Friendship - Tell them now, not in an eulogy

Original post on website/newsletter Nov. 21, 2104

You’re like peas and carrots. Peanut butter and jelly. Buzz and Woody. Bert and Ernie. No matter what happens, through the good and bad, happy and sad, you’ve never left each other’s side.

How do you describe a friendship like that? Here are some famous quotes about friendship. Which one captures your friendship best?

“Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one.’” – C.S. Lewis

“A friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still, gently allows you to grow.” – William Shakespeare

“A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you.” – Elbert Hubbard

“My best friend is the one who brings out the best in me.” – Henry Ford

“Friends are those rare people who ask how you are and then wait for the answer.” – Unknown

“Growing apart doesn’t change the fact that for a long time we grew side by side; our roots will always be tangled. I’m glad for that.” – Ally Condie

“The real test of friendship is can you literally do nothing with the other person? Can you enjoy those moments of life that are utterly simple?” – Eugene Kennedy

“Friendship isn’t a big thing — it’s a million little things.” – Unknown

Good friends are hard to find and impossible to forget. Let these simple quotes inspire you to make time for your special friend today. Nurture what you share together and send them your love in a custom card or gift today.

Find your ZING!

Hi Friends -

I love it when the simple act of going to the movies with your kids, brings about more than one lesson. Such was the case with our rain day choice, ""Hotel Transylvania."

In the movie, we learn about feeling that spark - or *zing* that was once felt between the Vampire parents and now between their 118 y/o daughter, Mavis and the human, Johnny. Of couse, we all have stories of the *zing* we felt with our partners, but I can save that for another day. However, I will say, literally there was a spark on the first time my husband and I went on a group outing together. I won't say it was a date... because it wasn't. It was a group of us racing Big Wheels- see I told you it was a story for another day.

The *zing* made me think about following anything that sparks life for you! When you feel that excitement.... in love, career, adventure. To paraphrase the movie, "you only feel that zing once." And for me, the *zing* is the thing! To me, the *zing* has been my love with my husband, which created the love for our kiddos - and when our family felt complete... but the *zing* I feel passionate about is our network markering career with SendOutCards. Where else can you be your own boss and create your own legacy? Where else do you control your schedule and income? We are blessed and it is so exciting to now see others on our team succeed.

So if you read this - whethere on our CardsAndMohr team, searching for a company or already affiliated with another company, I encourage you to go find your ZING. What do you have to lose? You may just end up changing your life by following that feeling... that what-if.

Shoot for the moon!

Hugs, Danielle

Work Hard - Play Hard

Hi Friends,

Just a quick note to check in. I can't believe it's been six weeks since my last entry... but I have a good excuse. We have been blessed with our business and set goals for our family... and in achieving them, we celebrated together too. We took a four-week vacation and celebrate us - we went to Disney World parks, Legoland, Florida beaches and got to visit both sets of grandparents. Literally, we were home a couple days (2!) in four weeks - just enough time to do laundry and jet set again.

Here are just a couple photos:



When you wish upon a star...

The Tree of Life is amazing!

Every boys dream! And it was a total surprise -

Everything was unbelievable - Dream & Achieve

As if the parks at Disney (we did Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Epcot) and Legoland were not enough, we have one last surprise for the boys.  We stayed at a resort in Ft. Walton, Florida and one morning decided to take kayaks out in the Gulf of Mexico. Take a peek at our video - THIS topped all our memories for me and was a moment for all five of us to take in the beauty of the animals in their natural habitat while listening to their breathing and chatter.

 

Well... vacation is over, school has resumed and so has my appointments to aid others in their personal and business relationships - all with the power of a greeting card. Check out our cards and gifts at by clicking here. May this tool and service allow you to work smarter and not harder - but if you do work hard, remember to take time (especially with your family) to PLAY HARD too.

 

And as always, thanks for following us. We appreciate you!

