The Big News

Well here it goes.....I received permission tonight that I am allowed to announce the news that I am soooo happy about. I am not allowed to post it on facebook but I can write it in my blog......My bestest friend in the entire world is having a baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Jamie and Marke have been trying for a while now and finally Baby Wismer is on it's way!! I screamed...I cried a little..... and I screamed some more. I think I may have even jumped up and down a bit....LOL!

Jamie is honestly the best friend anyone could ever ask for. No matter how much I change, no matter what choices I make, she only grows with me. She has always been there every step of the way. Jamie has never judged me and always allows me to go through life lessons staying by my side. She may not always agree with what I do but she knows that this is a lesson I have to learn. She knows when to keep her distance and she knows when to embrace the moments we have together. She knows what I need and when I need it without me saying a word. God brought us together to help make each others lives better. We know that we will be little old ladies and still best friends.....and I would not want to be in a nursing home with any other person. LOL!

I cannot wait to start this new venture with her. I will be by her side as long as she needs/wants me to be during the pregnancy and I will be holding her hand during the labor and crying with her after the birth. Love you so much best friend.

What I am thankful for today:
Jamie and Marke
Baby Wismer
baby stuff!!
Rachel and her brother for making me laugh these last two days.
the chance to take Clara to the shelter tonight with Makenna
Kitty Travolta in his Gap shirt (picture coming soon)
kitty kisses
energy
free gym membership
my new volunteer t-shirt from Laura
Zoe and Chloe who are laying with me now (one on each side)
my kids
my friends
my family
rainbows
Jeremy's mom
jeep being fixed, again
flowers
music
signs
working in my flower beds today
quality time with Makenna outside today
working at the shelter tonight with Christine
Diane for allowing me to borrow her car again
the Chocoholic's Crop tomorrow night!
time to scrapbook and make some cards
love
hope
the power of prayer
my health

So Much to Write About

Today did not start off well. Gavin had a melt down in the school lobby and I was almost late getting Makenna to Jaymen's house. When Jennifer G and I arrived at Zumba it was only a matter of 10 minutes before I had an anxiety attack. My face turned bright red, I could not get my legs to work, I felt sick to my stomach and I just wanted to sit down.....kind of how Gavin feels every single morning. So, I turned my thoughts to focusing on the Zumba and ended up having a really good time. When it was over, my energy was completely depleted. A trip to The Healing Place is well needed. I realize that I am not staying balanced through this situation with Gavin. This was the second anxiety attack I had this week.

I went with Gavin this time to the therapist and twice received a sign from my grandmother. One was on the way there. It made me feel good to know that she was with me. The appointment went fine. I just do not know what will help Gavin or what will ease him. And, he really isn't motivated to try anything. I am going ahead with my idea of creating for him an mini album that he can have at school. The therapist thought him having pictures of Craig and I would be an awesome idea. Gavin did not agree but we will not know until we try.

We have discovered that if he sleeps with Diego he sleeps much better. YAY! Now I am not sure what he will do at his dad's but we will see.

On a positive note, I received such a nice compliment today. Ann from the childcare at the gym told me that Makenna is like the sunshine. (Funny since I call her that.) She said that she loves to giggle, is always smiling and reminds her of me. That made me feel so good. And, the weirder thing was that just on Monday at the gym 2 different people said I am like the sunshine there. LOL! I really honestly try to not take my issues to work....or out on others. It isn't worth making someone else miserable because I am having a bad day. There are times when people can see that I am not myself. But I will not burden them with my issues. Instead I just keep on going....smiling through the tears. If I feel a break down happening, I go outside or in the bathroom where I can be alone. Focus on the good. We choose our mood. Crap happens, but it is how we deal with it that matters.

Another quick story.....I was vacuuming the gym the other day (like every day) and this member who comes in every single day asks me if I found any money. I laughed because about 5 minutes before hand I found a penny on the floor. So I told him yes and asked him if he left it there for me. He said, "No."  He asked if I kept it and I of course said yes. Yesterday the same guy asked again if I found any money. When I said no, I added "but the next time I do, it will be a lot more than a penny!" His response was, "Yes it will be my friend, it is written in the stars. It will happen soon." Then on my way home from Gavin's appointment there was a new song on the radio that was announced as "this will probably be the next song you download" then they said the name and it was Written in the Stars. I swear every hair on my body stood straight up! I could not believe it. This is the member that last week I over heard him say to another member, "You choose your destiny my friend." He is like this positive energy that I totally need right now. And, every time I turn around he is there. Not in a creepy way either. LOL!

