Anonymous Gift

Yesterday was one of those very hectic days. The day before was just as hectic. Two days ago, my husband had to work through the night to get some stuff done for work. So naturally he was too tired to take the boys to school. I took them in the morning, then went back to pick up Michael and then again to get Christopher.

Then the next day I picked up Michael, then a few hours later, I picked up Christopher, then rushed them off to Tae Kwon Do. Between those times I was cleaning and trying to cook dinner when I realized that there was an art festival at the boys' school soon after their martial arts.

I was feeling tired and pulled into our drive way, when I noticed something on our front door step. I got out of the car and went to see what it was.



I was surprised and puzzled at the same time. There was no note. Just these cute candle holders. It wasn't my birthday. Who would do something like this? I looked around to see if anyone was hiding waiting to surprise me or something, but our bushes are so tiny there wasn't really anyplace for anyone to hide.

I know there are eartly angels everywhere watching over and helping each other. It is so nice to know that I have one watching over me! Thank you! Whoever you are. You made my day!

Simplify

"Simplify" is one of my favorite words. This word can be applied to so many different things. You can simplify your schedule, simplify your relationships, your projects, your work load, and in general, your life.

I am a mother of three. My two boys attend a charter school about 25 minutes from home. My husband drops them off by 8:30, I pick up our kindergartener at 11:30 and our second-grader at 3:15. Twice a week they have martial arts class at two separate times. Our oldest has piano lessons and cub scouts. Between school, homework, and extra-curricular activities there is cleaning, cooking, spending time with my daughter, squeezing time in with my husband, and volunteering, if I have any time left I can do some sewing.

During the week, I feel that I'm in a river and the current is just taking me where ever it wants to. I just can't seem keep up with life. Has anyone felt that way? I don't think there is any room to simplify my schedule. Sometimes I get frustrated and I get sad if I don't get things done or accomplish my own goals. Now, don't get me wrong, I want to do things for my children, I want to spend time with my hubby, and I want to be me! I wish I could clone myself and get everything done by bedtime.

Tonight, I did all the bedtime routine; reading, singing and praying and tucking my little girl in to bed. At the same time I was thinking to myself, "Oh, it's almost over, I can relax and do something that I want", just then she looked into my eyes and said "I love you mommy." I don't know why, that almost made me cry. I guess it is because I get up every morning and go through the same routine and do mommy duty. It was just simple "I love you".

I hope I can be the mother, who passes on everything I know and have experienced to my children. More importantly, I want them to know how much I love them and I appreciate them. After that I felt like my soul was cleansed and strengthened for tomorrow.

I learned something today, even though I can't change the situation we are in right now in life, I can at least slow down and evaluate myself. Where am I and why I am doing this and where I want to be in the future? That, will simplify my life in some way. My schedule won't change but my state of mind will. Of course, I have to keep reminding myself to do that too.

At last, I found this quotation and wanted to share it with you all...

People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing--- that's why we recommend it daily.