Beautiful Mountains - Day 67

Day before yesterday, it windy and rainy - absolutely poured down rain. Much to my surprise, when we woke up yesterday morning, there was a light dusting of snow on the ground (and yes, I don't pay much attention to the weather reports obviously!) Then by late morning, the sun came out, and even though it wasn't very warm outside, it was a gloriously beautiful day. I loved this picture from our backyard of the sun hitting the mountains in the distance that were covered with snow.

“Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating; there is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather.”   John Ruskin

Focus - Day 66

I really do love how the world simply disappears when my daughter is reading a book. She is one of the most focused readers I have ever known! Even in her schoolwork. In fact, she is a very focused person most of the time - about anything! I love her ability to tune out the world when she wants to devote her attention to something. And I love the look on her face when she does it!

“You can’t depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus.”   Mark Twain

Boots - Day 65

I love my boots. I have wanted a pair for a couple of years, but I am kind of a picky princess about my shoes. If they aren't comfy, it doesn't matter how cute they are - I know I won't wear them! So when I found these, and not only were they cute, but they were super comfy...and lined with the softest cozies lining possible - and on clearance - well...let's just say I was pretty happy! And they have kept my feet warm and dry so many times already! Nothing like going out in the rain or snow and knowing your feel will stay warm and dry!

“The man with the boots does not mind where he places his foot.”   Irish Proverb

Kleenex - Day 64

My youngest has been fighting a cold over the past several days. Yesterday it seems the misery factor went up significantly. She got up looking positively miserable - I asked if she had been crying, and she said, "No...I'm just blowing my nose so much it's making my eyes water!" Poor baby! Amazing how when are kids are sick we want to do anything possible to make it better. Today, I am grateful for the soft kleenex we buy - not the rough stuff that might as well be newspaper or sandpaper. I know when I'm sick and my skin is raw, it is one of the best things ever! 

“A family is a unit composed not only of children but of men, women, an occasional animal, and the common cold.”    Ogden Nash

Slowing Down - Day 63

Yesterday was one of those days that I was going to accomplish a lot...and I did, just a little differently than I planned. We were in the car, and on our way to town, when I realized that what we were going for really could wait for another day. So we turned around, came home, and snuggled on the couch and watched a movie. At first it was tempting to come home and get more stuff done, but then I decided that it was more important to spend that time with my daughters. And what a treasure it was!

“Always remember to slow down in life; live, breathe, and learn; take a look around you whenever you have time and never forget everything and every person that has the least place within your heart.”   Unknown

My Parents - Day 62

I love this picture of my mom and dad - my mom's eyes are open (a true challenge if you know my mom and pictures!) And my dad is looking at the camera without being too distracted (also a challenge!). This picture was taken a couple of weeks ago at our church's Valentine Banquet. Anyway, I realize the minority that I am in, but I am so blessed to have parents that have stayed together through the thick and thin, and not split up when the going got tough. And I know there had to have been times it got tough...anyone who has been married knows that to be true! Thanks mom and dad! I love you both!

"To understand your parents' love, you must raise children yourself."   Chinese Proverb

Persistence - Day 61

Sometimes persistence is a bad thing...like when my kids want something and persist in asking - even when I say  no! But sometimes, that same thing can pay off when they stick with it to finish something that is difficult, instead of giving up! The other day, a friend taught them to make paper cranes! I must admit, that is something that I still don't know how to make! And while my oldest can be a "bit" (okay...a LOT) of a perfectionist - she stuck with it until she got it! My youngest is quite relaxed (the opposite of a perfectionist!) - and she did it too - and they were all beautiful!!!

"Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, 'I will try again tomorrow.' "    Mary Anne Radmacher