The more things change

My sweet boy is growing up, changing right before my eyes and it's an incredible process to watch. Sometimes, emphasis on some, I have these truly lucid moments with him where I'm able to absorb everything that's happening. Like this morning, when out of the blue he asked me to sing him one of the "mommy songs" I used to sing him to sleep with. So, as we waited for the morning carpool, there we sat, him on my lap, his head on my shoulder while I sang to him (one our favorites, Lullaby by The Dixie Chicks). I was completely in the moment, one of those I feel are becoming few and far between. Well, moment over as soon as my neighbor arrived to take him to school. He hopped off my lap, grabbed his backpack and lunch box, and said, "see ya later, mom." Mom...what happened to Mommy?

As I was cleaning his room later this morning, it hit me. The more things change, they don't stay the same. His bookshelf, which once held brightly colored stacking blocks, ABC books, and one of those wooden pull ducks, now houses dinosaurs, die cast airplanes, and books on bugs. He doesn't even need his "blankie" anymore, a recent decision he came to all on his own (I couldn't believe it was that easy). While it's wonderous to watch them grow, it's bittersweet too. Oh well, I guess as long as he needs me in his life I'll be OK. And I'll strive for more lucid moments with him so I can capture all the memories safely in my mind. I'll need them one day.

A slump to get you out of one

It's unbelieveably cold here right now. Today it's a whopping 21 degrees and I can't seem to get warm. It's been cold for quite some time now, I guess you could say we're in a cold slump.

In my effort to create a more balanced life, yesterday I made a slump. It was a busy day for me: interviews and writing, helping out at our local food bank, and the first day of my new Bible Study class. So last night I decided we needed some comfort food to warm us up and, since I love to cook, balance out my hectic day.

While thumbing through the new issue of Bon Appetite, I came across this recipe for a dried fig, apricot and cherry slump. I'd never heard of a slump before, but anything with fruit poached in wine and topped with dumpling-like biscuits has to be good. And it was. Oh so good. Can't wait for leftovers tonight, or maybe I'll just have some for lunch...

It was very easy to make, and looked and tasted fabulous. I added a bit of sugar and vanilla to the cream, making it even more yummy. If you're up for a dessert sure to warm a cold night, try it. If you don't like dried fruit, you can make slumps with apples and pears, or berries. Hmm, berries. Maybe I'll try that one next.

Balancing out the New Year

I love the feeling of a new year. It's one of hope and ambition, a sense of renewal, and the chance to start fresh. It's a gift we are given each year, a cleansing for our souls if you will. How we choose to use this gift is up to us.

Most of us make resolutions and start holding ourselves to a higher standard right off the bat. Sure, we need goals to move forward, but sometimes we become so focused on those goals that we miss out on the little things. This year, instead of making a resolution, I'm choosing a word to define my goals for the year. I want to live each day to the fullest. I'm going to find the peace in the chaos. I'm going to savor every minute, for time is also a gift. If I accomplish some goals along the way, then all the better.

Now that my Christmas decorations are safely tucked away and the house is back to normal, I am full of exhilaration and anticipation. I don't know what the new year has in store, but I do know I'm ready. Life will always throw us curves. It's how we deal with those curves that matters. For me, this year will be about going with the ebb and flow, taking the good with the not-so-good, and finding balance. Through balance we can achieve inner peace, and through peace we can truly enjoy the gifts of life.

Happy New Year, I hope you enjoy every minute. Oh, and thank you to my very dear friend for sharing about the word of the year. Have you guessed mine yet?

B A L A N C E

What word will you choose?

Hope...Peace...Change...Possibilities...

Reach...Believe...Intention...Optimism...

Joy...Simplicity...Persist...Acceptance...Connect...

Focus...Create...Explore...Love