This birthday has been one to remember. The presentation of cards, gifts, and my birthday peach cobbler definitely helped me enjoy my birthday to the fullest. Both boys decided they required me to take a picture of them with EBoy’s teddy bear (actually the teddy bear is mine- the first gift EDad presented to me when we met in person after knowing each other years on the internet- but I let him think it is his). Who am I to complain- willing photo subjects make for an unexpectedly fun (and sweet) gift.

My spa weekend with my Mom was very lovely. I scheduled our services (sugar and cream body scrubs and a pedicure) with an hour in between so we were able to relax in the serene spa environment, sipping tea and having great conversation. My Mom had never been to a spa before, but I think I may be on my way to successfully turning her into a full fledged massage addict.

The photo shoot the following evening was equally lovely. The anniversary celebration of a couple who are still in love after 40 years of marriage encouraged my spirit and touched my heart. To hear friends and family stand up and share each special moment they remembered with the couple made me dream of someday sharing such an experience with my own loved ones.

I enjoyed my birthday celebration immensely and look forward to the blessings my next year will bestow while I hopefully bless others as well.

Visit the review blog to learn about my Lil’ Trip to Hawaii thanks to Lil’ Aloha Babies

It’s time for a very special time of the year. One everyone gets a nice long weekend to celebrate. Which one would that be? Ebonymom’s birthday of course! Being born on Memorial Day definitely has its perks even though my actual birthday falls on the Tuesday after this year. We are planning to stay in town- but this weekend I’m hanging out at my parents in order to do a spa day with my Mom. I’ll also be doing some work for a wonderful friend and client- capturing pictures at for a very special anniversary celebration for her parents. EDad is keeping the boys entertained at home so i can really focus and get much work (and perhaps a tiny bit of relaxation) accomplished.

One of the best things I ever learned from my mom’s group came from a seasoned mother of 5 children. She was telling me about her upcoming birthday and I asked her if her husband had any special plans for her. She told me of course he did- he was getting her the same thing he gets her every single year: a day off. A day off? I couldn’t fathom the idea then but 3 years later I’m still carrying the tradition strong. No getting anyone up, wiping any behinds, feeding anyone except myself, and the right to cavort out and about anywhere my heart desires. For many stay at home moms this idea may not seem interesting at all but for someone who has always treasured to tranquility and peace of time alone with my own thoughts its a gift that just keeps on giving.

Hope you enjoy your long weekend- I know I certainly will.

“The Art of Not Being Offended” by Dr. Jodi Prinzivalli

There is an ancient and well-kept secret to happiness which the Great Ones have known for centuries. They rarely talk about it, but they use it all the time, and it is fundamental to good mental health. This secret is called The Fine Art of Not Being Offended. In order to truly be a master of this art, one must be able to see that every statement, action and reaction of another human being is the sum result of their total life experience to date. In other words, the majority of people in our world say and do what they do from their own set of fears, conclusions, defenses and attempts to survive. Most of it, even when aimed directly at us, has nothing to do with us. Usually, it has more to do with all the other times, and in particular the first few times, that this person experienced a similar situation, usually when they were young.

These past few months have probably been some of the most life altering changes I’ve ever experienced. Baggage has been laid down and it feels like the future is really beginning. I’ve spent way too much time worrying about what others think and how they will react and instead just need to focus on bettering who I am so that maybe I can make a difference and help others to heal as well. I plan on regularly practicing the Art of Not Being Offended, particularly when I can start stomaching main stream media again.

The above picture is a grainy cameraphone shot as our plane descended towards our Dallas arrival. The plane ride was lovely and I’m still surprised at how much I enjoyed flying Alaska airlines. Between the new one check-in bag rule and the whole no carrying liquids of any kind I was expecting to be more irritated than relaxed. However the lack of small children climbing all over us in the plane yelling complaints and demanding snacks might have had a little to do with our peaceful trip. They even had on board entertainment boxes for rental featuring a variety of movies, music, and videos.

It’s amazing how quickly a week can get eaten up when you return home from a carefree romance focused vacation to your loving but constantly chattering emulating every incredible-hulk-ironman-transformer-wolverine-spiderman-whatever superhero crosses their mind at the moment children. The boys missed us greatly but enjoyed their time with my parents. ETot has been strangely compliant since our return and even insists that I’m his best friend. Typically he reserves this honor only for his Daddy (responding to the question “Is Mommy your best friend, too?” with vigorous head shaking and denials). So its nice to be back with my new status - we’ll see how long it lasts.