Happy Halloween

"Enjoy each holiday through a child's eyes and you will feel giddy and young again!" ~Mama Hen

Little Ladybug has been so excited about everything having to do with Halloween! She thought it was really fun to find a ladybug sitting on my mom's front steps. She told the ladybug that she was one too. Very cute! Tonight we carved our pumpkins and Little Chick could not contain her excitement of it all. She was dancing when we went outside to see our Jack o Lanterns all lit up! I hope you all have a fun and safe Halloween!

Little Chick finds a ladybug!
Little Chick at her school Halloween parade.
Little Chick flying like a ladybug all bundled up in four layers of shirts!
It is getting cold!

Happy Halloween!

Little Ladybug

"The holidays have arrived!

Enjoy each of them as fully as you can,

they only come around once."

~Mama Hen

Guess who is a ladybug for Halloween! Little Chick has been celebrating the upcoming trick or treating the entire week. She loves her costume and loved putting it on the other day to run around with her little doggie in the yard. Today she had her school parade and party and in the afternoon we went trick or treating in town. She was exhausted, but one happy Little Chick. She has a Halloween/birthday party to go to on Sunday morning and is looking forward to trick or treating later in the afternoon. What a fun time she has been having!

Have a great weekend!

Beautiful Blessing

"Each morning I open my eyes to the greatest blessing in my life - my beautiful daughter." ~Mama Hen

This morning I woke up to a warm little hand on my cheek. I opened my eyes and saw Little Chick standing there with a precious smile. She said, "Mommy, you are beautiful." I am crying as I write this. It is a moment like this that will never leave my soul. She is my greatest gift and I can't thank God enough for such a blessing! There is nothing more important then the love we give to and receive from our children.

The Colors of Autumn

"There are moments in life when you just need a hug from the person who seemed to make everything right." ~Mama Hen

With the beautiful colors of Autumn all around me I have been feeling a bit blue lately. The positive side of me always pushes on and I try to remain as positive as can be in my blog. However, life is filled with both good and bad so that we all may learn and grow. Right now I am reflecting on a decision I had made years ago that has really trapped me in a particular place and I don't know how to fix it. I know I have written about the roads we take and accepting our choices because they lead us to where we are. It is just that I never realized in my life how one decision that seemed so right at the time could lead me into a lost place where I say, "What a painful mistake!" Little Chick and the strength my Dad empowered me with help me to carry on, but at times the reality absolutely exhausts me. I know it all sounds a bit vague, and that is OK. I just needed to write to express my feelings at this time. Although we all try to remain as positive as can be, there are times our life challenges can really make us feel weak. It is also these times that help us to dig deep and find strength we never knew we had. I just wish I had my Dad around right now. He always brought light to my darkest hour.

Smile Sunday - Dreams

"If you dream and dream your wish will come true. It may not come when you planned it or how you pictured, but it will happen when it is just right." ~Mama Hen

For those of you who have read my blog a while you know I dreamed of being a mom all of my life. It was my greatest wish and if it had been up to me I would have been a mom at a younger age. However, over the years I have learned the importance of wishes and the necessity of not giving up on them, but also that they don't always come when we plan on it. They come in God's time. It was not the easiest lesson in my life, but I can honestly say that when I look back on all of my fertility issues and miscarriages, I know now with the utmost certainty that Little Chick was meant to be at this exact moment in my life and in this time on our great Earth. Who knows, perhaps she will be an essential part of changing the world or someone elses life. We don't always understand why things don't go according to plan, but I truly believe that God has the ultimate plan and we are here at the exact time we are meant to be.

Happy Smile Sunday!

Learning to Prioritize - Thanksgiving Thursday

“The key is not to prioritize what's on your schedule,

but to schedule your priorities.”

