Christmas Miracle

Kelsey found her mom's James Avery charm bracelet in her floss bag after losing it  2 1/2 years ago!
She recently got her braces off and was able to start using floss again - so she found her bag of floss sticks and pulled out this wonderful Christmas surprise - Kelsey's Christmas Miracle!  This bracelet has so much meaning, priceless actually.   These were charms her mom collected over the years, charms of things that represent some of the things she loved (a running shoe, a sand dollar, a butterfly, NOEL, a boat anchor, a K for Kelsey, an Angel,  Jesus' cross on a butterfly.....).  What a gift!  A gift from above......

you like her Little Red Bird Chirps t-shirt here?  :)

Lil Red Love Bug

Kelsey got a Lil red VW lovebug for Christmas!
Why do I think her mommy Mary in heaven had something to do with this?

On top of the amazing fact that the car is red like a cardinal, it also had very special numbers in the odometer when Kelsey got it yesterday "47235" - Kelsey has been seeing 723 everywhere and these numbers have some synchro meaning to her.   It was pretty special to find them right in the middle of the mileage! Love these signs.....

Mary loved VW lovebugs since we were kids. Our dad had a green one that we did some traveling in. Some good memories were made with the lovebug :)..... Mary even told me once that if she were to ever get a tattoo, it would be of a VW bug! I remember that day and that conversation as if it were yesterday - I think it was like 13 years ago - lol! We were driving together to Austin to go to my girlfriend Tina's bachelorette party - so much fun we had! I told her I'd get a star tattoo if she got a VW bug tattoo. If we stayed in Austin any longer than we did, we woulda done it! Oh pooh - if only.....

It's so fun being Kelsey's aunt - loving our Mary together - keeping her spirit alive! Chirp chirp Beep beep! Look out Texas - Kelsey is on the road.

Christmas Cheer

What a blessed Christmas it has been filled with so much love and happiness!
Being grateful allows my heart to feel all the wonderful energy the world really offers....

I'm so grateful for everyone in my life - EVERYONE.  If you're reading this, know that you are LOVED!

I felt a tug at my heart for a moment today and a tear rolled down my cheek - missing my Mary even though I know she is with me in Spirit.  Nothing, no'one, not anything could replace the energy and love my Mary was.  I was lucky...... I am lucky.  The Spirit of Christmas is warm with love - past and present! I will go to bed warm with loving memories!

Messages of Love from Above - quote

“When messengers are sent to minister the inhabitants of this earth, they are not strangers, but from the ranks of our kindred, friends, and fellow beings. Our fathers and mothers, brothers, sisters and friends who have passed away from this earth...bringing messages of love...to those whom they had learned to love in the flesh."

― Joseph Fielding Smith

Angels - quote

"The angels are always near to those who are grieving, to whisper to them that their loved ones are safe in the hands of God."
~Eileen Elias, The Angels' Little Instruction Book

Imagination

I came across this picture on Pinterest and my heart giggled ~  This picture isn't me, but it may as well be.  

Great big LOL ......

I love cardinals,  stars and angels.... here we have them all - she's even wearing angel wings on her necklace! 

"Your imagination is more real that then the world you see, because the world you see comes from what you imagine and believe! What you believe and feel to be true is what will be your life."

- Rhonda Byrne, from her new book "The Power".

(This art was done in training by Luise Shroeder:  http://www.luiseschroeder.com/)

A Little Red Feather

It was the day after Thanksgiving, which is also my sister Lisa's birthday this year and I had my mom in town from Texas..... I was thinking how wonderful it would be if we had Mary here with us ~ all of us girls together.   I happen to look down at ground at just the right time, to find this beautiful little red feather - what a sign!  A little cardinal feather for us to see - Mary was whispering "I'm never far sis - can't you see?!"  She is with us that is for certain. She is always sending me little surprises. Just like the surprise of the cardinals appearance on the day Mary died,  they have amazingly never left my side.  Almost 5 years now.  This is the first feather I've found...... a beautiful sign at a perfect time.

Well, the surprise doesn't end with the find.

I sent this picture to my friend Sweet Sue Dabruzzi to share my excitement in this sign and she sent this text back to me:


Ok wanna hear something weird?  I read ur text right after u sent it, and just picked my phone back up to reply...well somehow that feather became my screensaver and the time on the phone was 4:44! WTH?   Incredible - and how often do u come across cardinal feathers?  Never!  u should frame it....

More Little Red Bird Connections

A sweet LITTE RED BIRD connection - oh how I cherish these.  There are so many of us now.  So many of us who receive these signs of love from above.  There is something really special when we find each other.  It is just another confirmation that these amazing signs are for real.  I know there is always a little doubt in the back of our minds but we hold onto the positive thought that of course it is real!  Together we are strong - together we confirm!  Our Little Red Bird is not just a song...... oh no, not just a song at all.   

