God gives us one new day at a time so that we aren't distracted by the future or paralyzed by the past. Today is the first day of the rest of your life. Make the most of today. ~Jim Burns, HomeWord
This is the day Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. ~Psalm 118:24
I had great fun gathering snippets of our past year's "Facebook Status" in italics with timeless quotes, mostly by my children. See how much they've grown over the years, and how we, adults, acquired wrinkles, gray hair and gained more than a few pounds! But no matter how challenging parenting is nowadays, I wouldn't dream of being anywhere else in the world. I made a bracelet when they were little that says, "Enjoy Them," even though there were times I didn't enjoy them. Now that they're a little older, my goal is to savor each passing MOMent even more (especially when the going gets tough, and I've had quite a few of those in the past year). So GO make awesome memories in 2011, be blessed and share them with me.
She glances at the photo, and the pilot light of memory flickers in her eyes. ~Frank Deford
Crazy day today! Had to keep reminding myself to cherish the loud noises (laughter, bickering, talking altogether!), the messy hallway, the unfolded laundry, never-ending dishes. Because before I know it, it'll be all quiet, too clean, only a few dishes to wash, and no one to tickle to death. Time's a-flying.
"Kids, you're all taking off school on Wednesday. We're going to the parade!" ~David insisted they take off from school. (November 1, right after the Giants won the World Series Title!) Unfortunately, rather fortunately, the kids have school as their priority, so it was just me and my man who attended the historical event of the century.
"It must be hard being a mom. Do you like being a mom? Do you like it altho' it's hard...the same way I like school even tho' it's hard?" ~my middle child asked while I drove around with a big headache. (Photos taken at the Big Tree on 21st & Church Streets)
"They should have tattoos instead of wedding rings." ~my son's brilliant idea. Can you imagine feeling immense pain while making your vows? You will forever remember the day--never to be taken for granted. On 10-10-10, we celebrated our 18th anniversary! (Left photo in Sausalito, right photo at Civic Center's Giants' World Series Parade)
David's firm advice to the kids: "Whatever you do, DON'T marry a Dodgers fan!" Profound, yeah? He's a Giants fan all the way! (left: Senior photo, right: OSA school function)
Housework is what a woman does that nobody notices unless she hasn't done it. ~Evan Esar
I'm thrilled to announced that our new washer just arrived and it's already doing its job. And my new vacuum cleaner is on its way, too. What else can I ask for? I can ask for more but I won't. I'm simply grateful. (April 2010)
"It's nice to wear layers and jeans again!" ~my 14 year-old coming back from an awesome East Coast historical expedition with her dad where it hit 105° and no less than 80° in the evenings (July 2010)
Every job is a self-portrait of the person who does it. Autograph your work with excellence. ~Author Unknown
I don't like to ask, "Are you happy?" I prefer, "Are you content?" When you're happy, you're only basing it on circumstance which often changes. But if you're content, it doesn't matter how things are going, you still feel "content." ~my 14 year-old commented upon overhearing my 12 year-old asking me if I'm happy knowing very well we had a very long tiring but very good first week of summer! (self-portraits)
The greatest gifts you can give your children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence. ~Denis Waitley
And she's embracing independence as she entered a new chapter of her life: high school.
A sister is a gift to the heart, a friend to the spirit, a golden thread to the meaning of life. ~Isadora James
Now that they attend different schools, they missed each other so much that they make the most of their time together. Just last night, they hung out in the bathroom. While one is taking a shower, the other was leaning against the wall...talking away about their day and the like. Sisters Rock! Enjoy your sister(s) and/or brother(s).
I enjoyed the movie, "Tangled," with the girls. Older boys can enjoy it, too. It has enough action and suspense to keep them on the edge. Fun to watch.
"A disagreement is like a leak in the dike. So drop it before a fight breaks out." ~my middle child reprimanded me and David while we were having a heated discussion 2 nights ago. We looked at her, smiled, and asked her where did she learn that.
"Proverbs, God's Word," she replied. We knew that. How quickly we, adults, forget, thus to be reminded by a child. Our heated discussion became milder. Or so, we thought.
It takes an athlete to dance, but an artist to be a dancer. ~Shanna LaFleur
"There goes my life!" ~she finally decided to sign the contract for the more rigorous and accelerated dance program at her school knowing it means more pain, tears and sweat.
Seventy-five percent of our planet is water - can YOU swim? ~Author Unknown
Swim meet is cancelled today due to pool contamination (2nd day in a row!) Someone is not a very good sport! Yesterday, we waited for more than 3 hours. Glad to have B&N nearby. Kiwi was mad--she's been preparing for her big events today. All the same, it was good. I love the rain but not driving in it. Sooo nice to be just home. (January 2010) • Can you see Billy in the back?
"I prefer living in the moment, enjoying every minute of it. It's better than capturing the moment and then missing the actual thing." ~my then 11 year-old middle child. (May 2010)
Brain Quest Question: Name the 3 States of Matter (At first, he couldn't understand the question because he was thinking of US states. But when I mentioned it's in the science category, here's his quick, witty response): Michigan-surrounded by lakes (liquid), Wisconsin-famous for cheese (gas), and Alaska-for their icebergs (solid). Make learning FUN with Brain Quest. You never know what your kids already know.
"Listen to the man." ~my son giving me counsel.
Here's wishing you and your family a fabulous Twenty-ELEVEN. May your hearts be filled with wisdom all year round.
