Movie Monday : The Pursuit of Happiness (2006)

I love going to the movies and watching movies that have a feel good storyline, especially when they are based on real-life events.

I saw The Pursuit of Happiness in theatres back in 2006 and again several times since.

I love the overcome your obstacles theme through this in where Chris Gardner does not give up even in the face of assured failure.

What a fantastic role model for his young son to follow and it was too bad his wife could not see past his shortcomings to be there with him to celebrate his success.

My own children unfortunately did not have that type of example with their father, he seemed to always throw in the towel just as he was starting to make headway, almost as if he never really wanted to succeed. I do hope I have been somewhat of a role model for them though as I do my best to be all for them…mom, dad, provider, healer, listener. I work hard and have more than 1 job to support us that are flexible so I can be there for the important things as I always had been as a stay-at-home mom.

2017, looking back, was a pretty rough year for all of us here in this house and I had not even though about how rough until I saw an instagram story from my youngest son reflecting on it and I realized right then how much my children have grown and how amazing they are.

We all have our battles no matter if we are male or female, wealthy or poor, the country we live, black, white or another race, we have problems and trials and they are all relative to each of us. What one person can handle and face with ease another it might cripple but I know that my faith makes me strong and I can handle anything that is thrown my way….eventually. I keep in mind 1 Corinthians 10:13 where God promises to not give us more than we can handle along with a way out when and if that load becomes too burdensome.

I have experienced this first hand on so many occasions. Just as I thought I could not handle anymore, that I am tired and feel defeated a blessing arrives. A friend calls or visits and encourages me, a forgotten rebate shows up in the mail, a friend buys you a new battery for you van that just got zapped by the arctic cold we are experiencing, a friend comes and fixes your dryer and buys you a brand new washer because the one you have is beyond repair are just a few. It never ceases to amaze me how undeserving I am and yet God still seems to watch over me and my children, taking care of our needs.

I guess that is why I truly love movies like this. Chris worked hard, I work hard, he did not give up, it too reminds me I cannot give up, there is just too much at stake.

If you have not seen this movie, or even if you have, see it again and laugh and cry right along with Chris and celebrate his success overand over again!

New Beginnings

I love a fresh start.

A new week, a new month, a new year.

As a mom…self proclaimed Momanista…I love seeing my kids grow and each new year I look back and reflect over the growth of each of them.

My oldest is estranged from me, decisions he has made that force me to not be in his life. But even though I am not in his life that does not lessen the love I have for him and miss him terribly. I do not know the growth that has happened in his life but my prayers are that he is happy, healthy and safe.

My daughter who is 18 is growing into an amazing woman. She will be 19 in February and it is a hard thing for me to think about her being on the cusp of no longer being a teenager.  She has a level head on those beautiful shoulders and is a rock. She excels at whatever she puts her mind to. I look forward to seeing how she soars this year.

My youngest is 13 and will be 14 in 5 days! Oh where has the time gone since he was just a wee little lad?! Being the baby has its advantages and disadvantages all around. For 1 I know I have a tendency to be more lenient with him, he IS the baby after all, but no not really he is not a baby anymore and I need to remember that. He is growing into a fine young man that I could not be more proud of. He has had to make some very difficult decisions over this past year and to say I am proud of what he has stood up for would be a great understatement. I cannot wait to see how he grows this year.

On a personal note I need to refocus some attention back onto me. To be a better me so I can be a better Mom…Momanista…After all it will be a “job” and “title” I will always have.