Wordless Wednesday

Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad!

The Presence of Love

"And in Life's noisiest hour,
There whispers still the ceaseless Love of Thee,
The heart's Self-solace and soliloquy.

You mould my Hopes, you fashion me within;
And to the leading Love-throb in the Heart
Thro' all my Being, thro' my pulse's beat;
You lie in all my many Thoughts, like Light,
Like the fair light of Dawn, or summer Eve
On rippling Stream, or cloud-reflecting Lake.

And looking to the Heaven, that bends above you,
How oft! I bless the Lot that made me love you."

Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Cute Kids

OK...Mom mentioned that I should enter my kids in this "cutest kid" contest on a T.V. talk show. I couldn't help it. I, of course, think my kids are just adorable. I have wanted to enter them for years. I just never got around to it.
So, here are my cutest baby entries. I didn't enter Alex cuz he is too old, but if I could have, I would have!
They will win...I know it.
I'm funny.

Grateful Sunday

I am grateful for Grocery Stores!
I just love that I don't have to grow my own food. Though, I would like to know how to do so if I need be.
After I learn piano and Spanish, I plan to turn my black thumb into a green one!

MAIL

I love the mail. Isn't it just wonderful to receive a handwritten letter from a friend or a package from a loved one?
I just mailed a few things out to some "far away" friends. It was so easy to do. We are very lucky to be able to tangibly connect with people all over the world.
Thank goodness for the mail!

Perspective and Patience

"Our patience will achieve more than our force."
Edmund Burke

I have been thinking about why I haven't been "myself" lately. After a long conversation with my BF, Nicole, and one short conversation with my Mother, I have come to the conclusion that I am still learning patience. All things in time, not, all things right now or only this one thing forever.
Nicole pointed out my need to be an interesting person. I’d never thought of that. I have always been an over-achiever. Why? I work really hard because I want to attract others with that same quality. I like being around over-achievers. I learn from them, I admire their drive and passion, and they excite and inspire me.
I have been uncomfortable these past years as a “home-maker” because I felt staying home labeled me as “boring and average.” So, I rushed around trying to do and be everything. I was overwhelmed and not doing anything well.
To this, Nicole told me there would be plenty of time for professional adventures after the babies are more independent. In fact, I will have more years building a career than I will have with my kids. I just need to be patient and enjoy this short season at home. (I know that sounds cliché, but I get it now.)
My new view on life…
How fortunate am I that I don’t have to struggle and juggle a career and family! I never thought of myself as lucky before today. I thought I was totally giving up one part of my life for another. Nope. I am just focusing my efforts and making whatever I do fabulous! I shouldn't be stressed. I should be happy and thankful.
This season, my life is going to be a love fest. I am going to show my family and friends how much I love and appreciate them, I am going make sure my kids have the best childhood I can give them, and I am going to enjoy being married to an amazing over-achiever!
I am finally joyful and comfortable in my skin.



The moral or the story is that life changes. One can fight it or learn from it.

My Favorite Movie

There are several reasons I love Breakfast at Tiffany's. I like that "Fred," played by George Peppard, looks like my husband. In fact, they have a lot of the same mannerisms, but not morals! I guess that is why this movie is so fun. It is racy, but not. It addresses some pretty scandalous situations with grace...if that is possible.
Audrey Hepburn's character, Holly Golightly, is so much like me. I relate to her free spirit, her love for all those around her. She simply didn't care about stuff...she cared about enjoying life.
One more favorite character, drum roll please, Mr. Yunioshi. Mickey Rooney was so hilarious!!!
Last, how fabulous was Hepburn's wardrobe! I just love that look.
Thanks, Truman Capote!!!

"I was nothing like her, but I felt I could 'act' Holly. I knew the part would be a challenge, but I wanted it anyway. I always wonder if I risked enough on that one. I should have been a little more outrageous. But at the time, as a new mother, I was about as wild as I could be. If only I were a Method player, huh? But the fact is, I didn't really believe in The Method. I believed in good casting. And I'm still not sure about Holly and me..."
-Audrey Hepburn

What Makes Me Happy

"What makes me happy?"
I don't know. I usually don't have time to think about it. I am just too busy getting by...getting things done.
This is my effort to figure it out.
Here are the first things that come to mind.

My family
My husband
Taking care of myself
My friends
Throwing parties
My faith
Painting
Photography
Learning new things (hobbies and travel)
Reading

I think that sums it up. Apparently, I am not a complicated person.

The list tells me:
1) I should be spending more time traveling and socializing with my family and friends.
2) I should always work out, eat healthy and occasionally pamper myself.
3) I should make time to nurture my faith.
4) I should find time to fit in some creative time.

I am kind of disappointed my list is not more earth shaking.

