Being Mindful

Today I was preparing the yard for spring with the rest of my team (brett, Piper, the cat, the dogs). I don't know about you but the first sunny day I'm full of excitement and ready to take back my garden from Winter. This usually results in sore muscles, a few blisters, and an asthma attack. So I am working thinking, "Damn this hard work, I am out of shape, tired... " My mind wanders to reflection of this week. How many times have I heard someone comment, "how hard things are" ... balancing roles and responsibilities, not enough "me" time, the line at the grocery store, economy, etc. I admit I have been guilty of indulging myself in an occasional round of self pity too . AND there have been some times that have tested me or my family's strength.

This week I was reminded that I have an extraordinary life, family and circle of friends.

Saturday morning Brett, peeps and I loaded the car with food for a family that lost their husband/father to a senseless murder last Sunday. They graciously welcomed us into their home, offered us food and sat with us. They thanked us for our kindness. New to this country, limited English. They have made ends meet by recycling cans. I have met with the family each day this week. I did not hear one time how hard things are, instead I heard plans for tomorrow. Hope for the father's legacy (his children) and the mother's search for strength to lead this new journey for herself and her children in an unfamiliar world.

"We create the world with our thoughts and our perceptions. This means that the only thing we know about this world we are living in is how we perceive it."

I was reminded the I truly have an extraordinary life, family and circle of friends.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Snow Day

Great Fun was the theme of the day! Peeps was enamored by the chivalry of her young cousin as he shared his sled rides down the hill and graciously carried her sled up the hill. She giggled the entire time and every time she hit the bottom of the hill, she would bounce up and breathlessly exclaim "that was fun let's do it again!"

It is always  a pleasure to spend time with my aunt and uncle.  I was so pleased to see the same anticipation and excitement in  Peeps that I experienced as a child myself.  I was a great snow day.

These three slides are just a small peak into the great day we all had.  Full of smiles, giggles and topped off with hot chocolate:)