I saw this quote just a little while ago, and it is JUST what I needed to read.
"The best day of your life is the one on which you decide your life is your own. No apologies or excuses. No one to lean on, rely on or blame. The gift is your - it is an amazing journey - and you alone are responsible for the quality of it. This is the day your life really begins."
I am going to print this out and put it somewhere I will see it every day. It's time I take my life back into my own hands! I am not this depressed person that has plagued my life lately. I have always been full of sunshine. The things I am going through do not define me or my life. I am still the same person no matter what has happened. I hope this quote will be as poignant to someone else as it was to me. ♥
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Friday, November 18, 2011
Life is Hard
I've been absent lately. I've been struggling with the whole living positive thing, and I just didn't feel like posting to be quite honest. Life is hard. I do my best to think positively and just keep smiling through whatever comes my way, but the last several months of my life have taught me that I am only human, and we all have our breaking points. I'm flirting with mine. Life really IS a miracle, but it really IS hard too. People have always told me how strong I am, and I always thought when they said that, what other choice do we have when we are faced with trials and tribulations? I've been through a lot in this 34 years of life of mine. I have always been able to push through. I guess I have been pretty strong. I just am not feeling as strong these days. I am struggling with finding my way and pushing through. I know I will, it's just kind of a tough road right now. I was listening to Mumford & Sons and heard their song, "After the Storm" and loved it. I like the line that says, "Get over your hill and see what's there." If I can just make it up the hill, I know there will be something worthwhile there. ♥ This is for everyone struggling with something out there!
Some good news is, Carly had surgery on Wednesday to fix her blocked tear duct and it went FABULOUS! For the first time since she was born basically, she doesn't wake up with her eye crusted shut every day! :-) I'm so glad it's over (way more difficult on me than it was on her I think!) and fixed.
In fun news, for the first time in YEARS, I did a Halloween costume because there was a Halloween Zumbathon at my YMCA and I participated in the Halloween costume contest and won 3rd place for originality. I was Rosie the Riveter!
I am working on getting myself back on track and focusing on the positive things in my life -- my 4 beautiful girls being the main things! ♥ We all have our struggles, guess this time is mine. I still, through everything, no matter what happens know I am so blessed beyond measure. Way more than most!
Some good news is, Carly had surgery on Wednesday to fix her blocked tear duct and it went FABULOUS! For the first time since she was born basically, she doesn't wake up with her eye crusted shut every day! :-) I'm so glad it's over (way more difficult on me than it was on her I think!) and fixed.
In fun news, for the first time in YEARS, I did a Halloween costume because there was a Halloween Zumbathon at my YMCA and I participated in the Halloween costume contest and won 3rd place for originality. I was Rosie the Riveter!
 |
| Here's the original in case you don't know who Rosie the Riveter is. ;-) |
Friday, October 21, 2011
Indiana
I had an absolutely fabulous trip to Indiana this past week! It was so nice to see my family and spend time with all the people I care so much about and rarely get to see. The 12 hour drive each way was grueling, but totally worth it! Mickey was in absolute Heaven, getting all the attention she craves at home but being one person with 2 babies to take care, I can't give her! I wish we lived close to family. It's such a shame that all my kids miss out on all that. But, I guess that's just part of being a military family. One of the many sacrifices we make. I got to spend a lot of time with my brother, Joey and meet his girlfriend, Jessica, whom I absolutely adore! We had such a good time. My dad and stepmom watched the kids one night and we all went out to a comedy club. I had SUCH a good time. I haven't laughed that much in a long time. Good times. I have pictures to share, but they are in the works!
The highlight of the trip was definitely my cousin's wedding. I had the honor and privilege of being the photographer for the occasion. I absolutely LOVE weddings. They are so beautiful and make you believe in love and commitment for life. I would never want to be a wedding photographer, however. It's just not my gig. I would much rather be the sappy girl watching with tears in her eyes. But this was a gorgeous outdoor wedding at Spring Mill State Park, and I think the images will be just gorgeous, even though I am no wedding photographer!
