you know you're a M.O.M. when.....

you're over joyed when your babies missed you so much they run to you and call your name if you walk by a door, nervous you might leave again.

Especially if it's from your baby (5yr old with autism) that rarely says "mommy" and who sometimes your not even sure if he cares if you're here nor there.

I was only gone 26hrs and when I came home he wouldn't even look at me, until I was back by the garage door cleaning up and he realized I was back there and came running saying "mama mama mama!" and jumped into my arms and wouldn't let go for awhile.

The BEST feeling EVER!

Life Lessons from The Life of Pi

My father gave me The Life of Pi, years ago and sadly I never finished it. My father is much smarter than me and knows what I'll like, sometimes I need a movie to push me to find what he wanted me to read and understand.

Had I read it years ago something else would have stood out but for now this is what I need to work on.....

Adult Pi Patel: All of life is an act of letting go but what hurts the most is not taking a moment to say goodbye.

Everyday I run into situations where I become overwhelmed, frustrated, anxious, stressed, disappointed, sad or even angry. These feelings hurt my physical health and I NEED to learn TO LET GO.

I think sometimes I'm so worried about hurting because I won't get the the final say/goodbye that I hold on to these feelings instead of letting go. The fact is these feelings are brought on by situations that are out of my control. Lets face it there's not much in this life that we are in control of other than learning to LET GO.

The only way to let go is to leave them behind or let them wash to sea.

For me, my peaceful place is the beach. I don't have to get in the ocean, I don't have to build a sand castle all I need is to hear the waves come in, crash and drag back out and with it it takes all my worries.

"All of life is an act of letting go.."and finding out what new adventure is about to come crashing down.

Sinterklaas Family Tradition

I love family traditions!!! Dec 5th is Sinterklaas in Holland and ever since I was a little girl my parents have celebrated this holiday in their own special way.
I'm so glad that this tradition didn't die when all of us girls got married and left the house. It gives us even more opportunities to enjoy each other.
Traditions are SO important and as families change our traditions sometimes change, but the more traditions you keep the stronger your family stays.
As our families have broken off from extended family gatherings it's been heart breaking to me, because when you don't have the tradition to encourage you to go, life gets in the way and its harder to set time aside even though you love all of your family.
Thank you Mom and Dad for keeping the traditions alive and strong even when it's hard. It means the world to all of us.