If not now, then when?

I have this problem...I rush and rush and don't really take the time to stop and smell the roses.  I'm not paying a bit of attention to where we are going as a family.  It always seems as if someone needs something or wants my help around here.  I take care of them.  I take care of me.  But, I don't really stop to savor the everyday blessings in between.  I mean, I am blessed beyond measure and rarely drop to my knees to say, "Thank you God for all that I have been given!!"

Slow down and enjoy life. It's not only the scenery you miss by going too fast - you also miss the sense of where you are going and why.

The Tiniest Hair is almost eight months.  I really can't believe it.  Time has flown by without us noticing.  Because of a lack of viable bedrooms for him, he is still sharing a room with his father and me.  I've never had one of our babies in a room with us this long.  I usually ship them off to their own by the time they are sleeping well so that that everyone involved will sleep better.  While this does seem like a sensible plan, I did not realize the sweet things I have been missing. 

You see, each morning, Tiny Hair wakes up without a wail or scream.  Instead, he slowly wakes up making the most delectable little cooing sounds I have ever heard.  He sometime squeals loudly just to hear himself.  The Committee and I don't move as not to spook or stop him.  Instead, we listen to our tiniest little creature explore his abilities. 

Just recently, however, he has mastered sitting up.  He loves to slowly wake up and then sit up to play in his crib.  If he thiks he is alone, he is content to play for a while.  Each morning, I peek over my pillows and covers to see his pudgy little tummy curled over his diaper.  His head is usually bent staring at his feet.  He slowly glances over to me and instantly lights up.  His eyebrows incline quickly and his lips curl.  His smile is the best early morning reward for me. 

A couple of years ago, I went to see Amy Grant in concert with the Memphis Symphony.  She said that each morning she would lie in bed and repeat Psalm 118:24, "This is the day the LORD has made; let me rejoice and be glad in it" until she would believe it and let it shape her day.  It made total sense to me, as some days it is hard to believe that I will be rejoicing placing my feet on the ground and going about my daily business. 

But, when I see this sweet face light up by just looking at me, it is so hard not to rejoice at the gifts that have been bestowed upon me.  When he coos or squeals, I think about how he is exploring his world in his own way.  I have been given this little person that has grown from cells in my tummy to an angel here in my home.  I move quickly throughout my day without savoring his presence.  If I don't slow down now and bask in this day that has been made by Him, then when?  When will I rejoice and be glad in it?  Each day is a gift to be opened.  I should love the memories I am creating these days, rather than looking back on the memories in several years when all is quiet and love what little I am able to remember.

The Tiniest Hair is too precious to overlook.  He is a blessing the LORD has made; let me rejoice and be glad in him!

A baby will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, paychecks smaller, homes happier, clothes shabbier, the past forgotten, and the future worth living.

Lead me, 'cause I can't do this alone

So Father, give me the strength
To be everything I'm called to be
Oh, Father, show me the way
To lead them
Won't You lead me?

To lead them with strong hands
To stand up when they can't
Chasing things that I could give up

I'll show them I'm willing to fight
And give them the best of my life
So we can call this our home
Lead me, 'cause I can't do this alone

Father, lead me, 'cause I can't do this alone

 ~Lead Me by Sanctus Real 
Feel free to watch the video @ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLr6G8Xy5uc&ob=av2n

At the beginning of the week, I heard the song lyrics listed above as I was driving the boys' bus to school one afternoon.  It really struck a chord with me.  You see, The Committee has been traveling for business the past two weeks.  At first, I thought "I can do this!"  This attitude quickly turned into, "What has happened to my strength and independence?"  I couldn't get over how quickly I came apart. 

I found that I did not have a bit of energy to share at the end of the day.  It was as if I woke up each morning like the ole-timey egg timers with the sand sliding through the skinny part into the wider basin in the bottom.  Once the sand ran out, this egg was about to crack.  There wasn't any extra sand in my jar.  I was done.  But, I still had boys to feed, bathe, love, and lead to bed.  It was eye-opening.

I found myself thinking of the lyrics above...

So Father, give me the strength...

To be everything I'm called to be...

Father, lead me, 'cause I can't do this alone. 

Throughout this week, I have spent a great deal of time thinking of the women in my life that are raising/raised their children day in and day out all alone.  My mother was single from my early years.  She gave us all that she had to give without her own parents in her backyard.  I have the luxury of having her just down the road to help me each day to raise my children (and let me tell you what a luxury it is!!).  She gave up her life and friends in West Tennessee to move here with us to be a daily part of our lives.  I am beyond grateful for this act of love.  