My Mickey was the flower girl and my Haley Bug was a junior bridesmaid. They were so beautiful!
But, I mean, check out the bride and groom! They're sexy and they know it! haha
When I got home and started looking through the images, I was just breath taken by the amount of love they clearly have for each other pouring out of these images. Amazing. I am working hard to be able to share all of them with them soon - I know they are going to love them! Here is just one that I fell in love with. ♥
Being back home is nice because it is hard to travel with babies. There is so much for them to get into and by golly, my babies are on a darn good schedule at home and I LOVE that! It's pretty impossible without the comforts of home to keep that up, and that makes it kind of hard. But I have to say, these are such good babies! They do pretty good, especially Carly. She really is so much like Haley in that she totally goes with the flow. Callie is a little more high maintenance, but even she is pretty good compared to Mickey as a baby! haha I will say, after spending so much time with all my loved ones, it's pretty lonely here at home. But, it is what it is. I've just got to suck it up and push on! What other choice have I got, right? I'm going to keep smiling, even if I have to force it! ;-)
I made it back for Zumba one day and then Callie got sick, so now I am stuck homebound. I hope she gets better fast and it doesn't make the rounds! I need my gym time for SANITY! hehe
My message in closing today is, if you have people you love nearby, don't take it for granted! Take the time to spend quality time with them. It seems in this day of technology families are spending far less time together, far less time getting together for holidays and Sunday dinners. I wish so much that I had the opportunity to do these things, because I would do it frequently and I would cherish every minute of it! Besides, we are not guaranteed tomorrow. We never know when today was our last tomorrow, so don't put things off for tomorrow! Seize the day ... CARPE DIEM! :-)
The highlight of the trip was definitely my cousin's wedding. I had the honor and privilege of being the photographer for the occasion. I absolutely LOVE weddings. They are so beautiful and make you believe in love and commitment for life. I would never want to be a wedding photographer, however. It's just not my gig. I would much rather be the sappy girl watching with tears in her eyes. But this was a gorgeous outdoor wedding at Spring Mill State Park, and I think the images will be just gorgeous, even though I am no wedding photographer!
My Mickey was the flower girl and my Haley Bug was a junior bridesmaid. They were so beautiful!
But, I mean, check out the bride and groom! They're sexy and they know it! haha
Being back home is nice because it is hard to travel with babies. There is so much for them to get into and by golly, my babies are on a darn good schedule at home and I LOVE that! It's pretty impossible without the comforts of home to keep that up, and that makes it kind of hard. But I have to say, these are such good babies! They do pretty good, especially Carly. She really is so much like Haley in that she totally goes with the flow. Callie is a little more high maintenance, but even she is pretty good compared to Mickey as a baby! haha I will say, after spending so much time with all my loved ones, it's pretty lonely here at home. But, it is what it is. I've just got to suck it up and push on! What other choice have I got, right? I'm going to keep smiling, even if I have to force it! ;-)
I made it back for Zumba one day and then Callie got sick, so now I am stuck homebound. I hope she gets better fast and it doesn't make the rounds! I need my gym time for SANITY! hehe
My message in closing today is, if you have people you love nearby, don't take it for granted! Take the time to spend quality time with them. It seems in this day of technology families are spending far less time together, far less time getting together for holidays and Sunday dinners. I wish so much that I had the opportunity to do these things, because I would do it frequently and I would cherish every minute of it! Besides, we are not guaranteed tomorrow. We never know when today was our last tomorrow, so don't put things off for tomorrow! Seize the day ... CARPE DIEM! :-)
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Another Rainbow!
"The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain." - Dolly Parton
Tonight there was another beautiful rainbow in the sky! I can't get over how many there have been. They bring so much joy into my heart, and I think I really needed to see it tonight. Just feeling kinda lonely and sad ... just a little! I'm still smiling, don't worry! ;-) This had to be the brightest, most beautiful rainbow I have ever seen! I love it!
