A List of Random Adjectives & Adverbs

Happy Sis Margaret is finally potty-trained
Sad The Hubby is gone again
The house is quiet on weekends when he is gone...hate silence
Love the sound of rain during the night...it continues to fall today
Eager for spring. Cardinals, crocus, daffodils, outdoor play
Anxious to take boys to my big sis's house in a week..I must be crazy
Down that I am leaving Sis with my sis for the week...albeit in good hands
Panicked I haven't found any summer camps for the kids
Okay skin is pale and body is plump and I really don't care
Sad kiddos now taking separate baths/showers. Convenient and fast no longer
Trying to figure out explanation why good food doesn't taste as good as bad food
Attempting to discourage bad joke boys have that privates are one of your five senses
Calm in my moments of devotion
Sleepy all day due to new meds. Relax+dessert=bizarre dreams
Proud of all my siblings and their different endeavors
Disappointed in my addiction to iced double shots with soy
Thankful dad got rid of all brass lights and fixtures in house for me
Grateful to Dave Ramsey & Financial Peace. Kohl's card no longer :( painful!
Daring new haircut I am sporting
Enjoying hearing the kiddos wrestling and laughing in the office
Celebrating the arrival of Good Friday, Palm Sunday and Easter
Craving a Coke with pebble ice, Krispy Kreme originals, good magazines & sleep
Realizing that I could live without 99% of our stuff...it's just that
Wishing I could sew or have a shopping spree to J.Crew & Boden
Reflecting on my childhood watching old home movies
Giving myself an "atta-girl" at parenting. It's a hard job, but well worth it
Thinking of new creative veggie meals for the fam
Missing my blog editor...hate it when he points out mistakes..hate it!

Ready to take on a new week....rejoicing in that I got all that taken care of...it is no longer mine to deal with.
BREATHE!!!!!

Can I Get A Thank You..An Atta Girl..Something?

I know that being humble is a wonderful thing. I guess it is the "flesh" in each and every one of us that yearns for an "atta girl" every once in a while. I brought this blog post idea up with The Hubby to get his take on it. He admitted while on his most recent trip home from Korea, a young man became ill on the flight. The captain asked if there was a doctor on board who could assist this individual. He admitted that he was tempted to stand up and shout, "I am not a doctor, but I play one on tv." He admitted that he imagined being a doc and saving this dear man's life. He would be considered a hero and he would then receive the applause and adoration of the other passengers...what a story that would be.
Last week a similar event happened to me. I was driving down the highway with Sis Margaret and my mom when I witnessed a beautiful collie run into the path of a semi. I didn't even think twice of immediately pulling over to try and help this dog. As my mom directed traffic, I tried in vain to get a hold of the owner and the vet. A nice gentleman stopped to help me move the dog to the side of the road, and I covered her body up with some towels I had in the trunk. It began to rain and I ended up standing in the pouring rain with a golf umbrella waiting on the dog's owner to get there. The deputy on the scene told me I could go ahead and go, but I didn't feel right about leaving someones pet on the side of the road until they could arrive. The owner finally arrived and was overwhelmed with grief as the deputy and I carried her beloved Lexi to her car. Let me preface this by saying that I am by no means an "animal lover" but I was certain that I was meant to stay with that dog. I didn't receive a thank you or "atta girl", but rather my reward came in that I now have a renewed appreciation for mankind. People were willing to help out in a time of need. One lady just stopped and gave me a hug because she felt so bad that I had witnessed the event. What a sweetheart! While I wouldn't have passed up an opportunity to pose with a dog on the cover of "Dog Fancy" as dog hero of the year, I am just fine knowing that Lexi wasn't alone when she passed away.
I guess my point is that even in our menial tasks that we perform each day, they are being done for a greater good. Why do I do laundry...so that the kids have clean clothes. Why does The Hubby travel so much...to try and make a better life for our children. Why do I spend so much time volunteering to do crafts...so that my children and your children can learn about God in a creative manner.
CEP told me last week that I was as stylish as Venus Williams (????) She must be very chic! JWP told me that I was very unique because I am a mom who shaves her armpits(????) I couldn't make this stuff up if I tried :)My "atta-girls" came from my own kiddos who thought I was pretty special in some very odd ways. I will take all the reaffirmation I can get...I'm human!
I encourage you this week to give an "atta boy/girl" to someone for a task that seems rather ordinary. We have enough "heroes and idols", let's bring it back to what really matters...ones character.

