One of those happy, blessed days!

Photo from St. Joseph's Peninsula State Park, Port St. Joe, Florida -- America's #1 Beach, 2002

Don't ya love those days ...
when life greets you with a smile ...
when everything goes according to plan ...
when you hear from someone unexpected ...
when you realize the world really is on your side ...
when someone you know apologizes first, and you apologize too, and you don't even remember what you fought about to begin with.
Now I know that not all days are like this,
but when one does come my way
like today ...
I feel so happy and so blessed and so lucky to be alive
so I just want to say
Thank you.

Snow Grateful . . . Ponderings of a Summer Dreamer during Winter

"I am not fond of snow. Cold, wet winds neither exhilarate nor enthuse me. To praise with joy the glory of harsh winter would be -- for me-- to sing a lie. . .

And yet ...
What graceful glory, serenity of silence, as the full fat moon sends tiny beams to reflect on snowflakes resting, like bridal lace, on the arms of great trees. The absolute stillness of mid-winter's eve unites above with below in such perfect symmetry that my heart swells, and I almost cry at the deep beauty, deeper quiet, deepest Oneness of it all. Thank you. . .

"My spirit does not gleefully jump at soggy mittens, wind weepy eyes, cold ears, runny nose, almost frozen fingers and toes, icicles forming in my hair, or leaving my gloves in the car overnight." ~ Elizabeth A. Johnson from Gratitude: A Way of Life by Louise Hays & Friends
And still . . .
Happily I extend heartfelt gratefulness to: chicken soup, fuzzy slippers, woolen mittens, fluffy pajamas I can wear all day, cozy fireplaces, hot cocoa with cream, tankless hot water heaters, my dog fearlessly dodging into snow drifts, my cat purring cozily on my lap, dressing in layers, snow boots, the smiles snowflakes bring to my children's faces, the laughter that sleds and snowballs bring, the sun brightening up the sky and initiating the great thaw.

"**It is not terribly thrilling for me when parts of life are closed or cancelled like school" or dance classes, or grocery stores, Super Bowl parties, neighborhood roads, or the base hospital. And snow. Snow. Shoveling more and more SNOW. And melted snowy footprints upon which my son slips and breaks his elbow when roads and othopedic clinics are closed.
But also . . . I turn to the window and see the neighborhood children laughing and snowboarding and sledding and building igloos. I join in a snowball fight with my children and fall and giggle until my sides ache. My dog slushes through the piles intentionally as if her life-mission is to conquer the snowbanks in her path. The neighbor's lap dog runs circles around her, taunting her, teasing and prancing atop the snow. My children create snow angels. And then . . .

** I am reminded that God loves to smile!

And I smile too. Nothing to do but savor my daughter's joy at catching a snowflake on her tongue, and my sons' thrill at zooming down sled hills at break-neck speed. Freedom. Happiness. Appreciating the moments when real life slows down and we are FREE to laugh and play and just BE. . .

Wishing you all the blessings of Winter and Life as well,
Leisa

All quotes in the above post came from my reading today in Gratitude: A Way of Life ... which inspired me to expand and share my own story of gratitude here. **Quotes from Elizabeth A. Johnson

Magic MOMents

"Every day, God gives us, as well as the sun, a moment when it is possible to change anything that is causing us unhappiness. The magic moment is the moment when a “yes” or a “no” can change our whole existence. Every day, we try to pretend that we do not see that moment, that it does not exist, that today is the same as yesterday and that tomorrow will be the same too. However, anyone who pays close attention to his day will discover the magic moment. It might be hidden in the instant that we put the key in the door in the morning, in the moment of silence after supper, in the thousand and one things that appear to us to be the same. This moment exists, a moment in which all the strength of the stars flows through us and allows us to perform miracles." - Paulo Coelho

There are so many magic moments to discover in Motherhood. I call them MOMents -- the MOMents every mother lives for. . . MOMents that melt our hearts, take our breath away, and warm our souls. . . magic MOMents spent with those little people who mean so much to us. . .

