Saturday May 7, 2011 Blessing #365
I have been procrastinating. I just can't believe I've arrived at 365 blessings-and I'm sad to close a chapter. There were several times during this year when I wished I hadn't taken this on. It isn't like I'm a Mom with nothing to do--I mean, this wasn't about filling time. I work full time, I have 3 kids, and I am on a tireless quest to be the best at everything. I just started a 2nd job. So, I really didn't have time for a new project--but, I think this was my response to my most recent trip to Haiti.
After my first trip in 2007, I developed an entirely new relationship with food. I lost the ability to overeat. The reaction manifested before I really understood what was happening, but in retrospect I think I get it. I just felt that if I have access to health care and education-so that I know what my body needs and I can get it seen about when I'm sick, there is not excuse for me to have an unhealthy relationship with food. The Haitians I worked with would love to know more about taking good care of themselves. The least I can do is that put that knowledge to use!
So, after this last trip, I came home with an acute sense of just how good I've got it. I knew that I needed to keep that awareness, even as I was swept back up in a busy lifestyle of excess. This exercise--noticing and documenting a blessing everyday--was designed to help me do just that. And now, I am at the end of my year--and here's what I can report:
1. It was much easier to find blessings than I thought--even on the bad days. Without this exercise, I wouldn't have noticed them, so I'm thankful to have developed this habit.
2. This exercise fundamentally changed my approach to negative situations. Instead of looking for something to complain about, or someone to blame--I forced myself to look for the positive in traffic jams, debt issues, and confrontations.
3. This promoted fabulous conversations with my children-and they became my cheer leaders. "Mom, did you type your blessing today?" It has been good that I have modeled the discipline of thankfulness for them.
Those are the top 3--I could go on. So, I did it--and I'm proud that I saw it through. Completing this exercise is my blessing for today. I am a better person for it! Now, go count YOUR blessings. :-)
Monday, May 16, 2011
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Kids' Day
Thursday May 5, 2011 Blessing #363
Henslee was up right at 6:30 this morning. It makes it tough, because that is when I am supposed to be waking Chip and Katie and getting breakfast and lunches ready. (Trey is gone at 6:30 everyday) Anyhow, I am lucky, because Chip is old enough to help. I summoned him to Henslee's room to ask him to fix cereal since I was nursing--he took one look at me, and before I had time to say a word said, "Mom, you've got big dark bags under you eyes!" I was feeling rough-and sure enough when I looked in the mirror later I had major raccoon action going on.
Yes, I'm tired--I'm also broke, frustrated with my never ending to do list, anxious about leaving Henslee to go back to work, and desperate for time alone with my Husband. But I wouldn't trade any of it-I love being a Mom, and I've just learned that the dark bags under my eyes are just part of it!
Friday, May 6, 2011 Blessing #364
This morning I was sitting at breakfast with Chip and Katie, and they were telling me all about what I could expect to get for Mothers' Day. It was so cute--they were beaming with pride over the Mom themed crafts they were working on at school. So, it came time to give pre-bus hugs. Katie, as she pulled out of my embrace, looked up at me and matter of factly said, "Mommy, I know what I'm going to ask for on Kids' Day. When is it?" I laughed back at her and said, "Honey, Kids' day is EVERYDAY! And with it you get everything you need, but no presents!" I can remember a similar conversation with a 4 or 5 year old Chip-we had celebrated Mothers' Day then Fathers' Day-so he figured it perfectly reasonable to ask when Kids' Day was coming. My children are hilarious! And thank heaven that when I am all worked up about getting the clothes washed, the bookbags ready, and/or the kitchen the clean-they say something and remind me how precious it is to look at the world through their eyes.
Henslee was up right at 6:30 this morning. It makes it tough, because that is when I am supposed to be waking Chip and Katie and getting breakfast and lunches ready. (Trey is gone at 6:30 everyday) Anyhow, I am lucky, because Chip is old enough to help. I summoned him to Henslee's room to ask him to fix cereal since I was nursing--he took one look at me, and before I had time to say a word said, "Mom, you've got big dark bags under you eyes!" I was feeling rough-and sure enough when I looked in the mirror later I had major raccoon action going on.
Yes, I'm tired--I'm also broke, frustrated with my never ending to do list, anxious about leaving Henslee to go back to work, and desperate for time alone with my Husband. But I wouldn't trade any of it-I love being a Mom, and I've just learned that the dark bags under my eyes are just part of it!
Friday, May 6, 2011 Blessing #364
This morning I was sitting at breakfast with Chip and Katie, and they were telling me all about what I could expect to get for Mothers' Day. It was so cute--they were beaming with pride over the Mom themed crafts they were working on at school. So, it came time to give pre-bus hugs. Katie, as she pulled out of my embrace, looked up at me and matter of factly said, "Mommy, I know what I'm going to ask for on Kids' Day. When is it?" I laughed back at her and said, "Honey, Kids' day is EVERYDAY! And with it you get everything you need, but no presents!" I can remember a similar conversation with a 4 or 5 year old Chip-we had celebrated Mothers' Day then Fathers' Day-so he figured it perfectly reasonable to ask when Kids' Day was coming. My children are hilarious! And thank heaven that when I am all worked up about getting the clothes washed, the bookbags ready, and/or the kitchen the clean-they say something and remind me how precious it is to look at the world through their eyes.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
I am One Person
Wednesday May 4, 2011 Blessing #362
Henslee had her 2 month check up today--she is doing fabulously! She is longest of the 3 kids at this age--and as tall as they are now, I wonder if she will be even taller. I hope so. I'm tall, and I remember being self conscious about it; but now I would give anything for another 2 inches!
