Inspired by SouleMama

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savour and remember....

http://www.thedeliberatemom.com/2012/12/this-moment-christmas-pjs.html#.UN3OVuTO1Ns  

A Christmas wish from our family to yours....

http://www.thedeliberatemom.com/2012/12/merry-christmas.html#.UNipt-TO1Ns 

Yesterday was my birthday. Outside of working a regular work day, I was unsure of what I wanted to do in the evening. Dinner and a movie? Wine and appetizers? A quiet night at home with the family? After much deliberation, I finally concluded that I wanted to start my 38th year of life by helping others. So last night I had a date with my husband (and some dear friends) baking Christmas cookies at Ronald MacDonald House.

http://www.thedeliberatemom.com/2012/12/my-birthday-wish.html#.UMqjIeTO1Ns  

Oh how I love Christmas music! There are so many great songs that fill me with joy and nostalgia. This festive season wouldn't be the same without my favourite tunes... but then there's the songs that I can't stand! This posting is all about the Christmas songs that DRIVE ME CRAZY!

http://www.thedeliberatemom.com/2012/12/some-christmas-music-i-just-dont-like.html#.UL_6JuTO1Ns

I'm done! Did you get that? I'm done! What am I done? I'm done the course I was in! My final assignment was due next Sunday, but I worked on it this past weekend and e-mailed the final copy today. Whew! What a relief!

So, here's where I'm at....

http://www.thedeliberatemom.com/2012/11/bring-it-on.html#.ULgm_eTO1Ns 

I'm a perfectionist. I bet you already knew that about me. I want need everything to be just right... and when it's not, well, you better watch out.

Lately I've been falling short from perfection. Actually, to tell you the truth, I don't think I've ever been "happy" with perfect, but lately, I've been feeling far from perfect. My work, my schooling, my home, my fitness regime, my dietary habits, my everything, has felt like it's not quite right. Not quite perfect. Usually, this is motivation in itself to try harder, to work harder, to keep on going, but lately I'm tired. I can't do it.

So after some tears, I realized something....

http://www.thedeliberatemom.com/2012/11/letting-go-of-perfect.html

Life has been rough lately. At times like this, it seems all too easy to scream at God and ask Him what is going on... and to tell Him that I'm mad at Him.

It's been two weeks since I had my traumatic experience with the cap gun wielding lunatic and I've been processing a lot since then. However, there's something that I just don't understand....
 

http://www.thedeliberatemom.com/2012/10/dear-god-im-mad-at-you.html
 

Even in the midst of a difficult time in my life... it's nice to take the chance to reflect on a wonderful moment from the week. Here's a picture capturing my special moment from the week:

http://www.thedeliberatemom.com/2012/10/this-moment.html#.UIqFeW_A8i4

Yesterday I went to WalMart. Now before you roll your eyes and say big deal, you have to understand that it WAS a big deal. Ever since last week's frightening incident, I've been afraid of leaving the house. My husband has been driving me to and from work, my sister-in-law chauffeured me to yoga and my parents even drove me to and from church.

In this one act, a complete stranger took my freedom and my independence. In this one act, he has been empowered and I have been left broken....

http://www.thedeliberatemom.com/2012/10/a-bold-step-into-walmart.html#.UIYECm_A8i4