An angel, a messenger, a sign.... our loved ones are not far - they never are!

Here's a most recent story that was just sent to me through my Little Red Bird Chirps facebook page (notice the picture below - same picture I have had here on my blog - it is Lydia's profile picture on her FB page):

• 

  
  

  Lydia Guajaca Saiz
  

  
  

  hello there, I found your page on fb through a friend. Just a quick story for you..my father was diagnosed with cancer in 2001. Shortly before he passed away, i asked him to send me a sign that he had arrived in heaven and to give me peace. I asked him to send me a "red" bird. We don't see too many in NM. About a month after he passed away, my sister found a nest with "red" birds under her patio that dad had built. Since that time, I carry a fondness for red birds. It was so nice seeing the ones on your page. Thanks!
  
  Feel free to use my story. I'm sorry for you losses as well. I have since lost my mother and I have several red bird figurines around my house. It was interesting because when I was asking my father to send me a sign, he said he would send a white bird, I said no send a red one because as I stated before we don't see them too often. I believe in signs from above. Be blessed my new friend.

Quote on Choices

"When we meet real tragedy in life, we can react in two ways -- either by losing hope, or by using the challenge to find our inner strength."
~Dalai Lama

Little Red Bird connections

A couple more Little Red Bird connections from my Little Red Bird Chirps FB page.....

Bunni McLaughlin:

When I would go visit my dad back in the 70's & 80's there would always be a cardinal in his yard...singing away. never failed. When my dad passed in '88, I went to his house to see it for the last time...and there was the little red bird. I feel that this is my dad coming home...and I see that little red bird every so often and feel mi papi close by. Thx for this post...my heart sings his little song.

Mary Alice Venezio Sexton:

Dear Little Red Bird - first, I am so sorry for your loss. But, thank you for being so generous that in the midst of your sorrow, you shared something so beautiful. My beautiful mother passed a few years ago and I miss her dearly. Before she passed she told us to look for the red birds. I really need her today and I feel like you posting this was so meant for me. There's even a line in this poem that I remember her saying when she realized she was dying. Again, thank you. I so much needed this.

The poem Mary mentions was something I posted on LRB FB page in honor of my Aunt Loretta who passed away.  It can also be found here on my blog: A Perfect Poem

LRB Chirp

CHIRP:
Be proud of who you are. You are an original and no'one can take that away....
Jealousy and envy will only bring you down. Try being happy for the one you think you envy. Think, "Good for you"... then think of all the wonderful things you are grateful for and send them your blessings of love! Your heart will soften and your day will feel lighter. You just gave away love instead of building some hate.
~LRB Chirps

Gratitude

I love my Gratitude App on my iphone!

Here are A few things I'm grateful for:

A Cardinal Story

I receive many sweet e-mails through my Little Red Bird Chirps FB Page that make my day and bring a smile to my heart.... I love it when someone sends a little red bird experience during a time in need.
Here is a most recent story from an LRB friend on 9/26/12:

Kenneth James R.
I finally read the profile and checked out the link.  It was so touching . I just came back from Fla. because my father in law has cancer and is doing bad. Every morning I would hear a bird knocking on the glass window but I never got up to see it. I finally got up and looked and to my surprise it was a female cardinal.(and I love those birds.)  It was sad leaving him because he said to my wife this will be the last time we will see him.  I read your profile after we came home last week and told my wife. Maybe God uses these beautiful birds as messages of peace?

I share a link to this blog in the profile of Little Red Bird for anyone wanting to know more about how our little red bird became so important.  We connect and we share, to heal and to confirm - we are not alone!

To Heaven and Back

My mother in law brought this book over, "To Heaven and Back" by Mary C. Neal, MD, on Sunday to show to me, she thought it was something I would enjoy and connect to.  She had no idea and I had no idea, just how much this book was meant for me to read.  I made a mental note to buy it in my next "book buying run".   I figured it would be something similar to what I've read in Don Piper's "90 Minutes in Heaven".
By accident (NOT!), she left it behind...... soooooo, I took that as a sign and decided to take it with me on my commute to work and read it.  "To Heaven and Back" spoke to me! I DID connect to it, the same way I connected to Mary Soliel's book, "I Can See Clearly Now: How Synchronicity Illuminates our Lives".  It's as if it was put in my path to help clarify the questions in my heart at these particular times in my life. 

Kinda funny how both of these books are written by a MARY!  

LOL ~ Mary is everywhere in my life!

A particular paragraph in this book I feel compelled to share here is in the chapter called,  "Conversing with an Angel", page 98:

We are each given the opportunity and privilege to come to earth for different reasons.  Somtimes we come in order that we may personally develop kindness, patience, joy, peace, goodness, fathfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  Sometimes we come to help someone else develop the fruits of the spirit.  We all come to earth to become more Christ-like, as noted in Romans 8.