I got home and checked facebook to see Rachel on and her brother. We kept posting all over her link and being silly. It was totally what I needed. I am so thankful for silliness and those who make me laugh. I am blessed that there are so many in my life that do that for me! Hopefully next Wednesday will work for all my girls to go out to the Melting Pot with me. It has been a while since I have seen everyone.

I think I have said enough. There is more but it can wait. What I am thankful for today:
Diane
Gavin's therapist
laughter
friendships
Rachel
Jennifer G
Erika
the awesome weather today
positive people
inspiration
the card I made today
love
my first orientation at The Center this Sunday.....wish me luck!
animals
music
candles
flowers
bubble baths
craftiness
the news I so badly want to explode and tell the world....but I can't yet.
cooking on the grill
positive thoughts
energy
my health
simple things
girls night
Zumba Happy Hour next week....whooo hooo!
massages
compliments
smiles
kindness
God

Firework

Firework by Katy Perry......I chose this song for my blog because I can totally relate to it. During a difficult time this song came out and hit me like a brick. Every time I listen to this song it uplifts me. It is definitely on my MP3 player, which I currently cannot find. Hopefully soon. I have included the lyrics at the end of this posting.

Walking today around the track at the gym, I decided to say a prayer for my last lap. Just as I was saying, "I would REALLY like to see a sign from my gran....." (didn't get to finish the sentence) 2 cardinals decided to appear in the tree right next to me. All I could say was, "WOW you are quick!" Most people know that after my grandmother passed away I asked to see two cardinals when she was around me. It can come in any form; on a sweatshirt, in real life, on TV, I have even received a card in the mail with two cardinals on the stamp. Because my grandmother was a second mom to me, it was very important that received signs from her. It eases any pain I may be feeling and gives me the truth that there is life beyond what we see. My grandmother makes her appearances often and I always thank her. If I see one cardinal I will get a little sad but most of the time it only takes a few seconds until the second one makes it's appearance. Thank you Mimi for my sign today. Although I miss you dearly, I know you are always with me.

What I am thankful for today:
my grandmother
signs
rainbows
time with Erika today
working in the garden
dinner with Paul and Erika
the gym
sleep
flowers
my kids
my pets
my friends
my family
Diane for watching Makenna for me tomorrow.
Gavin laughing and having a lot of fun today
Ghost Adventures
hot showers
clean bedding...smells sooo good
faith
hope
love
laughter
sunshine
warm weather
my new sneakers which felt so much better than my old ones today!
The Center with Christine on Thursday nights
Zumba on Wednesday
Chocoholics Crop this Friday night! YAY!!!!!!
the fact that the crop is FULL!
the HIS Blog starting on Sunday!
lots of new followers
God
positive attitudes
graditute
poetry
inspirational quotes
my health
energy
time

Lyrics to Firework:
Do you ever feel like a plastic bag
Drifting through the wind, wanting to start again?
Do you ever feel, feel so paper thin
Like a house of cards, one blow from caving in?

Do you ever feel already buried deep?
Six feet under screams but no one seems to hear a thing
Do you know that there's still a chance for you
'Cause there's a spark in you?

You just gotta ignite the light and let it shine
Just own the night like the 4th of July

'Cause baby, you're a firework
Come on, show 'em what you're worth
Make 'em go, oh
As you shoot across the sky

Baby, you're a firework
Come on, let your colors burst
Make 'em go, oh
You're gonna leave 'em falling down

You don't have to feel like a waste of space
You're original, cannot be replaced
If you only knew what the future holds
After a hurricane comes a rainbow

Maybe you're reason why all the doors are closed
So you could open one that leads you to the perfect road
Like a lightning bolt, your heart will blow
And when it's time, you'll know

You just gotta ignite the light and let it shine
Just own the night like the 4th of July

'Cause baby you're a firework
Come on, show 'em what you're worth
Make 'em go, oh
As you shoot across the sky

