Just so proud!

Pure Joy!

As a parent, you always want what's best for your kids, and you want them to be happy!  That's pretty much been my agenda all these years.  What's really surprised me is just how much joy they have brought and how proud I am of them and what they have both accomplished!

Motherhood:  the toughest and most rewarding 'work' of my life.  The best advice I ever received about motherhood was from my Mom.  During my daughter's first year, my Mom sensed my extreme fatigue and told me to not wish it away.  She was well aware of how fast the time goes having raised my brothers and I.  I have kept that thought in the forefront of my mind since that day and have been present as much possible.  I feel her sound advice was a real gift and have enjoyed my kids, every moment of every day for almost 19 years.  Thanks Mom!

Gratitude

Perhaps it's my age... racing towards 50, perhaps it's Oprah's final season which is tapping and exacerbating my fluctuating hormones, perhaps it's my children grown and heading off to University; or my recent trip to Italy with my Mom, whatever it is that's got me overly pensive, reflective and certainly contemplative, there's one thing I ponder every day now, and that's simply, how full of gratitude I am!  During these tough economic times in particular, I am grateful not only for the health and happiness of my family and friends, but also for things that provide me peace of mind.

Having watched my husband work particularly long and arduous hours for over 20 years in his traditional business, I have become more and more convinced and appreciative of my now 12 year Usana business.  Like a loyal and supportive spouse, it has stood by me for twelve years.  That's longer than most marriages these days.   And, even though over the years when I have sometimes taken this business for granted, it has never waivered in its commitment to me and my family.. through good times and not so good.  Having received a weekly paycheque every single Friday for over a decade for simply providing my family with the best nutrition available.  For that I am grateful!