This is a beautiful chapter. 

Another paragraph that spoke to me, regarding angels as messengers from above, was on page 134:

Truly, God's messengers are everywhere and come to us in the forms that we can and will accept.  That may mean a great grey owl or another sort of creature, to one person, and a human being to another.

..... when describing one of my conversations with an angel in a sundrenched field in heaven, there are angels all around us and we each have "personal" angels who watch over us all day, every day.  They help us, nudge us, and guide us in all sorts of little ways that we usually don't notice.  Sometimes they push us forward and sometimes they pull us backward.  Always, they want very much for us to follow the path that has been laid out for us by God.

I love acknowledge and am grateful for all my signs and messengers!

Little Red Bird Chirps

CHIRP:
In a time of heartache and despair, when life just didn't seem fair, a little red cardinal flew to my side and for a moment, made the ache disappear.
That was just the beginning...... today the little red bird chirp chirp chirps everywhere.
~LRB Chirps

Kids with Spirit

I just LOVE the spirit these kids have!  Always in the game......

 In honor of 9/11 ~ Kelsey and Brett wore their official 9/11 Memorial shirts!

Here is a picture of them during "theme" week at school.

They had to choose a decade ~ can you guess what decade this is?  Love it......

I can feel Mary's enthusiasm and pride all the way from heaven!

Brett is doing pretty good his first year in high school.  He's got big sis Kelsey staying close.  Brett has found that he really enjoys his theater arts class.  He says he likes acting.  ha-ha, just like his Aunt Jeni!  Kelsey was nominated "MOST SPIRITED" in the school. h-ha, just like her mommy! 

A Story Can Heal

"When you stand and share your story in an empowering way, your story will heal you and your story will heal somebody else." —  Iyanla Vanzant

"Open your heart and you will be amazed at the transformations taking place all around you." —  the Rev. Ed Bacon

Birds of Love

The days before any "special" day associated with my dad, I always seem to notice unusual occurrences that would be considered signs.  Signs that my dad is near.  Something inside me just knows it.  I don't look for these signs and I don't expect them.  They just happen....

On Sunday, 9-9-12 the day before the 19th anniversary of the day my dad became an angel, I felt a presence around me.  It was a beautiful day, just after noon,  I was walking my dog Honey on the trail around my home.  It was quiet with no'one around.  Just me, my Honey dog and my thoughts.  The birds were tucked away wherever they go after their morning song.  All of a sudden out of no where, I heard the familiar chirp chirp chirp flying behind me, getting closer with each chrip.  Before I had a chance to turn around, I saw it, it flew right over my head into the tree right beside me - my precious cardinal!

I felt a wave of love....

Immediately after my lil red friend landed next to me, I saw a beautiful Robin flying straight at me from the other direction, almost eye level.  One lone Robin!  I couldn't believe my eyes.  He landed in the tree on the other side of me.  It was rare to see a Robin this time of year, they are all gone for the season.

 I was surrounded by love....  I felt it! 

Then, as I look down the path, I see 3 birds hovering over a small puddle of water.  I thought maybe they were morning doves as I see them around often.  As I got closer I saw they were pigeons. Very special pigeons with white circles on each of their wings.  I see alot of pigeons in NYC, but never ever ever on my walking trail here on Long Island. Never!  There was something special here.... I felt it.  Well, Honey scared them off of course but I was in a state of peaceful bliss from these unexpected visits.

I thought to myself, "this is going to be a wonderful day!"  

As Honey & I continue our walk for a few minutes longer we decided to turn around and return home.  As we got closer, I could see those same three pigeons on the grass under the tree right outside of my patio.  They waiting for me!

Loving Dad Forever

In LOVING Memory of the greatest dad! 19 years ago today he became my angel! How lucky I was to have had him for my dad ~ I am who I am today because of him! (well my mom had some help in the loving department)..... xoxo

I posted this on FB and received so much love.... I have to share it here.  I'm so grateful for all the wonderful people in my life sharing their love and memories:

Mary's friend Melissa M:
 I remember this day. :) I found a picture of all
Of us when you came
To brown wood ! I think you were 16! :)

cousin Jessica C:
 He looks so much like grandpa combs! He was such a nice guy; just like grandpa in that way too!

cousin Brian C:
 He was really a great person to be around... I'm thankful for having been able to spend some time with him that year.

