Pop Pop - A lesson of strength

One year ago today I found out that my Pop Pop had passed away.  It was shocking, and a relief all in one conversation.  I will never forget how hard that week was for me since I had not lost a close loved one ever.  Sure I had the experiences of loss some close and others not so close, but never a family member that I had a good relationship with for years. 

Pop Pop was so strong.  He was a man of honor, and truth.  He was a man that did what was right regardless of what others thought.  He was a man of few words.  He was a person that listened and didn't judge.  He was a person of love, and kindness.  Pop Pop was LOVE.

In the last year of challenges, and change for me personally I have thought of him often.  I have asked myself if Pop Pop were here what would he tell you right now?  What would he "approve" you doing in this situation?  And, the answer is often - pray first.  Pray first and have patience for the answers.  Stay true to what God wants us from each of and the answers will come, but you also have to be still and listen.  The other lesson that I can say Pop Pop would have given me would be to remain strong.  Put God first, family second, and work third.  To stay focused on the important things in life, pray, have patience, listen, and don't jump to conclusions is hard.  And, if Pop Pop ever lived outside of the values he showed us growing up I never witnessed it.  Pop Pop was my lesson in strength! 

It is my hope that I will change my way to reflect more of my Pop Pop in my daily life.  And, that my children will absorb the good intentions of prayer, strength, and the true meaning of LOVE. 

Pop Pop I miss you everyday!  I know you are having the time of your life right now, enjoy!
Until I see you again,
LOVE
Sadie

Once I had a dream to....

own a beach house.  And, then life happened - my family took priority, and my career took off.  At sometime this Summer I started to really try to remember what dreams I had when I was a little girl.  What did I want to be?  Who did I want to become?  And, one dream kept coming up for me, and that was to have a beach house.  That was going to be my happy place to run away to and just be in peace.  I still have that dream.  That desire to run away where all is calm and clear.  My desire for this was so big that I decided to and play/dream.

So I went out on line to 'dream' and this is what I found.. somewhere?  NO I will not be buying this house BUT it is the perfect beyond perfect if I am honest. 

It is my favorite colors on the outside, and on the inside.  Purple, Pink, Yellow, and Blue.  I can see, feel, and smell my beach house.  Have you ever felt that strong about a desire or a dream?  My goodness, it is a very powerful, moving and motivating feeling!  I am in love with this house, and it might not be the dream that actually comes true, but one day I will have a house at the beach and I can always decorate it in all my favorite colors!  :0)  Life is all about making others feel good, and dreaming to make the impossible happen!  Life is good!  HUGS!!!!

What is love?

What is love to you? There are many ways that people interrupt the meaning of love. Here are 2 examples that come to my mind when thinking about the meaning of love. 1. There is the always hoping for true love always and forever. This is more of a utopia that people want to feel or are addicting to feeling when all is new and mysterious. 2. Tough love is another form of love that people use when it is fitting. Meaning they love someone so much that they have to be 'hard' on that person to teach them a lesson. Being 'hard' on a person could mean letting them fail when you sit back and wait for them to understand or learn a lesson.

Now with the meanings mentioned above, what you think?

Love to me is unconditional, understanding, and always the first thing to think of any situation. Without love people are left alone, feeling unwanted, and create something to fill the void(s) that if love was there in the first place they wouldn't have to fill.

Love is always have an understanding of others and their feelings. An understanding that you are not the only one that is in the relationship, friendship, or conversation. That yes you matter and so do others. When a relationship is built on love you will have trust, freedom, and mutual respect for all involved.

Love is always something that should be first in any situation. With a love understanding your intentions are at their purest form and any decision or choice that needs to be made will be made with the best in mind.

Love is something that we all need. We feed on it, and crave it when it is not around. Without love we feel alone, isolated, and create self doubt in ourselves that can lead us to filling voids in our lives in less positive ways.

Are you craving love? Do you feel a void somewhere right now, how can love change it? Think about it.... You must give your truest love away to have the true love feelings return in waves of abundance!

Daddy's Little Girl

As Daddy, and Jocelyn walk to the bus stop for the first time I found myself stepping back. It was exciting to see, and emotional to know that this was just one of the times that Mommy just wouldn't fit the bill.

