Being a mother...

is one of the hardest, most challenging, aspects of my life.

WARNING: this may be a bit of a whine fest, so if that's not up your alley, you may want to skip over this post!

I love each of my children dearly...but they can sure cut me to the core sometimes. In everything I do, I always try to have my family's best interest at heart. Sometimes I think that annoys my children to no end that I would actually care about their health and well being! Sometimes it feels like a bed and breakfast (w/extra meals and laundry service) around here! I know I went to school for hotel management, but I didn't think I'd be using it in my own home!

I know they are kids and I don't think they intentionally try to hurt my feelings, but I sure wish they would use a 'filter' every once and a while.

If you stuck with me, thanks for reading...maybe my next post will be a little more enlightening!

Ten Things I Know For Sure....

1. I am loved by not only my family, but by my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
2. Even though I've been in them for only (doesn't feel like only!) 3 years, and I have about 9 more to go, I WILL survive the teenage years, all girly 12 of them!
3. I always have the best intentions.
4. I don't always speak my mind, but I always want to.
5. I am a dreamer.
6. I love to look into my husband's eyes, especially when he's talking to me.
7. Laughter might be bad for wrinkles, but it is great for the soul.
8. Being a mother is like no other job in the world!
9. It's always a good idea to be patient, kind and considerate...you never know when someone might really need you to be.
10. Pray...not when all else fails, but BEFORE all else fails...and all else won't fail!

Thanks for reading! ;-)

I Wish: for others to see The Real Me vs just My Mistakes

Whew! I didn't make the "blog every two weeks" goal, but I made it here two times this month, so as far as I am concerned, this is progress!

I have recently been contemplating the real me, versus how I am perceived by others. I would not say I am totally obsessively concerned with what others think of me, I am concerned when others think things of/about me that are not totally accurate. I am in the people business....the little people business. What I do matters to me. I strive to do the best I know how. Sometimes I fail at this goal, but because I fail, it does not mean my intentions were not there and it does not mean that I am okay with the result. When the "real me" is not portrayed, it is very discouraging to me. If my actions need correcting, I believe I should be "held accountable" but I get concerned about whether the "accounter" knows my true intent.

So, my wish is to do my best (which I am already doing), but not be so concerned with what others perceptions are (this is the challenging part!), because in reality...I really have no control over it...right? God knows my real heart...and in that I am comforted.

Much Love!
Michelle

The Big 4-0, or the "anniversary of turning 30"

To all those that have noticed, yes, I failed at my "blog every 2 weeks" challenge. I missed the whole month of February. Which happens to be the birthday month for several who are near and dear to me. Forgive me, I was off celebrating. Several, who had BIG birthdays...you know...the big 4-0 birthday. So, tell me, those who have gone before me (yes, I still qualify to check '35-39' on the survey): what's the big deal about turning 40? Personally, I think age is a number and you are only as old as you feel. Birthdays are good for us! Statistics show, the more we have the longer we live! So, when my turn comes, I think I will choose to ignore the hype and be happy for another day....

Just finished reading The Happiness Project

by Gretchen Rubin. I read the book, not because I want to be happier (because I find myself to be pretty happy already), but because I was interested in what she thought would make one happy. I naturally find happiness in many things (my salvation, my kids, my husband, my friends...and when one of 'my' preschoolers tells me he loves me) but she really made me think about what makes one happy. In my opinion, it was not a page turner, but I did enjoy reading it. If you are interested in a happiness project of your own, visit www.happinessprojecttoolbox.com to read about her suggestions.

here's to being HAPPY!
michelle

The Infamous Bucket List

As my 40th birthday is approaching this year, I have begun to think of things that I have done, wish I hadn't done, and things that I'd still like to do. Some are small tasks that I'd like to complete and some are pretty big deals. So since I am not much for resolutions, here are the Top Ten Things Michelle Wants to Do in Her Lifetime:

1. Organize my stamp collection. I am always trying to perfect this.
2. Blog regularly.
3. Be more creative and funny.
4. Go to Hawaii (I once gave up on this dream, but I'm putting it back on the list!).
5. Own a VW Bug.
6. Live in Manhattan, NY for 1 year.
7. Travel the US with Scott in an RV.
8. Have relationships with my grandchildren.
9. Catch up on my scrapbooks!
10. Walk across the United States.

There ya have it. I'm laying it out there! So, what's on your bucket list?

want a hat and gloves to match the blue in this scarf