For the perfectionist

"The greatest mistake you can make in life is to be continually fearing you will make one." (Elbert Hubbard)

Today We Remember and Rejoice

I wish you all joy of your heart, peace of your mind and blessings this Easter. I also pray for strength for my family. It was one year ago today that Bill’s father, Carl, passed away. Although it often seems like five years ago, not just one, as so much has happened in this last year. The fact that the anniversary of his death coincided with Easter, I thought would be especially difficult. Holidays = family and when someone loved so much is no longer physically present, it would only seem natural for it to be a struggle. But actually the opposite has happened today. We have been explaining the true meaning of Easter to Katelyn (Vanessa is much too young to understand). And because of what Eater means, in religious context, it has been easy to relate to Grandpa. Jesus died, just like Grandpa, and Jesus went to Heaven, where Grandpa is. Relating it to the girls in this way has been rather peaceful. We took a long walk today, ending up down at the lake. We brought with us a bag of Snyder pretzels, Carl’s favorite. We stood along the shoreline, surrounded by snow banks, under the warm sun and bright crystal-clear blue sky. We spent some time remembering Carl while we tossed some pretzels into the water for him. Although he is not here physically, we know that Carl is here in spirit – always has been and always will be. We miss you, Dad and Grandpa, but rejoice knowing that you are in a beautiful place.

Happy St. Patty's Day

"Wishing you sunshine round your shoulders, shamrocks at your feet, a rainbow in your pocket and friendship ever sweet. Wishing you angels to protect you, good luck to light your way, and blessings to surround you forever and a day." (Hallmark)

I'll admit it...I totally stole this quote from a Hallmark card that my cousin sent to me last St. Patrick's day. But she is wonderful at sending beautiful cards for the nontraditional holiday, like St. Patrick's Day or Easter; the holidays that people don't usually remember to send a "Thinking of You" or "I Love You" or "You're Special" card. But she does and it puts a smile on my face.

To see the world through a 4 year old's eyes is pretty special

Even though we enjoy spending time together as a family, we realize the value and importance of spending one-on-one time with each child. In the past, Bill and I divide up - one parent and one child – and we will spend special time together. Usually, it involves going to lunch, playing at the park, maybe doing a little fun shopping…just spending time together having fun, and not stressing over projects that need to get done or doing laundry or running errands. When Disney on Ice: Princess Wishes came to our area, I knew this was going to be the perfect date-night for both Bill and I to take Katelyn out. And it ended up being a very special night, with lots of love and smiles. It actually all started the day before when I took Katelyn to a story reading, where she was able to meet Cinderella. Katelyn was awe-struck. She has never been at a loss for words, so I knew she was nervous about the big meeting.
Then the next day, she came home from school and found a special box on her bed. Inside was a new pair of shoes. But not just any shoes. Princess shoes. But not just any princess shoes. Princess shoes that light up. The she opened an envelope and found the tickets to the show. We got dressed up and went to one of her favorite restaurants for dinner. And then on to the show. It was a wonderful night, where dreams, and special memories, came true.

I'm Breathing

So I haven’t fallen off the planet, and I know I haven’t written in awhile. It’s actually rather annoying me – that this wonderful communication tool, a fee place to share my thoughts, is just sitting here getting ignored. Sorry. I’ll try harder. I’ve just been a little busy. People laugh at me because where ever I go, my calendar goes. But I know that I am not the only one who does this! What about all of those people with all-in-one type phones? They have constant access to their calendar, not to mention e-mail and the internet. I’m not there yet…sadly; I still prefer my paper calendar. For me, I can look at my entire month in one glance and see how crazy life is. Rewarding, I know. But perhaps it’s because I am a “stay-at-home” mom, so why do I need to bring my calendar with me? WHY? Apparently, you haven’t seen it…because if you have, you’d understand. There is not a single day during our week that we have the same schedule. Yes, Katelyn goes to school on the same days every week and starts at the same time. But Vanessa has at least three appointments every week, all of which are at different times and vary in length. Talk about confusing. I was recently at a meeting and someone caught a glimpse of my calendar and started to laugh…yes, it really is that full. And I do have to say that that “stay-at-home” title is absolute ridiculous. When do I ever get to stay at home? Personally, I like CEO or COO. Bill can be the CFO.

Today, I spent 3 hours at the dentist. I have a tooth that has become weak over the years and finally decided that it was time to do the responsible thing and make an appointment. When the hygienist was prepping me, she asked if I wanted some Nitrous Oxygen to help me relax. Umm, yes, why wouldn’t I? Do you have to ask? Let’s not hesitate here…I want as much time breathing that pure air as possible. Please make sure it’s cranked up. And no, I cannot feel my toes, but that’s ok with me.