Quote of the day

"The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook." ~ Philospher William  Jones

What I am thankful for.....

Things that I am thankful for this year.....

My husband- my soul mate, my best friend. The one I can count on for anything and everything!

My three wonderful kids- my rocks, without them my life would be nothing, they complete me!

My family- my support system. They are there when I need them and even when I don't. They are there to listen, to cry, to laugh, to understand, to cherish!

My home- the place where everything is safe and peaceful. It provides us shelter and comfort.

My friends- Like family they are there for support, guidance and friendship.

My health- It keeps me going, to be healthy is a blessing!

My dog- I am thankful for the happiness that he shows me no matter how many times in one day I walk through that door. His happiness is never ending....

My life- I am so blessed to have what I have in my life. I am so fortunate to have the family, friends and support system that I have. My wish is for all to be happy and healthy this Thanksgiving Holiday and blessed with the love and joy of family and friends!

The all-important Thanksgiving Holiday!

Last week I wrote about the beginning of the holiday season. The holidays actually begin with Thanksgiving.  But does the rest of the world realize that?  With holiday songs playing on the radio already and Christmas decorations adorned on houses and in stores,  does the world overlook Thanksgiving altogether?

Many retailers this year are actually planning their "Black Friday Specials" on Thanksgiving day.  What happened to Thanksgiving being a day of relaxation with family, sitting together, eating, sharing blessings, playing board games or watching football?

I recognize that there are some superb deals out there that can really make a difference for someones holiday budget.  But on Thanksgiving day?  Why do the retailers keep pushing the "holiday shopping" time up? The day after is deemed as the "biggest shopping day of the year".  Let us enjoy our Thanksgiving.  I know that I will be spending my Thanksgiving with my family, enjoying each other's company, our food and just the pure joy of relaxing and being together.  There are plenty of shopping days left....

How will you be spending your Thanksgiving holiday?

Preparing for the Season!!

The holiday season is officially upon us. Christmas is only how many weeks away…..?? Yup, 7 weeks away? Can you believe it? It feels like just yesterday that my kids went back to school, didn’t I just attend that back to school night?? The year has flown by and soon a new year will be upon us. 

With the holidays fast approaching along comes all the joyful festivities that come along with.  There are family gatherings, holiday decorating, shopping, wrapping presents, gift giving and receiving. But with all that can come stress and anxiety. I thoroughly enjoy the holidays but I can attest to that feeling of being overwhelmed at times.  Sometimes that feeling of being overwhelmed can take away the whole meaning and magic of Christmas.  It goes by with the blink of an eye, this year I vow to be different.

A few things I plan to do different this year:

1.  Plan my shopping list NOW! 
           - I keep a copy with me wherever I go.  You never know when that certain item might appear for that special someone.

2.  Not having enough money
            - Well, I don't think we ever feel we have enough money.  The key here is communication.  Be honest with your family about your gift-giving preferences.  Let them hear your ideas and  listen to theirs.  You can exchange pollyannas, homemade gifts or set a price limit.

3.  Most importantly, Enjoy the holiday season to the fullest!
            - Savor every moment.  With this time of year being so busy it just makes the time seem to go by even faster.  Take the time to really enjoy the moments with your family.  Share the magic with your children.  Just seeing their faces light up when we put up the outside lights or decorate the tree just melts my heart.  It makes it all worth it!

Enjoy the upcoming holiday season!

My Bucket List

So do you know what you want to be when you grow up? I should know considering I am 40 right??  And according to my friend, half dead! (gee, thanks Traci).  Well, I am a mother, wife, registered nurse, part-time secretary ( for my husbands business), aspiring writer, chauffeur ( for my kids), tutor- the list can go on and on.  But is there more I want to do with my life?  When they read my eulogy when I die would I be satisfied with what it said? Will I be content with everything I have achieved in my life?  What more do I want to do or complete?

So, here comes my "life bucket list".  I'm completing a list of 50 things that I would like to do before I die.  Does 50 seem extreme considering some of my items might seem extravagant (to me anyway) "Canadian wildlife adventure" anyone??  I don't think so...I think 50 is a perfect number!  I think it would be gratifying for me to write these things down and check them off as I complete them.  By seeing them on paper might aspire me to go after my dreams. I think it would be beneficial for everyone to have a "bucket list".  I might even have my kids join me on this adventure.  It would be interesting and fun to see what they would write on their "bucket list".  Something we can look back on years from now!  What is on your "bucket list" ?

Quote of the day

"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." ~ C.S. Lewis

Love that quote!