The Winds of Change

As the winds of change come upon our family, I sit here reflecting over the past 15 years and the life my husband and I have lived together and apart.

I was just listening to the Keith Urban song, For You, from the movie Act of Valor, for me it is a very moving and emotional song. If you have ever had a family member in the military you should understand what I mean when you listen to the lyrics.  It brings back the reality that my husband would have (and still would) given his life for his God, Country and Family, so now as he changes jobs and sends our life into a tail spin, I try to find my balance.

Chris soon will be leaving the Department of Veteran Affairs,VBA and taking a new job with The Wounded Warrior Project.   This does not take him away from helping Veteran's, it just gets him out of the office environment and into the direct lives of the many wounded service members and their families. This new job will take him to Pittsburgh, PA., but his heart and anchor will always be here, with us, in Lockport, NY.

As I look back, I  am transported to where we have been, what obstacles we have overcome and how we have grown into a solid family unit.  I also am reminded of his love - for his military family, myself, our five children and grandson; his faith - that with God all things are possible, as well as witnessing first hand, that light in his eyes when he talks of being used as a catalyst to change a veterans life; It is then that I remember how to balance.  So as our family sets sail, please keep us in your prayers.

~Beth

Sacrifice

“In this world it is not what we take up, but what we give up, that makes us rich.” 

~Henry Ward Beecher

Sacrifice …that is the word that keeps popping up in my mind since Saturday.   Sacrifice=Love….is that right?

Sacrifice is what I do as a mom, wife, daughter and sister everyday.  Sometimes I don’t mind doing what I do, because I know that is the job I’ve chosen, but there are days in wish I could take a break and live like the dreams in my mind think I should be living…you know the ones where you get to escape to a Cape Cod retreat, walking on the beach, listening to the ocean roar, or the one where you find a passion and live life with more zeal and purpose. 

Yes…I know I have a purpose…I would do anything for my family…I would push them out of the way of a bus if I had too… I just ….insert sigh…get board and need a new perspective I guess.  

       I know, I sound terrible...selfish...like a stupid board housewife... woe is me...maybe its the winter blues talking...maybe its the mid-life doldrums... maybe its just the feeling of being undervalued by my kids and husband...maybe its peri-menopause (and I would like to pause!!!)I don’t know...hasn’t anyone else ever felt this way? 

~Beth

Welcome 2012

....the New Year....what thoughts does that bring to you?

...a do over?
...actions that you would like to take to make
 a change in your life, big or small?
...get bills paid off?
...never look back...move forward from a bad relationship?
...spend more time with family?

the list could go on and on!

I look at this New Year with bright eyes and new visions for my life. Here is my list of hopeful new beginnings for 2012:
FINANCES:
1. Pay off 3 to 4 credit cards
2. cut all credit cards up and stop charging ...only buy if you have the cash.
HEALTH:
3. exercise regularly, slim down, eat healthy.
4. practice more patience & gratitude toward myself, my family and others.
5. meditate and pray more.
FAMILY:
6. Slow down and realize what blessing are right in front of me, no need to look else where for
  gratification. Stay in the present moment.
ME:
7. read more.
8. take more pictures.
9. learn 2 new things about my camera.

WORD OF THE YEAR:
10.  BALANCE  --finances, health, family life and me.


it seems like a long list...but several are very do able and if I accomplish at least 3 of these I will be happy with myself. Now that my list is out there and I can be held accountable because they are written down...what about you?

Wishing you all the best in 2012!

~Beth

copyright for 2012 image--found it under YAHOO.com image search.