Lesson Learned.... the Hard Way

When Someone walks away from you - Let them Go.
People who love you, and appreciate you for who you are;
Will stand true to you, through the Rain and Sunshine.
Through the Joy and Pain.

And will be there by your side - When the world turns Grey;
And their Unconditional Love, and Giving, will always hold you.
Because They Believe in, and Love - The True Colors of your Soul.

~ Kiran Shaikh, 2012

The Secret to Candy Land Success

I've finally figured out the way to successfully win Candy Land. I just spent an hour playing the game (among others) with my almost five year old.

Don't go first.

I've just played 8 rounds of Candy Land with my daughter. Five of which, I went first, and I won. I'm not one of those moms that lets my kids win just to let them feel good. Besides, as she was setting up the game, I caught her stacking the deck, in her favor. (She's no dummy.)

After time number 5, I clued her in to my secret. Not surprisingly, she then wanted me to go first. And then I started losing and she started winning. Three wins was enough to boost her morale.

Then we went on to playing other games. Noah's Ark Memory. Rondo Vario Caterpillar (or calepitter, as she calls it.) The same tactic didn't work as well, but did work more often than not.

Makes you wonder... what will you win in life if you don't always have to be first?

Not Worth the Price

I pay the price, still, everyday, in some way.
And, really, it wasn't worth it. So much just simply wasn't worth it.

"Slow Fade," by Casting Crowns

Be careful little eyes what you see
It's the second glance that ties your hands as darkness pulls the strings
Be careful little feet where you go
For it's the little feet behind you that are sure to follow

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
It's a slow fade, it's a slow fade

Be careful little ears what you hear
When flattery leads to compromise, the end is always near
Be careful little lips what you say
For empty words and promises lead broken hearts astray

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day

The journey from your mind to your hands
Is shorter than you're thinking
Be careful if you think you stand
You just might be sinking

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
Daddies never crumble in a day
Families never crumble in a day

Oh be careful little eyes what see
Oh be careful little eyes what you see
For the Father up above is looking down in love
Oh be careful little eyes what you see

Running From and Running To

Also known as the difference between real friendship and cowardice. I am so glad that I have had the chance to truly experience both.

Letting Go

Judgement Day

Last week we had the good fortune of two playdates two days in a row at our friends' houses. The babies played, and the 4 year olds played, the mommies talked and fixed lunches and refereed fights and kissed booboos.

One friend's son told me to just leave the baby's crumbs on the floor, because "Mommy just leaves everything there anyway. She'll vacuum it someday. That's what she says."

My friend was so embarrassed. But to be honest, I have to say some days that sounds like me!

The next day I arrived to pick up my daughter at her schoolmate's house. Her mommy, my friend, was upset. It seems during the time she was watching my little one during my doctor appointment, she had learned that her husband had lost his job. Her world was upside down, having just moved into a new house, with two kids, and now no income.

She apologized to me for how messy her house was. But my response to her was the same to any other, "Sweetie, I'm not friends with you because I care what your house looks like."

There is no judgement in friendship.
For where there is judgement, there is no friendship.

Everything Happens for a Reason

Sometimes we may never know what those reasons are, but there is a reason all the same. Trust that, and know it, taking it with you to all the places you will go, being grateful for the places that all those things and reasons bring. For without the bad, you cannot have the good; without the wrong, you cannot have the right.

Then was the bad and the wrong.
Now is the good and the right.

Namaste.