December 13, 2010 – Monday Thoughts

Thoughts for the week.   Most of us spend our holidays, some of the busiest times of year, with family, with friends and extended families and extended friends.   It’s not uncommon to have overscheduled days and overbooked schedules.   With all of these factors, it is possible to create an atmosphere where not only tensions but also excitements are running high.  

Virginia Satir was a noted American Author and therapist.  I found this quote by her and thought it held great power and importance every day of the year, but especially during the busiest and most special of times when what we all really want is to truly be able to recognize and to appreciate the hustle and the hurry, the busy and the bustle.

Feelings of worth can flourish only in an atmosphere where individual differences are appreciated, mistakes are tolerated, communication is open, and rules are flexible — the kind of atmosphere that is found in a nurturing family. - Virginia Satir

~K

December 12, 2010 – Super Sunday

Cold weather.  Gray day.

We closed up the house, made a pot of chili, watched movies by the fire, popped popcorn, taught chess, built things, caught up… on housework and each other.

All of a sudden the cold, gray day was just what we needed.  The perfect day to slow down and connect with each other.

~K

December 11, 2010 – Celebrations

Today a very special little boy had a celebration.   It’s almost his birthday and the day was all about him.   I am so appreciative of the many friends and family who were so kind to take a minute out of the busyness of their schedules and the season to join to celebrate our sweetheart.

Happy almost Birthday, my precious boy.   I am so grateful for you in my life.

~K

December 10, 2010 – Seasonal Moments

We took the children to the ballet this evening.  We’re not typically ballet people, and weren’t sure how they’d hold up, but the Nutcracker was showing and a sweet dear friend had generously offered us tickets.

  

Here’s to a thoughtful dear friend, awesome local art, unbelievable talent, beautiful storylines, amazing music and a fantastic night together, -  going out on a limb, trying something new and enjoying our time together.

~K

December 9, 2010 – Tis’ the Season

Tis’ the season …. for my head to spin with to do lists that litter each counter of my home.

Tis’ the season …. for me to miss my daughter’s end of the semester performance over a blown out of proportion argument about, of all things,  a turtleneck.

Tis’ the season … to buy gifts with thought for everyone in my life and to then sacrifice on my spouse, the most important person in my life because it’s too much.

Tis’ the season …  to be consistently a week late on my day to day blog.

Tis’ the season … to spend two weekends in a row on a calls to India, pulling my hair out in frustration with computer virus specialists.

Tis’ the season … to organize neighborhood events, volunteer in classrooms, promise delivery on school supplies, entertain guests, host play dates, assure attendance for meetings, secure healthy dinners and deliver dozens of cookies.

Tis’ the season … to be scattered and short with those dearest, to not understand or even desire to find the time or attention for relaxation and fellowship.

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Tis’ the season, yes.   Sure, some of this insanity is part of the season and the hustle and the bustle that makes it all so special, but I want to take this season and try to incorporate some changes. 

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What I intend to focus on changing this particular season is my outlook, my actions and my reactions during the hustle and bustle.  I am trying to feel positivity and calmness more than hectic and flustered; I am trying to be forgiving more than demanding.  I am trying to do better and to be more present in the moment- and enjoying all of the special  moments of the season.

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And so… with that in mind…..

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Tis’ the season for Peace, Love, Forgiveness, Understanding and Joy.   Today I am grateful for these thoughts to enter my mind and for the hope that they stay there a while longer each day and linger.

~K

December 8, 2010 – Amazing Grace

"I do not know what the most important lesson is that I will ever teach my children, Kate, Emma Claire and Jack. I do know that when they're older and telling their own children about their grandmother, they will be able to say that she stood in the storm, and when the wind did not blow her away -- and it surely has not -- she adjusted her sails."

- Elizabeth Edwards

Rest in Peace, Elizabeth.   Thank you for modeling your amazing grace to not only your children but to the women and children of this world.

~K

December 7, 2010 – There were 5 in the Bed….

It was the middle of the night.  I had been tossing and turning and had just fallen into a not so sound sleep.   I rolled over and saw her face.   A surprise, as she doesn’t come into our room too often anymore.

‘I’m having trouble sleeping, mommy.’

‘Well, me too,’ I mumbled.  ‘Get on in.’

It was a cold night.  She hopped in and snuggled up, sharing a pillow and fell soundly asleep.   I was almost back to sleep myself when he woke up and his bare feet padded into the room.   He needed a fresh drink, a change of diaper and wanted to sleep with us.   My husband got him settled and moved him into the middle, next to his sister, between the two of us.   He quickly fell asleep.   I rolled over, wrapped my arm around the little one closest to me and then heard a tap, tap, tap on my floors.  And then felt a “thuump!” at my feet.   The dog.   Joining our late night party.

And there we all lay.  I tried to go back to sleep, but instead, I found myself spending most of the night enjoying this rare moment.  Everyone cuddled together.  Peaceful and resting.   Finding the safety and comfort of Five in the Bed.

~K