Life and Death

Just taking a moment to ponder. As I prepare to attend a funeral of the father of probably the best son in law in the world I can't help but be filled with mixed emotions. Why did he have to leave this earth? Why now? Doesn't God know how much Tom and Jamie  want to share as their world begins to open up? Why would he take him now?
But for some reason - God called him. It was his time. Maybe it was because his wife, Jane - was lonely. Maybe it was because he was in so much pain.
Whatever the reason - his passing makes me sit back and reflect on my life. I have truly been so blessed - mostly by my children and grandchildren. Truly they are the best gift a person could ever receive. Its like a gift that just keeps giving and I love them all so deeply.
I've been blessed with 4 wonderful kids (mine and spouses) and now with 3 1/2 grandchildren. What a joy they are for me in my life. Thank you God for giving me my kids and grands.....AND for the gift of life - for yet another day!

Entitlement

I’ve been struggling with a concept for a few months now. Its called Entitlement. Where does it come from? How does it breed? Why are we surrounded by it?

Why do some people think they are “entitled” to more than others? I’m just not sure I understand it. Whether its friends, family, coworkers and even our government with handouts – why do some people just feel they are “owed” more than others? Do they really believe they are better than the rest of us….and therefore rules just don’t apply? What is really going on?

The way I see it, much of it has to do with how you were raised. Personally, I don’t think there is more valuable lesson for children to learn than a good old fashioned work ethic. I used to think everyone that was raised in the midwest…..just had it. I’ve come to learn that just isn’t the case. But I will say, MOST midwesterners really do have a wonderful work ethic and it’s truly a valuable resource that seems to be lacking in today’s culture. Most of us don’t expect handouts, we don’t expect special favors – we just do the right thing! We do what our mama’s and daddy’s taught us and that is work hard in life cause there really are no free rides.

For now, I’m gonna hope that in another life – the entitlement attitude that some people possess just goes away. In the meantime, I guess I’ll just be glad I was taught differently and choose to live my life without it. I hope tomorrow brings more positive thought processing.

Its been way to long

Ok Cindy – get with it! I’ve just set a New Years Resolution – BLOG!!!!! Not for anyone else but for myself. I believe in writing because I believe its good for your soul.

As I reflect as to WHY I haven’t written I am nearly disgusted with myself. When I created my blog I couldn’t wait for the opportunity to express my thoughts in writing. Honestly, I don’t do a lot of things “well”, but I’ve always thought I could express my thoughts on paper well. So why don’t I do it?  I read  so many good blogs and am so inspired by the women (for the most part anyway) that blog regularly. Whether their content is on their children, or motherhood, or challenging themselves, or cooking, or graphic design or photography (actually the list is endless)……people are blogging!

I’m so very proud of my daughter and her efforts to keep up her blog. She blogs regularly and I can hardly wait each morning to get up and see if there is a new post about my grandkids. It’s a delight really.

So with that said, I’m going to try to be better about this in 2011. Actually I have a whole list of things I’d like to be better about – so maybe just maybe this is the year I’ll get my crap together and make them happen.

Totally taken

Tom and Jamie are out of town this weekend so I’m playing Grandma to both grandkids this weekend. Luckily Tom’s dad came down (Grandpa Bob) to share duties. So we each only have one child at a time.

Laken spent the night with me and what a joy. I had an absolute wonderful time with her. After having a joyous night with her I put her to bed and didn’t hear a peep out of her. I finally woke her at 7:15 so she could eat and be taken to daycare.

She woke so happy that it made my heart sing. So we got dressed, made pancakes, did hair, brushed teeth, yada, yada, and had a fun time doing it all.

I brought her into daycare and she started to wrap her little arms around me because she didn’t want me to leave. Talk about tearing a hole in my heart. In fact something I realized almost right then and there is how much I love that little girl. I realized I didn’t want the teachers to take her from me. I wanted to stop time – right then and there. I never wanted that moment to end.

I left the room and from the hallway I could peek in and watch her – and so I stood. I stayed and stayed and stayed and simply couldn’t pull myself away. Truly that little girl has me completely engaged. She warms my heart beyond anything I can describe.

But time marches on and that’s a good thing. So while I’m here at work, attempting to concentrate on work……my heart is with Laken today. I just can’t ever imagine my life without my grandchildren again. 

Our little artist

My little Laken so hard at work - a little artist and enjoying every minute of it.

I know this - nothing is more warming than when that little girl says "Grandma". OMG - I never knew how it felt to be totally wrapped around someone elses finger, but this little girl has me completely. When she calls out "Grandma", or comes running over to give me a "hug and kiss" - I turn into complete mush. I can hardly wait to share with her everything that I love.

Laken truly brings a love to my life that I never knew I could feel. Grandchildren - one of life's greatest blessings, thats for sure!

Ben and Coll’s New Home

Ben and Coll have now officially joined the world of owning their own home. Its in Littleton, Colorado and they are so excited. Its a beautiful home and they will make it even more adorable.

I’ve been out to see the kids 4 times now since they moved to Colorado almost 1 year ago. What an awesome area. I absolutely love it and could move there myself.

These kids are more than embracing Colorado. They are partaking in everything outdoors and everything Colorado has to offer - biking, hiking, backpacking, camping, skiing, white water rafting, golfing, etc. Yet they are both committed and working hard in their careers. I’m so very proud of both of them.

So congratulations Ben and Coll. I’m so excited for next weekend when you get to move in. I can’t wait to come out and see you both again. I love you both sooooo much.

Really No Excuses

Wow! I wish I had an excuse for not taking the time to blog but the real fact is – I don’t. It seems week after week has gone by and I haven’t taken the time to sit down and write. Not that anyone else really cares – but I do.

I believe in journaling, I believe in its therapeutic potential and the opportunity it provides to look within. So I’m attempting to set aside time just once a week to continue my blogging efforts.