My Weblog

Merry Christmas...

Be Merry, Be Bright

Be Love, Be Light.

May the Spirit of Christmas warm your heart with perfect peace, and the beauty of this sacred season enfold you with love...

Bright Blessings for a very Merry Christmas from my family to yours,
~Elizabeth x3

The Gift of Giving & a Ride to Remember...

On December 11th, First Baptist Church hosted a "Winter Wonderland". Several moms in the neighborhood had sent me emails about the event, and I heard many times what a special night of fun it was going to be. With the hustle and bustle if the holidays, I felt that we were too busy to firmly commit and simply decided that we would pass on it this year.

It landed on a Thursday, and after spending a full day of doing sessions at the office, I didn't think I could muster up the energy to go. After I arrived home, I checked my email and had received ANOTHER invitation/reminder about the event.

On a whim, I yelled out to the girls, "Line up, let's go!" We scrambled around trying to find mittens that fit, and eventually just settled on grabbing a pair of my favorite snuggly socks to wear in lieu of gloves, to keep thier little hands warm as they played in the snow. The highlight of the event was that they shipped in 75,000 lbs of real snow so that the children could take turns playing in the icy powder. We left the house one hour after the event had actually started, and a part of me questioned why I was rushing to get to an event that I had not originally planned on attending, but for whatever reason...my gut told me we were "supposed" to go.

We listened to Christmas songs on the way, and the girls & I sang aloud as we headed down the beltway. It felt really good to step out to do something just for them, and I thought about how this night was going to stay with them, in the memory box of their little hearts, hope~fully for forever.

Since David was working late, and Allie was exhausted from soccer and chose to stay in, it was just the three of us. We entered the full parking lot, and amazingly found a spot right away. The girls were intrigued by the blown-up moonwalks, the sound of music, and all the children with smiling faces running around.

We went straight for the line to have our turn playing in the snow, and before long, the bell of the whistle blew and we jumped into the roped off area for our chance to throw snow-balls, climb the snow covered hay stacks, and slip and slide on the slippery wet ice. I laughed like a child, trying to keep my balance on the slick surface and received quite a few direct hits in the face from all the children targeting me.

The feeling of joy was contagious and filled my heart with wonder and cheer as I watched child after child giddy with excitement. The girls and I tagged one another back and forth, and even though I was still in my "work" clothes, I sloshed around the soggy ground falling several times allowing myself to be the covered in cold ice. I soon became the reason for many giggles from those who were watching me, and as I felt their eyes upon me, I smiled inside. I felt so "wonder-full" to be so carefree. It didn't bother me in the least to have my boots covered in mud, and my pant legs soaked from the wet ground.

After we left the snow, we treated ourselves to a cup on hot chocolate with soft marshmallows floating on top, and then headed out to get in line for a ride on fire truck. Just as we arrived in line, the man working the line said, "I'm sorry but the line is closed".

Not being one to just simply give up, I asked him if we could stick around to see if anyone left the line, allowing us to take their spot. Within a few minutes a lady with 5 kids left the line, and kindly asked me if we would like to take their place as the last family in line. I accepted her sweet invitation, thanked her, and also secretly thanked my angels.

As we stood waiting, another 2 people joined behind us to try to get a ride on the fire truck. By chance, there we stood. Shoulder by shoulder. Soul by soul. The lady was so happy to be given the last spot in line that she began to sing praises out loud. I told her what a joy it was to see her so thankful, and in such gratitude. She smiled at me with a spark in her eye, and proceeded to tell me that "She Believes".

She explained to me that with her positive thoughts, and trust in God, that she is constantly guided to be just the right place at the right time. Within one minute of meeting me, she explained that she had lost her daughter at the age of 29, and the young girl with her was her grand-daughter who she cared for full time. Not only had she lost her daughter, but she had also lost a son. She went on to say, that she believed her daughter helped to secure her place in line, and that she talked to her everyday. She was so thrilled to hold that place in line because for the last 4 years, they had tried to get a spot in line to ride the fire truck, but it had never worked out and her grand-daughter always left disappointed.

