Darren is traveling this week so I am doing the parenting gig solo. I took the opportunity today to talk to Jade about growing up and changes that she is going through. The conversation did not go well so I dropped it. At bedtime she gave me a hug an apologized for being upset about me talking to her about growing up. She confessed that she does not want to grow up and I sensed that she is fearful of all the changes. Definitely a difficult time in a child's life when they start to approach being a teenager. I can truthfully say I am a little fearful about it as well.

the kids

Short bragging notes on the kids:

Jade: I am so proud of her for stepping out of the comfort zone and trying a new sport. She had her first volleyball class on Sunday and she loved it.

-Jade also got the highest mark in her class on her last math test. That is a huge achievement since the class is a congregated gifted class. Good job girl!

Nate: He has graduated to a booster seat. Very exciting to get him out of the baby seat and he is thrilled with his new position close to the window. Small steps but exciting.

-Nate has really developed in swimming class and is now actively participating. He is the little boy in the class to keep an eye on though because he likes to do his own thing. Nate looks forward to swimming class every week, that in itself is a big deal.

60

My Dad never made it to 60. Three of my siblings never made it either. Did they live their lives the way they wanted and were they happy?
Sixty. That number has been on my mind lot's this week as we celebrate Helen's birthday. The more I think of it the more I think what a celebration it really is. I hope I get the opportunity to see my children grown and to hold my grand children.
I feel like I am on the right track. I truly enjoy my life am looking forward to the next 24 as being very content times. Living my life with gratitude, caring for myself and those I love....can only lead to good things. The future is looking bright!

"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle, the other is as if everything is". Albert Einstein.

I have made some new friends through Nate's preschool and feel very lucky to have crossed paths with Karla. I am so impressed with how she works through every day with her little guy who has asperger's disorder.
For most of the kids going back to school is an exciting time to see their friends again but for her little man it is a stress and something that he really does not want to do. Karla does not force the issue but works with him to find a compromise. This week she has been taking him to school and waiting in the cloak room for him. Amazing woman and what a caring Mom. Most of the Mom's I know are busy catching up with their friends and taking a couple breathing moments for themselves but Karla is still focused on Chris and is working hard to make him comfortable and adjusted. Well done Karla...you are a fabulous Mom.

2008.

I had the good fortune to escape with Darren to the spa this evening and in the quiet I thought about what I would like to do in 2008.

-Learn to live in the moment

-Remain grateful

-Find the secret to being content which I believe is probably in the above as well as through meditation.

-Reflect and appreciate.

Pretty deep list...well I am a deep individual!

Happy New Year everyone and keep reaching for your happiness.