My belly is overflowing and my mind is slowing down. I’m about 30 seconds from closing my eyes and drifting off to a heavy, heavy sleep. Yes, the food coma.

Wake me on Saturday. Not a second earlier.

I spent the day with my family. My sisters, their husbands and kids. My mom and her boyfriend. A pug {not ours} and two cats. Surprises that turned out not to be surprises. It was a wonderful day.

And a wonderful evening, as the kiddo was asleep in the car before we arrived home. Thank you no-nap time.

I only grabbed my camera for a few minutes. Sometimes you just can’t be in the moment with a camera attached to your face. But I managed to capture a few moments worth showcasing.

I hope that you and your family, friends and loved ones enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving. That it is the start to a wonderful holiday season. And that you sleep the sleep of too much food and wonderful company.

Shhhhh…don’t wake me, I’m already sleeping.

P.S. It’s Friday, which means I need some new blogs to read over the weekend. Leave a link in the comments with your best blog of the week and I’ll pop over and visit.

This post is proudly linked up with Give Me Your Best Shot, Photo Story Friday, Macro Friday, Finer Things Friday.

This post is proudly linked up to Mondays: Mouthwatering Mondays, Made By You Monday, Mingle Monday, The Girl Creative Tuesdays: Tuesdays and the Table, Tempt My Tummy Tuesday, Tasty Tuesday, It's a Blog Party, Tip Junkie, Get Your Craft On Wednesdays: Show and Tell, Works for Me Wednesday, This Chick Cooks Thursdays: It's a Keeper Thursdays, Strut Your Stuff, Full Plate Thursdays, Chic & Crafty Party, Transformation Thursday Fridays: I'm Loving It, Foodie Friday, Simply Designing, Show and Tell Friday Saturdays: Sweets for a Saturday, Positively Splendid, Saturday Nite Special Sundays: Nifty Thrifty Sunday, Sundae Scoop Party

Please Don't Wake Me…I'm Sleeping is a post from: Alli 'n Son

We’ve had a mild fall here. Which I love. I’ve been seizing every opportunity to get outside {hence the multiple trips to the pumpkin patch} and enjoy it before the long months of winter close in.

This past week on a balmy day, which for autumn in Wisconsin that means temps in the 50s, the kiddo and I went out for what may be our last long walk of the year. Our long walks usually last about an hour, longer if my photo bug is itching. Gotta keep up with the 365 day photo challenge after all.

On this particular walk I wasn’t paying much attention to my surrounds, just enjoying the brisk walk, shedding layers and the movement heated my core. Loving the sun gently warming my skin. Listening to the endless chatter of the kiddo.But halfway through our walk, we came upon this:

This common, and really annoying, weed still kicking it. Holding its ground on the lawn of a local business. Growing and striving despite the recent freezing temperatures at night, the lack of sun and bitterly cold winds.

This plant that is growing when everything else is starting to close down for the winter. A little beacon of hope, amongst the browning grass and the bare trees.

I was reminded that there’s always hope, even when I’m overwhelmed by frustrations. I remembered that sometimes you really have to search for the sign that everything will be alright. But if I look hard enough, that sign is there hiding amongst the fears and doubts. The hurt and anger.

It’s there. You just have to look for it.

P.S. It’s Friday, which means I need some blog reading for the weekend. Leave me a comment below with your best post this week and I’ll stop by and comment.

This post is proudly linked up with Give Me Your Best Shot, Photo Story Friday, Macro Friday, Finer Things Friday and Bigger Picture.

This post is proudly linked up to Mondays: Mouthwatering Mondays, Made By You Monday, Mingle Monday, The Girl Creative Tuesdays: Tuesdays and the Table, Tempt My Tummy Tuesday, Tasty Tuesday, It's a Blog Party, Tip Junkie, Get Your Craft On Wednesdays: Show and Tell, Works for Me Wednesday, This Chick Cooks Thursdays: It's a Keeper Thursdays, Strut Your Stuff, Full Plate Thursdays, Chic & Crafty Party, Transformation Thursday Fridays: I'm Loving It, Foodie Friday, Simply Designing, Show and Tell Friday Saturdays: Sweets for a Saturday, Positively Splendid, Saturday Nite Special Sundays: Nifty Thrifty Sunday, Sundae Scoop Party

Holding On is a post from: Alli 'n Son

Today’s topic at SITS Back To Blogging series is to write about a woman who inspires you.

