I'm feeling inspired to write a kids book collection...

On the family virtues!

I have been looking for months now for preschool aged story books based on the wonderful world of virtues. All I have come across is kind of the opposite....A series based on what they shouldn't be doing rather than what they should be doing.

It kind of goes with the saying "if you tell someone NOT to think about pink elephants, guess what they will think about!" I would love a series of short stories that focus on the virtues and reinforcing what we are trying to teach them, rather than the behaviors we are trying to avoid.

My thinking is to take the 52 virtues we are studying this year and turn them in to short stories based on that virtue, coming up with a character that will teach the kids in each book. I know we have a bunny lover and a monkey lover in the group....hmmm its got me thinking!

I've always wanted to write kids books. I wrote a few while in High school and thoroughly enjoyed it. Pirate Pete was my all time fav, I'll have to dig that one out and share it!
I am using this blog as my brainstorming space for this idea, as a way to keep of all my thoughts.

Today is Beautiful....

Getting back in touch with old friends, life changing friends.
Listening to songs that take you to a special place or remind you of a favorite memory
Painting with oils while the kids are off at school
Taking the step and doing something you have wanted to do for years
The smell of homemade Lasagna cooking

Thomas made me laugh today....

Thomas potty training and doing his little potty dance after he went potty
Watching Thomas sing the songs in Annie...the sun will come out tomorrow!
Curious George now talks thanks to Thomas, so cute! You know he is talking when his head is moved from side to side and Thomas talks in a small high pitched voice...lol!
Seeing Thomas's little cheeky buns in the bathtub and giving them a big pinch
Waiting for the school bus with Thomas out in the cold. He's dressed himself in rainboots and a wool snow hat, cracks me up! All he want to do is snuggle in and keep warm.

Art by Ricki Mountain

Today is Beautiful....

Time alone looking through hundreds of second hand books, only to find the book your looking for going for a dollar!
Finding a new artist that makes you go "WOW" Ricki Mountain's work is so inspiring!
Having a space in a crazy testosterone filled house to call my own.
Finally digging out my French art isle and setting it up in a window filled corner.
Listening to the kids being bathed by daddy so I can blog

Today is Beautiful.....for so many reasons!

The first day of spring! Even though rainy and gray, the spring flowers are cheery!
Yellow Daffodils
Thomas potty training and the sight of a buba's chubby bottom running around the house
A lunch date with my man, butterflies in my tummy from being so in love!
I appreciate playdough and how it is hours of entertainment for a 3yr old
The sound of heavy rain drops
Harry's smile when he steps off the school bus

Today is Beautiful.....

Thomas is starting to feel better!
I had a good nights sleep, which always make life better.
Watching Thomas sing all the songs in Annie..."the sun will come out tomorrow"
A yummy toasted raisin bagel with butter
My yellow walls on a gray cloudy day!

Orderliness Self-Discipline Reliability Purposefulness Joyfulness

"Joy gives us wings! In times of joy our strength is more vital, our intellect keener, and our understanding less clouded. We seem better able to cope with the world and to find our sphere of influence." - Abdu'l-Baha
Joyfulness is always there regardless of what is happening on the outside. It is the inner sense that can carry us through hard times, even when we are feeling very sad.

A purposeful person makes things happen!

Being orderly makes it easier to accomplish things. Its to live with a sense of Harmony! A place for Everything and Everything in its place!

Self-Discipline is choosing to do what is right even if it is not easy! Getting things done!

Thankfulness is such a virtue...Puts life in perspective!

I feel so inspired by a good friend of mine, she is going through more than anyone should have to go though, her life really is amazing and her strength and positive attitude through it all is mind blowing! My life has ups and downs just like anyone else. This week is one of the downs, Thomas is sick and have been housebound for the week. I have been feeling...poor me!

After reading my friends blog and all that she is enduring, she finished off her post with everything that she is grateful for...so positive and so self heeling! I am feeling so inspired, thankful, positive and hopeful...thank you my friend for helping put things in perspective!

Today I am Grateful for....

1, My Beautiful Friends who are inspiring women! Real, Devoted, Loyal, Strong, Supportive, Insightful, Beautiful! This list could go on forever, but these are the qualities I really admire. When life gets hard, the people around you make it easy to get out of bed and face the day!

2, Simplicity...getting back to the little things! Appreciating the pure enjoyment from your kids toothless smile, the laugh of a 3yr old as he sings "Its a Hard Knock Life" from Annie (a little ironic), the taste of a homemade cup of coffee and knowing that you've saved a penny by getting back to the basics and doing it yourself, the perfect blue sky out my window...seeing everything as a gift for that day and savoring the feeling it gives!

3, Love Unconditional! Through all the ups and downs, emotions, burdens, tragedies, heartaches and despair. Knowing that you have family and friends that will be there no matter what is priceless! Surround yourself with those that love and are unconditional! There is no place in a relationship for judgment or expectations.

4. Being Real! Its not always easy to face the day with a smile and a positive disposition! Life can really suck at times. Sometimes you need to be Real with yourself, family and friends. To seek the support you need! The hug, the words of compassion, the smile that assures you its going to be OK.

Today is Beautiful....

Waking up too "good morning beautiful mommy!" with smiles peeking over the bed.
Eating my toasted raisin cinnamon bagel while it is still hot! A sunny day with perfect blue skies, I need to get out in it! Looking out the window to see the ground covered in thick frost that looks like snow. Feeling cozy and warm inside when it is so cold out, I love my slippers!

Today is Beautiful....

Coffee with a good friend
The sweet kisses from little lips
Holding hands on the way to the bus stop
The sight of small green Hydrangea buds on a cold sunny day
The snuggles and sound of I love you mommy
A cheeky grin from a toothless six year old