Despite a pretty good night, we were awakened at five thirty this morning by a distraught three year old who had just thrown up in her bed. Our hopes that her stomach bug had passed were tossed as we got to work on clean up and comfort.

The baby woke congested and gagged on mucous throughout the morning. She threw up a little milk a couple times too. Other than needing to be held she was pretty laid back as usual.

I couldn't help but think this morning "remember when life was simple and there was only one kid throwing up." For that matter, remember when life was simple and I only had to take care of myself. And yet even as I thought these things, with a laugh, I had to admit I wouldn't change it. I wouldn't change the sick days or even the tantrum days if it meant missing one single smile or hug from my girls.

There are moms out there who have this blessing taken away. There are moms out there that never get to physically become moms, only dream, wish, and pray. So I will take every single day as a blessing with my girls even if it means cleaning up some puke. 

I'm grateful my life isn't "simple" anymore. I'm grateful for each day I get to see my girls' beautiful, loving faces. I'm grateful to get to be home with them today as we worked through their separate symptoms. I'm grateful for the love and care I feel taking care of them. I'm grateful to be a mom after years of thinking this dream would never come true. I'm grateful my preschooler was a trooper and handled throwing up like a champ. I'm grateful that (hopefully) her stomach is on the mend and tomorrow can be a day on the mend. I'm grateful for all the time I got holding the baby and getting nothing else done, because these days are rare and going by too fast. I'm grateful for this beautiful life.

What is NOT simple in your life? How has it enhanced your life and who you are as a person? 

May today make life a little blessedly complicated. May we rise to the occasion and find gratitude along the way. Have a beautiful day!

I had one of those moments this evening where I just had to laugh at myself. I was driving and letting my mind wander over the idea that this year is almost over. It has been a big year of change with pregnancy and then the addition of our youngest daughter.

There is a little over a month until 2020 and these last weeks always fly by with the holidays. In my mind I was beginning to formulate what my 2020 theme would be and what key words and pictures might capture that in my new year's vision board. I reflected on the parts of my vision board from this year that I manifested and which I let go.

Notice I did not say which things I am still trying to manifest. As I thought on my current vision board I have written off the things not carried out. It isn't that I feel I'm giving up on them but rather my priorities and vision have changed from when I made the board in January. Instead I am looking forward to the next one in January.

Wait! This is that moment I had to give a chuckle. If my vision board is no longer fitting and I already have clear ideas and intentions of what I want to shift to next...why am I waiting?! Why is a date on the calendar dictating when I begin?

Every moment of every day is an opportunity to create what we desire. I know this. I have said this a hundred times! So why am I waiting? Time to move forward whether it is January first or not. My "new year" starts now.

I'm grateful to laugh at myself. I'm grateful to see the humor in this lapse. I'm grateful to envision my future and put that vision in physical form. I'm grateful for the beautiful changes that happened this year and I'm grateful for how it shifted me and my goals. I'm grateful for all the visions I achieved or am moving toward already and I'm grateful to let others go that no longer suit my dreams. I'm grateful to start my new year now.

What are you waiting to do? Why are you waiting? How can you take the first step today?

May today be the mark of an opportunity seized. May we take the steps needed to go after our dreams. Have a beautiful day!

When I woke up today I didn't think about what lessons I would teach my daughters. I didn't write out a list of things to remember to teach them, and not just because it was a school day. My preschooler, in particular, will provide a million opportunities without me needing to even think about it. 

My preschooler loves learning. She loves soaking up new information and then telling it to the next person she sees. 

Today's lessons seemed extra impactful... to me. This morning I said I loved the sunshine. My preschooler responded "but not in my eyes. It hurts when the sun is in my eyes." Rather than just say "true" and move on; I felt a little stirring in my soul. Yes, that's right, my life became a musical as I informed my daughter there was a song about that very thing. Then I broke out in an off pitch rendition of John Denver's "Sunshine on My Shoulders". She giggled and asked me to sing it again. 

Later when I picked her up from school it was warm and sunny. I decided to park the car and pick her up in person rather than in the drive thru. As she does on all nice, dry days she asked if she could have some time to roll down the hill. Of course! After a few times up and down the hill she surprised me. "Mommy, will you roll with me?" The playful child in me gave an instant yes as I plopped the infant carrier with the baby down in the grass out of the way. I will admit there was a part of me that looked at the long carpool line and even the dad picking up his daughter from my daughter's same class and thought "should I be doing this?" Luckily that voice was much quieter as I proceeded to roll down the hill in a race with my daughter to see who could roll fastest. Life is too short to not play and she is growing up too fast to miss these invitations over something silly like what other people may think. I hope I can teach that to my kids by modeling it every chance I get.

