Change is a word, that is easy for some and hard for others. In 2013, our family has experienced a lot of changes, many highs and many lows. It is what we do with these changes (highs and lows) that help us define what direction our lives will take in the year to come.
I welcome 2014, after saying a bittersweet goodbye to Donnie's grandmother at the age of 102. Knowing her and having her in my life and the life of my family, has been a positive and loving experience, so I take my memories of her, and I will carry them forward with a positive light and attitude. The change of not having her here with us in body, will be that I will carry her with me in spirit.
September 15, 2013 was the hardest day and month of all, in the year of 2013. The months that followed were truly some of the hardest months I have ever lived through. I don't share here, what happened in those months, because, I am going to put them behind me, and look forward to the positive changes those months are going to bring to all of the us. We will be stronger, more focused, healthier of body, mind and soul, and we will, all of us (my family) take on 2014 with passion, drive, happiness, and goals that will be accomplished.
Today is January 1, 2014, and Donnie and I just watched our oldest child Danielle, drive off to follow her dreams in LA. This is a change, that left me crying in the driveway. Tears for missing her, tears for being so proud of her, and tears of joy for raising a daughter who is not afraid of Change, but takes it all in stride.
She is taking the drive with her two sisters and they will have an amazing adventure. When the younger two return home, there will be more changes to take on. Mary will be graduating from college and taking on the world as a nurse. Jane will be transferring to a new College, and turning her life around. And the boys who are not on the trip with the girls, are living their own adventures and taking on new changes everyday.
My wish for 2014 is that whatever changes come our way, that Donnie, Kelly, Danielle, Michael, Ryan, Annie, Mary and Jane Naugler, all face those changes and enjoy each day to it's fullest. I think Gram at 102 saw a lot of changes in her life, and two weeks before she passed, I had the chance to sing with her....She was lying in her bed and we sang Que Sera Sera, whatever will be will be, the futures not ours to see, Que Sera Sera....One Day at a Time, One Change at a Time.
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Turn Around, Sunrise Sunset
What is it about the lyrics in a song that ring so true. "Turn Around, Turn Around, Turn Around and she's/he's a young girl/boy heading out of the door" Sunrise, Sunset "I don't remember growing older, when did they?"
I am being very nostalgic today, Danielle (my first born) is 29. Where did the years go? Early this morning, I was pouring over her baby albums, and looking at how young Donnie and I were (21) when we had her. The thing that really struck me, is truly...I don't remember growing older, so how can it be that my baby girl is 29 today.
When Danielle was born, she had 4 grandparents and 8 great grandparents. Today, she is still blessed to have her four grandparents and her 102 year old great grandmother. I looked at the pictures of my parents and Donnie's parents holding Danielle, and I thought, "How young they looked", but to me, my parents at 75, and Donnie's parents at 73 are still young. Even Great Grandma is young at 102, so how can Danielle be this beautiful 29 year old woman, when we are still those 21 year old kids that had her all those years ago?
Truth is....Love is ageless, and watching your children grow into adulthood, and "head out of the door", is what the Circle of Life is all about. You love your children, guide them when they are young, and when the time is right and they are ready to head out on their own, you pray for their happiness, and wish them well.
Danielle left home when she was in her early 20's and took on the Big Apple city of New York. She had her share of ups and downs there, but through it all she persevered. She is a strong, capable, loving and beautiful women, and no matter where her travels take her next, she will head out that door and take it on with aplomb!
I am being very nostalgic today, Danielle (my first born) is 29. Where did the years go? Early this morning, I was pouring over her baby albums, and looking at how young Donnie and I were (21) when we had her. The thing that really struck me, is truly...I don't remember growing older, so how can it be that my baby girl is 29 today.
When Danielle was born, she had 4 grandparents and 8 great grandparents. Today, she is still blessed to have her four grandparents and her 102 year old great grandmother. I looked at the pictures of my parents and Donnie's parents holding Danielle, and I thought, "How young they looked", but to me, my parents at 75, and Donnie's parents at 73 are still young. Even Great Grandma is young at 102, so how can Danielle be this beautiful 29 year old woman, when we are still those 21 year old kids that had her all those years ago?