My magic MOMent shown here happened on a day this summer when our weekly preschool nature program was cancelled unexpectedly. We were so excited to show up at the park that day to learn about "Butterflies." When we realized upon arrival the park ranger could not meet with us because of a family emergency, my daughter and I set out to discover Butterflies on our own. Wouldn't you know -- there was not a single butterfly in sight!

Instead, we discovered a beach at the park we had never seen. We met a fisherman who let us peek in his bucket to see his daily catch. We were startled by a stingray (called Skates up here on the Chesapeake, according to our friendly fisherman) jumping along the surface of the water. (My daughter now giggles every time she sees a skate.) We skipped along the beach, wrote in the sand, and stopped for a rest on the most peaceful bridge we could find.

I love how sometimes our favorite memories are the ones created when our plans fall through, when life presents us with a detour that leads to beautiful journey of discovery. . . A magic MOMent indeed.

Keep Calm, Carry On -- Morning Inspiration

My hubby is off flying this week . . . the house needs attention with its mountains of laundry and unfinished projects. . . the kids have state testing in school this week, so they don't need a mom who is stressed out. I was surfing online for a little mommy chill time and ran across these posters.
Funny how the store Keep Calm and Carry On.com popped up on my screen during a Stumble session. The message I need always finds a way to get my attention . . . I'm thankful for early morning direction today.

Keep Calm and Carry On. . . Hmmm, maybe I'll dust off the mountain bike while the kids are in school today.

Blessings to you,

Leisa

MyHomeIdeas Beach House Girls Room Reveal

Our daughter loved her new bedroom . . . as you can see.

MyHomeIdeas Windmark Beach Idea House Big Reveal -- for kids

The MyHomeIdeas.Com Home Giveaway Big Reveal -- Kids' Style.

As you can see. . . our children love the new beach house from MyHomeIdeas . . . Read the full story from MyHomeIdeas here and more from this blog on our Story of a Dream Come True. This scene ends with our daughter running downstairs to find her new bed.

First Sunset at Windmark Beach

Our First Walk on Windmark Beach . . . at Sunset!

Best transportation in town . . . Pops' shoulders.

Our Bernese Mountain Dog, Maggie, can't wait to sample this new terrain.

The sky softly turns to pink as the girls enjoy their beach walk.

These sunsets truly will make you cry. I'm walking here with my parents. My little girl is riding her Grand Pops shoulders again. The boys are waiting for us at the end of the boardwalk.

The kayaks, provided courtesy of Windmark, accentuate the evening landscape.

This Christmas truly was a "Summer Dream" come true! Thank you MyHomeIdeas!

Life Is Good at the Beach House

It's official! Our children LOVED the new beach house! On Christmas morning, they enjoyed a few laughs on the coolest porch swing they ever saw.
The boys call it "gi-normous!" Their sister chimes in, "Yeah, hu-normous!"
They pose here with their new "Life is Good" shirts -- freshly ripped from packages found under the Christmas morning tree. They swing and giggle briefly for the camera before reminding their mother (and Aunt Leisa) that "We're going to the beach, remember. " A couple of minutes and a hundred yard race later, they were there!
Those pictures will follow later, along with our family's elated reactions to our new home and the amazing coastal community of Windmark Beach. Because for now -- after a wonderful Christmas week of living in a Summer Dream, a 17 hour mini-van trek with my delightful husband, three children, and Bernese Mountain dog has delivered me safely home to a "gi-normous, hu-gantic" pile of laundry to explore. All I seek now is R-E-S-T! (Well, ok . . . maybe I can post just one pic of Maggie the Beach dog.)

I do hope your holidays have been wonderful, too. As soon as we dig our way completely out of our sandy suitcases, I promise to post more pictures and stories from what my children have proclaimed was "The Best Christmas EVER!"