I have this friend. She’s a newish friend. I meet her about 9 months ago through various stay-at-home mom activities. The library’s baby story hour. A mom’s group.

Our friendship started out slowly. We saw each other randomly, had easy conversations and then went on our way. Our sons are very close in age so we had a lot in common and a lot to talk about.

Since joining a toddler gymnastics class at our local Y, we’ve formed a tight group of moms/grandmas and toddlers. We’re all very different, and come from various stages in our lives, but I think that’s what makes us such a great group. We all have something unique to contribute.

The thing that I love about my friend, Jennifer, is that she’s eternally optimistic. She sees the bright side of everything and everyone. She has the brightest outlook on life. I’ve never met anyone so happy in my entire life.

And not in a “what did they put in the kool-aid” kind of way.

She is a woman who inspires me to look for the positive things in life.

And that is a beautiful thing.

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Is there a woman in your life that inspires you?

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This post is proudly linked up with Bigger Picture Moments, Finer Things Friday and Mama Kat’s Workshop.

Back to Blogging is sponsored by Standards of Excellence, Westar Kitchen and Bath, and Florida Builder Appliances.

This post is proudly linked up to Mondays: Mouthwatering Mondays, Made By You Monday, Mingle Monday, The Girl Creative Tuesdays: Tuesdays and the Table, Tempt My Tummy Tuesday, Tasty Tuesday, It's a Blog Party, Tip Junkie, Get Your Craft On Wednesdays: Show and Tell, Works for Me Wednesday, This Chick Cooks Thursdays: It's a Keeper Thursdays, Strut Your Stuff, Full Plate Thursdays, Chic & Crafty Party, Transformation Thursday Fridays: I'm Loving It, Foodie Friday, Simply Designing, Show and Tell Friday Saturdays: Sweets for a Saturday, Positively Splendid, Saturday Nite Special Sundays: Nifty Thrifty Sunday, Sundae Scoop Party

An Inspiration, Who I Call Friend is a post from: Alli 'n Son

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I have a confession. I’m a little embarrassed out it actually. I’m readying Eat, Pray, Love. Not because I was dying to read it. But because it’s a movie.

I love to read books that has been made into a movie. But I never actually see the movie.

I’m weird like that.

I’m about half way through and I’ve enjoyed her, Liz’s, writing style. It’s fun, witty. Maybe just a little self indulgent. As in the only thing this woman talks about is herself and her journey in finding herself. And her depression. Of course her divorce. And let’s not forget her recent love affair. Oh wait, we couldn’t forget, she brings it up all the time.

Anyway, I’m not in love with the book and I don’t have it. Yet. I still have more to read.

But one thing totally hit home with me this week. It was a conversation that Liz has in India with Richard from Texas. She has once again found herself buried in self pity, mourning her past relationships and mistakes. Willing for this period of sadness to end and for happiness to take over. She wants a date, an exact date, when she will finally be able to move on.

This is the moment that Richard declares that Liz has “some serious control issues”. I’ll spare you the conversation that happens next, if you really want to know, read the book.

But this moment in the book was a light-bulb-on kind of moment in my life too. Because…are you ready for this…I’m a control freak too.

I know, it’s shocking.

I’ve always known this, accepted it, and kind of figured it was really a good thing. Since it kind of goes hand in hand with being stubborn, I’m a pretty productive person. I know what I want to do next, and I get it done. End of story. Although I’m not patient. Obviously, since I want to know when something is going to happen. I need a date, a time and a location. And possibly a mocha, you know, just because.

But reading Eat, Pray, Love has given me a new perspective. I’ve held on to grudges longer than I should have, not being able to move past a situation when I needed wanted control, but didn’t have it. Or when I was given control only to have it yanked away {for no reason}. Or when I felt betrayed, wronged or was hurt terribly. My mind gets stuck in a loop and can’t get out.

