Day 33 ~ Simply, I Am Blessed

Without a doubt, I am blessed.  


My week has been less than spectacular.  I've had a cold that has dragged on, missed a day of work, got very little accomplished around the house.  And then today I was just starting to get back in the swing of things when the kids became very noisy, my head began throbbing and a virtually new computer purchased for Greg was no longer functioning.  Suffice to say that little human hands had been all over that computer.  I was crying, yelling, scolding and then found myself at the desk here attempting to address a graduation card.  I glanced up and saw the Facebook page open and read a few posts here and there.  I became even more irritated as I read about the successes and joys that friends were experiencing.   I admit, I should have taken pleasure in well, other people's pleasures, but not today.   Instead I began contemplating deleting my Facebook account so I wouldn't have to read about other people's good days and be left feeling bad about my less than good ones.  


So I expressed what I was feeling and this is what I wrote: I find Facebook to be such a downer at times. I really enjoy reading about others' experiences, but it can be a huge waste of time and I often come away feeling others have it more together and are just better at everything. So all in all it's probably not a good relationship. I think maybe it's time for an intervention.


And almost immediately family and friends came to my rescue.  I was reminded of all the blessings I have and not to take things posted so seriously.  Which, I of course, already knew.  But sometimes we must be reminded of even the simplest of things.    


So I'm thankful for the MANY comments!  It's nice to know that someone out there really is listening, or in this case, reading!  And that you cared enough to respond and not allow me to participate in my pity party for much longer.  True friends will be there when you're even a little bit down, confront you with reality when needed, call you on the phone, make you laugh and even offer chocolate!  So thanks again ~ I'll hang on to you guys, on Facebook and in the real world! 


So, as I was saying . . . I am blessed!  With so many tender mercies, too plentiful to number!  Here are just a few, in pictures . . .

Last month Lindsay and I spent a weekend visiting friends in Kansas City and went to the Princess Diana exhibit at Union Station.  This was the only picture we were allowed to take.  It was a replica of the cake from her wedding to Prince Charles. 

The next day we had lunch at the Plaza in downtown KC.  Very lovely.  We chose Cheesecake Factory for lunch.

Lindsay was becoming impatient waiting for our meal.

But she thoroughly enjoyed it when it finally arrived!

Here are a couple more candid shots taken with my phone:  Thomas after Tae Kwon Do

and Todd showing off his Sunday best

and last, but not least, a couple from Mark in New York

Another Vacation Gone!

I am so sad when it's time to come home from a vacation. I literally get choked up a little. I guess because so much effort goes into the planning and then you're actually going ~ and before you know it ~ it's over, all too quickly!

Why just a week ago today, we were on our way, the horrible task of packing behind us. So much to look forward to - relaxing, spending precious time as a family, for me ~ actually having time to start and finish a book.

So today, as I was preparing to leave ~ I was standing on the balcony of our bedroom, looking out over the rolling hills, enjoying the light breeze and wondering where the week had gone ~ I said a little prayer that my mood would lighten and that I would focus on the positive.

So even though I'm sad that the vacation is over, I'm so grateful that we had the opportunity to get away for a while. I'm thankful for being able to sit in the sunshine and watch my kids splash in the pool. I loved the sounds of the water cascading in the pool. I loved watching the kids ride the jet ski on Table Rock Lake. That evening, the water was so calm and still and was as a sheet of glass as the teenagers attempted to get up on their skis.

I truly relished the chance to delve into a good book and catch up on the adventures of Edward and Jacob. In my opinion, Bella deserves neither of them ~ I'm just saying.

And strolling down the avenue at Branson Landing, watching Garrett jump in the puddles as the rain continued to lightly tap the bricks; peeking in the shops; purchasing some salt water taffy at the candy store. Then taking in the lights and fountain playing in tandem to the music. Viewing the fog as it hovered over the lake near the boardwalk. All of those things, though simple, brought just a touch of happiness and serenity.

A night out with Michael, though the buffet was really awful, but just some time alone while the big kids and their friends took the little ones out for a game of putt-putt.

Then last night, laying with Garrett, as he fought sleep and pressed his little hand into mine and asked me to stay with him. I was already dreading coming home, but that little hand comforted me as I knew it would be coming home with me also.

It always takes me a while to get back in the swing of things. Back to the ho hum and hum drum. That's what makes it so very hard. Last week I has all these plans - nothing really big or special, just different; and now WHAT? Only time will tell, until then ~ I have some awesome memories!