Hellooo long weekend!

Leaving the office early today to get some things done before I go and pick up David & Chloe tomorrow! I think Brian and I are both really looking forward to a relaxing weekend of sun and well, beer. :) In fact I can't remember the last time I had 3 days off, so I will definitely be taking advantage. Sunday we're all going to the parents' house for a cookout. I do not think there is much of anything that I enjoy more than hanging out in the sun and grilling. :) Went and got Chloe a little kiddie pool and some pool toys so she will be having some fun in the sun as well. I always think of my grandparents when my family gets together in the summer. Some of my best memories of them are from when we used to get the whole family together on Sundays & all the kids would play and at the end of the day we'd all eat the gigantic dinner that my grandma and aunts had made. My grandma always made that happen, and I'm sure it was a ton of work for her, but I don't think she was ever happier. Maybe that's why I really don't mind driving to IA to get David & Chloe as often as possible...she'll remember the sunny days outside at grandma & grandpas house. And someone has to "make it happen" like my grandma did. :) She always knew what was important, and I'm sure she'll be smiling down from the sunshine on Sunday.
Not sure what the plan is for Saturday is yet. Chloe usually gets to decide what we do so...we'll see!
Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.

Hi. My name is Mary, and I'm a control freak.

There are times when I sit back and all I can think about how ridiculous it is that I can not just explain to someone how and why to do the right thing, and have them listen. This is the nature of free will, but my oh my do people ever abuse it. It's almost just too much to bear, especially when it's someone you love. I know that I can't control someone else's actions, nor am I responsible for them, but I have to find a way not to feel so much heartache over it. I'm starting to realize it isn't ok for me to want to "fix" everything, because it will NEVER be possible. That sort of thinking, while it sounds so giving and selfless and concerned, isn't realistic at all, and although it's my hearts first reaction, I have to let me brain jump in at some point and say "hey! It's out of your hands...you have to move on!". Otherwise what can I do? Sit there and beat myself up wishing I could do something in a situation where I can't do anything? Sounds like a waste of time to me...but that doesn't make it any easier.

33 days and counting...

I do not understand WHY, with out any alternative to living on Earth, we continue to abuse it so.

http://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2010/05/if-you-think-you-have-a-sense-of-the-oil-spills-scale/56425/

Maybe Baby

Ha! Yesterday I was thinking about how much I miss David & Chloe, and so I just threw it out there that maybe they should come visit for Memorial Day, and so now they are!! Sometimes I forget all you have to do is ask. :D
In related news, Chloe said her first word yesterday (baby). David said she was so pleased with herself she repeated it about 5 times while wildly throwing her arms around. I asked him if it was possible that he had mistaken "baby" for "Aunt Mary Ellen"...I mean really, the words couldn't be more similar...right?! hehe..

So proud!

Brian finished up the semester on Monday with straight A's. Can't believe how far he has come. Seriously, when I think about where he was in his life when we first met....well, let's just say I'm glad that I gave the "funny guy" a chance, and saw his potential, and stuck around! I always told him I believed he could do whatever he wanted, and here he is, finally believing in himself, and doing it.

Congrats on a very successful semester, Brian.....only one more to go!! I love you. :)

Photo 5/5/10

Thursday's Wish

Hoping today that you never find me in the same place, because I'll always be moving forward...........

Finding Joy in Small Things

Few things bring me greater joy than:
A spring breeze that carries with it the scent of blooming flowers....A good latte...A smile, from anyone....cool sheets on a hot day.....Listening to the birds sing in the morning....A hug, from anyone.....Sunshine...Sharing a good meal with a loved one.....Riding my bike.....Sunsets.....Sundays........Laying on a blanket staring up at a blue sky.......Laughter, from anyone....When my cats cuddle with me...When all of the windows in the house are open, and it smells like fresh cut grass...long walks.....laying in bed for a half hour after I'm awake....driving with the windows down, and the music up........COLD iced tea....listening to crickets at night.....my family........camping....good books....a fire in the fireplace.....a glass of wine at the end of a long day......And, lastly, the moments when I realize that everything is just as it should be, that the mountains are molehills, and that love, truly, is all there is.

:) :) Be happy today, and find your joy!