An Off Kinda Day

Random thoughts, experiences, and memories have all collectively worked together today to cause defeat in my soul, at least for now. I give in...

A certain little person has curled up on the sofa and fallen asleep. I wish I could do the same. My thoughts are haunting me and other than that, there just really isn't time for a nap. The dismissal bell at school rings at the same time each day, whether I am ready for it or not.

I just finished a book. I am still rather pensive about the story and the thoughts shared.


The quickest way for anyone to reach the sun and the light of day is not to run west, chasing after the setting sun, but to head east, plunging into the darkness until one comes to the sunrise.

Jerry Sittser

Shattered dreams are never random. They are always a piece in a larger puzzle, a chapter in a larger story. The Holy Spirit uses the pain of shattered dreams to help us discover our desire for God, to help us begin dreaming the highest dream. They are ordained OPPORTUNITIES for the Spirit to awaken, then to satisfy our highest dream.

Larry Crabb

We're not necessarily doubting that God will do the best for us;
We are wondering how painful the best will turn out to be.

There is nothing we can do with suffering except to suffer it.

C.S. Lewis


I give in today. I will allow the hurt to exist and will resist the urge to run far, far, away. (Pain follows you wherever you go...) Dinner is made. I have done all I can do to make peace with my life. I will give in to whatever comes...and then try to go to bed early. Tomorrow is a new day. Done.

Ready to Fill With Love...

Last week while I was shopping at Target I found some adorable Valentine gift bags. I would normally insert a picture here but my computer is apparently having a difficult start to the day. These bags will be filled with Valentine goodies and delivered to the families staying at the Children's House this year. These families are in need of some love and comfort. I am inviting others to share love with these families this year. I am hoping to fill 22 bags. I am currently accepting donations of items such as:

red/pink Crystal light packs of Pink Lemonade or Fruit Punch
small boxes of those sweet little heart candies or red hot hearts
pink or red gum (big Red or pink bubblegum)
red or pink nail polish
pink colored lip gloss
red pens
word search books
small bottles of lotion
Heart shaped lollipops
chocolate
small bottles of Starbucks coffee or individual cocoa, coffee, tea.
tissues
Valentine themed picture books that a parent and child could read together
you get the idea...
There are no wrong answers here folks, I am open to other wonderful ideas that you may have in mind. Target and Michaels both had a great selection of items in their 1$sections.

The PICU is requesting donations of fleece blankets (particularly those that are colorful and kid themed. There are even kits sold at most craft stores which makes a great project for kids to make)
character themed stickers
infant onesies and clothing
tissues
character themed bandaids

We will also accept monetary donations to purchase these items for the bags and the PICU. All checks can now be made payable to The Rays of Sunshine Foundation!

Hurting hearts will be so touched by these bags filled with love and comfort items on Valentine's Day. Thank you in advance for your prayers and support.

Keep in mind...Mother's Day is right around the corner and we will be filling bags at that time as well. I would welcome help to think of ideas for those bags as well.

Ready to Fill...

Snow Days

The week has flown by thanks to the beautiful snow and the school closings as a result. We have been having fun sledding, building Star Wars ships, shoveling snow, playing board games, and the Wii! A few snow ball fights have taken place in between the mountain of laundry that needed to be put away, the purging of a ton of paperwork, and reading a few good books.

I save way too much paperwork...I feel like I am on top of the paper that comes in the mail. It is the paperwork produced by my children. I can't seem to part with it thinking that these moments in the present time are fleeting by and that I may want to preserve and remember this or that. That has now transcended to an enormous amount of paperwork preserved in various places in our home. It is overhwelming to think about tackling it right now. I did go through some of it over the last few days but I have still saved a significant amount. Speak up you fellow moms. What do you save? What do you toss? Where do you put it all and how do you keep it organized?

And one more thing...another friend has decided to join me on the One Little Word Journey, which now brings to total to EIGHT! Yeah! Her word is Mercy. I am excited to see how these words inspire growth in the lives of these fellow friends and in myself too. I have also come to know that there are indeed some quiet readers following along that have selected words too. There is a little button where you can leave comments below. We'd love to know the word that you have chosen and any other information that you would like to share. If not, we'd love to have you follow along from just where you are.

Well as you know life is just plain and simple busier when everyone is home. I love having my nearest and dearest right here with me all day. Schools are closed again today. Everyone is still asleep which is a rare moment in our house at this time of day. Climbing those hills a million times sledding has just worn them all out I guess.

I am off to savor my delicious cup of Java as the sun wakes up the morning sky and all is still quiet in my house.

Wishing you a warm in your heart kind of day!

One Thousand Gifts

I have been waiting for the arrival of the book One Thousand Gifts for some time now. It was recently gifted to me and I couldn't wait to open the cover and begin reading the beautiful words written by Ann Voscamp.


