"Dear Frosty,
Please stay forever. Please let me meet Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, and Blitzen. Will you let me into the North Pole?" Our Elf on the Shelf's name is Frosty. I have two kids. One who is on the verge of not believing and one who is trying to convince the other that Santa is real. Our youngest wrote this above question in a letter tonight. We have watched the movie "Miracle on 34th Street." One of my favorite lines is..."If you can't believe, if you can't accept anything on faith, then you're doomed for a life dominated by doubt." That line really stuck out to me. Why are adults dominated by doubt? Where does the point from childhood from adulthood happen? Why do we all of the sudden doubt? I have to say, it really makes me think. Every human being has the right to wonder, doubt, dream, create....but where is the line between pure innocence and wonder? Let me explain. Sadly, I think I was one who always wondered...my oldest thinks this way. But...my youngest just seems to know. Why is faith such a complicated thing? A person who would play devil's advocate would say..."well...if you are doubting...it cannot possibly be real." I would have to rebuke that statement. If I did not have my faith...I honestly do not know what I would hold onto. So...I am going to preach to the choir here....Why do we doubt? Why do we as adults wonder how we can make our child's life better? Why do we constantly try to figure out what we can do to make our lives better? Why are we always looking for the next best thing? After realizing the truth why do we still tell them lies?...... When did we stop believing? What age were you when you realized that it was impossible for a man with a white beard to travel the world in one night? Why? We miss it. Why? We want to savor childhood. Why? We want them to have the memories we once had. Why? We remember the scents, the laughs, the moments, and the smiles we all shared. Its okay. It is okay. I honestly think it is okay for kids to be kids. It is okay for our kids to know that dreams and imagination exist. Dreams can become reality. I am not saying that my kids will make Santa real, but I hope and pray that my kids will realize one day how blessed we are and they will show love, show devotion to others that will have a spark to less fortunate, and know that the man behind the "red suit" can be them. YOU as a mom or a dad have a HUGE responsibility...again...talking to myself...help me! Help me show my kids that we are blessed. We are grateful and need to give back to others who are less fortunate. If you are doubting tonight....know this...Santa is real.. He can be real in YOU. Give a smile. Give a meal, give...just give, and let your little ones see it. YOU, YOU are the example to them, not just at Christmas time, year round. Help them. Help their lives not be dominated by doubt. My Repurpose for Today : Live a life not being dominated by doubt...even if it is...remember childlike faith.
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So...today a friend reminded me of an amazing movie that I many times avoid...."Dumbo." Don't get me wrong... this is a great movie... just brings tears to my eyes. I try to avoid the teary-eyed moments when I can.
If you can remember...Dumbo could only fly when he was holding his feather. If you can remember, the train had to tell itself..."I think I can, I think I can." Okay, lets be honest, I am telling myself this tonight. I just turned 30 and those of you who really know me the thought of doing something that terrifies me...well, really terrifies me. Being a mom, I am constantly telling my kids that they can do anything that they put their mind to. What??? Why do I tell my kids this when I cannot live it out myself? Why is it such a scary thing? Do I tell them this because I have my own regrets and do not want them to have the same regrets I have? Honestly, probably. I want them to have more than I have. I want them to have securities that I lack. I want them to know that THEY ARE AMAZING. I ALWAYS had the love, security, and support from my parents. I do not know why people are built with different types of confidence. Why is it easy for some? Why is it hard for others? I do not know. I probably put it on myself. I tell Justin all the time, I had to make A's, not because my parents made me, but because I HAD TO! It was who I was. It is who I am. Watching my son play soccer today (in the cold "Florida" weather), a boy was so upset that it was so cold. He was not allowed to wear his sweatshirt. He had a temper tantrum. My friend offered him some gloves. It cured his crying immediately. His gloves were his "feather." When a little child falls down and gets hurt, the only thing they want is their mother. Their mother is their "feather." When I am sick to this very day, I want my mom. My mom is my "feather." Being a mom has its perks but also has its major responsibilities. We are THE feather that makes our kids fly (just like in Dumbo). We are an encouragement, we are their motivation. However, what is our feather? For those of you who are still searching, I challenge you to find your feather. I search for feathers every day to make me fly. I am lucky enough to have God. I am lucky enough to have Justin. But...I tell you out of honesty, I have so many insecurities that each day I have to find a different color, different size, different prayers... to not let my feathers fall so I do not come crashing down. It has happened. I have fallen. I have crashed. Tonight, as you hit your head on your pillow, or each morning as you wake up, think about what kind of feather you are holding to keep you flying. My Repurpose for Today : "Remember that when my weight gets too heavy, let it all fall and pick up my feather." "Maddie, if you do not want me to sing to you at bed time anymore I promise it will not hurt my feelings." This was my last conversation I had with Maddie tonight.
I really do not know why I started it...but...ever since we brought Maddie home from the hospital I would sing two songs before I put her (and then later her brother) to bed... "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star," and "Jesus Loves Me." Maybe they were familiar tunes...maybe they made me think of comfort....maybe they brought back memories. After hearing my daughter's response tonight...I found my answer. These two songs WERE familiar tunes, they WERE comfort, and they WERE memories. We all have areas of our lives that "take us back." As I am sitting here, Justin is making our Game Day CD. We are HUGE football fans and every year, Justin makes a new cd that we jam out to on Game Day. The kids LOVE it! While he was searching for songs, he came across some very familiar songs that the kids used to listen to...."The Doodlebops," "Mickey Mouse Club," "Jo Jo's Circus," these are just a few, but these are just a few that spark a memory. Music can make a mood, music can make you dance, music can change an attitude, music can bring back a memory. I have a lot of work to do tonight but after I heard Maddie's response to my question...I needed time to think. I needed time to remember. I needed time to share. I needed time to find comfort. "Mom, it's okay, when you sing those songs to me.....it makes me feel good." My Maddie said that. Maddie either did not want to... what she thought .... would hurt my feelings or ....actually found comfort in those two songs. I'm okay with that. I assured her when friends come over, if she does not want me to sing anymore, I am okay with that too. After thinking about this for a little while now...I have had time to "remember." I remember when singing my kids to sleep brought them comfort. I remember when they would not be able to go to sleep without mommy or daddy singing these two songs. After Maddie's response...they ARE familiar tunes, they ARE comfort, and they ARE memories. Whether or not we eventually become "too cool..." they will always stick with her, just like certain tunes bring back memories to me....I am hope that I am instilling memories....good memories in my kids....maybe ones that will make them think of me. "Mom, it's okay, when you sing those songs to me....it makes me feel good." I have thought those same things Maddie. One day when you read this blog...you will know...it makes me feel good when I walk into my parent's room and smell the scent of my parents...the smell of my childhood. The smell of Nanny's quilt made out of her t-shirts. Why do our senses have such an impact on our memories? High school slow dance songs? Grandma's best recipe? Graduation music? The smell of pumpkin? Wedding March? The feeling of a grandma tickling your arm as you fall asleep? Funeral Songs? The image of a picture from your favorite Christmas present?Nursery Rhymes? "It makes me feel good." It is okay to feel good. It is okay to recreate memories. That is how history is made and that is how we remember. My Repurpose for Today : "Remember to know that when something feels silly...even if it makes me feel good...it is .......... okay." “Events had been set in motion whose echo would be heard a thousand and more generations from now.”
