With all the sad news on our board recently, I just wanted to say that you all mean the world to mean. I know last night, I hugged the girls a little more closely, and I know Mary Elizabeth knows something is up. Unfortunately, I can't spell things out like I used to do.

Anyway, I thought I would share this e-mail I got from a friend this morning. I think it is the 5th or 6th time I have seen it, so many of you have probably also seen it, but it is good to keep in mind at times like this. Life is so short, and we are so not in control, even though at times we would like to think we are.

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 cups of coffee .

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous 'yes.

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

'Now,' said the professor as the laughter subsided, 'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things---your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions---and if everyth ing else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car.

The sand is everything else---the small stuff. 'If you put the sand into the jar first,' he continued, 'there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you.

'Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Spend time with your children. Spend time with your parents.ʼ

Visit with grandparents.

Take time to get medical checkups. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18.

There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal.

Take care of the golf balls first---the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled and said, 'I'm glad you asked.ʼ

The coffee just shows you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.

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Awww, I agree Christine, even though we haven't met as a group IRL, I love knowing you girls are right here in my computer or a phone call away.



I hope things start looking up for us soon around here. It has been a sad start to the week, that's for sure.

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Stacey (38)
DH Steve (38)
DS Chase 2-13-07

Ditto Stacey! Thanks for sharing that Christine. It's the one forward I don't mind getting over and over!

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--Kristina

I've seen that before and its so true.

I love you guys!

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That's a neat story Christine.

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Mary Beth - 31
DH - 30
Baby Kian - 3/24/07
- - -

I treasure each and every one of you. (((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))

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Momma to Jacob Ryan (8/24/99)
Kieran Andrew (04/14/01)
and Noah David (02/13/07)


http://bubblefactory.etsy.com

I have seen that one too. 's to you all.

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Thanks for sharing that Christine....I may be one of the more quiet members but I do appreciate you all!!

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I've never seen that before but wow, how true. Thanks for sharing. I treasure everyday with you girls.

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Ive never seen that before thanks for sharing.. HUGS

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PaulaD

Eagan, Minnesota

I actually have that printed out somewhere as a possible teaching idea-I love the message! Thanks for sharing it Christine and I agree I really appreciate knowing you are all here. Living in a foreign country can be tough and it's nice to have 'immediate' access to people who think the same/are going through the same things I am.

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Kris

I have missed you all so much! Thank you for calling me Christine... it was so appreciated...

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Kami~
Mom and Step mom to Walker 14,
Garrett 10, Zack 8, Jordan 6, Noah 1

Love You Guys!!!!

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So ture. I am so glad to have found you all!

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This group of gals is fantastic.

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I don't know what I would do without all of you.

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Chris... Mom To...
Whittni 13
Taylor 11
Hannah 4
Matthew 1

THREE DIVA'S AND A LITTLE DUDE

I have never seen that before. What a wonderful story. I love all you guys! Thanks for being my rock through hard times (even though you guys dont always know it!)

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Just thought this could use a today

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Kami~
Mom and Step mom to Walker 14,
Garrett 10, Zack 8, Jordan 6, Noah 1