Truth is....Love is ageless, and watching your children grow into adulthood, and "head out of the door", is what the Circle of Life is all about. You love your children, guide them when they are young, and when the time is right and they are ready to head out on their own, you pray for their happiness, and wish them well.
Danielle left home when she was in her early 20's and took on the Big Apple city of New York. She had her share of ups and downs there, but through it all she persevered. She is a strong, capable, loving and beautiful women, and no matter where her travels take her next, she will head out that door and take it on with aplomb!
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Life is a Hallmark Movie
Recently I posted that life is a Hallmark Movie, and that I loved watching them. I have not blogged in quite awhile, but tonight I find myself wanting to share.
I love Hallmark movies, I love Hallmark card commercials, I love that all Hallmark movies have Happy Endings.
Last Holiday season, two weeks before Christmas, I ended up getting a torn retina, and almost lost my sight in one eye. For two weeks as I was recovering, I was only able to listen to the Hallmark movies, but they helped me get through the two weeks of not being able to get up from the same prone position for 23 hours a day. This Holiday season, a week and a half before Thanksgiving, I find myself drawn to the Hallmark movies more than ever. In the last year my family has faced a lot of ups, and quite a few downs, and if watching a Hallmark movie brings me to a feel good place, then I am not ashamed to say, that they make me smile.
I think the real theme of Hallmark movies is just that....they are movies to make you feel good and bring a smile to your face. Unrealistic though they may seem, I am particularly grateful, that even in the ups and downs, good times and bad times of my life, I like to think that my life is a Hallmark movie. Its a Hallmark movie, because I am grateful for my life, the love of my wonderful husband, the gift of having my children all safe and secure, my parents, siblings, in-laws, friends and relatives. My life as a Hallmark movie is still being written, and it is my wish today, and during this Holiday season, where family and love are in abundance, that my Hallmark movie, like all Hallmark movies, has a very Happy Ending.
I love Hallmark movies, I love Hallmark card commercials, I love that all Hallmark movies have Happy Endings.
Last Holiday season, two weeks before Christmas, I ended up getting a torn retina, and almost lost my sight in one eye. For two weeks as I was recovering, I was only able to listen to the Hallmark movies, but they helped me get through the two weeks of not being able to get up from the same prone position for 23 hours a day. This Holiday season, a week and a half before Thanksgiving, I find myself drawn to the Hallmark movies more than ever. In the last year my family has faced a lot of ups, and quite a few downs, and if watching a Hallmark movie brings me to a feel good place, then I am not ashamed to say, that they make me smile.
I think the real theme of Hallmark movies is just that....they are movies to make you feel good and bring a smile to your face. Unrealistic though they may seem, I am particularly grateful, that even in the ups and downs, good times and bad times of my life, I like to think that my life is a Hallmark movie. Its a Hallmark movie, because I am grateful for my life, the love of my wonderful husband, the gift of having my children all safe and secure, my parents, siblings, in-laws, friends and relatives. My life as a Hallmark movie is still being written, and it is my wish today, and during this Holiday season, where family and love are in abundance, that my Hallmark movie, like all Hallmark movies, has a very Happy Ending.
Sunday, August 25, 2013
I Have..
I Have God
I Have my Husband
I Have my Children
I Have my Parents
I Have my Siblings
I Have my In-Laws
I Have my Sister and Brother in-laws
I Have many Nieces and Nephews, and cousins and relatives in abundance
I Have a Roof over my Head, and Food to Eat
I Have So Much, but what do I really Have? I Have "Today" and today is a gift I will relish and not take for granted, because no one knows what tomorrow will bring....
Live for Today, it is a gift to be cherished.
I Have my Husband
I Have my Children
I Have my Parents
I Have my Siblings
I Have my In-Laws
I Have my Sister and Brother in-laws
I Have many Nieces and Nephews, and cousins and relatives in abundance
I Have a Roof over my Head, and Food to Eat
I Have So Much, but what do I really Have? I Have "Today" and today is a gift I will relish and not take for granted, because no one knows what tomorrow will bring....
Live for Today, it is a gift to be cherished.