 

In gratitude,

Danielle



Life - It's for Rent

Wowzer. Our family has been on an emotional rollercoaster since July 5th when my Uncle, who is like a father-figure to me, went to the doctor's office with concern of some arm swelling. His doctor sent him to the ER concerned that my Uncle wasn't getting enough blood flow thru his carotid artery. While I won't document all the medical stuff, we went from thinking the July 5 visit would turn into the need for a carotid stent in his neck; however, we got more than we ever wanted to hear.

Initial tests showed numerous "spots on his spine, lungs, liver, kidney, and lymph nodes." Doctors were writing down "cancer everywhere.... possible small cell cancer... prognosis: 4-6 months...."  Honestly, I can't remember everything - my world was just turned upside down.

As my Uncle had more tests dones and I started to hang on to hope.  The kidney results came back and it is a cyst - it's the size of an orange, but a cyst. One slide of tissue cut for one of the above areas came back negative, but the doctor disagreed and asked for another section.  After almost a week in the hospital with all these tests, my Uncle was discharged home to wait for the results on new biopsies taken.

And that leads me to today, readmission in the hospital to conduct a PET scan. Still waiting on those results and a conversation with another oncologist this afternoon, but the worst of our fears have been confirmed... Stage IV cancer of lung and liver .  (Yes, my Uncle smoked 30 years ago; however, was not a drinker. I am not sure how that all relates, but I don't want there to be speculation.)

I guess I am sitting down to write because I don't know what else to do... yes, I'm praying and while I don't know God's Plan, I do trust Him. I guess I am writing because I don't want you to take life for granted... I don't want you to wait for tomorrow.... I don't want you to put off your dreams.... Now, I'm not saying you have to get all crazy and start checking off everything on your Bucket List, but maybe do the little things you put off....

Do something crazy with the kids... eat dessert first, have a water fight...

Cut your hair... color your hair... Maybe get that tatoo...

Call a Friend you haven't talked to in year... Call a Friend you are grateful for....

Pick flowers... Give away the flowers... Take time to smell the flowers

Even as supper is boiling over or the baby spit up, the dog is barking -
stop and take time to kiss your spouse good-bye

You know I did it, GO SKY-DIVING or something that scares you!

I can't write everything, but take a moment to think about what you would do if you got a grim diagnosis. What would you miss out on? Celebrate those people... those things today - tomorrow is not promised.... and just like when we lost our friend, Denai, I am reminded of that with all the heartache and tears our family has shed recently.

I am not giving up hope and I do believe in the power of prayer, but I also know the odds are against my Uncle. However, any of you reading this know he's a fighter since his vehicle accident at age 18 that eventually left him paraplegic. I guess I am just writing for myself (it's therapeutic and I get all my tears out) and I'm writing for you... PLEASE take time to celebrate the now. Our life is not our's... we don't know when our final tomorrow will be.... Tomorrow is not promised.

With sincere gratitude for you - in reading our blog and following our blog.  With appreciation for your kindness, love and support - as my readers, CardsAndMohr team, SendOutCards Family and as FRIENDS.  I do appreciate you! And I do enjoy celebrating you - may you pay-it-foward and celebrate someone else today... and you may do so for FREE on me at our website by clicking on the "Send a Free Card" icon.

Big, BIG hugs -
Danielle

New Gratitude Challenge Participants

My heart is sooo happy? Guess who is doing the Gratitude Challenge? Yep - our boys! The big boys pooled their money together and are sharing the 30 days to send cards to their teachers, coaches and friends. They are loving it and while I know how I feel and have read your messages, to see my children participate is unmatched.  Take a peek as they show you how easy it is to be part of the challenge by clicking here!

Make someone's day.... What do you have to lose..? That is right - absolutely nothing. Hugs, Danielle

30 Day Gratitude Challenge - Are You Doing It?

Who do you appreciate? Have you told them? Are you are over-due in sharing your gratitude? Take a peek at the 30-Day Gratitude Challenge that many in our SendOutCards family are participating in for a month. Now look at our CardsAndMohr team and customers who jonied us.... we are in awe of you!