Blog RECALL.....

This morning I received a phone call from my oldest sis who was up in arms about my blog. She is on her way to Saudi Arabia on business for two weeks and was in distress over the fact that while she is over there she will be "contained" in her hotel for hours on end and will not have my blog to help "inspire" her. Truly, I would be desperate if I couldn't work out at the hotel, have a glass of wine, or even leave my hotel room unaccompanied by a male. And....don't get me started on having to wear an abaya 24/7...all black with no bling? While it may appear slimming, it doesn't do much for women's rights! I digress! Okay, I told her I would write a few posts here and there when I felt motivated to do so. In addition, this blog will soon link with another website that is in the works by the name Cameron Hill Home. Inspire Mind, Inspire Soul, Inspire Home, Inspire Yourself! It is going to be HUGE!! We will be having guest writers and contributors, a chance to ask "The Experts", and even a chance to purchase textiles and home goods. It is going to very exciting and I hope you will join us as we begin this new family enterprise. Until then, in honor of my big sis, I will be back. Be sure to check in weekly for a little more of ME.. Sarcasm, humor, and more sentiments to come. Don't forget to keep an eye out for the new website! In the words of George Constanza(Seinfeld), "I'm back, baby"!!!!

A Fond Farwell to Bountiful Blessings

Do we ever truly know when to let something go? It could be a grudge, a toxic friendship, personal insecurities, the dirty clothes that never seem to make it in the hamper, or a online journal that took shape into what I call Bountiful Blessings. I have been at this for two years now...and it has been a wonderfully sweet and oftentimes wild ride. I knew this moment was approaching, but a part of me doesn't want to shut it off totally. I have loved sharing my little imperfect, yet bittersweet life of mine with all of my readers. I do believe at this time, I am meant to move on. Maybe a new business venture, maybe valuable time once spent at the computer can now be more time for the kiddos or my own devotions. It's not to say I won't be back sometime in the future, it's just time for a little break. Time to get back to what is really important...my family. May you find inspiration in the people who surround you; your friends, family, neighbors, colleagues and most importantly our Lord and Savior. Blessings to all of you! Just like the smallest of crocus that are beginning to appear, may your true self also appear.
Always,
Eden

I know, I know

I know I am risking losing many blog readers due to this post, but I couldn't resist. This pic even got The Hubby a little fired up. All I am going to say is that there are sooo many things that are "wrong" with this recently published picture. I present to you...the leader of the Free World!

The Life of a Pot

I knew the day was coming. The day when I would have to say good-bye to my favorite cooking pot. It wasn't a fancy pan, but rather a simple stainless steel pot that had a copper bottom and a black plastic handle. I have had this pan in my possession for as long as I can remember..probably since 1996. It has found a home in my many kitchens and while other pots and pans of equal or greater importance have joined the ranks, this pan has always been my favorite.
The pan belonged to my Great Aunt Margaret. While I was the recipient of all her paintbrushes and art books, somehow someone thought this pan had some important significance. It found a home in my kitchen and became the kids pasta pot. I would bypass all of the other "fancy" ones in order to whip up a fantastic meal for my kiddos in that pot (fantastic was meant to sound sarcastic :)!) The great thing about this pot was once the liquid began to boil, the pot would bounce and wiggle all over the stove top. I found this annoying at first, pulling it back on the appropriate burner, but then I started to think deeper. *stay with me here*...I began to think maybe it was my Aunt Margaret trying to say "hello, my dear." I don't mean that in a creepy way, just a way to put a smile on my face as I slave away at tasks in the kitchen. The pot was similar to her personality; fun, goofy, sweet and bouncy. Sometimes I see my many traits in her.
Over the past few months, I could tell the day was coming. It moved from being the pasta pot to the steamer pot, perfectly steaming broccoli and sprouts whenever I asked. Tragically, the handle fell off last week and I suddenly felt a little part of me become overwhelmed with sadness. I'm unable to pitch it, but rather just use a potholder to grab the handle. Who knew a memory of a special person could be found in a form of a pot...kind of cool if you ask me.

