Choosing My Words Part Two

Choosing My Words Part Two

Well it has been one week since that horrific tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut. My heart breaks for everyone involved and they continue to be in my prayers. I definitely have many thoughts on why this happened and how to ensure it doesn't happen again. I do believe that mental health treatment in this country needs to be strengthened and the stigmas taken away. But I might have to save that soapbox for another day. I came across this on Face Book yesterday and it just seemed fitting in regards to what I posted yesterday. The things we grumble about are not important at all, but they seem to be the things that take up our time and energy. So please, hold your kids tight, appreciate their innocence, and in all the hustle and bustle of the next few days, please try to take a step back and take it all in and enjoy every moment!!! Happy Holidays to everyone!!!!!

"Another Mother's Prayer" Dedicated to the Newtown, CT Moms

I found a pair of dirty socks on the bathroom floor,
And gave thanks for the sweaty things behind the door.
I turned them right side out and it dawned on me,
From now on, I will, through other eyes see.
For the things that used to make me mad,
Have made me grateful and strangely glad…
The door left open, and the unmade bed,
Crumbs, bad grades and the uncombed head.
The smudges of blue toothpaste in the sink,
Endless questions and uniforms that stink.
The light that’s left on, and the bike that’s left out,
Lost hairbrushes and the Monday morning pout.
Weekend-eating science projects and homework that’s late,
The peanut butter that I have to scrub off the plate…
For sleepovers, Sharpie art, and cavities too,
I will say, oh Lord Jesus, thank You!
From now on I won’t be such a grouch,
About things like muddy shoes and popcorn under the couch.
For now I see… these are blessings in disguise,
Oh God help me to always see everything through Another Mother’s eyes.
WE WILL NOT FORGET YOUR BEAUTIFUL, PRECIOUS CHILDREN!

How We Choose to Talk to Others…Food for Thought for Today

Many, many years ago, I had the great experience of living with one of my best friends. We were out of college, working full time and enjoying life. We used to talk that since we had always traveled so well together, that living together would work out just fine. Which, it did and little did we know that now that we are both married with kids, how much we would miss that little apartment and dreaming of the days of being married with kids. Guess the grass is always greener isn't it? OK  I am getting to the point here. I am now living and sharing my life with my other best friend, my husband. He truly is the one that knows me best and I know him the best out of anyone in this world.

Living with other people is not an easy thing to do at all. No matter who you are, it’s a challenge. But as I look back, I wonder why it was that when I would get irritated with my roommate, I would choose to bite my tongue a whole lot more thank I do now with my husband. For instance if the trash was overflowing in our apartment, I might first see how much more I could stuff into it before having to make the trek all the way across the parking lot to the dumpster to take it out. Sure, I was probably irritated and might grumble to myself a bit, but I would take it out, as it wasn't worth saying anything. Now when the same scenario happens at home, you better believe I am going to grumble out loud and make darn sure that the hubby knows that I’m irritated which will most likely, OK inevitably, and turn into a nice “discussion” about who does more around the house! What that argument really necessary? Nope. Now we are just ticked and it’s not going to be an easy rest of the day. Yes, we might both be a little “stubborn”.

So my question is, why in world do we treat the people we love most in the world not as kindly as the others people in our lives? And admit, I know you do it too! By biting my tongue with my roommate, it didn't cause unnecessary friction, because honestly, I know she wasn't avoiding the trash just to tick me off. And guess what, I really don’t think my hubby intentionally does the same thing just to push my buttons. Why do I take my silly little frustrations out on the person I love most in this world and chose to be nicer to others who might choose to not be part of my life tomorrow? I probably smile at complete strangers in the grocery store more than I smile at my husband some days. That’s not fair to him or our relationship.

My challenge to you, especially in this Holiday season, is that before you open your mouth to your spouse about something related to the above, ask yourself first, “Would I be saying these same words, in this tone, to anyone else in my life”? Good luck and Merry Christmas!!

Disclaimer: To my friend and past roommate; I am sure trash was never an issue, I honestly don’t remember, but using it merely as an example. The two years we lived together and those memories are sometimes what get me through the day with two little ones!!!

And to my husband, please take out the trash so we don’t have to argue about it!! :0)

This Is Just Embarrassing....

Well this is just plain embarrassing and wrong....I just realized that my last post was sadly a few months ago....so much for a weekly update from me!
Well here is to looking forward to a New Year and my greatest intentions ever of updating this at least once a week, and hopefully and I know a bit shocking, but possibly a few times a week. It's amazing what putting things in your schedule will do! I have a lot of new ideas for updates on here ad look forward to both sharing my thoughts with you and continuing to learn from everyone I come into contact with on a daily basis!

Anyway, I sincerely wish everyone a wonderful Christmas and Holiday season! Enjoy your loved ones, eat lots of good food, remember and honor those not with us this holiday and look forward to new beginnings and an amazing New Year that hopefully holds lots o hope for you!

And yes, you will be hearing from me very soon! I am excited about a new year of change!