Kids Make Such a Mess!

These kids..they make such a mess! 

The laundry is always piling up-the number of loads that one tiny infant can create is crazy!!  The toys, with their extra attachments and little pieces..seem to get everywhere-and don't EVEN get me started on those (insert sarcasm) fun little plastic snappy building toys that always end up under your foot in the dark! It doesn't get better as they get older either...

Seriously, is it that difficult to put away the dirty clothes, or clean off the bathroom counter??  They do hang up their towels, so I'm thankful. :)

From the moment we find out they exist, their mess fills our home, mind, and most of all-our heart. We are so much better for it.

My girls, T & C, have decorated their bedroom walls with a mess of things they love.

C has artwork she's done and tons of pictures all over her room! Her bed is never made, but she does much more. We are so, so proud of who she is-inside and out. :)

T's walls are filled with musical posters, artwork, notes from friends, and lots of pictures. T has also started getting things together for the big move to college in September. I'm really going to miss this girl, and all of her messes. For all of the times in the last 18-1/2 years that I've been irritated for the mess this girl has made..I'm a million times over more thankful for every single moment.

Thank you for touring our mess tonight. Tonight, I close with a picture of my college-bound girl and I, right after she caught me taking pictures of her messy room.

Big hugs ~ <3
~melissa

To New Beginnings..

Sometimes I feel as if I'm an old record, repeating the same phrase over and over again. I'd assume it's to be expected this year for our family, along with all of the other 2015 HS graduates heading to college in the Fall.

I've worked for 8 years at a position in an office where no conflict ever saw a resolution. It was an environment I struggled daily in.

When a call came in to me regarding a new position opening up in a different office, with a much smaller staff, I jumped on it. Some similar work, but a completely different office style and environment.

On my first day, my new desk had been completely stocked with anything I could have needed, along with a flower and "Welcome" note! It was such a touching way to take me in as one of their own, and I immediately knew I'd made the right decision to work there!

God brought me to them at one of the lowest points in my life. He is so Good! They each want the others to succeed, and are so incredibly loyal to one another. What a blessing they've been to my life, and I've only just gotten there!

Remember what a difference you can make in someone's life by giving them a 'cup of smiles' they'll be likely to carry for the rest of the day, maybe longer-better yet-they'll share it!

Big hugs~<3
~melissa

The Calendar Switch

Every January 1st, we switch the calendars out on our desktops or walls, and wait for some sort of "Poof" moment.  The moment in which you feel as if you are starting fresh, without the issues that transpired on dates from that old calendar.  

Some of us make resolutions and gym memberships are purchased like crazy!  We swear to ourselves that we will go at least five days a week.  Then....two, maybe (if we're really good) four weeks later, this or that needs taken care of first and we'd really like the extra 30 minutes of sleep.

Last year, I chose a word to live by in 2014.  It's a learning process, but I think I am getting better at giving my "Presence" to whomever I'm with. I am picking with picking a word for 2015. 

When reviewing last year, I decided to pick what described it... The one word I would use to describe my year is "Overwhelming".

Getting my first child ready for college has been an experience.  We've done the tours, applications, she's been approved, but because she is a music education major, she still has to audition and be accepted in their music program. Her top two choices are the only ones she is auditioning for, and I am so excited to see what's in store for her. 

My second and youngest, started high school this year. Her transition from Middle School couldn't have gone better.   She's very involved with different groups and organizations, and I really think that helped her. The girl makes me smile every single day, regardless of the circumstances.  She is pure JOY, and everyone around her can't help but catch it!

The day before Thanksgiving, our family lost a sweet 17 year-old girl, whom we all love.  She's like a sister to my kids, and her Mom is my dearest friend.  We spent hours talking about the bright future she had ahead of her. I'd just talked to her that afternoon.  It still seems impossible-too horrible for it to be true. She and I have a lot of the same favorites, from books, movies, TV shows, even our love for owls.  Her mom is her best friend.  I say "is" instead of "was" when speaking of her because if you spent time with her, you'd realize that she gave a piece of herself back to you.  So I think of her living on, in the hearts and minds of all who love her.  There are so many who've been forever changed by her and her friendship.  I'm grateful to be one of those blessed people, and my girls are too. I am sharing a picture of her with my girls, taken during one of our shopping adventures.

I seem to be in the rush hour of my life.  There have been many times in which I find myself wishing the next rest stop was close by, that I could take a break from the rush hour traffic and run away. 

Then I remember this life is so short, and I stop, take a deep breathe, and sit back to enjoy the spectacular view.

Big (hugs)~
~melissa

The Challenge of Choosing One Word

Resolutions, Shmesolutions...  They don't work, at least for me, they don't.

So I'm trying this "One Word" thing out, and we'll see how it goes...I guess....  It took me fooooorever to pick a word. I've read so many blog posts saying the same thing. We could pick 2-3 words, but what makes one word so magical, how does it work in all situations or circumstances?  

There are the easy words.. hope, breath, faith, love, family, etc.....

Then I thought about what I've learned about Mindfulness.  Being present, in the moment every minute of the day, even when brushing your teeth.  Okay, I know, you're probably laughing now thinking, "Yea, right, I'm thinking about what needs to be done before getting in bed or going to work!".  

For example, while holding your daughter's hand, feel her hand, pay attention to the difference in size and texture. (You do know this won't last forever..) Be present in that moment. Giving your PRESENCE to whomever you are with, or whatever you are doing is the greatest gift you can give that person and yourself.  

It has been helping with my anxiety, just to do one thing at a time, as often as possible. I feel like I'm on repeat with: "Hold on, let me finish this first.", followed by a lot of sighs...  Alas, they will survive...and I will concentrate on brushing my teeth while I do just that. 

Big Hugs to You <3

~melissa

Here's to the kids..

Passions? I have a few..
Holding them back had caused me to isolate myself, afraid of what other's perceptions or opinions would be.

What if I fail?
What if they hate me?
What if my friends turn away from me?
What if they are embarrassed by me?
What if they laugh when I walk away?
What if it's never the same again?
What if..?

I have escaped my shell, which has shocked some people. I stand up for who and what I care about, which has had the tendency to tick a few people off.

When it backfires, I struggle with crawling back in my safe shell. I have to remember that I don't do this just for me, or the initial reason.

It's for my daughters. They will (too soon) be grown women, and need to have the courage to stand for something as well.
So there are no more "What ifs"...

I have a tremendous amount of respect for the kids that know their passion and don't let something like popularity get in the way.
It took me over 35 years...

How long for you??

Big hugs~
melissa