Dancing with my fears

I feel positively thrilled to begin this year!

I am a stronger person than I have been in the past...
I am willing to move forward EVEN WITH FEAR.
I am not dictated or stifled by others thoughts or opinions of me or of what they feel I should or should not be doing in my life.

I will not allow anything, most of all, fear and self-doubt, to stand in my way.

This is MY STORY and it is going to be an amazing one!!!
Here we go 2015...let's dance with our fears and watch magic happen!

Our Climb

Sometimes we get so focused on the difficulty of our climb
that we lose sight of being grateful for simply having a mountain to climb!

One of my major goals for this year is to find gratitude in all things...
Bring on those beautiful mountains!

Make it a good one!

I LOVE this time of year. ..
the anticipation,
the dreams,
the wonder,
the excitement,
the energy,
the determination,
the will...

Seldom does one find all of this so perfectly bundled together at any other time of the year.

I am crazy excited about the plans I have deliberately put together and cannot wait to see the beautiful results that will come from the energy I WILL be attaching to them.

Every area of my life I have spent effort and prayer as I have focused on what is thriving and what is dying...FOCUS and INTENTION are key for me.

Sooooo ready for the beautiful story 2015 is sure to tell!

Time to write again...

It has been far too long for me...

This is a happy place that I've let slip out of my hands...

I have continued writing, but I have not allowed it to be a priority in my world...this, my friends, must change.  My notepads are filled, the note sections of my planner overflow, but the details of my heart and my deepest thoughts remain.

My goal will be to post again weekly, to pour those thoughts out, to dump my tears across the keyboard from time to time and to share those moments that I am ready to do a little happy dance.

MUCH has changed in this past year, much of it has been good, all of it has brought growth in one form or another...I am excited to take control of 2015 and to live a life of INTENTION.
No longer will I be putting out fires and living a life of reaction...I will be proactive and prepared.

By "putting this out there", I am committing to myself...
I am making my desires a priority and living on purpose!

Wishing the Merriest of Christmas' to you and yours!

In a Funk...

How can it be
that one can be
so crazy busy
they can hardly see straight,
yet feel a little "blah"
and funkish???

I am trying to wrap my head around this...

Is it that I am too busy?

Is it that I am doing the wrong things?

Is it that my heart longs for something more?

Is it that, dare I say these words,
I could be having a mid-life crisis?
NO!
that's certainly not it!
Not old enough for that.  ;)

Is it that I need to fill my own cup just a smidge?

Is it that I miss my simple life I had before all the crazy?

Is it that I need to stretch my horizons?

Is it that I have taken a very unintentional break from the things that feed my spirit?


Is it that many of my friendships are no longer being nurtured due to the busy schedules we all keep?  Both on my side and on theirs...

Is it that I just need to write more?  Think less?  Worry less?  Be grateful more?

Is it that I need to be more intentional in my life?

Is it that my kids are growing up way too fast and maybe don't need me in quite the same way they always have?

Is it that I really just need a little more time to hang out in one of my cute aprons, creating in my kitchen; whipping up new recipes and baking goodies to share...?

Is it that I don't find  make the time to do some of the things I love to do anymore?

Is it that I wish for some things that can never be?  Wishing to mend things that may not be "mended" in this lifetime... Am I resistant in accepting this?

Is it that I see my life flying by more quickly than I had planned?

Is it that I really have no control and my "plan" is something that happens only on occasion, when "real life" hasn't taken over instead?

Is it that I am not looking at the cup as half full?

Is it that I lack vision for where I am wishing to "go"?

Is it a need for escape into an amazing story that captivates my mind and stirs my thoughts?

Is it that I am too hard on myself?

Is it that I am still, after all these years, wishing to please everyone around me?   Only to realize this can never really happen.

Is it that I need to "Bloom where I'm planted"; that I should be content?

Is it that I have unresolved things that I need to forgive and forget?

Is it that I need to jump into being more productive?

Is it that I need more quiet time?

Is it that I long for more laughter?

Is it that I yearn for time building blanket forts?

Is it a need for the outdoors, the fresh air, the serenity?

Is it that I haven't found my "passion" and my "purpose" in this life?
Or is it that I am too afraid to pursue the passion that lives inside?

Is it that I am forever seeking and striving for acceptance?

