Hats Off To Moms

In this world moms wear many different hats...

we work, we play, we love, we weep, we worry, we rejoice, we watch, we wait, we wonder

When I was a child my Mother was often very ill. She suffered from Depression and was hospitalized many times throughout my life. She died when I was 24 and she was 49. My son Todd was 2 and I was pregnant with my son Matt. What I remember most is her joyful laugh when she was happy, how she would say "I love you Jennifer Ann" with such a fierceness in her voice - an all-loving statement. The times we would drive home from my Grandmother's and I would lay my head on her lap (no seat belts at that time) and she would sing to me and stroke my hair. She would send me baby roses in pinks or soft coral "just because" - I mimic her kind heart to this day.

Then there was my Father's Mom - the Mother of my heart. Jennie Mondelli lived to be 95 and I will always miss her. The independent woman before her time. Raised her two sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Served in the Army during WWII the same times her two sons were in the Army and Marines.

And as for me? I knew I wanted to be a Mom. I dreamed of my sons or daughters and how I'd cherish them. From the moment they were born, my heart surged with joy. These little (well 10lbs 22" and 9 lbs. 22") perfect boys that were in my arms and mine.

Years have flown by and we have survived diapers, finger painting with poop, showering with baby powder including our black lab, countless trips to the ER for sutures, 2 broken collar bones, high school, knowing more than I do, attitude, vehicles, my knowing less than they do, several broken noses, Army boot camp, deployment, marriage, travel, being shorter than they are, houses purchased....

and I love their lives, my life, our lives together ...I listen to the words of this song my son Todd had played for us on his wedding day and picture us dancing....

Thank You dear Lord for the gift, the sweetest blessing of being a Mom.

Hats Off To You!

hats off to the heros

who are serving our country
and didn't get to come home
on Thanksgiving

hats off to happiness

wherever you can grab it!

hats off to huggable

as sweet as a baby can be

hats off to handsome

beauty inside and out

Hats Off to Hilarity

because we can laugh at silly times

Last but not least...

Hats off to all the HELPERS

from Thanksgiving

• who ran to the grocery store
• brought a dish
• dried a dish washed a dish
• held a baby
• drove someone home
• had to work
• got up early
• changed a diaper
• put left overs away
• set the table
• tried a new recipe
• called someone they loved
• sent a card
• said "I'm Thankful For YOU"
• remembered someone in prayer

Hugs, Jennifer

And I'm Setting My Goals and Soul Free!

Whoopee! This weekend my dear friends rallied, dragged me out of my protective walls - and said "enough!". Besides, the weather was gorgeous, I love being with them and I've been thinking and working far too much anywhoo!

I ran to my friend Mary's after school (well, she needed a ride home),

sat on her deck (she smokes and my Asthma doesn't like it)

ordered Chinese food - yummo - listened to music and laughed our butts off

my butt reappeared Saturday am

I relaxed all day Saturday until my friend Emily called.

We survived her divorce. Dinner was on the agenda...because are sisters and friends.

I was to dress up. Feel "girlie".

Margaritas and Mexican Food

then on for a night cap and Reggae music

Sunday morning seems musical when you count your blessings.

I have made an effort to deal with stressors, meditate,

think of others, breathe deeply and enjoy.

Silence is healing, smiles are gifts, sleep renews.

God is great.

my toes wiggle

Crissy calls..we're off to the county fair!

we walked for hours, saw quilts, cowboys, babies, ate ice cream, watched newborn piglets suckle (they are actually cute then), rides that must be excellant throw up machines, foods like soft shell crab, fried shrimp, pulled pork, roast beef, fried potato chips, cotton candy, candied apples, and other artery hardening items.

I had 1 water, 1 ice cream...with sprinkles

and my birthday isn't until the end of September!

my first yoga class is tonight

and it's only MONDAY!

God's Fingerprints in my life and your's ....

I happily touched base with The Rusted Chain post  today and she has a very inspiring idea! Be sure to look it up.... How do you see God's fingerprints in your life? How do I see them in mine?
Well, I see HIM in my life by continued good health after having had Kidney Cancer in June and the last two CT Scans being fine (one this week).

I see it in the animals that are so darn cute and make people happy. What joy HE has given me with my furry friends!

Children that are a gift from GOD. Prayers for children that are ill and parents that need help and guidance or financial needs in this economy. So I see HIS footprints when I can see how others are so willing to jump in and lend a hand! HE helps me care more, do more.

HIS word being the key to balancing my day and helping be more than I hoped to have been and continue to learn.

I see HIS footprints on my life every day! Thanks for reminding me!

Please take a moment...

Today I've had so many examples of
people needing people, people needing
prayer, people needing God.

Two dear friends battling Cancer.
Rich in NJ and Michelle in MD - both
having a rough time right now (more than
usual and asking for others prayers).

A blogger ending a business and
beginning new adventures and travel!

Another blogger losing a beloved pet.

So in this time of rejoicing, love,

giving, family and God - I am pausing

to remember those in need, hurting,

surviving, venturing out, discovering new,

brave and strong. Asking GOD to hold

them in HIS hands with love and to help

remember that the little things

that bug me are just that little things!