― J. Valor, Salome Ever heard the expression, "history repeats itself?" Most people can't stand the thought of history class. Honestly, if I could go back to school I would have paid more attention. Passing was always on my mind. Memorize. Get an A. I pass. There were many areas that were just "memorized" but not learned. Today I was challenged to the ALS challenge. I have a 9 year old and a 7 year old. When asked, "what does this mean mommy?" I had to tell the truth. You, being the reader are probably saying, "DUH! Why not tell the truth?" Honestly, I have wanted to keep the hardships of the world a secret from my kids as long as I could. I know that is impossible but I...I wanted to preserve the innocence. I was challenged by the most amazing sister. I took the ALS challenge and happily donated. Tonight watching a movie with my two kids and then in our "deep" conversation... Justin and I have...we discussed.... "do we have to go through difficult times to make us a stronger person?" I do not know this answer. This goes back to the "wise." Or does it? I have known some strong people. I am not talking about muscle strong... but heart strong. Last summer...I watched my grandmother pass away slowly. Now...it was too fast...but day after day, I never knew what to expect. The smell, the sounds, the heartache was something I told my mom (before I got there), I could not handle. I did not want to watch someone who helped me become who I am today pass into Heaven. Pleeease do not take me wrong. I am happy she is in Heaven. But....it was hard. It was hard to smell. It was hard to hear her. It was hard to see my sweet daddy see his mommy pass further each day. It was hard to see my mother be the strong one. It has shaped a little bit about who I am today. It was a year ago. I NEVER thought I could witness someone dying, especially someone who helped raise me or shape me to become who I am today. It made me stronger. Having my kids dump ice-cold water on me today was something I never thought I could endure. Then again...what am I thinking? I want to help! Who am I to say that ice water hurts? We have ALL gone through something hard. We have all gone through something we thought we could not overcome. The stories of our sweet grandparents are marks and moments that will echo throughout eternity. It is OUR job to carry it on. It is our job. Tonight...I was reminded by some dear, sweet friends that I have an event to go to on September 11th. My students and my kids do not understand how this day feels to me. I do not understand how December 7th feels to my grandparents. They are “Events that have been set in motion whose echo would be heard a thousand and more generations from now.” Today, as we challenge our kids to be heard a thousand times and even more in the generations to come....Pay It Forward. My Repurpose for Today: Remember how grateful I am to have healthy kids...to teach them that everyone deserves a time in history to be heard. Cold. Hot.
On. Off. Up. Down. Wrong. Right. Peace. War. Love. Hate. Without one you cannot have the other. I am honestly writing this blog not for readers.... but.... for myself. This is probably not what you want to hear....but honestly this blog is probably... not like the others. Why do we warn our children not to touch a hot stove? Duh! We do not want them to be burned. Why do we turn off lights? Duh! We do this so we can sleep...or if you are like me, to save electricity. Why do we love roller coasters? Duh! We love the feeling of coming back down. How do we know what is wrong? Duh! Because we know what is right. Why do we long for peace? Duh! Because we know how wrong war is. Why do we love? Duh! Because we hate hate. How would we know what "cold" is? How would we know what "on" is? How would we know what "up," "wrong," "peace," or even "love" is....without...the opposite? Is it worth being cold so we know what it is to be hot? Is it worth going up so we know how to come back down? Is it worth knowing wrong so we know what is right? Is it worth it to love even though we know the feeling of hate? My answer is YES. Listen. I am young, I know. However, I have experienced all of these emotions and more. I can honestly say that the feeling of love is something I would never trade. I do not have the answer to the question I ask myself every single day...."why do the bad things seem to out weight the good things?" Why does human nature seem to remember our past full of shame, full of mistakes, or the pain of the world? I will never have the answer. Watching a movie with Macaiden the other day...I began to think. "Mom, I'm not worried. I know the good guys always win." "Yes. Yes they do little man," is what I replied. Then...thinking to myself...."why can't that be?" Why can't that be? The news is filled with horrible things. To the point where I have turned off the radio and have had us stop in prayer, praying to God begging for help. I am asking YOU. Is today worth living for? YES, YES IT IS. No matter what you are going through. Your story can impact another. Your story can become the opposite of anothers. Your story can be the hot for the cold. Your story can be the peace for the war. Share. Share your story. You matter. My Repurpose for Today : To know that opposites matter. Okay...who doesn't need a second chance or better yet, who doesn't want one? Let's face it... we have all screwed up at least one time in our lives. Thank goodness for forgiveness and the love of family and friends that realize that they need a second chance as much as I do.
