Spring....will eventually arrive

I laid in bed last night thinking of this blog that seemed like such a "great idea" at the time I created it....and here it sits....neglected.
I first thought of creating the blog to help me have a place that I could post pictures for a "great new project" that I was so sure I'd be undertaking. It was the "365 Project" that came with the start of the New Year. Hmmm. After a couple of days of stressing myself out about taking a photo a day and then making sure to post it, I thought perhaps there were other projects that might make me feel a little more successful. hahaha Don't get me wrong. I do take pictures. LOTS of pictures. But the thought of forcing myself to do it daily just didn't inspire my creativity at all.

So perhaps I can make this blog a place to journal the things that happen in our daily lives. No pressure on myself this time. Just a blank "sheet of paper" to put down a few thoughts or memories of my day...or whatever I can think of. Who knows if anyone but me will ever read these words. I don't think I have anything that will ever be as inspirational to others like the blogs of "friends" I have found online. I'm inspired by women like Angie Smith and her blog "Bring The Rain" who shares the beautiful stories and struggles of her family and their sweet Audrey Caroline. Angie's blog is actually the first blog I happened upon and I know for a fact that it was God who led me there. It makes me see so much more outside of my own little world and it makes living with two autistic children seem almost "simple" compared to their pain.

I have heard from SO many well meaning people over the years that "God only gives the hardest struggles to those that He knows can handle them". Most of the time I can smile and nod and go on and then other times I want to scream out loud. No one actually "gets it". That's ok. In the grand scheme of things, our children's "dis" ability is really not all that bad. We are actually incredibly blessed. Sure we have struggles and things are sometimes more than a little challenging but all in all it's a good life.

So, now that I've gotten this first post out of the way....I can come back often and just make this blog what it should've been all along....a place to just keep my thoughts and daily happenings.

Blessings,
M

Wow...Time does fly...

Well...so much for keeping up with my blog. I started out with great intentions and here I am...a long time later posting the next note.

Sometime life just gets in the way. I haven't had time to post any of my pix for the "365" Project which was the original reason I started this blog to begin with. I am trying to convince myself that it's ok...things happen and eventually I'll get caught up.

The holidays are "officially" over since I moved Brittany back into her dorm at JMU today. Her winter break is over and the Spring semester begins tomorrow. We moved her into a new room in the same dorm (thank the Lord!). It would've been a lot tougher if her new room assignment had been somewhere else on campus. We are ALL praying that it's a better situation for her and that she will be in a better place to live and learn.

Mike flew out to Denver a few hours ago. It's strange to think that he'll be gone for a few days. He hasn't traveled in a very long time. It's weird to think that he used to be gone for at least one week every month. ugh. I don't miss those days at all.

Linz and Zach will spend this week settling back in to their "regular" routine I'm sure. One thing about autism...ROUTINE is the key. They love having Britt home but it takes them a bit to get used to it again.

Oh well...guess I'd better get things organized and ready for the week.... I just had to take a few minutes to at least make an entry here on the blog.

Have a magical night!
Michelle

TGIF...My first entry?

Ok...here goes....
I started this blog after being inspired by a few SCS pals and their "365/A Photo A Day" Challenge. I've been taking pictures and trying to learn as I go for the last 8 (or so) years. I've really enjoyed it but I know that I really need to take a class to learn the "real" way to take pictures and how to do it well.

My husband, Mike, is incredibly supportive and LOVES buying me new photo "toys" to try out. He's a great teacher (and critic...although that's hard to take sometimes). :-) You know how it is....sometimes it just feels like "art" to you, the one who took the picture..... Oh well...still lots to learn.

So I'm posting a picture I took tonight in front of our tree before we take it down tomorrow. :-( It's a picture of our puppy, Marley, who will be a year old in March. My mom (his "Nannie") gave us the book A VERY MARLEY CHRISTMAS for Christmas. I couldn't resist.

Anyway....while it's not a gorgeous, technical shot....it's my first entry into my quest for the 365 shots of the year.

Have a happy TGIF...and make it a "magical" day!