It's been a day.

and my thoughts keep coming back to this word:
Community.

Webster's defines it as:
1: a unified body of individuals: as
a: state, commonwealth
b: the people with common interests living in a particular area; broadly : the area itself
c: an interacting population of various kinds of individuals (as species) in a common location
d: a group of people with a common characteristic or interest living together within a larger society
e: a group linked by a common policy
f: a body of persons or nations having a common history or common social, economic, and political interests
g: a body of persons of common and especially professional interests scattered through a larger society
2: society at large
3 a: joint ownership or participation; b: likeness; c: social condition

My good friend KayDee had a great, thought-provoking, sit-back-and-think post today. It was about "community." Her thoughts, her observations, her insight, her words... they made me really stop & think.
That word "community"... what is it?
What does it mean... not just according to Webster's dictionary... but to me?

I have several communities, groups, circles that define me, that comfort me, that nurture me, that protect me, that trust me, that confide in me, that make my life mine.

My home.
My husband, my boys, our dogs, our cat.
Our plaid couch, our log bed, our kitchen table.
My gray hooded sweatshirt, my favorite GAP: long&lean jeans, my glasses.

Our babysitter.
The open arms, the generous spirit, the love, the understanding that is given to my children is irreplaceable.
Trusting someone to do what I can't is hard. Allowing them to aide in the raising of my children is hard. Pulling out of the driveway watching Mason waving goodbye is hard. I hadn't even thought about the fact that in his little world, they are a huge piece of what he knows as "community."

My school.
The place that has been home to me for almost 11 years. The building that hundreds of families send their children to each day to become educated. The rooms that welcome each person who enters. The institution I'm proud to be a part of. The place that thrives because of what it is made of.

Our church.
That handshake as you walk in the door. That special greeting time set aside during worship to "check-in" with the people you can't see every day. The praises that are sung. The words that are taught. The comfort & peace that is felt while sitting in the back, or the front, or the left or the right.

Blog world.
A place where people share as little or as much as they want. They seek advice, they offer wisdom, they share their highlights, they respond to each other. A place where we each sit... in our own homes, at our desks, on a chair at Starbucks, at our workplace, or maybe even in the car and relate to each other. We reach out to each other. We encourage & affirm each other.

Community.

I was in a meeting this afternoon. The topic of the meeting was something I'm passionate about. Education. The participants in this meeting were leaders of the schools in the community that I call home. I spoke on behalf of my school and for some reason, found myself in tears. All choked up and at a loss for words.
In tears, in front of administrators, peers, co-workers. Emotional. Passionate.
I was thinking about the word community.
I was struggling with the fact that in most communities there is a need to be the best.
There is a desire to receive praise.
There is competition.
There is a race to the top.

I want praise from my husband at home - even when I don't always give it to him.
I want my babysitter to tell me that my children are perfect - even when I know they are not.
I want my peers to recognize the things I do that make our school better - even when I'm just a small, miniature piece in the puzzle - and really... it's not about me, it's about kids.

I want, I want, I want. But wait - community is about giving & receiving. It's not about one person, it's about a group.
It's about helping.
It's about guiding.
It's about leading.
It's about commitment.
It's about endurance.
It's about understanding - not always agreeing, but making an effort to understand.
It's about uplifting.
It's about interacting.

Look at the communities you're involved in.
Look at the expectations you've set for those communities.

and then... all of a sudden, maybe it will make sense.

It's not about me... it's about us.
Communities aren't just one person doing and giving and making everything.
Communities aren't about competition.
Communities aren't meant to hinder, they're meant to build up.

What can you do to make your community better today?
Those places that define, mold & make you... what are you giving back?
Are you only giving when you feel like it?
Are you competing without even realizing it?

Hmmm.... is life about me or about us?

whirlwind weekend

left home at 4:48 Thursday afternoon.





arrived home at 4:48 Sunday afternoon.

72 hours of amazing things ... and crazy pictures from the back seat of the car.