She got a ton of vaccines this morning. She wasn't pleased (understatement), but I am so thankful to have access to preventative care--having been in Haiti and seen children sick and dying from completely preventable illnesses, I know that vaccinations are a blessing and a major victory for science.
Tonight, I took Henslee and Katie to Snapshots--it is a series of monologues by the Advanced Acting Class at Athens Academy-and this year at the end there was a one woman show written and performed by Anne Lanier Gilbert.
Anne Lanier, a senior, is the current president of the Interact Club which I sponsor. Last year, she was one of 6 students who accompanied me to Terrier Rouge, Haiti just 2 months after the country was ravaged by an earthquake. She is a bright, beautiful, gifted girl--but even so, I was shocked by her response to that trip. She came home called to action and was completely undeterred by her age or inexperience. She set about organizing the Stop Hunger Now event on our campus, fund raising for earthquake victims, and planning this one woman show to increase awareness about poverty in Haiti. She went back to Haiti in December to take photos and do more research for her project, which she titled One Person.
It was just 20 minutes--she had beautiful photos and several heart felt monologues. I sat in the back (rocking back and forth with Henslee in the Moby Wrap) and cried as she described the sweet, strong spirit of the Haitians. She spoke of the way the children share their only meal of the day with one another--how the children are so happy with so little. She talked about the contrast between Haitian children and American children--our children worry over the brand of blue jeans they wear and the Haitian children smile through their hunger. At the end, she called others to service. She said, "I am Anne Lanier Gilbert, and I am just One Person. But together we can be many people working for Haiti."
What a young lady! And what a testament to the miracle of visiting Haiti. You go to minister, but the real magic happens inside of you.
Henslee had her 2 month check up today--she is doing fabulously! She is longest of the 3 kids at this age--and as tall as they are now, I wonder if she will be even taller. I hope so. I'm tall, and I remember being self conscious about it; but now I would give anything for another 2 inches!
She got a ton of vaccines this morning. She wasn't pleased (understatement), but I am so thankful to have access to preventative care--having been in Haiti and seen children sick and dying from completely preventable illnesses, I know that vaccinations are a blessing and a major victory for science.
Tonight, I took Henslee and Katie to Snapshots--it is a series of monologues by the Advanced Acting Class at Athens Academy-and this year at the end there was a one woman show written and performed by Anne Lanier Gilbert.
Anne Lanier, a senior, is the current president of the Interact Club which I sponsor. Last year, she was one of 6 students who accompanied me to Terrier Rouge, Haiti just 2 months after the country was ravaged by an earthquake. She is a bright, beautiful, gifted girl--but even so, I was shocked by her response to that trip. She came home called to action and was completely undeterred by her age or inexperience. She set about organizing the Stop Hunger Now event on our campus, fund raising for earthquake victims, and planning this one woman show to increase awareness about poverty in Haiti. She went back to Haiti in December to take photos and do more research for her project, which she titled One Person.
It was just 20 minutes--she had beautiful photos and several heart felt monologues. I sat in the back (rocking back and forth with Henslee in the Moby Wrap) and cried as she described the sweet, strong spirit of the Haitians. She spoke of the way the children share their only meal of the day with one another--how the children are so happy with so little. She talked about the contrast between Haitian children and American children--our children worry over the brand of blue jeans they wear and the Haitian children smile through their hunger. At the end, she called others to service. She said, "I am Anne Lanier Gilbert, and I am just One Person. But together we can be many people working for Haiti."
What a young lady! And what a testament to the miracle of visiting Haiti. You go to minister, but the real magic happens inside of you.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Heartache and Potty Habits of the Supernatural
Monday May 2, 2011 Blessing #360
I am anxious about leaving Henslee in June, so anxious that I didn't sleep well the last 2 nights. I know that plenty of working mothers will have no patience with this-I mean she will be 3 months old, and I will be away from her just 1/2 days for 3 weeks. Plenty of mothers bypass breast feeding all together and have to put their babies in day care at 6 weeks of age.
Still, there is nothing like the feeling of being right HERE and able to respond immediately to Henslee. I love to feed her, to talk with her (she is quite the conversationalist!), to nuzzle her baby peach fuzz, and to luxuriate in motherhood while she naps on my chest. My heart aches thinking about any separation from her!
So, the best cure for this anxiety is to acknowledge just how great I've got it. I am so grateful for this special time with Henslee. I am blessed with a happy, healthy baby--and I am a happy, healthy mother. I need to get better at not sweating the small stuff.
