Saturday, April 30, 2011

Home Sweet Home

Visiting my family in Florida is always a welcomed opportunity.
But, sometimes I can't help feeling some disappointment.

Your bedroom may now be a sewing room or an office...
Your favorite restaurant has closed...
or you might recognize someone in the grocery store...and they walk right past you...

Each time I visit I realize more and more that home isn't a building.
Home is my family.
Home is holding hands around the dinner table.
Home is a familiar face...
A hug, a laugh, a well-worn story
even a phone call.

I love my family, my home.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

One Year

The Lara of five years ago seems  more like a friend than me. 

Five years ago I was 21.  I lived in Florida with my family.  My brother and his wife didn't have any children yet and I didn't have any life direction....yet.  

At that point in my life I didn't think I'd be married.  I wasn't worried about marriage or children or really anything.  I thought that it would be cool to open a coffee shop...maybe write a childrens' book.  I knew about current music...books...movies...

Sure, I admit, I feel like I've lost touch with that Lara.

But, I've gained so much more.  


Today is my daughter's first birthday.  One year ago (technically one year and one day ago..) my mom and I went to Charming Charlie's...and I went into labor.  


For many years I wondered over what was my purpose in life...and tried many different 'purposes'.  But, when I became a mommy...life came into focus for me.  It is ironic that the girl who avoided children (like the plague) would find completion in having a child.  God really does have a sense of humor.  

So, HAPPY BIRTHDAY baby girl!  Thank you for giving your mommy a purpose & I love you.