Tonight there was another beautiful rainbow in the sky! I can't get over how many there have been. They bring so much joy into my heart, and I think I really needed to see it tonight. Just feeling kinda lonely and sad ... just a little! I'm still smiling, don't worry! ;-) This had to be the brightest, most beautiful rainbow I have ever seen! I love it!
A Beautiful Day!
It's an absolutely gorgeous day here today! A cool 64 degrees outside, blue skies and birds achirpin'! I love it. I'm so looking forward to some fall weather. I'm over the hotness of summer now.
I watched the movie "Life As We Know It" last night. It looked really cute and funny, but I found it to be mostly depressing, which was disappointing. But, I did discover another new song through the movie, which is always a plus since I love music so much! I just love the words, so perfect for me right now and it's just such a calming, Zen song ... I love it!
"Come away, come away
leave it all far behind you.
‘Cos it’s not who you are and it’s not what you wanted.
I can see, I can see
the strength there inside you.
Calling you
come away to where you’re bright eyed and hopeful.
As a child is this how, you saw yourself all grown up.
‘Cos I believe, I believe
in your smile I see someone else.
Coming through, coming through
like the sun-rays that kiss your face.
Like they always have done and they always will for you now.
And everything will be alright now, alright."
There is so much positivity out there - I just keep finding it everywhere! It's not because it wasn't there before though. It's because I wasn't seeking it and focusing on it. More and more I find proof that life truly is what you make it. I like the following quote:
"Life is ten percent what happens to you and ninety percent how you respond to it." - Lou Holtz
Bad things happen ... to everyone. You can either let them defeat you or ...
As I have said before, there will be stumbling blocks, and I still hurt .... and cry ... and get angry, but I will not let it overtake me. It will be temporary. I will not let darkness overtake this bright, beautiful life I have been granted! There are too many reasons to smile, and besides, you look a lot prettier with a smile on your face! ;-)
I watched the movie "Life As We Know It" last night. It looked really cute and funny, but I found it to be mostly depressing, which was disappointing. But, I did discover another new song through the movie, which is always a plus since I love music so much! I just love the words, so perfect for me right now and it's just such a calming, Zen song ... I love it!
"Come away, come away
leave it all far behind you.
‘Cos it’s not who you are and it’s not what you wanted.
I can see, I can see
the strength there inside you.
Calling you
come away to where you’re bright eyed and hopeful.
As a child is this how, you saw yourself all grown up.
‘Cos I believe, I believe
in your smile I see someone else.
Coming through, coming through
like the sun-rays that kiss your face.
Like they always have done and they always will for you now.
And everything will be alright now, alright."
There is so much positivity out there - I just keep finding it everywhere! It's not because it wasn't there before though. It's because I wasn't seeking it and focusing on it. More and more I find proof that life truly is what you make it. I like the following quote:
"Life is ten percent what happens to you and ninety percent how you respond to it." - Lou Holtz
Bad things happen ... to everyone. You can either let them defeat you or ...
As I have said before, there will be stumbling blocks, and I still hurt .... and cry ... and get angry, but I will not let it overtake me. It will be temporary. I will not let darkness overtake this bright, beautiful life I have been granted! There are too many reasons to smile, and besides, you look a lot prettier with a smile on your face! ;-)
Friday, September 30, 2011
7 Years ...
Today marks 7 years off chemo for my daughter, Haley! We are so far removed from those days that it almost seems like a dream. For those who don't know her story, at 3 years old, she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) and had to endure 2 1/2 years of chemotherapy. At 5 years off chemo, she was considered cured of the disease! Haley beat the beast!! She is amazing, such a fighter. I am so proud of her and how far she has come in life despite the many medical obstacles that have been in her way. She inspires and amazes me on a daily basis! I'm so proud of you, my Haley Bug!
In my quest to fill my life with positivity, I have found so many inspiring quotes and stuff, but I have to share this video along with the inspiring quote, which I have seen before. I just love it. "I'm gonna show you how great I am!"