Misgivings

I've had a few misgiving lately. Misgivings about life, motherhood, friendship and whatever else my conscience wanted to throw in the mix. Needless to say, that may be why the posts have been slow. Have you ever felt like you were walking a tightrope...balancing the many areas of your life and when one side got a little heavy, you began to tilt that way? I just don't tilt, I fall over. "My plate is full, thank you." "I'm closing that window", I claim. My smart momma taught my those sayings...and I love using them.

Yesterday marked the one year anniversary of our move to Ohio. I cried...ok, maybe I bawled. I had a nice little pity party for myself. Now, don't get me wrong, I have adjusted nicely, much to the amusement of the bathroom scale. I have found such comfort in the empty calories of my large cokes and powdered donuts. I miss the weather..the ever hint and tease of Spring right around the corner. I miss the "newness" of the buildings, the stores, the restaurants. I miss going to Bruester's for a cone in the evening. I miss eating sushi at Joel's and a pie at Brooklyn Boys. I miss going for pedi's with the girls. Most of all, I miss the many people and smiling faces who got me through one of the toughest times of my life. Maybe that is why I still mourn the move. Just knowing that no matter what, a door was open, a ear would listen, a heart would feel.
Today I took Sis Margaret to breakfast with parents at her preschool. I walked in, smile on my face and was met with just stares. I could feel the stares as I walked around the room. One lady was going through her receipts as her little girl played nearby. I saw one was from Dillard's. If she could only see my wallet of receipts. No Dillard's here...only Big Lots and Walmart(the majority of those were returns) It just struck me that people just don't know how to smile or even make small talk. Maybe they are comfortable with who they are. They already have friends and aquaintances. They are not needing to make the effort to get to know anyone else. It was painfully uncomfortable...and I'm even fairly outgoing. I got in the car and called AML right away. She was having a day too and I know she longed to be in NY with old friends. I longed to be back on Cloister Lane. I have made some friends here, mostly thanks to my church, but even there it's as if people already have all they need. Why can't I be content with just being by myself, just absorbing all the love of my children and husband? I know that is not healthy and that's why I continue to try and meet new people without seeming desperate. I don't want to come across as a Debbie Downer but it's been a year..something has to give. After moving five times in ten years, I'm tired...I'm done.
I'm really hoping that the next year I will continue to be blessed with happy and healthy children and a husband who has a job and loves me. In the scheme of things, I'm not that bad of a person to be stuck with as a friend. I guess I can always have a lunch date with a coke and bag of powdered donuts :)

Happy Birthday, AML

These little surprises will be arriving at your door today!! Don't you just love presents :)

My Dear AML,

It takes more than caring to be a real friend;

The nature of friendship;

Requires a blend of warmest compassion

And love deep and true to reach and to comfort

The way that you do.

Because I can see that your kind of friendship

Is priceless to me.

Happy Birthday, my girl! (can I call you "my girl" if you are so much older than me?? JK!!) I miss you terribly and don't like to think about this time last year as I delivered your b-day present and drove away for the last time. Oh, how I miss our many moments. Moments that I will never share again with another friend. Funny how a Midwestern Prep somehow found a best friend in a Long Island Diva. God has a pretty good sense of humor, doesn't he! (I think the itchy scratchy thingy Catholics would even agree with a Cover like myself). You welcomed me into your family and now I have not only my three kiddos but five others that I simply adore. I love you and miss you more than words can say. So, today in your b-day honor I am going to have a sweet tea and sit back and remember the good times. I can almost feel myself rocking in the chair on the front porch, Una at my feet, Syd playing with my hair, Miss KK watering the ferns, you looking for your keys and the many people who you love come in and out of your door... always an open door. Happy Birthday, my friend....one of the most beautiful women I know.

In This Moment

“God whispers to us in our pleasures,

speaks to us in our conscience,

but shouts in our pains:

It is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world”

C.S. Lewis