I stood in complete awe that this incredibly delight~full and positive Spirit had experienced so much heartache and grief, but yet held such a positive outlook on life. I reached into my purse and pulled out my new business cards with my favorite angel on it, which simply says "Believe".  I handed it to her, and she immediately leaped over to hug me. I explained to her what I do for people who have lost their loved ones, and told her that I was a medium. Her eyes weld up with tears, and she tightly squeezed my cold hands.

As she looked at the card, she began crying.  Her husband of 35 years, had just suffered a stroke only a few months earlier, which has left her not only caring for her grand-daughter alone, but also for her dear husband who is in poor health. I felt like I was meeting a real-life super hero. I knew immediately that she was the reason why my guides pulled me out of the house that windy night.

I hugged her tightly, and whispered to her that I would love to connect her with her children on the other side as a special Christmas gift to her, from my heart to hers. She jumped up and down in excitement and we both began to glow thinking about the synchronicity of our chance meeting. 

Before long, it was our turn to climb aboard the tall fire truck. By then, David had arrived and our family of four was escorted to one side of the truck. As we were sitting in our assigned spot, I saw some commotion down below where the line had been. I heard the man telling my new friend, Camilla that there was no room left for her beloved granddaughter. Her eyes again began to fill with tears, as she realized that this year would be the 5th year in a row to miss a chance to catch a ride.

I grabbed the hand of the man on the fire truck who was arranging the seats, and told him that she was a very special girl, and that she HAD to get on the truck. I told him the story of how she had lost her mom, and how they had come many years before, always missing the chance to ride.

He smiled at me, and then called out to the workers below. He shouted out to the girl..."Hey, you.. how would you like to have the best seat in the house?? I think I have just the special place for you!" He gently guided her to the front of the truck, and pointed her in the direction of the very front seat, where she was going to ride shotgun!!! I watched her take her spot, and almost cried knowing how much that moment meant to her. She looked like the queen bee, as everyone else was packed in the back crammed into the small riding space like a pack of sardines! There she sat, grinning from ear to ear, so proud and perfect in her little spot in front of the panel of blinking lights.  :-)

It was a magical ride. My eyes were glued to her, seeing her bounce over every bump, as we made our way through Houston's dark streets. The sirens of the truck rang loud and clear, the lights flashed a bright red and white, and everyone on board felt the chilling night air blowing in their face. The children waved as we circled around a few blocks, and I took lots of pictures in hopes of capturing the essence of what that ride was truly about. It was love. It was about believing. It was about allowing the universe to guide you. All about trusting. Following your heart, even when you might rather not listen. Those moments when you are tempted to just sink into your comfy jammies, and call it a night, but instead jump out into life to see what might be waiting. 

That moment of watching her and her devoted grand~mother, reminded me of the goodness that is still present in the world. The hope that is alive in people's hearts, even those hearts who have good reason to feel broken.

We were all "worked" that night. SPIRIT has a beautiful way of making magical things happen, if only we allow it. 

This week, I saw my new friend again. We met at my office, and she was my last session for the day. I greeted her in the hallway, and squeezed her so tight...I really didn't ever want to let her go. We spent an amazing 90 minutes connecting with the energy of her beloved daughter, son, and a few other special souls  who keep her company in the Spirit world. My heart was humbled as I witnessed the validations pour through me, helping to heal the wounds of her deep pain. She shook with joy as she listened to the messages from her daughter, and cried tears of relief knowing that she was indeed, still with her.

My heart felt full that day. I thought about the perfection of the universe and how so many things had been divinely orchestrated from a power much greater than the two of us, for our paths to meet. I gave thanks for the evidence that I am divinely supported and for my role in bringing light and love into the world.

I have been so touched by her presence and strength, that I'm wanting and wondering what more I can do to help. For many years now, we have adopted a family in need for the holidays and this year, my angels have no doubt brought the perfect recipient into my life.

I'm asking anyone who may feel guided to help my remarkable friend, to please join me in creating a Christmas for her to remember. If you would like to help to bring cheer and comfort to this special family...please contact me via email or by phone. I know sweet little Cia is hoping for a new drum set for Christmas, and any donation of food, clothes, books, or any other practical gift would be greatly appreciated. It's often the highlight of my Christmas to put on a Santa hat and deliver gifts on Christmas Eve, and I'd love to invite you along should you wish to participate!