Baby, you're a firework
Come on, let your colors burst
Make 'em go, oh
You're gonna leave 'em falling down

Boom, boom, boom
Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon
It's always been inside of you, you, you
And now it's time to let it through

'Cause baby you're a firework
Come on, show 'em what you're worth
Make 'em go, oh
As you shoot across the sky

Baby, you're a firework
Come on, let your colors burst
Make 'em go, oh
You're gonna leave 'em falling down

Boom, boom, boom
Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon
Boom, boom, boom
Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon

Easter Sunday

Besides Makenna keeping me up most of the night due to finding her way to my bed.....we had a really good Easter. Breakfast was at church this morning and my mom and dad joined us. Kayla made me a really cute Easter card which her mom Cindy said that she could not wait to give it to me. It was nice to sit with Kayla and her family at church today.

When we got home we started the ham and chopped up all the veggies. Dinner was very good. My parents, my aunt, Jeremy's mom Linda, and Bob came over for dinner. I love having everyone together. The only thing that was missing was Gavin but I am sure he is having a great day with his dad and that side of the family. My dog is highly enjoying the variety of laps he has to choose from today. If only he had a lap every day....

It was nice to walk outside this morning to see that every single one of my tulips was wide open soaking up the sun. It was as if they knew it was Easter. Makenna loves flowers just as much as I do. I love that the two of us can work in the garden together.

 

When Makenna went out front, she noticed that the Easter Bunny either dropped eggs in our yard or decided to decorate for us. 

I hope that many people remembered the reason for today. "Christ the Lord has risen today, Alleluia! Earth and Heaven in chorus say, Alleluia! Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia! Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply, Alleluia!" One of my favorite hymns. I wish you God's blessings today and every day. I hope this day was as joyous for you as it was for me.

What I am thankful for today:
Easter dinner with family
church
music
this warm, sunny, beautiful day
the colors purple and blue
candles
flowers
CHOCOLATE!
my friends
my family
my children
painted toes
the beach
simplicity
the Hart family
spring
energy
sleep tonight
my health
a clean house
clean laundry
the time my parents spend with my children
my pets
unconditional love
confidence
kindness
loyalty
patience
balance
laughter
comfort
peace

Today was Great!

Today was a great day! I spent most of it with Makenna at the Feline Frenzy event in Macungie. Chris and Christine did a great job setting up the table. They brought their foster kittens which certainly were a hit, especially with the kids. Makenna's new friend Reilly was there. She is Christine's niece and is the same age as Makenna. The two of them get a long sooooooo well. Here are some pictures from today:

I purchased two books which I will be posting quotes from I am sure. The event was like a huge yard sale. Right up Jeremy's alley....LOL! I found out that Christine's husband is in a Christian Rock band....how cool is that? I really like Christine and Chris. They are both inspiring, sweet and giving people.

My mom came with us today. She enjoyed Makenna's love for the animals. After we left the event, we took Makenna to Build A Bear for her birthday present from my mom. She got a sparkly kitty which she named Beauty. The clothes are just too cute. And they even have shoes and a bed...geez! Where was this stuff when I was a kid? I could not stand Barbies and dolls. I would have taken stuffed animals to dress up any day!

HAPPY EASTER!

What I am thankful for today:
a great day today!
having the family over for dinner tomorrow
my kids
quality time with family and friends
blogs
love
kitties
my pets
my new dress for church tomorrow
breakfast with my family at church tomorrow
church
laughter
getting Makenna's banner done
jewelry
God
the power of prayer
flowers flowers everywhere
pictures
facebook
email
sleep
Chris and Christine
Reilly (Makenna's new friend from the shelter)
time
my home
bills getting paid
my store
my customers
the followers of my blogs
new books
life

Don't Bring Me Down

 I am soaring! Nothing can bring me down. So many positive things happening I cannot seem to stop blogging every single night!

Josh from Patch.com posted the start of our HIS Challenge blog in the online newspaper today. Last I checked 10 people recommended the article. My thought on this blog is to help people become more positive. Yes gas is expensive, children get whiny, sometimes our health isn't the best, and sometimes things can be worse. So, lets change those thoughts into the positive. Anyone who likes to be crafty will be able to participate. And, they can create anything that they are inspired to create. If we take our minds off the things that bother us, we are creating more positive events in our lives. Focus on the good. Tell those who complain to give it to God. Us positive people want to stay in the realm of all good things. Nothing good can come from complaining. I want all good things to come to everyone.

