After listening to the craziness coming from the back seat of my car I couldn’t help but look through my rear view mirror and laugh uncontrollably. Gio woke up 40 minutes away from our house on the drive back from Monroe, NY and he decided to scream to the Heavens. Mom tried everything to keep him calm. From wearing two pairs of baby sunglasses on her head along with her own seeing glasses to furry things on her head and stickers on her face and hands. She had kids books set up along the seat tops and sound effects for each toy she could possibly hold. Keep in mind all this being done with an Italian BK accent while trying to name things and create stories from the pictures in the kids books since she can’t read all the words well in English. The finisher was the best. She found a small bag pouch which she spoke into while opening and closing it to show that someone was in there talking back to her. I think at that point Gio FINALLY stopped screaming to stare at Nonna to see what the heck was wrong with her. The sounds, cries, laughter and love that filled that car today on the drive home confirmed what an amazing mom I have and what a blessed Nonna Gio and Isa are lucky to have. I adore my mother and every day I adore her even more. She is the definition of pure angelic love and being. I couldn’t have made that drive without her…my life drive without her and I am grateful everyday that I don’t have to.

Everyone has something to say, a word of advice, a comment on beliefs and a judgment on the person they think you should be…but remember you are who you are. All that matters is how you feel about yourself. Don’t listen to all the negative or the so called help, don’t let anyone get you down. Remember the only way you can help or love anyone is if you love yourself so be good to you and everything else will fall into place. If you believe in something hold on to that, if you love someone love unconditionally, if you want something keep on believing and you will achieve it. Surround yourself with those who truly love, respect and appreciate the person you are. I know I have and I live my life with a HUGE smile in my heart and an over pouring appreciation for the life that I have. Life is not perfect but it’s my perfect life and I like sharing it with you! 

What a year! From sadness and uncertainty to happiness, joy, laughter, LOVE, LOVE, and LOVE…there is always love but no one can prepare for the love that comes into your life and fills your heart the way that children do. I feel the love tingling throughout my body from head to the edge of my wiggling toes. Although we are saying farewell to 2011, you will never be forgotten. Here’s welcoming 2012 with an open heart and mind. Wishing you all the blessings of the New Year, the love of family and friends, the sound of laughter to surround you and good health to keep you warm. Thank you Lord for the continued blessings. It is not only in the new year but everyday throughout the year that we are grateful. Happy 2012!!!

Babies are sleeping so I decided to take a moment for me. I put my boots on, zipped my sweater and pulled my hoodie up, walked outside and just sat on my stoop. As my butt started to freeze, I stared at all the twinkling lights wrapped around fences, doorways and windows and smiled just thinking of how beautiful the block looks. I felt like each light that shined was an obstacle we overcame this year. My mouth clenched in fear then immediately relaxed and changed into a smile thinking about all that has come and gone and all that is today. Reflecting on a year that brought us two amazingly beautiful children. Two blessings named Giovanni and Isannah that fills a lifetime with hope, faith, love and HEART. Thank you for my blessings, my life, my love and the happiness that I know because of the sadness that was.

Sleepless in BK so I decided to make my king size pillowcases into standard size by sewing them shorter. Each time I pierced the fabric thoughts of today’s events came to mind. Once I pulled the needle through the fabric it reminded me that God has a plan for each of us. The faster I sewed the more I would poke my finger. I could see that I was getting closer so I sewed faster growing impatient. The faster I tried to get to the end by rushing or skipping steps I would poke myself even harder or have to go back to fix my mistakes. At that moment I realized, everything happens in God’s time not ours. We need to be patient and do things one step at a time, it’s when we skip steps and think we know how to get there faster, we get poked. I began smiling at the realization that in all things you can’t jump ahead, baby steps is what it’s all about. We will get there when we are supposed to, and not before then. 

I guess it’s time for me to fall to sleep peacefully in God’s arms.
Thank you for the pokes (reminders).