The noun definition of chance is "the possibility of something happening." I had the chance to have my two kids. I also had the chance of losing a child. Many people do not know this about me, but between Maddie and Macaiden we were pregnant with Morgan. We chose the name Morgan because we wanted our kids to have the same initials. MRW. We were planning on finding out the sex of the baby at our next doctor's appointment (Morgan could be used as a girl or boy's name.) Sadly, with an unexpected trip to the emergency room we were informed that our baby's heartbeat had stopped. His or her chance was not meant to be on this earth. As hard and difficult as it was to see or not hear a single heartbeat from the ultrasound...I would not have had the chance to have Macaiden. I know that I will see Morgan again one day and I have no doubts about that. I have three kids. My sister...Casey, and her husband Caleb, are having a difficult time with chance being on their good side. For the past three years they have been trying to have their own baby. With many tests and procedures done, their chance... has been.... to not get pregnant. With tears, sobs, and many times anger building up with the question why...they have realized that "their chance" does not mean the same as everyone else's. When two people try to have a baby...most of the time their chance is...is it a boy or a girl? Today, Casey and Caleb's chance is..."which child am I giving a second chance to?" They have realized that their chance is giving another child a second chance. Out there...there is a baby that needs a second chance. There is a child who needs to be held. There is a child who needs to hear their mommy sing a goodnight song. There is a child who needs love. There is a child who needs to know that their chance has made a couple's dream come true. Tonight I am launching for a chance for you to help my sister and brother-in-law to have the chance to become a mommy and daddy. The verb definition for chance is do (something) despite it being dangerous or of uncertain outcome. Casey and Caleb are uncertain of their outcome but with the help of you they can have a better chance of fulfilling their outcome. Please click on any of the links below to see how you can help make a difference in their life. https://www.etsy.com/listing/196993337/kimbro-adoption-fund-wooden-handmade?ref=shop_home_active_2 https://www.etsy.com/listing/196982468/kimbro-adoption-fund-wooden-handmade?ref=shop_home_active_1 https://www.etsy.com/listing/196993765/kimbro-adoption-fund-wooden-handmade?ref=shop_home_active_1 My Repurpose For Today: To not take advantage of how many chances I get in life...and to realize that I have the chance to become an aunt by taking the chance of helping my sister. A first draft. Proofing. Editing. A first draft is a chance where a writer gets to make changes, erase mistakes, and change what he does not like...it gets thrown in the trash. So many times my sister and I (as "grown ups" now) joking say to my parents that one or the other is either "the favorite child," or "the perfect child." We joke all of the time and tell stories about which one of us got away with more or... who got in more trouble? I am a first born. My husband and I are BOTH first born children. I have always heard that it is never a good idea for the the same birth order to get married. I remember asking my mom about a year ago...."was there ever a child you worried or thought about more?" I know this sounds like a weird question, but it was one that I needed answered. Justin and I were blessed with my Maddie. It was unexpected and not planned, and to many "a mistake." One day (soon) I am going to have to explain everything to her. She saved our lives. I tell her all of the time that she has made me who I am today. No matter what anyone says, judges, or people who "had their say," my Maddie... is a gift from God...and if you know God...HE works in mysterious ways. I used to hate that my sister would have to watch my mistakes and then learn and not get punished for them. Why did I have to do them first and she learned from MY lessons? Why did what I did make her dismissed from what she could have done?! Unfortunately, I tell Maddie this ALL of the time (and probably why two of the oldest siblings should not be married)....sadly, being the oldest has it's downfalls (but also it's peaks)....our younger siblings learn from our mistakes. They learn when to not talk back, they learn the "proper way" to sneak out without getting caught, they learn how to be better. That is MY sister...which I.... am SO proud of! As a mom now...I love BOTH of my children equally. I could never give one up over the other....but if you asked my which one I think or worry about more....I would say Maddie. She is the oldest. I know that she is going to get into trouble. I know she is going to make mistakes. I know her brother will watch...and learn. My one and only prayer for both of my children is for them to be their own self....one thing that was always difficult for me. I want them to follow God. I want them to know mistakes are forgiven, but they have in their hearts the strength to say "no" (one word I have difficulty with). Maddie was not a "mistake" (no matter what ANYONE would tell me). She is a blessing. Whether or not I had another child, I would always think about the decisions she would make, whether or not she would ever realize that Justin and I would have loved her even if she would have come years from her birthday. She is a blessing. Maddie has a brother watching her...but who doesn't? Macaiden is learning from her mistakes. He is learning how to get away with things. They BOTH have an amazing heart and are actually learning from each other. My kids are not a mistake. They are a gift from God...they are a gift to ME. The most difficult part in it all...I see my mistakes coming out in my kids. How do I overcome that? Maddie is my first draft...however...she is a first draft that isn't worth throwing away...why? Maddie's draft shapes me. Maddie's draft helps me realize where to stop. Maddie's draft helps me be a better mom. Maddie's draft is where there would be no reason for a "Repurposed Mom." My Maddie is my first draft. I am a mom who will make mistakes. I am a mom who will probably need proofing and editing, but Maddie is a draft that is helping "The Repurposed Mom" have purpose. My Repurpose for today : Maddie. Well...we went at it again! This past week we drew the country: China! Tuesday the kids and I made the Great Wall out of Legos! We got a history lesson from daddy and then made egg rolls, homemade chicken and fried rice, and homemade fortune cookies! It was so yummy and educational!
Today we ventured out to the movies to see How To Train a Dragon 2 (which was amazing), came home had stuffed clams, venison, smashed cauliflower and green beans. We also got our learning lesson about Norway from daddy again. We drew our new country tonight after our meal and we are super excited to learn and eat more! Justin and I are both so excited that the kids get excited as much as we do. We are more excited that we are having a blast with our kids by doing something so easy and inexpensive. Again, we are enjoying every moment with them this summer. Each day is a gift we will never get back. My Repurpose for Today : Remember that each passing moment is a moment we cannot get back...I am also trying my best to keep a special surprise from my kids for two more nights! With Maddie and Macaiden playing little league soccer we have really gotten into the World Cup this year. We are not 100% sure where Macaiden has received his soccer skills but it is amazing to watch him and see what he can do. We are super proud of Maddie to see her improvement and her confidence build as she learns a new sport as well! Lets face it...we are a football family. We live and breathe for Gator football games. Saturdays stop when the games are on. We eat, drink, and watch football. Well...that is what we are doing for the World Cup! We are eating, finding new recipes, and enjoying a game about which we are all learning from. It is amazing to me how there are all of these countries that come together to play the exact same sport and yet all speak different languages. The same rules apply. They play the same positions. They play with the same type of ball. They speak a different language. Why is it that we have a world that is constantly at war but yet we can stop to play a game that brings joy to so many? Why is it that we can communicate through a sport but yet communicating to make peace is an impossible goal? Why is it that world peace cannot exist? Why is it so difficult for me to explain all of this to my kids? When my children ask me what country I am going for... in a certain game....Justin and I look at each other, sometimes disagree, and then have to explain why we are cheering for certain teams. It is still difficult for me to understand why in a world where we can all benefit from each other there has to be war. The World Cup is an amazing event. It is also a time where each country can come and wave it's flag, shine, and be proud of who or what they are....no matter what they have accomplished. They have made it to the World Cup! I know many parents who can share this frustration. We are all trying to instill in our children right vs. wrong but are all doing it in our own way (or language). The cool thing is that we are all learning from each other. If only countries could learn from each other as well. If only the world could see the World Cup and learn something from it. If only we could still speak different languages and get along. If only we could all have a sense of pride of our own country without fighting. It is a very difficult concept for me to accept and even harder to explain to my kids. In the long scheme of things....humans all share a love of sports. We all share a love of competition. We all share a love of pride for our country. My Repurpose for Today : (this one is a little hard for me...) I need to try and explain to my kids that humans share a love for a lot of the same things....sports, food, acceptance, religion...and yet we are all different. It is not our job to judge but to love and share the same love. Today is President George H.W. Bush's 90th birthday. One of my favorite things to do in the morning during summer is to watch the Today Show. I love sitting, drinking coffee and watching that show. Today, Jenna Bush Hager got the privilege of interviewing her grandfather. I learned something new today.
