Celebrate!

So I officially changed this blog's name to CELEBRATE! I kept thinking I needed a new beginning (of sorts) because my life has changed so much, my children are growing and changing, and what used to work just wasn't any longer. But it's all part of me, and it proved more difficult to sever those ties than I'd thought it would be.

Why Celebrate?

It's something I've always gone back to, just a little thought that continually comes to my mind. Life moves so quickly, and the years evaporate like summer morning's dew. Gone are those precious days when my boys were young, when we sought adventure with unending energy, and oh, the fun we had! It hurts a little to think of it...do you know what I mean? And then our agonizing ordeal in bringing Isabelle home but the indescribable joy at the same time. I'm rambling, I know, but I guess my point is that it all goes by so fast and if I'm not careful to stop what I think I should be doing and take notice, then it's too late. The moment passes. Days disappear. Weeks run into months, then years.

Yes, it hurts. But it's wonderful, too. I am not a perfect parent, not even close, but I did one thing that I hope and pray has made as big an impact on my children's lives as it has mine: I've tried to be an intentional Mom, seeking opportunities to celebrate everyday things. I try to make things special for them, for us as a family.

I think gratitude plays a big part as well. When I stop griping long enough to focus on all that God has given me, I'm completely overwhelmed. Everything is a gift! And I want to celebrate it all. My time on this earth, especially with my children at home, is limited- I intend to make the most out of it!

After I did a kick-boxing video yesterday, I noticed that Caleb had left his school newspaper out on the coffee table. He hadn't said anything to me about it, but I knew he'd been working on an article about the Red Sox win in the World Series. There it was, and it was such a simple, small thing, but I couldn't even wipe the grin off my face as I read it through. (No, really, I was super excited about it!) It was something worth celebrating!

I want to mention (so I don't ever forget) that I felt so happy baking that cake, knowing what a surprise it would be for Caleb. I took my time and enjoyed the whole process, especially the anticipation of it all. It didn't matter that my To-Do list this week is a mile and a half long because this small gesture of love for my son was so much more important than anything on that list.

Now I failed to mention that Caleb had lost dessert privileges this week for something or other, but suddenly I didn't care- I just wanted to celebrate in a way that I knew would speak to his sweet little heart. Which, yes, is directly linked to his stomach. Ha! So I lifted the dessert ban for just one night, truly out of character for me- showing grace/mercy when rules have been broken isn't one of my strong suits, so it was a good reminder for me that we are all in need of a little mercy sometimes.

That, and chocolate cake.  =)

But now I really do need to get crack-a-lacking on that list. 

Hope you have a wonderful day!