As I mention in the video, we want to hear from YOU! Please message us via email or Facebook. Connect w/ us for a $31/mo account so you pay 62 cents a card - add the stamp and you have just made someone's day... month... year for about $1.

BIG HUGS,
Danielle

Thank You for MY Card

As THE card sender, I was floored today to receive a SendOutCards "big card" in the mail. WOW - I'm speechless.  Take a peek at my Thank You video.

I am blessed!
xoxo, Danielle

Living Life Now

Thanks for the compliments on the photos. I got a couple emails asking for the Video - so others could feel the moment and be there.... So click here and you'll see the video footage from my Skydive.

What I love the best from the experience was having my kids there - and in the video. I am blessed with an amazing husband who supports me in all my decisions and our children who inspire me as much as I inspire them.

Know your WHYs in life and you'll find a HOW. I will always share my gratitude to SendOutCards & Kody Bateman for what our 'little card busines' has afforded our family to do... the memories and legacy we are making compare to no other.

Always here to help you create your own SOC-cess and make a diffference in someone's life -starting with your own.

Hugs,
Danielle

Ascend to New Heights

Happy New Year!  Sure, I've said that before - but for our family and our SendOutCards business and team, it is a new year.  "WHY?" You might be asking.  Oh, so much to tell you.... I don't even know where to start.
First, to our CardsAndMohr (SendOutCards) Team, we apreciate you.  You have worked so hard in your business and now the fruits of your effort will be seen this year.  Take a peek at your January check (from December sales) and know that is your smallest check of 2012.  And here is why....

• SendOutCards has lowered the starting entrepreneur price to start business. It is only $295!
• There are Basic & Certified Training offered everywhere so you know how to work your biz - and it is the same training in Alaska as it is in Florida, Hawaii and Maine and all states in between.
• No more upfront cost for your customers to use SOC - make immediate commissions. Customers can start for $10 or $30/month depending on their needs.
• Leadership bonuses for all!  Even as a new rep, you earn $ - however, these leadership bonuses are not paid until you teach/train your new rep.  There is a lot more responsibility and committment from your Sponsor.

A lot of this needs to be in discussion.  I will plan to do a conference call after a live-streaming event on Thursday. Look for those details - or call/message me before then.

The last news to share is that SOC has published a new magazine called ASEND.  There is so much in this magazine. I LOVE the title - granted there is a play on spelling, but I looked up the definition of "ascend."  as·cend (verb) 1. to move, climb, or go upward; mount; rise 2. to slant upward 3. to rise to a higher point, rank, or degree; proceed from an inferior to a superior degree or level.

There has never been a better time to be in SendOutCards. Our CEO told us that these last six years have been our "prelaunch" stage and now we have a chance to share the two missions of our company in 2012....

• Allow people to act on their promptings (follow that voice & send card/gift to let someone know you are thinking of them
• Provide a vehicle for financial freedoms*

*I'd like to add that our success this year has not been all about the money. ;o) Of course it is, but it isn't the dollar amount - it is what those paychecks have allowed our family in time and family freedoms.  From a house cleaner now and then, Club Sports for our oldest, charity and vacation & family trips.  We are blessed - we know that, we appreciate that and never take our responsibilty and committment to our CardsAndMohr team (read family) for granted. We are here to see them... and maybe you succeed. Want to know about the business, click here for some videos or email me.

You know how I'll close this blog... SHOOT FOR THE MOON! 2012 is your's - to quote the event from this weekend, "get up and get busy."  All my best! Big Hugs - Danielle

Our Best Investment

Busy month with the holidays, but this post by friend Brian Cook seems timely as you make plans for 2012....  Keep reading.

"Most people live in regret and everyone wishes they would have not passed up on an opportunity.

There's an old saying that if you don't act now, then you'll probably never act. I was doing some research today about some companies that were small less than ten years ago that are now houseld names doing millions - billions in profit yearly. I looked at two, nine years ago Netflix was trading at $7.72 a share. Today $247.60! Then there's Apple, you've probably heard of them. Nine years ago they were trading at $7.25 a share. Today $332.19!

