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Short & sweet weekly recap....

All photos are random pics from this week, with the exception of the 2 pics of the girls. They were left over from last weekend. I loved them and wanted to share them.

Only one story this week.. as it is the most important to me.  The girls and I made a fruit rainbow today (Saturday, March 19, 2011). Exactly one month ago, our vibrant Destiny became a beautiful rainbow in the sky. In her honor, I asked the girls to each share what they loved about their sisters, as individuals. We spoke of what family love meant and then we all said a silent prayer for Destiny, Melia, Riley and Hailey. Life is precious. Seek your own rainbows. Paint your life with color, laughter, joy, kindness and love. Destiny did. <3

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focus52 {10:52}

So much has happened in my life and I haven't been blogging like normal. What is normal anyway? Because I surely wasn't blogging a lot to begin with. Oh well.

So my dear friend, Jan, from TwoScoopz.com has been after to me to share my pics with the group. I have been a member of focus52 since the beginning but have not participated once. Until now, that is. Here ya go, dear Jan! ;o)

The theme is week is {Variety}.  Perfect timing as I receive a lovely bouquet of paper flowers from one of my dearest friends who lives in Louisiana. She made this little bit of sunshine for me. The variety of papers she used reflected my personally so well. She knows me. We have never met in person yet. Hopefully some day that will change but it is still very heartwarming to know that someone can really know who you are without ever having to meet in person. It is a soul connection. The vase she put them in is so darling and fits me to a tee too! Shipped from Louisiana with love. I adore them and I adore her. She is so special. {10:52} & {67:365}

sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy

Friday was such a beautiful day. Right around 70*. More Spring Fever so I decided to buy 2 budget bouquets from Plasterer's Florist to bring Spring inside our home. I made up 3 different arrangements. I love doing this from time to time. Can't help but smile with pretty flowers all around!  Kari spent the night with a friend and it was movie night for the rest of us.  Busy 3 day weekend ahead! Blessed.

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let it shine

“And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same” - Nelson Mandela

When I looked through all the photos that I took today, this one was whispering "pick me, pick me!" ... So simple yet so profound for me on this day. Day 4 of my lifestyle change. It had its good moments and it certainly had its not-so-good moments. (tears! hello!?) Just like the picture represents... good=bright sunshine & blue sky. Those two things alone are a perfect reminder that we all can shine if we open ourselves up to the possibilities & surrender to all the good that our life truly is and the bad=those bright rays of sunshine are a little blemished with the dirty winter scum that is on my van window...just like life is blemished with the not-so-good moments, yet there are subtle reminders that fight their way through the muck and shine as bright as they can just to say "look at me! I'm shining! So can you!" 

So, I end today with this thought...“If you look deep within, you will find a brilliant light. Too many, far too many, squint and turn away from the shine. Let your eyes adjust, and bathe in the radiance.” - Unknown .... Just let it be...

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just add chocolate...

That's what they say.... Keep Calm and Carry On... and I say the only way to do that is with CHOCOLATE!!! ;o)  So Sunday.. Superbowl Sunday. Steelers vs. Packers. We lost but we are still the Mighty Mighty Steelers!! Had a nice time at my sister's house. Wasn't going to go but decided to Keep Calm and Carry On.... and eat my Hershey's with Almonds. My last day for that kind of indulgence. It was oh so good.  This is my gratitude journal. I bought it for myself at Christmas but saved it until now. I will need it in the weeks to come, for sure. I plan to list 3-5 things that I am grateful for each day to help keep everything in perspective as I make serious life changes. Bye bye chocolate... I will always love you! :)

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MCP Project 52
Week #6
Theme: Words

oh snow you d'int

School was closed due to icy conditions again. We cleaned the house some, did laundry, dishwasher, played around online, turned music up loud & laughed a lot. Kari wanted to go outside to play in the snow but this time, she was surprised to have Emily and Jenna join her! They had a lot of fun. Good to see them laughing together instead of fighting!!! When I opened the back door to take some pics, of course, they started throwing snowballs at me. Do you see all 3 snowballs hurling towards me? :) I love those chicklets.

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MCP Project 52
Week #5 - Theme: Muse