Friday, February 26, 2010
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Stop and appreciate all the little things in your day. Whether its a good or a bad day, there is always something around you that is uplifting in all its simplicity....
A bird sitting out in my favorite tree
My little guy smiling for no apparent reason
The smell of my tropical shampoo
Warm fuzzy socks
The hum of the dishwasher after someone else stacked it
My boys playing together, laughing about their made up stories
Kisses on the nose
A quiet moment
Stop and see all the little things and the big things don't seem so bad!
Saturday, January 30, 2010
One of the good habits I am teaching myself this year is to just do what I can, even if I don't get it finished, its trying that counts!
In just 15 mins I can make a difference in my housework, stress, friendships...etc so many things! Just commit to something small set aside 15mins and start it!
Its so less overwhelming, I have started working out again and am productive around the house.
Who knew I could achieve so much in so little time. The small moments really can make a difference!!!
Friday, January 15, 2010
I am not about resolutions, in fact I kinda hate that word. Instead I decide a new mantra that I will live my life by and strive to be like. This year my mantra is.....
SIMPLICITY - Life is what "I" make it! - To live deliberately
Keeping life simple! To live life with simplicity and full awareness of all that is going on around me. Notice my life and not just let it be on automatic pilot. Time goes to fast as it is and I want to stop and smell the roses and appreciate the simple things!
This year, Simplicity is my goal through making deliberate decisions, its about ownership, ownership of what I do and what I don't do, how I feel, how I effect others around me, ownership of the good and the bad. Knowing that my decisions are what make the difference in my life and those around me. If I am wanting life to be different in some way, it starts with my choices and my attitude. I can decide to make life as complicated or as simple as I like it.
I kind of see this as my own personal spiritual journey, to discover the true me and how I want to live life for the best!
No more blaming others for how I feel or letting situations control my happiness, this year is going to be about deciding to balance my life and to prioritize what is important in life...Family, Friends....Simplicity!
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Friday, December 11, 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
Small moments
That was not to be, I had kids to feed, dress and get off to school!
One off to school and the other snuggled up on the couch watching Disney, I'm going to grab a moment! I was made a delicious cup of coffee this morning that was waiting for me next to the bed, well I knew I wouldn't be enjoying my cozzy bed again till that night, so I picked up my coffee to take down stairs.
On my way I opened the blind in my room to take a peek at the day. Holding my breath to see blue skies, I saw so much more! The blue skies were glowing with pink clouds from a lingering sunrise, the mountains crisply visable on the horison with a new dusting of pure snow and energetic birds flittering around enjoying a game of tag!
I first saw a seagull flying over the rooftops, a nice little reminder of the beach! Summer! Warmth! I could not take my eyes off of it, wondering if the longer I watch the more likely I would feel the warmth of a sunny beach day. It felt good!
Out of the corner of my eye, I was distracted by a red flutter. Wow what was that? I had never seen this bird before and now I had 3 of them sitting in the tree out of my window. Still no idea after googelling this beautiful bird for over an hour? This is my new mission, what bird did I see this morning?
I love these special small moments that help me appreciate all that is beautiful. I need to remember to stop and look every now and then. You have no idea how it will effect you!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
What a perfect Fall weekend....Sunny, blue skies, gold and red trees and a crispness in the air that says, coats and scarf's are a must. Perfect weather for a country drive to pick pumpkins.
The taste of hot apple cider and the sound of the mud squelching under your rain boots complete the overwhelming stimulation for the senses.
Driving with the sunroof open, knowing this may be the last perfect day of the year...its great to be out in it!
Friday, September 4, 2009
I get to play with my kids tomorrow, no school!!
Having time away from my kids so I can miss them and cherish the time I do have with them!
One down, a hundred of projects to go. But man does it feel good to check one off the list.
Thomas was cracking us up tonight, while watching the monster jam (ie monster trucks) he was so excited, jumping on the couch screaming with such enthusiasm every turn and twist they made...priceless!
The love I felt from my boys tonight when I got home after being gone for only a few hours. I truly felt missed, loved and appreciated! Its a good mommy moment!!
The rain has returned to Seattle, so cool and refreshing and the most beautiful sound in the world to fall asleep too!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
- To make the most of my time with Thomas while he is still home in the mornings.
After sending Harry off to his first day of 1st grade today, I realized that I only have one more year left of having Thomas home, then both my babies will be off at full day school! Enjoy and cherish the moments you have! This time of their life is only here for such a short time, make happy memories!
Monday, August 24, 2009
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
- Picking plums with the boys in the backyard and making a tart with them, not knowing how it will taste as it was our own recipe.
- Watching Thomas and Harry run around the yard wrestling each other, laughing!
