Nancy was an incredibly giving person and so much fun to be around.  She gave so much to me as a child that I owe my “success” in life to her.

We had a special bond that kept me by her side more often than not.  She loved photography and I also grew to have an interest in capturing memories in print.  I would often borrow her 35mm camera loaded with a new roll of film and would hike the acres of farm searching for that perfect shot.

In college, living hours away from home, when loneliness would set in, I knew I could always pick up the phone and talk to my Aunt Nancy.  And we talked for hours and hours and yet she never got tired of taking my calls.

Nancy was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002.  We were all devastated.  Treatments began and I hated seeing her pain that she had to deal with in hopes of recovering.  And I was scared.  Scared by the thought of the worst outcome.

Motivated by fear, I remember dropping to my knees one day, praying, begging God to save my aunt.  I prayed and prayed and prayed until a peace came over me.  I felt as though God was telling me, “Everything is going to be OK.”

For New Years 2004, my husband and I drove to her house, picked her up, and drove her back to our apartment to spend the weekend with us.  By this time the cancer had already spread and was taking over her body.  She was no longer able to drive herself and walking was becoming labored.

While at our apartment she was reading her Bible and I related to her the story of me praying for her and God telling me everything would be ok.  And with the faith of a saint she said to me, “Well I know everything will be ok.  I just don’t know whether or not I’m going to live.”

My heart sank!  I was crushed!  Because how could life be ok without her here?

Nancy died June 2004.  We buried her on my 29th birthday.

Eight years have passed now and I have contemplated and learned much from the faithfulness of her words.  I am encouraged knowing she felt the hope of a promise that was made a couple thousand years ago.  “Behold, I make all things new.” Revelation 21:4 NKJV

http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

So many people know someone or is someone affected by the epidemic proportions in which breast cancer seems to have spread.  I am all for early detection and early prevention.  And I encourage those that are fighting the battle to hang in there and fight with your might.  And know that no matter the outcome, “Everything will be ok!”

“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying.  There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4 NKJV

FreeDigitalPhotos.net

I have a confession.  Do you know how hamsters get on those little wheels and run and run and run just as fast as their little legs can run but yet they never get anywhere?  I have to admit, that is my take on housework.  I feel like I am spinning and spinning and spinning but nothing around me ever really changes.

I feel like I work hard.  I’m constantly trying to get my house in order but it is such a struggle for me most days.

I recently read a book that has just been released entitled, “Simple Living: Thirty Days to Less Stuff and More Life.”  The book is written simply and has small practical ways to change the way you live your life that can make huge differences in the way you manage it.

Tomorrow is a new day.  And I’m excited to start anew with my “simple” tools in hand, ready to make some healthy changes in my life.

I want a simple life!

P.S.   The book is on sale through Amazon for a limited time for only $ .99!!!

Grandma taught me about the important things in life. Not because she preached at my sisters and I but because she lived the example in her life in such a way that made me want to emulate her. I will consider my life a success some day if when I am her age I can be half the woman she is.

One of my favorite things I did with my grandma is cook. With the patience of a saint she allowed me to be right by her side (probably getting in her way) as she prepared various meals or desserts. So I plan to create a page dedicated to her and her influence in my life and feature some of my favorite meals I remember her making.

Happy Birthday 91st birthday to my grandma!

Photo by www.tomlichtenheld.com

As the return to school was quickly approaching, I desperately wanted to do something fun with my kids before the routines would set in and time would quickly be swept away in activities.  My son had borrowed a book from their school library last year entitled, “Yes Day!” by Tom Lichtenheld.  We had so much fun reading that book over and over again and the kids quickly schemed to create ideas of what their own “Yes Day” might look like.

Kids hear the word “no” far too often and having remembered this book I just knew that the day before school began would be the perfect opportunity to surprise them with a “Yes Day” of their own.  Admittedly I was a bit nervous about this.  What would they ask?  Would I be able to resist saying “no” to their requests?  I decided some ground rules were in order.

1. “Yes Day” could not cost me anything extra.
2. We must avoid doing anything dangerous that might cause injury.
3. It would be wise to consider all requests keeping in mind the hope for future “Yes Days”.
4. Let’s keep it in the family.  Adding friends would only complicate things.
5. Requesting indefinite “Yes Days” in not permitted.  Only mom has the ability to choose if and when future events will be held.

With ground rules in place, it was time for the requests to pour in!  Here are several that they came up with.

• Can we have chocolate milk for breakfast?
• Can we have chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast?
• Can I make chocolate chip cookies all by myself? (apparently my kids were feeling sugar deprived)
• Can I play the wii?
• Can I play with your make up?
• Can I play with your flute? (Surprisingly their requests were that simple!)

I went into that day thinking I was going to have fun creating a few memories for my kids.  And while I’m sure that they will always remember that day, I have to admit it turned out to be a lesson for me.

They surprised me greatly in their reactions.  The more they heard yes from me the more they wanted to do for me.  Suddenly when I asked them to clean up something, instead of hearing grumbling and complaining, I heard a happy “yes” from them.  And instead of playing by themselves while I cleaned the house they wanted to be by my side happily doing whatever (even cleaning) just so they could spend time with me.

Saying “yes” was less about letting my kids get away with whatever they wanted and it was more about creating a positive atmosphere which created happy kids.  I highly encourage you to have a “Yes Day” with your kids soon!

http://www.twohundredsquats.com/

I’ve been working on my challenge to conquer 100 pushups and am happy with the results so far.  However, I’ve decided it’s not enough.  So I’ve decided to add on the 200 sit-ups challenge and the 200 squats challenge as well.

I’m excited to get in shape and love the idea of this not costing me much.  I’ve not been one to join a gym just because I can’t stand the thought of spending money on something when it’s really so easy to do for free (call me cheap)!!

http://www.twohundredsquats.com/

With a little self-discipline and motivation to keep at it I know I will be a happier, healthier me!