Proud Mama!!!

Today I am one Proud Mama!!!

Everyday, and I mean everyday Lil surprises me with the things she understands! All year long Lily saves her money in a "give back" jar. We always save it till Christmas so she can buy toys for Toys for Tots. We have explained to her why it's so important to "give back". We explain to her that not all kiddos have all of the toys and books that she does, that sometimes Mommy's and Daddy's can't do the things for their kiddos that her Mommy and Daddy can. We ask her to think about other kiddos, the kiddos who may not have a Christmas if we don't do our part. We want her to understand that not all kiddos have the "life" she has. (yes, she's spoiled)

So today was the big day....we ventured out to get our toys. Lily and Mommy head out to Target...we don't find anything that we have to have so we decide that we are Toys R Us bound. We stroll through all of the isles (and yes I mean all). All the while I can just see her mind going crazy. She finally decides on a couple of things for a girl, and a play set for a little boy. She told me that she would really like what she picked out, but she knew that she had to "give back". I picked out my toys and we head to the register to pay. She was so proud to get out her wallet and pay by herself (yep, my girl saved $60). She had $13 left over when we left Toys R Us. We got to the car and she told me that we needed to go to another store because she had more money. She never asked if she could keep that money, she wanted to buy more toys for kids who don't have any. So on the Meijer's we go!

I needed to return a few things at Meijer's, (bare with me) so I'm getting my money back from the cashier. She asked if she could give Lily the 3 pennies so she can ride Sandy the pony. So Lil puts them in her pocket, we pick out her toys and pay, then she asks if she can ride the pony. We head over to Sandy and as she's riding she notices that someone left pennies there. She asks me why there are pennies just sitting there, so I explain to her that someone must have left those pennies for the kiddos that don't have a penny to ride. Then my sweet, sweet girl grabs those two other pennies out of her pocket and tells me she would like to leave her pennies there too!!

I had all I could do not to cry right there.....ok, I got teary eyed!!! Everyday as a parent I question if I'm doing a good job (I think most of us do?), at that moment I thought...we are doing something right!!!! I really think she gets it and for that I AM ONE PROUD MAMA!!!!

xoxo

(note: I wanted to add photos, but it won't work!!!)

Thank A Veteran Today!!

Today...honoring all who have served...those who are no longer with us and those that are serving now. We are always and forever grateful!!

Words will never be enough for all of the sacrifices you have made and continue to make. Know you are always in our thoughts and prayers.

Thank You!!

Happy Birthday Marines!!

From a PROUD Marine Daughter, Happy Birthday Marines!!

Happy Birthday Daddy, I Love You!!! I loved growing up as a Marine daughter, I wouldn't have changed a thing!!!

Semper Fi

xoxo

Cheerleading Is Over

My girl got her first trophy!! We had the end of year Beach League banquet last weekend, and Lil was so proud of her trophy!

Now that 31 days is over, what am I going to blog about??

My Christmas shopping is in full swing around here! I love to start early, but I have a problem with not stopping! I can't believe the things that were on the shelves a week ago are already disappearing off the shelves already!! My suggestion to you: If there is a special something that your kiddos want, buy it now!! Two of the things Lil wants I've already bought because I'm scared they won't be on the shelves later.

The hubby is having a "guys" weekend away, so it will be Lily and Mommy time this weekend. Hopefully daddy has a great time away, he deserves it!!!

Happy Hump Day!!
xoxo

Day 31 - It's All Up To You

Here it is, the last post of my 31 day journey. (still can't believe I actually blogged for 31 days straight!!)

What I've learned along the way is.....there is no wrong way, no right way, no two people find balance in the same way! Do we ever truly find balance...I'm not sure. We just keep going! As long as we keep trying, and giving it our all we are bound to make it through!

To my friend Luz who invited me to join her on this journey, we've never met in person, but I love her like she lives next door to me and I've known her forever!! (someday we will meet, I'm sure of it!!). Thanks for the journey my friend!! Much Love!!

xoxo

Day 30 - So Tell Me......

Only one day left of this 31 day journey....tell me what's the most important thing for you when trying to balance it all??

xoxo

Day 29 - Life Is A Balancing Act

Isn't that the truth??

xoxo

Day 28 - Care For Your Body

Having a high energy level is a trait held by many highly successful people. No matter what your present level of energy, you can increase it by following these steps: Eat. Don't skip meals. Your physical and mental energy depend upon nourishment. Irregular eating patterns can cause a frayed temper, depression, lack of creativity and a nervous stomach.Exercise. Over and over again, highly successful people mention the benefit of exercise routines. . The benefits of exercise are mental, emotional, physical and spiritual. If you are healthier and have more stamina, you can work better and longer.

I've left this topic as one of my last posts, well....because, this is something I suck at!!!! I believe everything that is stated above, I just don't do it!! I have NO EXCUSES!! I always say, I'll start tomorrow and of course tomorrow comes and goes. Hoping that I will get on with taking care of my body!

xoxo

Day 27 - Re-Do Your To Do List

A to-do list is a day, time and life management tool. Regrettably a to-do list can take over your life and manage you instead. If you find that you cannot make a decision or be spontaneous even on your off days, if you can barely breathe without checking your to-do list, it is time to take back control.

Weed out the tasks on your list that are unrealistic, counter-productive and keeping you from spending quality time with your family, your friends, your hobbies and yourself. If you feel you must, schedule “Be spontaneous” or “Forget the to-do list” on your to-do list and do just that.

I've had to ditch my to do lists!! I get stressed when I don't get everything on it done, so I just quit making them!!

Do you make lists?? Do you get it all done??

xoxo

Day 26 - If You Fall, Get Back Up

This is so important....Perservere!!!! Don't call it a failed attempt and give up, when the next try at something may lead to success. Maybe it won't lead to success today...maybe it will be next week, maybe next month, maybe next year, and maybe it will take a lifetime.

Life comes moment to moment, so we must be here now, giving our full attention!

A life of balance means living in the present and meeting ourselves where we are at this moment.

Don't give up!!!

xoxo