• driving


• sleeping


• eating


• cruising


• napping


• shopping


• rehearsing


• laughing


• walking


• joking


• meeting


• praying


• dancing


• crying


• smiling


• standing


• freezing


• calling


• enjoying


• remembering


• visiting


• capturing


• running


• jumping


• loving

This whirlwind weekend was fast and furious.
It was everything I expected it to be ... and more.
The weather was picture perfect, the wedding was amazing, and the people were awesome!
This trip to Montana will be the first of many... seriously - why did I wait so long to get myself there?!

Here are a few of the great memories captured...

Listen to Love

September 1994.

Listen to Love was tucked away in our belongings.
Allison & I were just beginning life on our own.
Life away from our small town.
Life apart from each other.
We set out for two different worlds - two different colleges - two different lives.

13 years later - in our two different worlds - in our two different lives - we're still friends... best friends.
13 years later - we still have our Listen to Love books tucked away for safe keeping... the awesome, inspiring, poetic book that my mom knew we needed to have as we headed our separate ways. The book she herself had tucked away as her college adventure began.
Listen to Love.

I'm leaving for Montana tomorrow.
So excited.
So ready.
So thrilled to visit this beautiful country my best friend calls home.

My best friend is getting married.
My best friend who knows me almost better than I know myself is becoming a "MRS".
My best friend who has waited patiently for the right "MR" is giddy with excitement.
My best friend has listened to love.

I've been trying to find the perfect words to write in her card.
I've been praying for wisdom in knowing just what to say.
I've been looking in all of the books I own for just the right quote or verse.
I've found it.
It was here all along, sitting on the shelf.
Listen to Love.

Prologue
**Love has many voices. Love sends its greeting in the smile of a friend, the contented sighs of a baby, the felt whispering of the Spirit.
"God is love," says John the Evangelist. "He who dwells in love is dwelling in God, and God in him."
Love speaks in many places. It leans against the neighbor's fence or comes sniffing into a kitchen filled with cooking. It walk amid the bustle of the city streets or stands on a crowded bus.
Love has many moods. Sometimes love is bold and happy or else it is anxious and hesitant. Sometimes it is riotous and demanding, or gentle and relaxed, or even sober and practical. Sometimes love just waits.
Love comes in all seasons. It rides the icy winds of winter and laughs with raindrops in the spring. It wanders through the restless heat of summer and catches leaves of autumn as they fall.

Listen to love.

Inside my copy of this awesome book of reflections, I found a letter Allison wrote to me 13 years ago.
13 years ago... when we were young and thought we knew everything.
13 years ago... when we were excited to start the new adventures that lie ahead of us, and had no idea where we would end up.
13 years ago... when our friendship could have faded - but it didn't.

13 years ago she wrote:

• Love really is a powerful thing and right now I do not believe I will ever understand everything about it.
• Good relationships allow room for error and growth.
• A good relationship is strong enough that words do not always have to be spoken.
• Our friendship means that I have a person in my life who believes in my hopes and dreams and encourages me to fulfill them. It means I have someone whom I can share laughter, hugs, and special times. It means I'm here to be with you.

13 years ago she was writing about us... about the relationships we had... about life at the age of 18.

On Saturday - this Saturday - October 27th, 2007 ... I'm going to give her those same words (plus a few others). I'm going to hand her a copy of those same words that she wrote to me 13 years ago.
The advice she gave is powerful.
The words she wrote are true.
The insight she had is amazing.
The marriage she is about to begin is all about Listening to Love.

Bozeman... here we come.

Taking Time

Beautiful weather screaming to be enjoyed.

The piles of papers/bills/catalogs/magazines on the table can wait.
The clean dishes in the dishwasher begging to be put away... I think they've been in there for 3 days now... they can wait.
The toys scattered from here to there... pretty much everywhere... they can wait.

There are too many things - good things, great things, meaningful things - things that seem to be few and far between lately... things that were calling his name.

The beatiful light streaming through the trees.
The new markers and infatuation with drawing rainbows.
The trampoline piled high with pillows to jump on.
The enormous amount of leaves we now get to enjoy.