It isn't a one way road though. My daughters teach me too. Listening to a song in the car this afternoon I felt myself get a little emotional. I told my preschooler, "I want you to know that as you get bigger you will make some mistakes, everyone does, but that I will love you no matter what. I will always be here for you even if you can't see me. Ok?" She said, "Yeah, I know. Besides if I can't see you I can just look around or maybe call for you. Then when I see you I can run and jump in your arms!" She may not have a firm grasp on this growing up stuff but she sure knows what my mommy heart needs to hear. I'm grateful to be reminded that love can be so solid and unwavering.

And not to be left out my baby daughter taught me today that even though you've changed a full diaper that doesn't mean there isn't another explosion lurking a few minutes down the road. Thanks for the reminder baby girl. Haha! She also reminds me to be more present and enjoy the moments she is awake as she is growing too fast.

I'm grateful for a day of important lessons. I'm grateful to let go of opinions of others and do what makes me happy. I'm grateful to have this playful nature. I'm grateful to be invited to join in today. I'm grateful to do all that rolling without throwing up. I'm grateful to have gotten a little grass stain on my pants...its been too long. I'm grateful to see my daughters' joy. I'm grateful for their laughs that is the best sound in this world. I'm grateful for love and for all we teach each other as we grow.

Who is your biggest teacher? What lessons did you learn today?

​May today remind us that every moment is an opportunity. May we find beauty in the lessons. Have a beautiful day!

I think at some point we have all said, "I would love to do that" or "that would be an awesome accomplishment." But how many of these ideas have we really followed? Some of them are not really our hearts' desire but others simple get lost in the day to day grind.

So what if we take the time to dream? What if you had to change jobs tomorrow? What would you do? What if for some reason you had to relocate? Where would you go? And are the answers you give based on what is easiest or what you would truly desire?

When we were kids we dreamed all the time. I want to be an astronaut. I want to be a teacher AND a veterinarian. The possibilities were endless. Once upon a time I wanted to be a National Geographic photographer. I wanted to dive into the deepest caverns and hike through the wilderness in search of that perfect shot. It was one of many creams I have had and I'm not saying all of them were meant to come true. But how many did I even try to pursue?

I'm not saying this from a place of shame or disappointment. I love the path I've chosen. Rather I'm speaking from the place that knows how important dreaming is to my spirit. The possibilities are endless and I have the power to change course at any time so why not keep dreaming and actually try out a new thing or two? 

I have a big family so it provides a lot of inspirational people. One cousin not only built up an amazing photography and boutique business but recently was featured in Fashion Week. It was amazing to watch her dreams unfolding! Another cousin has done all kinds of things from Zumba instructor to flight attendant and seems to have an amazing gift of brightening any room. She is an inspiration on just going for it and smiling along the way. These are just two of the dozens of people in my life that inspire me to keep dreaming.

I'm grateful for all the inspiration. I'm grateful for a big family that provides lots of love and inspiration. I'm grateful to have pursued several dreams and seen them come to fruition. I'm grateful to keep dreaming. I'm grateful to feel the wheels turning as something new is brewing. I'm grateful for all the possibilities. I'm grateful to play and imagine all that is possible. I'm grateful to trust I will know which ones to pursue.

What do you dream? What will you be? What path will you take next? Where will you go?

May today bring inspiration and imagination. May we play with the possibilities. Have a beautiful day!  

When my three year old forgets her manners or starts to have a meltdown instead of just asking for what she needs we offer her a redo. It is a chance to take a breath and try again. It is a way of reminding her to use her words and manners while also giving her grace to still possibly receive what she wanted. 

It works for other things too. If I swoop her up to carry her upstairs to bed she can ask for a redo to climb the stairs herself if I forgot to ask if she wanted carried. 

Tonight was my chance to ask for a redo. I lost my temper right before it was time for her dad to take her to bed. I was left feeling very sad about how I had handled the situation and also sad I had missed out on a bedtime hug. I needed to make it right, so I asked for a redo. 

Her dad got her out of bed to come to the doorway. We got our hugs and I got to apologize. I got to tell her my "thank yous" for the day on what I thought she did really well and how much I love her. She got to tell me how much she loves me and misses me while she sleeps. 

Some people may say that teaching her she can have a redo doesn't prepare her for real life. There are certainly some things we can't redo and can't undo. Having a redo this way isn't about rewinding and pretending it didn't happen; it is about the grace of admitting a mistake and making amends as best we can. It's a lesson that isn't limited to preschoolers. In fact I think it is a powerful lesson for her to see that Mommy is human, and humbled by her own need to redo sometimes.

