To the Moon, Alice!

Normally, fall strikes me with panic and angst. I'm proud to report that this fall has so far not kicked my booty to Mars and back. (I was only kicked to the county line and back.) I feel sane, happy, and blessed. About a year ago, I started living life one day at a time to savor the smells, sights, and feelings; to fill my heart with all things good. And who can argue about how good things are?



I'm blessed with an amazing daughter who will be 4 soon. Momma's girl is growing up! Right or wrong, she is still sleeping in her crib. She has been ready for her big-girl bed for quite a long time, but momma has not been. I went into her bedroom this morning to run the sweeper and all around, I saw the signs that my baby girl is not a baby anymore. Gone are the blocks and baby supplies. They have been replaced with Barbie, paints, and cooking toys. Gone are the onesies; they have been replaced with pretty dresses and rocker-girl shirts. Gone are the diapers; Ella has the best collection of cool little girl panties.



I'm blessed with an amazing boyfriend. At times I feel silly being 31 and having a boyfriend. It sounds juvenile sometimes. But no matter what label I use, he is still amazing. He reminds me that happiness is within, located right next to beauty. I read a book this week that was heartwrenching because one character found love...the kind of love that aches deep inside. The kind of love that lasts a lifetime. The kind of love like I have. And tragedy struck and she was in pain because of that love. It's the kind of love that is within you...rooted deeply not only in your heart, but in your head, bones, breath. The kind of love that makes you crazy in love.



I'm blessed with an amazing bonus son. Even as I am learning where my place in his life is, it's a blessing that I get to figure that out. I am proud of him and enjoy being with him. we get to hang out together through the day while Dave works, and we have a great time. He is an awesome kid who loves Ella as if she were his biological sister. I enjoy watching them interact, and he's a good sport about playing with her and being patient with her. I love watching her watch him. She looks up to him (literally and figuratively) and he is very aware that she does this.



I observe with a big smile on my face. I live life with a full heart. I enjoy each moment each day brings, and I think that is why I'm not going to get kicked by fall this year.