Life is messy, stressful, overwhelming and frustrating at times. There’s dinner to cook, homework to check, messes of catastrophic proportions to contend with and diapers to be changed. But if you take the time to look beyond the chaos you’ll find that there is so much beauty in life, so much to celebrate. Like…

Spring is here, it’s really here. Birds are signing, flowers are blooming and signs of new life are popping up everywhere.

Celebrating my daughter’s 2nd birthday with a trip to the Saint Louis Zoo. It was the perfect day in so many ways. The weather was gorgeous, the company was great and my little girl had a wonderful time. Never mind that my husband held me close as I sat on a park bench in tears, completely overwhelmed that these precious years with our children are slipping away. Celebrating two birthdays – my oldest and youngest – within a four-day period was bittersweet to say the least.

Coloring Easter eggs with my husband and children. We dipped. We laughed. We had a blast.

Spending time with my parents. We had such a wonderful time with my parents during their 2-week visit with us here in Missouri. My parents mean the world to me so I treasure any amount of time we’re able to spend together. I can’t imagine what my life would look like without their love, support and guidance. No matter where I am, who I’ve become or how old I might be, I always have been and always will be Kimo and Berta’s little girl.

Learning a thing or two about enjoying the little things in life from my 2-year old daughter, Alana.

Admiring my 13-year old daughter’s passion. My daughter Alyssa is growing up so fast. I can only smile and beam with pride as she outlines her plan for making her dream of becoming a teacher a reality. I get teary-eyed just thinking about her determination.

Warm sunny days. After months of freezing cold temperatures, the sunshine is certainly a welcome sight.

Enjoying mealtimes with my family. It sounds like such a mundane thing, but mealtimes with my family are so important to me. It’s our time to come together, share the happenings of our day and really connect without the distraction of cell phones and television.

Looking on as my 8-year old daughter giggles with delight while Tickle the Caterpillar climbs slowly up her shirt. It doesn’t take much to make Amaya smile. And her smiles? They’re totally contagious.

Watching my son Andre run his heart out. I’m always so amazed by Andre’s athletic abilities. Watching him come alive when he’s doing what he loves most – running track and playing football – fills me with so much pride.

Happening upon a beautiful horse while out for a drive one morning. I’ve always admired horses from afar. They’re magnificently strong and graceful creatures and there’s old soul type of wisdom behind their eyes. Finding this guy was such a treat. I can’t help but smile when I look at this photo of him.

“The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.” – Oprah Winfrey

I really couldn’t have said it any better than that.