Perspective

We live, then we die. We make no real impact on the world; just those around us, particularly our family. In 200 years from now, the only people who will even know or care that I existed will be my great great grandchildren (hopefully!).

Our existence is so mind blowing to me.... we are living organisms (or so we suppose). Just the mechanics of our bodies is so extensive, that it is easy to get caught up thinking about that. Then you take it one step further, to the mechanics of society, communication, and human interaction. Yikes. Now, go even further. The planet, the solar system. Did these things just occur? If so, how many more are out there? Where; really, is 'out there'? I feel like a tiny ant that is unaware of the big picture.

It is about now that I start to get overwhelmed with the hugeness of this train of thought... and then determine that it doesn't really matter. Even if I AM an ant, could I really ever be anything else? Is it worth the time and effort to extensively try to figure this out? Or is it a good possibility that it never will be figured out? Will we all just march in and out of our existence?

I plan on one day marching right out of mine... and hope that I have lived a long, happy, healthy life. I hope to spend it with the people I love the most (my husband, children, and family), and hope that I accomplish one thing during my existence: that they are without a doubt aware of how much I love them and how much they mean to me; so much so that my entire existence is devoted to them. That is the meaning to my life. They are why I WANT to be here more than anywhere else.... wherever that may be.

Dessert Addiction

Hi, my name is Ann, and I have an addiction. No, it is not smoking, drinking, or gambling. It is DESSERTS. Yes, chocolate, caramel, cookies, cakes, ice cream; you name it, I love it. Here is some eye candy for you....

(http://www.bakerella.com)

(http://www.womansday.com/Recipes/Chocolate-Malt-Ice-Cream-Cake-Recipe)

(thecheesecakefactory.com)

YUM. Now excuse me while I go eat millions of calories ;)

Breathe

Today's world is so fast paced. Everything is going a hundred miles a minute and I feel like a frazzled woman standing on the train tracks trying to stop a locomotive. There are so many things to do. Clean the house, spend time with the kids, have one on one time with the husband, take care of the yard work, maintain a job, run errands, make doctors appointments, pay bills, do the grocery shopping, make dinner, and on and on and on. You get the idea. It makes me long for a simpler life. So I am writing this in hopes to remind myself to stop and smell the flowers. Watch the rain. Enjoy cuddling with my precious babies. Put my feet up, and just BE.

In Celebration of Earth Day.....

Hope you enjoy!

The little things

Each day I try to focus on a small moment that makes me happy. It might be cuddling with my children, laying in the grass with the sun on my face, or watching the satisfaction my toddler gets from a chocolate muffin. Whatever it is, those small daily moments make me happy. I recently heard a very inspiring quote: "Don't get caught up so much in making a living, that you forget to make a LIFE." (Unknown author) Love it.

Coupons.... need I say more?

Coupons seem to be one of the lastest fads. I will admit, I am partially on that bandwagon. For me, it is an addiction.... ugh. It is SO much fun to go to the store with a handful of coupons and walk out spending only a few dollars on several bags of items. But it is so annoying to go to 5 stores just to save money. I LOVE the daily deal sites online. LOVE them. I don't have to leave my house to get a great deal... AND I have all day to decide if it really IS a good deal for me or not. Also, I never leave the house to go to a store before googling to find out if there is a printable coupon. But for now, I think that is going to be the extent of my couponing... Are you into couponing?

Oooh, how great would it be to start a couponers anonymous? Talk about a successful business lol!

Currenty Loving...

This beauty.... which can be seen (and purchased) at:
http://www.starfish-project.com/engravedmiaosilverbangleconcave.aspx

Garden

To till or not to till.... to fertilize or not to fertilize.... mostly sunny, or full sun... peas or squash... upside down tomato plants, or potted tomato plants... There is so much thought to put into a simple garden! I can't wait to watch my lovely little plants grow though. Such a great way to feel connected to your food and the Earth. Looking forward to sunny days spent weeding; remind me I said that when I complain about it in the near future ;)

Introduction

Hi! Welcome to my blog! I am going to use this as an outlet for my thoughts, feelings, and objects of affection.... enjoy!