His Smile.

Lately I have been feeling like that new mom who wants to shout about every little thing their child does! Because my youngest son, three years old, has been working so very hard this last year and has over come so many obstacles. So, for those of you who might pass him in public or see him at a social event might think his smiles and conversations and spontaneous hugs are no big deal, because they are age appropriate.

But I want to shout for joy because it is so different from where he was, because I was once so scared about his future. 

The other night I was near tears when he ran up to me with his arms wide open and said in his best deep voice, "Give me a hug!"

Not only is his language improving but more importantly his whole communication is growing. He seeks me out. He shows me his favorite toy. He sings the ABC's and he smiles. 

Oh how I love his smile.

Every time my son does the opposite of what he once knew I want to praise the Lord for His blessings. And to be honest, I am thankful we aren't there, in that dreaded place, anymore. There is relief in my exhale.

"Maybe Next Time"

Attitude.

I am constantly running to that place, that dreaded place where I hear words spill out of my mouth and regret what I said in an instant. I gripe about my morning or my crazy-tornado-mess-of-a-house or my lack of coffee.

Why is it that so often, our go-to response is to complain about things, as if when we say how great things are going then we are bragging or candy coating what is really going on.

While I think there is room for the inevitable vent session now and then, I believe our grumpy attitude will creep into our daily conversations if we let it. We take our eyes off of the Lord and grumble about things that just don't matter. We forget the bigger picture.

My four-year-old son has been working on his social anxiety the last few years and I am so impressed with how far he has come. Yet, I found myself getting so frustrated with one of his coping phrases. When I would say no to something he would with out a doubt reply with, "Maybe next time?"

The Only New Year's Resolution

I am a very reflective person at heart. So, you can imagine my excitement when the whole world joins me for a bit of insight on life.

I think most of us like the idea of new.  

However, debating on what to put on our list of goals can be a daunting task. There are the obvious; health related pursuits, splurges so we can enjoy life better, or education and job related goals.

Many of us pick an area of the house to purge from clutter with the hope of seeking the simple life, the frugal life, or the stress-free life. 

But here is the thing...