Thankful

This past week was Thanksgiving and I've been reflecting lately on just how much I have to be thankful for. For me (I don't know how it is for anyone else....or if anyone reads my blog at all), but I am the worrying type....I worry about things that happen, don't happen, might happen and probably won't happen. Unfortunately, I tend to focus more on the negative and let it drag me down instead of focusing on all of the wonderful blessings I have received, all the wonderful people in my life and just how much I have to be THANKFUL for. The goal I've set for myself is simple....worry less, live more. Live happier. Live without worrying about what bad things might (but probably won't) go wrong. Know that when things do go wrong (as they will at times) that it always gets better...usually very quickly. Know that, in the end, my wonderful family and friends are all that truly matter in life.

Happy Halloween!!!

John & Ethan,

We CANNOT believe this year was your FIFTH (be still my heart) Halloween! This year was really the first year you decided (on your own, with no prompting from Mommy and Daddy) what you wanted to "be".

John, my sweet boy...you decided to be Thomas the Train. You are currently on the verge of obsessed with Thomas the Train...you love all things Thomas (videos, toys, books...we even have a Thomas alarm clock. My little man...you looked simply adorable.

Ethan, my little lovey...you decided to be Batman this year. We still aren't sure where this decision came from unless someone at school also likes Batman (we don't recall you ever seeing the Batman movie or really anything Batman, but you must have picked it up somewhere). You were the cutest crime-fighter I've ever laid eyes on.

2 little piggies...Halloween 2006 (you were only 5 months old):

2007 you were Pooh and Tiger (and NOT happy about it):

2008 you were the cutest dalmations there ever were:

2009....John was "The Cat in the Hat" and Ethan was "Kung Fu Panda"...cute, cute, cute.

2010...Batman and Thomas the Train.

Can't wait to see what you'll choose next year.

Love,

Momma

Need for Help

I, thanks to my cousin Michal, follow a blog called Momastery....the woman that writes this blog, Glennon, is simply amazing. She wrote an article last week about bullying that grabbed my heart and squeezed. Her PROFOUND call for love and acceptance (not just tolerance) of others was inspiring and such a good example for everyone, in this Mommy's humble opinion. Her love for her son is unending and unconditional and that's the kind of Mom I am too. Her blog post entitled "A Mountain I'm Willing to Die On" is just about the best thing I've ever read in my life....EVER. This world would be a much kinder and more loving place if there were more people like this woman and I vow to strive every day to make sure to teach my kids lessons of love, acceptance, celebration of our differences...the best way to "teach" this, as Glennon writes, is to live it...be the example. Our children are our mimics....be the example.

Following is a link to her blog...

http://momastery.blogspot.com

This morning, when I checked her blog, I was brought to tears about a guest post about a friend who's 22 month old baby daughter, Evy, has an aggressive form of brain cancer called AT/RT. I cannot imagine what this family must be going through. They are complete strangers to me, but will be included in my prayers and if there is any way I can help, I'm going to. They have set up a donation link to make monetary donations and they also have contact information if you would like to donate something for a "silent auction" fundraiser they are having this month. To donate or read more about Evy and her family, following is a link to their facebook page...

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=111857755534457

I am so inspired by Glennon and her passion for her family, her friends, God and every human being. We should all be doing our part, like Glennon, to make this world a more loving and accepting place.

XOXO,
Shelley