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my lucky charms

“Life is 10% what happens to you, and 90% how you react to it."
– Charles R. Swindoll




a daughter's self-portrait...
My 20yo completed this painting today as part of her college requirements...
She was agonizing about it because it wasn't perfect..
But it definitely looks like a masterpiece to me - it just grabbed the center wall in our living room - on the mantle of our fireplace!


My Christian beliefs...
A treasured gift from my sister-in-law...




Our Jewish treasure, mezuzah...
A cherished possesion passed on to me by my mom (in-law)...





A friend once asked me,
“Do you feel like you live a charmed life?”

I chuckled and hysterically laughed,
“Me? My life’s super chaotic!”
“There’s always drama and tragedy every single day!
And when I think it can't get any worse,
Bam! Another tragedy decides to pay me a visit...”

Hhmm.. It’s been 25 years since I first arrived here in the U.S.A.!
Moved from Manila to San Francisco to Oakland to Los Angeles to San Diego and then to NJ!
I guess I do live a charmed life!
No matter how difficult the challenges we have had to face all those years,
My family got stronger…

I’m not saying I’m all smiley-faces every single hour,
But I do see the light at the end of the tunnel…

Last night, I asked my husband, “Are we going to be OK?”
“What do you mean, OK?”
"OK in our life – our marriage, our finances, our children, our quality of life.’

“Honey, after over 8 months of being home with you every single day,
Seeing each other 24/7 and not one time being mad at each other,
Our children are in good health and seem happy,
Still have a beautiful home,
A happy family,
A lovely marriage.
What more can we ask for?”

I guess I do have my lucky charm!



“The remarkable thing is, we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day.” – Charles R. Swindoll

As Deborah Larson King summarized it: “Life is choices and attitude”.

What's your lucky charm?

Enjoy the rest of the summer!
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Comments

  1. chocolatecovereddaydreams.blogspot.comAugust 14, 2009 at 12:15 AM

    I love the picture. Your daughter is so very talented...all of your kids are.

    I can't say I'm lucky but I'm blessed, that's for sure.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Veronica LeeAugust 14, 2009 at 12:43 AM

    My mom always says that I live a charmed life!! But of course not all my days are sunny but with friends like you and a great hubby, I do get through the dark days.

    ReplyDelete
  3. GottaLoveMomAugust 14, 2009 at 12:48 AM

    @Chocolate Covered Daydreams - thank you. And so true, we are all blessed!

    @Veronica. LOVE from families and friends do help us get through the dark days!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Cinder Rail'leeAugust 14, 2009 at 1:05 AM

    I LOVE YOUR BLOG.. and I LOVE your out look on life.

    You are so extremely blessed. We all are in our own little ways.

    YOU SO ROCK JENJEN!

    Your daughters self-portrait is BEAUTIFUL! GREAT JOB! and such TALENT!

    ReplyDelete
  5. More Than WordsAugust 14, 2009 at 1:43 AM

    That painting is gorgeous!!! YOu have such talented gifts!!! What a blessing!

    ReplyDelete
  6. JenniferAugust 14, 2009 at 2:33 AM

    I love the painting of your daughter! Gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  7. BuckeroomamaAugust 14, 2009 at 4:33 AM

    The self-portrait is SO beautiful!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Mommy24csAugust 14, 2009 at 9:38 AM

    Your daughter did a beautiful job! You two look so much alike :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. GottaLoveMomAugust 14, 2009 at 10:19 AM

    @Tami @Buckeroomama @Jennifer @Alicia @Mommy24cs - I am blessed because you are here! My daughter doesn't think she did a great job so I showed all of your comments! She's so happy and shy about me posting her artwork on my blog!

    @Mommy24cs - my daughter and I do look alike, right? My 20yo doesn't see it yet , lol!

    ReplyDelete
  10. RCUBEsAugust 14, 2009 at 10:41 AM

    When you want to create a masterpiece, you want it to be "perfect" and what looks like a flawed drawing [to your daughter's interpretation]doesn't mean it's not a masterpiece for us. Your daughter's art is beautiful! How talented!

    I am thankful for knowing God's love and when I discovered that, then I know that my life is blessed in so many ways!

    God bless you and your family!

    ReplyDelete
  11. PamAugust 14, 2009 at 9:25 PM

    Your daughter's art is beautiful. She did a wonderful job.
    I think it is perfect for your living room!

    ReplyDelete
  12. GottaLoveMomAugust 14, 2009 at 9:52 PM

    @RCUBEs what an insightful comment! God bless you and your family, too!
    @Pam, I kept staring at it – the colors match my “earth-tone” living room!

    My 8yo’s painting that I framed to match my formal dining room has graced my dining room for 5 years! He made that painting when he was 3!

    My 2nd is also artistic. I have his artwork in the pool room! My 3rd is musical – we just hear his music (piano playing) every day! These crumbcatchers of mine are truly my lucky charms!

    ReplyDelete
  13. AnonymousAugust 15, 2009 at 1:22 AM

    Hi Honey, Tell Nicole that I said "her picture is as beautiful as she is" - I would love to duplicate her picture for my house.
    It is wonderful.
    Can't wait to see it.
    Love, Mom

    ReplyDelete
  14. LoriAugust 15, 2009 at 2:32 PM

    Hello beautiful lady,

    That is an amazing painting by your daughter! WOW!! I love it.
    I hope you are well & safe.

    take care,
    Lori

    ReplyDelete
  15. shelleyAugust 17, 2009 at 10:47 AM

    Hi Jen!
    What a talented daughter you have! Wonderful self portrait! Loved looking at your "treasures." So glad you stopped by, i love hearing from you! Glad school is about to start again? Have a great day!
    Shelley
    http://iamstillstandingafterallthistime.blogspot.com
    http://theplaygroundprincess.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. Annette PiperAugust 19, 2009 at 9:09 PM

    She is very talented! I think its a marvellous portrait!!

    I've given you an award too - pop into my blog to collect it http://annettepiperjewellery.blogspot.com/2009/08/gardening-cooking-and-renewable-energy.html

    ReplyDelete
  17. Robin Bradley HanselAugust 23, 2009 at 1:38 PM

    Beautiful portrait! Your daughter is an amazing artist.....wow!

    ReplyDelete

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