The dragonfly

Recently I was driving with my kids in the car and this dragonfly flew right in front of our car while I was stopped at  a red light. Madyson and I thought it was neat because it zipped by so quickly by our windshield, it made us giggle. Well I didn't think much of it until the next day. I was sitting (literally) in traffic on the 91 freeway, headed to one of my foster homes. I turned to my left to see a dragonfly flying in place next to my window. Awestruck I continued to watch him and as traffic began to move he flew in front of my car and kept going with me for a bit right in front of my windshield, then flew off.

I am so that person who picks up on the details that many overlook and I always have to know the why or the meaning. So of course (!) I went home and googled what the dragonfly symbolizes in other cultures. The dragonfly is a symbol of our thoughts. It is also a symbol of change that is to come.

This pushed me to become more aware about what is going on in my own life and reminded me that I need to take more time to myself, to be with myself, and to explore what is real for me. It's so easy for me, and I know many others too, as a working mom to get caught up in doing everything for everyone else. Whether its for my children, my husband, my friends, my boss, or my clients, I need to remember to be still and to give myself the time I deserve as well.

It also made me realize I need to take time to appreciate the beauty of this world and to be thankful for the many amazing people and opportunities I have! This is a line I found on one of the websites that stood out to me:

The Dragonfly lives a short life, and it knows it must live to the fullest with what it has. 

Love that!! On that note, I am off to San Diego for a fun filled weekend away with some good friends! :) I can't wait to have some much needed and much deserved ME time!!!! And thanks to my amazing husband and mom for allowing that to happen! ;)

Recent Shenanigans

We have been busy busy at the Schindler household. Mady's a dancing queen and therefore we live at the dance studio about 5 days a week! ;) But I must admit, she absolutely LOVES being there!! On two days of the week Mady plays for an AYSO soccer team which is 6 and 7 year old girls. Mady had prior experience playing with the city but this is her first time playing with all girls and with girls so close to her in age. But even though they are close in age, she is the youngest and (of course!) the smallest on the team! Now don't be fooled, because those of us who have played soccer know, the smallest ones are always the feistiest! ;) And Mady is no exception! Here are some fun photos from her recent soccer games.

These are photos of Mady at her first game. At first she was a bit reserved and then got right into the action. She really loved playing with all girls and was pretty pumped for the season. Then came the second game....

Coach threw Mady into the goal with no prior practice or preparation! Now you may think well that's how you learn, but dang, looking at this picture -- I would have been scared too if I was that little in that BIG goal! lol Needless to say, being goalie without notice was a bit traumatizing for Mady!

 But after a pep talk and team huddle, Mady was ready to get back into the game!

And here she is (below) on picture day entertaining the group! Her dance skills come in handy with the soccer girls! Haha! She had everyone cracking up with her hip thrusts and booty shakes! ;)

In other news Chance is officially 11 months old and I am in disbelief that it has been 11 months since I was blessed with this joyful baby boy! He continues to fill our home with tons of laughs, constant clean ups, and, of course, lots of kisses! :) It is amazing to watch a child grow and learn and become who they are destined to be. Both of my children make my world a beautiful place and there is just something absolutely wonderful about watching them grow and seeing them happy. I've said it before, I am sure I will say it again, there is no greater thing in this world than to be a mother! <3