In addition to helping this special family, Compassionate-Care Hospice is collecting gift baskets for patients under their care. For more information on making a basket for a family in Hospice, follow the link here.

I know it's getting close to Christmas and only a few days remain, but there's still plenty of time to do something good for another human being in need...

Sending you bright blessings of love, Christmas cheer, and hope that the deepest meaning of the season will be reflected in and upon you....

Be Merry and Be Bright,
~Elizabeth x3

 

                                                   (Angel orbs floating around)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inspiration

It's a lazy Saturday here at my house. Just what I needed after a very eventful, and busy week. Ava's running around half-clothed playing her DS, Allie is at the museum with friends, David's out and about, and Ayla's watching re-runs of my favorite old school tv show, 90210. Me...I'm surfing the web, stuck at home for the day, stranded here without my car.
During my crazzzzzy day yesterday, I had the most bizarre incident after picking up the girls from school. We had just celebrated their class Christmas parties and were "joy~fully" headed home, so excited to be officially kicking off their holiday vacation. As I was driving down our street, the big yellow school bus passed us and in a split second...I heard a huge crack. I panicked, the girls screamed, and I dropped my cell phone in mid sentence. Apparently, a boy riding on the school bus hurled a Blow-pop sucker out of the bus window and it landed smack on my windshield, leaving a round crack about the size of a baseball. Long story short...his parents were amazing about it all, and my suburban is away today having the glass replaced.

The call that I was on when the lollipop hit the window, was with my older sister. She was calling to tell me that my 86 year old Grandmother was moved to the ICU unit in a hospital across town. I spent the remainder of the day/night curled up in her bed holding her hand, and hoping for her recovery (or for whatever is in her highest good). Needless to say, it was an emotionally exhausting day and I was happy to finally come home and kick off my high heeled boots, and retreat to my own snuggly bed.

On days like today, I find comfort visiting blogs that inspire me when I'm needing a bit of a push in a positive direction. This morning, I read one of my favorite blogs written by truth-teller, Brene Brown. Her post here really touched my heart. It reminded me of my own Starbucks drive-thru experience which happened earlier this month, and how little acts of kindness really can a make big difference in the lives of others. Her post definitely helped to bring me back to center after my rather challenging day, and my Spirit feels higher and lighter than the day before.

I am so inspired by her post that I think I might have to walk to the store to go sprinkle some kindness in the world.

Mission accomplished. I'm ready, and I'm set. My wave of kindness is about to roll... :-)

XOXO
~Elizabeth x3

PS. How cool is this???? A foundation for kindness!! Be inspired!

  

~JuDY~

Curl up and get a warm mug of tea because this is going to be a long one...

It was only a few seasons ago when on a bright and sunny day, we were splashing around, our hair whipping in the wind. Our families had gathered to float on the lake, and spend a quite weekend away, laughing, eating and relaxing together. When the water was smooth, we each took turns being pulled behind the boat, looking to catch a ride on the perfect wake.

For the first time, Judy tightly strapped the wake-board boots unto her feet and jumped into the tepid lake. We cheered and shouted as she popped out of the water on the very first try and caught a ride behind the boats wake, for what seemed like forever.

No one knew that as we watched this fit, athletic, and beautiful being enjoying the simple but precious moments of life, that her health, her life, and her entire future would be questioned in only a few short weeks.  

Almost 10 years ago, fate intersected our lives and our amazing friendship blossomed as we were neighbors living directly across the street from one another. From the moment we met, an instant and deep connection had been made.

Like watching a movie, I witnessed from the picture box window of my living room all the important events of her life slowly unfold. Etched in my heart are the memories of the day she stepped out in her beautiful flowing wedding dress, the packing and unpacking of her cross-country moves to and from Michigan, each sad passing of her many beloved pets, and the beautiful transformation of seeing her shift from a professional, single woman to an adoring mother and devoted wife. We've shared so many different milestones of life, including the unique experience of having our daughters born on the same day. We labored, birthed and brought our little girls into the world both on December 3rd, in 2003. 

