A smile in a Box...

I can't even begin to put into words what and how I've been feeling lately. Somber? Yeah, maybe that's it. I mean, I'm still going on with my day to day living, activities etc but something is missing.  I've never experienced a loss during the holidays. This year I did. My uncle died. Today makes one week that we bid him a final goodnight, sweet dreams. Maybe I'm still trying to process that...

But the beat must still go on... sighhhhh

Yesterday, my little people took flight on a mini vacation with their grandparents. So we were a bit busy. Mom's you know how it is making sure everything they'll need is packed ever so tightly. Pajamas, socks, outfits( if you're like me, I pack clothes as outfits with socks and undies rolled as well). Everyone's suitcase was packed, I was dressed and we could finally head out the door.

As the kids and I walked out to head to the airport, there was a package  on the steps. I thought, I definitely haven't ordered anything what in the heck is it?! I picked it up and instantly my face smiled. A package from a Sistergirl back home. I still had no idea of what was in the box. I still smiled though and super hard, something for me? Maybe?

I got the kids to the airport, chatted for a bit with my parents, niece and nephew( as the kids are traveling with them) and went over a few more dos and donts with my little ones. My father said, " They'll be fine but I get it, you're still their mom".. lol I watched them board and I left the airport.

You know when it's quiet you have time to think. I thought of the holiday season that's approaching, thought about the little boy that my Women's Org adopted, presents for my kids, work, getting a new piercing( I so want an industrial piercing) and what shall I do with all of this free time?

I finally made it home. I binged on Criminal Minds, ate some leftovers, drank water and went to bed. As I turned off the lights I tripped over " the box"... dang it! I'll open it 1st thing in the morning.

And I DID!!!!! What a big smile I now have plastered across my face. Last year for my birthday, I wanted to give out 37 pairs of socks as I turned 37. But life happened and I wasn't able to do it. I had mentioned to a few friends that I wanted to do a Birthday Sock campaign and my dear heart Nellie said that she wanted to send socks. Opening the box this morning, oh did my heart smile!! Socks for days and it hit me, Ma'am; you have tons of socks that you can now add to the care packages this year..

 Nellie attempted to send the box last year but it was in between my move and things weren't forwarded to the new address. But "the Box" surely arrived on time this year and the smile is the biggest ever.  It wasn't something for me per see BUT it was. It was the smile I needed on this day.
I find joy and pleasure in doing things for others. This year, as we prepare to but things in boxes for the different organizations and families we're sponsoring, I'll do so with a huge smile. These boxes are being packed with smiles and I'm sure my sisterfriend smiled as she picked up the socks.

Even with a slightly sad heart, I'm still smiling big.

My lovies, I challenge you to find an organization and drop something off in a box to give. Pack your box with a smile and just think, the person on the receiving end will open " the box" with a smile because someone thought of them. Give outside of your box( your family) and share a smile!

I definitely plan too!!

Signed,
Sad Hearts still Smile!!

Hidden Blessings..

I was absolutely tired this morning when I got off work. So tired that my entire body ached. I knew I couldn't go to bed right away because my mechanic was enroute to fix something small on my truck( which by the way, after I watched him

I could've done the job myself). He was done by 9:30, I was in bed by 10am. My heart was in Decatur at my church but my body was aching and I was restless, literally. 

When I got in at 6:50, I grabbed some clothes and I showered. The particular pants I grabbed, I'd been looking for them for weeks. Not for any reason in particular, they just happen to be my fave Victoria Secret Pink sweat pants. I finished my much needed bath and proceeded to dry off and dress. 

Out of habit, I always stick my hands in my pockets after getting dressed. As I stick my hand in my pockets, I felt a roll. I instantly pulled it out and to MY surprised, there was $45 rolled up in my pocket. I tried to remember where the money could've come from and I kept drawing a blank. All I know, I haven't wore these particular pants in about 3 or 4 weeks. 

Anyhoo, I'll take the $45 for the win! Once again, God has looked out for the girl. This last month or so has been nothing but extreme wins for me! My heart is full and I'm extremely excited for what 37 is bringing my way.. 

My Lovies, surprises/ blessings come in all shApes and forms. Never be so caught up in your own situation that you miss your good thing/ blessings. What's even crazier, sometimes our blessing/ good thing is right up under our nose.. Stop sniffing other gardens and appreciate yours! I'm ready and winning!! I got next! 

Signed, 

Cheneka Wins!!