WOW! I'm just curious how would have it feel if you have invested in either company just 9 years ago. Better yet how would it feel if you would have invested $500 and got paid just a nickel off every DVD rented or iPod sold? Most people would say HECK YA I'd be SET for life. I'd be retired, living in my dream home, driving my dream cars and taking my dream vacations.

Guess what?

I know the next company that's going to do that!

So what's easier for you to keep putting off your dreams or talk to me to see what the heck I'm talking about.

If you are curious of what this company is....ASK!"

You've heard our story and what abundances have come our way in just a year.  An old coach used to say "Should have, Could have, Would have never won a ball game." Don't miss out on a chance to make a difference for your family. Allow us to share more details as you plan for SOC-cess in the new year. 
All my best - Danielle

How do I blog after my last entry?!?

Hi Friends and Followers -

First of all, you are amazing individuals who have offered up prayer for two families this week... and have included prayers for my heart. I'm blessed.  I have to admit, I'm kinda stuck on how or what to blog... While I find the next fitting entry, I wanted to share a email I received about the last video.

Last week, I tried all morning to create the video reminding you (and me) to act on our promptings.. you know that little voice that we often ignore.  I tried all morning and I never got it done... then our 3 year old came home and I still hadn't been successful.  Our kiddo was almost a good distraction to keep my tears away so I could share the message.  I was concerned and expressed it to friends that I didn't want the video to appear disrespectful with Landon crawling in the background, but was reasured he did not do that.

Here is what a friend sent me:
"Danielle - God was speaking to you that day and he wanted you to do the video. Not a perfect video but that is OK because none of us are. It was genuine and heartfelt and that is what is important along with your message. I thought it was very sweet that your son wanted to be a part of it. I always thought you had a good heart Danielle even when we were kids. That is obviously still reflected yet today! : ) "

Thank you to my friend above and to all of you who have sent messages, texts, phone calls and cards. You are amazing. I hope I have blessed your life as much as you have mine and our family's. Thank you for being part of our "Family" in and outside of SendOutCards.

Big Hugs,
Danielle

A Reminder to Act of a Prompting - You don't get a Second Chance

Thank you Denai for your friendship - you are a gem who will be missed by many. I opened my heart and may look vulnerable in this video, but didn't want another friend to miss an opportunity to listen to that little voice... I didn't want another friend to live with the regret of waiting on that voice (aka: prompting) as I did with my trip to see you. May your passing remind us all to act on our promptings. Here is my video - I won't waste another opportunity.

I will forever keep your words from your Grief Blog Radio show on Monday as your lesson and God's preparation for his plan to send an Angel home.  It was a year almost that you opened up to us to share your pain when losing three friends in a blog/you-tube post.

Our family prays for Tim and Tori and all the family and friends who miss your sunshine here! I will never hear a "WOO HOO" without thinking of you.  You leave a legacy and definitely exemplified your quote, "Live A Life... That Out Lives Your Life."  Now those are some words to live by!

Lots of love,

Danielle

Millionaire Todays... Your Choice

Quick Facts for Today...  Did you know that in in the US there were:

3.6 million millionaire families in 1991
7.2 million millionaire families in 2001
10 million millionaire families in 2011

In the 1990's the best way to make money was to make things. Today the best way to make money is the distribute things. This is the age of the home based business.

The millionaire population exploded. And all Millionaires MAKE a CHOICE. What choice will you make today?

Of course, we favor our business with SendOutCards as there are no home parties, inventory or pressuring friends to buys items they may not need. We all have a need to send cards and gifts - we might only send approx 10 a year, but have a need for at least 70.  We've shown that with the ease of SOC's system - it is now affordable and convenient.  We all missed the opportunity with Netflix, but we are beyond thankful for all the blessings SendOutCards has provided us.

Make your choice for you and your family. It's not a get-rich path, but there is so much freedom within 2-5 years.  Shoot for the Moon and make your Dreams a Reality. --Tim & Danielle

Law of Attraction

The Law of Attraction states that whatever you focus on, think about,

read about, and talk about intensely, you're going to attract more of into your life.

