General
The Gift
Yesterday I was given the gift of celebrating an amazing woman that passed away this past week. Joan was a deeply loving, caring, smart and funny woman that lit up a room with her smile. As difficult as the service was there was joy in the mist of deep sorrow. Through tears, words and incredible music sung and spoken by some of her favorite boys, her spirit was still there and I am certain she was smiling. She was a true testament of putting one foot in front of the other despite many challenges and pain, living the life she was given with amazing grace, faith, love and humor. As I woke this morning I smiled at the fact that even though we will all miss her so, she...
Read MoreAfterthoughts of a Christmas Dance Party….
Last night we sent to my sister’s Christmas “Dance” Party….and as I woke up this morning I had a few thoughts….. 1. GREAT PARTY! 2. After many wardrobe changes and fretting about what to wear, did it really matter? Except that when I took off my boots after dancing all night my feet had formed to the shoe! Ouch! And I had to giggle as I heard other women come in with their frets about the way they were dressed and “Was I suppose to bring something?” We are a weird lot, us women. We need to use the term “Let it GO!” better. Men don’t waste energy on this, why should we? 3. We are a family that loves to dance! All...
Read MoreUnder My Roof
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, well feel like it! Yes, the air is cooler but mostly because I had all my babies under one roof last night! Okay, babies might be a stretch since 3 out of 5 have facial hair! There is nothing like having all your children (and a few friends) home laughing, eating, playing, fussing and finally sleeping. They are the best gifts ever given to me, even when they are loud….as the Grinch say, “The Noise, Noise, Noise!” (this is from the non-facial hair one mostly, the minority of the group, in a word GIRL) Even when they fuss and fight with each other ( the under 5 foot group). Even when their things...
Read MoreComings and Goings…..
Transitions are always tricky. Coming home from vacation, new job, new marriage, just graduating into adult life, end of a relationship, moving, rolling out Christmas and then putting it away. We get comfortable with the norm, what we are use to….then life changes. Even if it is good change it can be uncomfortable, like a great new pair of shoes that we need to wear a bit before they fit just right. I was thinking about this last night when my little ones came back from their Dad’s house. They have a transition every couple days. Going between Mom and Dad’s homes. Sometimes it flows and is easy for all of us and other times we have what I call...
Read MoreSimply Christmas…..
I was laying in bed this morning and was and noticing how calm I am. Isn’t it Dec. 13th today? Usually this is the part in Dec. when my heart-rate goes up and the pace picks up. In years past this is the time I start doing the countdown to how many days I have left to get it “all” done. Decorating, 5 kids, 5 stockings, Santa gifts, family gifts, friend gifts, shop, wrap, Christmas cards, Cooking, Oh and looking fabulous for the many parties and events on the calendar………Oh and don’t forget the neighbors! “Why am I so calm?” I think part of the answer lies in the response to the last year as a whole. We have less to...
Read MorePeace Under Pressure
Well, the Christmas season has begun, last weekend we hauled out the holly, decked the house up, hung the stockings and trimmed the tree! I lead the Advent class and started to make my lists. Yes, the season is in full swing. As a life coach I am constantly encouraging others to find balance, meaning and peace in their life. But as we know peace is not easy to come by during the hectic and busy pace that is thrust upon us. So maybe peace is our goal….balance and meaning is our aim. It is unrealistic to think that we will experience a total stress-free and idyllic “wonderful life” free of difficulties holiday. Instead what if we created Peace Under...
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Merrill Is a mother of 5 who has found her calling in sharing her experiences from life with others. She can help you break out of your routine to live life to its fullest potential.