Why can't there be more times like this to enjoy the "great" things in life?

Maybe there is the time - it's probably been there all along... I just need to make sure I actually take the time before it's gone.

(not the best video... but my future photographer in the making) :)

Being "Human"

Stepping back into the full-time working mom~farmer/rancher wife mode has been interesting.
I'm learning a lot about myself.
I'm seeing things from a different view.
I'm smiling & appear to be doing "great" to the world around me, but am struggling with my attitude inside - especially at home.
I'm tired.
I'm searching for ways to be more efficient.
I'm human.

My habits aren't all they're cracked up to be.
The organizational skills I once had mastered are now fuzzy and jumbled.
I am still a professional multi-tasker & probably always will be.
I don't react in positive ways as often as I want to.
I expect perfectionism from my husband and children, but need to look in the mirror.
I'm a great friend to a lot of people, but still question who I really am.
I'm human.

I'm sitting here tonight - having some quiet time to reflect and think about me.
...and I can't help but wonder: What God is seeing when He looks at me?
Is He seeing what I'm seeing?
Is He wishing that he was seeing something else?
Is He watching me roll my eyes ?
Is He hearing the frustration in my voice?
Is He crying with me, for me, or because of me?
Is He hoping for more time with me?

My book of Lists to Live By is open yet once again.
My Max Lucado books are stacked about 2 feet high on the table next to me.
My Message Bible is open to James.
My heart is heavy, but I know that God is at work.

I have two lists to share with you. As I read them, I stopped... & pondered... & prayed... & re-read them at least 5 times.
These lists contain things I "know."
These lists contain things I do (sometimes).
These lists are now taped to my bathroom mirror.

TO BE A GOOD FRIEND
1. Smile often; laugh aloud now and then; giggle even.
2. Become aware of several things that you especially enjoy. Watch for others who enjoy those same things.
3. Identify an acquaintance who has a need you can supply. Offer yourself.
4. Learn to enjoy being alone with yourself. Identify what elements of living enrich your life. Incorporate them in your daily routines. If you are happy being with you, it's likely others will enjoy your company too!
5. Forget what you give, and remember what you receive.
6. Be the one who is there doing when others are asking "Is there anything I can do?"
7. Listen - even in the silence.
(from "Friends Through Thick & Thin")

WATCH WHAT YOU SAY
1. Never tell jokes that slander.
2. Never criticize in public unless you: have already expressed your disappointment with the other person in private, have already taken someone with you to discuss the grievance with the person, and are absolutely convinced that public reprimand is necessary and will be helpful.
3. Never say anything about anyone in their absence that you wouldn't say in their presence.
(from Max Lucado - "God Came Near")


Both lists are powerful.
Both lists are worthy of being followed.
Both lists convicted me.
Both lists reminded me of the person I need to strive to be... ALL the time.
Both lists are the desire of my heart.
Both lists are affirmations that I AM HUMAN and that I need to remind myself time and time again of these simple words:

~ Treat others the way you want to be treated.
~ Say things that you would want others to say.
~ Act in a way that is a reflection of God at work in you.
~ If it doesn't feel right - don't do it, don't say it, don't even think it.

I said some things this week I shouldn't have said.
I let frustrations take over.
I let things get to me & didn't want to let them go.
I thought I knew best when I really didn't.
I was human.

and now... as a NEW week begins, I'm going to do my very best to focus on, pray for, and radiate these things:

It's best to listen much, speak little. James 1:19 TLB

"The humble heart honors others." (Max)

"Try to treat people the way you want God to treat you." (Max)

The Beach

Where has the time gone?
When did my baby become a little boy?
Wasn't it just yesterday we were enjoying your first trip to the beach?

That first trip to the beach was amazing.
The weather was beautiful.
The beach was ours.
The magic & excitement was captured.

