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 frozen in time

Standing there...

I see them...

and yet...

My heart remembers

tiny hands...

happy squeals

as they "flew" a hamster with a paper super hero cape...

as they dressed in furry animal costumes...

and played for hours..

I see the hedgehog birthday surprise cake...

I remember the trip we all took to Mammoth cave...

In my heart I feel years of

peaceful...

simple...

blessings...

Today, as they stood before me...

I sighed...

and thanked God.

For the gift of friendship

that has been given to these two young women

who I will always love.

I pray that they,

like you and I,

will find their futures to be full of possibilities and blessings.

I pray that we will all follow our hearts,

use our gifts..

Be who we are meant to become...

Life is an adventure,

a blessing.

May yours be beautiful,

happy,

peaceful!

Grumpy...

I've made it to Friday and I must admit I'm tired and a tad grumpy.

This morning I touched my alarm at five and crawled back under my fuzzy blanket until my next alarm at 5:26 when I sadly accepted the fact that morning was a reality I was going to have to face.

I crawled out of my bed and flipped on my computer. I quickly checked my email and turned on my itunes. Enlivened, or at least awakened, by the peppy music that flooded through my room, I began to prepare for the day ahead.

Later with my three kiddos up, lunches packed and a cup of coffee consumed, I said goodbye to the babysitter and the children I call my own.

Heading out, I hopped into my father's car and caught a ride to work with him. Along the way, we talked life over and I was struck again with how very glad I am to be his daughter.

What about you?

Who is in your life who you not only respect but whom you honestly enjoy discussing your "issues" with?

Being a chatty lady, I must confess that I can talk for hours with my closest friends.

Though my week has been eventful and I am really tired, tonight I am looking forward to playing rummy with one of my best girlfriends and unwinding after I tuck my kids into bed.

There is nothing quite like a good conversation to help put life in perspective. And if pizza and a beverage are included in the line up, even better.

Oh... and for those of you who are wondering about the picture showing a box of chocolate muffins at the top of this post... I made breakfast for dinner tonight and along with the fruit and milk I offered my children, my eldest made yummy healthy muffins with me. (Hey, humor me, there was an egg in that mix!) With two daughters and a little son with a sweet tooth, they certainly weren't complaining about my cure for the grumpies.

I wish for you a happy evening, unwind and relax, you are a blessing to those who know and love you! Take care of yourself and those you love. Have fun!