October 30, 2010 – Where to begin?

So many things to be thankful and grateful for today.  I could easily go with the obvious.  My husband was on a flight from Dubai to DC on Friday evening and is now home safely.  My little boy is now smiling again, understanding that his dad did not, in fact, disappear forever.   My spirited and smiling  little girl never fails to make me proud.   My mother in law arrived home safely, yet I’m sure exhausted after coming to help this week.   How can I choose?  So much goodness in abundance- so much I am so grateful for.

And yet…  while all of these are givens, none of this was my chosen ‘moment’ for the day.  Yesterday was a long day.  We’d greeted Daddy home, trick or treated, bathed face painted babies, cleaned up the house… it was evening and I’d put both kids and their very jet lagged Daddy to bed.  After turning off the lights, I slowly headed up the stairs for bed.  One hand on the rail, another carrying the last load of things to be put away into little bedrooms and it was then I realized something.  

My hand was sticking to the hand rail.   The wooded hand rail going upstairs to the bedrooms was as sticky as a jar of jam.  ‘You must be kidding me’, I thought, followed by ‘What in the hell is this??’ in my mind. 

Then I remembered.   I let the kids eat caramel apples on the floor of our room this afternoon.  Their daddy was resting.  They wanted to be near.   They were kind and appreciative and as careful, apparently, as a 2 and 6 year old could be.   And they left the remains of these happy moments stuck to my handrail. 

Rather than being irritated, I smiled.  I smiled at the babies living in my house, now sound asleep.  I am grateful for the moments that led to the handrail’s current condition and I am so appreciative of the tired little sticky happy family that lives under this roof with me.

And that is the goodness I am most appreciative of today.  Sticky handrails headed to bed.   The point is that it’s so much more than that.  And I absolutely love it.

~K

October 29, 2010 – PC Positivity!

So excited today about the glitch resolved in my computer.   No, I wasn’t being simply lazy being a week behind.  I’d write a post, click publish, and nothing would happen.  I’d try again.  The same.   Over and over.  For days.   Today, it is resolved.  And I'm back in business.  Apologies to those of who being flooded with my ‘five backlogged days of positivity’.   But here’s one more…. today, I am overjoyed with the fix!

…. oh, and here’s to positive thoughts for returning travel which goes safely and smoothly.  I am simply giddy at the thought of seeing my husband soon and even moreso at seeing the lit up face of my eight days sad two year old, who simply did not have the capacity to understand time, work trips or locations, upon soon being able to reunite with his Daddy Boo.    That will be priceless.

~K

October 28, 2010 – Halloween Parties

Halloween Party of Four.   My babies and I.  Plus a grandma.   Making lemonade, so to speak, in the form of pumpkin seeds, caramel apples, carving kits, spider webs and a warm fall evening.

Why not?

 

Why not celebrate?  

Why not enjoy?

Why not make beautiful memories together?

~K

October 27, 2010 – Sidewalk Chalk

Written on my driveway today….

Pretty much sums things up.   Noticing the good.   Appreciating happiness and positivity.

Hold on to this spirit, my girl… sometime between now and adulthood we tend to lose it.   Hold on tight and always remember to notice and appreciate  happy days.

~K

October 26, 2010 – My List

While today certainly isn’t the  best day I’ve had this month, by far, I am very aware of a long list of many things I am beyond grateful for today.

I am grateful for rested pilots, working machinery, cooperating weather, kind travelers and a safe arrival for my husband, across the world, where he will be… for a short time, but for a much longer time than I am comfortable with.  

I am appreciative of a house that is a home in which to nurture my children and to help them know that all is okay and safe from now until their life can resume to normalcy.

I am thankful for friends and neighbors, who are a phone call away and who understand without explanation.

I am so glad I have my yoga, and amazed at how it somehow is able to bring me back to where I need to be and fill my soul with goodness, thought and strength.

I am absolutely indebted to a grandmother…. who will fly, exhausted, to spend time with not her son, but her daughter-in-law and her grandchildren…. to help make the days, the schedule and the void so much easier.

 

Yes, much to be crabby about today, but far more to be appreciative of.

~K

October 25, 2010 – Fall Fun

Sometimes there’s no words required.  When was the last time you rolled down a hill?  Such fun.

~K

October 24, 2010 – Beautiful Beginnings

Beautiful beginnings… photography from today.

~K

October 23, 2010 - Road Trips

I took the kids on a mini road trip today.  Just me.  And them.

We had a picnic in the car and hung out the three of us.  Visited my sister.

It was the first time I’ve ever been just the three of us overnight.

I'm glad we did it.  It wasn’t perfect.  But we did it.  And that was kind of cool.

~K

October 22, 2010 - Perspective?