Is it the fear of failure that holds me back from chasing those grandiose dreams?

Is it the lack of creative time I allow myself?

Is it that I am not quite who I think I am to become?

Or is it
that I just need another piece of chocolate and a good girlfriend to hang out with for an evening???

What 10-15 minutes a day can do for you!

A few weeks ago, I was running on empty!
No matter how I tried, there were simply not enough hours in my day to accomplish the never-ending list of things to be tackled.

I felt overwhelmed, discouraged and without hope.
The empty place I had come to forced me to turn inward and upward in search of peace.  I knew I could restore hope and the drive to keep on ~ but not at the pace I was attempting to keep.

Knowing that writing feeds my spirit, I decided to start my day intentionally.
My alarm goes off a little earlier to ensure some quiet time just for me.  I either head to my laptop or to pen and paper and write the thoughts that continually flood my mind.

I have found that without having deep intention behind this goal of writing each morning - it does not happen.
10-15 minutes will likely never magically appear in my day!
So, I have to sneak those precious minutes in!
First
thing
in
the
morning,
before emails,
before fb posts/messages,
before checking the schedule for the day,
before starting another load of laundry,
before exercise,
before waking a single child,
before my shower,
before everything...
I sneak in quiet time for me!

The result ~
a happier, more productive, less stressed, more creative me.

My suggestions for you:
*  Just set your alarm an extra 15 minutes early...yes, it is less sleep, but you will feel more rested and way more interested in tackling all that lies ahead of you!
*Read, write, ponder, drink your tea...do whatever it is that fills your cup!
*Never feel guilty for giving to yourself first!  It is truly the only way you will successfully and joyfully be able to give of yourself.

MOM...WOW!

Mother's Day...
turned out to be a pretty darn spectacular day!

I have to share some of the beautiful things that have happened to me this week. My boys spoiled me by cleaning out my closet, can you imagine?
Yes, they hung up all of my clothes,
organized my shoes
and cleaned up my big, nasty mess that has been accumulating.
My little girls did the sweetest things,
one painted a flower pot and then planted flower seeds in it for me.
The other painted a picture frame and put a little love letter inside.
My oldest son made me a metal rose in his welding/collision repair class.
My oldest daughter brightened my day by bringing her sweet little ones over and hanging a beautiful basket of flowers on my porch.
(And she shared a little secret...)  ;)  wink, wink...
And our missionary daughter sent me the sweetest card and then we all were able to gather together and talk to her over skype...what a perfect day!

All my kiddos gathered in the same room.  :)
Absolutely the best...AND I HAD MY MOM with me, too!
Yes, totally blessed!!!

I have to share some of the words Danielle wrote in her letter...
(IF you, as a mom, have ever wondered if you are doing it okay...
just wait, the reward is coming!!!
Don't be afraid to say no,
don't be afraid to follow your gut;
listen to your heart
and hold on for the ride...
they REALLY DO come around!!!)

Now ~ to share bits and pieces of her letter...

"People constantly ask me how on earth I left my mom and came out here.  I answer that in a few ways, but sometimes I tell them it's because there were missionaries who left their moms in order to find mine...and I am so dang grateful for them being willing to do that for us.
Even though I miss you like crazy, I'm happy over here.  Thank you for letting me come to Maryland, Mom.
I love you so very much!  I tell people about you all the time...you're just too amazing not to talk about.  Thank you for all you've done for me.  Thank you for saving me so many times...even when I really didn't want to be saved.  I would be such a wreck without you.
I see so many girls out here whose moms haven't been the mom, but have stood by and allowed them to fail in really sad ways...and I'm just so grateful that you were brave enough
and loved me enough
to tell me "NO"
and make me mad
so that I wouldn't end up in the huge trouble I was headed for.

Don't get me wrong - you ARE my friend,
but more than that
you're my mom.
And I'm so glad.
SOOO glad you decided to be my mom before being my friend.

Time to sound like I'm 5,
but I really want to grow up to be like you.
You amaze me.
I love you.
I don't know how
(shoot...I'm making tear spots on the card...)
you do everything you do,
or how you manage to overcome ANYTHING,
but you are incredible to me.
I love you so much.