Blessings to you,
Leisa

A Thanksgiving List

Photo of the Port St. Joe Sea and Sky, courtesy of VisitFloridaBeaches.com

I was listening to Oprah's Soul Series today on XM Radio. Her guest, Sarah Ban Breathnach, is one of my favorite authors. Her book, Simple Abundance, was life changing for me. After reading it, I began the daily ritual of keeping a gratitude journal --writing down at least five things each day for which I am grateful. Once I began this practice, I found that the only thing difficult about it was limiting the list to just five things each day -- so, of course, I don't limit it. I just allow that gratitude to grow and grow. . .

And you know, this process of daily blessing counting has caused those blessings to multiply exponentially in my life. So today, as we prepare for Thanksgiving, I give thanks for the last few amazing weeks of my life where BIG dreams truly have come true. Also, I wanted to offer a little inspiration of my own to you. Below is an updated version of My Abundant List . . . may it inspire you to make a list of your own today, and

Feel the joy of realizing your own dreams have ALREADY come true!

Make a list today.

A list of things to feel grateful for right now, in this moment.
A list of happy childhood memories you can share with your children.

A list of positive attributes others would use to describe you.

A list of little things in life you will no longer take for granted.

A list of dreams in life that have already come true for you.
A list of moments you won something in life . . .
And a list of moments you learned something valuable instead.

A list of memories that take your breath away.

A list of kindnesses bestowed upon you within the past week, month, or year.

A list of facts the world would be surprised to learn about you.

A list of choices you’ve made that made a difference in your life.

A list of values you hold most dear.

A list of opportunities open to you right now, just waiting to be seized.

A list of qualities your children possess that make your heart sing.
A list of people who have touched your life in such a powerful way that you will always feel their presence.

A list of every moment that made you smile during the past week.

A list of books you think everyone should read.

A list of what you can do today to brighten another person’s life.

A list of the reasons why you fell in love with your husband and . . .

A list of reasons why you love him even more today.

A list of all the people who have ever called you friend.

A list of what you find beautiful in your home.

A list of lessons your children have taught you.

A list of practical items you are grateful to own.

A list of all the things that make you happy right now.

Give thanks for a life so abundant that you were able to make such a list!

Beach Journey

We've spent a lot of time talking about Florida and the beach, lately. So my little girl wanted to hop on a plane and go. I told her we would have to wait a few weeks for that beach, but I happened to know of another one nearby. We arrived at beach parking lot, but all she saw was trees. I told her this was the path that leads to the beach. "Oh Good!" she said, "The leaves will tickle us on the way!"

My daughter marches confidently in the direction of her dream . . .

It's ok to take a break if the journey is long. Enjoy a moment to sit and rest.

Almost there! "Catch me, Mommy!"

"Mommy, I'll draw a story for you in the sand. Can you read it to me?"

"This was the most fun day EVER, Mommy! I LOVE the beach!"

Some Day

A couple of weeks ago, my husband, Rob, and I drove to this waterfront lot on the Chesapeake Bay to dream of "Some Day." I had discovered this treasure a few days earlier and couldn't wait to share its beauty with him. I remember telling him when we arrived, "They say if you are lucky enough to live on the water. You are lucky enough." He agreed. Then I told him, "Someday, we will be this lucky. I don't know how, but someday this dream will come true. You'll see." Then we agreed that this spot along the Chesapeake was beautiful, but our little stretch of beach was going to be in Florida -- some day.

It's amazing how "Some Day" arrives in ways unexpected. My mother used to tell me, "Anything is possible!" And when the teenage girl before her would roll her eyes and respond, "Sure Mom." She would stop me firmly and say, "Think about it! ANYTHING is possible." My mother always speaks the truth I need to hear. I'm glad I decided to listen and believe. Any dream can come true if you allow it to. Our "some day" is almost here . . .

A few more beach memories

A few more beach memories to share. . .

"Until I saw the sea, I did not know that wind could wrinkle water
so.