Growing Fast

People used to tell me my kids would be grownup in no time. My response was, "good!" I was overwhelmed with new babies and everything that goes along with them. Now the fog is clearing, and my kids ARE growing up much too quickly!
Alex woke last night. He had a bad dream. So, I met him in the hall and asked what was wrong. He told me and asked to sleep with Mommy and Daddy for a little while. When I scooped him up, I realized he probably wouldn't fit in bed with Daddy and me. How strange a feeling that was. (We will, of course, be getting a bigger bed.)
Instead of going to my bed, we cuddled and rocked on the Lazy Boy. It took some effort to get comfortable. He almost didn't fit on my lap either!
It was an awakening. I rocked, and rocked, and rocked some more. I wanted to drink up whatever time I had left with Alex wanting to cuddle with Mommy.
I used to wish I had only had Alex so I could take in all those special moments that were rushed past with three little ones around, but now I have come to the conclusion that the rushed times were also precious times. Not everyone has the opportunity to feel the security of such a large family.
How fortunate am I to have 3 healthy happy kids, a husband that loves us and provides for us, and those sleepy times in the middle of the night during which I get to hold each person in my family so closely and with so much love that my heart literally hurts with gratitude.

RANDI BELLE

Sweet Girl,
Mommy thinks your are just the cutest little girl ever. I can't wait till we can do girly stuff together. Right now, painting your toes or shopping with you is pretty difficult, but I have faith, you will grow to love both activities!
Daddy says we should practice more. I think he is right.
You are the busiest child I have ever seen. The only time you are still is when I am singing your night time song...pretty soon you will catch on that I can't sing and our quiet time together will be over.
Daddy and I love to dress you in dresses and bows, but you have just learned how to pull your bow out. After every pull, though, you do try to put it back in. Really cute.
Quick story about your mimicking talent...This weekend everyone in the store thought you had a cold cuz you kept coughing. I actually had to cough and have you repeat the cough for them to believe you weren't sick from not wearing socks. (Your feet are too fat for socks or shoes.)
Oh, one more thing...your first words, in order..."Uh-Oh," "Poo-Poo," "Daddy," "E-I-E-I OH."
Love you, little girl!
Mommy

COLE

Coley Roley Poley Oley. You are like a firecracker waiting to burst! Every thing you do, you do with passion…for the good or bad.
You have the most endearing smile and the most contagious laugh. Your animated personality makes the day so bright. Everyone one you meet is a friend. You talk to everyone from the store clerks to the cartoons on TV. You just seem to want everyone to be happy, like you.
You are so compassionate. You can't stand for anyone to be sad, not even your stuffed animals. You are already standing up for your big brother, even to Daddy and me.
It is so much fun to listen to you and Brother playing together. You are a great caretaker. You tuck your toys in to sleep, you nurse them when they are sick and you even make sure every dinosaur has a Mommy or Daddy around to help them eat the other dinosaurs. (In a boy kind of way, that is really thoughtful.)
Your hugs are 3 minutes long every night. At first I just thought you were stalling before bedtime, but as I have noticed, you are really just that full of love. I don't want to ever break that long hug again!
You have the softest cheeks of anyone I have every known...you should hope that changes otherwise I will be kissing them over and over even when you are in High School. Good luck with that!
I love you bunches and bunches,
Mommy

"I am not a Lovebug. I'm Cole."
"Too big, too small, too big, too small."
"Mommy, you already have a job. You are my Mom."
"God is great, God is good, let us spank him for our food."

ALEX

Alex,
My sweet boy. I just love you. You are smart, affectionate, and kind. I think it is so great that you are an Engineering genious, that you hug and kiss your friends, and that the first thing you do when you meet a stranger is offer them your favorite toy.
You seem to look just like your Grammy and behave just like your Daddy. I guess that is why we get along so well.
Your "no nonsence" attitude makes me laugh. You always have a question to ask. Of course it is never a 4 year old question...it's a question like yesterdays, "Mommy, what are cuticles and how do they grow?" WHAT? I don't know...we are off to the library again.
I love you more than words can say, and I am so greatful you my Son.
Mommy

My Husband

My Husband. There is so much to say. He is amazing. He can do anything. He is my best friend.
Don is one of those people who know a little, or in his case a lot, about everything. He jokes all the time about how our marriage would be better if I would just admit he is right all the time. Though I will never fully admit it, he is USUALLY right MOST of the time.
He and I are very similar, but very different. We fight about the normal girl vs. boy issues, but never really about anything else. We agree on everything important, except war, but that too could be called a girl vs. boy issue.
He has encouraged me to pursue anything I want. He doesn't just say "OK." He says, "Good for you...do it!" I love that. I never have to worry about support. He's got my back.
I guess I should dedicate a mushy letter to him, but he is not a mushy guy. So, I think it is better left at...I love you, I admire you and I respect you. "You're cool."

My First Blog

OK...so, after a month of trying to start a blog, Don gets on and starts it up in 2 minutes flat. This will be a learning process. Thanks, Don!
Where to begin? Well, here are the basics...I am a reformed "wild child." I have, as my mother says, been to the line of everything dangerous but never actually crossed over. I am now living in Houston with my husband of 8 years, Don, and my 3 kids, Alex, Cole and Randi. I have been home with my kids for the past 4, almost 5 years. I really planned on returning to work after every kid, really, I did, but life happened. As much as I crave "business success" again, I want my little ones to feel loved more. So, here I am your typical Soccer Mom, minivan and all.
If you plan on reading this blog consistently, I must warn you I have decided not to hold much back. The sales person in me doesn't want to write anything that may offend readers...but, this is going to be my journal. If you don't like something written, don't read it.
There you have it...my first blog.