Chloe's birthday!

Today is Chloe's 11th birthday, I am so grateful to have her...she brings me joy every day, and I know that I am lucky to have her.
Happy Birthday Baby girl!

Days of Gratitude Days: 8-12

I may not be that good at doing this on a daily bases, but I know that I am thinking about it.
This past week has been a time to really reflect on things to be grateful.
We have food, we have working appliances, we have a roof over our heads...BUT, there is always a but in there...on Thursday there was a shooting on our street...exactly where the girls normally play with a neighbor girl.
The person shot was a 19 year old pregnant girl that lives across the street from us.
The area we live in New Orleans is one of the worst places in the city...we did not know this when we moved in, but I had my feelings. The rent is cheap, but now we know why.
This street has seen a lot of blood spilled, and I am now very afraid that it may become even more familiar to our family.
People can say to me that it was not your family, and that you are safe, but those words are hollow, because it can all change in a split second. I have learned this the hard way.
We are now living in a place that I never wanted my children in...the Southerners version of South Central.
All I can think about is one of my favorite songs by Natalie Merchant

Carnival
Album: Tigerlily


Well, I've walked these streets
A virtual stage, it seemed to me
Makeup on their faces
Actors took their places next to me

Well, I've walked these streets
In a carnival, of sights to see
All the cheap thrill seekers vendors and the dealers
They crowded around me

Have I been blind have I been lost
Inside myself and my own mind
Hypnotized, mesmerized by what my eyes have seen?

Well, I've walked these streets
In a spectacle of wealth and poverty
In the diamond markets the scarlet welcome carpet
That they just rolled out for me

And I've walked these streets
In the madhouse asylum they can be
Where a wild-eyed misfit prophet
On a traffic island stopped and he raved of saving me
(rpt 1)

Have I been blind, have I been lost
Have I been blind, have I been mean
Have I been strong

Hypnotized, mesmerized by what my eyes have seen
In that great street carnival, in that carnival?


Yes I still have a lot to be gratful for, but I am still going to want more, and to make it better for them. That is one of the main reasons for us moving back to Tacoma, for me it seems safer, and it is home.

Day of Gratitude: Day 7

Days of Gratitude: Day 7 Working appliances! To be able to bake, and cook how I want too!

Days of Gratitude: Days 5 and 6

Again have to do two days together!
Days of Gratitude: Day 5 A day spent with my family
Days of Gratitude: Day 6 The smell of clean!

Days of Gratitude: Day three and four

Days of gratitude: Days three and four
Since I missed yesterday...I will do two days in one posting.
Day Three: Friends, having simple fun at the park with friends.
Day four: The smile on my daughter's face when I wake up.

Day of Gratitude: Two

Day of Gratitude: Two
Having dinner out with my wonderful husband, who loves me very much, even when I am mean to him.
Have the money to be able to afford said dinner.
The gutter punks, for making me realize that I am lucky to know where my children are sleeping tonight.

Days of Gratitude: Day 1

I decided that I wanted to start doing days of gratitude that I have been seeing around on other people's blogs.
I know that I am starting a bit late in the month, but I will just keep it going longer!
Days of Gratitude: Day one
I am grateful for my family. I am thankful for the little things that they bring to my life everyday. A smile, a kiss, a gentle hand on my back. A look of pure love. These are things that I am thankful for everyday.

Aidan: My sweet husband, who does so much for his family.


Isibella: My sweet baby girl, who holds my heart.


Chloe: My wonderfully beautiful daughter, who just has an amazing talent of making me laugh!


Evan: My wonderful boy who is quickly becoming a man. He is just simply brilliant!

This is simple, but it is not really. My family is amazing, and I need to make sure I remember this even when things are hard.
For my family I am grateful.

Shivaya Naturals: Tutorial Tuesday: How to Have The Perfect Marriage

Shivaya Naturals: Tutorial Tuesday: How to Have The Perfect Marriage

Changes

The girls were taken to their second sleep over today. I know that they will have a really good time, it is hard on me! I love having them with me, this is why we school them the way that we do.
I also know that I need to give them some indepence from me, and this is a safe way to do that. I know that were they are they will be treated well, and with love.
Last weekend was halloween, it seems like everything goes so fast for us now.

Chloe as a Vampire princess

Bella as a Woodland fairy