When George H. W. Bush was in WWII he had to jump out of his fighter jet. According to him he jumped wrong, and landed on part of the plane and hit his head. Thank goodness he was rescued by a USA submarine. After that jump he said that he wanted to redo the jump but... do it right. Today, he once again, jumped out of a plane. A 90 year old man sky dived! All politics aside, this story hit me hard. A man who has experienced WAY more than I have or probably ever will wanted to redo jumping out of an airplane to get it right!!!! That blew me away. The last month or so our daughter has...well...I guess you could say has begun premature puberty. Attitudes have sky rocketed and behavior has not been the best....nor has mine. After each argument, fight, words said, I always feel sad and sorry. I was always told that I would never know how much it hurt until I became a mom....well...it hurts. The "it" is the punishing of your own child. I hate punishing my kids. I used to think my parents enjoyed punishing me....with how much I seemed to get in trouble, well...I now know how much it hurts. Sometimes when I get mad I say things I shouldn't say or do thing I wish I didn't do. George H.W. Bush had the choice to stay in his damaged aircraft or to jump. He chose to jump, but jumped "wrong?" This brings me to ask myself. When my "aircraft" is damaged am I going to jump? Do I stay and try to fix what I have said or done? OR do I jump? The problem with my jumping is that I might never get the chance to redo my jump. I am a mommy once. I do not get a second chance nor will I get another batch of kids. They are my plane and it is my job to protect them, do my best to not let them get damaged, and my job to NOT jump. President George H.W. Bush was full of great wisdom and his story was very impactful to me today. I am so grateful for what he did for me and my country. He also made me think about have the chance to redo a jump. My Repurpose for today : Polish, steer, and guide my "plane." Remember I won't get a second flight being a mom. So...summer has begun. I have heard from many that summer time is hard for parents...hard for parents that work that is. Justin and I work...we work a lot. We work more than I would like to work. We are teachers. Those of you who are teachers will completely understand what I am saying. Without summer, I honestly do not know what I would do. I love being a teacher. I love the reward I get when I see my students soar, however, it is a job that requires way more than 40 hours a week. So....summer has begun and to ME, that is when my "mommyhood" goes into full effect. I am a mommy during school hours but...sadly...that is the one area that I miss more than anything in life....school season. During summertime....they have my full attention!
Last year we started a fun tradition. At the beginning of summer, each of us picks two different countries we would like to learn something interesting about. We write them down, fold the paper into fours, put them in a basket, then take turns drawing from that basket. During the week we discuss that country's flag, the map, the capital, the religion, government, climate, the food, and an interesting fact. I think I might enjoy this a little more than the kids. This past week we drew and picked one of Macaiden's countries....Italy. We had a blast picking our fresh basil and even picking our fresh tomatoes. The kids learned that mozzarella cheese is not just some shredded cheese that we can only buy in the grocery store...it is way better, and even has a different taste. We made our own homemade Margherita Pizza with fresh ingredients and it was yummy. It is our goal to learn to say one sentence in the country's language and do a fun craft. I am telling you this as a mom...summer does not have to be a time where we are on the hunt for summer camps. You can create your own summer camp and let your kids know that they are the focus of your life. To the moms who still work during summer....make this an adventure for you. Cook a yummy meal with your kids. Make a homemade gelato...all you need is an ice cream machine! You too can do this. Any mom that is out there....know that summertime can be the time that we can show our kids that they are our Repurpose. Summertime is MY time where I can show my kids that my work is not the only thing that matters. For more recipe ideas visit : www.pinterest.com/macmaddies My Repurpose for today: "To remember that my "work" during summertime has become the continued work of molding my kids to know that THEY are my reason for "re-purposing"...and eating yummy food." Tomorrow is Memorial Day. I have seen posts all weekend about how many people have turned this holiday into a day of no work, a day of BBQ, and a day of swimming. To thousands... Memorial Day is the opposite of all of these things.
As a parent....we spend our entire life telling our kids what to do or what not to do. We teach them what is right and what is wrong. We spend each day trying to protect our kids from harm. We monitor TV shows, we hang on to their bicycles so we can try to stop too many falls when they are first learning, we put on life jackets when they are on boats or teaching them how to swim. It is our job as a parent to protect our kids from harm or even from knowing what is "bad." I am learning that as my kids get older they are beginning to experiment with what they think is "right" or "wrong." My "say" in things is beginning to disappear in their eyes. Mom and dad's say so is not what they want to hear anymore. My advice to my kids is not as welcome as it once was. As I think about the parents who have lost their kids in combat, I cannot help but to think about the times when they stopped the bicycle from falling, they held their kids when they were bullied, they stopped the tears when they were scared from a nightmare, they stopped the bleeding from a "boo boo," but they could not stop a war that their child entered. Our (a parent's) job is to stop the pain. Our job is to show our kids what to do or not to do. There comes a time when our time or saying no longer matters. Our kids are growing to make their own decisions. They decide to go and fight for our country and regardless how we feel about it...our teaching and our impact on their life will become their teaching and their impact on our lives and the lives of many. I can't help but to think about the many mommies and daddies who have had an impact on their sons and their daughters. They sacrificed, blood, sweat, and tears. Now....because of the love of a mom and a dad, the love of a US soldier, or a son or a daughter is sacrificing blood, sweat, and tears for his or her country. My Repurpose for Today : What I say to my kids, what I do for my kids, what I sacrifice for my kids can have an impact on them for the long term...but...I need to TRY to remember that they will one day make their own decisions....what kind of an impact will I make so I can see the impact they will make? Fame. What is fame? What is life? I have been saying for a while now...as I am getting older (which yes, if you know me...freaks me out just a little)....growing old gains wisdom. Sunday school weeks ago...a discussion arose....child-like faith. I want it more than anything. I want things to come easily. I want it to just be and for me not to question. My son, Macaiden can understand things easily. Or maybe he doesn't fully understand. It is just easy for him to accept things. Maybe understanding is not what is easy. Maybe the fact that he doesn't understand all of the "deep" meanings makes things easy for him.
