Stop and Smell the Flowers

It never fails. There are two things that my children insist on doing whenever we go to the local grocery store. First, we stop at the bakery, where they are practically on a first-name basis with the people who work there. Then, before I can even break out my grocery list to begin our shopping, we have to go over to the floral display. My kids consistently remind me to take time to stop and smell the flowers.

I don't know that many people who can claim to NOT be busy. I don't think I'm all that much busier than the average person. I have a family to care for, a job (or two) to keep up with. I have friends who I love to spend time with whenever possible. And I have volunteer activities that I enjoy because I treasure the satisfaction I feel when I help someone else. Sometimes my schedule is smooth, sometimes it's rocky. There are days when I have nothing planned...blissful days when I might choose to get an hour or two of work done just to make sure I have less to do later on my busier days. My kids are a great reminder that sometimes, just sometimes, it's alright to just stop and enjoy whatever peaceful moments I can grab. I am so lucky to have them, and their reminders are definitely priceless.

Yesterday, I was working on a project and my son came into my home office. He said nothing at first, just looked at the computer and stood quietly. I wrapped my arm around him and said, "What's up?" Very calmly, very quietly, he leaned toward me and said, "Mommy, come cuddle with me." The kids got twin-size beds a couple of months ago, and he's just thrilled with the fact that I can squeeze onto his bed with him, something I couldn't do when they were sleeping on toddler beds. We climbed onto his bed together, cuddled up, and pointed out "imaginary" shapes on the ceiling, a game he's come to love recently. It was a perfect moment in time, one I don't think I'll forget anytime soon.

If you're having a busy day, do yourself a big favor...stop for a moment. Take just a few minutes to stop and smell the flowers. Jeremy and Megan might not stay little forever, they might not always want to cuddle with their momma, but the memories we make today are ones we can carry with us for years to come.

Great Reminder

Below is a column that appeared by Ann Landers. It was contributed by a reader who asked her to reprint it, and I think it SO applies to day-to-day life. Sometimes we just need a gentle reminder of what's so very important.

Ann Landers “Things to Be Thankful For”
Dear Ann Landers: I hope you will print something a friend in Australia sent me. I think it's perfect to run on Thanksgiving. -Bee in Fairfax, Va.
Dear Bee: Please send my best wishes and warm thanks to your friend in Australia. Here's the thoughtful piece she sent:

Things to Be Thankful For

Be thankful for the clothes that fit a little too snug, because it means you have enough to eat.

Be thankful for the mess you clean up after a party, because it means you have been surrounded by friends.

Be thankful for the taxes you pay, because it means you're employed.

Be thankful that your lawn needs mowing and your windows need fixing, because it means you have a home.

Be thankful for your heating bill, because it means you are warm.

Be thankful for the laundry, because it means you have clothes to wear.

Be thankful for the space you find at the far end of the parking lot, because it means you can walk.

Be thankful for the lady who sings off-key behind you in church, because it means you can hear.

Be thankful when people complain about the government, because it means we have freedom of speech.

Be thankful for the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours, because it means you're alive.

~Taken from Ann Landers’ column, 11/22/01

Catching up on blessings...

First blessing I want to mention is my friend. She was discharged from the rehab center and went home last Friday, so she's been home for a week already. I feel bad because I haven't been able to go by and visit yet, but I have plans in the works to bring her family some dinner one night next week, so I'll see her soon! I spoke with her for a while on Tuesday, and she sounds fantastic. Keep praying, because she's getting occupational and physical therapy at home and we want her to continue to recover, but what a blessing to know that she's home with her husband and children (exactly where she belongs!!!). I told her she's my walkin', talkin' miracle friend and she told me she knows just how lucky she is. She's amazing.

Second blessing is that the Relay For Life of St. Augustine is this weekend. This will be my 10th year attending the event, 9th year participating with a team, 7th year working as a member of the planning committee. My grandmother had lung cancer and skin cancer, so the cause (the American Cancer Society) is near and dear to my heart. The event itself is just inspiring, especially when they light the luminaria around the track at 9 p.m. in honor and in memory of people who have/have had cancer. This year we are one of 45 teams camping out around the track at St. Augustine High School. Each team has a different fundraiser to raise money with, and each team tries to keep someone walking on the track at all times during the 18-hour event. We've been working hard all year to get ready, and this week we've worked twice as hard because it's crunch time. It'll all be worth it tomorrow and Sunday! The event kicks off at 12 noon Saturday, May 15 and ends at 6 a.m. on Sunday, May 16. If you're in the St. Augustine area, stop by and see what it's all about...it's something you have to see to believe.

My Friend is a Miracle!

I read a post from my friend's husband on Facebook this morning...looks like she'll be discharged from the rehab center on Friday, May 7th! She's still got a long road ahead of her, but she has made so much progress and we are all standing in awe of the miracle she really is. I cannot express enough thanks to everyone who has continued to pray for her and her family. I know she is so touched and inspired by the crowd that has rallied behind her since this all started two months ago. Yesterday a group of awesome people coordinated a yard sale. I couldn't be there to help, but I contributed a couple of boxes of "stuff." Another friend wrote a newspaper article that ran locally the day before, and they had an amazing turnout from the community, raising over $1,000 to help offset some of the family's expenses. The amazing part of this whole thing is not that they raised so much money, but that so many people turned up to help make a difference in the life of an awesome woman and her family.

God is good.

I Give A Hoot...About Molly!

I had posted a link a while back with the live video stream focused on two bald eagles and their two babies. On the same site, there are numerous links to wildlife webcams. One of them is for Molly the Owl, who has become quite famous! Molly and her mate, McGee, are residents of an owl box in California. The box is on a pole 15 feet in the air and stationed in the yard of the Royal family. Carlos updates viewers from time to time on the little family. Molly and McGee had six eggs laid in February. One broke very early, one is a dud. The other four eggs have yielded four little owlets! Max, Pattison, Austin and Wesley are named for relatives of Carlos Royal (grandchildren, I believe).

Here's a closeup photo I took as a screenshot of Molly...she was checking out the camera just a little while ago. The video link is also below. Share it if you'd like...it's so amazing to see nature at work! Word to the wise though...these are wild animals. They eat like wild animals. Sometimes it's not a pretty sight, so be forewarned if you are watching at mealtime and you have a weak stomach.



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Happy Easter!

I can't believe we're already into our first week of April. It looks like 2010 is flying by even faster than 2009 did!!! I wish all of you the best blessings of Easter.

My friend continues to improve. She has been transferred to a rehabilitation center where she will receive all kinds of physical therapy to help her recover further. I plan to go visit her for an hour this afternoon, between visiting my family and my husband's family. I look forward to seeing how much progress she's made since my visit last week when she was still at the hospital! She is having short-term memory issues that may or may not improve with time, so please continue praying for her and her family.

Count your blessings today and every day!!! Happy Easter. :)

Bald Eagle WebCam

A friend recently shared this site and I thought I'd pass it on in case anyone else wanted to see it, too! I'm looking forward to watching this bald eagle family thrive. What a patient momma!

http://www.sportsmansparadiseonline.com/Bald_Eagle_Nest_Cam_P0SF.html

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