Happy Birthday Sheila D!

Today is the big 40! for someone that I love. Today is my good friend Sheila's 40th birthday. Many get depressed on this day and simply don't want to talk about it. Many mope around at the very thought of growing older. Well I guess you could see it that way and then you could see it Sheila's way and be "grateful" and thankful for everyday, everything and everybody. There isn't hardly a time that you don't see her that she doesn't bring a smile to your face. This is a special gift, but what makes it even more special is that Sheila was diagnosed with cancer in this very month two years ago. God allowed me to be with her when she heard the news of the big"C". I have never seen a person with so much courage. Yes, she has had her down times, but is almost always "optimistic". She has been given "so" many reasons to gripe and complain (much like her friend Beth), but not her, she takes life in stride and tends to put self aside and do for others. She is an inspiration and helps me to keep life in perspective.

Happy Birthday Sheila D!

"Sisters" not by blood, but by "Heart"

The Lord blessed me many years ago with a brother that the world would later take away. I never intended being that "only child", but through circumstance ended up there. It would be circumstance later on that would help to fill this void when my path crossed with Jill and Christy. I call the both of them my friends, but in heart they are truly my sisters.

These two women mean the world to me and I love them dearly. We have cried together, laughed together, celebrated together, fussed together, raised children together, been wives together, been stressed together, went to church together, been through illness together, become Pampered Chef junkies together and the list just goes on and on and on....

It amazes me the plan that God lays before us that we aren't aware of. Just when we think that our puzzle is incomplete and none of the pieces left will fit in the empty spot, he provides us with that perfect piece that fits so divinely snug.

I attended a women's conference this weekend called "Extraordinary Women". It talked about seeing the beauty in ourselves and in others. These two people are both beautiful and "Extraordinary Women" to me. I don't have to look hard at all the see the beauty in either one of them. No matter what the circumstance, "I know their heart" and I love them for it.

Thank you Lord for the "blessings" that you have given me through these two women.

I love you both! A friend loves you all the time. Proverbs 17:17

"Fros" and "Banditos" a Trick or Treat Treasure

This Halloween was another one of those fleeting "Momma Moments" that you realize are just passing you by. It makes you want to put life in slow motion to take in every minute of it. As if I had been hit by a ton of bricks, the reality that this was my Baleigh's last time to go trick or treating was upon me. Next year she will be with the youth, my baby, youth! An even worse reality is that it is very likely that it will also be Thomas' last year because his "sissy" won't be doing it next year. Nevertheless, we had a "great" time! Baleigh has always lived for dressing up for Halloween. I mean we start planning on November 1st what our costume will be the next year. She went out with a bang this year. She was a 70's GoGo dancer. It was soooo Baleigh, fro and all. Thomas was a bandito this year, mustache, poncho, sideguns included. They were so cute! We went to a few houses that are our regulars and then went to the nursing home. That is my children's favorite stop! I think they know the joy it brings to the older residents and in return it brings joy to them, LOTS of candy too. We were then off to the church for games, hayrides and trunk or treating. It was a really good night with my babies! Another one of those "little things" that mean so much. :)