I have to say that I enjoy spending time with people who are older than me. I enjoy the talks. I enjoy the knowledge that they have and I enjoy learning from their wisdom. They have experienced way more than I have and I listen, hoping to learn something I can gain. I also have to say...I enjoy listening to my kids. Again...things are just what they are to Macaiden. He doesn't question and does not doubt. Things are what they are and he gets frustrated when I question him. Does this mean that he has wisdom? I think yes. Things are easy for him and he has no doubt. So does having doubt mean a lack of wisdom? Does the fact that he can accept things that are difficult for me to understand mean that he is "wise beyond his years?" When does that phase go away for us? When does the separation of pureness and doubt end? Why does this happen? As a teacher, I watch many kids. I watch them come and go and I get to see so many different personalities. I see characters come out that I absolutely love and I cherish. I wonder where kids will be in years to come. Where will MY kids be in years to come and where will I be? Are the things that I go through every day things that help shape me to who I will one day be? Will my circumstances today gain me wisdom? Maybe I just need to look a little closer and try to see that I can gain the wisdom in front of me. My children have brought me more wisdom than I could ever understand....or there again...maybe a lack of (depending on how you look at it.) I say a lack of because I wonder if doubt and wisdom are opposites. Macaiden has very little doubts....does that mean he has wisdom. Does that fact that I doubt mean that I lack wisdom? I see my kids and see light, hope, and an understanding that I do not remember having but hope and pray that I can gain back. They are my motivation and what keeps me going. My Repurpose for Today : Try to think harder when my kids say something ... remember ... they accept things I do not understand and it is my job to either....accept, explain, or listen and learn. I can gain wisdom from my kids....maybe that is the start of what wisdom is all about. I have been trying to think of some insightful words of wisdom to blog about all day. The only thing I could bring to my mind was how blessed and grateful I am for my two kids. When my two blessings brought me breakfast in bed this morning, I said to them, "thank you for making me a mommy." Both of them commented back by saying something like, "well, you did it, you kissed daddy and that is why I am here." They are so sweet and innocent (at least for now anyways). But then again, I (we) did do it. We created life (with the major help of God), but what a huge responsibility we have with something we made.
Being a mom, conceiving a child, and giving birth goes along with so much. As corny as it is...there is a famous line in a Spiderman movie that says, "with great power comes great responsibility." Being a mom has great power. We have the power to control bed times, what our kids eat, where our kids go to school, where we will raise our kids, and so much more. However, with these sweet beings, we have so much responsibility. We have the responsibility to raise our kids to be amazing people. If you are anything like me, we are raising our kids to be nothing like our faults. We want the very best for our kids, and we sacrifice an enormous amount of blood, sweat, and tears to make these kids happy and well off. I mentioned having words of wisdom for you, but honestly our kids have more words of wisdom than we could ever give. It is what it is to them. Things come and go, they question, and that is where the hard part comes in....but.... they are able to understand things we do not. They accept things that we want to change. I wish so badly that I still had that mentality. I am blessed to be a mom because my kids teach me more than what I probably teach them and they do not even know it. They make me want to be a better person. When I am not with them, I am thinking about them. They have changed my life. My Repurpose for the day : Keep in mind that my actions might be reflected one day in my little ones. Today our school honored and embraced TOMS shoe's "One Day Without Shoes." I LOVE to be barefoot in my house, on the sand at the beach, and to feel water between my toes in the pool or from a boat. But, to be barefooted in my garage, on a playground full of mulch, or something that really grosses me out is to be barefoot in a hotel room is another story.
I spent the entire day without shoes or socks on my feet. I had so many kids ask me why I didn't have my shoes on... even on the playground. My only answer was that I am forcing myself to remember that I am lucky to have shoes and I CAN go One Day Without Shoes to remember those who have so much less than me....even less than a pair of shoes. Tonight at dinner, Maddie asked what it meant to fast. I told her that people fast for multiple reasons. People mainly fast when they are wanting an answer for something... so they give something up that is very important to them (such as food) and pray in replace of eating. People can "give up" something to show their self-control and to remind them that they can do without the main thing they depend on. They focus their attention on something that just might have more meaning to them... than they think. As a mom I thought a lot about what I could do without tonight. I could do without cleaning, I could do without laundry, I could do without the homework battles, I could do without the fighting, I could do without the heartaches my kids bring me from disappointment, I could do without the lies, I could do without the tiredness, I could do without so much. As I thought more and more about my One Day Without....I had to stop and think about what I cannot do without. I am so grateful for shoes. I can go without them. Do not get me wrong. I will always support this amazing cause. TOMS gives back to so many people without shoes, glasses, and so much more. I love and hope to make a difference one day like TOMS does for the world. However, when I think about not having shoes, I think about all of the other things I could not have. Justin and I started MacMaddies Repurposed Design... named after Maddie and Macaiden. Any soap product that is purchased we donate 10% to the global soap project which promotes hygiene and gives aid to developing countries. This is just a small step that we are trying to take to give back to those who go without...we want to help so so badly. When I am tired, I will think about how grateful I am that I have a bed to lay my head. When I am hungry, I will think about my refrigerator full of food. When I think about dirty clothes, I will think about having clothes. When I am disappointed in my kids, I will think about how lucky I am to have kids. When I think about the mistakes that my kids make, I will think about how I can make it a learning lesson and even learn from their mistakes. My kids give me a breath of fresh air. Even though I am tired... I know that they are something I cannot fast from or give up on (even in the times I am most distraught or disappointed). My Repurpose for Today : To tell and show the world...but most importantly...show my kids...I cannot live One Day Without them. If you have been reading you know that I have been keeping track of what each day is in the month of April. There have been silly things like "Draw a Picture of a Bird Day," to serious things like "Reach as High as You Can Day." Well...today was "Rubber Eraser Day."