The bond that a little girl can build with her Father is so very important. A positive male role model teaches a little girl so much in the years of growing up.

A great Father will teach his daughter morals, values, and self respect. He will show her strength in challenging times. All of the lessons learned will be from a true love, and respect relationship that starts at a very young age.

Steve, and Jocelyn have a bond that is like no other I have seen. He is a great Father, role model, and loves unconditionally. Jocelyn, looks up to him so much. And, I know that if the first 5 years have had such an impact on the both if them that the years ahead will only bring more for the both of them to cherish!

HUGS!!!!

From a proud Mommy, and Wife

Back from the beach.....

I just finished up having a great vacation with my family! We went to South Carolina and stayed in Myrtle Beach. I have decided or I should say confirmed that the beach atmosphere is my truest form of happiness. I become so calm, and worry free when I am at the beach it's almost scary how different I feel just by being there. So now I am thinking should my next 'big' move be to the beach? Or should I plan to buy a beach property and plan to live there in the near future? Oh to be at the beach all the time! There are no words that can express how good the beach is for me, and the way I feel during my time visiting.

Loving the beach, any beach!

I am thankful!

Good Evening ~

I am jotting down a few thoughts on just being grateful! I have heard so many people complaining and unhappy with what they really have or in their eyes what they don't have. And, truly if you can get up every morning, start your day with good thoughts, and count every blessing that you have what can be so wrong in your life?

I am so very happy for my family, friends, and all the experiences that I have everyday. Good, bad, and anything in between makes me who I am, and continues to keep me grounded.

What am I thankful for this week?

1. Sunday, Brett's message was a great start to the week! God, has been wonderful in my life!
2. Monday, Waking up and being able to go to work. Coming home to a fabulous family that is full of love, and happiness!
3. Tuesday, Spent the day with one of the Best Leader/Mentor. Mom, was able to pick up J, and they were home with big SMILES, and HUGS when I got home!
4. Wednesday, Went to dinner with the family and had dessert at Starbucks!

And, many more thank yous for the week:

• Working at home for one day
• Doing hair for a great family
• Looking forward to the races on Saturday with my Hubby
• Helping my BFF with her mail pick up when she is on vacation

Life is Good!

Where's the snow?

I am looking forward to the snow that is on its way! I planned to have plenty of food to eat, books to read, and crafts to do for everyone in the family. Well here are late afternoon and we are still waiting. I think I'm more excited than the kids! I want to curl up with a good book get under a cozy blanket watch the snow fall and just relax. I love the feeling that I get from sitting inside and watching it snow. There is something calming, and peaceful for me when I can sit back not worry about going anywhere and just watch the snow fall. Being "snowed-in" makes for great family time, and good times. Oh, please let it snow soon!

An Attitude of Graditude

It is Saturday night and this week is coming to end. Tomorrow will kick off another new week of To Do's, Have To's, and Get To's. But before that starts I wanted to stop and think of the good things and blessing that went on this past week.

1. I started FPU on Sunday. And, have high hopes that this is the ticket I need for reaching (or at least starting) my financial goals!
2. I was able to coach two employees on reaching new professional goals for themselves!
3. I attended 2 middle school basketball games to see Austin play.
4. I found out that Austin has all As, and Bs in school.
5. I watched Jocelyn play for hours, and use her imagination to the fullest!
6. Seeing Jocelyn's facial expressions makes me laugh ( and I am similing now thinking about them) :0)
7. Steve, gave me lots of HUS, and kisses this for no reason at all
8. Steve started cooking dinner one night when I was running late with the kids
9. I talked to my Mom and Dad more than normal
10. I am surrounded by great friends that would do anything for me

Life is good. I just need to slow down, and see the little things that mean so much to me.

Here is to another great week ahead, Cheers!

HUGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LUVnLIFE Kickoff (again)

My intentions with this blog is to journal motivating, and positive messages. My hope is that when you take time to read the posting that it will be uplifting, make you smile a little bigger, and add a little pep to your step even if it is just one moment, second, or better yet the whole day! I hope you enjoy reading my blog. HUGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The 2 reasons I breathe

I want to introduce you to the two reasons that I breathe everyday! The two children in this picture are my inspirations. Austin, is almost 13, and Jocelyn is 4 1/2. I wake up and hope they make the best choices everyday, and pray that they will always know what is best. When I slow down, listen, and watch there is so much to learn from both kids it is amazing. Austin, can reason ideas, thoughts, and actions. And at almost 13 I can have an adult-like conversation with him and he understands. He will also give his view of a situation and explain why he feels the way he does. It is amazing how at such a young age he really has a good head on his shoulders. I can only pray and trust that he will continue to make good choices, and a level head in the years to come.
And, then there is Jocelyn. Have you ever stopped to listen to a young child use their imagination to the fullest of their ability? WOW through her eyes I have been to castles, grocery stores, and Alaska. I have danced, played in the rain, and went down a swirl-twist-hilly slides. She dances all over all the time. She sings at the top of her lungs without a care in the world. She has reminded me of being care, and worry free. She has never met a stranger and if she knows you she will always say a prayer for you and your family. And, if you have children she will always want to call and go for a play date. Thank you Austin, and Jocelyn for providing me the breathe of fresh air through your eyes! I love you both so very much.

2009 has started!! January, is a month of getting it together, focusing on the year ahead, and relaxing after the busy Holiday Season. To start the year off in a positive direction I have started a journal to list my goals and how I am going to move towards making them happen. I am not a fan of making false or misleading resolutions that can set me up to fail. The resolution ideas are good for some, but for me if I fail at a resolution it makes me feel as if I failed in life. And, that is just not a feeling that I need in addition to all of the other life things we have going on. So, I just make goals. And, as long as I take action towards the goals that I have set for myself I feel the wins of accomplishments. After this post I am going to put together a list of goals that I am currently working on, and others that I will start to move in the direction of accomplishment! I am looking forward to a great year for myself, my family, and friends. Have a great 2009!

More to Life?

Have you ever stopped at a crossroad, and just had to take a moment and think? What crossed your mind? Should I find another job? Do I deserve to get paid more, and how much should that really be in dollars? What about finding a bigger, and better home for my family? When is the market going to change? How can I sell to improve my families quality of life? Am I being greedy now that I am thinking all of these thoughts? I feel that at times I can get caught up in the circle of insanity. I do feel that I am a positive person and always seem to look for the higher road, but there are these times that I get caught in the crossroads... What do you do during these times? Any advise?

Blessings make you feel good!

My life has been full of many blessings in the past week. I am so excited, and feel so good inside-that it reminds me that Life Is Good. The blessings have enhanced my life, and gave me more purpose in my life. It is so amazing how the good things or events in life just lift you up, and keep you going! (Thank you, Peggy!)

Two Life Paths

Let me ask a question? Do you know or trust that there are two paths in life always? Two choices that everyone has to make in any situation they approach? And, yes I know that the choices could be very difficult, but isn't there always a better choice of the two you face?

Ok, so what do you do when someone you know very well (or maybe you think you know them) is always making the less positive choices to better themselves? And, the turns around, and is always complaining about the life they are choosing?

I have prayed, and talked to the person very honestly. And, it just isn't sinking into their head. What I am learning is that this person not an honest person... Saying one thing, and doing another. Actions speak louder than words.

It is upsetting me that I see this person "having so much" in the worldly possessions, and is just missing the boat on the self-worth piece of life.

I think I hold self-worth, family, and friends at a much higher value in my life than maybe this other person does, and I am not observing the actions well.

I will keep praying for her, and her family. And, remain with high hopes that she will make better choices when she has to make another decision for herself, family, and friend around her.

Unseen

The best things in life are absolutely unseen! Have you ever wished, or dreamed so much that you actually felt like the wish or dream was going to come true? And, then did you noticed when it did come true? That was the unseen. This is the unseen; you can call it your God/Universe/Higher Power; A higher power or emotion than yourself. When you are alone, and sad do you ever feel a slight relief, like maybe you got a HUG? That hug was from the unseen? Have faith, and always believe! You are never alone. The unseen always wants what is the very best for us. And, we need to expect the very best, too. To expect the very best with all your might and having faith that you will be provided exactly what you need/want you will receive it!