The Power of Pictures

I can't sleep tonight. I don't know if it is the wheezing, the coughing, the congestion or the coffee I am drinking at 3:25 AM, but I am wide awake! This is not the norm for me. I am one of those people who can fall asleep sitting up, talking on the phone and, yes, even driving. (Don't ask)

I finally just gave up and got up. I finished reading The Lincoln Lawyer and started another book. I played Words with Friends with everyone I owed a move to, only to realize that no one was going to be playing at 2:30 in the morning. Decided that coffee sounded good and made a lovely cup of it. Then I turned on the laptop and decided to look at all the pictures I have saved on it.

I realized that a sleepless night + pictures can make one very melancholy and reflective. I am going to share a few.

This is my sister Debe and me. I love to think about how one of my very best friends has been with me all my life! And I have the pictures to prove it!



Much to Blair's dismay, this is one of my all time favorite pictures of her. Obviously, this was taken before her eye surgery to correct a slight problem she had with strabismus. Or, as random strangers would say to me: "Did you know your baby is cross-eyed?" No, really?


These are my handsome grandsons Ricky and Izaac. I don't get to see them nearly as much as I would like but I love them dearly. They make me smile so much.


Aaron and Daddy. I love that Daddy was amused by Aaron's stubborness and individuality. I wish they still had the opportunity to have that relationship.

I get so much joy from watching Katie and her friends grow closer together and have so much fun.

I will never tire of looking at this picture of my beautiful mom. I would love to have one more day with her.

I am one of the few people who loved being "stranded" indoors during the snowstorm. Pajamas and my family together all day! Does it get any better?

Dennis enjoying his snuggie from the kids!

I will end with this one. I am blessed beyond measure with a family that means everything to me.

I am not any sleepier but I have enjoyed counting my blessings.
Good night or good morning.

One Thousand Gifts

46. Skinny Vanilla Latte creamer.

47. My children. I have already used that one but today I am reminded of how precious they are and how much my life is richer because of them.

48. Early mornings when I get to spend time reading my Bible and praying.

49. New recipes that turn out well----White Chicken Chili.

50. The longer days now that we are into the month of January.

51. Coffee.

52. Good books.

53. A car that runs and gets me where I need to be.

54. Friends who encourage me and stand in my corner.

Continued: One Thousand Gifts

4. Christmas.............ahhhhhh.




5. Miracle babies!




6. Sisters-what a glorious, unmatched gift!

Blessed

I am blessed. This isn't a NEW revelation. I've known it. I know it. I hope I always know it. I hope that I live my life in a way that makes others know that I am blessed and feel blessed and I am grateful for it. I listen to people around me sometimes who never seem to have a good day or a good thing happen in their life. I am convinced that these people DO have good things in their lives and DO have the opportunity to have good days-they just refuse to see it. I try to start each day with the attitude that it is going to be a good day. I refuse to let the way someone else is feeling or acting decide how my day is going to be. I guess I just want to challenge everyone to start the day with a grateful heart and I am confident you will lie down in peace at the end of the day.

“The moment when you first wake up in the morning is the most wonderful of the twenty-four hours. No matter how weary or dreary you may feel, you possess the certainty that, during the day that lies before you, absolutely anything may happen. And the fact that it practically always doesn't, matters not a jot. The possibility is always there.”
—Monica Baldwin(1893 – 1975); author

Tanya's Contest

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