My Miracle Baby Turns 24 and Continues to Delight and Surprise Us!

Today, I reminisced alot, thinking over the last 24 years and what a joy and pleasure it has been to watch my children grow. Greg, my oldest, is celebrating his 24th birthday today and I am celebrating his life.

It seems like only yesterday, that we brought him home and called him our Gift from God. To read more about how his life with us began, please read My Favorite Christmas Story.

He began as a miracle from God and even today, he keeps me on my toes, keeps me guessing, and keeps inspiring me to be the best me possible.



Today, Greg and his bride to be are contemplating buying their first home on five acreas of beautiful VA countryside and he has dreams of developing his own chicken farm.

Growing up in Northern VA, I would never have guessed that his interest would take him down this road. As he was growing up, we made sure that he had the opportunity to play baseball, football, and soccer. We provided tae kwon do and piano lessons. Each time, we were sure he would want to pursue one of these pastimes on a deeper level and each time we were wrong.

While he enjoyed each extracurricular activity, when he entered high school, he surprised us and went out for Lacrosse. We wondered where the inspiration had come from.

When he moved to Christiansburg, after pursuing college life, he happily reported that he loved the slower pace and the country life and I wondered where this fascination had developed.

As I looked through old photographs, a lightbulb lit up. I came upon a few pictures that both surprised and delighted me. When he was little, we enjoyed taking him to the Reston Petting Zoo. We introduced him to horses, goats and chickens. Looking at the pictures now, I can see now how his early fascination began.

As we begin a new year, I encourage you to think about the memories you are making. I encourage you to take time to reflect. I encourage you to enjoy your discoveries, your loved ones, and every day miracles!

That's Incredible!! Four Pounds in Four Days while Eating Normally!!

I woke up today full of energy, quickly got on my exercise clothes, and jumped on the Wii board for a body check. Much to my delight, I found that I had met my two week goal earlier than anticipated. The Wii screen screamed, that's incredible!! And indeed it was!

4.1 pounds lost in the last 4 days!!

What have I done??? First, I proclaimed my desire to loose 30 pounds in 90 days and began at the end of November. With encouragement from many of you, I got into action, exercising most every day, drinking lots of water, and eating less. Still the weight seemed to cling. Then I decided to pick up Marianne Williamson's book on weight loss, and do as she suggested.

Let Go and Let God!

First, I had to admit that this weight problem was bigger than me, but not bigger than God. I began to pray, confront issues of fear, anger, resentment. Not easy for me to do, as I try to stuff these feelings inside, but I figured I needed to do things differently, if I wanted better results.

With God by my side, I began expecting a miracle and envisioned myself thinner, lighter and happier and decided to embrace the good, the bad and the ugly in me and those around me. They have all been doing double duty and trying hard to get me to acknowledge them. Well, I finally surrendered, embraced all of me and the wonderful people around me, and my weight shifted.

My journey is just beginning. I am excited and I would love to have company on this journey. I still have 23 pounds to shed between now and the end of February. I know I can do it with you and God in my life. Please join me if you are inclined.

What are you doing in the new year?

What will you do differently?

Will you join me in getting healthier, happier and more at peace?

Holiday Pictures and Wishes for YOU!

Another free scrapbook design by Smilebox

Unexpected Joy!

When we are relaxed, at peace and at ease, we are often surprised with what lands in our lap!  This idea surfaced as I gazed upon a picture that I found on my facebook profile.  As I surveyed my bulging eyes, I was transported to the event which had taken place the day before Thanksgiving.  Peyton, a great big Great Dane was visiting with us and had surprised me with an unexpected jump upon my lap.

I  was resting comfortably on our family room sofa, with my legs propped up and extended.  I was feeling good about the day, my surroundings and myself.  I had enjoyed a good family breakfast; I had gone shopping, found everything I had been looking for; and was feeling happy, content and relaxed.  Sure, Thanksgiving was right around the corner, but I knew I could count on the help of friends and family to pull it all together.   So I threw my feet up and relished the moment of peace.

Out of nowhere, Peyton appeared.  She jumped up on the couch, and before I knew it, she had spread her large frame across my body.  Much to my surprise, she and I bonded, as we relaxed together on that couch.  In my younger days, I would have been running around like a chicken with her head cut off, much too busy to pause and much too uptight, to allow a dog to get up on my couch.

With joy in my heart, I realize that I am slowing down and am opening up to love, no matter when or where it shows up!  I secretly applaud my willingness to relax...This was not always my mode of operation.  I realize, I am indeed a Mama in Transition!!!

Tomorrow is Sunday.  How will you relax?  What will you do to share the love in your heart?  Where will you get that unexpected joy?

Banish Your Doubts!! Success is Coming!!

Who would believe that the Roses above were blooming in my garden at the same time the Fall leaves were falling?  Banish your doubts and believe you can have your heart's desires!! 

I love roses and the roses above came from my garden.  As I gaze upon them,  my heart expands.  I realize, that they brought a special joy to my heart and adorned my Thanksgiving buffet.  This year, I gave voice to my desire, shared my hopes with my husband, planted this rosebush on my anniversary in August and this Thanksgiving went out to the garden, where leaves were falling all around me and harvested these blooms.

At this time of Thanksgiving, I am filled with gratitude for the people and family who have strengthened my beliefs and resolve.  They have shown me time and again that anything is possible, if I pause to think about what I really want, share my dreams and take action!