Then I waste hours, days, weeks, months dwelling on the situation. How I couldn’t control the outcome. I couldn’t control the circumstances. How what happened and what I wanted to happen weren’t the same thing.

Like I said, I’m stubborn. And I like to get my way.

BUT…there is a lesson here.

I’ve wasted hours, days, weeks, months on this stuff. It’s eaten away at me. Made me sick emotionally, sometimes physically. It over takes me so completely that I can’t find my way out. I’m lost in my mind.

I’m not present in real life.

I’m stuck in the past. In events that I can’t change.

I’m stuck in the future. In events that probably won’t happen the way I want them to.

I’m trapped in what could have been and what may be and I’m missing the goodness of what is happening right now. I’m missing out on the spontaneity of today. The moments that will never be repeated again.

While this isn’t a ground breaking revelation by any means, people are hit in the head with these thoughts every day, it’s important to me, now, at this point in my life. Because I’m finally realizing that being in control, being a control freak, has it’s down side.

And that maybe, just maybe, if I open up, let life direct me, I may end up in some pretty amazing places. Things I never would have planned for myself. Maybe if I’m just along for the ride, rather than trying direct my way through, I’ll enjoy every day life more. I’ll be more present. More in touch. And even happier.

And that really is the bigger picture, isn’t it?

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Are you a control freak? Or do you just go with the flow?

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This post is proudly linked up with Finer Things Friday, Give Me Your Best Shot, !!!, !!! (again), Photo Story Friday and the Bigger Picture (hosted by Madeline Bea this week).

This post is proudly linked up to Mondays: Mouthwatering Mondays, Made By You Monday, Mingle Monday, The Girl Creative Tuesdays: Tuesdays and the Table, Tempt My Tummy Tuesday, Tasty Tuesday, It's a Blog Party, Tip Junkie, Get Your Craft On Wednesdays: Show and Tell, Works for Me Wednesday, This Chick Cooks Thursdays: It's a Keeper Thursdays, Strut Your Stuff, Full Plate Thursdays, Chic & Crafty Party, Transformation Thursday Fridays: I'm Loving It, Foodie Friday, Simply Designing, Show and Tell Friday Saturdays: Sweets for a Saturday, Positively Splendid, Saturday Nite Special Sundays: Nifty Thrifty Sunday, Sundae Scoop Party

Losing {A Little} Control is a post from: Alli 'n Son

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Last weekend, after 3 weeks of single parenting, I was exhausted. But more than that I was empty. I had given all of myself to caring for my son alone (with some much needed and much appreciated help from family and friends), caring for the house, wrangling the dogs and everything else that comes with the territory.

I was empty. Weakened. Depleted. Depressed.

I need refueling. I needed to be filled. I needed to be loved. I needed to be uplifted. And I found all of these things in my husband.

On the night he returned home, weary from traveling with delays. Weary from being away from home for almost three solid weeks. Cautious, knowing that he was coming home to a wife on the edge of a meltdown.

And yet…

He put aside HIS needs, and sat with ME. We talked. I shared my fears, worries and the {sometimes} irrational self-conscious thoughts that had been clouding my mind for way to long. I emptied myself of everything that had been weighing me down. I cried. Sobbed actually. I confessed things I had never had the courage to admit before. We stayed up late talking, bonding and growing together.

Like a new couple, eager to absorb everything about each other.

And then…

I began to heal. All of the emptiness within me slowly filled. I felt whole. I felt uplifted. I felt joy in my life. In my family. And even in myself. Joy in this moment, not some distant joy, which may or may not come.

I feel whole.

My hubby gave me what I needed, when I had nothing left to give. He filled my life with joy when I all I could see was the negative.

This post is part of SOYJOY‘s What brings you joy contest. Learn more here.

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What brings you joy?

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This post is proudly linked up with Finer Things Friday, Give Me Your Best Shot, !!!, !!! (again), Photo Story Friday and the Bigger Picture (hosted by Melissa this week).