On a less teary note,
Today is Cinco De Mayo!
We're listening to ALL the spanish music I own
(and it's a pretty impressive collection!)
and taking pictures in mustaches
with our non-alcoholic beer bottles.
I'm telling you this
to reassure you
that I haven't changed a bit!
We're also going to Taco Bell for dinner...
Go BIG or go home, right?"

Can you see why I miss this girl so dang bad???
Isn't she just amazing?!

When I see those photos, I'll be sharing for sure!
She is such a hoot...

Well...I just had to take a few to write about my happiness in this life...
I would NEVER, EVER, EVER
have imagined I'd be the MOM
to so many kids!
Nor would I have ever imagined
how truly wonderful they would each be.

WOW...
that's about all I have to say about that.
wow  :)

The Power of Words

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, 

but words will never hurt me.”

I recall hearing these very words as a young child.  

I did not question their validity; 

I don’t know that I even gave them much of a thought.  

It was just something we would call out if we needed a boost of courage during an ugly moment.  

It would often end the dispute and all was well.  

As an adult, I take issue with this statement.

Words have lasting effect for good or otherwise.  

And once spoken cannot be taken back.

Words contain power; 

they have a force that penetrates deep within.  

When used correctly, our words build, support and encourage.  

When used incorrectly, the damage is far greater than any stick or stone could inflict.

Words can help us to achieve our best and highest aspirations or leave us feeling distraught and defeated.

All too often, we don’t consider how meaningful and impactful the words we share with the world may be.  

Are we building or demolishing?  

Are we cheering and sustaining 

or discouraging and condemning?  

This world needs a little more tenderness, warmth and affection…

and what better place to start than in our very homes?!

As we ponder the words that may come from our lips to the ones we most cherish in this world, we would do well to choose them wisely. 

In our home, I have the words, 
"The way we talk to our children becomes their inner voice",

displayed where I see them many times each day.  

There is a purpose in this.  

I cannot say that I have always thought before speaking, 

or that I have always chosen the very best words to share with those I love.  

There are times of high frustration that I speak and wish I could take back the ugliness that flew from my mouth, but I cannot.  

Knowing all too well the lasting effect of harsh words, I strive to be better and to share words of kindness and encouragement with our kids. 

The words spoken to us 

as well as the words we tell ourselves, 

have a lasting footprint on our hearts.  

And just as the quote above states, 

the words we hear directed to us become our inner voice.  

I wish for the inner voice of my children to be filled with all the positives this world has and be spared the negative, heartbreaking thoughts they would be better off without.   

When I think of how my words impact others, I draw in a deep breath, and choose biting my tongue near in half, if necessary, just to spare the negative effects of a nasty word during moments of strife and contention.

As a mother, I would like the power of my words to be for good – to boost our children, to enlighten, to inspire, to motivate and invigorate, to embolden and fortify them against all that life may throw their way.  

The last thing they need is a mother to use words that might kill the beautiful spirit they possess, or to belittle and deprecate the amazing power they have within.  

So I will be shouting out all the beautiful words that come to mind as I think of how lucky I am to be the mother of this amazing family! 

What words would you choose to share with your kids if you had but just a few words to leave them with???

Wishing you a month filled with powerful words that will create lasting bonds between you and your sweet families!

Hugs!

Stacey

(Written as DHSA President's Message for April)

Be in the Moment...

As the month of January closes, three thoughts come to mind that I’d like to share with you.

·        Wherever you are, Be There.

·        I get to!

·        Let go of “that”… 

Wherever you are, be there. 

I have been striving to BE IN THE MOMENT, to really be where I am, in presence and in heart.  There are times that we are physically present with our kids or our spouses, but our minds, our thoughts, and our attention wander elsewhere. I don’t want to miss out on the things that are right in front of me and I realize that those who are most important in my life deserve my full attention when I am with them.  This is applicable in ALL situations of our lives.  Wherever you are, whatever you are doing, with whomever you are engaged…be there, FULLY.

I get to!  

This thought is a big one for me.  Years ago, I watched as the health of a dear friend of mine deteriorated until the disease she had been stricken with took her life much too soon.  I can still hear her voice as she answered a question I had posed to her as she sat in her wheelchair one afternoon.  My question had been a simple one, inquiring of what was most difficult for her and how I could help.  Her response touched me in a way I had not expected and has forever changed my heart.  She had one little boy that she adored, with the progression of her disease, her days of playing with him had changed.  As she pondered my question, her eyes looked upward, a smile crossed her face and then a tear welled in the corner of her eye as she told me how much she missed being able to sit on the floor and play with her little one.  She still did all she could with and for him, but life had changed for her.