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous,
talented and fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other
people won't feel insecure around you.
We were born to make manifest the glory of
God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine,
we unconsciously give other people
permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others."
— Marianne Williamson
Mike has finally made it safely to San Diego. He's been a driving fool for the last 3 days! We sure do miss him. But life is good, and I'm still smiling! ♥
 |
| Haley Bug in the midst of her chemo in 2004 ... still smiling! |
In my quest to fill my life with positivity, I have found so many inspiring quotes and stuff, but I have to share this video along with the inspiring quote, which I have seen before. I just love it. "I'm gonna show you how great I am!"
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous,
talented and fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other
people won't feel insecure around you.
We were born to make manifest the glory of
God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine,
we unconsciously give other people
permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others."
— Marianne Williamson
Mike has finally made it safely to San Diego. He's been a driving fool for the last 3 days! We sure do miss him. But life is good, and I'm still smiling! ♥
Thursday, September 29, 2011
The Optimist's Creed
I simply LOVE this! I am living by this and reciting it every day! Nothing ... NOTHING feels better than living positively and being optimistic. It leads to happiness and peace of mind. ♥
The Optimist's Creed
by Christian D. Larson
Promise Yourself...
To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet.
To make all your friends feel that there is something worthwhile in them.
To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.
To think only of the best, to work only for the best and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.
To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful expression at all times and give a smile to every living creature you meet.
To give so much time to improving yourself that you have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.
To think well of yourself and to proclaim this fact to the world, not in loud word, but in great deeds.
To live in the faith that the whole world is on your side, so long as you are true to the best that is in you.
I also have to share this song, that I heard in one of Zumba classes for a cool down. (THANK YOU SUNDAY!!! This song brightens my days! ♥ ) I just love the beginning ... so TRUE!
"I’m as happy as I can be
Cause I’m allergic to tragedy
The doctor says something’s wrong with me
The smile on my face has no remedy"
Happiness is a choice, it really is! And I have chosen it. Smiling feels AMAZING. I smile at everyone and it feels good ... even when they don't smile back!
And I have to share this cute little saying I found today too. I mean, I am pretty awesome! Can't waste all this awesomeness being sad! LOL I kid, I kid. But it's still a good smile-jerker! ;-)
Have a HAPPY, OPTIMISTIC, SMILE FILLED day!
The Optimist's Creed
by Christian D. Larson
Promise Yourself...
To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet.
To make all your friends feel that there is something worthwhile in them.
To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.
To think only of the best, to work only for the best and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.
To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful expression at all times and give a smile to every living creature you meet.
To give so much time to improving yourself that you have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.
To think well of yourself and to proclaim this fact to the world, not in loud word, but in great deeds.
To live in the faith that the whole world is on your side, so long as you are true to the best that is in you.
I also have to share this song, that I heard in one of Zumba classes for a cool down. (THANK YOU SUNDAY!!! This song brightens my days! ♥ ) I just love the beginning ... so TRUE!
"I’m as happy as I can be
Cause I’m allergic to tragedy
The doctor says something’s wrong with me
The smile on my face has no remedy"
Happiness is a choice, it really is! And I have chosen it. Smiling feels AMAZING. I smile at everyone and it feels good ... even when they don't smile back!
And I have to share this cute little saying I found today too. I mean, I am pretty awesome! Can't waste all this awesomeness being sad! LOL I kid, I kid. But it's still a good smile-jerker! ;-)
Have a HAPPY, OPTIMISTIC, SMILE FILLED day!
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Got My Happiness Back
One sad day ... I can deal with that! I'm still sad, of course, but I'm not going to let it keep me from being happy. I am so blessed ... life is good, I can't help but smile! I went to the Y and did my bootcamp class tonight and I feel AMAZING! I love working out - it really, truly makes me HAPPY! I'm just trying to figure out how I can squeeze everything I want to do at the Y into the 2 hours a day of childwatch I am allowed! haha I listened to a TON of music today too. Music always makes me feel good. There's a perfect song for any way you are feeling at any given time! :-) I discovered an Eminem song that I had never heard before, and I'm totally diggin' it!
