As our children grow up way too fast, I love moments like this!

Well my Alicia is 7 years old going on 16, but despite all of her power antics with trying to find her independence, and her seemingly growing up way too quickly before my eyes turning into this brilliant, independent, intelligent, thoughtful, mature, talented young lady I had a moment where I saw her asleep in bed, and I realized she is still and always will be my baby girl. She may seem so grown up, but she still does something that just truly touches me and keeps her a my "baby" still in a small way despite how grown up she appears lately.
We used to have a yellow lab, Charlie who died of cancer several months ago. Alicia bought a yellow lab Webkinz and named it Charlie in tribute of her beloved pal. Do you know every night since Charlie has passed she has slept hugging that Webkinz Charlie? I just saw her last night sleeping so peacefully with her pal, and it was a beautiful moment. I wonder if she will be taking Charlie to college with her. I think it is so sweet he is still in her heart and I love to see her as my baby like this. I guess no matter how old they get, we will always be able to see that sweet child side even when they think they are so grown up. I hope when she is 30 there will be other things like "charlie" that let me still always have my baby girl. Even when Alicia and Ryan are married they will always be my babies! Do you think I might be the mother in law from hell? ;) j/k It was just one of those many cherished moments that makes you feel so very blessed. I truly love these kids with all of my heart and soul. :)

Morbid as it sounds, I thought of another great reason to blog.....

I used to volunteer at a Alzheimer's facility, and after seeing people with no recollection of their past made me realize I can somehow immortalize myself by having my memories and thoughts blogged. Now if only I can remember the website of my blog when I am 70 lol.
I also wish I had old blogs from family members who had passed, and I figure this is something my kids and grandchildren could enjoy. Could you imagine being able to read about your grandparents first date, how they met, that famous meatball recipe? My grandparents died when I wasn't really old enough to ask all of the questions I would have liked to have asked. I was a child and thought they would be around forever. It is only when you are older that you look back and realize there was so much more you could have known about the people you cherished the most. Life is so short and I am learning to not take anything or anyone for granted. I may not be a very religious person, but I am truly grateful and feel very blessed for each day. When you grew up the way I did it is not hard to be grateful for the small things in life, and it saddens me when people take their blessings for granted. Yes, I still whine about some stuff, but lately I am learning to stop stressing about the small stuff and to look at the larger picture. :)

Officially a blogger! Why am I doing this???

Well, from my official blog title, I guess you already know I am doing this as kind of an outlet or hassle free therapy. I am on a journey to truly find myself and I feel a need to vent and work out a lot of issues from my past, while I also share the joys of my current life, as well as my goals for the future. I would also love to help others who may relate or are going through things I may have gone through or am going through, and will always have an open ear. I am by far not the worlds best writer. I truly write from the heart and am the type of person who just kind of puts it all out there without worrying people will judge, that my grammar is correct, or that it is perfect. I write exactly what is in my heart and head at the moment. This is going to be a truly sincere, genuine blog, and I just feel kind of weird about putting my heart and soul out there, but am willing to give it a go. :)