Embracing the Journey ...to fewer underpants!

it is time.... to be brave and bold and clean out the underwear drawer.
I mean, why? Really! Putting on the ones that are not comfortable or are showing signs of wear? I think it is time to throw out the ones that make me crazy! I am convinced that no woman was meant to be uncomfortable in her underpants. SO, they are leaving today. I will not get nostalgic or thrifty, they will just be tossed. Life is too short for too many uncomfortable and frustrating encounters with them.

This might be said about some people I come in contact with..... but that is another subject for another day!

Embracing The Journey (ETJ)...of social awareness

Some have it, some don't.... it's the thing that makes you keep a dog on a leash to keep them from running up to people in the park who may not want to play, that makes you walk the few extra feet to put up your shopping cart instead of leaving it in  between cars and possibly bumping one, and the thing that makes you put away your phone in public places instead of bellowing out so loud that everyone can hear your conversation. It is called civility, people! Look around you and imagine that we all really do share the planet and we should keep our own boundaries of good citizenship just because it is a socially aware thing to do. It's looking to see if someone is coming in a door behind you and you hold it open a little longer, notice is someone seems to be waiting for a parking space and let them have it, look around when you are doing anything and see how you fit into the situation, and make it the best it can be. We all get so distracted  that this very simple act of paying attention has become lost.
So let's regain our social awareness and make life a little easier on those around us... its the least we can do! Sharing the road on the journey of life and embracing the lessons it provides!

Embracing the journey....to reality

This fall, as I was driving to the South Plains Fair to eat a yummy burger and volunteer at the Redbud Lions Club booth, I had an epiphany! I realized that one of the many reasons I thought my family was "rich" when I was a child was that I got to go to the fair every year and ....my dad gave me money to spend there, seemingly without end. We got to eat what we wanted, ride what we wanted, and go as many times as we wanted over the week of the Fair! I realize that may not signify great "wealth" to many, I mean, a local Fair? But to me.... that's one of the things that made my childhood magical, fun, and exciting. It provided a LOT of great memories, too.

The reality is not that we were rich with Money, but very rich with family, tradition, activities, and the simple pleasures we experienced. SO upon this further reflection I decided I was right. I think we are more than rich, we were WEALTHY!!

Embracing the journey to reality in this area? .....no, I think I will leave that one right where it is....along with magical christmases, vacations, and family gatherings, deep in my mind.....Fiflthy, stinking RICH!!!!

The beginning of the EMBRACE

Dear 2012, welcome !

It is time to really do this blogging thing....it is not that I don't have time, something I want to say, or reasons I want to do it, I just..... haven't!

So, here we are in 2012. I've now been a grandmother for almost three years and am about to be one again, next week! It is a ride I love to go on every day! I think the most fun has been watching my child become a parent. And, she and her husband are doing a great job!!! I am so proud! I had to chuckle over the recent purchase of the "mini van" and the utter despair (....perceived loss of "hipness?") I saw in my daughters eyes at the thought of it...however, she loves it now! And the grandaughter? ABSOLUTELY , the best little friend and joy to my life! Can't wait to meet her sister!!! I am already wrapped around both their fingers.

My very capable (and very handsome!) son has shown me he has the perseverance to endure many things, maybe not always happily, but always with determination and reflection. I am seeing so much growth in maturity and independence in him ! I don't see him or talk to him enough but the thought of him brings a smile and quick prayer to my mind always.

We have embarked on the journey of the empty nest this past fall with the launching of our youngest daughter.....and I must say it has been one of the hardest things I have ever gone through. I really love motherhood and parenting! However, now I realize that I have done my job with all of my kids, SHE is very independent thinking and yet has the values of our family. I have watched her face many situations lately with grace and thoughtfulness (for the most part!), learning a lot as she went. I have no doubt that she, like her sister and brother before her, will be a great, capable, responsible, and likable adult that will still bring me and my husband great joy!!

SO, here forward I will be sharing some thought on EMBRACING THE JOURNEY called Life.

We are all, blessed to BE!!

thanks for listening.....

2009...here we come!

SO much wonder and amazement awaits as we embark on another new year. I will become a grandmother, launch some exciting new business plans, and grow in many ways! I hope your year is wonderful. Experience life to the fullest!

a slight exaggeration is all!

Okay, so this is what I know about firstborns....we are always pushing them to the next "thing". When they crawl we want them to walk and when they say one word we want them to speak in full sentences. So, when they are 25 years old, "some" people might go ahead and say they are 26. I'm just saying...it is not that I have "forgotten" Jen's age, but just always looking forward to the next "thing" for her.....a least that is my story and i am sticking to it! First borns are unique creatures-- they take you for all the firsts, wild rides and "new" adventures as a parent!! And...I wouldn't trade it for the world!! More thoughts on second and third borns to come......

Another box of crayons

Well, tomorrow begins another school year for my children...like a new box of crayons, all children are sharp, colorful, different and full of their own creative possiblities.

My daughter , age 26, will begin her second year as a teacher- making a difference in the lives of children she will touch every day. This year she goes back to school as an expectant mother (due in April!). I know she will think differently about her role now as she grasps the concept of parenthood and how everyone in their world shares in the process of helping raise a child.

My son, age 22, will begin (hopefully) his last year in college before going out to find his way with a career. He has a lot of great ideas and many different thoughts on what he wants from life. His "box of crayons" is VERY large with more colors than one can imagine. He is an idea person and I wait expectantly to see what type picture he will paint---it will not be between the lines, that I know for sure!

My youngest daughter, age 15, will be a sophomore and her corner of the world is colored with a very busy social calendar. People are very colorful and she SEES them. There is a definite art to noticing others and pondering them...she does! I've seen a lot of change in her over this summer..she growing up , maybe faster than ever before.

I have a love /hate relationship with the first day of school. It makes me sad and it makes me glad. I won't be alone in the house again...I will not allow it. I will go out and be with people, finding my own box of crayons to "paint" with. I will rejoice with the rest of the world that there are always new beginnings and even when the crayons start to melt, get worn down, or you lose a few color choices, you always have the option to sharpen them and start coloring all over again.

I wish my kids well, again ,as they open that box, drink in the smell of the wax and choose the color of their choice to start with.....on their way to a beautiful , colorful, creative school year!