Different ways to show you care...or why Eric cooks!

We had a family outing yesterday that turned into an "Ah, Ha!" moment for me. We saw an amazing movie that I would highly recommend to anyone who loves to cook or Julia Childs. We saw "Julie and Julia" and as I said, it as truly amazing! I have always loved Julia Childs and would love to be even half the cook she was. Learning about her life and cooking disasters gave me a small sliver of hope. I will never be as good a cook as my husband, but I can sure try (at least, once I am done with school).

But, I am getting away from my "Ah, Ha" moment. Julia Childs loved food and she loved her husband. She found a way to share both of her loves. Eric is an incredible cook--he is very humble about it but even his "disasters" (as he descr'ibes them) are delicious and truly appreciated by those who love him. Which is where my "Ah, Ha" moment came! Eric loves to cook because he loves us! He has a wonderful talent and we are so fortunate to have him WANT to share it with us. Many people who have sampled his delights, have commented that he should go into catering and he always responds that he would no longer enjoy it if he did. Again, he loves to cook because he loves us! Aren't we so lucky?!

I love being a Mom...and this is the reason why!

Can you see what I mean? They are pretty incredible kids!

Now that I am older...

As many of you know, I am a perpetual worrier. My family teases me endlessly for my worries. I was labeled the "Queen of What if" from the time I was old enough to start asking..."What if _____ happens, then what would we do?" My parents even bought me a book to help me with these perplexing questions: The worst-case scenario survival handbook. I read it from cover to cover so I will be prepared if I am ever attacked by an alligator or someone is shooting at me from a moving car. Seriously! It was a great relief to have a guide to all these questions--and those who know me well know these are the kinds of questions I DID ask!

So, I have discovered (and yes, it has taken me 40+ years to get there) that it doesn't matter if you worry and lose sleep, when whatever it is happens--it happens. Am I better prepared? Maybe. However, I have learned that even in my deepest worries, there is always one scenario that I DIDN'T think of and that is usually the one that happens so I have to "roll with the punches" anyway.

The Department of Health is going through a reorganization right now. The only people it will directly affect is my little 12 person bureau--will we keep our jobs, will we move with the new division, stay with the old division, get a new boss, etc. Surprisingly, I am not worrying. Nope, not even a little bit--have I matured? Does worrying quit when you get older or do you just realize that things work out someway, somehow and for the best?

I used to spent my time anticipating the next step and worrying about what the future would bring. But now I wish I could slow down the world--I am loving this moment right now. I love my high school senior, and my eighth grader and my sixth grader. I love being with them, talking with them and every moment with them. All the stresses of work, school and life, melt away when I am with them.

So, why worry about the future--"my finest moment is the one I am standing in"!