What it means to "Count Ladybugs"

Under the Tuscan Sun: one of those rare cases in which the movie is so much better than the book. It is the story of a woman, recently divorced, who feels like her whole life has fallen apart around her. On a whim, she buys a run-down house in Tuscany and attempts to create a new life for herself. In a moment of desperation, she turns to an eccentric neighbor, who tells her:

"Listen, when I was a little girl I used to spend hours looking for ladybugs. Finally I would give up and fall asleep in the grass. When I woke up they were crawling all over me."

In essence: stop looking for happiness, focus on the work and people around you, and happiness will come.  

The ladybug has become a symbol in my life. I surround myself with them as much as possible. I try to remember to count my blessings, appreciate the people in my life, live for today, and wonder about the future without obsessing over it.  

What are my ladybugs?

• My sweet family: My husband, Michael, our beautiful daughters, Caitlin (11) and McKell (4), and our new little one, arriving in just two weeks. 
• My new adventure: after 6 years as a schoolteacher, I have left my teaching position to be a stay at home mom. I am so excited to begin this journey. 
• My faith: I believe that the Lord directs my life. He wants my family to be successful and happy (full of ladybugs!). 
• The ability to learn and grow. I love developing talents: quilting, cooking, and home management are some I am working on right now.
• Good books: I especially love retold fairy tales, science fiction, historical fiction and the occasional, guilty-pleasure romance.