I'm so thankful that I have these pictures to remember the sparkle, the magic, the joy that radiated across the beach that day.
Those eyes - those beautiful, mischievous, captivating eyes - they melt my heart.
I love you sweet Mason - and I pray that you always, always, always have a love for the beach.
The sand.
The water.
The wind blowing in your face.
The smell of the salty air.
The waves crashing against the shore.
The dune grass blowing softly in the breeze.
The things that God has created, that we are so very fortunate to get to enjoy.

This "Mason & Mommy Memory" has been brought to you by The Pelican Pub, Pacific City, Oregon.

Two

Two beautiful afternoons.
Two trips to the pumpkin patch.
Two cans of Squirt.
Two smiling grandparents.
Two hayrides.
Two happy boys.
Two x two = 4 pumpkins on the porch.

The Lukes

So blessed by this family.
So thankful for their generous spirit, their kind hearts, and their amazing talent.

The time we spend with them is always treasured.
The efforts they put forth to make our life easier has always been admired.
The friendship we've built over the past several years is priceless.

They've captured us at our best - and we can't thank them enough!
Blessings to you Jason, Robert & Billie~
May the effort you make to bless others continue to be what sets you apart and makes you shine!

Check out their awesome talent here : Lukes

Take Mack Out of the Bathtub...

Take Mack out of the suds.
He's been here soaking since half past two
He feels all sudsy and wrinkly too
Oh, he's washed all over his body
His head, his toes in between
He used one, two, three bars of soap
Take him out - he's clean!!

Thank you Mor-Mor for singing this sweet little tune!

Mack's Weekend

It's not very often - especially since going back to work - that I have much time with just Mack.
It almost doesn't seem fair that the children that arrive after the first rarely get that one-on-one time with their parents that the first one did, but I know God knew from the very beginning that the world would be a better place with 2nd, 3rd, and even 9th born children.

This weekend has been focused on Mack - and he has deserved EVERY minute of it!!
I loved pushing him through the mall on Friday evening, searching for a cute little outfit for his dedication today.
I loved watching him stare in awe at the huge lights in Costco as we made our way through the aisles.
I loved giving him a bath that wasn't rushed - twice.
I loved taking him to the Baby & Me tea that our church puts on... what a great opportunity to let others love on your baby while you get pampered!
I loved watching him giggle and coo as his cousins played with him Saturday night.
I loved carrying him to the front of the church this morning - with my husband by my side - and acknowledging that this precious gift we've been given is really not ours, but HIS... and that we are dedicating our lives to raise this beautiful boy in honor of Him.
What an amazing responsibility we as parents have been given!

and so... Mack... may you know that you are loved, you are cherished, and that you sweet, sweet boy - you are a gift that we are blessed to call ours.
Grow strong beautiful boy.
Grow to love Jesus.
Grow to see that you make a difference - in all of our lives.
Grow, grow, grow - and bloom wherever you are planted!

My Last Day With You

Sometimes I wonder just what I would do
If I found out today was my last day with you
When you pull me from bed before the first morning light
Would I groan "Go away, it's the middle of the night
Or would I toss back the covers, and when my feet hit the floor
Say, "Hey it's a new day - let's go explore."

When you want so badly to do it yourself
But somehow it slips through your hands from the shelf
Rather than scold would it take you by surprise
If I said "I did that too when I was your size?"

When laundry and dishes are piling sky high
Would I see you as a nuisance to be pushed aside?
Or would I find a kind way to tell you the truth:
"There are some things each day that we don't like to do
but I'd much rather out swinging with you."

I wonder at night when I tuck you in bed
With the weight of the day pressing in my head
If you were to plead "Just one story more?"
Would I say "No, that's it" and then close the door?
Would I sigh with relief that your day was now through
If this really were my last day with you?

or...

Would I pause in the hallway just outside your door
and know that I just had to see you once more?
And as you lay sleeping I would lay by your side
And take your small hand gently in mine.
With tears I would pray you knew how much I cared
And thank the dear Lord for the time that we'd shared...

I wish I could say this was all just pretend
But I really must tell you the truth in the end...
My child it breaks my heart, but it's true
Today really was my last day with you.

