Be Kind

I believe that children are born kind.  

As adults, we must reinforce this behavior with our actions.  

Kindness to others makes both the giver and receiver feel good.

Try it...you'll see!

I am proud to share this heart-melt post with others at Jenny Matlock's Warm Heart Wednesday.  Please stop over at her place and enjoy the Warm Heart words of others just like me!  Just click on the link above!

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Just Seven Joys?

Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop offers writing prompts each week, and since I sometimes have a hard time thinking of appropriate thoughts to share, I defer to her varied, challenging and fun suggestions.  I chose to share the top seven things that bring me joy (yes, I had to cut it down from 1,000) and I offer my appropriate thoughts for you now.

Thing 1:  Thoughts of my children

Thing 2:  Speaking, hugging, holding, and crying with my children.

Thing 3:  Watching my children flourish in all areas of their lives. 

Thing 4:  Touching the hearts of my children, my friends, and perfect strangers.  There are no better words than "pure joy" that describes the feeling I get when this happens!

Thing 5:  Thoughts of my dog...my unconditional-loving Tootsie, who lights up my life when my children are not around.

 

Think 6:  Thoughts of the fact that an employer still thinks I have skills to offer and is willing to pay me for my service...even at my age!  (This is more of a gratitude item...but it does bring me joy twice a month when I check my bank account!)

Thing 7:  Waking up each morning (with no toe tag on) and knowing that I'm going to have a great day!  I may have challenges, but after I meet them and the clouds are blown away by the Chicago "breezes" I know that I can combine these seven joys to make the evening reflection an overwhelming joyful experience.

I wish you the most joyful of holidays that continue throughout the New Year!  

Thank you for stopping by today!  Please click on the link to Mama Kat above to read some warm and entertaining posts from her followers.

Fully Fragmented

Thanks to Traci at A Star In My Universe, this wonderful place called Friday Fragments is still a bright spot in my blogging life, where I can share the exciting events of my life! At my age, it is usually encompasses my getting out of bed unassisted, and pouring myself a cup of coffee each morning! Once these two events have taken place, my world is ready to begin!

Today, I am blessed to celebrate 39 years of marriage to a great guy!  We've had many a storm, but managed to come out of them practically unscathed.  We've laughed and cried and embarrassed the heck out of each other.  We raised four extraordinary children, who managed to live through all of our parenting blunders (thank you, God, for therapists) and who now are each on their own path to rule their world.

Media has changed the way we all live our lives, and this week has been full of many reminders of the tragic events of 9/11/01.  Many of us will forever be touched by actions of this date.  I believe that it made us stronger, and brought out the best in the human condition as evidenced by the selfless acts of those who wanted, and still want, to help. God rest the souls of those who fell, and God Bless the rest of us who remain.

I'm going to have a second cup of coffee.  Would you care to join me?

And Where Have You Been?????

Oh boy, guess I have some splainin' to do. I've been away, but haven't gone far. My timetable has just changed a bit. Stress will do that to ya!

I'm moving to Chicago in June. I'm leaving my job, my friends, and my daily routine. This made me mad at first. Then I spent the weekend in Chicago with my H and fell in love...with the city...I'm already in love with my H! I was determined to help get the kids settled in their new abodes before I left. By last Monday, it looked like it was all falling into place. No. 1 son has already been out for several years. No. 2 son is going to be hall monitor and oversee the mansion while we decide whether to rent or buy. We will rent for a while and then make a decision. No.2 daughter has been out for a month, and is flourishing. I don't want to know the who, what, when or why of her life...as long as she calls me once a week! No.1 daughter moved out this past week and is still moving out. I'd like to give you an example of how different two sisters can be, although that's nothing new to you!

No. 2 Daughter Before:



No. 1 Daughter Before



I also changed my eating habits recently, which as most of you know, can be a little stressful....like wanting to strangle people, animals and vending machines! It's amazing how a few minor changes can make such a difference in ones life! I'm now over the "strangling" hump and moving into the "don't touch my special food" stage.

I'm actually smiling at life these days...even the days that aren't so fun...like pulling off "lord knows what" from the walls and carpet belonging to daughter no.1!

No. 1 Daughter After



No. 2 Daughter After



The basement is my next big adventure! Once Memorial Day has come and gone, I'm putting on the armour and going to battle (unless I decide to procrastinate a little longer)! I will put on a pot of coffee and will welcome anyone who is looking for a good laugh...to join me in the abyss I call the "lower level" of my house! Daughter no.1 has taken much of what has been tightly packed away for 15 years, so my job will be a little easier come the end of the month when, I think...she may be completely out!

Thanks for allowing me to ramble on! I wish the best to you and your families as we continue to enjoy the spring and all the beauty (except for the frackin' heat in STL) it brings to all of us!

Firework!

Hellooooooooo! I've been lurking lately and leaving little notes when I can. My time management skills are horrible right now! I'm very sorry. I can barely find the time or energy to latch on to the weekly memes that I so love! So, I will add to my "New Year's List of Things To Do" item #23: MAKE MORE TIME TO WRITE!!!!! (even if it means that I give up 30 minutes of "sogging" on the couch!)

Katy Perry has a new song out (it's probably been out forEVA, but it's new to me) that has lyrics that move me to tears. I think it's the kind of message that one would give to a good friend who is a little down, or in my case, each of my four children. They all have their special talents and I would love to watch them soar through the sky while sharing their best. Please check out her video when you can.

I'm looking forward to the New Year, a healthier me, a few more "snow days" and a car that can pass the safety and emissions tests! Oh, and I'm looking forward to a lot more reading and writing.

Thank you to all who have entertained and touched me with your writing (which is just about everyone). I have received so much of what I needed to hear. I wish you all a very happy and fulfilling year with healthy babies, adventures beyond your wildest dreams, and so many hugs and kisses that you can't stand it any longer!

God Bless you all!

Liz

Post It Note Tuesday - It's My First Time

I've been wanting to join in the fun of Post It Note Tuesday for quite some time, but my techno-challenged brain just wouldn't let me. So, I offer you here my first set of notes with the theme of somewhere between sarcasm and venting.



























If you are, like, totally bored with me, please stop on by Supah Mommy. She will have you laughing on the floor in no time!