I never knew that sun could splinter a whole sea of blue.

Nor did I know before that sea breathes in and out upon the shore." ~Lillian Moore

I love this photo of my girl and her daddy. It was her first day on the beach -- she was just under one year old. Thankfully, this was just one of many in her life spent along the Gulf Coast. She's very excited to go visit again soon.

This was a Delaware beach. Whenever we have a choice in this military life, we ask to get stationed near a coastline -- the sea breeze and salty air always feel like home to me.

My favorite photo with my daughter. Simply titled: "Remember This." The water was so beautiful along the Gulf that day, and I was thrilled to share it with her.

A Home of Our Own

Waiting to move in . . .
Here, my family is perched on the doorstep of our new home to be. In one week, we can take ownership. Hurray! After months of waiting, we are so excited to finally step inside and create a new life within these walls.
As you can see, there will still be much to do . . . notice the lack of landscaping. Kaine Homes has done a wonderful job of making the home building process as enjoyable as possible. Soon, I will be able to post the before and afters of each room as we joyfully transform this house into our home.

My Frog Mistake . . .
I was weeding the garden again this weekend, and noticed hundreds - maybe thousands - of tadpoles have taken up residence in our koi pond. Then . . . I remembered the discovery I reported in this blog on the first day of Spring: " A family of frogs - three parent frogs with babies on their backs . . . " I guess it is safe to assume those weren't babies after all.

Lego King

"Know your limits,

Not so you can honor them,

but so you can smash them to pieces and

Reach for Magnificence!"

~Cherie Carter Scott

Below is the letter I wrote to my oldest son on the above scrapbook page. This layout is now framed above his bed -- a reminder that he can do anything he sets his mind to do. I hope he always understands that although our time on earth is limited, our possibilities are limitless! He is truly an amazing kid, and I am so proud to be his MOM.

A, you are the LEGO KING. Everyone thinks so. Not because you inherited every LEGO your father ever owned. Not because – thanks to grandparents, uncles, Santa, and your own piggy bank – you own virtually every Bionicle, every Harry Potter, and every Star Wars LEGO ever built. No, you are the LEGO KING because you are an absolute MASTER at building these structures. Give you an instruction sheet, and you can build any new kit to perfect specifications in record time. Without instructions, you create masterpieces guided by an amazing imagination.

Half-way through the building of this Star Wars set (bought, by the way, with your own money,) you realized the instructions left out the final steps needed to complete the model. You got angry and screamed in frustration. I was firm with you and told you that screaming was not going to fix the LEGO. I did know it made you feel better temporarily, though. We considered your choices together. We could write LEGO for more instructions, but they would surely take weeks to arrive. We could pack the whole thing up and take it back to the store when we got a free moment, but that too would require more patience than you could muster. Still angry, you stomped back to your room and yelled at the half-built station. Since no one was getting hurt, nothing was getting smashed, and you were, for the moment containing your tirade within your room, I chose to excuse the outburst.

As expected, you grew quiet almost immediately. A few minutes later, you came downstairs with pink but fading cheeks, moist but gleaming eyes, and a grin stretched wide across your face. You were ready to utter the words I knew from the start I would eventually hear, “Don’t worry about ordering the instructions, Mom! I figured it out on my own!”

"I knew you could do it,” I answered. And you definitely DID!

A Thanksgiving List

Make a list today.

A list of things to feel grateful for right now, in this moment.

A list of happy childhood memories you can share with your children.
A list of positive attributes others would use to describe you.
A list of little things in life you will no longer take for granted.
A list of dreams in life that have already come true for you.

A list of memories that take your breath away.
A list of kindnesses bestowed upon you within the past week, month, or year.
A list of facts the world would be surprised to learn about you.
A list of choices you’ve made that made a difference in your life.
A list of values you hold most dear.
A list of opportunities open to you right now, just waiting to be seized.
A list of qualities your children possess that make your heart sing.