When I was going for my Masters in Education I prided myself on always being present for each class, no matter how sick I might have been. I never missed a day of work or my internship. This is a trait I definitely got from my Dad. It is an honorable one, however, I learned something one night in class from one of the professors I had the utmost respect for. I entered his class looking rather clammy and peaked. I went to my seat and prepared for the class while the other students filtered in. As I was getting my assignment out and other paraphernalia my teacher came over to me and asked if I was alright. With a hoarse voice I replied, "Well, I am not feeling so well." He asked me why I had come to class. I told him that I never miss class or work and that I really did not want to appear like some of the slackers who miss class for a date or vacation. I told him how important my education was to me and that by my showing up it reveals a lot about my character. He smiled and answered, "Your committed character can be seen in your extensive preparation for class and in your assignments." Then he said something I will never forget, "You need to prioritize. What is your main priority?" I answered, "My education." He said, "It is your health!" Then he told me to pack up my things and to go home and get better. I never forgot this and still battle my hard working ethics with being able to put myself first at times.

My Priority!

This Thanksgiving Thursday I am grateful for:

1.) Little Chick and my family.

2.) A great camera (thank you to my mom).

3.) Little Chick's caring personality and big smiles she makes sure to send to people who look like they are having a tough day.

4.) My mother's endless listening ear.

5.) The complete joy I get out of Autumn and everything about it! It really makes me happy!

Believe in Miracles

A couple of months ago, after eating at our favorite Chinese restaurant, I got this fortune above - Believe in miracles. I saved it! It sits in my car and I see it every day. I see it when I look at my daughter. She is my miracle and I can't even express in words how thankful I am for this amazing gift. When I look at the little piece of paper with such few words I am reminded of "hope" when I am having a difficult day, of "faith" when I feel a bit lost, and of the "power" of a strong belief in God and the wonders He has bestowed all around me. We are all so blessed to be given this journey on this masterpiece called Earth. It is very easy to let the daily stress and endless responsibilities get us down. We can become rather exhausted and lose sight of all the gifts around us. From the smallest bug to the tallest mountain, the miracles are everywhere!

What is your greatest miracle?

My miracle!

Smile Sunday

"The world always looks brighter from behind a smile."

The holiday season is a great time for songs, poems and fun arts and crafts. Here is a sweet poem to sing with our little ones!

Jack-o-Lantern
Jack-o-lantern, Jack-o-lantern,
You are such a funny sight.
As you sit there by the window,
Looking out into the night.
You were once a sturdy pumpkin,
growing on a curly vine.
Now you are a Jack-o-lantern,
See your night lights shine.

Happy Smile Sunday!

Life Questions

"You're not 40, you're 18 with 22 years of experience."

So my 40th birthday is coming up in December and I am not sure what to think about it. I had no problems with my 30th, but the thought of being 40 is bringing a few "life" questions to mind. Have I accomplished enough? Have I made the "positive difference" in the world that I have always wanted to do? Will I ever have more children (Godwilling)? Am I living up to my full potential? The list goes on. It is a point in my life to reevaluate and start making the changes that need to be made and to truly be the best person I can be.

At what point in your life have you taken stock of your accomplishments?

Have a great weekend!

A Mother's Love

A Mother's Love
~Michael O. Adesanya

There are times only when a Mother's love
Can understand our tears,
Can soothe our disappointments
And calm all our fears.

There are times when only a Mother's Love
Can share the joy we feel
When something we've dreamed about
Quite suddenly is real.

There are times when only a Mother's faith
Can help on life's way
And inspire in us the confidence
We need from day to day.

For a Mother's heart and a Mother's faith
And a Mother's steadfast love
Were fashioned by the Angels
And sent from God above...

Have a great Friday!

Thanksgiving Thursday

"The child must know that he is a miracle, that since the beginning of the world there hasn't been, and until the end of the world there will not be, another child like him."
~Pablo Casals

I remember this picture of little Chick from a couple of years back. She was pretending to be "night, night" with her little baby doll. That time seems like so long ago. Poor Little Chick is not pretending any more to go to sleep. The Mono has really wiped her out and she wants so much to play and do the things she used to, but her little body immediately tells her to take it easy. I pray that soon she will feel like her energetic self again so she can go climb trees, run around with our dog and simply be the energetic little four year old she loves to be.

This Thanksgiving Thursday I am grateful for:

1.) Little Chick and my family.

2.) For being able to look back on my childhood with heartfelt emotion and thanks.

3.) The Autumn's colorful leaves flying around and the cool fresh air filtering in through my windows. I love keeping them open each day!

4.) For the wonderful blogging world and its magnificent bloggers who daily show such compassion, empathy and kindness.

