Be Thankful

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire. If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don't know something, for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times. During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations, because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge, because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you're tired and weary, because it means you've made a difference.

It's easy to be thankful for the good things. A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks. Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.

Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings.

Just a Tease....

OK.... so my sweet "Daughter-in-Law" KL, (hee, hee, just love that I can say that now....) sent me a sneak peek wedding picture from the photographer.

This is the sweetest picture. If this one is any indication of what the photographer was able to capture that day, I can hardly wait to see what is to come.... stay tuned....

Halloween 2009

OK... so I thought by now I would have the professional wedding pictures from the kids to show you for my next post but they have not materialized yet. Will post them as soon as we can get them from the kids.

In the meantime, life goes on, & so do the special occasions of the year... Presenting Susie and Mondo's annual "Halloween Party 2009". Their parties are epic and we had a wonderful time ... for the brief time we were there. Because, (sighs & hangs head) I had a little mishap....

While I was taking a picture, I stepped back as someone walked behind me, shifted my weight to miss running into them. The top part of me went one way and my knee went the other .... causing "Little Red Riding Hood" to land on her Tuffit! I will not share the gory details, but it was not pleasant from my perspective. Many came to my rescue making sure I was OK. Mark took me home and kept the Advil and ice bags coming until he crashed in the wee hours of the morning. (what a guy.. ).

I have to say I was soooo bummed though. Not only did we rock our costumes..

...but we missed what ended up being an amazing party, and as I was putting on the 3rd ice bag, I realized that I didn't have a single meatball in teriyaki sauce , cracker or cheese, chip or dip, or cocktail wienie in BBQ sauce....!!! Ahhhhhh.... my favorite food groups!!! Oh well, them's the breaks.... So, here are a few pictures (pre-digger) to document the better half of my Halloween experience.... ENJOY!

Cory, Mondo, Susie (party hosts) and Mark

Me (Little Red Riding Hood) and Mark (Pimp Daddy)

Cory (Chicken Boy), Me (Little Red Riding Hood) and Mark (Pimp Daddy)

Kerilynn (Annie) and Ma (Little Red Riding Hood)

Cory (Chicken Boy) & Kerilynn (Annie)

Godspeed….. My Baby is now Married

It seems like just yesterday my baby was a baby……

His life so new and full of adventure......

..and then somewhere along the way, he grew up to the wonderful man he is today..

...and has begun the next chapter on his journey ...

Godspeed ... On Angels Wings ...
Sweet Dreams

Below is the link to the song Cory selected as his "Mother / Son" dance "Godspeed" by the Dixie Chicks at the wedding reception. (I hope to have pictures soon) But this song is so us, it is so special ... well done Cory .. [and I Love You]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7PZlFkIh1k

My Wish For You

May today there be peace within,

May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be,

May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others,

May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you,

May you be content with yourself just the way you are,

Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, and love.

It is there for each and every one of us.

RIP "Peanut Boy" ... You will be missed!

We put our beloved Peanut to rest today. He was so independent; I have very few pics of him… but the one above looks just like him and the sweet look he had. As tough as our little boy was, he finally gave in to old age. He is now at peace and out of pain exploring Rainbow Bridge. RIP “Peanut Boy” You will be missed.

Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.

~Author unknown ~

The Good Life Handbook

Health:
1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees & plants & eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy..
5. Make time to pray.
6. Play more games.
7. Read more books than you did in 2008.
8 Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
9. Sleep for 7 hours.
10. Take a 10-30 minutes walk daily. And while you walk, smile.

Personality:
11. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13. Don't over do. Keep your limits.
14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16. Dream more while you are awake.
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with His/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others..
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

Society:
25. Call your family often.
26. Each day give something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything.
28. Spend time w/ people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30. What other people think of you is none of your business.
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

Life:
32. Do the right thing!
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
34. GOD heals everything...
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
37. The best is yet to come.
38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.