Charlie.

One of the thousands of reasons why I love where I live....today the neighborhood celebrated Charlie the Horse's 7th birthday.  In Arcadia many horse properties were grandfathered in, so we still have the luxury of petting a horse or two on an evening walk.  The owner had a barrel of apples, molasses and oats to dip carrots, and a "happy birthday" carrot cake for everyone.  I've never seen such a happy horse.

The turn out was incredible and everyone had fun brushing, petting and feeding the horse {as well as the goats & pig}.  Harrison and I ate our cake and walked home in a cool breeze...

...what a life.

My Job.

Just another day at the "office"

Reason why I love my job....

• "Work" trips usually include parks, shopping malls, museums and friend's houses.
• Meltdowns can be alleviated with a few animal crackers.
• People are always willing to fill in for me.
• I usually don't "clock in" until 8:00 am.
• Naps are encouraged.
• I don't get in trouble for talking too much or surfing the internet.
• The pay isn't monetary but kisses, smiles and hugs keep me going.
• I get a lot of support from other "departments" {friends, family, dr's, etc...}
• Based on my title, I get to make life changing decisions.
• My boss is very demanding, but every day he teaches me how to laugh and have fun.

Today was a challenging day in my role, so I needed a gentle reminder of just how
 wonderful I really have it.

Gratitude.

In an effort to graciously accept life's blessings, here is what I'm feeling grateful for right now...

1. I get to stay home and raise Harrison...nothing is more valuable to me than spending my days with the greatest miracle I've ever known.
2. I'm pretty much off sugar and feel much more balanced and happy.
3. I scored the most adorable kids table and chairs at an antique store for $30.  I'm going to paint it and make it look like something I would have bought for $200 (will post pictures when done).
4. My husband surprised me with tickets to see one of my favorites...Conan.
5. I get to live in Arizona during Springtime. 

Happy Weekend.

Puddle Jumping.

 

For an Arizona native, few things are as wonderful as rain.  Today as we left the grocery store, it started pouring.  I put Harrison's hood up and we ran {laughing} all the way to the car.  When we got home he took off in the front yard to splash and experience the rain. 

 

It was a wonderful Tuesday treat...

Ordinary Days...

I will watch this everyday that I'm feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, worried or wishing it was already bedtime at 9 am...and be grateful for right now.

Hello March.

 

I like March.  It's filled with flowers, days playing outside, birthdays of people I love, spring cleaning and a buzz around our spot on the map with many Spring Training visitors.  I'm determined to edit my closet and rid myself of the burden of wearing things that make me feel anything short of happy.  I also think it's time to admit that I'm officially a size 8.5 and clear out all size 8 shoes {boo}.

I feel that March will be filled with happy and refreshing changes.  I'm going to...

• Eat more vegetables.
• Have picnics in the backyard.
• Start wearing the things I keep holding on to for a special occasion.
• Go to bed earlier.
• Excercise.
• Laugh more.
• Fight with my husband less.
• Eat less sugar {as a Catholic I gave this up for Lent, so I'm doing pretty good so far}.
• Do something everyday that pushes me out of my comfort zone.
• Make my bed.
• Be on time.

Hello March.

Validation.

Today we all made a trip to Costco.  Usually it's just Harrison and I, so J. was a spectator to the events that take place when you bring a 15 month old Costco shopping.  Harrison literally whined the whole time, tried to jump out of the cart, cried when he couldn't hold the babybel cheese, ran zig zags through the aisles and then threw his sippy cup on the ground as I'm trying to pay....it was a bad trip.

On our way out, J. was trying to reprimand Harrison for something and I said, "Can you believe that I usually have to do this by myself?"  to which he replied, "I have a lot of respect for you.  Sometimes I think it would be easier to go to Iraq and fight a war than to do what you do every day".  I smiled and said "thank you".  It was complete validation.