You can imagine my heartache when I heard her say, "Elizabeth, I've found a lump." The shock, fear, and resistance to what this discovery was, left me reeling for days. We stood in my kitchen on some random afternoon, as she guided my hands to 2 different knots which felt like hard rocks, deep beneath her skin.

We affirmed, over and over that cancer was not what she had signed up for. We held our breath as we waited for her appointment time to come to pass. She went in for the mammogram, and even though the doctor said it looked okay, they recommended a biopsy...just in case.

Upon getting the results of the test, the next bit of news was even more frightening. This time, they used the "C" word. The results revealed that it was, in fact cancer.

At 39, and with a child still in pre-kindergarden...she was told it was triple-negative, stage 3, breast cancer. During her surgery to remove the lumps, the doctor removed 23 lymph nodes where it had migrated. And so began the journey of a thousand miles.

Earlier this week, I was privileged yet again to witness another significant milestone in Judy's life. Under florescent lights, I sat in a pink reclining medical chair, at the side of my beloved friend to hold her hand and heart as she received her last dose of chemotherapy.

Next to me, my soul sibling and dear cherished friend sat in appreciation that this would be the last time she would spend her Monday being poked and prodded, after a 7 month journey leading us to moment. For more than half of a year, she has endured what many of us hope to never experience.

With absolute grace, she has floated through the realities of her cancer, and uplifted those closest to her with her brave, resilient and trusting spirit. She has carried a heart full of hope, a mind of solid strength, and body filled with faith despite her frightening diagnosis.

On Monday, I picked her up bright and early, just after the girls had hopped on the school bus. We arrived at her oncologists office, and settled ourselves in a room divided only by a thin veil of curtains. We created our own cozy spot where we would spend the next several hours together.

As we glared out the window and chatted a mile a minute, a shiny metal IV pole, stood just behind my left shoulder. From it hung various sacks of clear liquid which would slowly seep into her veins, preparing her body to receive the toxic chemicals which would later follow.  As the liquid dripped, we laughed, we joked, and we almost cried.

We dove into the conversations of our lives like we always do. We talked about the real stuff. No fluff here. With Judy, you cannot NOT be real. We talked openly about the darker, more shadowy parts of ourselves, our relationships, and our lives. We cracked open the parts of ourselves that we would often rather hide from others, finding the courage and comfort to easily share.

Occasionally, the nurse would walk in and innocently interrupt our soul~full dialog. When our talks did drift into the lighter parts of our lives, we would  giggle like school girls as the male nurse would inevitably step in during the most embarrassing parts of our girly conversation.

From subject to subject, our words would flow, as if we hadn't talked in years. Funny enough, it had only been since the day before that we had last hung out together. That's the true beauty of our deep friendship . We are ALWAYS finding more to share. Year by year, and layer by layer, we're always able to go a little deeper still.  

Like all of us, Judy has had some not-so-fun, grown-up stuff to deal with in her life. But unlike many people in her shoes (leopard print high-heels, nonetheless!), her journey through cancer has never become a reason for her to move into anger, bitterness, depresson, despair, or for her to sink into a place negativity or regret. Miraculously, she has chosen a higher road.

My dear, sweet and precious friend, has risen like a mighty giant to face a very serious life-threatening  "dis~ease".

While at one time, her life may have been threatened, her SPIRIT has never been. She has not allowed this experience of the past 7 months to threaten or dim her incredibly beautiful, strong, and glowing SPIRIT.

The spark within her that manifests as her radiant smile, her amazing green thumb which continues to nurture her growing plants, her gentle way of mothering her only child, her dedication and devotion as a loving wife, has not been diminished in the least. The label of triple negative stage 3 breast cancer, has not taken away her commitment to engage fully in life, and be present each and every day.

She is still the kind of girl who will surprise you with your favorite, hard to find hair clips after buying several of them and lovingly drop them off to you with a warm hug...

She's still the girl who will leave a stem of fresh Alo-Vera from her very own plant after you've spent a little too much time under the hot summer sun...

