“Mommy, look at all the money in there. I want one too Mommy. Pleeeeeeeese Mommy let me have just one money! I want to throw one in there too Mommy. Please!!!”

So like any other Mother would do, I dug in my wallet and took out 2 coins for my 3 year old to toss into the wishing fountain. And I told him, don’t forget to make a wish. Busy with Christmas returns, and other places to get to, I quickly hurried him along after he tossed his coins. In fact, I don’t think I even saw him toss the coins. I was most probably looking at my phone.

We did our errands, along with the thousands of other people at Northpark Mall on the day after Christmas.  And of course when we passed back by the fountain, the nagging started again. “Mommy, I want another money. Please Mommy, please can I have another one, just one more please?” I told him no we have to go. The frustration started to build in his tiny little frame and I knew we were quickly headed toward a tantrum. With as much might as he could he got up in my face and hollered “Mommy, please, I need to make a wish!”

So again, like any other Mother would do, I gave him another coin. This time rather amused and fascinated by his frustration, I watched him closely. He ran over to the fountain and stood there looking at all the other coins in the water. Then I saw his lips mouth the words “make a wish” and when he tossed the coin he puckered his lips together and blew air out of his mouth like he was blowing out a candle. There was a sparkle in his eyes and a beam across his face I won’t forget.

This week we all get to make goals for the New Year.  And I encourage you all to do it. It’s such a great time to evaluate our lives and think about changes we would like to see over the course of the next year. Maybe you’re making some health and fitness goals, or financial goals, or professional goals. Whatever they may be, take a moment and focus on this.  Make sure your goals align with your priorities. And very important, write them in the present tense, as if you have already achieved them.

One of my top goals for 2015 is a personal one and it stems from the little make a wish story. I will be more focused and present with my children this year. I want to make sure I’m watching the next time he “makes a wish.”

Wishing you all a great week and a very Happy New Year!

Meryl

Featured Recipe

Squash Bisque

1 large onion
2 potatoes, diced
2 carrots, sliced
4 cups fresh or frozen and defrosted yellow squash, sliced
1 box of chicken stock
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1 cup of half and half or milk
Paprika

Sauté onion in olive oil. Add the other vegetables, stock, and salt and pepper to your taste. Cook covered for about 45 minutes, until vegetables are tender.  Then puree in batches in a blender or using an immersion blender. Return to pot, and add the cream or milk. When serving, sprinkle each bowl with paprika.