A cup of tea - Day 31

I never used to like tea, at least not hot. A good glass of ice tea, give me that any day - even a freezing cold one! But in recent months, I have grown to appreciate, enjoy, and sometimes absolutely adore a good cup of tea. Which is a good thing, since I have never been a coffee drinker either - a person needs something hot to sip on a cold evening! And sometimes when my day is going rough, I can make myself a cup of tea, and it is oddly comforting and luxurious. Doesn't hurt when the cup was designed by a friend just for you either! Something about breathing steam is relaxing I think...

“A woman is like a tea bag – you can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.”   Eleanor Roosevelt”

Friendship - Day 30

Another late day...kind of hard to get back in the groove of life it seems! So much going on! But I take a moment today to recognize the blessing of friendship. I had a friend over today with her two daughters, and also watched another friends two daughters for a little while - and as I watched so many little girls crowd on the couch together to watch a movie, their heads all pressed together as they giggled and smiled, I realized that someday they very likely will still be friends with each other, and look back on these times for the treasure that they were. And as I spent time with a friend today, and talked on the phone with several other throughout the day, I am reminded of how very richly my life has been blessed by the wonderful women I have the privilege of calling friends and sisters. Some of them I knew when we were children, and others have been more recent friendships - but they are all so special in their own unique way!

“I still find each day too short for all the thoughts I want to think, all the walks I want to take, all the books I want to read, and all the friends I want to see.     John Burroughs

A New Baby - Day 29

Well, I almost missed today, and I am most certainly late! But I have a REALLY good excuse! A new baby is a really good excuse for almost anything - and much more fun than any other excuse. But I had the privilege of being present at the birth of a dear friends delivery, and witnessing the first precious moments of life - which reminded me again what a treasure my own kids are (and exactly how fast they are growing too!) So hopefully I am forgiven for being late? 

“A baby will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, bankroll smaller, home happier, clothes shabbier, the past forgotten, and the future worth living for.”   Author Unknown

Peaceful moments - Day 28

Anyone ever notice how quickly life can get crazy? It makes me remember to treasure the peaceful moments when they come. Love this moment with my kids...just resting and looking...watching to see what is next. I will try to remember to seize those moments, and use them to provide strength for the not so peaceful moments!

“You cannot find peace by avoiding life.”    Virginia Woolf

Life - Day 27

Today, I am thankful for life. As a woman, bringing life into the world is something that we alone experience in the unique way God has given to us. Not only through our children, although that is by far the most obvious way, but in so many other ways. We nurture, water, and love in ways that only we can. And it is bittersweet sometimes, as life is such a tender gift, and yet so fragile. And ultimately, we have to let go of that which we so tenderly hold, and give it to our Heavenly Father - who is so much more capable than we are! (And I suddenly realized a quick disclaimer is necessary - this is not me! It is a dear friend that is awaiting the arrival of her little one - hopefully soon!)

“All the art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on.”    Henry Ellis

Sisterhood - Day 26

I'm a lucky mom. You see, my daughters are the kind of sisters that are best friends. Not that they don't fight occasionally (or sometimes a lot!), but they are always there for each other - through thick or thin. And they love to spend time together, and help each other out when needed. I'm so glad that I know they have each other - no matter what.

“Having a sister is like having a best friend you can’t get rid of. You know whatever you do, they’ll still be there.”    Amy Li

Dance - Day 25

Last night, as I went about my evening listening to Pandora, I came in to spot my two daughters dancing. I don't know what it is, but there is something in my little girl heart that still loves to dance - and loves that my girls love to dance! Dancing allows something that you can't speak to be expressed, and I must admit that I still catch myself dancing around the house when a particular song inspires me. Shhhh...don't tell!

”Dancing faces you towards Heaven, whichever direction you turn.”   Sweetpea Tyler