 For the next several weeks, I rolled on the floor with my babies, I played Legos and Barbie’s every time I was asked; I was consumed with the time I had taken for granted and wished to capture every second of the time I had with my beautiful children.    

I also changed my thought pattern…I get to make breakfast for my kids, I don’t have to.  I get to take them here and there and everywhere, I don’t have to.   I get to do math with 5 or 6 kids all at the same time while they are all at differing levels, I don’t have to…I made this choice and I get to!  Having this pattern of thought helps me to be more grateful and aware of the blessings that surround me.

Let go of that…

“That” being anything you cannot control, change or fix.

Why hold onto these things any longer?  Let them go…let the happiness and the peace in.  We already hold so many things that we are responsible for, allowing ourselves to let the things go that just weigh us down unnecessarily is a gift we owe to ourselves.

My hope for each of you is that you focus on the things that bring joy to your lives.  Wishing you a month filled with magical moments!

Stacey

  

#NaPhoPoMo Day 28...100% IN LOVE

What a marvelous and perfect morning I shared with my darling little girls...

they worked, very happily, 

right alongside me 

cooking, baking, decorating 

and setting places for 24 for dinner...

We danced and sang to 

Christmas music ringing through our home!

This was truly a day of 

Thanksgiving

and a day I won't soon forget!

I am 100% 

IN LOVE

with being the MOM!!!

#NaPhoPoMo Day 27...Love you forever

I went into my sons room early this morning to wish him Happy Birthday...

I sat on the edge of his bed just looking at him,
his soft baby face
has grown into a handsome,
well-defined, 
stubbly, whiskered face.
I quickly pictured one of my favorite books,
I Love you Forever...
my mind went to the pages of the momma holding her son who had grown and grown and grown...

I secretly wished to pick that darling son of mine up and rock him again 
just as I had so many countless nights of his life.

Knowing that I never passed up a moment to rock that sweet boy
or to hold him each and every time he wanted brings me so much happiness.

Seventeen years goes by so quickly...
I still remember holding that little, tiny 6 pound baby in my arms.
I remember checking every finger and toe,
I will never forget the doubt I had of myself that I could be a momma to a boy,
what would I do with a boy???
Little did I know two more boys would follow so quickly...

He was just so perfect, so wonderful, so cuddly, so heart warming...
I could have never imagined that this baby boy 
would have grown into the amazing young man he has become.

And true to that wonderful story that I love so much,
I think it would be easier for him to pick me up 
and rock me at this point in life 
than for me to pick him up...

Life is wonderful and abundantly full!
And I am richly blessed because of all these amazing children...
AND
I found that I've done pretty okay 
at being a Momma to boys and to girls.

Life may have been a little dull without all the heart attacks my boys have given me!

Time for the 

Day 27 PHOTO

We took our family to Buffalo Wild Wings to celebrate...

I saw this crazy chicken on the wall 

and just knew that was 

THE SPOT

to capture the Happy Birthday photograph!

So glad he's a good sport!

I tried to get him to move this way and that so I could make the picture just a little more perfect,

but thought I might be pressing my luck and took what I could get,

with a smile and all!

Happy Birthday Myles...I LOVE YOU!!!

#NaPhoPoMo Day 26...Just another day

You can laugh
or
You can cry...

I choose to laugh!

Woke up to
THIS...


I just stood in the hallway,
my mind trying to figure out WHY
all the coats and jackets were laying on the floor instead of hanging on the wall where they belong...

Not sure why I couldn't grasp what had happened,
I just stared...
I kind of wanted to cry
(but only for a moment)
and then I was okay.

I just kept repeating to myself,
"They REALLY were TRYING TO HELP..."

Gotta love those kiddos of mine
that hang
and hang
and hang
and hang
and hang
until the coat hooks can no longer hang.
;)

Good lesson for all of us that one little rack cannot hold 50 heavy coats and jackets.
Glad for a hubby that got right on it...
good as new again!

The Challege ~ GF Dinner Rolls for Thanksgiving Dinner!