My last day to know you just as you were
So joyful, precocious, so childlike... so pure.
For tomorrow you won't be the same as today
In each passing moment we change in some way.

And though day to day the changes seem few
Just look at me now, I was once small as you.
There's no turning back on words spoken each day
So I think that I'd like to change in this way
I pray that we might start life anew
And today I will cherish my last day with you.

~ Renee Riva

A trip back in time...

I actually opened murdockcattle.blogspot.com yesterday and sighed with disappointment.
Why hasn't that freckled, loved, blessed girl posted?
What could possibly be more important than Bales & Tails?
Doesn't she know that I need to read her post just to make it through the day?
Why can't she type out a sentence or two and leave it at that?
I know she has plenty to post about... seriously... there is never a dull moment.

This may sound pathetic, but I actually read my own postings - over, and over, and over. They remind me of where I've been, where I want to go, and how to stay focused & calm along the way.
They make me smile when I'm frustrated.
They make me really enjoy and give thanks for my life.
I can wish and wish for someone else's great life - their terrific house, their amazing family, their dream job... or I can read about mine and smile - knowing that my life is just as important, just as great, just as necessary as anyone else's. Hmmm... now isn't that a thought.

well friends... I do have plenty to post about. Plenty has happened this week.
But instead, I'm taking you back.
Back to some posts where this blog became real for me.
Back to a post or two when I experienced freedom through writing.
Back to posts that were written when most of my readers now weren't reading (or maybe they were, and just weren't commenting).
Back to a time when this was new, it was challenging, it was my way of sharing me, my faith, my family, my life.

CHANGE

PRAISE LOUDLY... BLAME SOFTLY

CAPTIVATING

BALANCE

GET YOUR SMILE ON

4 YEARS... AND COUNTING

There are many of you who have just started this adventure called blogging.
You look forward to sharing your life with others.
You smile when something happens that is worth posting about.
Having friends and family encourage you by commenting is a definite highlight.
Stick with it.
You'll look back at the "beginning" and smile.
You'll be thankful - knowing that this tool we are so blessed to have in our lives (seriously wondering how the women on the Oregon Trail survived), this opportunity we have to share our faith, this amazing place where we can go and find peace & rest, this "home away from home" that connects us to each other... our blogs... they are making a difference!

This Boy

I've been sitting in my chair for over an hour.
My thoughts are random... but have a consistent theme.

This boy.

He's 2 years, 9 1/2 months old.
He's mechanical.
He remembers everything.
He watches someone do something once and he has it memorized.
He doesn't watch T.V.
He loves his Richard Scary book where "Goldbug" is hidden somewhere on the page.
He found him easily the first time we read the book.
He says "where are you bug?" each time he looks at a new page - even though he knows exactly where "bug" is.
He saw a semi-truck loaded with heisters at an intersection the other day and said: "look mommy - truck has heisters on back"... "where going mommy?"... "where heisters going?"
Seriously... what 2 year old cares?
He knows exactly where to turn to get to the ranch our cows are at.
He knows exactly which key goes to which vehicle.
He knows exactly what button turns the circle on.
He loves to pretend like he's driving anything that has a steering wheel.
He thinks he knows how to shift gears.
He loves everything about tractors, balers, trucks, bikes, cars, tires, swathers, gators.
He knows exactly what to do to make us mad.
He knows exactly where to go to scare us.
He knows exactly how to smile when we're beyond frustrated.
He knows exactly which way to run when we're chasing him.
He knows exactly what it takes to melt our hearts.

The past few days have been rough.
I don't know if it's me or him. (He's been good for Ian - go figure!?)
I'm exhausted. I'm out of tears.
I don't know if my patience is non-existent or if I'm just expecting too much.
I do know that we love him... and because we do, we're going to try new strategies each and every day until we find something that works.... we're NOT giving up.

