A little love note...

It all started ordinarily enough...

But my whole day changed its course when I went to get my teacup this morning...

Propped in front of my teacup was a simple note from my wonderful husband, encouraging me in just the way I needed today.

Suddenly, Monday morning isn't so bad. 

Monday is, for now, a blank slate...

...A fresh start...

...A new beginning...

...A reminder that I have 7 whole new days full of possibility, opportunity and purpose. All because of a love note.

In God's Ultimate Love Note, He gently reminds us that his mercies are new EVERY morning... But I feel this newness in a special way on this particular Monday. All because of a little love note.

So today, I'm not going to try and plan my week...

... Or set goals...

...Or make a to-do list...

I'm going to relish the fact that my husband loves me enough to encourage me, 

...and that the singing birds and the gentle breezes that are blowing my curtains this morning are my love note from God.

Happy Monday, everyone!

It's the little things...

This was one of those whirlwind weekends... Wonderful, but busy... The kind that make you think you need a weekend to recover from your weekend...


My baby turned three and we celebrated. For me, it wasn't just about a birthday. It was a celebration that she is here with us at all. 


I'm painfully aware every time I allow my mind and heart to go back to the day of her birth just how close we came to losing her. 


So I celebrated. Because according to the doctors it should have been so different... "Mrs. Slattery, we aren't sure what she can see or hear...." "Mrs. Slattery, we'll have to do some more tests..." "Mrs. Slattery, she had a kind of rough night..." "You can't hold her today..." (that one was always the worst)


At 10:03 p.m. on her third birthday, as I watched her sleep; I thanked God with many tears that she was with us. As she stirred a bit, I thanked God that she can move. When she awoke on the day of her party I rejoiced that she could see and enjoy the decorations. As she sang "Happy Burfday to Jordyn" I thanked God for her speech and for her hearing. As she twirled around and danced I cried tears of joy for the privilege of seeing a miracle.


It's the little things. 


I spent a day at an Irish Dance competition with my oldest daughter all day Sunday. I had the joy of watching her do what she loves most.


She took my breath away...


Gone was the little girl who had dressed up in my old curtains and her snow boots to be a "real princess." In her place was a beautiful young lady who was gracious, graceful, and full of joy. 


She got a first place trophy. On the way home, she told me it was "the best day ever and I love you mommy for being there." I think I won.


It's the little things.


My little man missed me while I was gone so I promised him a date to Rita's last night. We talked over Mango Italian Ice. 


He told me how much he liked school this year and how he talks to God all the time. 


When we went to the store for milk afterwards, he held the door for me.


He told me, "You're the awesomest mommy ever." 


It's the little things.