Friday, August 9, 2013
Les Miserables
Tonight is the opening of Reagle Music Theater's production of Les Miserables. I am proud to be a part of the ensemble of this beautiful Musical directed by David Hugo.
This show holds so many special memories for me, and at the mid century of my life, I feel blessed to be able to perform in this show.
My family has always been a family that drives together on family trips. We enjoy driving together so much, that even now as grown adults, whenever a holiday or trip comes up, we all squeeze into the family station wagon, and sing.
It all began with our family trips to Disney World. We usually drove 24 hours straight through to Florida, and the thing that kept everyone content and happy was listening to Broadway Musicals. In fact I think my youngest daughter Jane's first songs weren't children songs, but the music of Rent and Les Mis.
We would play Les Miserables on the way to Florida and on the way back (several times), and all five of our children knew every single word to the entire recording. It was truly one of the family's favorite musicals. So by the time my son Michael was a junior in High School, it did not surprise me at all when he was cast as Marius. Marius was second nature to Michael, and he played it so beautifully. My husband and I went to every single performance, and felt the pull and love of this spectacular Musical every single night.
When I went to the first rehearsal of Reagles Les Mis, and we did the sing through, my heart filled with so many memories. Memories of my little Mary and baby Janie singing together Castles on a Cloud, Danielle belting out Eponines songs, Michael singing the part of Marius and my son Ryan, my husband Donnie, and myself singing all the choral parts...(of course I always sang Fantines part) The Music of a People (my people my family) filled our car with so much love, and joy. So as I sat there singing along with a room full of talented and amazing performers, my heart filled with even more love and joy. The joy of my memories from the past, my memories of the present and a love for the future to come.
David Hugo said that this Musical comes down to Love...(To love another person is to see the face of God)
Whether you believe in God, a higher being or whatever you choose to believe in....Love is the truest gift. I have been given the gift of being able to perform in this show, a show that I hold close to my heart. My blog has always been about being grateful, and today on opening night, I feel Love and enduring Gratefulness.
This show holds so many special memories for me, and at the mid century of my life, I feel blessed to be able to perform in this show.
My family has always been a family that drives together on family trips. We enjoy driving together so much, that even now as grown adults, whenever a holiday or trip comes up, we all squeeze into the family station wagon, and sing.
It all began with our family trips to Disney World. We usually drove 24 hours straight through to Florida, and the thing that kept everyone content and happy was listening to Broadway Musicals. In fact I think my youngest daughter Jane's first songs weren't children songs, but the music of Rent and Les Mis.
We would play Les Miserables on the way to Florida and on the way back (several times), and all five of our children knew every single word to the entire recording. It was truly one of the family's favorite musicals. So by the time my son Michael was a junior in High School, it did not surprise me at all when he was cast as Marius. Marius was second nature to Michael, and he played it so beautifully. My husband and I went to every single performance, and felt the pull and love of this spectacular Musical every single night.
When I went to the first rehearsal of Reagles Les Mis, and we did the sing through, my heart filled with so many memories. Memories of my little Mary and baby Janie singing together Castles on a Cloud, Danielle belting out Eponines songs, Michael singing the part of Marius and my son Ryan, my husband Donnie, and myself singing all the choral parts...(of course I always sang Fantines part) The Music of a People (my people my family) filled our car with so much love, and joy. So as I sat there singing along with a room full of talented and amazing performers, my heart filled with even more love and joy. The joy of my memories from the past, my memories of the present and a love for the future to come.
David Hugo said that this Musical comes down to Love...(To love another person is to see the face of God)
Whether you believe in God, a higher being or whatever you choose to believe in....Love is the truest gift. I have been given the gift of being able to perform in this show, a show that I hold close to my heart. My blog has always been about being grateful, and today on opening night, I feel Love and enduring Gratefulness.
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
30 Years Ago today
Thirty years ago today, I married my best friend.
The boy I met in Junior High and started dating at the age of 16. We were 20 years old and about to embark on the best adventure of our lives.
Today, I wake up and am planning to go get my hair done, my nails done, put some makeup on, and then put on a pretty dress for our dinner date tonight. Then after our dinner date, we will spend the night at a hotel in the same city where we spent our Wedding night 30 years ago.
