Celebrating Growth and Struggle

Each week on Saturday 

bloggers celebrate at Ruth Ayres Writes. 

Won't you join us? 

So much to celebrate this week! Last Saturday I added a new member to my family...my dog, Bella. Today marks a week that we've been together and the adjustment is going well, mostly. (I forgot how hard the beginning part of this can be.) She's settling in and feeling comfortable...this morning, she even jumped up and sat in my lap to cuddle for a bit.

Sunday arrived and I got to meet one of my blogging friend IRL...in real life! Catherine was close by and we met for brunch on Sunday. How amazing it was to spend time talking with someone and sharing stories about teaching, books, and life! What a perfect way to spend a Sunday!!

Tomorrow is Mother's Day. I have an amazing mother. She is sweet and smart and funny and kind and cute and I love her so much! We talk every morning and it's the perfect way to start my day! Living far away from her can be hard...sometimes I just want my mom, but she's always there for me! Like this...

I'm blessed with more mother figures in my life! My aunts always have been there for me and whether they know it or not, they have been role models and confidants for me. My life is so much richer because of them! 

Don't want to forget my amazing grandmothers...

Mother's Day also brings pain for me. Pain of what's lacking... I'm grateful for so many children in my life...my wonderfully smart and sweet nephew, Jack and my beautiful and spunky niece, Jillian! 

Yesterday, a good friend sent me a card that made me smile...