A bedtime story by Lanelle

Once upon a time there were, um, 3 girls and 5 boys

this first sentence Lanelle started her bedtime story with, and I knew it would be about our family (the 2 extra boys are the dog and cat :)

and the big boy was the biggest.  And Heavy was the littlest, but not too little.  And Nevey was pretty little too, but not too little.  The 2 little girls were the best at everything.  They painted the best pictures.  They colored the best pictures. Their pictures were beautiful.  They were the best readers.  They were even the best at shooting guns.  The only thing the boys were the best at was crying.

Told so smoothly and sweetly.  What was I to say when asked, "Wasn't that the best story mom?"...

Us this season

Knowing where to begin after such a hiatus feels a little overwhelming.  These crazy days of our lives just speed by.  Today has been progress and checking things off lists and feels like were moving mountains.  Starting with some family pictures.  Perhaps of the 150 we have now, I'll be able to get Christmas cards ready, if I don't get overwhelmed in the choosing.

 In the past two weeks, we've had some rainy days and depressing days.  I've been reminded that there are changing seasons around us, visible and some not so visible, but felt.

 We've had a trip to my family's farm for Thanksgiving and loved watching the growing cousins enjoy each other and got to meet the newest addition, little Calder.  There was a lot of carrot digging and a thrilling drive in the back of Grandpa's truck to the empty house with the empty fridge (which I still call Auntie Maxine's, even though times have changed and I'll soon be having to say Tim & Sarina's)

 There was skyping with the 2 little cousins too far away in Edmonton.  And just like that quick little skype visit, the whole time there was over in a flash.

 There's been a slow paced walk or 2, where we remember to breathe.

 Particularly me, as I had to take some very deep breaths on this walk and in general lately, as I continue to deal with such stubbornness from this one with her ideas.  Such as wearing only tights while out for a walk.  Oh, the complaining as they kept falling down, though she had promised after my repeated warnings of that imminent problem and the cold that she would not utter any complaints.

 The season of a couple of barn cats was very short.  After seeing the dog and cats would not live safely in the yard together...

 We now have a kitten living in our house (in which I remind myself to never say never.)

 We've all quite fallen in love with Heavy (as Kellen named him and we may take the suggestion of spelling it Hevi).

 At night this is where he can usually be found, and although we all love him very much, he may have a special bond with this boy, who knows how to be more gentle than his little sisters.

 There's been more of the usual goodness that continues through all seasons.  That being the growing, playing, learning, and goofiness...

 Not to be forgotten moments, like nerf gun wars with Auntie...

 And the exciting new farm happenings - the first eggs are appearing!

 My happiness that this little girl likes to snack on dehydrated tomatoes.

 And is communicating more every day.  So brave to say new words and making more effort to be understood.  "Me, me? Cheese?" she asks after I took her picture, as she pats her chest.  "See?" as she comes around to look.

 "Again?" she backs up for another shot.  "Cheese!"

 It is so good to just remember that these little moments are real and lovely, and not lost in busyness.  Through these seasons we are all growing and changing and loving, yes, we are...