheer,

the final outcome will have been worth the effort.

If I sound a little harried as the end of the year rush comes,

you'll know why.

May the duties in our lives bring satisfaction. Let us stay the course, do what needs to be done and enjoy what is before us.

May your life be blessed this day,

tomorrow

and always.

Calling all Cookie bakers and Garden friends!

While we wait for our flowers to peak out of the earth

and meet our eager welcome...

I propose we share a little.

I'd like to make a little section in my right hand column

where I could share favorite cookie recipes

and garden photos from my readers.

If you'd like to share in this project,

send your recipe with the name you'd like it credited to

and a picture of the cookies

to the email address in my profile.

If you're new to this computer playground, go to yahoo or hotmail to create a fake email address to use. I really just want your input... not your personal email addresses... I promise!

In the same spirit,

please feel free to pass on pictures of your garden.

If you are a blogger,

feel free to send me a link

if you don't mind me taking a peek at your musings.

Make sure to tell me if it is o.k.

to share your blog address with others!

Together we can welcome the blessings of spring.

After all the cookies I anticipate trying...

Perhaps I'll have to start a section where we share our favorite exercise hints.

:-)

Happy Easter!

On my way to church!

Happy Easter to you all.

May the blessing of Christ's love,

be with you.

Now and Forever!

Happy Birthday!

Chocolate ice cream cake made by my eldest...

A trip to a park...

Kiddo videos playing on endless loop in my living room...

Pizza for everyone.

Family

no need for anything fancy

simple joys

Presents

thank yous

smiles

Moments frozen in time

everyone welcome in my home

the blessing of sharing time

of supporting each other

of caring...

Phone calls to check up on each other when we are hurting...

Chocolate to share!

Laughing and not taking things too seriously...

Tonight,

I thank God for my sister...

for her little son...

for birthdays and time together.

May the simple moments

that we share with the ones we are given to love

make our lives worth living.

May the things not able to be bought in a store

bring us the kind of joy that lasts forever.

May this spring,

this Easter season,

bring us all peaceful hearts.

May you be blessed.

Tonight,

Tomorrow,

Always.

This is the pine cone I'm after!

This is the pine cone I crave.

Must have one.

Someday....

Knowledge

I am a sentimental woman.

I love paper flowers made by children...

the gifts wrapped all by themselves,

with hair stuck in the tape.

I love rocks brought back from trips

and flower seeds from historical gardens.

I have a weakness for homemade Christmas decorations.

Paper chains,

tissue papered baby food jars

and

my favorite...

Glittered Pine cones.

I have a lovely large one that my eldest daughter and I brought back from the Cement Tepees in Cave City, Kentucky. Its base is crooked and it drops a little glitter every year. Lovingly I place it above my television and smile at it's lopsided endeavor to spread Christmas cheer.

One day I saw giant pine cones and someone told me they were from the redwood trees out west.

I even saw a family find massive cones on television.

Ever since,

I've had a burning desire to go to the National Forest

and swipe myself one of these fantastic cones.

Tonight,

I decided to talk about my dream...

My silly wish for "some day"...

to muse about my happy thoughts.

So,

I went to look for a photo

and discovered...

Sequoia pine cones are itty bitty and very rare.

Staring at the screen,

I laughed out loud.

My long time daydream,

is now a little revised...

I still want a giant pine cone,

but,

I guess...

What I thought I wanted

is not what I really do!

Sometimes knowledge can make us sad.

Like discovering how far a hundred dollars really goes,

or that the pizza place closes at eleven

and it's eleven o' three.

Other times,

like tonight,

Knowledge

is

surprising

but not unpleasant.

I hope for you,

that your next

"unexpected moment"

is pleasant!

May you rest easy,

with happy thoughts on your mind

and love in your heart.

May tomorrow bring you at least one smile to share.

May you be blessed.

Gardening bliss...

Some of you may have heard of my love for fruiting plants before.

...Though the trees couldn't come with me when I moved,

the blackberry bushes surely did.

Tucked into the corner at the end of the flowers,

I grin when I look at them.

Green...

Four foot high...

and

guaranteed to scratch anyone walking past!

I dream of jelly and jam...

Of adding more plants over the years.

I freely admit,

I'm a daydreamer.

Late this afternoon,

as I shopped for groceries at Aldi's...

I walked past their general merchandise.

Always interesting to consider...

outdoor things....

gourmet candy...

you can never tell

just exactly what they may have...

One thing for certain...

in the spring...

the summer...

the early fall...

You'll find plants, seeds, bulbs...

I know this...

I love this...

So I wasn't surprised by the lovely display...

Just delighted

I stopped as I walked past...

I looked in reverent silence...

I sighed..

just a little..

I didn't really need anything they were offering.

But staring at the display,

a happy childhood memory of picking grapes

from a chain link fence

splashed to the surface of my mind.

warm sun...

bare feet...

laughing...

eating...

family

fun

life

With a swift and silent motion,

I placed a box under my cart.

Planting...

teaching...

raising children...

One moment at a time...

shaping the future.

Patience

persistence

perseverance

Life...

What a blessing...

What a gift.

May you find joy in the walk before you,

May the small actions

in your power

to make the world better...

bring you

joy...

peace...

happiness..

May you be blessed.

Temptation

Fully a month before I am technically advised to do so,

I am about to go out and plant flower seeds.

It doesn't matter that it might frost.

I truly understand it might happen.

I just don't care.

I have enough seeds...

plenty of determination...

and a terrible itch to play in the dirt.

I'll plant some sunflowers every few days until I am satisfied.

One year the squirrels "won" and I only had seven.

Most years,

I get the upper hand.

I usually end up with twenty or thirty

sunny ambassadors of happiness.

The key in my mind,

and my philosophy about most everything in life...

Never give up!

If you put enough out there,

eventually some will grow!

Go ahead...

chuckle...

I know it's kinda nuts.

But,

hey...

It works!

I wish for you,

something to bring satisfaction and joy your way...

Whatever it may be...

I pray that peace and happiness will fill your heart.

May you be blessed this day,

tomorrow

and

always.