carrot, egg or coffee

A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up, She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose. Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil without saying a word. In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, 'Tell me what you see.' 'Carrots, eggs, and coffee,' she replied. Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She didand noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hardboiled egg. Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, 'So…what does it mean, Mom?' Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting in the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.'Which are you?' she asked her daughter. 'When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean? Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength? Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart? Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water,the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you.When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot,an egg or a coffee bean? The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes their way. The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches. When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling.Live your life so at the end, you're the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.

May we all be COFFEE!!!!!!!

I got this in an email and wanted to share it here.

David update

Well theres not alot to tell actually. He's been pretty busy these last few weeks. After the death of his solder he went full force in apprehending anyone with known ties to terrorist groups. In doing so he captured 2 suicide bombers and dozens more. For his actions he was awarded the bronze star. That's about all I can say at this time. His phone calls are short and since he cant tell me how his day is going I pretty much do all the talking.

multi tasking

Can you do it? I can't.

For as long as I can remember I can not multi task. I can focus all my energy into 1 project, but to do more than one at a time, nope.

A few weeks ago I started working on the kids scrapbooks. I put all my energy into it and have done a pretty good job if I do say so myself. Then I volunteered myself to making the pack newsletter for the cub scouts. I focused so much on producing an awesome newsletter that I now have 2 weeks of laundry to do and we are down to last egg in the fridge. I try to my projects during the babies 2 hour nap, but just when I get going they wake up.

Oh speaking of babies. Nick finally decided to start walking!! I thought having Ashley walking and getting into everything was crazy enough. Add Nick to the mix and this house looks like a whirlwind went threw every room in the house.


Well, sounds like nap time is over. No No Ashley, and Nick get out of there are awake. Maybe I'll have a moment to write more later.

party planning

Its that time of year already. Birthdays followed by the holiday season. I decided to make it a little easier this year by having Brian's 8th birthday at the bowling alley. However I may be going overboard on Dylan's 6th birthday. Its a halloween themed party and you must wear a costume to enter. We just came home from a neighbors party and I quickly remembered how easily kids get bored and start running wild. So this is why Ive decided to start planning so early. Ive come up with a few ideas, but I think I need some more, so if you have any suggestions Id love to hear them. This is what Ive got so far. Games...pin the eye on the monster - guess how many eyeballs are in the jar - hot pumpkin (potato) - and monster mash dance contest. Food....mummy dogs (hot dogs) - bone sandwiches (bologna) - lizard legs (pickle strips) - bat wings (hot wings) - and monster eyes (devilled eggs).

There is one party I don't need to worry about hosting this year and that's the Dougherty thanksgiving. This is a major event for us because we are not around our families for thanksgiving. Therefore we host dinner at our house for our "military family". Our last dinner was in 2006 and we had approx 70 people. We host this "event" for David's solders both the single and married with families. Mostly its the single guys that show, but the married with families usually stop by for some pie. It may be crazy, but its a fun time for Dave to spend with the guys off duty, and for me to get to know everyone. Now that I think about it I think that may have been our last dinner. Now that Dave is a first sargent there is no way we can have a nice dinner for 500 guys in our house. Although knowing Dave I'm sure he'll empty the the garage and the house of all its contents to fit in some tables and chairs. I'm sure its not our last dinner after all.

I better get back to scanning the web for Halloween party ideas. Again if you have any please comment below.

mischef

What is going on with my babies? Nick has learned how to take off his diaper. I went to get him out of the crib and was welcomed with wide open arms full of poop. Not only did he take off the diaper, but he pooped all over the bed, and played in it. He had it everywhere! In his hair, between his toes and all over the wall. Then again this morning I found him half naked and he had peed on the outside of the crib all over the brand new carpet. I know this because I stepped in it. Is it already time for potty training?
Ashley refuses to accept that some cabinets are actually off limits to her. She has broken off the handle to the pool equipment cabinet because she wanted what? The sunscreen?
Whats next? Finding poop in a cabinet?

Hi Da da

I saw the cutest thing today. Ashley was in my room sitting in my chair talking to the picture of Dave on the computer. She was saying Dada and waving. I got all teary eyed and by the time I found my camera she had gotten off the chair and started to leave my room. It will have to be a picture in my head for now, but I will have the camera in a better spot for next time.

scouts

All is fine here. We joined the boy scouts. Yes, I said we. I signed up the boys so they would be hanging out with other boys, and some good ol holism manly men guides. Little did I know that the days of dropping off your boy are over. Now a parent must accompany their scout on all activities. Yes, even camping. Yey and you know how my last camping trip went. All in all it actually sounds like fun. Trips to sporting events, arts and crafts, and 2 weekends a year for roughing it out in the wild. I guess I'll deal with it as long as the boys are having fun. Who knows maybe I'll learn how to start a fire with 2 sticks.

Hero

I was about to take a morning nap since my allergy medication is kicking in, but I wanted to share this first. David has been awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his achievement in conducting raids and leading his company in apprehending 2 suicide bombers. This is one of the highest medals awarded and this also makes his 2ND bronze star.
Way to go D. Keep up the good work and come home safe. I love you.

new adventures

A friend once asked me if having a baby was really that big of a change in your life. My answer is YES! Not only financially, physically, but mentally as well. Yes babies can cost a lot, but twins cost twice as much. I was spending $100 a week on formula and $40 a month on diapers. That's just for the essentials, but then you have to clothe the baby and most outfits are $10each. Things do add up that is for sure. Thankfully they are now drinking cows milk and eating regular table food, but they still get a diaper changed at least 5 times a day and drink a gallon of milk every 2 days. Physically taking care of babies is a lot of work there is no end like when your babysitting. They demand your attention at all times. Even when they are sound asleep you still find your self just standing over them watching to see their chest go up and down. Running to the store now requires you to pack a bag full of just in case items. Like band aides, motrin, extra diapers and wipes, a full bottle, and toys. Then when you get to the store you need to go by the list no lolly gagging around. Get in and get out, because you never know when there will be a meltdown. If your spouse is as supportive as mine then mentally you will get a break. You will be able to take a 1 hour bath, go shopping just for fun, even go to lunch and movie with a girlfriend. Your baby will become your life, but you still need time to yourself to reconnect with who you are as a person. Babies don't come with a Manuel as much as we wish they would, but in the end its your baby and how you choose to raise him is all up to you and what works for you. As much as I yell I try to make sure to give hugs and kisses twice as much. I wouldn't trade one bit of it for anything in the world. The purest love you will ever feel is the love for your child. They say that you cant see or hear love, but I do. I see it in the smile on my kids face, and I hear it in their laughs and cries. There are time when my eyes fill with tears because I am so happy to be their mom. So yes a baby can change your life. For me and Dave they have made our lives better and fuller.