I'm always up for a challenge!

I have finally perfected a bread recipe 

that I have pretty much fallen in love with,

(Because of that,

I don't cook it all that often...

I really don't need to eat a whole loaf in one setting, 

and believe me, 

it's that yummy, I just might be tempted!)

Well...bread is great, but it's not PERFECT

when it comes to a Thanksgiving FEAST,

so...

I did a little playing around and came up with 

a Super Yummy GF Dinner Roll Recipe topped off with Cinnamon Honey Butter!

Is your mouth watering yet???  It should be...so, so good!!!

Here we go...

2 C GF Mix *

1 C Featherlight Mix *

1/3 C Sugar

2 1/2 tsp xanthan gum

2 tsp salt

3 tsp yeast

1/4 C Veggie Oil or Olive Oil **

(I prefer the veggie oil as it does not have a powerful flavor)

1 1/4 C Hot Water

2 tsp rice vinegar

3 eggs

*  Recipes for flour mixes found here

** Side note:  IF I were to be making these for an event other than Thanksgiving, and I wished for a little more flavor in my dinner rolls, I would definitely use Olive Oil and then I'd toss in a tsp or two of my favorite Italian seasonings...yummmm!

In the bottom of your mixing bowl 

( love my kitchen aid )

combine your flours, sugar, xanthan gum and salt.

Then pour the yeast right on top BUT DON'T MIX IT IN!

Just let it sit there for a few while you

grab another bowl,

(I love to use my big Pyrex measuring bowl for this step)

Combine your hot water, oil and vinegar

(yes, it can be hot, because it cools with the oil and vinegar)

Pour this over the top of your yeast 

and set the timer for 3 minutes.

Don't mix, just let it staring working its magic.

After 3 minutes you can start to mix on low speed, then add eggs.  

Mix until well combined.

Set your timer, again for 3 minutes, and beat on high speed.

While the dough is doing it's thing, 

get out 2 cupcake/muffin pans

and grease generously.

About the time you are done with that,

your timer should be beeping away...

...stop the mixing,

scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl,

and this is what you should have.

It will be a bit gooey.  

(Not at all like regular Bread Dough)

Fill the muffin cups to about 1/2 full...

like so ~ 

This recipe will fill 2 pans,

yielding 24 dinner rolls.

Allow to rise for 45 minutes...

they will reach the top of the cup and maybe even just a bit more.

While they are rising,

set your oven to 350

making sure to have your oven rack in the middle.

If it's too low, they just don't cook quite so nicely,

yes, I found out the hard way.  Darn it!

Once they have risen nicely, 

pop 'em in the oven for 18-20 minutes...

mine come out pretty perfect at 19 minutes.

The tops will be golden, in fact, they are pretty golden all around.

Tip them out on your cooling rack and 

serve with cinnamon honey butter!

Cinnamon Honey Butter is a cinch to make ~

and it's perfect for Thanksgiving!

1/2 C Butter

1/4 C Honey

1 tsp Cinnamon

Combine and whip until light and fluffy!

BONUS:

IF you are looking for a flaky, delish PIE CRUST...search no further,

I've got one for you here!

Wishing you each a beautiful day 

filled with all that foods 

that make your 

taste buds do a happy dance!!!

#NaPhoPoMo Day 25...Amazing Co-Op Kiddos!

* * *   Day 25   * * *
is the perfect day to say just how much
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE AND ADORE
all the kids that join us
for co-op classes in our house each week.

Our homeschool world
is AMAZING
BECAUSE
we are surrounded by such wonderful people!

I love the concentration of the kids faces as they try their hand at
"Target Practice" in the classroom!

Humanities Class
is filled with all sorts of surprises!
It was time for a little study of WEAPONS...
Bows and Arrows were high on the list!

Bows fashioned from rubber bands proved to be pretty fantastic!
Bobby pins make for some mighty fine arrows...
hard marshmallows were quite a blast
and dry beans could fly and hit harder than all the rest!

LOVE these KIDS
and LOVE our Co-Op!!!

#NaPhoPoMo Day 23...My Happy Man

I love this photo so much...
there were several that I snapped
of this man of my dreams...
BUT THIS ONE

just speaks volumes about who he really is deep inside...
he is just fun
and he makes me laugh!
He is always quick to laugh...
He knows when to take life seriously and when to enjoy it.
Life with him is pretty magical!