This post is proudly linked up to Mondays: Mouthwatering Mondays, Made By You Monday, Mingle Monday, The Girl Creative Tuesdays: Tuesdays and the Table, Tempt My Tummy Tuesday, Tasty Tuesday, It's a Blog Party, Tip Junkie, Get Your Craft On Wednesdays: Show and Tell, Works for Me Wednesday, This Chick Cooks Thursdays: It's a Keeper Thursdays, Strut Your Stuff, Full Plate Thursdays, Chic & Crafty Party, Transformation Thursday Fridays: I'm Loving It, Foodie Friday, Simply Designing, Show and Tell Friday Saturdays: Sweets for a Saturday, Positively Splendid, Saturday Nite Special Sundays: Nifty Thrifty Sunday, Sundae Scoop Party

Feeling Whole Again is a post from: Alli 'n Son

Yes, indeed, there have been some wonderful moments this week, even though there were many, many times that I wanted to fast forward.

For instance, after a terrible, no good, very bad morning, which involved zero donuts for breakfast because the kiddo was acting up. Why or why is it that punishing him resulted in punishing me too? Over something as simple as him refusing to put on his shirt.

Anyway…

After that morning, I pulled myself together and we headed out to a park we don’t frequent that often. In the middle of a lovely, if cloudy, picnic lunch, this conversation happened:

Me: I’m glad that you aren’t being sassy anymore. I think you were over hungry, you seem fine now that you ate.

Kiddo (looking up with big, brown puppy-dog eyes): I’m not sassy anymore. I’ll do what you ask me to.

Yes, my two year old talks like an adult. The best part was that he totally listened to me for the rest of the day.

Plus…

During this very same picnic lunch, the kiddo and I were able to watch a small plane drive down the run way, going faster and faster and faster. Until. Finally. It took off into the cloud filled sky. To the squeals and delight of a little boy.

This is indeed what little boy dreams are made of.

Finally…

A perfect day {if you consider 95º in Wisconsin with 8 million percent humidity} spent with a very special little boy and a wonderful friend. Spent playing on our favorite playground, romping through the water at the splash pad until it ran dry and enjoying the best chocolate ice cream cone ever, in the sweltering heat.

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I think that I have the only kid on the planet who slowly licks his ice cream, as it melts and runs down his hands and arms, filling in his tie dyed shirt and tan shorts with chocolate polka dots.

I have no idea how to get the ice cream stains out. Wish me luck.

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How was your week? Did you have a favorite moment or two? Does your kid eat ice cream slowly to savor every second, or quickly to make sure not a drop is missed?

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This post is proudly linked up with Finer Things Friday, Give Me Your Best Shot, !!!, !!! (again) and Photo Story Friday.

This post is proudly linked up to Mondays: Mouthwatering Mondays, Made By You Monday, Mingle Monday, The Girl Creative Tuesdays: Tuesdays and the Table, Tempt My Tummy Tuesday, Tasty Tuesday, It's a Blog Party, Tip Junkie, Get Your Craft On Wednesdays: Show and Tell, Works for Me Wednesday, This Chick Cooks Thursdays: It's a Keeper Thursdays, Strut Your Stuff, Full Plate Thursdays, Chic & Crafty Party, Transformation Thursday Fridays: I'm Loving It, Foodie Friday, Simply Designing, Show and Tell Friday Saturdays: Sweets for a Saturday, Positively Splendid, Saturday Nite Special Sundays: Nifty Thrifty Sunday, Sundae Scoop Party

Sparkling Moments is a post from: Alli 'n Son

It’s confession time. Earlier this week the kiddo and I were enjoying some time playing with friends.  By playing, I mean the two boys were dumping over an (empty) trash can and throwing around the cover. Harmless, right?

Until my son threw the cover at his friend.

I promptly scolded him, and told him he needed to apologize to his friend.

He didn’t.

I gave him a second chance.

He didn’t.

Third and final chance, with the threat of leaving right away if he didn’t.

No dice.

So I scooped him up and left. And we promptly(ish) drove home.

First we stopped to get the dogs a treat (it was their birthday). Then we had to stop at the Weinermobile for a hot dog and soda. Which resulted in chugging down the soda and many toddler-sized burps.

So, yea, I may not have fully followed through with the consequence. Bad momma. But can you blame me? The Weinermobile isn’t in town every day now is it? And how in the world can you resist this face gulping down a hot dog on the hottest day of the summer?