- Doing yard work in my rain boots and my extra used, extra comfy worn in gardening gloves.
- Watering my new garden and seeing how the plants are growing...yay, I haven't killed them yet! knock on wood =)
- Surprising the boys with the garden hose and soaking them both.
- Then the boys surprising me and soaking me back...lol!
- The look and feel of freshly cut grass
- Sunshine and being able to enjoy it in my own beautiful backyard!
Thursday, August 6, 2009
I didn't make it back home for Grandma's funeral today, so I will be remembering her today in my own special way.
Its sad not to be with the family, oh how I am missing them today. I can not stop thinking about the love, support and togetherness that they will all be feeling today. While I am physically not there, my mind and spirit will be there 100%.
Hayden will be speaking on behalf of the Marshall's, at first I was sad that it would not be me talking. But I couldn't get there, so we have worked out the next best thing. Hayden will speak and I will write it, with anything they want to add. My last post here is what I wrote for the funeral.
I have not worked out what I will be doing myself yet, but know I want to be at the beach with my family flying Grandmas kite.
It may be cold, gray and overcast outside, but today is a beautiful day to celebrate a beautiful life!
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
When I think about my beautiful Grandma, there are so many wonderful memories that come to mind.
From when we were little kids running around the yard at ridge rd, playing with glass birds on her coffee table, swinging on the clothes line or learning to play cards around the table. Being fitted for something special she was making for us to wear to a school formal or helping us get braces for our teeth.
Then there were Christmas days with all the family, Grandma’s jam filled sponge cake for your birthday, the Tupperware container that was always stocked with a fresh batch of rock cakes or mince tarts just waiting for grandchildren to devour.
Not to mention the good old “Grandma test” it was so important to all of us that Grandma liked our partners that we gave it a name. First time she would meet them, they had to pass the test. She was always there, excited to be part of our lives!
These are just a few of the many beautiful memories of Grandma, who was always there for her grandchildren.
I don’t remember an event, a birthday or a school performance that grandma was not there for. Whether it was a big event or not, it always felt special just knowing that Grandma was there, she always took an active interest in all areas of our lives.
It’s funny, when I think about Grandma, she was no ordinary Grandma. She was not the meek little old Grandma sitting in the corner of the room, just watching life go by. Instead she was an amazing woman of strength and tenacity, who had a love for life, and a true love for all those around her.
Grandma was always inspiring her Grandchildren to be active and to always live life to its fullest.
Even as an adult, she is the one I want to tell all my exciting news too.
When I found out I was pregnant, I could not wait to tell Grandma the exciting news, she was the first one I wanted to tell.
Grandma was an amazing Great Grandma or as the boys called her “Gwanny” Although they live far away and did not get to see her often, there was always a huge hug and lots of love whenever they did meet. While Thomas is still too young, I am grateful that Harry has sweet memories of his Gwanny and will always talk about Gwanny who made cookies with him.
When I travelled to Europe 10yrs ago, I received a letter from my family. The last line stated “Have a great time and make the most of every opportunity -Grandma” This has become my life’s mantra. I am inspired by this daily and will forever know that my Grandma has helped me be the person I am today.
Thank you Grandma, for loving life and your Grandchildren as much as you do. You will always be with me, in my heart and in my life.
Monday, August 3, 2009
I have never lost someone so close to me before, its surreal and I am finding it hard to accept it.
How do you stop crying? How do you want to get up in the morning? Let alone how do you fall asleep at night. I have not slept in nights now, to sad to numb to sleep. Maybe even fearing that if I do sleep, I may miss a sign from her? I don't know, does that sound silly? I honestly feel like I am loosing my mind and am looking for significance in everything at the moment.
This loss is nothing I have ever experienced and I don't know what to do? All I want to do is cry or pretend it hasn't happened and show the world I am fine! I am not one that likes attention, in fact I hate it. I don't know how to show my true deep feelings now and be vulnerable with my emotions. How do I grieve while trying to stay strong and rational for my kids? Don't I need to show them I am in control and unemotional? I have no patience at the moment. I don't want to hear their bitching and whining. But I'll take any extra snuggles coming my way...agh! Am I screwing up my kids?
This sucks!
I am going to miss my Grandma's funeral and have decided (well it was too late to get a ticket) to stay here and remember her in my own way. I want to go to the beach and fly the kite she gave Thomas last week for his birthday. Find a special place out here that I can go to when ever I want to be near her.
My Grandma is the most amazing person who ever came into mylife. There is so much about my Grandma that inspires me, things she does that I think about daily.
I don't need to be there to remember how special and amazing she is...I love her so much, I told her every chance I had and she knows that! And for that I am grateful!