The kind of person who dig through her freezer, or load up on groceries and bestow them on an unsuspecting neighbor who is in need.

The one who will fill the trunk of her car with all kinds of goodies and meet me in Houston's most crime-ridden neighborhoods in the bitter cold to deliver care-packages to the forgotten children of Hurricane Katrina...

The kind of friend who will hold your hand, as you whisper in a weak and tear~full voice all that troubles your shaken soul. Even more, she will honor the unspoken vow of your sacred trust by not holding your vulnerability against you..nor ever judge you for it.

She will bless you by offering the deepest parts of her own soul, blinding you with it's beauty and unimaginable depth...

The kind of friend who will show up to celebrate your birthday (twice in one week!) even as her bones are heavy and filled with an indescribable ache, as chemo is still pumping in her blood. Not only will she be there...but she will be there with a smile that's genuine in joy and celebration of you.

The kind of thought~full friend who will offer her love and undying support no matter what kind of uncertainty she may herself, be facing. One who would open her home for weeks and months on end to host a family who has moved cross country until they are able to once again land on their own two feet...

The kind of home~maker whose home is filled with love. A woman who is fiercely dedicated to her marriage and child, and who lovingly acts as the glue keeping it all together. A human being practicing the art of forgiveness each and every day...

A soul who has suffered the tragic loss of a sibling, but who has somehow learned to move through her grief, with a heart still soft, open, and free from anger towards GOD.

A woman who has faced the news of cancer without asking, "Why me?", and instead, is one who asks in her strongest voice..."Why not, me?"

One who bravely shaved her head of long, golden streaked hair as it became thin, and boldly embraced her true beauty, which has always shined from within...

Still the girl who will gently share the wounds of her heart with absolute truth, without ever a fear of what others might think. A writer of beautiful letters, owning the power to speak and share her own inner truths. One who expresses without fear, and finds the courage to say the things that sometimes feel mistakenly safer if left unsaid...

She's a spirit who remembers the power she holds, and then who uses it to help the greater good. Especially helping those who are lucky enough to be closest to her. Cancer has changed none of these things...

She is still a seeker of universal wisdom, with a deep connection to GOD.

Someone who lives the the principles of unconditional love, and kindness, and who dances through life wearing her gorgeous hippie clothes and rocking the "True Religions"...

A free spirit who often reminds people of Stevie Nicks, because of her artsy energy, her funky style, her earthy nature, and her deep admiration of the moon.

A friend who trusts me so deeply, that she would bestow upon me the honor and privilege of being a GOD~parent to her one and only child.

I only wish that everyone could have a friend, a neighbor, a daughter, a sister, and a mom, like Judy.

She sets the bar sky high for all the woman and human "beings" of the world.

If you're guided, you can visit and explore her website, www.pinkpostivecancerfree.com. Once there,  you will find loads of helpful information about her experience with breast cancer, and how she has used nutrition, supplements, prayer, and positive thinking to keep her body, mind, and SPIRIT strong through the journey of chemotherapy. Even as she received what is known to be some of the strongest chemo meds and often called, "The Red Devil" (she lovingly re-named it "Red Velvet", instead!!) to our most grateful surprise, she has kept a healthy blood count and remained un-hospitalized during ALL of her chemo treatments!!!

You can read what others have to say in her guest book, and even leave a kind word or two if you wish. I know that she would love to receive any and all messages of hope and encouragement that you may be able to send her way. Don't forget to check out the adorable tee-shirt that was created just for her, which are also available for sale. I hope to strut my stuff at the next Houston Marathon, proudly sporting my PINK POSITIVE CANCER FREE cotton tee!!

I hope that me sharing the joy and gifts of knowing Judy, fills you strength...hope...and love.

My deepest Congratulations to you, JuDY, my beautiful friend! I await you with arms wide open to dance, celebrate, and sing your praises as you move across the finish line! YOU DID IT, GIRL!!!!! I Am beyond proud of you... 

Healing hugs to you, and the sisterhood of all the Pink-Positive ladies,

~Elizabeth x3

It's SNOWING!!!!