A list of every moment that made you smile during the past week.
A list of books you think everyone should read.
A list of what you can do today to brighten another person’s life.
A list of the reasons why you fell in love with your husband and . . .
A list of reasons why you love him even more today.
A list of all the people who have ever called you friend.
A list of what you find beautiful in your home.
A list of lessons your children have taught you.
A list of practical items you are grateful to own.
A list of all the things that make you happy right now.

Give thanks for a life so abundant that you were able to make such a list!

MomStory

My story did not begin here in motherhood. . .

26 years before I brought a life into this world, I lived. I have many of those stories to tell – some are quite riveting! But, my journey into motherhood is where I gained perspective. My purpose became clear. My actions, more deliberate – determined. In a way, it seemed nothing else before this time mattered. But, indeed, it all mattered. All my stories, fantasies, dreams had created the path leading to this great journey called motherhood. The moment I became a mother was the moment I stopped rushing. In this moment, I realized life was
not some quick excursion toward an undisclosed location, but rather a series of moments – stops along the way – meant to be savored and enjoyed.

Life is after all, many moments in time. Each one important. Some crucial. Some . . . well, they just take your breath away!

Life for most of us, I believe, makes sense only when we grasp our soul’s purpose. I realized when I had my first child, mothering was my calling. So this is not the beginning of my story, but rather, it is where the scene changes, the plot thickens, and the characters steal the show.
This is the reason for telling the story at all…

First day of Spring . . . Welcome!

This afternoon while the boys played football in the back, Ainsley and I rocked on the porch swing under our deck to watch. It was a crisp, cool day and the wind seemed to travel up through the slats in the swing, so I wrapped her up tightly in our big, fluffy brown blanket. I told her she was a baby caterpillar and this was her warm cocoon and when she awakes from her spring time nap, she would be a beautiful butterfly. She lay there for a while swinging in my lap almost dozing off until a chilly wind crept up and rattled through the trellis behind us. Pretty soon, she wiggled free of the blanket and began her springtime flight across the lawn. . .

As my butterfly princess danced, I began weeding the garden around our pond. There I discovered a family of frogs -- three parent frogs with babies on their backs and possibly more tadpoles underneath. I called Ainsley over to meet our new guests. Her brothers, seeing Ainsley's excitement, were next to us in a flash. The frogs didn't flinch - just stared at us curiously. Could they find us as interesting as we find them?! It was quite a joyful sight for all of us to see our pond so filled with life.

Butterfly naps, garden ponds, and frog families . . . what a perfect welcome to Spring!

Nature Princess

My nature princess. . .

When you were a baby and would get a little fussy before bedtime, your father would bundle you up in a warm blanket like a coccoon, take you outside and walk through the yard. No matter how tired or fussy you were -- one step into the fresh, cool night air would always light up your face in a smile. The delicate breeze calmed you like you a gentle kiss before bedtime.
We knew then that you would always prefer the outdoors. And we were right. You love to run and dance and play in the leaves. You find such delight in the flowers, the ladybugs, the birds, the frogs swimming through our pond, the squirrels running through the trees. You giggle when the breeze sweeps through your hair. You name each cloud floating by on sunny days.

In nature's wonder is where you stay. It is where you belong.

Love To Be Loved

"In your life, you may become a famous architect. You might establish a colony of life on Mars. It is possible for you to cure cancer. You could even teach a classroom of children to read. I have no doubt that you can and will achieve whatever your heart desires in life. And as your mother, I know for sure no one will ever be more proud of you than I am. But at this moment in your life, I watch as your classmates spontaneously run toward you and encircle my precious son in a warm embrace. And I realize that nothing could ever delight my heart more than a moment like this. -- a moment when I see how very much your friends love you. This world is so happy and so lucky to have you, Joshua, and so am I!"

This moment is time -- January, 2005 -- my son's preschool friends in Altus, OK hug him goodbye. His response: "They love me Mommy!" Yes, dear one, they do!