My sister-in-law has raised her two girls, until recently, in a single parent household.  She was able to hold a full-time job (with crazy hours) all while being everything to her two young girls that are quickly becoming young women.  It is more than I am able to fathom.

I have many dear, dear friends who are sending their husbands out of town each week for business without a light at the end of the tunnel.  It is a way of life for these strong ladies.  I have the most respect for these women that are able to keep the world turning for their families without interruption.

So, as I go down my road, I am thankful for all of the help, guidance, and inspiration that I am able to receive each day.  I will reach down inside offering the best part of my life to those around me making sure that no one is left hungry for love.  I am beyond thankful this evening, as The Committee is on the way home from the airport, that I have many people leading me so that I don't have to do this alone. 

I. Am. Blessed.



The Price of Sacrifice...

Recently, I read The Ocean Between Us, by Susan Wiggs.  It was a really great book about a Navy family that sends the father of their family out on deployment and how this affects the entire family unit.  The mother in the book was expected to be so much to so many.   I loved it, plus the romance in it is endearing to me!  :) 

The book really spoke to me about the things that I take for granted and what military families endure at the cost of our American freedom.  As I go throughout my day, I may complain about one insignificant hardship or another... overlooking the fact that my husband is coming home to my bed that night rather than a bunk many time zones away.   

If you sit down and think about the price these families pay, it will speak to your soul.  There are so many things that must be accomplished alone, all while fighting the niggling fear of injury.  I truly can't imagine!

Today, I stumbled upon a friend of a friend's facebook post.  She just welcomed her husband home from a year's deployment this week.  I had to share this because it was so amazing to read.  An everyday family living a commendable life here in Middle Tennessee.

Lessons Learned from This Deployment.....

~ The first week is still ALWAYS the worst.

~ Anyone that takes for granted the freedoms they live everyday should be required to witness the bedtime prayers of a four year old little boy who’s Dad is deployed. 

~ My prayers include thanking God for a “normal” day and praying the next one will be just as boring. 

~ I am thankful for the friends who check in on me in the middle of the night, and can tell by the response from a text that I just need to hear a voice. 

~ I have amazed myself at how little amount of sleep I can have and still function. Thank you, God for caffeine. 

~ When Clift used to come home, the house was spotless, the laundry was caught up and the kitchen was stocked with all his favorite foods. This time around I was just grateful that everything that was breathing when he left was still breathing when he came home. 

~ You are only as tall as the shoulders you stand on. And, you are only as strong as the ones you cry on. 

~ My kids are the strongest, most resilient little people I have ever known. I’ve seen them suck it up, and I’ve seen them let it out. They are true examples of sacrifice. 

~ Apologies aren’t necessary, but forgiveness is. People will give you their opinions on how to do things better, what you’ve done wrong and right, what you should or shouldn’t do and how they would change the world if they were in charge. It can hurt your feelings, it can crush your spirit, and it can destroy you if you let it. Understanding they have no clear concept of what your life is like is essential. Bitterness breeds bad days. Forgiveness allows you to love them anyway and move on. 

~ Getting a tattoo didn’t hurt half as bad as I thought it would. 

~ One day at a time is thinking too far ahead....it's about the moment.

~ My children are expert counters. They’ve counted months, weeks, days, hours & time differences. And they know if I’m counting to 10, they should hide. 

~ Always close the sunroof. You never know when there will be a flood.

~ Love notes from your daughter can often be the glue that keeps the whole day from falling apart. 

~We live in a bubble. 

~The fact that celebrity “issues” are bigger news stories than military casualties always has and always will annoy me. 

~ It's the little things that makes me happy. Like being able to wash my hair AND shave 

my legs all in the same shower.

~ Pick your battles. Toy Story Cowboy boots go with just about anything, including Elmo swimming trunks. 

~ I have the GREATEST people in my life. My circle is huge and my friends never cease to blow me away.

~ I am “assembly required” retarded.

~The phone company will accept a check made out to the lawn guy, but the lawn guy won't accept a check made out to the bug man. 

~ Prayer is my daily vitamin. 

~ I can play sports, shoot guns, bows & arrows, but I CANNOT play “airplanes”. Carson has made that clear. The first attempt I almost killed him. 

~ I have INCREDIBLE “stand in the gappers”. 

~ This is been one of the most challenging years of my life. Yet, I wouldn’t do anything differently.

~ I have made it....again. Conquered every doubt, fear and question that I’d get through it.  And once again, am stronger for it. 