I'm grateful to have a redo. I'm grateful for my husband's help and support. I'm grateful to be humbled when I mess up. I'm grateful to still be blessed with hugs and snuggles from two precious girls. I'm grateful to have the opportunity to teach my girls so much. I'm grateful to be able to be home with them a good portion of the week. I'm grateful to love and be loved. And I'm grateful that when I make a mistake I can find grace waiting for me.

When do you need a redo? How do you go about making amends? If you have children, how do you teach them this valuable skill?

May we all find grace for our mistakes. May we be strong enough to admit our stumbles so we can grow each day. Have a beautiful day!

One week from today I will return to work. I cannot complain, I will have had eight full weeks off. It is two more weeks than I took with my first and it was much needed. 

After my first daughter I rushed back to work for financial reasons and physically was not ready. I pushed through but it was not what was best. This time I hoped to wait until I was physically ready but also the timing was just not right for me going back earlier. Between school starting back up and my daughter's third birthday we all really needed me home this extra time. 

I will admit that I am a little nervous about going back. I know my husband will adapt amazingly to having the girls by himself in the evening. I know the girls will do well having their daddy time. And I know I will even do well to have some time away to recharge. But there will always be that little pull on the heartstrings for me. It is my reminder of what is truly important to me. My heart is always with my family no matter how much I enjoy my job.

I'm grateful to have a full schedule of clients to welcome my return. I'm grateful for a job I love. I'm grateful to feel I am making a positive difference in people's lives through my job. I'm grateful for a schedule that allows me or my husband to be with our girls each day. I'm grateful for these weeks home with my family to bond and adjust. I'm grateful for the tug at my heart that reminds me what is most important. I'm grateful for my amazing family and to be so blessed to spend most my day with my girls.

What is your favorite thing about your job? What calls to your heart while you are working? What is most important to you in your life?

May we recognize what matters most and cherish the ones we love. May we find balance within our wants and needs. Have a beautiful day!

Nine years ago my life felt like it was crumbling apart. My marriage was ending and the tunnel seemed too deep for there to be light on the other end. Yet today I can look back and the sting of those wounds seem dulled and ancient. 

Unfortunately I have a friend going through something similar. I have a loved one feeling a similar sting. And I stand by and watch as their lives feel like they are shattering all around them. It is sand paper over my own healed wounds. I know they will get through this. I know it is happening for a reason. Someday they will be able to look back from a place in the sunshine. But there are no words to make it better in this moment.

I'm grateful wounds heal with time. I'm grateful to have faith that the people I care about will find the light again. I'm grateful to be here for them as they were there for me. I'm grateful to be with a an amazing man who is good and loving and faithful. I'm grateful for the beautiful family we have together. I'm grateful that dream came true. And I'm grateful for the crumbling that had to happen to clear the way for these blessings.

When has your life crumbled to give way to something better? Who were there for you in your time of need? Can they count on you in the same way?

May we have faith that the rebuild is always worth the fall. May we let go of the past and allow old wounds to heal. And may we, as a society, make more effort to grow love and supportive relationships with the people around us. Have a beautiful day!

My oldest daughter will turn three in one month. I can't believe how the time haws flown. In these three years she has proved to be an exceptional child. She is observant, precocious, stubborn, with the most joyously infectious personality I think I've ever met. 

She has been picking out her outfits since she was barely one year old. Her fashion sense and mine do not generally agree but I do my best to guide a little and give as much fashion freedom as I can. Currently she is very into skirts and tutus. 

Back in the Spring, my daughter's school had an art show. I had the privilege of helping set up for it and one of the tasks I got to be a part of was helping the kids paint a skirt for the art teacher to wear on the big night. Yes, you read that right. The art teacher made a white skirt and let each student add a little paint decoration to it for a completely custom art show outfit. I love this art teacher and all her creativity! 

My daughter talked about the skirt for weeks. So with her birthday approaching I asked her if she would like to make a special birthday outfit rather than buy one. She emphatically said yes! And just like that we were off to the fabric and craft store to get some supplies. 

Currently my sweet daughter's favorite color is white. In all the years I have worked with preschool age children I believe she is the first kid I have known to claim white as their favorite color. This made it easy to find a t-shirt to paint! One white t-shirt, check. Next we went to the fabric section to pick out the tulle for a special birthday tutu. Much to my surprise she decided she wanted lime green tulle only but with white ribbon trim. Hopefully what I can pull off is satisfactory to the image she has in her head. 

There are three things I love most about this project. One, it honors creativity and her own sense of style. Two, it will allow her to be part of the process and show her how capable she is as she designs and carries out helping make her outfit. Three, it is one of those bonding moments that I will cherish forever as we get to spend this special time together.