Tuesday May 3, 2011 Blessing #361
As Katie was headed out to catch the bus this morning, she piped up with, "Mom, does God go to the bathroom?" Just then, the bus rounded the corner and she rushed outside. I never got to answer, but I am still laughing about it. This time of year folks are struggling to make sense of the Resurection and Transfiguration. Katie just wants to understand God's need for Elimination.
She is hilarious,bright, and inquisitive--and I love being surprised by what she says! What a blessing she is.
I am anxious about leaving Henslee in June, so anxious that I didn't sleep well the last 2 nights. I know that plenty of working mothers will have no patience with this-I mean she will be 3 months old, and I will be away from her just 1/2 days for 3 weeks. Plenty of mothers bypass breast feeding all together and have to put their babies in day care at 6 weeks of age.
Still, there is nothing like the feeling of being right HERE and able to respond immediately to Henslee. I love to feed her, to talk with her (she is quite the conversationalist!), to nuzzle her baby peach fuzz, and to luxuriate in motherhood while she naps on my chest. My heart aches thinking about any separation from her!
So, the best cure for this anxiety is to acknowledge just how great I've got it. I am so grateful for this special time with Henslee. I am blessed with a happy, healthy baby--and I am a happy, healthy mother. I need to get better at not sweating the small stuff.
Tuesday May 3, 2011 Blessing #361
As Katie was headed out to catch the bus this morning, she piped up with, "Mom, does God go to the bathroom?" Just then, the bus rounded the corner and she rushed outside. I never got to answer, but I am still laughing about it. This time of year folks are struggling to make sense of the Resurection and Transfiguration. Katie just wants to understand God's need for Elimination.
She is hilarious,bright, and inquisitive--and I love being surprised by what she says! What a blessing she is.
Monday, May 2, 2011
2 Months of Blessings
Sunday May 1, 2011 Blessing #359
Henslee is 2 months old today. Where does the time go? It was busy day--we started with Sunday School and church then headed out to lunch. Next we had to get Katie ready for birthday party (of course this required a lat minute trip to Walmart). While Trey took her (Thank God for him) Chip, Henslee and I headed out to exercise. Finally, my substitute teacher, Ashley (and Thank God for her--I mean I am not even worried about my students so I'm just enjoying my baby!), came over so we could start planning for final exams. Trey made spaghetti (again, Wow!) we enjoyed a great meal and then Ashley and I got to work. After nursing Henslee and tucking the last child in, I finally settled into bed. It was then that I realized that we had reached the 2 month mark with Henslee. What a fabulous 2 months--and how thankful I am to have a happy healthy baby and a wonderful home full of Love to raise her in!
Henslee is 2 months old today. Where does the time go? It was busy day--we started with Sunday School and church then headed out to lunch. Next we had to get Katie ready for birthday party (of course this required a lat minute trip to Walmart). While Trey took her (Thank God for him) Chip, Henslee and I headed out to exercise. Finally, my substitute teacher, Ashley (and Thank God for her--I mean I am not even worried about my students so I'm just enjoying my baby!), came over so we could start planning for final exams. Trey made spaghetti (again, Wow!) we enjoyed a great meal and then Ashley and I got to work. After nursing Henslee and tucking the last child in, I finally settled into bed. It was then that I realized that we had reached the 2 month mark with Henslee. What a fabulous 2 months--and how thankful I am to have a happy healthy baby and a wonderful home full of Love to raise her in!
What is God Made Of?
Saturday April 30, 2011 Blessing # 358
There I was, just relaxing on the couch and nursing my baby. Katie, my 5 year old, climbs up beside me and very matter of factly asks, "Mommy, What is God made of? I mean boys are made of snips and snails and puppy dog tails and girls are made of sugar and spice and everything nice, so what is God made of? What Mommy?" I said what I almost always say in these situations: "What an excellent question, Katie! Let's ask Papa (my Dad the Pastor!)." But, I took a stab at it a few minutes later when I said:
"I believe God is made of Love." She responded with "How do you know Mommy?" "I don't know, Katie, I believe--and I believe it because every time I feel or see love I sense that I am in the presence of God." She said, "Oh, OK!" and bounced off to change into another outlandish outfit and continue being a 5 year old little girl. That was enough for her. She left that interchange completely satisfied.
Today I am thankful for a moment with my daughter I will always remember. I was blessed by her example of child like faith.
There I was, just relaxing on the couch and nursing my baby. Katie, my 5 year old, climbs up beside me and very matter of factly asks, "Mommy, What is God made of? I mean boys are made of snips and snails and puppy dog tails and girls are made of sugar and spice and everything nice, so what is God made of? What Mommy?" I said what I almost always say in these situations: "What an excellent question, Katie! Let's ask Papa (my Dad the Pastor!)." But, I took a stab at it a few minutes later when I said:
"I believe God is made of Love." She responded with "How do you know Mommy?" "I don't know, Katie, I believe--and I believe it because every time I feel or see love I sense that I am in the presence of God." She said, "Oh, OK!" and bounced off to change into another outlandish outfit and continue being a 5 year old little girl. That was enough for her. She left that interchange completely satisfied.
Today I am thankful for a moment with my daughter I will always remember. I was blessed by her example of child like faith.
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