As silly as this sounds, I thought it was a great idea! Why not have a day that we all have in common..."mistakes." We all make them. The tricky part is to erase each one from your brain. Thank goodness for the inventor of the eraser. I wish there was an inventor who would erase the mistakes we make that do not exist on paper. I am not sure there would be an eraser big enough for mine. The thing that I have learned talking to people... is that we have all made mistakes....even when we think ours is huge, we feel the sting... others have lived it. The other hard part would be to get over it and move on. I have to admit this is something that I REALLY struggle with. When Macaiden does his homework he gets sooooo frustrated when he makes a mistake. I tell him ALL the time that it is ok....it is OKAY. How else would we learn if we did not make mistakes. We make the mistakes and learn... whether in math, sports, music, or relationships...the key is...how do we overcome them? I also need to remember that God is my ultimate Eraser. When I ask for forgiveness HE has forgiven me. My mistakes are completely erased. (I have to remind myself of this constantly) Why can't we forget things like God can? Why do I hold on? My Repurpose for today : To remember that my eraser is huge. No matter how bad it stings or how many times I mess up....My eraser never disintegrates. This weekend was the last wedding (most likely) before my two baby's get married on our side of the family. Both my sister and now Justin's sister are married and have all fallen in love. This past weekend, Justin's sister, Tiffany got married to the man of her dreams. Their wedding was full or love, AMAZING weather, and people who love them.
As I made my way to the reception, I could not help but to look out and see all of the family members that I had not seen in YEARS! The room was filled with words like, "why is it that I only see you at weddings or funerals?" (I was one who said that as well) I can not help but to really stop and think about that question. Why is it that as we have gotten older that our family as grown further apart? I know that A LOT of us have moved far away...so seeing each other on a regular basis is very hard. I also know that many parts of the family is not the same way as it once was (as it is in many families), so maybe it is just too hard to get together. As I have mentioned before, I have one of my Nanny's diaries from 1965. As I read it and re-read it, I am baffled to read how much time has changed. Families used to get together AT LEAST once a week to have a giant meal together. That is just what they did. Many times after church on Sunday, the whole family would congregate at a house and enjoy their Sunday meal. Justin's AMAZING grandmother gave us MANY of these doilies passed down from her mother. I have soooo many that I will NEVER get rid of. They will forever be cherished. It is important for me to have things from grandparents to pass on to my own children and to re-tell stories I have once heard. Last night's reception made me think about these doilies. Tiffany and Greg's story is starting. They will share laughter, sadness, disappointments, happiness, tears, joy, and the feelings go on and on. They are making memories. Just like Grandmama's doilies, Tiffany and Greg, and anyone who is starting their new life together have a fresh start. They are able to create a family and a "book" or "story" that they will write. How will they be remembered? How am I being remembered? I know that I need to make it a point to keep family close by. I know that the lady who made those doilies would have never known who I am, but even thought they meant a lot to her...they are meaning so much more to me. I am carrying on memories and hope to share and re-create memories with my kids. My Repurpose for today : Make my doilies (that will one day become an antique) become a memory that needs to be shared. Within two minutes of the Gator's losing tonight, Justin's phone starts going off. Either people know me really well and to leave me alone... or just don't care about basketball because I did not want to be bothered.
After my optimistic husband always reminds me by saying, "at least it is just a game," which always gets me mad...I had to stop and think. This morning, both of my babies had a soccer game...they both lost but played their hearts out. Tonight the Florida Gators played. They played for a spot in the National Championship. They lost. They are disappointed. Their fans are very disappointed. Their coach is disappointed. There are thousands of people who are disappointed. When I was once again reminded that all is well by Justin, I had to stop and think. I am a VERY competitive person (shocking.... I know for those of you who know me)....I want to win! I have to try and tone myself down when I am at the kids soccer games. I have to remember that when Justin and I have a "friendly" match...it is just for fun. But then...what is wrong with wanting to win? As humans, we have a desire to please. We have a desire to want to exceed. We want to win! In our short years of marriage we have witnessed friends and family with cancer. We want them to win! We want them to beat it! We have experienced and witnessed difficult times in relationships. We want them to win! We want them to beat it! We have experienced many deaths. As hard as it it....we want them to win! We want them to beat it! We are assured that they are better now then they were here on earth. Humans have a natural desire to WANT TO WIN! As I continue to think about it...I keep hearing myself saying..."want to win," but then I need to also say, "I do not want to lose." Winning can have MANY different meanings. Tonight, Billy Donovan mentioned in an interview that his team is full of winners because of the challenges that they faced all year. Billy Donovan's speech once again...made me think. Yes, they lost. They were trying to precede to the National Championship. They lost... but... they also won. They beat the odds. There were SO many teams that had wished for THEIR spot. With the hardships that they faced all year, they overcame them...they are winners and should be proud of themselves. When I heard coach speak, I had to ask myself, "what can I NOT lose?" I am already a winner. I have achieved so much in my short life....yes, again, if you know me...I want a lot more, however, I feel blessed. Being a winner at one thing does not mean that I do not want to lose the next thing. The Gators did not win tonight, but as hard as it is for them right now...they have SO much ahead of them. As hard as it is for me at times to think about what on earth is coming next....I know that my game is not over. My championship has not even began or started. I have not lost nor will I. My Repurpose for today : To not let my time run out where I see the end of my game as me being a loser....I will play until I can play no more. How do you see it? Is it a letter? Is it a symbol? What is it to you?
Tomorrow is April Fools Day. Will you use tomorrow to fool someone? Will you use tomorrow to make a joke? Will you play a prank on someone? How will you play out tomorrow? The month of April is full of fun days...no joke....look below to all of the awesome, yet odd days that are ahead of us. How will you make each day count? April 1st - April Fools Day April 2nd - Children's Book Day/Peanut Butter and Jelly Day April 3rd - Don't Go to Work Unless It is Fun Day April 4th - Walk Around Things Day (I have to admit...I am going to take a break on some weekends...) April 7th - Caramel Popcorn Day/World Health Day April 8th - All is Ours Day/Draw a Picture of a Bird Day April 9th - Name Yourself Day April 10th - National Siblings Day April 11th - Barber Shop Quartet Day April 14th - National Laughter Day/Look Up at the Sky Day/Reach as High as You Can Day April 15th - Rubber Eraser Day April 16th - Eggs Benedict Day/ Librarian Day April 17th - Cheeseball Day/High Five Day April 18th - Jugglers Day April 20th - EASTER DAY! April 22nd - Jelly Bean Day/Girl Scout Leader Day April 23rd - Lover's Day/Take a Chance Day April 24th - Pig's In a Blanket Day April 25th - East Meets West Day April 26th - Pretzel Day April 27th - Prime Rib Day April 28th - Kiss Your Mate Day April 29th - Greenery Day April 30th - Honesty Day As we live the month of April I cannot help but to think about making each day a little more special. If you have kids, please comment on your amazing ideas each day you do something fun or creative with your child. If you do not have kids...post something that I and everyone else needs to learn. Each day is a day. Whether or not it is a National Day...you and I can make it a day that can be remembered! Here we come April!!! My Repurpose for Today : Live each day like it is new and a day my kids will remember. This past week has been our Spring Break and we have LOVED it! We have had a chill week and enjoyed being together and enjoyed the "slow pace" mode...which is usually non-existent in our house.