I saw this quote today, one that I have seen before and I thought I would share:
"Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength." -unknown
It's such a true quote for life in general, but it really spoke to me in regards to marriage when I saw it today. So many people are so quick to give up on their marriages today. I have come to realize that every marriage, no matter how perfect it may seem from the outside, has problems. Sometimes they are big, HUGE problems that seem insurmountable. I firmly believe that a marriage can overcome anything if both parties are invested and willing to work through the issues. I say that having lived it! Marriage is hard work, but it is a commitment. Especially when children are involved, you have to really give it your all through good times and bad! Don't get me wrong. I'm not sitting on a high horse looking down on anyone who has ever been divorced. I realize that sometimes it is just for the best and that sometimes one partner is just not interested in working it out no matter how much the other person is. I'm just sharing my thoughts on how this quote spoke to me today. I'm pretty sure that given everything my husband and I have been through in our 13 years of marriage, anyone would understand if we gave up and walked away from our marriage! We have been through more than most people will experience in an entire lifetime. But, somehow, we have held it together. He's not perfect ... I'm definitely not perfect ... but we love each other and we are committed to our marriage and keeping our beautiful family together. It's not always easy, in fact, it's rarely easy! But it's definitely worth it. ♥
I have to share something cute Mickey said today. I was making her lunch and she saw her 2 little friends outside next door, so she went outside to see if they could play after lunch. She came in all sad saying that she couldn't play with them. I asked her why and she said, "I don't know. I guess they have chicken bones." I was like, what the heck!? What does that mean. And she got all irritated and said, "I don't know!" She goes back out and tells me she doesn't think they are going to be friends anymore because they aren't allowed to play and said something about chicken bones again. I didn't know what the heck she was talking about! LOL She went out one more time and it all became clear ... they have chicken pox! Pox .. not bones! hehe My kids crack me up. How could I be anything but happy! ;-)
I saw this quote today, one that I have seen before and I thought I would share:
"Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength." -unknown
It's such a true quote for life in general, but it really spoke to me in regards to marriage when I saw it today. So many people are so quick to give up on their marriages today. I have come to realize that every marriage, no matter how perfect it may seem from the outside, has problems. Sometimes they are big, HUGE problems that seem insurmountable. I firmly believe that a marriage can overcome anything if both parties are invested and willing to work through the issues. I say that having lived it! Marriage is hard work, but it is a commitment. Especially when children are involved, you have to really give it your all through good times and bad! Don't get me wrong. I'm not sitting on a high horse looking down on anyone who has ever been divorced. I realize that sometimes it is just for the best and that sometimes one partner is just not interested in working it out no matter how much the other person is. I'm just sharing my thoughts on how this quote spoke to me today. I'm pretty sure that given everything my husband and I have been through in our 13 years of marriage, anyone would understand if we gave up and walked away from our marriage! We have been through more than most people will experience in an entire lifetime. But, somehow, we have held it together. He's not perfect ... I'm definitely not perfect ... but we love each other and we are committed to our marriage and keeping our beautiful family together. It's not always easy, in fact, it's rarely easy! But it's definitely worth it. ♥
I have to share something cute Mickey said today. I was making her lunch and she saw her 2 little friends outside next door, so she went outside to see if they could play after lunch. She came in all sad saying that she couldn't play with them. I asked her why and she said, "I don't know. I guess they have chicken bones." I was like, what the heck!? What does that mean. And she got all irritated and said, "I don't know!" She goes back out and tells me she doesn't think they are going to be friends anymore because they aren't allowed to play and said something about chicken bones again. I didn't know what the heck she was talking about! LOL She went out one more time and it all became clear ... they have chicken pox! Pox .. not bones! hehe My kids crack me up. How could I be anything but happy! ;-)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