30 years and so much has changed and yet so much is the same.
The "same" is that my husband is still my best friend. The "same" is that I still feel like that 20 year old bride, getting ready for a date with her soon to be husband. The "change" is that I don't look like that 20 year old bride any more, nor does my husband look the same. We have graying hair, our bodies are not as lean as they were 30 years ago, and we have life lines etched into our faces. But the most important "change" is that after 30 years, my love for my husband continues to grow stronger, and I can honestly say, that I love him even more today, than I did on July 2, 1983 Thirty years ago.
So, today as I get ready for our Anniversary date night, This 50 year old woman, staring back at me in the mirror is no longer 20, but she still feels like that bride to be. I am giddy, anxious and excited to be getting ready for a date with my husband. Hoping that when he sees me, he sees his bride of 30 years with the same look of love and anticipation that I saw on his face as I walked down the aisle so many years ago.
So much has changed, yet so much is the same, but if I had to go back 30 years and do it all over again, I wouldn't change a thing!
You are still my best friend Donnie Naugler. Thank you for the best 30 years of my life so far, and I look forward to many more years of loving you. Happy Anniversary
The boy I met in Junior High and started dating at the age of 16. We were 20 years old and about to embark on the best adventure of our lives.
Today, I wake up and am planning to go get my hair done, my nails done, put some makeup on, and then put on a pretty dress for our dinner date tonight. Then after our dinner date, we will spend the night at a hotel in the same city where we spent our Wedding night 30 years ago.
30 years and so much has changed and yet so much is the same.
The "same" is that my husband is still my best friend. The "same" is that I still feel like that 20 year old bride, getting ready for a date with her soon to be husband. The "change" is that I don't look like that 20 year old bride any more, nor does my husband look the same. We have graying hair, our bodies are not as lean as they were 30 years ago, and we have life lines etched into our faces. But the most important "change" is that after 30 years, my love for my husband continues to grow stronger, and I can honestly say, that I love him even more today, than I did on July 2, 1983 Thirty years ago.
So, today as I get ready for our Anniversary date night, This 50 year old woman, staring back at me in the mirror is no longer 20, but she still feels like that bride to be. I am giddy, anxious and excited to be getting ready for a date with my husband. Hoping that when he sees me, he sees his bride of 30 years with the same look of love and anticipation that I saw on his face as I walked down the aisle so many years ago.
So much has changed, yet so much is the same, but if I had to go back 30 years and do it all over again, I wouldn't change a thing!
You are still my best friend Donnie Naugler. Thank you for the best 30 years of my life so far, and I look forward to many more years of loving you. Happy Anniversary
Saturday, June 1, 2013
Happy
It's been a while since I have blogged. I was looking at a picture of my kids when they were younger, and the smiles on their faces reminded me of the innocence of youth and how quickly the years go by. Their smiles made me Happy.
My father used to say that Happy was just a word, but I totally disagree. Happy is not just a word. To me.... Happy is......being grateful for the things you have and not stressing about the things you have not. It's about attitude, positive not negative. It's about perspective, and how we look at our lives. It's about passion, and living life to its fullest. It's about ying and yang and finding balance in your life.
H - Have and Have Nots
A - Attitude
P - Perspective
P - Passion
Y - Ying and Yang
Happy is more than just a word. It's many words, with many different meanings. It's filled with emotion, and it is a choice. I choose to be happy, I choose to be grateful, I choose to look for the definition of Happy in each new day.
HAPPY
My father used to say that Happy was just a word, but I totally disagree. Happy is not just a word. To me.... Happy is......being grateful for the things you have and not stressing about the things you have not. It's about attitude, positive not negative. It's about perspective, and how we look at our lives. It's about passion, and living life to its fullest. It's about ying and yang and finding balance in your life.
H - Have and Have Nots
A - Attitude
P - Perspective
P - Passion
Y - Ying and Yang
Happy is more than just a word. It's many words, with many different meanings. It's filled with emotion, and it is a choice. I choose to be happy, I choose to be grateful, I choose to look for the definition of Happy in each new day.
HAPPY
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