From Chaos Comes Happiness

I don’t like resolutions. Ok, that was a little negative - let me try that again. I like having a plan and firmly believe in having goals . . . but I don’t like resolutions. Ok, one more time. I believe that resolutions are for the birds (was that any better?) I mentioned that this very time last year … it has something to do with those darn Bally’s Chicago Fitness Club commercials that used to air AROUND THE CLOCK when I was younger – reminding viewers to “get in shape” in the New Year. Augh. Whatever. I just ate 2 dozen cookies and drank enough egg nog to last a lifetime – do I need to see 6-pack abs bouncing around my television screen? I think not. The other thing I dislike is pointing out when I don’t finish my . . . goals. Because, as the late, great, John Lennon once sung, “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” So, checking your progress is good – but sometimes plans change. And to me, change is good. So, I decided a long time ago that I w...

"I want to create art. I want to create stories. I want to create photographs. I want to create wonderful spaces where my children can play and dream and grow and thrive. I want to create paintings that will inspire others. I want to create sentences, one after another, that will make people smile and laugh out loud. I want to create delicious meals and yummy desserts. I want to create adventures and experiences I've never had before. I want to create a home filled with laughter and peace, an environment that welcomes strangers and encourages friendships. I want to create. All year long." -taken from my blog post on Wednesday, December 30, 2010 . Thank you for a wonderful year. Let's welcome 2011, shall we? Share your Word here .

For the past three years, I’ve adopted a Word to help me focus on the year ahead. The idea originates from Scrapbook extraordinaire Ali Edwards, who  reminds us that, "One little word can have big meaning in your life if you allow yourself to be open to the possibilities." In 2008, I wanted Peace . I looked hard for it. I took deep breaths often throughout my days, and I found it. I meditated. I prayed. I tried to live with Peace in my heart, and put peaceful energy into relationships that needed it. It was a wonderful word for that year. In 2009, I sought Balance . I needed it, bad. With a husband whose job required him to travel more and more, I felt like I was drowning between home and my own work, between being a Mom and being Me. I needed it to stop. I needed to focus. I needed balance. I said “no” to more things, and I said “yes” to things that brought something good to my life. It was a wonderful word for that year. In 2010, I yearned to Create . The inner artis...

We sure have grown this year, my little blog and me. We've stretched our wings and flown to new and exciting places. We've met some amazing people. We've nurtured our soul many a times. We've smelled the roses. We've laughed. We've cried. And we've learned lots of lessons the past 12 months. Oh,  how I wouldn't change a thing. Here are some of the things I learned this year: (feel free to click to any of the red subjects below - that will bring you to the exact post) WHO I AM  - Discovering who I am on a date with PG . . .   PG SETTING ME STRAIGHT  - during a trip to DC, I learned that you really can't take a good picture of these hands of mine (although the ring is OH-SO-COOL!) FEEDING THE SOUL - my daily journey is so important to my soul. CRANKVILLE  - Just GOTTA LOVE the "Get Out of Crankville" card! One of my favorite things, for sure! PRIDE and PEACE  - when Katie swam on the deep side all by hersel...

While I stayed home doing laundry and cleaning up the house from our Christmas Festivities . . . here is a quick little video of what PG and Ellie did this afternoon. (I don't know if this video thing is going to work . . . I've never done this before, and don't really anticipate doing this very often. This clip was just tooo cute not to share.) Enjoy! PG bought himself me a Flip Video thingamajiggie for Christmas. He is  I am enjoying it very much!

When the party is over and the dishes are washed, when the presents are opened and boxes are emptied, when cookie platters are emptied and crumbs are nibbled up, when the music is off and only the glimmer of twinkle lights remain, that is when you know that all of the hustle and bustle and crowds and traffic and wrapping and cooking and baking was totally worth it. Every second of it. And then, you rest. For a long long time. Until you have to do it all over again. Wishing you continued joy this Sunday.

As I wind down my week of blogging and spend the hours leading up to Christmas in pure family bliss, I wanted to stop by with one last holiday post for you. We've been friends for quite some time now, and I want you each to know how truly blessed I am to have found you in this massive world of blogdome. While life is pretty complicated and chaotic for so many of us, the one thing that I have learned through this experience is that no matter how big this earth may be . . . when it comes down to it, we are all people just doing the same things - trying to live our lives full of happy moments and purpose, and share those moments with those we love. Whether you celebrate the Christmas holiday or not, I want to send you some good cheer this week. Thank you for reading my stories and being a part of my life. I look forward our continued journeys of joy as we approach another great year of growth, of learning, of accepting and of loving one another. My Wi...