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about perspective.
Depending upon what set of glasses you’re wearing, the perspective you carry will be completely different.
And more than that… generally speaking, as long as you are genuine with your perspective, I believe it is important to remember that one perspective isn’t better than another- just different.
The positivity to this thought, on this day, is that this little spot, here, on my computer, where for some reason I share thoughts and ideas each day, encourages my mind to think, to question, to search and to wonder.   And that is a positive thing.
~K

October 21, 2010 – Things that last

“Tough times never last, but tough people do”-
Robert H. Schuller

I wish I could say I found this myself, being as appropriate and as valuable a statement as it is.  I didn’t.  Stole it from a girl on facebook.   I loved it so much I thought I’d share here.

~K

October 20, 2010 – Yoga-licious

I take yoga.  Sometimes daily.  As often as I can.   I have found my favorite yoga instructor and there I sit, like a sponge, soaking up all she has to say, to demonstrate, to teach.

Below is a quote she ends each class with and one I try to remember more and more each day.  I think it holds a lot of truth and is important to at least hear once. 

Enjoy- allowing me to share a moment of  my yogaliciousness today.

“Watch your thoughts, for they become words.
Watch your words, for they become actions.
Watch your actions, for they become habits.
Watch your habits, for they become character.
Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.”

~K

October 19, 2010 – I see the Moon…

I see the Moon… the moon sees me….

I was unwinding from the day, relaxing in a hot bathtub.  From where I was I could see out of my window… this new window, this newly remodeled bathroom, the reward of many months of renovations… a material possession, if you will, this bathroom, and certainly something I could live without-- but also a luxury that I appreciate daily.   Looking out from this special spot of mine was when I found another wonderful surprise.

Through the cracks of the wooden blinds I looked out and saw a dark night sky and a bright white full moon.  It was breathtakingly beautiful, perfectly exposed through the small slit and was a moment of the day I instantly knew I wanted to remember for as long as I could.  

A daily sight, I suppose… the moon.   But for me, on this night, it was a moment to recognize, to remember and to appreciate.

~K

October 18, 2010 – For today

“I always like to look on the optimistic side of life, but I am realistic enough to know that life is a complex matter.”  - Walt Disney

Interesting and so true. 

~K

October 17, 2010 – And then there’s Pooh

“If ever there is tomorrow when we’re not together.. there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we’re apart.. I’ll always be with you.”

-- Winnie the Pooh

With love….   ~K

October 16, 2010 – Say Cheers!

“The more you like yourself, the less you are like anyone else which makes you unique.”  ~Walt Disney

~K

October 15, 2010 – Grandmas Enjoying Disney

Making memories to not soon forget…. Nonny and her grandchildren….

“Too many people grow up.  They forget.  They don’t remember what it’s like to be 12 years old.”  - Walt Disney

~K

October 14, 2010 – Magical

“All of your dreams can come true if you only have the courage to pursue them.”

– Walt Disney

Up until this moment, Cinderella’s castle was only something in books and at the beginning of movies….

~K

October 13, 2010 – Tree of Life

“All of our dreams can come true… if we have the courage to pursue them.”  - Walt Disney

A trip to Disney and so it seemed fitting for a few days full of beautiful photos and delightful quotes from Mr. Disney himself.

~K

October 12, 2010 – Drive along

Here’s to a day with safe travels.  New tires.  Movies.  Seatbelts.  Snacks.  More laughs than meltdowns.   Excitement and enthusiasm.  Anticipation and glee.

Grateful for these moments.  Grateful for the ability to take these moments and to make these moments.

 

~K

October 10, 2010 – Family Day

“When you look at your life, the greatest happinesses are family happinesses.”

  ~Joyce Brothers

A day spent with family.  Sushi.   Beautiful weather.  A long weekend.  A lazy Sunday.  

My favorite kind of days.

~K

October 9, 2010 – Saturdays in the Fall

“Football is an incredible game.  Sometimes it’s so incredible, it’s unbelievable.”  ~Tom Landry

Today was an incredible day.

~K

October 8, 2010 – Choices

We went to dinner with friends tonight.  I was feeling crummy.   The kids were waiting for me.  I was feeling uptight.  My husband was getting home from work and getting into the car.  I was cranky.

And then I reminded myself that this was a choice.  A choice within me and that I had the power to direct this evening with my behavior.

……………………………….

We had a beautiful night.  

So often we have choices.  The choices we make do make a difference.

~K

October 7, 2010 - Congratulations

“Love is just a word until someone comes along and gives it meaning.”

- Anonymous

The happiness of an engagement today… moments like these remind me of all the pure goodness left in the world and that which remains within each of us.

~K

October 6, 2010 – Perspective

I was at the gym yesterday.  I drug myself there, lazily forcing myself to get on the treadmill and run.  And then on the elliptical.  After the cardio, I took it further and went over to the area to stretch and work on some yoga.  

There I was, pouring in sweat, so proud of  myself like I’d split the atom or something… like I’d accomplished some great feat, making it to the gym another day. 

I was actually upside down, working on yoga when ‘it’ happened.   Red faced and inverted, sweat dripping up my face, I saw a man headed to the elevator lifting an arm weight.  And then, because of my ‘angle’, I only saw his bottom half as he was getting onto the elevator.  As the doors of the elevator closed in front of him, it was his two prosthetic legs, donned in running shoes that I saw. 

