Ten Things to Smile About: February 2013

It's never too late to recount blessings.  Even six (or eight) months later.  I'm determined to catch up before the year is over.  It hasn't been my best year ever, but that's a thing of the past.  It's time to take back ALL the things that matter most.

Ten Things to Smile About: February 2013

Receiving a precious get well gift (her prize stuffed animal) and a handwritten card

Celebrating The Athlete's 11th birthday

 

How this little girl shines at 5 on 5 soccer

My crazy little Valentines

 

 

A sleepover that included breakfast with their dolls

 

 

Taking walks in the evening with The Athlete

 

The view from those walks just a few blocks from our house

 

The sheer magnitude of seeing the space shuttle Endeavour in person

 

 

The bow tie

 

New home accessories on cold, cloudy days

 

 

 



One down, six to go.

 

 

 

 

Pride and Joy

On any given day,

you could say that he is PRIDE

 

and she is JOY

Or vice versa. 

It's absolutely true that they are my pride and joy.  They are so incredibly good and bright and such unique and wonderful blessings to the world.

But as of late, there is a new sense of pride and a long forgotten joy floating on the periphery of soccer games and teacher conferences.  There is a sweet sense of peace that was so sadly missing for just a little too long.

Pride of self for making a change instead of continuing to talk about how much I needed the change. 

Joy in all the little things that have the time to be valued now.

Being home is good.  Being present is joyous.

There was a recent period of time in my family's history that I was not present and I am not proud.  However, until I jump out of an airplane without a working parachute I will not live with any regret.  I do not regret the poor professional choice that I made, because I am stronger, smarter and more resolved than ever.  And now I am here.

Right here, right now and fully able to appreciate all of the goodness that it is mine.  Fully present in my own PRIDE and JOY

 

 and truly, deeply thankful.