I think... actually, I know... one of the reasons I'm struggling with this so much is because I'm a teacher, and tonight after a very long phone call with my dad, I was reminded that I am a good teacher who experiences success with other children each and every day. I am a teacher who uses effective strategies to make bad situations good. I am a teacher who doesn't fly of the handle or burst into tears... I'm pretty calm, I'm patient, I'm always thinking of new techniques to help children learn. I'm a teacher. A teacher who needs to use everything I know that works, and use it with confidence. I need to use it with my son. Why didn't I think of that? Why is it easy for me to teach other children, discipline other children, reward other children... and such a struggle with my own child?

This boy - our oldest son, our sweet, sweet boy... he isn't trying to be bad... he's just being himself.
He is unique.
He is stubborn.
He is strong-willed.
He's ours.
We can't send him back. (...but the thought has crossed my mind.)

God NEVER said that there wouldn't be times of tears, frustration, anger, anxiety, exhaustion, guilt... but He DID say He would be right beside us - EVERY step of the way.... and that He will provide rest, and peace, and joy. Maybe not tomorrow, but someday... hopefully soon.

"We've been handed a piece of history in advance - a gracious gift to send to a time we will not see - and we play the biggest role in how that history will ultimately be recorded."
~ Dr. Tim Kimmel

Wow... this jigsaw puzzle... that is begging to be put together ... with a few extra pieces thrown in and the lid (with the picture of the final product) nowhere to be found... this puzzle called parenting...

it's hard work.
it seems to be impossible.
it takes every ounce of extra energy we have - and then some.
it's going to get easier... it has to.

at 3 months...

~ you've figured out that your hands are attached to you... and that you can make them move.
~ you smile each and every time that your brother talks to you.
~ you suck your thumb, hand & fingers ALL the time.
~ you love laying on the floor or in your crib and watching the world above you change & move.
~ you look like your daddy & like your brother.
~ you coo and talk about all sorts of things with us.
~ you are attempting to grab things.
~ you sleep all night.
~ you haven't rolled over.... but have come close.
~ you love to face forward.
~ you change daily.
~ you are a gift from God!
~ you melt my heart!



Check these out and help me decide which one to get!!

** thank you Kristie for the gift certificate... and thank you Shannon for "capturing" the innocence & beauty of our sweet little Mack! The photos are amazing!

I Believe...

I hadn't realized how much I missed the "I Believe" portion of my Friday morning drive to school until this morning.
Positive Life Radio does this great program where people call in and and finish a sentence beginning with "I Believe..."
It can be simple, it can be spiritual, it can be funny... it's whatever each person wants it to be.
They take all the calls and then play several of them all right in a row.
It's so powerful.
It makes me smile.
It makes me nod my head in agreement.
It makes me think of the things I believe.

So.... in a tribute to my first Friday back at work & my first Friday in a long time that I listened to "I Believe..." - here are some things I believe:

• that each day is a gift - and a day that God has made... I need to rejoice and be glad in it!
• that my husband works too dang much.
• that Mason is going to follow in his daddy's footsteps.
• that being real & vulnerable is a great way to live life... even if it is hard to do.
• that ice cream with friends is the best way to end a crazy day.
• that reading books on parenting doesn't help as much as a visit with other moms who are going through the same thing.
• that losing one earring in a set is worse than losing both.
• that laundry is never done... but is sure is nice to have a washer & a dryer.
• that it's ok to not be perfect.
• that it's ok to say no.
• that life without friends is boring.
• that wisdom and advice from older women is essential in my life.
• that I've never going to find my case for my glasses.
• that Mack is going to be the toughest little brother around.
• that cornbread and chili is "what's for dinner?" tonight.
• that paint is better than wallpaper.
• that helping a child read is the most amazing part of my job.
• that email is wonderful, but a letter in the mailbox is even better.
• that I thrive off of chaos... and even when I try to avoid it... it's always there.
• that I am short and cranky with my husband too often.
• that I love the man I married and look forward to growing old with him.
• that my M&M boys are my pride & joy.
• that the friendships I've made through "blog world" are priceless.
• that God can do anything in my life that He wants - even if it's not what I want.
• that phone calls from friends make me smile.
• that unexpected emails from friends (thanks Kelli & KayDee) are awesome.
• that I have a lot to learn still... and because I'm not in control of my future I need to make the most of each & every day ... even the bad ones.
• that my prayer journal is powerful.
• that my words and my actions speak loudly.
• that a cup of Russian/friendship tea, a piece of pumpkin bread & a good magazine are going to be a priority tomorrow morning.
• that the book of James is one of my favorites.... loving this right now!
• that I'm freckled, busy, loved, blessed... and happy that today is Friday.