5.) For books! Little Chick loves to read and we spend a lot of time at the book store and library. I am thankful that we are able to fill our home with plenty of books for her to choose and read throughout the day. Not everyone has this luxury, and I am truly grateful.

Borrowed Time

"Much may be done in those little shreds and patches of time which every day produces, and which most men throw away." ~Charles Caleb Colton

My Dad believed in living every moment to the fullest - making every moment count. He woke up early and was productive throughout the day. He kept a three ring binder with his "Things to Do" list for each day (at least 30 things on each day). He started filling in far in advance with the date on top. He used loose leaf paper because his list kept growing. He checked things off throughout the day as he accomplished them. I used to flip forward a couple of weeks and add little notes in his list to call me or I would write I love you. Little happy surprises for him during his busy day.

My father had a very special story about his life and how he lived it. When he was a child his parents had someone over for dinner who said they could see my Dad's future and that he would not live past forty years of age. I am not sure why anyone would tell a person that, but it happened and my Dad lived his life thinking that every moment was an absolute gift! As he approached forty he always had the thought that he could die. He did not share these feelings (except with my mom), but it always lingered in his mind. His whole life was lived to the complete fullest and any day after forty was a "gift". My Dad got twenty-one extra years and I am forever grateful for that!

Smile Sunday

"The important thing is not so much that every child should be taught,

as that every child should be given the wish to learn." ~John Lubbock

Keeping busy with Little Chick while she is not feeling well.

Putting our ABC's in order.
Having fun creating with our letters.
More Art!
We cut a pumpkin shape out of a sponge.

Having fun making pumpkins.

Happy Smile Sunday!

Five Little Pumpkins

"Children will not remember you for the material things you provided but for the feeling that you cherished them."

Little Chick loves this poem!

There are so many great art projects you can do with this.

Here is Little Chick on Halloween when she was one.

Five Little Pumpkins

"Five little pumpkins sitting on a gate;

The first one said, "Oh my it's getting late."

The second one said, "There are witches in the air."

The third one said, "But I don't care."

The fourth one said, "I'm ready for some fun!"

The fifth one said, "Let's run and run and run."

"Wooooooo" went the wind,

And out went the lights.

And the five little pumpkins rolled out of sight."

Thanksgiving Thursday - Poor Little Chick

"Give thanks each day for the air that we breathe and the loved ones who share each moment with us. They are the greatest of blessings!" ~Mama Hen

Little Chick has not been feeling well for five weeks and we found out today that she has Mono. The poor thing has been through so much between that virus for two weeks and the endless cold, sinus infection and ear infection. She has been a strong brave little angel through it all and I am so proud of her!

Here are my five things I am thankful for:

1.) Little Chick and my family

2.) For knowing why my daughter has been so sick and tired.

3.) For the crisp air this Autumn and the delicious smell of pumpkin muffins and apple cider.

4.) For all the luxuries in life I may at times forget to give thanks for: a car, comfortable home, being a stay at home mom, technology and being able to afford things, and my tasty Starbucks Cafe Mocha or coffee each day.

5.) My music collection! I love listening to my Autumn music now, as well as Little Chick's Pooh Bear CD. We listen to a variety of music each day!

It is always great to break out Trader Joe's pumpkin muffin mix on a day when Little Chick is ready for an easy baking treat! She has been exhausted, so I thought this would be perfect! She was so happy!

Make sure to enter my giveaway in the post below!

Strength and Will

"The strength and will to be happy outweighs

the moments of weakness." ~Mama Hen

I will never stop marveling at Little Chick's strength and will to smile even when she is not feeling well! Since she got sick over a month ago, she has been very tired. Also being weak from everything, she has picked up a cold that just won't go away. Today we went to the pediatrician to see why she is still so tired and weak and found out she has two full blown ear infections and a sinus infection. When I think about how much she wanted to go get pumpkins yesterday and the incredible amount of fun she had, you would never know just how full her ears were with fluid. She never even let me know. The main reason I had brought her this morning was because she has been so tired. My daughter's strength and happy spirit can lift anyone who meets her. She reminds me so much of my Dad, who never let things get him down. So much can be learned from the positive attitude of Little Chick!