It really is! Oh my Gosh, the girls and I are in heaven! It was just earlier today, that I was flipping through files on the computer and came across this cool little piece of art that I saved from a long time ago. I thought to myself, "Geez, it really would be fun to live in a place where you get to see and experience the beauty of a snowflake, every now and then!" Fast forward to this very moment, and here I am writing about snow that really is falling in my very own backyard, after 4 long years of not seeing it appear in our city!!!

We are having tons of fun watching the tiny specks of melting ice float to the ground. The sky is full of clouds, and Ayla has glittering clumps of frozen raindrops decorating her golden hair. We are  twirling like dervishes, surrounded by hundreds of miniature snowflakes falling from the sky! Even our itty bitty, 4-lb yorkie name Penelope, is running towards the window hoping to get into the action. I can see what looks like a thin blanket of white powder, beginning to collect at the eave of our dark gray roof. As quickly as it comes, it is melting away.

It's a day to make memories, as I watch the girls jump from place to place, looking for evidence of what we in Houston, call "snow". It will also be the perfect winter night to spend cozening up by the fire, with homemade soup on the stove, and these Christmas tunes playing in the background.

Somehow, I hope that you will also get the chance to see the thrill and wonderment held in the eyes of little ones as they see snow, perhaps for the very first time! :-)

Sending you lots of love to warm you on this cold winter day...

Xoxo,
~Elizabeth

Full "Birth~day" Report...

I"m due in the office in just a bit, and it's a busy morning recovering from all the fun of yesterday and last night but wanted to share just a few quick pics from our triple whammy Birth~day celebrations. We as a family, (hubby included!) successfully completed baking all the cupcakes needed for Ava's class. I was a little disappointed when we were half way through putting the ingredients into the mixing bowl and realized that we had ZERO vegetable oil! Some Betty Crocker, I am! lol.

One quick trip to the store later, we were back in business and soon had several dozen cupcake cones nearly complete. We frosted a few, sampled our goods, shared some with our neighbors, and decided that it would be better to frost them all in the morning. I woke up to a sheet of unfrosted cupcakes, Allie calling from the school to say that oops, she forgot her homework and needed it asap, and a lunch date at 10:30 am with my pre-kindergardener who specifically requested a chicken nugget happy meal for her Birth~day lunch.

All the sudden, it became crunch time. At that point, I hadn't exactly figured out how I was going to carry all of these cones of frosty, sprinkled perfection and manage to get them to the school unharmed. My angels whispered, "carton of eggs" & viola...my problem was solved. I was like a clown at the circus, carrying the carton of cupcakes, balancing them while I gently tried to open and close the door with my foot so that the cat wouldn't follow me out. Still in my pj's I placed them on the floorboard of the car, and hurried back in to the house, hoping that no-one caught a glimpse of me this late in the morning not yet fully dressed.

With little time left and my lunch date quickly approaching, I threw on a baseball hat and bounced over the the nearest McDonald's. I swear, it's only because it's her birthday that I would allow her to eat such "food".  Once I was in the drive-thru, I almost cried when the lady at the window told me that it would be at least 10 minutes before the food would be ready. I guess not many people order chicken nuggets this early in morning. Now, I know why the girls are so hungry and want to eat everything in sight when they come home from school, because they are forced to eat so early and have "lunch" when most people are still having breakfast. 

After waiting and watching the clock, the minutes were rolling by before I was finally able to grab the happy meals and run. As a vegetarian and relatively healthy eaters, David & I both feel guilty about feeding the girls such trash. With a car full of sugary cupcakes, and two sacks of what they like to call fried "chicken", I happily made my way to the girls elementary school. I was about 8 minutes late getting to the cafeteria and as I opened the door, I saw Ava's little head lift from the table and heard her happy voice shout out..."There's my Mommy!!! She's here! She's here!" You'd think I was Santa Clause or something hearing how excited she was to see me. She was sitting at the end of the table, patiently waiting for me to arrive and probably wondering if I had forgotten about our plans to have lunch together. As I opened her lunch, and began squeezing the 6 little packets of ketchup upon her crinkled sack, she said "Mrs. Smith said I had to wait 10 minutes and if you weren't here, I'd have to go get into the lunch line and buy my lunch." The look of relief in her eyes was an expression that I will never forget!