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But don’t worry, karma, or some other ill-natured creature, was watching. Because as soon as we arrived home, the dogs tore open the trash bag. All over the kitchen floor.

I may have also let the f-bomb fly. Thankfully those ever-listening ears standing behind me didn’t pick up on it.

But still, that trip to the Weinermobile was totally worth it. Sometimes you have to make happiness, even when it’s surrounded by negative deeds.

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Have you ever not fully followed through with a punishment? How did that work out for you? Did karma come back and slap you in the face for it?

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This post is proudly linked up with Finer Things Friday, Give Me Your Best Shot, !!!, !!! (again) and Photo Story Friday.

This post is proudly linked up to Mondays: Mouthwatering Mondays, Made By You Monday, Mingle Monday, The Girl Creative Tuesdays: Tuesdays and the Table, Tempt My Tummy Tuesday, Tasty Tuesday, It's a Blog Party, Tip Junkie, Get Your Craft On Wednesdays: Show and Tell, Works for Me Wednesday, This Chick Cooks Thursdays: It's a Keeper Thursdays, Strut Your Stuff, Full Plate Thursdays, Chic & Crafty Party, Transformation Thursday Fridays: I'm Loving It, Foodie Friday, Simply Designing, Show and Tell Friday Saturdays: Sweets for a Saturday, Positively Splendid, Saturday Nite Special Sundays: Nifty Thrifty Sunday, Sundae Scoop Party

Follow Through {Or Not} is a post from: Alli 'n Son

It’s Friday (or Thursday night, whatever). Here’s a rundown of my week, and it’s sparkling moments.

I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m pretty darn good baker. I may even go pro one day. I mean, just look how the kiddo gulped down his banana muffin.

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I’ve also realized that the kiddo has an exceptionally bright future ahead of him. Phew, that’s a weight off my shoulders.

Whether it be a quarter back for the Packers (no pressure)…

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…or an starving artist.

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All I can say, is if he’s an artist, he better marry rich. And if he’s a quarter back, he better send some of that dough our way.

Finally, this convo with the kido:

Kiddo: You’re not a girl momma!

Me: Yes I am, I’m a girl, or a lady.

Kiddo: NO, you’re not (can you just hear the snottiness in that answer).

Me: I’m not? What am I?

Kiddo: You’re just a momma, Momma!

No wonder I’m having an identity crisis.

This post is proudly linked up with: Finer Things Friday (Amy’s Finer Things) Give Me Your Best Shot (Better in Bulk), Photo Story Friday (My Chaos, My Bliss) and !!! (Bad Mommy Moments).

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This post is proudly linked up to Mondays: Mouthwatering Mondays, Made By You Monday, Mingle Monday, The Girl Creative Tuesdays: Tuesdays and the Table, Tempt My Tummy Tuesday, Tasty Tuesday, It's a Blog Party, Tip Junkie, Get Your Craft On Wednesdays: Show and Tell, Works for Me Wednesday, This Chick Cooks Thursdays: It's a Keeper Thursdays, Strut Your Stuff, Full Plate Thursdays, Chic & Crafty Party, Transformation Thursday Fridays: I'm Loving It, Foodie Friday, Simply Designing, Show and Tell Friday Saturdays: Sweets for a Saturday, Positively Splendid, Saturday Nite Special Sundays: Nifty Thrifty Sunday, Sundae Scoop Party

Sparkling Moments is a post from: Alli 'n Son

In our town there’s a yearly tradition that has quickly become something that our family looks forward to every year. It’s marked on our calendar, and as the weeks go by, the anticipation builds and grows.

It’s the Annual Balloon Ralley and Glow, and Rib Fest and Chalk Fest. Or as we like to call it, Balloons, Fireworks and a Side of Ribs.

Picture this:

10 balloons hovering over the ground and dusk, all glowing on and off. Making soft music with the “whooooooossssssshhhhh” of the fire pumped into them.

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Artist’s crafting masterpieces using nothing but chalk and sidewalks.