Earlier today we took the kids to our Museum of Science and History. We love going to this. Justin and I enjoy reading up on the history of our city... and Maddie and Macaiden enjoy the little things... like the animals and hands-on activities. I am grateful to have one of my Nanny's diaries. I enjoy reading it every once and a while...it is still VERY difficult for me to think about Nanny at times...just because... I have an image that is hard for me to get out of my head, but I try so hard to cherish those special memories and hold them close to my heart. Justin and I then began to have the discussion about what we would do if we won the lottery....seems far fetched I know...but hey...we like to dream. I honestly would not want my life to change dramatically. Our life is SO busy. The MAIN thing I would want to change...if I ever won the lottery would be to SLOW DOWN. I am realizing that the only reason our life goes by so fast is because we are so busy. I am constantly looking ahead and thinking... what is next on my calendar for work or for the kids? When did life get so busy that we put work, priorities, and other obligations before our family...or even ourselves? This past Spring Break week...if it is at all possible to believe has been "slow." We have had no agenda and it has been amazing. We have made it a point to do things together and make time for each other without the hustle and bustle of priorities, deadlines, or things that get in the way of being a family. I told Justin today...people do not just take drives anymore. We drive ourselves to work, to the grocery store, to soccer practice, and so much more....who wants to drive just to drive? I do. If I had time, I would drive. I would drive with the top down, the wind blowing in my face, listen to my favorite tunes, and just be. People used to do this... before they were "too busy." Your home address is something that should be important to YOU. I LOVE LOVE having people over. I love creating memories with family and friends. I love to create memories at MY home. This past week has been a week where my house number has meant a lot. I was able to sit out on MY front porch, drink coffee, and watch my kids play. The hustle and bustle of life stopped this week. My address meant something more than a place I just sleep...it was a place of memories and a place to rest. My Repurpose for today : Remember that my house number is not just a place of dwelling but a place of memory making. The number two thing that people regret on their deathbed (according to www.beyondblindfold.com) is... not to work so much.
This hit a little close to home with me. An anchor is a person or thing that provides stability or confidence in an otherwise uncertain situation. Do I do this? When bills seem to pile high..when I am frustrated with the kids' homework, when I know there is a deadline coming up...am I representing an anchor? People regret missing out on their kids' childhood memories or even their companionship that they could have with their spouse. Is this me? Justin and I come home everyday exhausted...just like every other working parent and... we are tired. When my kid ask, "Will you play hide and go seek," or "will you come buy something from our store?" (that they created on their own)...will I be too tired or... will I be the one who says..."YES?!" I do not want to be on my deathbed wishing that I had done MY kids' childhood differently because I was too tired.. or... because I did not have enough money. Memories are things that I can NEVER get back...money....yes, I need it, but it is replaceable....memories are not. I have been in many boats where we have to "re-anchor" because the anchor would not hook...I want to have my anchor hook .... I do not want it to matter with how busy I am...I need my kids to know they are first. My Repurpose for today : Make my anchor a strong one where my kids know that they are first...before anything... so that on my deathbed...I have no regrets. Tomorrow morning my daughter and I will be venturing out to Orlando, Florida for her Seaworld trip. She and her Girl Scout troop earned a trip and I am so proud of her. I have to admit...I have thoroughly enjoyed the cookies along the way. :)
I have two and half hours alone with my 9 year old tomorrow morning. She is so excited. I was overfilled with joy when she asked if she could pick out some CD's and if we could stop at Starbucks to have breakfast together. I have to admit, this is the first time that Maddie and I have been on a trip together. I have a lot of "repurposes" for tomorrow's drive. Okay...as horrible as this is to say...at the end of every work day I am exhausted. Both of my babies have soooo much to say... and I PROMISE...I do my very best to listen but I am also so tired from a job that begins at 7:30am and most days ends at 5:30...I'm tired. I have told you before, we tell our highs and lows at the dinner table almost every night, but I know I have blacked out a couple times because my brain has stopped. One thing that I do try to do... is look in their folders every day. Macaiden especially, is so excited to show off his work every night. I always save their special art work and have it on display. I KNOW that their day is important...and it is important to ME TOO! Tomorrow, I am going to listen. I am going to sing. I am going to dance. I am even thinking about letting Maddie have her very first frappocino! (do they make decaf?) This is MY time with my first born, my baby girl. In the words of the Eagles, "Take it Easy, don't let the sound of your own wheels, drive you crazy. Lighten up while you still can, don't even try to understand. Just find a place to make a stand and take it easy." Tomorrow and maybe everyday I should re-read what I am writing when I am super tired. I need to lighten up! I need to not think about "what on earth is going on in my little baby's head!" or maybe THEIR understanding is better than mine! I am going to take it easy tomorrow with Maddie. I am going to enjoy listening to HER stories. I am going to make tomorrow a memory. I am going to do everything I can to make a memory not just in my mind but in hers. I want her to know that SHE is my goal tomorrow. Tomorrow is ALL about her and she needs to know she matters to me. I will not act tired (maybe until I get to the hotel room at least) and I will take the time to really listen to what SHE cares about. My Repurpose for today (and tomorrow) : Take it easy. Take it easy to the point where it is easy to listen to my kid because what she says is easy and music to my ears. Yesterday, March 15th, 2014, Justin and I completed the largest 15K in the United States, the Gate River Run. This is an amazing run. The run starts in Downtown Jacksonville, heads over two bridges, then ends at Everbank Field (home to the Jacksonville, Jaguars). Training for this race was difficult. Justin and I are both very busy so weekends were my only option. I had done 9 miles twice before the race, so I thought I was ready.