~ I AM BLESSED.

“Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.” Ephesians 6:13-18 The Message

Wow!  Hope that helped you to realize what these families have to face each time a new soldier is sent off to battle.  Hug those around you and thank God for your blessings.  Amazing words, Bria!

Unconditionally Loved

Recently, I have been torn up over the amount of teenage suicides in our country.  I read The Huffington Post and New York Times on my Kindle each day to try to keep up with national news.  I know it seems lame, but I just don't have a chance to watch the national news anymore.  It seems as though our televisions are tied up with other less pressing shows on Disney or Nickelodeon. 

Anyway, back on track...Both of these publications have been spending a great deal of ink highlighting the current rising trend of teenage suicide as a result of bullying.  Oh, how my heart breaks when I read this.  We have all been teenagers caught up in the heat of the moment never knowing when the tide is going to rise or fall. 

I have four boys in my home that will all be in their teenage years at one time starting about 5 years from now.  If only I could repeat the same things to them every morning as they walk down the stairs to scarf down some sort of cereal and run out the door to school.  By doing this, maybe I can protect their precious little souls from self-doubt or physical injuries from those around them.  This is what I would say...

Good morning my dear child.

One day, you will no longer be a small child that I can protect.  You will grow from a Curlee boy into the beginnings of a Curlee man.  You will need to discover the world on your own.  I will need to let you go out into the world to find your way and see what life has to offer you.

But, before you go, please consider these words...you are loved unconditionally by your father and me.  Unconditionally means that there are no words or actions that can make us stop loving you with our whole heart.  We will never turn our back on you, regardless of what you say or do.  The most important thing to us is you and your well-being. 

You will certainly find yourself in areas of distress for some reason or another throughout your adolescence and adulthood.  We all have at one time or another.  Not one adult around you has gotten to where they are in their life without traveling through a rock-bottom valley in search of life's meaning.  Remember, we ALL make mistakes.  It is the lessons we learn from these mistakes that mean the most.  Don't let your mistakes define you.  Don't let hateful words define you; you are so much more than a word.  Don't get bogged down in what could have been.  Strive for what can be...and follow that dream to the end. 

On our refrigerator, we have our house rules...

Always be honest.

Count your blessings.

Bear each others burdens.

Forgive and forget.

Be kind and tender hearted.

Comfort one another.

Keep your promises.

Be supportive of one another.

Be true to each other.

Treat each other like you treat your friends.

And most importantly, LOVE one another deeply from the heart.

These rules did not just happen to find their way to our fridge by accident.  No, just the opposite.  I searched for rules for our family that would characterize who we are and how we are supposed to act and treat one another.  But, these rules were not meant to pertain only to the Curlee Hairs.  Just the opposite...I want you to remember them always and carry them with you out into the world.  I want every action to be driven by the words...LOVE deeply from the heart.  If your heart is driving your words, thoughts, emotions, and actions, you can never go wrong.

Oh, I know that you will be wronged and do others wrong throughout your life.  We all have.  But, to bear these mistakes and make amends for them is how you show love to one another.  It is the stuff that character is made of.  Hate and contempt can be so easy to fall back on, but it is putting the love out there that takes work.  Choose the love over the hate. You will never regret that choice...ever!  

Matthew 5: 44 ~  But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.

Each time you feel hatred or anger for another person, pray for their life, their well-being, their happiness.  It is not possible to hate another person in the presence of God.  Let go of the anger that will encompass your whole being, and watch how God can work in your life.  This is of the utmost importance in being a man of character. 

As you have grown and started school, I have repeatedly told you how easy it is to try harder on your next spelling test, play a little bit better in the next football game, run faster when racing your brother, but you can't ever have a second chance to erase unkindness to one another.  Sure, you will be given a chance to say your sorry, but you cannot erase the actions or words that you put out in the world.  You must always be a little kinder than necessary...it never hurts, and usually will help!

If throughout your young-adulthood, you find yourself lost or confused seek someone out.  I would hope it would be your father or me, but I am also realistic to know that it won't always be us that you turn to for help.  If not us, then someone.  Don't try to take the world on alone.  Don't try to re-invent the wheel.  Borrow wisdom from another...it's not plagiarism.  Find someone you can trust...or better yet, someone that we trust.  Consider them a mentor.  Bounce ideas off of them.  Listen to their thoughts...and then, follow your own heart. 

Throughout my life and your father's life, we have not always been the winners and not always the losers.  We are usually somewhere in between the two.  It is okay not to always be the most successful...just do your best...that will always be enough for us.  We trust you.  We love you.  We always want the best for you. 