Sister in-law Susie B:
 That's a great picture! What a lovely tribute to him!

my friend Danielle G:
 And he had an angel for a daughter ... Xo

friend Jonathan D:
Stylin' with the Pat Magees shirt!

my SSS Jen D:
♥ Thinking of you SSS!

friend Mary S:
♥ ♥ ♥ your way...

cousin Rachel G:
Awww sending ♥ your way!


sweet friend Sally P:
 prayers and thoughts are with you and a Big HUG too

Kelsey Signs

9-10-12
Text from niece Kelsey:

My dad called me 23 mins ago. I ended his call at 23 seconds and I flipped to page 123 when I first opened it!!!!!!!!ahhhhhhhh! GOD and my angels are definitely with me.  I even saw (23) it on my math teachers shirt :)!   7/23 is Matthews B-day and Jojo and Pappy's wedding anniversary. One the answers to my homework problem was 23.  its crazzzzzy aunt Jeni!

Random Feathers

Something is going on and I don't know what it is.... 

I keep seeing these little white feathers in my path....this one was in the hall at my work!!

This is not the first - they've been showing up in my path all week!!

Yeah then today I got a random email newsletter from Penney Pierce promoting her book "Intuitive way"

Big Kids Now

Wow - so hard to believe Mary's lil angels are getting so big!  Brett's a freshman now ~ starting highschool with his big sis Kelsey!  I love this 2nd day of school picture!

Always Around

I had a rough dentist appointment yesterday - full of pain from having major work done.  So much pain I almost cried. I left the office in a haze trying not to think about the long journey home, praying the nova caine  wouldn't wear off before I got to the pharmacy.  Just moments after I left the dentist I saw this beautiful license plate staring right at me.  It was an Illinois plate in NYC - one I've never seen before with a bright red cardinal on it just for me :)....
I even caught a 222 & a 333 on two cars parked behind this cardinal plate!  I instantly knew I wasn't alone - love was surrounding me!  These signs of love are worth the pain. 

An added connection to this beautiful sign is that Illinois is where my dad is from ~ where that whole side of my family still lives.  I love this synch ~

Cute pic

Kelsey was fixing up her new room and came across some pictures of her mom and sent this one to me in a text saying , "Cute pic of mom :)"!


This is such a perfect picture of Mary - always smiling, always having fun and making everyone around her happy.  This picture is Mary as "Coach McCraw" with some of her swimmers!  She was loved and adored by all of her students! I can feel the happiness here!

I love it when Kelsey sends me these random pictures - they always make me smile.  Remembering her loving spirit warms my heart!

Mary's lil Birdies

What a treat it was to have Mary's lil legacies with me this summer again.....  We got to spend their mommy's Birthday (July 31st) and my Birthday (August 6th) together - It's a special thing to do, it reminds me of  when we were kids, Mary and I ended up having our Birthday's together since we were so close - kind of like twins :)!
As soon as I saw this picture my friend Sally Parris posted on FB of the lil birds on the branch with the dessert flower, I instantly thought of this picture of me with the kids at the airport sending them home!  Sally posted it the same day I was at the airport - August 7th!  Love the synch.......

Birthday Angel

I was at the pool with my mother in law, sister in law, nieces, nephew & 3 year old Goddaughter, Baby Jaelyn on my Birthday Aug 6th, when I saw the most beautiful cardinal in the tree. I smiled to myself and felt warm with love. No'one else saw it but my mother in law and me. We didn't make a big deal of it, we just looked at each other with a knowing - we just knew my Mary was here with us.

Then........later that evening Baby Jaelyn's mom text me:     

"Jaelyn is going to bed and she says MOM today I saw an angel at the pool, she was watching me from the tree's!"

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARY

These pictures are from Jana's little Memory book she made of momento's of Mary! I thought it was perfect to post here on our Mary's Birthday......

You are never going to be forgotten sweet sister!

Your love is blossoming everywhere touching so many lives! I'm Chirp Chirp Chirping your love my beautiful sister who is attached to my soul!

Mary's Bday Gift to Me

One by one..... Mary's friends are finding me.  How special it is to connect with them and share our love for our Mary, our Mary who made a place in each of our hearts.

Melissa McGee,  a wonderful friend Mary met in college,they were both cheerleaders - full of love and life.  Two days before Mary's 40th Birthday,  Melissa reached out to me:


July 29
"Somehow I came across your name on facebook. I randomly went to Jana's website and saw your name at the top. I don't know if you remember me from Mary's wedding but I was a bridesmaid. She was also in my wedding. We were best friends at HPU and cheerleaders together.
Jana shared your website with me. It is beautiful. I cant begin to tell you my red bird stories. My husband has even had the honor to witness a few. 
At HPU Mary and I would take LONG bike rides and runs together. There were some of my most cherished memories. I still go on these long walks now and I am almost ALWAYS followed by a red bird, and it follows closely.  
I have attached a picture of Mary and I at my bridal shower. 18 years ago. I also posted a cheer picture on my wall. Her birthday is approaching and I wanted to let you know I am thinking and praying for you and your family."

What an incredible gift to receive ~ thank you so much Melissa for your love and for the memories you cherish.  I love these pictures so much!! Our little red bird Mary ~ she is still with us....