During my rough years with rheumatoid arthritis, I learned many great life lessons. One of those lessons was that just because I couldn't complete a goal at 100% satisfaction didn't mean it wasn't worth tackling. Baby steps towards my goals were perfectly acceptable.For years now I have wanted to have my own garden. For various reasons I …
Category: a good thing
Sneaking in Happiness
I bought these flowers for myself on Tuesday. I was feeling down and needed a visual reminder that life is beautiful. Tuesday marked the one year anniversary of my dad dying and it hit me harder than I imagined it would. In addition, my mom had knee replacement surgery and my husband hasn't been feeling …
The Future
The best way to predict the future is to invent it.Alan Kay
23 Years
The other day Alexander and I were talking about expectations of others vs. following your heart. I shared how when I was 20 and his dad was 21, we got married. Many people felt we were too young and weren't afraid to share the expectations that we should date longer, we should have more experiences, …
Gifts from Two of the Men in My Life
I have heard it said that we choose husbands that are similar to our dads. Although my husband of 23 years (as of June 11), is different than my dad in many ways, they have a few very important things in common. First, they have both loved me for who I am no matter what decisions I have made in …
Getting Away for An Afternoon
Sometimes getting away from the normal day to day activities and spending time in nature can do wonders for your soul. Yesterday morning Sophia's babysitting job for the day was cancelled and we took advantage of the extra time by heading out to Matthiessen State Park for the afternoon. I think we must feel drawn …
Date Night
For the first time in 14 years, Steve and I planned an overnight trip alone without kids. We didn't go far, just thirty miles away to a hotel located in downtown Chicago, but it felt like we were far away from home and all responsibilities. I hope to have many more date nights like this with my husband.Steve …
Grandma’s Ring
My grandma on my dad's side has always held a very special place in my heart. I remember her and my grandpa turning off the tv when we arrived so they could spend time with us. My grandma always took us girls to her backroom so we could see the projects she was working on. …
Holiday Office Party
A week ago Saturday was Steve’s office party. It was fun. As he introduced me to his colleagues, I felt like each person was a character in a book because I hear so many stories about each of them. Seeing their faces is like going to a movie and being a little surprised that they don’t look …
Living Simply Brings Happiness
One morning early last week I was walking Izzy when I realized that with each step I took, there was a little hop. I felt almost like I was as light as a feather hoping along our walking path with a great big smile that came from nowhere. The next day it was the same. The day after the …
The Life and Adventures of Cateepoo 