Don't ever give up.  Don't ever think that suicide is an answer to any problem you have.  You may think that whatever has occurred, will ruin your life.  I am here to tell you it won't.  It might change your life greatly, but you can always be a glory to God.  You will come out on the other side, and we will help you to find your way.  Trust our love.  Trust your gut.  Trust in God.  Trust in kindness.  And most importantly, LOVE one another deeply from the heart.  Let love lead the way for you.  Don't let someone else define who you are.  Let your character define who you are. 

You are the last thing I think of when I go to sleep at night and the first thing when I wake up in the morning.

What do you say, think I'll have time to get all that in every morning over a light breakfast of cereal?  Oh, how I wish I could say that to all of my boys every day and see if it delivers us to a better place on the other side of this scary place called "adolescence"!

Come on out and face the world...

The sweet Tiniest Hair has started to roll...and roll, and roll, and roll some more.  He's not sure where he is going, how he got there, or even how to get out of the spots he gets himself into.  Oh, how sweet it is to see him discover new things. 

At least once a day, he gets himself rolling across our bedroom floor, and he finds himself underneath our bed.  He gets madder than a wet hornet when this happens.  He's not sure how he got there and he really isn't sure how to get out.  He just seems stuck like a stick in the mud!

Don't we all have days like this?  We end up somewhere we weren't supposed to be, and we don't have any idea how to get out.  Maybe it was a poor choice of our own.  Or, perhaps we were coerced or pushed into this new environment.  It seems as if the world has stopped turning on the axis, and it might not ever get going again.

What do we do?  How do we handle our jumble of emotions?  Do we look the problem head on or do we dive under that bed to hide for the rest of the day?  Do you stew about how to get out? 

I can say that I am a bed-diver most of the time.  I'm somewhat nonchalant about solving problems and start most days praying that I don't get stuck in any that day. 

What if I was able to sacrifice all of my worries and trust that all will be right?  What if someone is taking care of me by His plan, and I'm trying to reroute the plan to meet my needs? 

I plan to have faith that this is the way of the world.  This is the way of my world.  I plan to come out from under that bed one inch at a time.  I want to find my way to make things right and face the new day.  I want to watch the sun rise knowing that my trust lies in Him.  I can be taught to walk in this path, and have faith that He will pull me out from underneath that dark bed and set me in a world filled with bright light and warms days.  Just like the Tiniest Hair, my tears will dry as soon as my path is set right.  I will rely on His word and trust in His way.

This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Happy Birthday, Straight Hair!

Six years ago today, I was leaving the delivery room to roll in to watch the UT vs. Georgia game in my hospital room with my sweet, second baby boy.  Happy, happy birthday little bear.  I'm so thankful He chose me to be your mommy!!

The Straight Hair

our true "middle-child" - on the straight and narrow at all times, always focusing on the task at hand, aims for completion and praise, questions everything, needs his daddy's kudos every day, wants dessert after every meal, looks far older than his actual age, longs to understand life's perpetual questions, wears his heart on his sleeve at all times, a gentle giant, so much like his father in all things it can be overwhelming, pushes me to be a better mother everyday.

Last Day the Straight Hair is a Nickel

Tomorrow the Straight Hair turns 6!

 

A day in his life...

• Lunch eating mac-n-cheese and bottomless ice cream cones with one aunt, one set of grandparents, and our family...$28
• Picking out a new ninja + sword Halloween costume...$25
• Going into PetSmart to get a new Betta fish, fish bowl, and fish food...$18
• Stopping by his grandmother's house for a quick visit...free
• Wandering through the kitchen tonight saying to the Committee and me, "Today was a really fun day!"...PRICELESS

 

As they say in the hokey-pokey, "And that's what it is all about!"  Well, that comment from the Straight Hair is certainly what my life is all about. 

 

The past two weeks have been fall break for the Curlee Hairs.  We had hoped to go to the beach with the boys for the first time, but we just couldn't rustle up enough spare change to make it work. So, we had a "stay"cation here in town.  

 

You see, I would like to give my family the moon on a silver platter every day if I could, but sometimes we have to just be content with being a happy family without big plans.  I tell the boys all the time that families of six don't always get to take big trips.  As much as I would love to hop in the car or a plane and go to fabulous destinations, we just don't have the funds at the end of the month.

 

 

So, I am bound and determined to have the boys enjoy time with one another here at home and around town.  We have had a great time.  I want to instill in them contentment to just be themselves while loving their God, family, and friends.  If that's how we live everyday, then everything else will fall into place!

