Being Absent while you're Really Present

Sometimes I'm absent while I'm really present! 

I know that sounds strange, but it's the truth.  I'm in the same room as my children, but I'm not really there. I am that Mom who is too busy on my phone checking out what the rest of the world is doing, or I'm having a conversation with another person, or I'm reading a paper that came home from school or in the mail, or I'm in deep thought about the stresses that life throws at me, or I'm working on one of my may projects that I take on, or I'm simply just ignoring them because sometimes that's what I have to do to keep myself sane! Whatever it may be, nothing, and I repeat NOTHING is more important then the three little gifts that God gave me. 

Therefore, after a week from hell with too much juggling and not enough loving, I reflected on my actions and I vowed to change a cycle that was quickly turning into a nasty habit. 

So, today after school we went to the Aquarium. I stood back as they explored the beauty of the sea. I listened to their ooh's and aah's, I traveled at their pace, I answered questions even if it took me reading the entire wall of statistics, and I took time to explore an area that we've passed so many times without even realizing it. And, today taught me that being PRESENT is where I want to be. I know that every day can't be like today, that there will be times that I have to be absent while present to multi-task and get the job done, but at least I can try and make those times few and far between. 

I can give my undivided self to my children most of the time, because after all they deserve it ALL the time! 

Like Mother...Like Daughter

It's such an odd feeling when you look at your child and see yourself. And, I don't really get this feeling a lot, even though everyone tells me they think Giulietta looks like my Mini Me. However, when I look at these picture of Giulietta, it is so easy to see myself through her. 

Maybe it's because 25 years ago I was standing on that same field holding a ball under my arm, or simply because I'm pretty sure I have dreamed these moments several times before. Regardless, my girl, these pictures, this soccer season...ALL of it make my heart smile!  

Giving Back...My Brother Needs Some Help

Dear Friends & Family, 

My amazing brother, Kenny Hardy, is on a mission to save kids and he needs YOUR help. Our local Children's Miracle Network Hospital treats thousands of children each year, regardless of their family's ability pay. These kids are facing scary stuff like cancer, cystic fibrosis, and injuries from accidents, to name just a few.

On October 25, 2014, Kenny will be participating in a HUGE worldwide celebration of the social impact of gamers of all kinds. He will be playing games (video games, board games, and tabletop RPG's) for 24 hours to help raise awareness and show his support for the children in our community. It's my sincere hope that you'll find it in you heart to support my brothers efforts with a monthly pledge or a one-time gift that will go directly to his hospital of choice.

Your generous donation is tax-deductible and ALL PROCEEDS go to help kids.  Please make a safe, easy donation online today using the link below. 

http://www.extra-life.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.participant&participantID=99852

Thanks!

A Very Proud Sister

Happy Birthday Baby!!

It's been a year since I got my first peak at your sweet little face. counted all your tiny fingers and toes. and kissed you for the first time. It's been a year since I handed you to your Daddy & saw his heart fill with love and pride as he was introduced to his son. It's been a year since I  whispered your name into your ear for the very first time, and saw your eyes open wide with wonder. It's been a year since I showed you off to your adoring Big Sisters, and watched them love on you like you were their own personal doll. It's been a year since I first held you in my arms as tears of love slid down my face. 

And, from that minute I first held you, I knew I loved you! 

You are a one of a kind boy. You light up every room you enter with your charming smile and frowny eyebrows. You have a personality packed full of charisma that allows you to exude a gentle, yet wild way. You are graced with a head full of wild hair that will hopefully never be tamed, and deep blue eyes that light up with excitement for the world around you. You have a curious side to you that allows you to show off you love for being dirty, making messes, and getting into everything that you shouldn't be. You have a contagious laugh that you let out with a belly full of air and heart full of love. You have a passion for giving hugs and delivering wide open mouth kisses right on the lips. 

And, you make everyday an adventure as you continue to climb your way through your one wild and crazy life with your tender heart as your guide. 

Happy 1st Birthday my sweet Holden Enzo!

I love you from the bottom of my heart!