 For the next 22 minutes, we sat next to each other in complete bliss and I watched her kick her little feet under the table with total happiness, unable to sit still from all the excitement. She proudly reminded her friends that she was 5 years old, no fewer than 10 times during the lunch period. Her friends gathered around her like a little goddess circle, and showed their love and support in honor of her special day.

She held her head high as she proudly informed me that she was the line leader for the day. As the children lined up behind her to follow her back to class, I gave her one last kiss and watched the trail of children disappear down the hall. It's moments like these as a mother, especially having met so many who no longer have the privilege of touching their children in the flesh, that I feel so blessed.

I stayed through one more lunch period to spend it with my 2nd grader, and man was that ever different than sitting with a table of sweet, innocent little pre-kinder-gardeners who still like to follow the rules. I got an ear and eye full from the boys who sat at our end of the long plastic table. From busting up crooked hot-dogs after dropping it on the cafeteria floor, to trying to impress the girls by eating the core of a pear, it was indeed insightful. One sneaky boy, decided to load up on several packets of ketchup to later use as little red bombs that would squirt the tomato paste at unsuspecting "mean"  kids.  Hearing and seeing this made me incredibly grateful for the soft and mostly gentle nature of having all girls.

Later that evening we had dinner with "GJ" and "Poppa", Uncle Louie and Miss Gina too. After dinner we made our way to the bowling alley and had tons of fun meeting friends who were also celebrating a birthday. My soul sister, Judy (she is worthy of entire post all of her own...now in her last month of chemo & a total hero in my book) gave birth to my God~daughter, Vincenza Louise, aka Vinny Lou, on the exact same day Ava was born. Our little girls are more than best friends, they are little soul sisters of their own sharing the same birthday, and loving one another to no end. So, we had 3 birthdays to honor...Ava & Vinny turning 5, and "GJ" (my mom) turning 30 something-again! :-)

It was a ton of fun...and I am happy that we all were able to share the joy together. It's time for me to bolt. I must take off my birthday blogger/mommy hat & proudly put on my psychic medium/ healer hat and make my way for an appointment with some one who is looking to connect with their loved ones on the "other side".

I hope you have a beautiful day, celebrating life...even if it's not your birth~day.

All my best,
~Elizabeth x3

 

My Baby Girl is Turning...

FIVE YEARS OLD TOMORROW!! My head is spinning trying to figure out how in the world it's already been 5 years since I gave birth to this sweet little soul. I'm in full Betty Crocker mode baking 48 ice-cream cone cupcakes for my little princess, and will spend tomorrow mothering, nurturing, and celebrating my youngest, spunkiest, and most spirited "Mini Me".

If all goes well...here's what my little birthday creations should look like. For all you other mamas, I mean domestic divas out there, I'm including the recipe just for kicks.

The oven timer should be about ready to buzzzz, and there is a bowl full of strawberry cake batter begging to be licked wiped clean. 

Hope your night is extra sweet, and that all of your own birthday are coming true...

~Elizabeth x3

Happy Baking!!!!

 

Prep Time: 10 min

Total Time: 1 hour 20 min

Makes: 24 cone cakes

 

1	box Betty Crocker® SuperMoist® party rainbow chip cake mix
	Water, vegetable oil and egg whites called for on cake mix box
24	flat-bottom ice cream cones
1	to 2 containers Betty Crocker® Rich & Creamy frosting (any flavor)

1.	Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pans). Place paper baking cup in each of 24 regular-size muffin cups.
2.	Make cake batter as directed on box. Fill each cup 2/3 full of batter (1 heaping tablespoon each). Place ice cream cone upside down on batter in each cup.
3.	Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted in cake comes out clean (cones may tilt on batter). Cool completely, about 30 minutes. Remove paper baking cups. Generously frost cake with frosting, and decorate as desired. Store loosely covered.
High Altitude (3500-6500 ft): Follow High Altitude directions on cake mix box. Fill cones about 1/2 full to make 36 to 40 cones. Bake 20 to 25 minutes.