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Five stands all touting the best ribs, pulled pork and chicken, from all across the country. All of which survived a rather sudden and damaging hail storm. Thankfully we missed all of the excitement.

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And to end a perfect day, a little boy’s very first fireworks.

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Before the fireworks started, we talked about how they would be loud and that he could simply make earmuffs by putting his hands over his ears if he needed to. Then we practiced. A few minutes into the fireworks he decided that he didn’t need the earmuffs after all.

Until the end, when he loudly proclaimed, “It’s time to turn them [fireworks] OFF”. Which was met by chuckles from the surrounding families.

What were your sparkling moments this week?

This post is proudly linked up with: Finer Things Friday (Amy’s Finer Things) Give Me Your Best Shot (Better in Bulk), Photo Story Friday (My Chaos, My Bliss) and !!! (Momalom).

This post is proudly linked up to Mondays: Mouthwatering Mondays, Made By You Monday, Mingle Monday, The Girl Creative Tuesdays: Tuesdays and the Table, Tempt My Tummy Tuesday, Tasty Tuesday, It's a Blog Party, Tip Junkie, Get Your Craft On Wednesdays: Show and Tell, Works for Me Wednesday, This Chick Cooks Thursdays: It's a Keeper Thursdays, Strut Your Stuff, Full Plate Thursdays, Chic & Crafty Party, Transformation Thursday Fridays: I'm Loving It, Foodie Friday, Simply Designing, Show and Tell Friday Saturdays: Sweets for a Saturday, Positively Splendid, Saturday Nite Special Sundays: Nifty Thrifty Sunday, Sundae Scoop Party

Sparkling Moments is a post from: Alli 'n Son

There’s just something about searching for those sparkling moments, making them intentional, that makes them pop out each week. Even if it’s a good week, or a nothing-too-special week, these moments just make it something to remember. You know?

Moment 1

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He shoots…he scores! Kind of. If the basket ball actually fit in the hoop. And if the hoop didn’t blow over at the slightest wind. But still, it counts.

Moment 2

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We had a crap load of rain this week and last weekend (boo…rained out fireworks). So we have some new species taking root in the backyard. As you can see, they were greatly enjoyed.

Moment 3

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Have I mentioned that the kiddo likes balls? Actually loves. In a possibly unhealthy way. Or in just typical 2 year old boy fashion.

All I can say is that there is some sort of sport in his future. Or possibly every sport. Or he will really invent a sport called “basegolf”. Either way, he’ll better support me when he’s a bajillionaire (yes, that is a real word).

Moment 4

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Exploring a new park, in the full on sun, on a perfect summer morning, that I was oh so thankful for.

Moment 5

Guest posting over at Here Where I Have Landed. I just love guest posting. Especially when it’s about my favorite topic, raising a boy.

Moment 6

And finally, my bigger picture moment of the week. After a phone call that I was expecting, finding joy is someone else’s happiness, even if it’s amidst my own struggles. Learning to trust that my time will come, that somethings are out of my control, and learning (yet again) to focus on all of the important things in my life. Those things that I’m most thankful for.

What were your sparkling moments this week?

This post is proudly linked up with: Finer Things Friday (Amy’s Finer Things) Give Me Your Best Shot (Better in Bulk), Photo Story Friday (My Chaos, My Bliss), !!! (Momalom) and The Bigger Picture (This Heavenly Life).

This post is proudly linked up to Mondays: Mouthwatering Mondays, Made By You Monday, Mingle Monday, The Girl Creative Tuesdays: Tuesdays and the Table, Tempt My Tummy Tuesday, Tasty Tuesday, It's a Blog Party, Tip Junkie, Get Your Craft On Wednesdays: Show and Tell, Works for Me Wednesday, This Chick Cooks Thursdays: It's a Keeper Thursdays, Strut Your Stuff, Full Plate Thursdays, Chic & Crafty Party, Transformation Thursday Fridays: I'm Loving It, Foodie Friday, Simply Designing, Show and Tell Friday Saturdays: Sweets for a Saturday, Positively Splendid, Saturday Nite Special Sundays: Nifty Thrifty Sunday, Sundae Scoop Party

Sparkling Moments is a post from: Alli 'n Son