There was no drama linked to my closing my blog -- and it will be reopened probably sooner than later...

...but I noticed that people from my work were reading it -- and well, I'm not overly sure that is appropriate. Depends who they are -- and what the intentions are, ya know?

I guess that is what it all comes down to in this extra large world of ours -- intentions.

Intention: in⋅ten⋅tion  /ɪnˈtɛnʃən/

–noun 1. an act or instance of determining mentally upon some action or result.
2. the end or object intended; purpose.
3. intentions, a. purpose or attitude toward the effect of one's actions or conduct: a bungler with good intentions.
b. purpose or attitude with respect to marriage: Our friends are beginning to ask what our intentions are.
4. the act or fact of intending.

With that knowledge -- I really think that is how the whole world should look at things...cause if someone's intentions are good, but somehow you get hurt in the hubbub, perhaps it isn't as detrimental as it initially feels. I need to remember that. I was pretty harsh with several of my friends post divorce -- feeling very unsupported and even ignored. I would say at least half of those people just truly didn't know what to do -- never intending to hurt me, even if that ultimately was the case. That's rather eye opening. I've also forgiven many who, looking back, may not have the best intentions for my life or for my success. Intentions. hm.

My intentions today are to be happy. I intend to get my beautiful children to school, my house clean, my laundry done and gifts bought for my cousins birthday parties tomorrow. I intend to be pleasant to everyone, whether I'm hot and annoyed. I think the mere idea of starting my day with good intentions feels really good.

You should try it.

And for the weekend -- in which I don't have to work -- I intend to not sweat the small things. The boys are going to LOVE the birthday party. Then we will go to my mom's to swim -- because my intention is to let her know how much I love and respect her. I haven't been visiting with her nearly enough. Then I am going to see my dad -- I haven't been in a long time. I intend to cry the tears that I need to cry for him. It will be 2 years since I lost my dad...and I miss him so much that certain days it still HURTS. And then it will be my intention to treat the boys to the Dbacks game on Sunday -- full of popcorn, peanuts and hot dogs - because they certainly deserve it. And, I intend to be kind and loving to Justin -- a man,who has given so much of himself to add me and my children into his family. I intend to make him feel as blessed as I do.

And, while I'm thinking about it -- thank you so much for all the very kind words on Justin's birthday. We had a really nice dinner at home with Dane and Cole -- then all cuddled up and watched TV. It was uneventful, but just what the Dr. ordered. I bought him a card -- I wish I could give him more than that....but he knows. The boys decorated the house and made him cards....enough that brought tears to *both* of our eyes. I intend that love will last a very long time.

Cole's card to Justin:

The front:


The inside: with NO prompting from me -- Honestly



And Dane used light colors so you can't really see it -- but here's the inside..that just cracks me up:



On the top right it says "have a great day! I love you -Dane in the middle he put "Mess around it's your birthday!" and on the left it's a picture of Justin and Dane that says "There's strong - then there's ARMY strong!" LOL