Tomorrow I am excited to spend some time with my shelter friends, furry and non furry. Christine, her hubby and I are working at the Feline Frenzy event in Macungie. It is a huge event with lots of other cat rescues trying to get cats adopted and money raised. It will be fun. I am blessed to know such wonderful people through the shelter. We all try our hardest to help out where we can. Everyone is so awesome.

Zumba was great this week.....I got to take it TWICE! Happy Hour is coming up on May 6th. Jennifer and I will be there having some drinks before making fools of ourselves during Zumba class. We are very excited! Thank you Diane for taking care of the girls while we are having some fun. I broke down today and bought sneakers. My pinkie toe has a blister from Zumba today. I know there is now way I can wear them anymore. They are over a year old and I use them HARD!

I got a chance to spend some time with Erika today. I helped her organize her craft room. Next will be working on her flower beds. Allison and Makenna had a good time playing.

My mom finally sent me some pictures of Makenna's birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese. She really had a lot of fun. I will post those later. A huge thank you to everyone who came.

Things with Gavin were not so bad this morning or yesterday but of course he wasn't going to school. I am hoping to get him a picture book with silly pictures and maybe some of his dad and I to help him during school. Maybe this way he won't feel so alone.


Well, it is now almost midnight and I have to get up early for the Feline Frenzy. Good night for now! Hopefully I will be able to keep up this nightly routine and keep up the blogging before bed. It really helps me sleep.

What I am thankful for today:
friends friends friends
Easter
Feline Frenzy
Christine and her husband Chris
The Center
family
egg hunts
chocolate
Dwaynes workout working
Zumba
energy
hogies
my garden which is looking GOOOOD!
Diane
my pets
my kids
smiles
self esteem
laughing so hard your stomach hurts
blushing moments
creativity
my new sneakers
compliments
kindness
inspirational quotes
God
my store
full classes
sleep
the sunshine
summer on it's way!
foot massages
facebook
bare feet
the gym
working out with Jennifer G
Shawn
money
my home
love

Kittens Galore!

At The Center tonight my children and I were so lucky to be able to hold 6 day old kittens and their mommy. Someone dropped them off in a box at the shelter today. Gavin got a chance to see how small our cat Precious was when we found her. He was only a month old when we found Precious on the side of the road. At only a week old and already away from her mommy, we decided to raise her. Now she is 11 years old and currently laying on my lap. ( :

These kitties are being fostered out tomorrow and will be able to stay with their mommy. It was awesome to see how happy these tiny little creatures made my children. Christine and I loved them too! 

It was nice to see Gavin smiling and excited about something. Thank you to Nicole for allowing us to spend time with the babies. Hopefully when they are old enough and ready for a home, they will get one.



What I am thankful for today:
cats
the smiles on my childrens faces
laying in bed with my 3 kitties
The Center
Christine
Zumba tomorrow
a great week
my friends
my children
laughter
compliments
Feline Frenzy on Saturday
Easter
the day with Erika tomorrow
smiles
inspiration
creativity
money
sleep
energy
the chocolate covered brandy cherry I had tonight...thank you Shara!
love
flowers
FRIENDS (tv show)
Who's Line is it Anyway
confidence
ever lasting friendships
peace
time
my bed
my jeep
coffee
Shawn
my store
classes
customers
my life

My Sacred Space

Tonight I created my sacred space. It is in my room and almost ready for me to just 'be'. There are a few things I have yet to add but I love the way it is turning out. So far I have added things that remind me of my loved ones who have passed away, inspirational quotes, candles, and my gratitude book. I am hoping to take a few minutes each day and spend time focusing on me in my new space. I will take a picture and add it to the blog once I am done. This little task was recommended in the book Simple Abundance.

I went to The Healing Place today and was told that I was absolutely in need of it. My root was out, my solar plexus was closed, my throat and my head was closed. How I functioned....I'll never know. And to think that I was actually feeling better in the last few days. LOL! I feel so much better right now. Although I am currently listening to my son sob because it is that time of night, I still feel ok. Chloe is sitting on my lap and Diego is right next to me. I find comfort in their warmth and their unconditional love. Craig, Gavin and I sat on the porch tonight and talked. Not that it helped but it made me realize that the three of us can work together as a team to try to fix the situation. However, Gavin really isn't on board with anything right now. Time will heal him as well as his therapy.