I encourage you to check out the trailer for the book. It is a book you will want to write in, highlight, fold the corners down on etc. I think it is available in hardcover form for about $10 on both Amazon and Dayspring. Check it out. You WON'T be sorry.


Go here and watch the trailer for the book.


Then, go here to watch a video,follow along with an online book club, and see video discussions each week with the author, Ann Voscamp.


Enjoy your gifts that are in front of you right now...

Seven So Far

Seven Little Words have been shared with me so far. I can only speak for myself but the journey with One Little Word is an amazing experience and I am excited that six others have chosen to join me. Who knows maybe there are others out there reading who plan to walk the journey with us in their own quiet ways. That is surely okay too.

I will continue to share my experiences and reflections with my word, opportunity this year. Will you share some of your thoughts and experiences with me too? If you haven't chosen a word yet, it really isn't too late. Go here and read all about it.

Here are the words that have been personally shared with me so far:
simplify
create
breathe
dance
acknowledge
serenity

Have you seen this post? It's cool to see the words that so many others have chosen this year. I understand that the larger the word appears, the more often it was chosen. Well C. you have chosen a unique word, acknowledge, and that is really cool too! Remember it is a personal journey, no one else's but yours!

Hoping that your weekending refreshed your soul.

Giddy

I am giddy and eager with excitement. Why? This sweet necklace is on it's way to my mailbox. I love wearing my word around my neck and being accountable for what I am trying to accomplish by focusing on the word opportunity this year. Ali Edwards, the person who created this One Little Word journey, encourages people to find ways to incorporate their word into their daily lives. Wearing my word around my neck every day helped me tremendously last year, especially when I needed to make a conscientious effort to make my thoughts and behaviors reflect the mind set of letting go.


Be sure to check out the other goodies offered on this website. I already have a necklace so I just added the charm. A few other friends ordered this necklace instead of the charm that I ordered. I originally planned on getting this one too but my word was too long. I think I will like the open circle just the same. To me the open circle represents so much...mostly the idea of being open to the change that this word will bring to my life this year. I like that it looks like a letter O too!

I hope everyone stays warm this weekend.

Recipes and Opportunities

I meant to post some thoughts about my day yesterday but then...
a certain young fellow had difficulty falling asleep
after a few tuck-back-ins, young fellow then snuggled up next to Mommy
Mommy was snug and warm in PJS
a rice bag (a new favorite) was warmed and under my cold legs and feet
a thought provoking book was in hand

You can probably guess what happened next.
Yep, I fell asleep. So did he.

I will share about my day yesterday but another time.
In the mean time, a few of you have asked for the recipes for the meals that were swapped in my group this week. Here are the links. Hope you enjoy them.
Teriyaki Pork Stir Fry
French's Tangy Ranch Chicken
Just click on the blue words and the recipes should appear!

And now for that book that I was reading last night. This is the sentence that caused me to think for awhile...

What if we viewed our hardships and challenges as OPPORTUNITIES to be the men or women God has created us to be?
-Pete Wilson Plan B

Jackpot

Funny what that word means to some people.

Me? This week's edition anyway...

1. I found Puffs tissues in purse packs again. They were discontinued for awhile while they redesigned the packaging I guess. They are back and better than ever. Still the same SOFT tissue just new packaging that is similar to the Kleenex ones. I think all the tissues that have been donated are wonderful but if you ask me which ones are the softest, PUFFS would win!!! Trust me, I would know. I still have skin under my eyes damaged from crying so many tears...

2. I found Latex free kid bandaids at Target today. They had several different designs that all made my own kids go over the moon! Whahoo! Did you know that kid bandaids are not in the current budget at Jeremy's hospital? We all know what a difference those character bandaids can make when you have an "OWHWIE" (Have you ever struggled to put letters to a word that your kids made up? Don't laugh, I gave this word my best effort.) Well, donating these character and/or kid themed bandaids is just one of the small things that our sunbeams do to make a big difference in the hearts of sick children at the hospital. Rays of Sunshine Foundation couldn't be prouder of our SUNBEAMS!!! The R family are all coming to mind since they have donated quite a few boxes regularly for a few months now. By the way I never know if I have permission to share names here on this blog, so that is why I use initials. Anyway...after our last LARGE donation of bandaids to the PICU, it was brought to my attention that they would also appreciate latex free boxes of bandages too. Well these are a little harder to find but alas they were indeed found!!!

3. Walmart is now stocked with my very favorite nail polish in my very favorite color. What brand you ask? Essie. What color? Sugar Daddy. ( I did not name the polish, I just wear it.) It doesn't come off as easily as some of the other brands for some reason, at least on my nails. Then again, I wash my hands A LOT, Especially this time of year.

4. I have much to be thankful for in this life. Amen. My heart is heavy for others who are facing a hard time right now for various reasons. My prayers are with them tonight and always.

