Making Beautiful Memories...

In celebration of our 12th year anniversary; here is a repeat post from a couple years back...

I met a beautiful woman a while back behind me at the bank; with such an evident beautiful heart...She was 85 years old; her name was Millie. I guess I could say I didn't technically meet her but I had the honor to stand in the long line to hear a woman speak to me about just how beautiful her life has been thus far. This conversation began after her taking notice of my daughter Shianne; who she absolutely adored! 

You could just see fond memories flashing before her eyes as she looked at & commented on her freckles- at which point she told me she was a teacher her whole life; taught elementary and in her elder years opened up a daycare of her own which she expressed being sad the day she closed her doors. 

I just sat there in line listening to her knowing she was an awesome teacher! Not to mention a woman who lived her life well; she spoke of traveling the world with her sweet husband Stan who went to heaven about a year ago. This was a woman who dearly misses her husband- but who could see the good in all. Her treasured memories of her sweet husband glowed through her eyes as she spoke of their memories together. 

This is why I love old couples, and the wisdom they have gained together- by living selflessly, the true joy they have found in accepting each other, and building one another up through the years. It shows in the way they look at each other. It was as if that day, she was looking into her sweet Stans' eyes as she spoke of all their joyful memories. 
You could tell it was enough...just enough to get her through that day. 

So today I am reminded as we head into our 12th year of marriage to make memories. Make memories that will last forever- and treasure that Man I love so dearly, the same way I did when I first fell in love. 
To hold onto those precious memories and feelings I had when we met, went on our 1st date, spoke the words "I Love You", shared our first kiss, committed our lives to each other, began our family, and strengthened our faith in God through the trials we have shared. 

As I think on these things and the many more memories that are yet to come- I don't ever want to forget to "GLOW" in love the way Millie did that fine day. 

Happy Anniversary to Us...and to many more beautiful memories together! 
I Love You Jay Arthur! :) 

The Question Is...

The question is- "How do they see you"?  

Take a step outside your own little world, look at your children in every interaction, and before you respond or react watch yourself, and ask "How do my children see me?"

If I'm truthful they would completely see me as a massive stress case.  Always running around with my head cut off and rushing everyone out the door for everything.  Not leaving as much time as I wish to just listen.  Even when I listen, I find myself reacting which makes them not want to talk to me about much of anything.  

Instead of the negative things they see; how bout flipping that around today - and think on at least 10 things you want your children to see when they see you.  

AND... 

in the next ten days; to remain focused jot down 1 thing for everyday that you felt good about.  Let's face it us Mom's can be way too hard on ourselves that any little regret can sometimes remove all the positive we've instilled in our homes that very day, we forget the good when we focus on the not so good moments.  Let's take this time to focus on the positive, so we can truly see the benefits, and watch God work through us in our homes.

My ten are:

1. A Mother who Loves them no matter what!
2. A Mother who planted self esteem within them through all trials.
3. Organized
4. Giving and Kind Hearted
5. Involved not hidden away
6. Patient Mother
7. Not afraid to be a kid
8. One who really listens with all her heart; quick to listen- slow to speak
9. A Mother who sees mistakes as an opportunity for growth, not defeat
10. Most of all a Mother who puts God first; because without Him, I can't imagine being able to do all of the above.