My brother stopped over and we had a good conversation. It is nice to hear how many people are on our side and willing to help out. I will be going to therapy with Gavin next week since it is my turn. I am excited to see what the therapist has to say. Maybe he can give us some clue on how to deal with Gavin better. For now I am just going to be thankful that we are all healthy. We all have a roof over our heads. We have food on the table and a place to sleep. I have so many things to be thankful for today.

I am thankful for:
the quote I just read "If you want people to like you, you have to like yourself first."
my sacred space
my pets
my amazing friends and family
my children
my bed
my jeep being fixed and inspected.
my health
my neighbors
chocolate
coffee
The Healing Place
The Center
laughter
Heather R. for checking up on me today ( :
the warm weather
Zumba this morning which was so much fun!
the sunshine
bills being paid
a good nights sleep
a clean house
awesome customers
my store
my teachers
loyalty
the awesome news I heard tonight!
kindness
smiles
happiness
confidence
inspiration
God
my church
Easter this Sunday!
the Feline Frenzy event on Saturday with Christine and her husband
being able to communicate with my ex
Shawn being so understanding
Jennifer G for making me laugh
PartyLite candles
new clothes (thank you mom!)
the power of prayer
love

Today

Laying here next to my Monkey aka Chloe, I am feeling very grateful. I know it is late and I should be trying to sleep but I felt like I had to blog. Maybe this will be considered my 'meditation' time. In reading Simple Abundance, even us majorly busy women need to have that time to feel at peace doing something we love. Writing has always made me feel better. I get that from my grandfather.

I had signs all over the place today from my loved ones probably letting me know that they are here during such a difficult time. Makenna for no reason at all said, "Mimi." I said, "WHAT?" and she giggled! Then I saw a pelican on the Yahoo news tonight which is a sign from my grandfather....then checking my email I see the word humming bird which is a sign from Melinda's grandmother. Oh, I forgot to mention the monarch butterflies I saw; yellow is from Nana and orange is from Aunt Aida, Jeremy's family. I feel so peaceful knowing that they are with me. They are really trying to let me know that I am not alone.

My relationship with Craig has grown into something I NEVER thought it would. We can communicate so much better which will only allow a better future for Gavin. It is nice to know that we CAN work together to raise our son.

At the gym I heard someone yelling something but kept ignoring it because I had no idea it was in reference to me. LOL! When I turned around it was the trainer Dwayne yelling, "SLIM!" I laughed since he was trying to get my attention. He was acknowledging how thin I look. I have been working out every single day except the weekends and doing the things he has shown me and it is making a huge difference. I am so thankful. It really means a lot when a trainer notices a difference. I love my new nickname. He can call me slim anytime he wants. ( :

I met some awesome people on facebook today which shared my HIS blog with all of their fans. The page is so inspiring and so uplifting. I am so glad I found them and shared them with my friends. I will be checking this page every single day to start my day off on a positive note. Mornings are always the most difficult so I know this will help.

The class at my store tonight was amazing. I absolutely love the cards we made. I am actually giving one out tomorrow to Angie at the gym. She is our intern who's last day is tomorrow.

I got to watch the Biggest Loser with Shawn, and come home to 3 kitties who just welcomed me with open paws. Every night they sleep with me as if they know I need some comfort. I love them soooo much.

Tomorrow is Zumba with Jennifer and possibly Heather. I am excited to be able to go for the second week in a row. Zumba is even on Friday this week too!

I will be seeing Linda tomorrow at The Healing Place to open up my solar plexus which has been closed now for over a week. Man what stress can do to a person! The good thing is that I am honestly very happy right now. I can smile through the tears and know that we will all get through this. A big thank you to my friends and family for always being there for me. Love you guys!

