A Little Reminder...

 "BE KIND, FOR EVERYONE YOU MEET IS FIGHTING A HARD BATTLE." -Plato

I love inspirational quotes. The one above is one of my all-time favorites, and is such a good reminder to me to step out of my own little world and realize that everyone is experiencing their own set of trials. The first time I saw this quote, it was taped to the computer monitor on my friend's work computer.When I first read it, it impacted me so greatly that I know I will never forget it. I just hope that I don't forget the principle that it's trying to teach me.

I seem to get caught up in my own little world, and my hope is that I can be a better person... a person that people can turn to in their times of trial and know that I will love them unconditionally. I've been so blessed with good family and friends who have shown me this unconditional love, a love free of judgment or criticism, and full of kindness and charity. To each of them I say thank you, thank you, thank you - a million times over.

A couple of months ago, as I was really struggling, someone told me that if you hold a pebble just a few inches from your face, it looks very large. It's not until you throw it on the ground, and amongst all of the other pebbles, you realize how small it really is. And so it is with all of our troubles in life.

Thank you, Heather, for not only posting a great quote; but for being such a beautiful example of living it. I don't get to see you gals nearly enough... and I miss you all so much!

Trevor is Growing Up - TMI

It's true... and no one knows it more than our family. I've noticed him maturing in so many ways, including the way he responds to me when I ask him to do something. More times than not it's "yes, ma'am!" and away he goes to do as I've asked. His attitude, for the most part, is really shaping up.

Mike and I have had a lot of discussions lately about how all of the kids are growing up. And yet both of us had to pick our jaws up off the floor the other day. We were innocently out in the garage working when Trevor came bounding out of the house and announced very excitedly, "Hey mom and dad, I'm really growing up! I don't mean to gross you out, but I'm growing hair on my .....!"

I pushed my palms as tight as I could onto my ears to keep from hearing anything else he might have to say on the subject, and for some reason I closed my eyes - I don't know if I thought he was actually going to show me, but I wasn't taking any chances. I also think I was screaming something to the effect of, "I DIDN'T WANT TO KNOW THAT!" at the same time as Mike was yelling, "Trevor, that's totally inappropriate in front of your mother!" (Really? Would it be appropriate to tell his dad? Apparently.)

Once we all calmed down he told us, "I just want you to know that I'm becoming a MAN."
Thanks for the info, son. I think I'll just continue to be the casual observer, and let you have those conversations with your dad. It's just too traumatizing for me.