I don't have all I want......but I have all that I need!

I don't have what some believe to be the ideal body, a kayak or two would be great to have for weekend fun, when driving around the campground today we commented about how much fun it would be to have a camper, there is always something I would like to have or put on the list of wants.  But when I pull out that ever growing list of things I am reminded of how truly blessed we are with all that God has provided.

After 16 years, I still wake up to a man that I adore.  OK, OK.  I will admit that it is not always adoration, but way more that than anything else.  We have two children who make me feel a love that seems beyond any possible measure.  Sure they bicker, irritate each other and sometimes I have to bribe them to just be quiet, but I would not change them.  We have jobs that may not be perfect but provide the means to food, water, shelter and clothing for our family.  Our bodies may not be perfect, but they allow us to travel and explore this wonderful world.  

I have learned important lessons throughout life, but some have become deep rooted within me.  One of them is that when looking at what I have and my blessings it is not necessary to look at my bank account, my house, my cars or any material possessions.  The true value does not lie in the items that can be counted, but instead in those things that are impossible to measure.

My soul is full of gratefulness for all the blessings I have received.  Life isn't perfect.  It does not lack some discomfort, hardships, arguments and moments where I am less than the best person I could be; however, it is all part of the trip.  

If I could put onto canvas my road through life, it would be a mess.  There was some childhood angst, preteen bullying, teenage heartache, losses that seemed impossible to recover from, overwhelming financial obligations, angry words that could not be taken back and tears.  But even more so there was friendship, unconditional love, encouragement, first kisses, falling in love, happiness, joy beyond measure, new beginnings, laughter and so much beauty everywhere.  All together it is the most amazing masterpiece.  I would not change one single thing.  

As a result of the many blessings I have received, my hope is to provide value through my

 interactions with others.  Every time we cross paths with another whether for a moment or a lifetime we can either increase their blessings or take from their joy.  I aspire to leave them with a fuller cup than when they arrived at our junction.

May we each enrich the lives of others in beautiful ways, be grateful for our blessings each chance we get and love wastefully.  There will never be a time that the world couldn't use more joy, peace and love.  Be the good you want to see in the world and others will catch on...

Adulting Can Be Hard

Sometimes being an adult is the last thing that I want to do.  I love my family, but there are days where I don't want to be "Mom" and am not interested in cleaning the house. I don't pretend these times don't exist or hide behind a shield of trying to be perfect.  Instead I own up to the moment and handle it the best way I see fit.

There are days where I run away to the mountains to leave all that adult stuff behind and fill my soul with the goodness only mother nature can provide.  At times I lay around reading the latest Facebook news and allow the kids extended computer time so I can veg longer.  Then there are moments where I pack us all into the car and go find something to do whether grocery shopping, dinner out, the dog park or another city adventure.  Just to break the funk and move forward.

I have grown to understand that life is too short to take too seriously.  I don't let a bad day turn into a bad week.  The dishes, laundry and dust will be there if today does not feel like the right day for adult responsibilities.  And the children are going to grow up just fine even if mommy takes a night to veg on mindless activities.

Most of all I have learned that one of my least favorite parts of adulting is having a full time job. This certainly does not mean I don't do it and do the very best I can.  I take great pride in my job, the relationships I have through it and the quality of the service I provide.  However, I would choose any day to be hiking in the mountains over being in an office all day, even though I work with some awesome people.

So...what it does mean is that my job has a place in my life that is just as important as the play portion

of my life.  I feel that it is imperative that I remain focused on this balance to ensure my future ability to handle being an adult.  I also feel very compelled to pass this on to my children.  It will be with

great pride that I am able to witness my grown children balancing a career and all the things they love to do outside of work.  I want them to cherish this balance as much as their father and I do.

All this being said I will be the first to admit that we have had to make a lot of sacrifices to have this balance.  However, I would not change a thing.  We are blessed to have enough to work, play and explore.  May these experiences enrich our children's' lives, our lives and be an example to others to play more often.

Hello Old Friend

Sometimes we connect to places, things and people in profound ways that are hard to explain. There is a comfort about it that puts our soul at peace. This is one of those places for me.

There was something that tugged at my soul when I first set foot in the Green Mountain state, and it has had a hold of me ever since. It was like no place I had ever traveled in the states, and I was immediately drawn to the unspoiled beauty.

As we traveled on familiar roads today and explored new areas, I felt such bliss.  I can only describe it as feeling like visiting a good friend. My soul finds peace, joy and fulfillment in these beautiful mountains.

I feel so blessed to be able to travel, explore and experience what truly fulfills me.  I am truly honored to share, although not always with the same vest, these journeys with my husband and kids.  I know Kent shares my love for these adventures, and I hope my children grow to cherish these times and do the same with their kids.

Excited to spend the next 3 days in this land I hold so dear.