Think of it this way... According to the Law of Attraction, the phrase "I need more money" allows the subject to continue to "need more money". If the subject wants to change this they would focus their thoughts on the goal (having more money) rather than the problem (needing more money). This might take the form of phrases such as "I have as much money as I need" or "I have a job that pays very well". ♥   Shoot for the moon. -Danielle

My Gratitude Journal - shared entries

Do you have a Gratitude Journal? If not, I encourage you to get one. You can see details in an earlier blog post, but it doesn't have to be fancy.  Just get a notebook and give yourself 5 minutes when you start your day to reflect on all your blessings... big or small.  Click here to see my journal as I read some entries, but you can create a list or write in a narrative. In these simple five minutes, watch how your day will change... your outlook... the way you appreciate what you have.  There is nothing fancy to my journal (seen here or on the video), but a place for me to write my thought & appreciate all that we have.

Thinking of you. I am GRATEFUL for you - your friendship, your following and your support!  Thank you for you!  Hugs, Danielle

Say What You Mean... Today

The month has just begun and we've already had the need to send sympathy cards to Friends for family losses.  My heart aches and I will never know what our Friends are feeling, nor will we have the "right" words when we send a heartfelt note.  But we do just that - we sit down and send a heartfelt card with our own sentiments.  Forget that it is in our handwriting and signatures, but just think about the impact that our Friends feel with this gesture of love.

We're blessed to use our SendOutCards system/tool so we can immediately act on our intention.  Too often we have the intention, but due to time or money we may not act on it.  Although are words won't be the "right" words, they will be there for Friends to read and re-read for comfort.

Don't be afraid to express yourself. We share so much admiration and praise for others in their eulogies.  We want to provide you a system/tool to act on your intention and celebrate those around you TODAY!  We encourage you to reach out and tell someone what they mean to you. 

If you love someone, have praise/admiration or the need to say thanks - do so today.  Seize the day. Never have regrets. And most importantly, stay close to your friends and family. Reach out and tell them TODAY because when you decide that it is the right time it might be too late. 

Have the thought to send a card now? Click here to send greeting card for FREE! 

Hugs, Danielle

Our Definition of Freedom

Here is just a sampling of what the word freedom means to us:

• The ability to work for myself. ;o)
• The ability to travel - locally and other far-off, fun locations.
• The ability to do business on my schedule where I choose.
• The ability to give my time to friends and family with out worrying about going to work and asking for permission.  This means being present for our boys' school events, fieldtrips and more that I may have missed with a j-o-b.
• The ability to wake up in this great country and choose what I want to do becaus of those who serve & sacrafice... so that we all have these choices and freedoms. 

Have a safe & blessed holiday from our family to you!

Advice for Grads & Reminders for the Rest of Us

The past month we’ve been helping families create and send numerous graduation cards.  I think the unique ability to create their own cards with as many photos as they desired set their invitations apart.  As we celebrate the 2011 graduates, I have flashbacks to my own commencements… high school, college and graduate school.  It sounds cliché, but the statements of “Live your dreams” or “You are in control of your destiny” are pretty prominent and very true as we have the future in our hands. We make our own decisions.

There was a commencement address of from Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, who told the graduates of the Boston College School of Law, “My advice to you is to stay optimistic. Things usually have a way of working out.”  Again, it’s cliché to say; however, it is very true - the future is not like it used to be.  No longer do you need to work 40 hours a week for forty years… I really enjoyed the book, “The Business of the 21^st Century” by Rich Dad Poor Dad author, Robert T. Kiyosaki.  He makes great statements and questions – and sums it up by saying ‘you need to take charge of your future by taking control of your income source – today! You need your own business.”

If you’re like us, you might think “Oh, really?” How am I going to have my own business?  Well, Mr. Kiyosaki, our family and numerous others would tell you to look at Direct Sales or Network Marketing.  As we’ve blogged (see archive), you need to research the businesses you are interested in and consider – their history and their future… including their competition.  We have our story and so do many other entrepreneurs in other business; it’s finding what is best for you… for your family.