 

Today, was one of those days.  We had planned to just go with the flow and venture down toward Murfreesboro around lunchtime.  We were looking for a birthday present that was not muy dinero, but would have some staying power.  So, we decided to expand our family by one for the Straight Hair.  We are now the proud owners of Jake, the Betta Fish.  He's a pretty awesome little guy...just what we need...low maintenance and a guaranteed long life (PetSmart will take him back if he doesn't live 3 months).  Perfect!  The Wild Hair has already proclaimed, "I love Jason the fish!"  Clearly, he did not get the memo that the fish's name is Jake.  But, oh well!! 

 

So, the last day in year five for the Straight Hair was a good one.  That's enough for me.  I think when I lay my head down on the pillow tonight, I can rest easy knowing we all lived above the line today.  Not half bad for a family of nine (two parents, 4 wild boys, 2 old, cozy dogs and one bright, new fish), not bad at all!

All for the Hall

Last night, my mom and I went to Keith Urban's production, All for the Hall.  It had been a crazy day around my house.  I managed to get all the kids bathed and ready for dinner.  The Committee came home to watch the rowdy boys.  I hightailed it out the door, and met Mom up at Kroger to head down to Bridgestone Arena.  I really had no idea what to expect.  Wow!!  I was very pleasantly surprised.

Keith Urban put on a show that would raise funds for the Counrty Music Hall of Fame.  He invited all sorts of folks to play on stage with Vince Gill and himself.  We saw Allison Krauss, Billy Currington, John Mayer, Martina McBride, Miranda Lambert, Charlie Pride, Alan Jackson, and the ever-entertaining Dolly Parton.  It was a great, fun night filled with tons of people watching! 

One line from Allison Krauss's song caught my ear.  I could listen to her sing all day.  Her voice is always so clear and refreshing.  She sang...

I Know Who Holds Tomorrow

I don't know about tomorrow;
I just live from day to day.I don't borrow from its sunshine
For its skies may turn to grey.

I don't worry o'er the future,
For I know what Jesus said.And today I'll walk beside Him,For He knows what is ahead.

Many things about tomorrow
I don't seem to understandBut I know who holds tomorrow
And I know who holds my hand.

Every step is getting brighter
As the golden stairs I climb;
Every burden's getting lighter,
Every cloud is silver-lined.

There the sun is always shining,
There no tear will dim the eye;
At the ending of the rainbow
Where the mountains touch the sky.

I don't know about tomorrow;
It may bring me poverty.
But the one who feeds the sparrow,
Is the one who stands by me.

And the path that is my portion
May be through the flame or flood;
But His presence goes before me
And I'm covered with His blood. 

None of us really knows about the tomorrows of our life.  None of us can predict the valleys we will travel through on our way to the next peak.  I need to remind myself daily as I get out of my bed and put my feet on the floor ~ Many things about tomorrow...I don't seem to understand...But I know who holds tomorrow...And I know who holds my hand.

It sounds hard.  It will probably take a great amount of trust to let things go...letting the worry flow off my shoulders and trust that my future is laid out for me.  I don't have the time to worry.  I'm only given this one life, and I'm going to do all I can to enjoy it.  When I lay down my head at night, I want to be able to think I had a full day filled with love and joy and no regrets!

To laugh often and much;

To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;

To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;

To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;

To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;

To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.

This is to have succeeded.

--- inaccurately attributed to
 Ralph Waldo Emerson

Why Blog?

"I did not do this to change your mind about anything;

I did this to ease my own mind about everything."

Todd Snider, Memphis musician

I decided to start blogging about the life of my family and daily exchanges not for you, but for me.  You see, we live out in the rural sticks.  I have four rambunctious boys.  My husband works long hours.  I love my friends, but don't see them nearly enough.  I see my mother almost daily, and she is one of my best friends.  I can bounce ideas off of her, if need be.  But, I needed to live outside of my head and clearly lay out my life each day in journal form.  This blog serves that purpose.

It is very cheap therapy for me.  Free in fact.  I can write about issues that run through my head or explore random thoughts that struck me during the day.  I can explore how I feel about one thing or another and try to let the idea begin and end all in one blog post.  All the while, I can create a running diary for my family. 

I'm not sure how long I'll keep going.  I hit some dry patches of thought here and there.  Some days, I just need to be still, stop thinking, and just pray.  So, that's what I do. 

