embrace yourself

every time i see this picture in a magazine

i smile.

she seems healthy, independent, happy, confident

and self-assured

unique.

and she is probably a grandma.

i remember a story from when i was little:

i was riding the bus with my mom

(she never drove until she was in her 50's)

and i saw a "little old lady"

across the way

with bright pink cheeks

(probably didn't realize then that it was "rouge")

and a smile on her face.....

i remember telling my mom

"when i get old, i want to be just like her!"

well....

my idea may have changed a bit over time :)

but hopefully

i will be a

confident, unique, happy, expressive, self-assured, patient,

playful, grateful, healthy,

grandma (nonnie)

who develops her talents

and

who embraces herself and others......

with a smile!

thankful

it seems to be a common symptom

to wish things were different....

to think we have it worse than someone else,

to feel sorry for ourselves.

not to say that sometimes, because of things beyond our control,

these feelings are legitimate.

and each of our stories is different.

but this morning, i stumbled again upon this blog.

stephanie and her husband lived here in mesa az with their four children.

they were in a plane crash last august, that killed the pilot and left them severely burned and in critical condition.

she had this well-read blog before the crash, and one of her sisters (i believe)

kept it updated with their conditions and by re-posting favorite posts.

she is now back posting on her blog....

and after reading through her posts this morning.....

i feel truly grateful for my hands working.

that i am able to hold and carry my grandchildren

and hold hands with my husband,

that i can walk and run (sort of) :)

that i am able to care for myself.

i am thankful for my body's capabilities,

my abilities....

some of which i use too seldom

and appreciate too little....

a look through her words

makes me thankful today

more than i can say

and has put

a new energy

in my soul.

loving God's creation

happy Earth Day

“Love all of God's creation, the whole of it and every grain of sand. Love every leaf, every ray of God's light! Love the animals, love the plants, love everything. If you love everything, you will soon perceive the divine mystery in things. Once you perceive it, you will begin to comprehend it better every day. And you will come at last to love the whole world with an all-embracing love.”
— Fydor Doestoyevski (1821-1881), author

Earth is crammed with heaven.

And every bush aflame with God.

But only those who see take off their shoes.”
— Elizabeth Barrett Browning, poet

adoption rocks!

today, RESOLVE celebrated the family building journey and the thousands of children that are adopted and conceived through medical assistance each year, by having the

Walk of Hope.

RESOLVE honors the strength and courage that it takes to deal with infertility and recognizes the special bond that links parents and children no matter how the family was created.

jamie, matt and little milo

invited the rest of us to join them on this first Walk of Hope held in our city.

this "part" of this journey

was just so wonderful

because we got to celebrate them

as a

family!!!!!!

milo's shirt says

"i am proof that Adoption is Beautiful!"

"Adoption Rocks!"

i just loved watching them being a family today....

a beautiful day!

if you have time, please read jamie's account of her reflection on this day.

Easter Joy

hope everyone had a

Happy Easter.

we had lots of

love, fellowship, fun, eggs, food, candy,

conversation, and more food!! :)

tuckered us all out!

*on another note....i am having computer issues, so may be mia for a few days.

will be checking back in with everyone when things are resolved!

birthday fun

jessamyn's birthday was sunday.

her wish....

that as many as could go

join her in a little jaunt up north to

fossil creek

and spend some time with nature.....

so

many of us did!

it was beautiful.

birthday girl with milo and daddy

cory and jessamyn after they jumped from the cliff.....

into this beautiful pool of clear, amazing water!

and me....being talked into doing the same!!!

brittni and jamie followed suit...

only i didn't get the evidence!

the following day

we went to the park.

there was fishing, and relaxing and playing

and more fishing

and worms!

papa and all the grands.....except where was little milo?

mama's teaching little ones the art of fishing!

and one of the most fun things ever.....
worms!!!!!!!!!!!

it was a great trip

minus the flat tire

and a few bumps and bruises....

thanks jess for

asking us along to play

happy happy year to you dear daughter!!!

solitude

i was made aware recently

how very much i enjoy

a little

solitude.

not days of it....

but one day

here and there.

quiet

alone time...

to just sit

read

think

be.