Here he is blowing his horn during a recent birthday party...
how many men do you know that can laugh and giggle with their wife doing silly non-sensical things like that???

Well, he does
and I am so grateful that he's willing to be a total goofball right alongside me!

So Day 23 is for this sweet man of mine
who keeps me smiling
with that smile of his
that I absolutely adore!

And then I drove into a ditch...

True story. 

News from our Missionary daughter...

I didn't drive into the ditch  :)  

She did!

I was driving home from Walmart right after emailing y'all last week, and along came an ambulance. 

Being the good citizen I am, 

I pulled off to the side of the road. 

Well there was a semi truck on my left and the ambulance wasn't going to fit! 

So I pulled up a little bit and decided to pull off just a *little* bit into the field next to me. 

That was no field next to me. 

It was a sneakily hidden ditch!!! 

Who mows their ditch the same length as their grass?! 

Anyways, only my one tire fell off the road, 

and I didn't want to scratch the frame, 

so I called the vehicle coordinator, 

and he had me try a few things, 

but we decided that to save the car from scratches, 

we'd just call the elders and wait for a few minutes so they could pull us out. 

Well, then the help came. 

And came. 

And came. 

12 people came to help, 

and a billion yelled out the windows driving by to ask if they could help. 

(turns out that if you want help, 

wear the pinkest, 

polka dottiest outfit 

you can find 

and stand on the side of the road 

without a coat. 

Everyone pulls over when you look that helpless) 

And boy did those 12 people help! 

They helped me right into the ditch!!!! 

Now we were really stuck, 

and the two cops who had pulled over, 

they were mad at me. 

And it wasn't even my bad! 

Well then the Spanish Elders came to save the day. 

There was a Spanish 13 year old baptized last Saturday, and his parents own a tow truck! 

So they called them, and they came and pulled us out... FOR FREE! 

Being a missionary is the best! 

The good news is that there was no damage to the car...

until after I left the area. 

Theeeennnn..... 

I left 

and Sister Stradling 

had to replace the tire the day I left. 

Oops. hehe :) 

So transfers were this week! 

(Picture above is with her companions the day of transfers...

Sister Stradling,in the middle, is the one who had to replace the tire after Danielle's transfer...good thing they love each other so much!)

I am now in Eldersburg with Sister Anderson, and we have SO MUCH FUN! 

(Sister Anderson is on the left)

(And in this photo, she's on the right...Danielle thinks she is just darling!)

This area is so diverse, so many cultures! 

I learned this week that African food is MAJOR SPICY! 

But yummy! 

I'm excited for it! 

Half my area is in Carroll County, and it's fun and normal, and the other half is in Baltimore County, and is so different and feels big to me. But it's fun! I'm learning a ton, 

(and no worries, we are totally safe!) 

Also, I walked into a baptism for a wonderful lady named Isata Munu. It was so wonderful to see her make that big step and feel so good inside. 

I can't even wait for all the work that Sister Anderson and I have to do here! 

It's gonna be super duper fun!! 

Do me a favor, 

say an all gratitude prayer each morning. 

Don't ask for ANYTHING, 

just be grateful. 

Then report back to me and tell me how stinking awesome it was. I'll do it too! 

Love you all!! 

Happy Thanksgiving, stuff yourself silly! 

Sister Lytle

#NaPhoPoMo Day 22...My Daddy!

Day 22 

of this photo posting journey

definitely deserves to be all about 

MY DAD!

His 66th birthday was on the 21st.

We celebrated his life with him a day later 

when all the family could gather together.

I REALLY, REALLY, REALLY love this man!

I love how time has softened his heart.

I love the beautiful memories I have of him

and with him.

I love that he lives close and that I am blessed to be able to see him.

I grew up with a man who provided 

an amazing example of hard work and dedication,

he did what it took, at all times.  

He was and is a perfectionist...

only the best was good enough for him.  

He was always especially hard on himself,

always wishing to be better or do better.

If it wasn't perfect,

it wasn't done.

And he would work like a crazy man until he was finally satisfied with the outcome.  