If I could add other nuggets, it would be:

(1) It’s going to take work. Just like any j-o-b, you will have to work for your goals; however, in direct sales (network marketing) there is no ceiling.  You can achieve more than the one who sponsored you… you don’t have to wait for someone to retire to advance in this business.
(2) Don’t be afraid of failure. I wish I could immediately put my hands on the quote about Edison and the numerous times he failed with the light bulb or Michael Jordan and the missed shots.  It basically said, “I succeed because I failed.”  [I’m sure one of you will find the full quotes for me.]
(3) Don’t hesitate to take a leap of faith… if you’ve heard a “WHAT IF” whisper – maybe you take it.  You don’t have to leave your j-o-b while you start a direct sales position… and sometimes it fits well with your current position.  But if you have goals to leave your j-o-b, then make goals… perhaps you start off to make $X/month to equal your current salary and then your next goal is to double that… and so forth. 

I will tell you after being in direct sales for nine years and only one year with SendOutCards, this is the best opportunity I have ever been part of.  I am blessed to be home with our three boys and be present for all their school, sports and extra-curricular events.  I add to our budget with a real income and save for splurges like vacations and weekend fun.  We have a team of men and women who I am empower and providing opportunities that they never thought possible.  And if you know Tim or I personally, then you know how our CardsAndMohr team’s success means more than any personal success we attain.  Seeing others obtain freedom – time, money and stress warms my heart. It's like our proud parent moments in regards to sponsoring. 

Maybe you’ve heard the “WHAT IF” whisper… maybe you had a fleeting thought for an idea… there is no better time to try it than right now. If you are inspired by an idea, follow it.  As my dear biology teacher, coach and mentor used to say “should of, could of, would of never won a ball game.  Don’t wait – your time is now.  Always here to help and cheering you on - Danielle

Take the Chance... What If?

I find myself sitting here at 9:20 pm on Sunday night with the boys in the St. Louis/Lambert Airport with hopes of still making a flight home tonight.  You may be wondering how or why we are in St. Louis if we live in Dallas – it’s not a school holiday, it’s not summer break… nope, we acted on an idea… a prompting to join friends for a BBQ and a weekend of fun.

What is a prompting? A prompting is that ‘little voice’ you hear in your mind that says… “maybe I should” or “what if…” For us it was about taking a chance on the ‘what if’ this weekend.   Have you heard this voice? Have you listened to it? Ignored it? Questions like: “What if I ask her for a date?” What if I ask for a promotion? What if we moved? Have a baby? Start my own business?  If you have heard the ‘what if’ whisper, did you follow it?  If not, why? What do you have to lose? What is the risk?

What if that one girl says ‘no,’ and then you stop asking girls out – you might miss your soul mate.  If you don’t try to have a baby or adopt, you might regret it years from now. What if you wait to start your business and in a year see where you could have been if you had just followed that little voice… that little prompting.  The only difference between Tim & I with Jordan, Jules, Adam, DeMarr and others is time.  The only difference between you & I is time… but you’ll never be where we are if you don’t start.  Don’t stand back looking inward. Take an inventory, chat with your support network and take that chance – no matter what your passion or business.

Returning to our action on the prompting of going to St. Louis this weekend and the fact that we are still in the airport (going on 6 hours) with the boys by myself, I have no regrets.  Why?  I have no regrets because we had a great weekend BBQ with friends and the weekend ended up being more memorable than I could have imagined.  It started with a Facebook status entry about brisket smoking and my response/tease about crashing their BBQ.  It was followed by my BFF asking ‘what if you jumped on a plane and joined us…’  Hmmm – what if?  What if we did leave immediately and fly up Saturday, only to return on Sunday?  What did I have to lose?  And that’s the question and fear I want you to overcome when you face your what ‘ifs.’ 