I'm so grateful for my daughter's awesome art teacher. I'm grateful for this fun idea of making a special outfit. I'm grateful to have some basic sewing skills and an abundance of creativity myself. I'm grateful to do creative projects with my daughter and watch her excitement. I'm grateful for my daughter's strong personality and fashion sense. I'm grateful to try my best to honor her and let her be herself. I'm grateful for these moments that I will cherish forever.

What is a memory you will always cherish? How do you make things special, whether it be an outfit, a birthday, or just a moment in time? What is your creative outlet?

May today remind us to honor each other as uniquely beautiful beings. May we take every opportunity to create cherished memories. Have a beautiful day!

It is the fourth of July; a time where we celebrate our country's independence. Today my mind is circling back to the founding fathers, as we call them. As I try to imagine what life back them would have been like I have to ask myself if I would have had the courage and creativity to envision a completely different life for me and my countrymen. 

To bring change it takes people who are ok being different. It takes people who can think outside the box. It takes people who can not only dream bigger but have the courage to take the steps to make that come true. And it takes the strength and resilience to be an independent thinker even when some can't see it or resist change.

I try to remember this as I interact with my daughter. She has a strength and independence that is both wonderful and, at times, frustrating as a parent. Yet I can see her potential to accomplish great things. The trick is making it through what I truly need her to do and still respecting and feeding her independent thinking. 

I'm grateful to see my daughter's strength. I'm grateful to imagine what awesome things she will do as she grows. I'm grateful to get little peeks into how her brain works as she tells me things well beyond what I thought a not-even-three year old could process. I'm grateful to remind myself her stubbornness and strong opinions will serve her so well as she grows. I'm grateful to do my best to nurture these traits. 

I'm grateful for all the independent thinkers that have come before. I'm grateful for their strength and courage to bring us some of the rights and privileges we have today. I'm grateful for our founding fathers but also the independent thinkers that came after to make us even better, like Martin Luther King Jr. I'm grateful for all the activists out there today fighting and envisioning true equality for all and honest respect for our differences. I'm grateful for the opportunities this country has for growth as a whole as we keep doing our best to move toward love.

Are you an independent thinker? What thoughts are you holding onto instead of sharing with the world? What positive difference can you make in the world today?

May today give us time to celebrate all we have and how far we have come. May we also take the time to envision the future we want for our country and for the future generations. Have a beautiful day!

In our home there is a room that is listed as a bedroom. It would hold a twin size bed and does technically have a small closet cubby.. Yet the room has french doors on one side and four windows that extend across the entire length of the room on the opposite side. It also has two skylights. It is a beautiful sunroom or atrium but not a bedroom.

It is easily my favorite room of the house. Before I had a child I used the room for my morning yoga and meditation, sat in there to do my computer work, and enjoyed a glass of wine in there on the occasional evening with my husband. Since my daughter has been born and my work has been more focused on massage the room has been used very little. It still serves as a guest room with the loveseat pulling out into a small bed but has also become the catch all room for my massage table and chair. 

Now I do my computer work from the kitchen table or the sofa and my rare chances to meditate or do yoga are performed on the floor in the library or basement. As I sit on the cusp of change with a second beautiful child due soon; I cannot help but see how much I need my soul space back. I have felt it for a while and ignored it but it is time to really focus on self-care and preparing a balance for the days to come. 

Yesterday I woke to the heavy rain coming down once again. We have been getting a lot of rain lately. I went and sat in my favorite room and just listened to the rain as it pattered the skylight like a drum. The clouds made the room very dim and I didn't open the curtains, simply watched and listened to the skylight's song. It was healing.

I have a few more weeks until this child is due. That gives me a little time to start clearing the room a bit and finding places to store other things. Then once the time arrives I will remove my massage table and only set it up once a month when my family is in need. There is no reason for it to stay up all month as all my non-familiar clients are seen in my actual office studio outside my home. 

My yoga mat will come back in and my laptop will find a place in the drawer next to the loveseat. I will reclaim my soul space. Just the thought fill my heart. And my favorite room will welcome me back with open arms. 

I'm grateful to have such a unique and beautiful space right here in my home. I'm grateful to recognize the need to return to this space. I'm grateful to put myself first for this project. I'm grateful for my beautiful tree Isa who has been with me over the decades and continues to provide fresh air, beauty, and companionship. I'm grateful for the skylights in the rain and the beautiful view of the windows. I'm grateful to have a deep backyard that is wooded for privacy. I'm grateful for this space that feeds my soul.

Where do you go to unwind or recharge? What is your favorite place to feed your soul? Is it in your home or somewhere else? How often do you use this space?

​May today remind us the importance of recharging. May we find the space that nourishes up and make the space and time to use it. Have a beautiful day!