Happy Birthday Angel

Our little angel would have been four yesterday. Instead, he's celebrating in heaven. We miss you, Sunshine!

Below is a little poem I found -- In remembrance of Aydan. . .

I looked toward the clouds today

And for a moment saw your face.
I know that you have gone
To such a peaceful place.

Did you show yourself to me today
To tell me you're all right?
Or was it just a daydream
Playing tricks upon my sight?

Then I thought of when you left,
Still too young to say a word.
Yet the look you gave us said it all,
In our hearts your goodbye was heard.

You have changed our lives forever.
Your short time here not if vain.
I hope you know we tried it all
To keep you safe from pain.

We will always feel the void inside,
Because you are not here.
But each new thought you send our way,
Let's us know you're always near.

So until our journey nears its end,
And we hear the angels sing.
We'll face each new day as it comes
And live off the love you bring.

~ James Sullivan

Worth Quoting

Things to Always Remember. . .
and One Thing Never to Forget

Your presence is a present to the world.
You're unique and one of a kind.
Your life can be what you want it to be.
Take the days just one at a time.

Count your blessings, not your troubles.
You'll make it through whatever comes along.
Within you are so many answers.
Understand, have courage, be strong.

Don't put limits on yourself.
So many dreams are waiting to be realized.
Decisions are too important to leave to chance.
Reach for your peak, your goal, and your prize.

Nothing wastes more energy than worrying.
The longer one carries a problem, the heavier it gets.
Don't take things too seriously.
Live a life of serenity, not a life of regrets.

Remember that a little love goes a long way.
Remember that a lot . . . goes forever.
Remember that friendship is a wise investment.
Life's treasures are people . . . together.

Realize that it's never too late.
Do ordinary things in extraordinary ways.
Have health and hope and happiness.
Take the time to wish upon a star.

And don't ever forget . . .
For even a day . . .
How very special you are.

~Author Unknown

Mother's Love

Her love is like
an island in life's ocean,
vast and wide
A peaceful, quiet shelter
From the wind, the rain,
the tide.
'Tis bound on the north by Hope,
By Patience on the West,
By tender Counsel on the South
And on the East by Rest.
Above it like a beacon light
Shine Faith, and Truth,
and Prayer;
And thro' the changing
scenes of life
I find a haven there.

~Author Unknown

Happy Mother's Day, mom. I love you!

The First Day of Fall

My absolute favorite time of year. The weather is perfect. Everything is beautiful. I can't wait to drive up into the mountains when the leaves start to turn, so I can take lots of pictures. =)

Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.
~Albert Camus

Morning Glories

Morning glories open themselves up to the world in the morning, in all of their glory.

But here is the hard part... At the end of the day, they turn a most beautiful shade of lavender, and then close up, wither and die. They live for only one day, and then they are gone.

You see it doesn't matter how long your life is. It only matters that you were here, in all your glory, that you opened up completely and let your light shine, and that you brought joy to those who came into contact with you. That's what matters to the morning glory, and that's what really matters to all of us.

The morning glories make me appreciate every new day now, in a way I didn't before. Now, each morning I give thanks that I have been given the gift of another day in all its glory.

We can learn from all of life if we remain open to the beauty that is all around us. And nature can be one of our greatest teachers.

(An excerpt from a poem I found online by Veronica M. Hay. Read all of it here.)