Meal Swap

It was a little of an off kinda day. The kids were all off from school since we had icy roads this morning. Our meal swap typically occurs on Mondays but yesterday was a holiday and so we bumped to Tuesday this month. After some confusion with the schedule and then the winter weather conditions, we weren't sure how things would work out for tonight. All ended well and we were able to swap meals. Good thing since my freezer was looking a little bare.

In the end, I made a Teriyaki Pork Stir Fry using a recipe from a favorite Pampered Chef cookbook. I forgot to give the ladies their cans of Bamboo Shoots for their meal, but then again I did say that it was an off kinda day.I received chicken fajitas, barbecue beef brisket, and TWO Tangy Ranch chicken meals in return. First of all, it really is that good. A friend asked me today what my family's win win recipe were, you know the ones where everyone is excited about dinner. At first it was difficult to think of specific recipes but then after I emailed her back a generic list of good meals, I kept thinking of ones that we all really loved, and this was one of them. In fact, it was a hit with all of the meal swap families. Obviously this is true, since two of our families made the same meal, making meal swap history. No one is complaining since everyone loves this meal and besides it would make a perfect meal for company. One additional meal is also on it's way to my freezer sometime soon and I guess bamboo shoots will need to be delivered as well...

After a four day unexpected weekend with the kids, it was nice to have some friends over, a different set of conversation topics, warm friendships, and an excuse to make some yummy snacks and pour a glass of wine. It is always nice to catch up and laugh a little with my girlfriends. We have known each other for awhile now, some longer than others, but none the less, in this life together through rain and sunshine. We have and will continue to hold onto each other andDANCE through the many OPPORTUNITIES that life may throw our way, the good and the bad. That is what really makes me smile tonight, you know the kind of smile that fills you up from head to toe.

The icing on the cake was that one of the Moms came with her daughter tonight and they brought a surprise for me. Miss M handmade blankets for our foundation to give to kids in the hospital. She made matching blankets for a child and their parent in really adorable patterns of fabric. How sweet is that? I was amazed at her talent but most of all her heart! That made my day and I am confident that it will make the children who receive these blankets feel loved too.

Hope you had a warm day too.

Here to There

Today has been busy so far. I made an early trip to the store with one not so enthused little shopper to gather ingredients for meal swap which will take place tomorrow. Nothing like the eleventh hour.

We spent the afternoon with sweet friends having lunch, playing, and just catching up. My oldest spent some time bonding with Diddy.

Spending a few minutes trying to get ready for the rest of the regular school week. Also keeping close at heart the true meaning behind this day off from school.

Hopefully my cherubs will all go to sleep at the regular time tonight and then I will get to work on making my meal for tomorrow night.

I thought you might like to see my latest project. Late November through the month of December I LOVE running to the mailbox to gather the Christmas cards that arrive in our mailbox each day. After opening them as a family we display them on a door just off the kitchen where we can all see them every time we walk past that hallway in our home. I really dread taking them down from the door when Christmas decorations are put away for the year. A blog friend inspired me to make this frame to hang in our kitchen so I don't have to say farewell to our pictures of beloved family and friends. I am thrilled to share the transformation with you! So from here on this door in this hallway...


to there...


I just love it!

William Arthur Ward

William Arthur Ward had this to say about Opportunity.

The adventure of life is to learn.
The purpose of life is to grow.
The nature of life is to overcome.
The essence of life is to care.
The opportunity of life is to serve.
The secret of life is to dare.
The spice of life is to befriend.
The beauty of life is to give.
The joy of life is to love.

I haven't meant to be away from here for so long...I have been busy (aren't we all?). Opportunity really has become part of my daily thoughts and I have settled into the word well. I do however think this word will be challenging for me at times but I think that is the purpose.

Hope everyone is enjoying the long weekend. I promise not to stay away for too long.

Dan Custer on Opportunity

Every morning is a fresh beginning.
Every day is the world made new.
Today is a new day.
Today is my world made new.
I have lived all my life up to this moment, to come to this day.
This moment, this day, is as good as any moment in all eternity.
I shall make of this day, each moment of this day, a heaven on earth.
This is my day of opportunity.
-Dan Custer

Today wasn't the best of days but it was by no means was the worst. I just couldn't get things to work out right today. Not happy with the customer service that I have received thus far with my cell phone company while trying to get the phone to work as it was designed to perform. Tried a new taco seasoning mix to make tacos for dinner and it turned out way too spicy for anyone to eat. Dinner has been a disaster for the second night in a row... There is something to be said for staying true to a brand that you know and love. Good thing my kids like cereal...There was more but I won't digress into a whining entry tonight.

