The Gift of Motherhood

   I can scarcely believe that my I gave birth to my first child 32 years ago today, not sure how that math is working out since I don't feel much older than that myself! In all seriousness though I could never imagine how this journey called life would play out back then, but I can tell you that being a mother has been my greatest gift and I cannot thank God enough for entrusting the care and raising of my sons to me.
  I was fairly certain back then at the ripe old age of 22 that I was prepared and could handle it, after all I watched my Mom make it seem like a walk in the park, right? No one prepares you for the fact that you will love these children more than you ever thought it humanly possible to love anyone. You are not prepared for a love so large that it is like having your 'heart beating outside of your own body'. Your joy, pain, accomplishements, growth, setbacks are so intricately intertwined with theirs that it's impossible to feel the difference between their emotions and yours. When they hurt you hurt, when they rejoice you rejoice.
   Despite the fabrics of your lives being so interwoven they grow up and you must let them. The fabric and seams must start to unravel a bit and you have to let them build their own tapestry. It is not always easy to let the strings unravel and to become part of another. While there are always common threads you must be careful to loosen your grip lest you pull too tightly and risk strangling them.
   So today I celebrate the bright sunshine that is and always has been my firstborn, Joshua.
                         

with his brother Jason (son #2)

  with baby brother Alex     

     Now for all you new Moms out there, remember that it is normal to live through the 'terrible twos', the angst of adolescence, and the trials of young adulthood. You will both survive and you will be blessed as I have been with this wonderful adult who shares this wonderful connection called family. Josh is a wonderful man and I am so very proud of him but rest assured he will always be my baby!

Spiritual Sundays

"I'm going to live so God can use me, anywhere Lord, anytime!"

Thought for Today

A married man should forget his mistakes.

There's no use in two people remembering the same thing!

Thought for Today

Be the Moon

Reflect the SON

Wishcasting Wednesday 2010

   Jamie from http://jamieridlerstudios.ca/ has the most intriguing prompt for this 'Wishcasting Wednesday', 'What dreams to do you wish to explore?' I have one recurring dream that I have always wanted to bring to life and that is to travel to an 'art retreat' where the sole purpose of the trip is to spend time with like minded people, creating, learning new techniques, experimenting with new mediums and just enjoying the creative process. I have always pushed that dream on the back burner because of family obligations, work etc. Well this year I am going to plan that trip!!!

I stumbled across this wonderful site during the holidays and it's all I can think of! At 'Navel Jelly Studios' they have an artist's retreat called 'Art in the Rough', it's only a few days long (certainly doable for my first retreat) and it takes place in the beautiful state of Maine (within driving distance)! I know many will think I'm crazy for wanting to camp instead of doing the whole hotel thing but it just sounds so charming I can't resist. Luxury camping in the beauty of nature, several workshops offered and meeting new people, PRICELESS! ...so where did I put that credit card???

                                                                       
                                                                 

'Be Teachable'

"It is a mistake for anyone to think he has lived too long in his old unsatisfactory ways to make a change. If you switch on a light in a dark room, it makes no difference how long it was dark because the light will still shine. Be teachable, that is the whole secret."
                                              Vernon Howard

A New Year...A New Venture

    Happy New Year everyone! January always finds me trying new ventures and this one shall be no different. I have over the last six months enjoyed reading "the Simple Woman's Daybook' and all the blogs of those who participate so I have decided I will give this a try. If you find this intriguing and perhaps want to sneak a peek at what others are doing this glorious Monday morning stop by and visit at http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/  .

Outside my window...it is cold and windy as it has been for the last few days, brrrr!

I am thinking...that it is peaceful and quiet in my home today, everyone is back to school and work!

I am thankful...for a loving husband and my sons and knowing they will return home this evening filling
                         the house with noise and laughter.

I am wearing...my warm and comfy jammies knowing I don't need to rush out anywhere today.

I am remembering...that I have much to be greatful for.

I am going...to spend the rest of this day organizing and cleaning, I love it when things are tidy!

I am hoping...that I will embrace this new season and all the possibilities that await me.

On my mind...my sister and her cancer treatments, praying that all of these months of chemo and
                       radiation have killed the cancer!

Noticing that...I feel hopeful about 2010.

Pondering these words..." Most people don't recognize opportunity when it comes, because it's
                                           usually dressed in overalls and looks a lot like work."  (Thomas Edison)

From the kitchen...planning on some homemade chicken soup to warm everyone up when they arrive home

Around the house...noticing how bare things are with the Christmas decor packed away but enjoying
                                the uncluttered rooms.

One of my favorite things...having a fire burning when my family walks in the door.

A few plans for the rest of the week...include taking my sister to her treatments, taking her out for
                                                              lunch and then taking down her Christmas tree and packing her
                                                              decor away...hoping that by next year she will be well enough to
                                                              do it for herself.

A picture for thought...

May your week be full of simple joys and pleasures!!!