My oldest son, Greg, recently shared his dream to buy a small farm house with 5 acres in the beautiful hills near Blacksburg, VA.  Together, we toured the farm together, via the internet.  We previewed the inviting fireplace, the cozy kitchen, the flowering fruit trees, the pond and the green acres where he hopes to raise organic chickens.  Suddenly, his dreams took on a new vitality that spurred him to take additional action.

 

The next day, Greg actually drove to the property and reported that he and a trusted friend had surveyed the land.  The land was in great condition and perfect for his planned activities.  He has plans to take it a step further, to get prequalified for a loan, to get partners on board and to tour the inside with Christy, his bride to be, on Monday.  I  have no doubt that his dreams are moving toward manifestation. 

May you be blessed with many hopes and desires..with friends and family who will support you and with beliefs that banish your doubts!  If you can concieve it, if you can believe it....you can achieve it!   

I remain committed to bringing out the beauty of our beliefs and hopes!  Please join me in giving voice to your dreams and keep us posted on your actions.  Look around..... what has happened in your life as a result of sharing your dreams with those you love?  What actions did you take?  What beliefs kept you going?  What was the result?

I would love to hear your success stories!  Please share in the comment box below.

Jodee Blanco - A Survivor of Bullying Shares Her Heart and Soul!

 

Tonight, I did two things to nourish my heart and soul.  I shared my hopes for a brighter tomorrow and took action!

 

First, I met a dear friend, sampled a few delectable treats, feasted my eyes on beautiful decorations, learned of some local wineries and shared some hopes and dreams for the coming week.  Such a grand way to begin an evening. 

 

Little did I know, my evening would get even better!

 

At 6:30 pm, I battled rain and traffic to attend a special presentation by Jodee Blanco who was speaking at my church on the topic of bullying.  This topic is near and dear to my heart and soul, as I have heard one too many stories of young lives that are traumatized by insensitive comments and actions.  I have read too many stories of cyber-bullies and I wanted to know what I might do to keep my kids safe.

 

I very much wanted to hear what this survivor might be able to share with me.  Looking at Jodee now, you would never know....

 

 

Jodee told of her school days and the torment she experienced daily.  She bared her soul and history.  She reenacted her junior and high school experience and she had me transfixed. 

 

She talked about being pushed down the steps, being pinned down by several students while others ran to the parking lots to make snowballs which they stuffed into her mouth, ears and clothing.  They left her there choking. 

 

She talked about the nightmare of going from table to table in her high school cafeteria and never finding a place to sit.  As she asked each group if she might join them, they rejected her, sneered at her, and she was humiliated at every turn.  From that day forward, she spent her lunch period in the restroom eating stale snicker bars. 

 

She talked about her senior yearbook being ruined by a hateful remark when all she wanted was one pleasant memory of her graduation year.  She talked about her one friend, Mitch, who saw what was being written.  She described his eyes welling up, described him putting his face in his hands and sitting silently, while other students walked in, took a look and snickered. 

 

Much to my delight, Jodee's story has a happy ending.  She actually returned to her high school twenty years later and found a way to forgive her classmates and herself for believing the lies that were repeated time and time again throughout her school days.  She wrote a book about her experiences, then another and married Mitch.  She now travels all over, speaking to children, teachers and parents on what they can do to stop bullying. 

 

 

 

If you have been bullied or are concerned about your children, your neighbors, or community, you can learn from her too.  You may wish to read her book or join Jodee's  anti-bullying community.  You might want to read Jodee's blog to learn how to manage bullies and reduce bullying in school, on the playground, in the neighborhood and on-line. 

 

 

Jodee recommended Social Shield as a way of keeping our kids safe on line.  While many of our teens are reluctant to befriend us on Facebook, we can rest easier with Social Shield.  I came right home and ordered Social Shield. I am currently testing out its capabilities for free and while this system is new to me, it looks very promising.  I hope to report more about it in the days ahead.

 

While reading the Social Shield blog, I came across many resources, designed to keep our kids safe, because while our kids may be "cyber savvy" and know more about new technology than we do, our kids are not necessary "cyber secure." The online resources found here, from Stay Safe Online, provide tips about basic Internet safety, online gaming, cyberbullying, social networking and more. 

I learned much and tonight I will sleep better, knowing that I took action to feed my heart and soul.  

• What do you do to nourish your heart and soul?
• What is keeping you up at night?
• What information can you share to brighten your life and lessen your load?

Please share your responses in the comment box below. 

Little Kids, Little Problems, Big Kids, Big Problems!

The story below reminded me of my Grandma. She was fond of saying, "Little kids, little problems. Big kids, big problems." As a parent with three young adults and one still in his teens, I can tell you, it takes big courage to be a parent!   You are called on to make big decisions and it is often tough!  It is also isolating.  Many times, we feel mean and alone.

In my blog, on October 31st,... I suggested that we all begin to roar for what matters most to us.  The article on parenting teens found in the Examiner of New Orleans,  may fuel your convictions and help you in making the tough decisions that parents are often asked to make.  It provides much food for thought.... Read it and then come back to this page to answer the tough questions below. 

Parenting Teens: The Unfiltered Truth http://exm.nr/djcD6l

• What tough decision will you make tomorrow? 
• What hunch will you follow? 
• What will you do to show your love?