There Is Always Time

Fa, la, la, la, la, la, la, la…la….

  

This is a busy week as finals get closer for our oldest son and scouts and band concerts for our youngest son and deadlines approach for my husband and the holiday “to do” list marches on for me.  The crunch is being felt.  The heat is on.  The calendar is filled to the m.a.x.  OMG.  I might need to sit down.  It is busy to say the least.

But.

There is still time to make cookies and wrap gifts and have coffee with friends and take a hot bath and read a good book and fold the never ending laundry (I mention laundry a lot I’ve noticed) and listen to the radio and hang more twinkle lights (you can never have enough) and chat on the phone with family and address holiday cards with hot tea and watch your favorite movie and simmer cider on the stove and hug your children and attend soccer games and sleep in late and shovel the neighbor’s sidewalk and take a nap, and…..

There is always time.

It’s a choice however how we use the hours in our day.

Some prefer to stay in the majority of the time and enjoy the fireplace and movies.  Others love to be out in the hustle and bustle of the holiday with parties and shopping.

I enjoy both and feel that if you want to do it, you will find a way to do it.  You will make time to do what fills your heart. 

There is always time.

It’s how we choose to use the time that matters.

I hope you will find a few minutes today to do something that fills you up with joy and sweet happiness. There is always time, so choose to use some of the minutes in your day to enjoy the gift that they are. 

Fa, la, la, la, la…

there is always time...

Sprinkles of Laughter and a Dash of Snow

The last two days have been lovely.  Just lovely.   The boys each had friends over so the house was filled with nine young men for the better part of the weekend and 4AM sprinkles of laughter, popcorn on the floor and Doritos crumbs spread about, but fun was had by all.  We woke up on Sunday morning to a dash of snow and cold temperatures, but with the electric blankets dialed up to their highest setting, everyone was cozy and warm.  

The laundry is waiting ever so patiently, as I’ve decided that wearing your socks twice in a row is now the new “in” fashion statement (no, not really, but it’s an idea isn’t it?).  Dishes are piled up while the dishwasher finishes its 2nd run for the morning, yes, I know it’s a lot of dishes, but sometimes it just happens that way.   The beds are still unmade and as I type this, two of our three cats are nestled at my feet purring furiously in hopes of me staying put.   I’m easing into this Monday morning and while I have to teach 5th grade for a few hours this afternoon, I’m not in a rush.  I’m enjoying my cup of chai tea and catching up on a little reading to start my morning off right.  Deep breath in, deep breath out.  

The chores are always there. Always. 

Sometimes, you have to take the minutes when they come and enjoy them.  Gazing out the window or reading a chapter in your book or opening all the blinds in the house to let the sunshine fall across the floor.  It’s in these moments that I find a sense of calm and can direct my compass in the right direction.

I hope today you will allow yourself to enjoy the sprinkles of laughter as they come into your day and I am more than happy to share our dash of snow with you as well.

Take notice of the little things that come about in your day today…

            the birds sitting on the light post while you’re at the stoplight

            the crunch of snow under your feet as you walk into the house

            the smell of cinnamon that wafts from the candle glowing brightly

            the sound the sheets make when you “whip” them onto the bed

            the feel of the scarf you select to wrap yourself in to keep you warm

All these things together add up to the big picture of life, so don’t miss out on their importance in your day and the little sprinkle of laughter they might offer.

            

A Weekend Reminder

Friday has come quickly this week for some reason.  I know the time passes the same each day, but wasn’t it just Monday?  I know it was.  December is a busy month, as I’m sure it is for everyone.  Birthdays, shopping, holiday baking, get-togethers, finals, and so many other things are vying for space on the calendar and it can become overwhelming at times.  I know.  I feel it every now and again just like you do.

With the weekend trying to sneak into the early hours of Friday, I hope you will take a few minutes to slow down and take a few deep breaths (even if it’s while you’re standing in line to buy toothpaste). 

There are many expectations and obligations that come during this month and they can grab hold of our patience, our kind words, and our overall attitude and squeeze the very life out of us.  It requires effort to stay centered and focus on the positive.  Real effort some days. 

So, for those moments when you feel like the wind has been knocked out of you or the kids are too loud, or the mail is piling up and you want to crawl back in bed; here are a few suggestions to breathe deeply….

….take a walk around the block

five minutes and fresh air can do wonders

….light a few candles (even if they are your emergency “the power is out” ones)

            having soft lighting in the room will ease your mind

….turn the radio on your favorite station and crank it up

            singing aloud for a few minutes and tapping your toes will lift your spirits

….sit down and eat a nice lunch

            eating on the go or while multi-tasking robs yourself of a few minutes to slow down

Here’s to a wonderful weekend of deep breathing and taking each moment of this month as it comes without worry or stress.

Twelve

They say the older you get the faster time flies.   I know this to be true.  Twelve years ago, I don’t know how it’s even possible, but it is, our little guy came into this world and made our family of three a family of four (my favorite number).  It was a sunshine filled Wednesday morning and we drove to the hospital for our scheduled c-section (he was a stubborn little breech boy and wasn’t going to move - we tried).  

Everything went smoothly and a few hours later, he was here and tiny and cute as ever. From that day forward, he has filled our hearts with pride, joy and much laughter, yes lots of laughter.  He has a sense of humor with a side of sarcasm and is an amazing student with an eye for science and math.  He’s working on earning his eagle scout badge and hasn’t let up on it and wants to earn it in the next two years.   He has determination and never gives up, even if the frustration sets in, he keeps on going.  We’re so proud of the young man he’s becoming and can’t wait to see where he’ll go. 

Happy Birthday my little guy.  Love you to pieces.

 

Twelve Years Old Today

A Peek Into Saturday

 A peek into my corner of the world today….

no alarm clock (a treat for all of us)

breakfast in bed

boys and their friends laughing in the family room

a late lunch together

shopping for a few birthday gifts

a cat nap with the music on (with three cats beside me)

a diet coke and a bowl of popcorn

pinning on pinterest for a bit

reading for inspiration

candles flickering beside me