What I am thankful for today:
this amazing day
an amazing day tomorrow
my kitties
my children
my friends
my family
Linda
my blooming flowers
laughter
beautiful cards
creativity
love
the sunshine
Dwayne
Diane for taking care of my kids tomorrow so that I can take care of myself.
fun times with friends
Zumba
my new body!
The Biggest Loser
time to myself
signs
rainbows
smiles
every new day
my life

Friendships are a Blessing

I could sit here and type all of my frustrations to get it out of my system. OR I could lie and act like my life is perfect and nothing bothers me. I am choosing to do neither. Instead, I am going to blog about how amazing my friends are. This will get my mind off the 'crap' that I am dealing with on a day to day basis with my son, even if it is only for a short time.

I look at the lives of others and see how lonely they are. Even if they have one good friend, it isn't enough. Not many people are as blessed as I am to have the friendships I have. Everyone should be so lucky.

Jamie, my soul sister, calls me every once in a while to touch base with me. She out of all of my friends knows what makes my heart soar and break. We are so in-tune with each other that it is hard for others to understand. We may hardly ever see each other or spend much time on the phone but I do know that she is always and forever there, hoping the best for me, praying for me.....just as I do for her.

Rachel is my butch....just kidding. Actually Rachel is my 'tell it like it is' friend. She has always been that way. Never does she tip toe around anything nor does she put up with much drama. I love her ability to stand her ground and hold fast to what she believes in. Her humor is hysterical.

Melinda and I hardly ever see each other or get to talk anymore. But she is there if I need to call her just as I am for her. She helped me have a voice and stand up for myself. She helped me with my self confidence and with the knowledge that I do not have to put up with things if I do not want too.

Diane is my peeping Tom neighbor....and I wouldn't want it any other way. I adore her. We have so much in common that it freaks me out sometimes! LOL! I have learned a lot from her these past few years and I appreciate all she does and all she is.

Heather makes a great boss as well as friend. And it isn't often that work/friend relationships work out for very long. But I know that with Heather and I being friends now for over 22 years that we can get along through every situation and our friendship is worth too much to let anything get in our way. We have over come many obstacles and always come out on top.

Erika has become my right hand girl. We are pretty good at keeping each other from falling too far. And, we also have a lot in common. We make great friends/business partners and I know we have a great future in store for us. She is an inspiration to me and I love that she is so positive and understanding.

Jennifer G. is just the best. Her humor....her understanding....she always brings me back to the positive when I am feeling the outweighing negativity. I love Zumba with her and spending time with Jessi. Although our Wednesday therapy days do not happen every week, that is ok. When they do happen we have a great time.

I have such a good time when I get to hang with Sally. It isn't often that we get to spend time together but when we do, we laugh hard and LOUD. I love her creativity and her silliness. She is very loyal and understanding.

I have other friends that I love to death like; Kathy F, Yvonne, Linda, Wendi, Heather (Shawn's sister), Shani, Angel, Christine, Missy, Nicole and many more. Friends that live far away, friends that are just so busy. Don't get me wrong, I do not consider all those facebook people my friends. If anything the ones I do not see or really know on a personal level are just there for business related reasons, otherwise I would delete them.

I know after all these years that you do not need to talk to or see your friends every day, once a week, or once a month for that matter. As long as you have both have trust, honesty, and love there is no selfishness, no envy, no worries, no insecurities and no possessiveness at all. I love my friends, I love that they have friendships outside of me. But most of all, I love when they succeed, when they are happy and full of joy and when they decide to share it with me. My friends and I are solid. And I am so blessed to know each and every one of them and to be a part of their lives as they are a part of mine.

What I am thankful for today:
my friends
laughter
girls night to The Melting Pot (which is coming soon)
my store
my family
my kids
my pets
the gym
compliments
confidence
security
fun
time
my blogs
customers
scrapbooking
God
peace
patience
love
Shawn
my health
the health of my loved ones
angels
signs from above
Linda and The Healing Place
strength
my brother allowing me to use his SUV
my dad fixing my Jeep
Jim Carrey
energy
a free spirit
the power to choose your mood
positive thinking
money
music
my parents
my bed
hot showers
coffee
a walk/talk with Heather today
every lasting friendships

Emotional Rollercoaster

This week has been an emotional rollercoaster for me. I know God only gives us what we can handle and all I can say to that is, he has a lot more faith in me than I do. Today I cried and actually didn't want to get out of bed. I feel like I am hanging on by a thread and all I want to do is let go. But, I can't let go nor would I. Trying to cope with the stresses of a majorly depressed 11 year old son is so trying. All I want to do is make it better and I can't, especially when I am starting to fall apart.

