Today Is The Greatest Day I've Ever Known...

This morning I woke up in a "mood".   I felt sensitive and vulnerable.

I know that some are affected this way by the weather, but I don't believe that was the cause of my outlook.  In fact, I'm feeling down that our rainy days are coming to an end soon.  I love stormy weather, and this week has just been great for me in that sense. I find myself dreading Saturday when it is forecasted to be partly sunny by afternoon.

I started off just annoyed to be awake.  I think we all have a day like that from time to time, right?  I didn't sleep well last night, and the fact that today was already here just really flat out ticked me off.  Then I checked my email and something that I wouldn't normally think twice about made me want to cry.  In general I was feeling down and discouraged, feeling as though doom and gloom were on the horizon. As I went on with my morning, I just kept thinking "I don't want today to be like this!"  I most certainly didn't want to be the cause of anyone else's bad attitude with my negativity, either.

When I was a little girl and a teenager, if I was feeling down, my Grandma would tell me: "Why should you be sad?  We have Jesus!  Read your Bible for a little while and I'm sure you'll feel better."  Grandma was also known for her love of Pollyanna and looking on the bright side.

I figured I'd give it a try this morning. I mean, I read my Bible on a regular basis, but what could it hurt to just stop and read and expect something to cheer me up?

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!

Isaiah 52:7

Now how does that not make you feel better, huh?  Makes it hard to have a negative outlook, I'll say that much...

And The Weekly Top 40!

So, I should probably do the smart thing and not write a blog while medicated.

But when have I ever been known to do that, HUH? ;)

It seems I've reached a point in my life where less and less I find myself worrying about what others think.  Now, don't get me wrong.  Let's clarify.  I still make an effort to not offend others and would never purposely do something that would cause someone to think less of me.  What I'm talking about is simply me being who I am, and not worrying what anyone else thinks of what my opinion, status, dress, spirit, wealth, size, etc. is.

It has taken me over 28 years to get to this point, and let me just say it is oh so liberating.  To just be myself without an apology, ahhhh.  I must thank my husband most of all for helping me to this point, but that's not to say a lot of others haven't been there for me either.

And now I'm going to post this blog, as boring as it may be, and not worry for a single second what anyone else thinks about it, because it's my blog. HA! So there! ;)

Pete & Repeat Were In A Boat...

Tommy has been  repeating the same 3 phrases A LOT lately.  He is often letting us know he is sorry, thankful, and that he loves us. That is, in addition to making it clear to us that he has no interest in counting from 1-4, but is skilled to boast the number 5-9 and what noises trains make.

All of Tommy's "Thank yous", "I love yous", & "I'm sorrys" warm my heart at how sweet of a guy he can be.  He even says thank you to your thank you.  (He doesn't quite know "your welcome" yet...)  In fact, just the other day I was getting on to him for doing something he wasn't supposed to.  I took away his toy and sat him on time out, at which point he took a breath between wails and said through his tears "THANK YOU".  Though I'm thinking he might of been so upset and didn't realize he wasn't saying I'm sorry.  When he tripped on his brother's seat, he turned, hugged Johnny, and said softly "I'm sorry".  And the abundance of hugs and kisses that go along with his repetitive exclamation of I love you brings one of the greatest feelings a Mom could ever have.

It just makes you wonder... What would the world be like if all of the grown ups used these phrases more often and freely?  Just three simple little phrases.  I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure this planet would be a lot more friendly, less stressed, and willing to help those in need instead of only looking out for #1.

I know, personally, I'm going to make an effort to use these phrases more.  You?

Mmm Mmm Good...

First of all.... What exactly do you do when you suddenly have a craving for Taco Bell, but yet the meat for lasagna is thawing?  Such tough decisions!  Whatever will I DO?!

Second:

Do you feel as though half of your arteries clogged up just by looking at this photo?




Really?




Probably because THEY DID!


See, the thing is, I'm having a really hard time here. Do I post my secret recipe for the world to see?  Do I share my hints, tips, & secrets?  Such a challenge!

It really is the best fried chicken ever, though. It even won the award for the best fried chicken ever. From who? Doesn't matter. But it's the best. Ever. Hands down. Period. I'm not just saying that because I'm biased either.

Maybe I'll make a decision as I layer my lasagna tonight and post it while it's baking... or not...

Merry Christmas! Also Happy Anniversary, New Year, Birthday, & MLK!

For most people, the day after Christmas brings a halt to the insanity that has everyone running around like chickens with their heads cut off. Not in this home! No sir, we don't like to keep things boring around here. Since Bobby & I met in person and married in the few days after Christmas, our anniversary falls the day before New Year's Eve. Add to the fact that our daughter's birthday lands smack dab in the middle of January (usually around Martin Luther King Jr. day) and you've got one busy, tired family. We love it all though...

This last week, however, Bobby & I took a break. We sent the 2 little ones to my Mom's for 2 days and locked ourselves in the house. We slept like we've never slept before, ate delicious food, and played Rock Band for hours. (Who doesn't love that game? Seriously?!) I cannot stress enough how wonderful it was to have time alone where we could talk to each other, goof off,  and both of us eat at the same time.  I believe every parent should take one of these "getaways" at least once a year, with a 2 night minimum, if possible.

On that note, I'm so blessed to have a husband who takes the time to do something so valuable for our marriage and sanity.  I'm even more blessed to have parents who love my children and take them for a few days.

Now, let's see if I can lay low and stay off the radar until mid-February... Yeah, right.

(Photo of Johnny included simply because he's a doll!)