Not sure the impact my new word is making in my life so far this year. Today was a good day to ponder the word as I struggled to keep it all together. One of the reasons that I chose this word was because of the impact that Let Go had on my life last year. It was profound. I really wasn't ready to let go of that word...but then I realized that the lessons that I learned with One Little Word and Let Go will always be a part of me. I don't have to let go of what I learned. This year, I chose to take what I learned with LET GO and reach farther and dig deeper. I can dig deeper to see the opportunities before me each and every day, opportunities to renew my mind and to grow. To be continued...

Any more folks out there want to join me on this One Little Word Journey?
Have you settled on your word yet?
So far, a dear friend will take a journey with SIMPLIFY and another with DANCE. A few others seem interested but are still pondering just the right word for them.

As for me, I will take the opportunity to relax for a few moments. One thing did go right today, I got my hands on the next DVD of Friday Night Lights! :)

Better Late Than Never...

Ever read a recipe and just know it will be yummy? Even before you taste it?
That is what I thought when I read this blog entry by Melanie at Pretties and Posies. I made the mistake of showing the blog entry to my kids and talking about it for days. When all was said and done, we just never seemed to have all the right ingredients to pull it off. Sadly, it has taken me until tonight to FINALLY make this recipe. It is so simple and so, so yummy! Try it and see for yourself.

By the way, take a few minutes to visit Melanie's other entries on her blog. A friend sent the recommendation my way to check out Melanie's blog and I have been reading ever since. Her blog really is quite lovely.

I knew it would be good recipe and it was.

Hope you had a sweet day.

Opportunity -Bible Verses

I chose some scripture verses from the bible to help me grow while concentrating on the word opportunity this year. These verses are the core of why I chose this word and will be my direction in how I focus on this word throughout the year. I plan to place them in my car, on the bathroom mirror, and in other places where I my attention is directed often throughout each day. I'll ellaborate more on these verses a little more later. I am tired. We are returning to our usual routine now that everyone is back to school and it is bathtime.

Galatians 6:10 (New International Version, ©2010)
10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Ephesians 5:15-17 (New International Version, ©2010)

15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.


Colossians 4:5 (New International Version, ©2010)
5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity


Philippians 4:9-13 (New International Version, ©2010)
9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Thanks for Their Gifts
10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Thanks for the feedback so far on this topic. I appreciate all of the positive reinforcement, I think that One Little Word is a great thing too! I love hearing about the different words that people have chosen and I look forward to the encouragement that comes from sharing with those near and dear to us areas where we would like to grow. May we hold each other up and nuture one another along the way!

Opportunity -

A visit into the dictionary to refresh my mind on the definition of opportunity and a few synonyms are a good place to start.

Defined by Dictionaryreference.com
op·por·tu·ni·ty 
–noun, plural -ties.
1. an appropriate or favorable time or occasion: Their meeting afforded an opportunity to exchange views.
2. a situation or condition favorable for attainment of a goal.
3. a good position, chance, or prospect, as for advancement or success.

Thesaurus.com

Main Entry: opportunity
Part of Speech: noun
Definition: lucky chance; favorable circumstances
Synonyms: befalling, break*, connection, contingency, convenience, cut*, event, excuse, fair shake, fighting chance, fitness, fling*, fortuity, freedom, go*, good fortune, good luck, happening, hope, hour, iron in the fire, juncture, leisure, liberty, moment, occasion, one's move, one's say, one's turn, opening, pass, prayer*, probability, relief, room, run, scope, shot*, show, space, spell, squeak, stab, the hunt, the running, time, turn, whack

I hope you have had the OPPORTUNITY to check out Ali Edwards' blog and read all about One Little Word. Did you choose a word yet?

One Little Word 2011

It's that time...time to link up with Ali Edwards and her One Little Word project. I've been in deep thought over this year's word for some time now. In the end, I think I picked a word that will truly help me grow this year.

My word for 2011 is OPPORTUNITY. I'll be back tomorrow with my thoughts on why I chose this word.

I encourage you to check our Ali's website and perhaps choose to participate in the journey with me.

I would encourage you to participate at any level that you want. I think Ali would agree that there isn't a right or wrong way to go about this journey with One Little Word. There are many ways to go about focusing on your word and I do believe that since the word is personal to you, so should the approach be to how you incorporate it into your daily life this year. Ali gives some great ideas and encouragement and I recommend that you to start there and decide for yourself where it leads you. It is simply stated a year focused on personal growth in big and small ways. It is a year to reflect and to change and in the end become a better person as a result. Please feel free to contact me if you wish to get any further information.

Otherwise, go and meet Ali. Don't forget to read through the comments posted along with this entry on her blog to see the words that many others have chosen this year and why. I promise you will be inspired.

I'd love to hear if you choose to take the journey and choose a word for yourself in 2011. Wouldn't it be great to encourage one another and have time to share our stories along the way?

Happy New Year

Happy New Year from our home to yours.

DaySpring E-Cards

Love and Sunshine,