Checking facebook today my sister-in-law posted a quote that I really needed to see. Here is what she wrote: "Life`s challenges are not supposed to paralyze you. They are supposed to help you discover who you are." -Bernice Johnson-Reagon

Maybe I will discover that I am stronger than I thought. I already know that this experience has taught me the patience and the understanding that Shawn has with me and my situation. Instead of being angry because of the lack of time we get to spend together, he is empathetic to my situation. And my friends are the best friends anyone could ever ask for. My family feels my pain and tries so hard to help where they can. I am so blessed. 


Now to just keep my head up and keep praying. I pray for Gavin that he starts to heal. I pray that all of those affected by his emotions have the patience we need to get through all of this. I pray for only positive people to surround me and my family. I pray for sleep and for energy. May my health stay strong and my spirit feel enlightened again. 


What I am thankful for today:
my health
my friends
my family
my pets
Makenna's successful party today
a great store meeting this morning
the block option on facebook
laughter
love
Shawn
prayers
kindness
smiles
rainbows
therapists
chocolate
sunshine
my store
my pets
The Center
the rain
scrapbooking
awesome neighbors
seeing a light at the end of the tunnel...hopefully soon

April 10th

Lately things have been looking up for Gavin, Craig and I. Gavin actually went school with no issues on Friday. Although he has only been to therapy once, already he is starting to apply the tips and tools that the therapist gave him. Now we just have to hope it stays that way.

I had a great week. Working at the gym was fun, my workouts have been really good, and I am feeling good about getting stuff done around my house. Never did we get mulch for the yard last year so it is nice to see the front of the house all nicely mulched with the Easter/Spring flowers in bloom. I love the black. It really shows the colors of the flowers well.

I am working on the Happy Inspirational Scrappin Blog again. My sister-in-law has some great ideas that she is sharing with us soon. The blog's background is now a rainbow and everything on the blog revolves around that theme. I am excited to start it up in May. We already have a new follower!

Church this morning was awesome. And, another person came up to me and thanked me for my 'sermon' a few months back. They said it inspired them. WOW! That is two people that I didn't know that have thanked me for that. I was hoping to touch just one person...but two! How exciting.

My life is changing and it is because I am filtering out the negativity.....in situations, in people, in my life. The quote I picked for the HIS Challenge that starts in May is:    
People are like stained-glass windows.
They sparkle and shine when the sun is out,
but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed
only if there is a light from within.

~ Elizabeth Kübler-Ross ~

The reason I chose it was because I used to be the stained glass that only looked nice in the sun. But now because I have God's light within, I can shine even in the dark. People do notice.....and my Pastor even mentioned this during her message this morning. People do notice when one is living with God as their light. I am hoping that I can shine on everyone who is around me and show them what God can do for them.

What I am thankful for today:
taxes being done
my children
my friends
my family
quality time
laughter
my jobs
money
my pets
laughter
Ghost Hunters
my health and the health of my loved ones
love
music
a girls night being scheduled soon!
scrapbooking
challenges
life lessons
Stampin Up!
the funny things kids say
clean laundry
sunset
new customers
coffee
Shawn
jewelry
God
the power of prayer
my future

Fundraiser for Lincoln Elementary School

Today was such a blast. I got to scrapbook all day with a bunch of amazing ladies. Believe it or not, I have never gone anywhere for an all day crop. I have attended the ones at my store, but never anywhere else. The food was amazing, they had great prizes and the people were so nice. I cannot believe I lasted 10 hours! We are hoping that this fundraiser was a success for Lincoln Elementary. Anything our store can do to help, we will.

Here is what I got done:

What I am thankful for today:
time to enjoy scrappin with my friends
fundraisers
my pets
my children
my friends
my family
creativity
inspiration
the sunshine
quality time
a fun day tomorrow
my store
my customers
being surrounded by confident, positive people
the gym
scrapbook challenges
The Secret
the gift certificate I won to Melt (totally making that a girls night out!)
love
laughter
Shawn
flowers
rainbows
signs from above
confidence
peace