Choose your view...

Just an observation from today...

We sometimes see just the negative or the dark side of life. We turn on the news (first mistake) and by the end of the half-hour are in a noticeably different mood from all of the not-so-good news. When I opened the blinds over the kitchen sink today, something dawned on me (other than the need to purchase more Windex) -- the room that was fairly dark ten seconds earlier was suddenly illuminated. The blah feeling that I had begun the day with was beginning to change as I made the choice to open all the blinds and let more light in. It was still the same room and the circumstances of life were still exactly the same as before, but with a quick change in view, my disposition changed.  I started to see that this simple step of choosing light could also be applied in our daily lives.


If we were to sit in a dark room all our lives, we'd be training our mind to believe that that was the norm. The same can be said for constantly seeing the negative in our lives. Eventually that would be all we'd know.  As the New Year begins, lets aim to do away with our dark (negative) views and focus on seeing the (positive) light. Let's focus on what is good in our lives and what we are thankful for. Don't forget to be thankful for the little things too. The more we practice that outlook, the quicker it will become the norm for us.


So "choose your view" and start today and everyday with a phrase like.... 
Today is an awesome day and I am thankful for ___________.

Did you hear the bells?

The Holidays are fast approaching. I know, I know... the turkey is still in the freezer and we haven’t even made the green bean casserole yet, but it is never too soon to start thinking about your Holiday cards.

The Holidays are all about family and friends and staying connected. What better way to remind someone that you are thinking of them than to send a special card at the Holidays! You can personalize the card with photos of your family and maybe even details about your year. Once again, Shutterfly.com has many wonderful designs to choose from. They can help make your 2011 Holiday card a memorable one for your family.

This whimsical design may end up being the family card at our house this year. I love the simplicity and  the warm holiday feeling it expresses. It brings up all the wonderful memories and feeling of the season.  Mod Love - Shutterfly.com

Like to send a “letter” with all the details of your year? How about this one?      Newsworthy Wishes - Shutterfly.com

I really like this design. It's a great way to use a family photo and also a few individual pics of of the kids.  A Very Merry Christmas - Shutterfly.com

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Whether you are looking for classy, sassy, fun, time in the sun, a family's year in review, or a card that's perfect for two... Shutterfly.com will have just what you need. They are also the one-stop-shop for photo gifts, photo books and lots of other great holiday ideas. 

Photo Books               Photo Gifts

Psssst.... I'd love to know what your card will look this year. Let me know what you have in mind. Be creative!

Another Day at the Rink

Once again, at a hockey rink. As I sit here this snowy Saturday morning, I am reminded how lucky we are to have this opportunity. The kids play for a wonderful hockey club not too far from home. That is particularly convenient as find ourselves at the rink 5-6 days a week.

My son is in between ice events for the day. As I wait, I'm watching a group of kids who are just learning to skate on hockey skates and are trying their best to push the puck along with their pint sized stick.  The joy, sheer excitement, and persistence you see in them is the whole reason kids play this awesome game. As they become more competitive, that initial fascination fades. I think I'll ask my son to watch these little guys with me so he can draw from the memories of those days.

Let's remember, it should always be about having fun.

The Ultimate Gift

Someone once told me some very sage advice: Start everyday with a "thank you."  No matter the circumstances, the gift of life is precious. It is a gift we can be thankful for daily. Notice I didn't say the gift of a "good life" is precious or the gift of a "successful life" is precious. Life... with all its blessings and shortcomings, can be seen as a beautifully wrapped box with our name on the gift tag. Our task each day is to tug on the ribbon, open the gift and say "thank you". 

Say it isn't Snow...

Our local (DC area) news channel just announced the ever-so-slight possibility of the white stuff making it's first appearance around the metro area this weekend! I cannot recall a snow quite this early before. It is not even Halloween yet! 


Just in case, I'm running out to get hot chocolate and apple cider as I am sure the bread and milk will be sold out due to the anticipation of such chaos. Wonder if lasts year's snow boots will still fit the kids?...  Hmm, maybe I'll add two pairs of boots to the shopping list.


Stay warm everyone. And remember, enjoy whatever comes. Rain, snow, cool, cold--it's all good.