If Life Were A Movie...

...which movie would I want to live in? That's the question for today's Friend Makin' Monday.

After a few minutes of thinking through my favorites, my answer is "A Walk In The Clouds." Keanu Reeves as an earnest, honorable man. A gorgeous vineyard. A close family. Keanu Reeves. Fantastic house. And...Keanu Reeves. The film is beautifully shot, and the story is a good one. I'll say no more if you haven't seen the film.

I'd love to raise a family with relatives close by in such an earthy setting, working together to produce our livelihood. A simple but meaningful life filled with fresh air. good food. tradition.

THAT Family Moment: Observant Kids

To help celebrate We are THAT Family's 2nd Blogoversary, I'm going to share a story. Long sigh. Not an easy one to share, but in the spirit of transparency, I will open the vault to show how we are THAT family too.

We are a talkative family and encourage our children to ask us questions/discuss things/etc. I am working on helping them understand the appropriate time to do those things and to consider someone's feelings before blurting out their thoughts. Now how to explain sparing Mommy's feelings and also not humiliating her in public???

The children (I had two at the time, ages 3 & 5) and I were shopping at a thrift store for Halloween costumes. A heavyset lady with a walker and leg braces commented on how adorable the children were as we walked by, and I proudly thanked her. Beaming. So delighted at the acknowledgment of my cute kids. I could see the curiosity on my daughter's face and answered her question before she asked, that the walker and braces helped support her and enable her to walk. And added that we should have compassion for people who struggle physically. As we made our way down another aisle, my daughter's eyes followed the slow progress of the lady with the walker. Did I mention that the lady was heavyset? With a sweet voice ringing with sincerity and her attempt to show compassion and understanding, my little darling said, "Mommy, your hiney is as big as hers!" My head whipped around as I loudly exclaimed, "It is NOT!" Trying to regain calm, I ushered us out of the store and grilled my little girl on the drive home. "Do you think this person's hiney is big (inserting various friends' names)???" And then tried to reason with my daughter about accurate comparisons and scale. Because I am a Momma fully in control of my emotions and utterly secure with my post-baby body!!!

Thankful.

Last night I read an article about the difference a grateful attitude makes, and I realized that I have not been focusing on the things I appreciate in my life.  Nope.  Too often, the ‘woe is me’ fog settles over me, blocking my vision of everything else but the immediate problem or circumstance.  Fog can be romantic when viewed from a distance and from an advantageous height, but it can be debilitating when you are caught in the midst of it.So I choose to ascend the ladder of gratitude by focusing on what I am thankful for: 

Sweet Butterfly, my firstborn, my treasure, gifted in so many ways, the motherhood adventure started with you                             QB, my hero with a tender heart, always concerned for others, especially your sister & brother   This Little Man with such a big personality has us all wrapped around his finger (shh, don’t tell him!), so affectionate & delightful                 This plant has the simple posture of praise, reaching towards the One Who created it, basking in His Light.                                       I cannot forget the One Who brought me out of the prison of Darkness.  Sorrow. Torment. Hopelessness. Into the light of Freedom.  Peace. Joy.  Hope. Lots of Hope.   Even when darkness looms and the clouds threaten to obscure the light, His Light pierces through, penetrates the darkness.And the amazing thing is, when it grows darker, the Light becomes more visible. 

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."           John 8:12

For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.                  2 Corinthians 4:6                                         

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
       be pleasing in your sight,
       O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.  Psalm 19:14

A Place of My Own – Work In Progress

The lighting is all crazy in the photo, but I wanted to give a quick glimpse into the makings of my cozy corner.  I even left a pile of papers on the floor, oh my, and the ragged edges of the curtain (also a work in progress) show in order to be more real.   Smile.  The reveal will be all the more dramatic because of the current mess.  Ok, back to work!  I hope to show the finished spot later today.  Hurray!

A Place of My Own

Wendy at The Shabby Nest had a wonderful post about creating a place for yourself, to unwind, be inspired, daydream, etc. The bathtub used to be that place for me in previous homes when there were multiple bathrooms and deep tubs to relax in. But I haven't had "my space" for about two years...until today! Inspired by her post and desperately longing for a spot of my own, I hauled my gorgeous freecycled dark wood table that was buried under boxes in the dining room (we're still unpacking) and created a cozy nook in the living room.

This corner contains several of my treasures: a vintage picnic basket, a tray with my oldest tea set, some candles, my correspondence box and the softest white blanket hugging the back of the leather chair. Pictures to come.

I am so pleased and soothed inside. Haven't been able to write much in recent days due to inner turmoil. So much going on. But now I have a feminine spot. To unwind in and to process. To have a cup of tea and to read. My Bible, which I have not been as faithful in reading, which will really help bring comfort and peace. To write, something that is so necessary to me. To create, which brings such delight. And to hold my precious ones. Moments spent with my arms wrapped around them are some of the sweetest in my life.

Friend Making Monday: What Makes You Happy?

Amber hosts Friend Making Mondays and posts a different question every week. This week’s question is, “What makes you happy?”

My Children The OceanFlowers Reminders of God’s Faithfulness (see the rainbow effect & bird by the sun) Pumpkins & Making Things

Also, spending time with close friends, a great cup of coffee, answered prayer, rainy days, a good book, taking pictures, meeting a goal, putting together gift baskets, being with my family and working through communication challenges. These are some of the things that make me happy. What about you? Join the party and make some new friends in the process!

I Apologize...

...if I'm driving any of you as crazy as I am driving myself with the various new looks I'm trying out for this blog. This will be settled very soon. Promise. Until the next time I get bored and need a change (smile,) which won't be for at least a few months. I think.