Courage

It is so easy to get caught up in things that we have no control over. 

If we are not caught up in them - then we are just focusing too much time and energy on something that does not deserve our time or energy…

Oh, to be able to focus on what is important and and let the rest go. 

I am working on it. 

I can do it!

9 years later...

9 years ago today - my heart was singing a different song. It was sad and discouraged and did not feel like there was any HOPE. I was spending the night in the hospital after miscarrying.

 Now, I get to kiss these sweet cheeks every morning and braid her hair and tie her shoes and tell her stories and count my blessings… 

 I still dream about what could have been but I am content and thankful for what IS!

Words to live by

These words were written by a blogging friend who also suffered a miscarriage. 

Just thought I would share.  

I don't drink tea - but I never intend to give up!

photo bomb

There is just something about this photo bombing alpaca that makes me smile. So, I thought I would share it with you.

Have a good day!

Perfect

I am not a perfectionist but I put a lot of effort into trying to be perfect.

In the past 2 weeks I have been reminded several times how much I fall short. Either I disappoint myself or I feel like I am not the person that others want me to be.
Expectations set too high....
No matter how hard I try I am never going to please everyone - or get everything done - or say all the right things.
But then the frustration and discouragement sets in.

I want to be a perfect mom.
The one who always seems to be prepared and organized. Ready to take on the world. I want to have a child who has good manners and who loves to share with others. I don't want to be the one everyone looks at in the store when their 4 year old decides to throw a fit. I don't want to make a big deal about things that don't matter. I don't want her to feel afraid. I don't want her to feel like other things in my life are more important than her. I want to teach her about Jesus and show her how to grow to be the woman He wants her to be. I want every day to be a celebration of life and the blessings that God has given to us. I want her to feel special and loved and cherished more than anything else.

I want to be a perfect mom.....
but, I am not and I can't be.

So, instead-
I want to be the mom that Annie needs.

God allowed ME to be the mother of this beautiful little girl and I don't ever want to lose sight of that. I pray that God can help me to look past my insecurities and weaknesses and focus on being the best mom I can with the talents and strengths He has given to me. I thank Him every day for allowing me to be Annie's mom.

First time for EVERYTHING.

Friday, October 18th was a first for me.
Friday was the first time EVER that I was a parent going on a field trip with my child! We went on a hayride and picked some pumpkins and had a great day! It was cold and cloudy but Annie's smile was melting my heart. It was a few hours of my life that made a million memories.

Sunday, October 20th
Another first for me.... I went to a baby shower. I don't remember the last time I was invited to a baby shower and actually went. I have always had excuses before. But, it went ok today. It was a happy time.

In between those 2 firsts - we went to Octoberfest. The sun was shining and there was laughter and giggles. I was with my beautiful mother and priceless daughter.

Counting my blessings!!!

Christmas Mountain

It has been awhile since I did a blog post. My little super star is now 4 and in pre-school 3 days a week. She has gone from a toddler to a brave 4 year old who can do anything and everything! Our summer was packed with fun as we spent a lot of time outside. It ended with tears as we said good-bye to my sister and brother-in-law and their family as they moved back to Indonesia. Every day Annie talks about her cousins and asks me when they will come back. She misses them so much. Last week she got to spend some precious time with grammo and grampo in the Dells. I was able to be there for the last few days. It was so neat to see Annie going down the water slide and doing other "big girl things". Before heading home, we spent a little time at this petting farm and had a blast on the pedal-carts. 

Special time with family. 

Cherished memories!!