I'm not sure if sharing my deep thoughts is the right thing to do for you.  I'm not sure that you really even care about these fleeting thoughts.  I'm not really trying to change your mind on anything at all.  I'm just trying to rectify my life's adventures and ease my mind about everything. 

That's how I got here.  I love it for now.  I have found The Committee seems to like knowing what is going through this hyper-active head of mine too.  So, it works for us.  Hope it works for you too. As always, thanks for stopping by and being a part of our life! 

P.S.  I thoroughly recommend blogging to anyone.  It feels hard at first, but after a while it is a nice place to relax, sit back, and take a look at the world around us.  If you ever want to give it a try, please send me a blog for The Middle Place.  We can post it any Wednesday and see what feedback you might get!!  Just send it to my e-mail...mocurlee@yahoo.com  Come on...jump right in!

The Snuggliest Baby in Town

Daddy's at work, my brothers are gone for the day, and just my mommy and me are left...

let the snuggling begin!

The Tiniest Hair is just the snuggliest baby you have ever seen.  He loves nothing more than to sink low beneath the covers and cuddle all day.  When he is very happy, you will hear this gurgle sound come from deep inside of him.  He almost sounds like a cat mewing.  It is one of the sweetest sounds to my ears. 

Gotta run...we are losing snuggle time as I type!

The Reluctant Entertainer

So, I've been reading this new book, The Reluctant Entertainer ~ Every Woman's Guide to Simple and Gracious Hospitality.  When we lived in Memphis, I never really was one for having people over to our house.  It seemed too hard.  I was happier to get out and go somewhere else to meet up with friends. 

But, since moving to middle Tennessee, I have really enjoyed having people over to our home.  I guess having four kids has definitely put a squeeze on our wallet and there doesn't seem to be any cash left over at the end of each month to pay for a sitter.  So, we swing open the doors, tell friends to bring their whole family so they won't have to pay a sitter either, dish out duties to one another, and enjoy one another's company.

It is so healthy for the soul of our family.  My kids love it!  I love it!  The Committee is growing to love it...he's somewhat reticent by nature!  The Wild Hair will ask about when we are having another yard party.  One-of-a-Kind loves to show people around our house...even my bathroom!  The Straight Hair plans the entertainment...usually fireworks or something involving fire.

I'm not sure why I have changed my ways, but I have noticed how much happier it makes me.  Growing up, there were always people (young and old) coming in and out of our doors.  My parents both liked to have people over for a cocktail or dinner.  It was always a time of happiness for all of us.

So what’s the big deal about inviting people into our homes? Why does it even matter?

This is what I think...We were put on this Earth to connect with one another.  Our souls ache to unite with another's.  The focus is not on a perfectly set table or a meal that resembles something from a chic L.A. hot spot, but the wonderful individuals that have gathered around our home.  For some, it’s a new way of thinking. To me, I love experiencing the joy that comes from melding our lives with others.  To find this connection over a lazy evening in my backyard, is true contentment for me.

"Contentment is not the fulfillment of what you want, but the realization of how much you already have."

--Unknown

Our Little Toes

As I sank down in the couch the other night, I was running through our day's day for The Committee.  I do  this most nights to let him know what happened in the life of our family while he was away at work.  I think I also do it so that I feel validated, and hope he won't assume I was eating bon-bons all day.  Oh, I wish!

Anyway, I was telling him one tale after another.  I filled him in on my tasks at hand, etc., etc.  He quickly stopped me and told me that did not amount to what he did. 

He said, "I snipped nails on 80 digits today. How many people can say that?" 

You see, clipping nails is a boy job in our house.  We have always divided tasks into boy jobs vs. girl jobs.  For example, taking the trash out is a boy job.  Cooking dinner would most definitely be a girl job. 

Each week, he clips all the nails of the boys.  They are used to it...no one really runs away with the wild banshee scream...so we call that a success in our house.  We both laughed, then it made me think of the things other families miss out on when they stop at one or two children.

80 digits that need to be clipped...constant play dates that never end...going shopping for new clothes means going to a brother's closet...toys that span the generations...the list goes on and on...share some of yours if you'd like.

What have you done today? 

Each day, awakening, are we asked to paint the sky blue? Need we coax the sun to rise or flowers to bloom? Need we teach birds to sing, or children to laugh, or lovers to kiss? No, though we think the world imperfect, it surrounds us each day with its perfections. We are asked only to appreciate them, and to show appreciation by living in peaceful harmony amidst them. The Creator does not ask that we create a perfect world; He asks that we celebrate it.  ~Robert Brault