A Special Email

My wonderful Aunt Linda sent me an e-mail and sadly I never really read it until tonight. I was always to busy or just didn't feel like reading at that time. If it doesn't have pictures I may just pass it by. Just kidding of course, however I was sorting through all the mail when I had a strong need to read what was sent to me weeks ago. I was blown away! It was exactly what I needed to hear and at one of my lowest moments to boot. I wanted to share it with all of you and hope it fills your hearts as it did mine. Thank you Aunt Linda for these wonderful words. I love you!! ***** Wrote By Natatlie Tucker Miller---There is no urgency, ever Great things happen when you feel safe and are in an environment rich with possibility. More than ever I understand that you can learn a lot about how someone feels about themselves by listening to what they are saying about others. If you spend too much time concerned about a back up plan, the chance is great that you will end up doing the back up plan. Life will deliver to you what you expect. Be willing to stand by your ideas while allowing others to do the same, no matter how opposing they may seem. If you want quality, abandon deadlines. Instead, target dates will keep you on track with the built in flexibility that will net more satisfying results. Everything works out in the end. If it hasn’t worked out, it’s not the end. The notion that nothing is personal has more power than anything else I’ve learned. However anyone feels about you or what you are doing is from their unique frame of reference. That’s all any of us have until we decide to remove the frame and allow an unlimited view. This is when relationships can grow and strengthen even under the most adverse of conditions. There is always a choice. Everybody is right. Replacing self-criticism with self-reflection has magic powers. Inspire others by being inspired by them.

Father's Day

This is how I remember my father. Happy, healthy and full of live. This is how I will always see him. He loved cars and a hanging out with his family. I can't be with him today of all days. I cry every time someone says "Happy Fathers Day". It doesn't feel the same. My father's not here. Why should I be happy? Yeah I know Chris is my kids dad, and he deserves the absolute best. He's a great father. I give him many kudos for being who he is. He's the best. I couldn't ask for someone better. It's just very hard to see my kids going to their dad and hugging, kissing and giving homemade cards and I can't do the same. It hurts so much. So very much. Please don't get me wrong...I'm very thankful for all the fathers out there. Y'all rock!! Really you do. I just want mine back.

My Mini Vacation

I have spent the last 5 nights in total bliss. The boy was at his dad's, Lacey was at her friends and Katey and Emma were at Patty's house. Originally it was going to be only for one or two nights then the days start adding up. It's been great!! We've gotten to sleep in, go to the pool and chill, take naps, watch the TV shows WE want to watch and NOT DO ANYTHING! I have to admit I haven't been cleaning either. It's been to relaxing. I seriously took a mini vacation!! I didn't even have to leave the state. It was great. We talked to the kids a couple times a day and recouped ourselves for the rest of the summer. And trust me when I say the next several weeks are going to be hell on both Chris and I!! Camping, pool parties, house party (Lacey wants this one) not to mention all the friends the kids want to stay the night. The way I think about it....If I only get these short 5 days of peace and quiet for the rest of the summer, I should be just fine.

Emma and Her Chin

Emma told me that she was done putting antibiotic ointment on her chin. It was healed enough. I asked her why? She said that she wanted to have a scar. Again I asked her why? Emma then turned to me and said..."That way I'll have a scar just like you and Alex." I just melted.

Cookies

Lacey asked her daddy if she could go to the store and get ingredients to make chocolate chip cookies for everyone. Chris told Lacey to talk me into taking all the children including one of Emma's little friends from school. Lacey and her childlike ways looked at her father, smiled, padded her eyelashes and said..."But daddy I wanted YOU to take us." "Why?" Chris asked chuckling. "Because your my daddy and I wanted to go with YOU." Chris went happily to the store with a huge smile on his face.