His example taught me a lot of things 

and I know I am who I am, in part, because of him.  :)

I grew up with a man who, 

despite his difficult childhood,

did his very best to be the very best Daddy he could be.

There are so many magical memories 

that he is such a big part of for me:

camping, 

fishing, 

bike rides and picnics,

baseball in the backyard, 

motorcycle riding 

and snowmobile riding...

YES, he tried to turn me into a boy!

It didn't work out too great for him.

But I gave it my best shot!

I was always willing to be his side-kick, 

I made for a pretty fine tomboy!

(Which has come in pretty handy 

having all these boys of mine!)

I still have a very special note 

he wrote to me 

on one of the most difficult days of my life,

it simply read, "I love you" 

He had placed it on my pillow...

I knew the tenderness that was in his heart; 

he didn't often allow that part of him to show, 

but he knew deep down when it was most needed 

and he came through with flying colors!!!

I love you Dad...

AND I REALLY LOVE

the man you have become!!!

Now blow out all those candles...

we've got a party to get to!

#NaPhoPoMo Day 21...Where is my cape???

Those who know me well 

know that I am not much of a t-shirt wearer.

But this morning, it just sounded like a comfy option for clothing.

I went to my closet and pulled out a t-shirt that is filled with so many wonderful memories and quickly slid it over my head, not giving much thought to the words sprawled across the front.

I laughed to myself

and at myself

as I saw my reflection in the bedroom mirror.

I stopped and had many thoughts cross my mind.

Unfortunately, I doubted the words that I wore across my chest.

This is the shirt I chose this morning...

SUPER 

HEROES

Faithful & Fearless

There are very few days

 that I would say 

I feel even the slightest resemblance to 

a SUPER HERO.

And that whole "faithful and fearless" part,

well, I'm quite lacking there.

Working on it, but have a ways to go.

Lost in my own thoughts,

I left my room and walked into our classroom.

Much to my delight,

I found PROOF 

that I really AM 

a SUPER HERO!  

Yes, it's true...

where is my cape???

What I do in this life may seem small in the eyes of some,

But in the eyes of those who mean the very most,

I pretty much ROCK!

They don't seem to see my faults;

that, or they are very kind in excusing them.

If I were to ask them,

I am certain

they would believe me to be 

Faithful

and Fearless!

I can see it in their eyes!!!

I AM A SUPER HERO 

to the little ones I brought into this world!

AND

I am totally 

and completely 

LOVED!

Okay,

I will take the title!!!

AND I will wear it proudly!

I am Super

and 

I am a Hero

BECAUSE

I am a MOM!!!

Now, what about that fancy cape?!  

I am pretty sure I could totally rock 

the Super Hero Look!!!

;)

Train Your Mind...

Yeah, do that!

 I promise,

you will be so happy you did!

This is something I work REALLY, REALLY HARD at...

and when I begin to fall short,

little things come along 

to remind me 

that I am missing the most important part of life.

Here's to seeing the good in everything...

 Beauty and Good will be there

looking right-back-atcha!

#NaPhoPoMo Day 20...Beauty is all around!

It's so true that all we need do is open our eyes
and take a look around...
there is an abundance of beauty to be found!

The morning started out quite rainy.
As the day progressed, it slowly began to clear.
I was driving about,
taking kids here and there and everywhere
when I finally looked toward the mountains...
I had to find a quick place to pull over
to snap a shot of what I was seeing...
My kids think I'm a little crazy sometimes,
but they are beginning to embrace my love for finding the beauty and the good in all that surrounds us...

Absolutely Breathtaking, if you ask me ~
I was so disappointed that I didn't have my nice camera in the car,
just my phone,
but it works in a pinch!
This was a sight much to worthy to go without capturing...

I love how the clouds have all gathered together so low to the ground,
rising up the mountain side.
And what a magnificent thing to see ~ snow resting along the peaks of the mountains
with that turbulent sky above.

And smack dab in the middle
is this plane rising ~
oh, to have been in that airplane this morning!
I have to wonder,
did the passengers look out their windows to notice the beauty
or were they too busy in their own thoughts too really see?

National Photo Posting Month has helped me to step out of myself a little more,
out of my own little world,
and into a much, much bigger world
where I am surrounded by awe inspiring sights each and every day!

Thank you so much to Chookooloonks for the inspiration!!!
I am LOVING it!  :)