Journeys. Birthday Beginnings.

“The thing that is really hard, and really amazing, is giving up on being perfect and beginning the work of becoming yourself.”  Anna Quindlan

I found this quote the other day, site-surfing through the web.  It's funny how I begin checking my blogroll for updates around 9pm after the kids are in bed, and the next thing I know 11:00pm rolls around:) So much gratefulness, blessedness, and love of life in my "blogging" friends.  They're celebrating the simple day-to-day pleasures, conversations, love, laughter, cluttered homes, the unpredictability of their days...they celebrate it all.  Life is not a perfectly, planned out road map where you're traveling a straight point a to point b.  It's got curves, man...mountains, valleys, peaks, the whole works.  Our days begin in our mind one way, but by 9am, we've embraced a completely different journey, that may be easier, or more challenging than the one we began. 

For me, my journeys begin on an emotional level, that soon settle into a "What can I learn from this?"  mentality. I need a good 24 hours to get there, but I arrive there, wanting to learn more about myself. 

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It's birthday week for Addy that begins with an early party after Thanksgiving.  My nieces and nephews are teen or near teens, way too cool for the craft mode that is a staple at parties.  However, a few enjoy decorating the downstairs in birthday fashion, complete with white lights, a birthday chair, eagerly anticipated presents.  The sprinkles for cupcakes show each one's artistic flair with sugar:)

How many can ride in the decade old Cozy Coupe car?

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I want to give a shout out to a new blog I found...

Life.Rearranged....Life doesn't always go as planned. 

Help others anyway.

I dropped in during one of my "fly-bys" and WOW!!!  She has guest bloggers, her own story, and is fundraising for other special needs adoptions.  Stop by, "lurk", get inspired, mostly try to make a difference for someone, help someone along the way. 

Embrace your journey, celebrate the small moments, and
change the world for someone today.

I'm embracing my journey....

Birthday Wishes for Sarah

                         Happy Birthday, sweet girl.

                        When you woke up today looking out
                        of your crib,

                         you are no longer 2, but 3.

                        Three years ago, you were given breath, life.

                        You were born in a country,

                        across the ocean and miles away from us.

                        You were placed on this earth

                        to make the world more beautiful.

                        You are a promise.

                        Two months ago, you were born in our hearts.

                        Our love for you is everlasting.

                        We have only seen a picture of you,

                        But you are beautiful, you are precious,

                        and most of all,

                        You are loved.

                        One day we will meet you face to face.

                        Oh, Sarah, what a day to behold.

                        From the autumn time,

                        to the snow on the ground,

                        our celebration day is getting closer.

                       Your big sister is talking constantly of

                        making a difference in your life.

                        Your big brother is drawing pictures for you

                        and making cards to celebrate your
                        homecoming.

                        Your mother and father are leaving

                        no stone unturned on their journey

                        to bring you home. 

                        The days are getting shorter on our
                        part of the world

                        For our family, it's a time to anticipate
                        your arrival.

                        Soon, baby girl, you'll be in your forever home

                        wrapped in the loving arms of a family

                        who loves you.

                        Soon, oh so very, Soon.

                        Happy Birthday, sweet girl.

                        You are loved, Sarah.