Justin's grandfather is a Streaker (not the one you are thinking). A River Run Streaker is a person who has run the race every year since it began in 1978. His grandfather will be 80 years old in April and he, once again, completed the River Run. I know that it is an honor for him to have his son, grandson, granddaughter, granddaughter-in-law all in the race...and this year his great-grandson completed the Jr. River Run....all by his side supporting him. When Streakers ran passed us and saw our shirts that said, "We run because he streaks," a sense of pride and honor filled our hearts. One man, who was running by, told us he was one River Run away from being a Streaker because the first race he was in Vietnam. I could not help but to yell, "thank you!" Running is MY escape time. It is my time to get away from our crazy schedule and have "me time." When I train for a long race I can immediately tell whether or not it is going to be a good run. Those of you who run know what I mean. Another thing that makes or breaks my run is my brain. This might sound silly, but my brain can completely control my entire run. Most of the time when I am at about mile 6, my head will say things like, "Just walk! You are getting more exercise because it will take you longer...enjoy some sunshine." It might say, "stop until you get to _______ point, then you can pick it up again." It is crazy how powerful our minds are. Yesterday there were 20,000 runners registered for the River Run. The entire 9.3 miles is lined up with thousands of people cheering the runners on. Another powerful point for my brain was to see these eyes on me. It was amazing to see faces that I knew cheering ME on. It motivated me to go! Hearing people yell my name or pass out water, oranges, throwing donut holes, or even sausages and beer...these people kept me running! This is such a fun run. The most inspiring thing to get me through the race is to see my kids' faces at the last turn of the race. I know they are there waiting for me and I know that when I see their faces I am almost through! When I am tired I think of them. This year, Macaiden did his first Jr. River Run race! It began at 11:00am. I knew that I had to finish at a certain time so I could get to his race on time. I had to finish so I would have enough time to get to him, make sure he was safe... and get to his finish line. Well...it was kind of crazy getting to him. I saw Maddie and Macaiden's sweet faces, and I knew they were in good hands, but I could not get to Macaiden before the start of his race. Their grandmother pulled through and got my little man to the starting line! I saw him take off and he finished his first mile race in 5:33!!!!! He completed it.... and in a time that I still can't believe. I say all this because....I have to ask myself..... what race am I wanting to win each day? Is the race that I am running worth it to me? Once I finish the race I am on...am I ready for the next? I have spectators and eyes that are watching me from every angle...just like this owl. Am I cheering my kids on their race?....I know theirs are about to get harder than mine. I can be their spectator and cheer them on when things get really hard and when things get even harder and they make the right decision with a thousand eyes watching them, I can be that one pair of eyes that meets them at their finish line and tells them how proud I am of them. It might not matter to them now, but I know that it will one day. My Repurpose for today : Make sure the race I am running is worth the sweat, pain, and each step. Eyes are watching from every angle. Tomorrow is Grandparent's Day at our school. I am so excited to host this event. I have to admit, I am a little nervous...the theme has changed since the past years...I have tried to make it a little more upbeat and happy. My goal is to take parents and Grandparents down memory lane and cherish memories that they have had.
I have had a lot of memories with my grandparents over my life. I have AMAZING grandma's and grandpa's. I am sad and heavy at heart to say that I recently lost one of my grandmother's but that does not mean that my memories are gone. I am even more happy that my two kids have gotten to know their great grandparents. Our grandparents have a story. They are a story. I am so intrigued with how much history changes that I had asked my grandparents to write a little something about some things that they remember. My grandfather wrote : "It was a few months later in 1945 that my mother remarried and we moved to Parris Island, SC, where my stepfather served in the Navy. Parris Island is actually a marine base. I remember sitting in the movie theater with a friend (don’t remember the movie) when all of a sudden the movie shut down and an announcement came over the loud speaker that Japan had surrendered and the war was over. Since this was a Marine base the crowd went wild with celebrations. I shall always remember that. " - Donald Griffin I remember where I was, how the weather was, and the exact moment I found out about 9/11. One day I will be retelling this story to my grandchildren. In the words of my grandfather, "I shall always remember that." My children are blessed with over a dozen grandparents. They are two lucky children. The amount of wisdom that they could inherit.... if they would just listen.... is incredible. Not many of you know... but my daddy, my kid's grandfather... was in a horrible car accident yesterday. The doctor's are calling him a miracle and I praise God that he is in the condition that he is in. I say this to you tonight so that you will...hug your parents, hug your kids, hug your spouse, and hug your grandparents a little tighter next time. Without them...we would not be here today. I am so glad that my daddy, and my kid's Grandy is here to tell stories, and give life lessons, even about safety. I have come to learn that many grandparent's that have lost their spouse want to talk. They want to share stories and share love and meaningful moments. Remembering their happy past, and sometimes sadness, they need an ear. I need to remember that that might be me one day. I need to love and embrace my elders. They deserve more credit than I do. They say that growing "old" brings wisdom...well, maybe we should listen instead of talk. Maybe we should take the time and listen to the huge stories that grandparents have. Listen, not because we are forced to, but because we want to learn, because we want to hear, and because...we need show them that we care. Each one of our grandparents have a story....how will our story unfold? What will our story be when we become grandparents? Will it be something that you are willing to say? I can honestly say...I will not share everything, but will share many learning moments and hope my children/grandchildren will one day come to the appreciation of me or better yet, life. I love hearing words like, "you will never please anyone so just do what you think is right," or "don't be a doormat," or "life is not worth doing things that make you unhappy...only commit to things that make you happy...life it too short." I want to live by these amazing words of wisdom, or better yet, live as if it might be my last day. My Repurpose for today : Live each day like it is a storybook. What will my story be for my grandchildren? Where ever I am I always find myself looking out the window wishing I was somewhere else. - Angelina Jolie
After reading this quote I could not help... but stop and just think. This is a sad quote to me. Today I looked out my front window and saw my husband showing Maddie how to water our plants. I could not have asked for a better window or better yet, wishing I was someplace else. The time change has gotten to us. The four of us are very sleepy. However, it has brought more daylight, which means, more time outside! We LOVE the outdoors and thanks to some very special friends, we now have an outdoor table to enjoy a meal. As I watch my husband grill outside my kitchen window, I have found a sense of satisfaction. I see a man who has his escape time and enjoys his grill. I enjoy watching my kids play on their scooters, bicycles, and playing with their sidewalk chalk outside my window. The windows in my house are my camera. They are there to view angles, views, and visions that are candid shots of my precious family. They do not always know that I am watching...however, my view is enough for me. I get to see them when they know "mom" is not watching their every move. After selling Girl Scout cookies this weekend, I walked into a surprise. Justin had built me a coffee table for our living room. Our coffee table is made out of a window. As I walk past this window coffee table I will always be reminded of the memories that will be made and the love from a husband. The reflection now reflects my floors, however, this antique window once showed the view of many memories. As you view outside your window, remember to think about the memories you are creating. Are they ones that you will forever treasure or ones that you will one day want to erase? The good new is...we can wash windows and a new view can be made every time they are clean. My Repurpose for today : Every time I look out of a window I will make a goal to see a different view....better yet, a memorable view. |
AuthorI am an everyday mom who likes everyday things. I love taking everyday items and giving them a repurpose. Our number one seller is our candles! Archives
October 2019
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