P.S. Forgot to mention...this are extra special, magical, NO CALORIE CUPCAKES!!!! ;-)

Thanks~Giving...

Good morning! Really, it's already mid afternoon and I've yet to do half of the things that I had intended to get done today. It's all good though, because I've had a beautiful morning just moving slow.  My soul has enjoyed the peace and quiet. I've returned several phone calls and emails, which always makes me feel productive and have even planned our meals over the next few days. Gasp! (What is it about the holidays that makes me want to "pretend" I am more domestic than I actually am???)

For the most part, my prediction/intention for my morning was right on...as most of it was spent shuffling about in my fluffy pink uggs, face a la natural, and with my hair looking seriously neglected. I spent several hours scouring Craigslist for the perfect new bookshelf for my office, and have been drooling over this one...but I won't hold my breathe. (I don't know if I could ever justify spending that much on a piece of USED, manufactured furniture!!! I mean really, the whole reason for Craigslist is to find a bargain, right? :-)

Days like today remind me what a privilege and pleasure it is to "work" from home, and makes me feel like I'm the luckiest girl in the world.  As I sit here, in my comfy clothes, writing, singing, and listening to The Weepies, I am so grateful for the peaceful life that has somehow found me. It's with a very humble, and thankful heart that I spend this day.

In case you're wondering about what may have happened to the birth~day post, it will be a few days before I share. Until I gather all the pictures from each glorious birthday celebration, (we still have two more to go this week- Ava & my mom both were born on 12/3, & will celebrate on Wed!) I will hold off on sharing all about the birth~days until I do one big, picture loaded post, and upload them all at one time.

Instead, I'd love to share about our wondrous Thanks~giving spent at our home away from home. We ended up the lake-house, after we retreated there in the beginning of the week and spent several blissful days curled up in the comfort of the 4-story tree house. I'm not kidding when I say it's a tree house, because it really is. It's surrounded by beautiful oaks, pines, and a variety of other mature, majestic, wise, old trees. I could sit for hours watching the leaves fall, gently floating to the ground as they find their resting place just above the surface of the dry earth. The 2nd story is nearly floor to ceiling windows, and on Sunday as we were leaving, hundreds of blackbirds gathered outside the windows as if to say goodbye. In moments like that, being so close to nature, feels like being close to GOD.

While we were there, we played many games of Uno w/ the girls, built forts made of blankets, cooked yummy food, slept in late, read, and watched movie after movie. One movie in particular, really touched me. So much so, that I wept at the end...something that I don't usually do. David held me as I cried & we talked about my own history of becoming a mom so young. I know I'm at least a year late in  seeing this movie, but if you are like me, and for some reason may be one of the few people left on earth who hasn't  yet seen it...I really hope you will. My heart was raw, and reeling after seeing Bella . After you do rent it, please leave me a comment so I can hear your thoughts about it. I'd love to know if it touched you the same way, too.

After we left on Sunday, David's mom prepared a beautiful Thanks~giving dinner at her warm and welcoming home. It was so nice to just be with family and enjoy the company of everyone. She always amazes me with her gifts of gourmet cooking, her elegant and inspiring interior decorating, and her unique ability to make everyone feel genuinely comfortable in her home. It is always so nurturing to be with those that you love, and enjoy a love-filled meal together. For this and so much more, I was especially grateful.  Behind these gates...we shared an unforgettable night of food, family and  Thanks~giving fun.

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

Holding  my sweet little niece (Demi) melted my heart, and made me wish for another of my own. There's just something so scrumptious about these little bundles of joy. It's hard for me not to get weak in the knees smelling the sweet scent of a baby's head, breathing in their perfect breath, and having their tiny fingers curled around mine. Oh, what a love-fest it was! :-)

As we left the lake-house, and headed for our drive to BB's, I wrote a little journal entry about a special place I visited sometime ago. Rather than tuck it away and have it forgotten, I'll share what I scribbled in the car about the spirit and season of Gratitude sometime soon in the days ahead.

I hope that your holiday was restful, relaxing and perfectly nurturing to your own deserving soul.

~Sending you beautiful blessings for a peaceful, smooth, and easy-going Monday!~

~Elizabeth x3