And all of this put my cardio and my headstand and my big deal of attending the gym another day…. into full perspective. 

All I have to do was show up and move each day.  How silly I was to even think there was anything more to it.

~K

October 5, 2010 – 45 Minutes of Music

“Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without.”

~Confucius

My little man and I went to music class today.  We laughed and danced.  We shook eggs, he played the drums.   He sat in my lap and we sang songs together.  We had 45 minutes of just the two of us.

45 of my favorite minutes of the day. 

~K

October 5, 2010 – Hay Days!

Hey Days…

Hay Days!

~K

October 4, 2010 – Inspirations

“When I approach a child she inspires me in two sentiments; tenderness for what she is and respect for what she may become.”

~Louis Pasteur

This little girl holds my heart.  I am forever grateful for being here, being present, while she and her brother completely amaze and inspire me daily.  ~K

October 3, 2010 - My Pumpkin

My perfectly, precious, pumpkin and his pumpkin.

~K

October 2, 2010 – Lessons through Tardiness

Well, here I am, some 200 and some days into my “Peace of Mind 365” and I find myself slacking.  I get behind a day or two here and there.  I beat myself up over this.  Well, I used to.

Now, I get to it, keep an idea each day of what it is I’m so grateful for – and really, it’s so much more than just one thing each day.

And then…. I realize and remember the point of this place.   I prioritize my time and if that means I’m doing a post for October 2nd on October 4th because I shamelessly spent a wonderful weekend soaking in all that my family and I could soak, then I will do just that.  I forgive myself for the tardiness and remind myself of what this little ‘place’ is supposed to be teaching me.   I’m not sure I would have so easily done so 9 months ago.  However, the lesson is now learned-  prioritize, forgive yourself and know that there’s nothing wrong with being shamelessly selfish when it comes to time with your family.  When this is right, the rest all  seems to fall into place.

Ta-Da!

~K

October 1, 2010 – Breakfast

This is what I see each morning.  Quickly in passing.  Stopping to sneak a morning kiss or to wipe a mouth or nose.   Reminding one of table manners while sneaking a piece of fruit from the other’s plate.

I must remind myself  today that this everyday sight is something I am so fortunate to have. 

I photographed it this morning, the two of them side by side.  Big boy in his Sesame Street pants, Big Girl dressed all herself…  bed head times two, morning chatter and giggles.   I photographed it this morning in hopes that this picture helps me always remember and appreciate these everyday mornings, especially when they’re long gone.  And I have a feeling that before I know it, I’ll walk down the stairs one day and wonder where they went and how they could have gone so fast.

~K

October 11, 2010 – Pouring down Rain

When it rains, it pours.

My day started with a visit from my electrician.  $55.00 later and a more detailed estimate of needed work to come, my small lighting problem is only temporarily solved.   Upon closer look under the house, there seems to be a leak.  Make that two.

Two calls to plumbers, one afternoon visit and a $95.00 check later, the leaks under the house are fixed…. as is the loose ductwork that I didn’t know existed… and then my contractor shows up.

We just finished a home renovation and it now appears time to ‘tally up’.  And as the day goes,  the cost is, let’s just say, a good bit more than what we’d intended.   As is life, I try to brush it off, keep focused and put my kids in the car to head to get my needed oil change.

Would you like your tires rotated, the round, tattooed, grease under his nails gentleman asks?  It appears you declined before, he chides with a smile.  It will just take fifteen minutes… and it’s only $24.99!  And so I agree,- he seems friendly and knowledgeable and this has now left me feeling mighty responsible and proactive in my car care duties.

Forty minutes and $70.00 later I find there is a large problem with not only my brakes, but also my tires… and my alignment.

I pack the kids, head to the store where the tires were recently purchased because surely they’re still under warranty, right?   Only to find out that they’re not under warranty, though the tire rotation I just paid $24.99 for would have been had I come to this place first.  Nice to know.

I’ll pick my car up tomorrow.  It’s going to cost more than the tire rotation.  More than the plumber.  More than the electrician.  Probably more than my contractors ‘tallies’ even. 

None of this storm was planned for today.

When it rains, it pours.

…………………………………………

And yet, I must let it rain.  The reality is that, all of this will pass.  I sat at dinner tonight with a husband with whom I have an amazing relationship and two of the most beautiful, considerate, kind, smart, healthy children in the world.   These people are my family.  And this is what has no cost, cannot be replaced and what is truly, the most important.

Rain away.

~K

September 30, 2010 – Rainbows

Last night’s dinner.   Veggies.    Salad.   Colorful.  Without food coloring.   Delicious.

I’m not perfect about the food I feed my family.   But I do try.  And when it works~ when we eat a rainbow of natural colors,  it makes me smile, tastes fantastic and I sleep easier knowing what is in those teeny little bodies (and this not so teeny one) is safe and chemical free.  On that note….

A little ‘food for thought’ quote here.  Pun intended.  :)

Chemicals, n:  Noxious substances from which modern foods are made.  ~Author Unknown

~K