The Gift Of Giving

I have found that giving feels best when it's anonymous, when nothing at all is expected in return. There's just some sort of peace that exists when you do something purely for the goodwill of someone else. Giving with expectations doesn't feel good, it doesn't feel right....expectations of thank yous, acknowledgement and praise. Really, if those type of expectations exist, is it really giving?...or does the gift or good deed suddenly become a selfish act?...and is that why it feels best to give anonymously?

Look at that adorable face above. This picture is of Kate McRae, who I know many of you are already familiar with. If you haven't read her story, you can read it HERE and follow her mom, Holly's blog. Each and every day this little 6 year old is fighting for her life when just a few short months ago she was living without a care in the world, the way every little girl should. In December, Kate spent her 6th birthday in the hospital, very ill. As I posted previously HERE, my friend Kim at The TomKat Studio threw her the sweetest little birthday party in her hospital room. And when I found out what she was planning, I just had to send something....something small, but something I hoped would make Kate happy, even if just for a moment. Something anonymous...

Which is why I was shocked when I checked my mail this afternoon and found a hand written thank you note from her parents and the sweetest pictures of Kate. Of course, I cried again. But really? I can't believe they even took one second out of their time with her to write this note to me, so unexpected...I'm just so touched. What an amazing family! I know today will be a very difficult day for Kate. Please, please pray for her and continue praying....there is no better way to start this lenten season.

Isabelle Grace Jewelry

While nothing can compete with the sweetness of our little niece Isabel Grace, my Valentine's Day gift by Isabelle Grace Jewelry just might be the sweetest thing in my jewelry box! Anna & Josie (via daddy) surprised me this year with the perfect gift and I just love it! They made me the necklace pictured above with their names on the front, birth dates on the back, adorned with little gold hearts and their birthstone charms....my heart is swooning! I know, you must have one for yourself or someone you love, right? So, get them here at ISABELLE GRACE JEWELRY (caution: they don't come as pictured, you have to build them piece by piece). You can also click below to check these out at My Retro Baby for more economical versions...
MY RETRO BABY

Thanks to my thoughtful and sweet hubby. Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

News Flash: Valentine Is With An "N", not a "M"

Ok, so we all know those people who get themselves a little confused this time of year and mix up their Ms for their Ns. But, just to clarify, it's ValentiNe, not ValentiMe. This.drives.me.crazy. I just listened to a poor newscaster on a live news segment say the word ValentiMe on 5 separate occasions. All I know is, if D.J. had asked me to be his ValentiMe, we would not be married. haha...kidding!

kinda.

Musings Of A 3 Yr Old Part 2

Tonight while getting out of the bath I told Anna that Josie is now the same age she was when Josie was born. Immediately I could see the gears in her head churning as she looked at me with those inquisitive eyes and said...

Anna: "Yea, but I came out of your belly first, right?"
Me: "Yep, that's right"
Anna: "And THEN Josie came out of your belly"
Me: "Yep"
Anna: "Mama?...um who's belly did you come out of?"
Me: "Well, you know who!...who's do you think?"
Anna: "Um, I think it was Daddy's."

Haha.

Musings Of A 3 Yr Old

Last night we had what Anna calls her "Superbowl Party", but really it was just a little family soiree. But, while we were cuddling on the couch tonight, she looked at me quizzicaly , narrowed her eyes a little and the following conversation ensued:

Anna: "Mama? Um, where were you at my Superbowl Party"
Me: laughing quietly..."what do you mean?"
Anna: "Were you at my Superbowl Party with my cousins?"
Me: "Yes, Anna I was there"
Anna: a little giggle "oh, I don't remember"

Um, I was there the entire time...talking, drinking beer, eating pizza, cleaning, etc. I fed her, several times told her to quit running, and sat across from her at the table as I cut cake for her cousin's b-day and served her the piece she specifically asked for. See, mama is chopped liver when her cousins (who she worships) are around!! :-)

Glitter In The Air

Wow! Did you guys see this? I'm so glad Oprah had Pink on this morning for her Grammy performance of Glitter In The Air because it was truly transcendent. I have always loved Pink, but on Sunday I watched her perform this in utter amazement. I kept thinking...oh, surely that's a stunt double...or there's no way that's a live mic. But, yes it was her and yes, she was singing live! I have a new found respect for Pink...and what a great song. If you weren't tuned in and missed her performance, catch it here....

CLICK HERE

Om

Saturday night we took the girls to our quaint little mexican restaurant for a fun family dinner...code for strong 'ritas for mom and dad! We knowingly have about 45 minutes before all h*ll breaks loose and our little ladies are out of their seats terrorizing the entire restaurant. And on Saturday, they were right on schedule!....but as we hurriedly whisked the server away to ring up our tab, we looked over and instead of dancing up and down the aisle, Anna was standing perfectly still, balancing on one foot with her arms perfectly arched over her head. When I asked her what she was doing, she exclaimed "my tree pose"! Uh, ya...yoga is part of the preschool curriculum these days. Oh how times have changed!! I'm pretty sure when I was in preschool I was pushed into the swimming pool (yes, there was a swimming pool...oh the horror) by some annoying little brat...it having gone completely unnoticed by anyone, let alone a teacher or adult of some sort. So obviously no one was concerned with a preschooler's inner peace back then!