I don’t want it to seem like we chose to start our Send Out Cards with little decision, there was a decision.  We loved the concept, the philosophy and mission. Of course, after nine years in direct sales, I didn’t see a reason to start another business. Boy, am I glad I listened to my ‘what if’ voice. I was already going to purchase the Wholesale Package based on the number of cards our family sends and I wanted to save in the long-run despite the upfront (system cost).  I thought for $59 to become a business, ok… ‘what if’ I did make a little money from sending my own cards and gifts – not to mention the cards and gifts others would send….  Obviously, if you’ve followed us here on the blog or Facebook or we’ve had a chance to chat via email and phone calls, you know our history.

Just as listening to that ‘what if’ voice to start a business with Send Out Cards, brought about great lessons and opportunities for memory making, so did the ‘what if’ voice about going to St. Louis.  Our trip to St. Louis brought memories with the kids about Acts of Random Kindness, kickball, playing with dear friends and a lesson about a little baby lost to SIDS as we released balloons to Heaven one year after the Lord took her from her family. Our boys learned about Ellie and even though she is gone, she is not forgotten.  This memory and the pink & purple sunsets and double rainbow Ellie sends her family on Earth are so worth the ‘what if’ about going to St. Louis and the ‘what if’ we don’t get home because of the storms.  Don’t let the fear stop you from a memory, a milestone, a moment of success – take the risk. You don’t want to wonder ‘what if’ and have regrets. I promise the risk be worth the rewards.  I’m always cheering you on as an entrepreneur – no matter what your business may be.   --Danielle

Weekend of Blessings & Memories

What a weekend! And it took a bit to catch back up. J Sorry for the tardy blogs this week, but at least you know I’m writing from the heart based on our events and your feedback.  May 6-7-8, 2011 could not have been filled with more fun, family and blessings. 

Friday, we celebrated our middle son turning six years old. Saturday, we celebrate our oldest son’s First Holy Communion.  And of course, Sunday was Mother’s Day! We were blessed to have both my mom and Tim’s mom in town for these festivities. It was nice to celebrate Mother’s Day with everyone in person.

I have to tell you, it’s been years since Tim’s or my First Communion and the memories came flooding back.  Our moms brought photos from those two days and kids, names, and celebration memories were shared.  The boys loved the old photos and our families’ attire from the early 1980s.  They giggled as they asked “why does Uncle Mike look like a Bee Gee?” Of course, they have no idea who the Bee Gees were, but heard the quote from a movie.

This year’s First Communion class was special to me.  Yes, our son was making his First Communion, but it was also my second year of teaching many of these kiddos for Faith Formation (aka: CCD).  Yes, they’ve grown since we first met in first grade; however, I feel like they just grew into little adults these past nine months.  And then there was the fast-forward imagination and tear as you watched these kiddos walk down the aisle in their suits and white dresses with veils.

When you & I have talked (or maybe you’ve read) our WHY about having our own business… this is exactly why!  I own my own business, make my own schedule and prioritize my family first.  If I had any other job, I don’t think I would have been available to teach every Wednesday at 3:30pm.  I know any other parent teaching would have made an impact on my son; however, the bond that I share with him – and 15 other second graders is something that makes my heart swell with happiness.  I dont' want to be working a j-o-b and miss these moments... I don't want to fast-forward to my boys walking down the aisle as a groom and wonder where the years went. I want us to enjoy it "now."

Are you living in the now?  Are you living in the now with your thought or actions?  Or are you waiting til ‘someday?”  Someday is not promised, nor does the word exist in the dictionary.  Having your own business isn’t going to magically change things within the first day… the first month; however, if you put the time into it, you’ll see changes easily within the first year.  I speak from experience… it’s all about the Law of Averages (and that we’ll save for another blog on another day). 

Whatever business you are in… or are starting… start now and start w/ realistic goals and measures for success – perhaps it’s extra income to pay for your child’s sports or dance, extra income for a housekeeper or car payment… or perhaps, replace your j-o-b.  Anything is possible. Find your dream, state your goals and take action.  Always cheering you on as you shoot for the moon - Danielle