Right Now...

My feet are tired.
My eyes are heavy.
My hands are still.
My heart is beating - slow and steady.

Is it really Wednesday?
How can a week seem to be flying by... but looking at a calendar makes it freeze completely?

I'm wishing I had great things to post about.
I'm wishing I had a picture or two to share.
I'm wishing that the spin cycle of life wasn't spinning so fast.

The routine/schedule is coming along - at work and at home.
The boys have adjusted well.
Mason loves going to Deb's ... as long as Mack gets to go too.
I've been to work on time 3 days in a row.
Ian actually remembered his dentist appointment this morning & he started the dishwasher tonight - HUGE in my book!
Mack is sleeping all night still... praying that continues.
The house is not clean, but I'm fine with that.
The newspapers haven't been read for 4 days - sorry George.
The fruit flies are loving the almost rotten bananas on the kitchen counter, and seem to have taken over the house completely.

The bathtub was a welcoming place for me tonight.
A place for me to sit.
A place for me to close my eyes.
A place for me to think & hope & wish.
A place for me to pray.
A place for me to cry.
A place for me to realize that I'm going to make it... we're going to make it.
The schedules are going to fall into place.
The "to-do" list is going to shrink.
The flies are going to die.
... and the blessings in my life are going to continue to pour from the sky.

so tonight, as I climb into bed and lay my head down on a soft pile of pillows, I'm going to think of this and welcome Thursday with a smile:

The World According to Mister Rogers
"Some days, doing "the best we can" may still fall short of what we would like to be able to do, but life isn't perfect - on any front - and doing what we can with what we have is the most we should expect of ourselves or anyone else."

Flowers

Why do flowers just seem to make everything better?

Why does their smell take my breath away?

Why don't I buy fresh flowers more often?

My sister sent me these:

They're beautiful. They're my happiness. They're a gift I'm treasuring.

Thank you Kirsten for the gift.

For the reminder to take time & smell the roses.

For the love that I feel each time I sit down at my desk.

I LOVE THEM!!

October 1

The Welcome Mat with Rocky Raccoon greeted me with a smile today.

My home away from home hadn't changed much.
~Piles of papers and catalogs.
~Phone calls from my favorite IT guys.
~Monday morning Leadership meeting.
~Keyboarding with 3rd graders.
~A huge amount of emails to read/save/or just delete.
~Pictures of my boys.
~The "Patience angel" sitting next to my computer that I've come to rely on.
~My Library Boss name plate covering the Teacher of The Year award I once received.
~Children - wonderful children that I have the privilege of teaching.
~Smiles.
~Sighs.
~Hugs.
~Joy.

The day was overwhelming, but refreshing. Is that possible?
Emails from Neely, Misty, Brooke & Billie, a phone call from Ronda, a hug from Cindy, an IM from Michelle, an amazing work of art from Becky, flowers from Kirsten, a visit with BJ... all those things... and all of your thoughts and prayers made October 1, 2007 a great "first day of school."

and now...
I've just finished my milkshake from McDonald's.
The diaper bag is packed and sitting by the front door.
The gallon bucket full of strawberries I just picked is waiting to be washed.
Dinner is in the oven.
Mason is helping Ian "fix" something.
Mack is playing on his little mat on the floor.
The laundry is about done.
My prayer journal just got highlighted and starred.
October 1 - a success.

and so it goes... life in the working world once again.