Smiling softly

Sometimes I beat myself up
For struggling with the same old
Moving on and growing feeling impossible
So when there are moments
Glimmers of new hope
Eucharisteo feeling stronger
A peaceful heart beating stronger
Accepting what is
And what is not
I pray for us all to grow
To understanding, love, and thankfulness

Twas the Week Before Christmas

Seems everyone's been asking me if I'm ready for Christmas

I've been trying not to think about it

Because gifts are just now finally being purchased

I'm out of time to make the gifts I'd planned

Lanelle's been begging me to make cookies to decorate

And now the oven is broken

I'm not sure when we'll manage to get a new one

I'd chosen pictures to get printed and hoped to send cards

But that crazy day in the city was full of setbacks and I didn't get the pictures done.

Nellie took this fun picture while we were loading into the car

 Although I had my moments during the day in the city

I mostly just sat back and felt happy that my kids were with me

I'll keep it all in perspective (or at least try to)

Things will go undone

But we will have fun

And I will take every opportunity to go skiing

 He is getting better everytime we go

We met a lovely couple who were excited to see Kellen go whizzing by

(He sure did speed up to try show off)

They said they bought skis for their 5 year old grandkid

And hoped he will enjoy the skiing with them

We talked about changing expectations

Taking the time for hot chocolate breaks and feeding birds and playing

As we teach them to love it all

So I think tonight about expecations for Christmas and holidays

Letting things go sure makes me start feeling excited for these approaching days

And the moments and fun there will be

It is my opportunity to show them how to love and celebrate this season.

Travelled Roads

We are getting used to traveling these roads
Not thinking quite so much about how much snow and ice they have
Finding these pictures they took in the backseat
I reflect on what memories they will have on these well travelled roads
It's good to take the time
To remember to be purposeful about what happens while we travel these roads
Which can become so second nature that we zone out and go on autopilot
And when I think of the overwhelming conversation with coworkers yesterday
I think about how I can go on autopilot with the daily routine of work tasks
But much has been seen and learned during all those days (and, *gulp*, years)
And it was good to reflect on memories of those travelled roads.

Skiing!

These are the pictures I tried to post the other night. First time getting them out on their new skis. Kellen did amazing! Lanelle fell a whole lot less than he did at her slow and steady pace. It was fun to ski with kellen at a pretty decent pace, I learned to stay a ways behind him because he sure was falling a lot as he pushed himself. He sure had fun and really didn't want to turn back, making my heart happy.

So beautiful to have a family adventure. Other than the 1 year old whose hands got too cold since she refuses to leave mitts on. But I guess all is well that ends well. She finally fell asleep and quit wailing the last 5 minutes. I was able to calm down and enjoy the last few minutes, so it's all good :) This helping them learn to love skiing sure requires a lot of patience.

Funny these are iPhone photos, but I can't add them from the computer. Which would be fine, but I really don't like that I don't have control from the blogger app on my phone where the pictures are inserted and I can't choose the order they appear...so I still would love some advice on solutions...?

Kellen's book

Fun to see what they come up with lately. Projects initiated all on their own. Kellen wanted to make a book for his teacher. Took me all weekend to find the stapler, which I was asked about regularly. I like his creative license on the theme of seasons ;)

Testing

I am testing out trying to post with my phone, maybe these iPhone photos can post? I just caught Lanelle testing her copying skills. I am proud because she usually fusses at me to draw things for her (Ian likes to assume he knows where these perfectionist tendencies come from). She has really been expanding herself lately. :)

Well, goodbye?

So after a busy month, and missing stopping by here, I sat down to do a quick blog late last night and found out I have reached my 1GB limit and can't put up any more pictures unless I start paying. Seriously, pay to blog?! I'm thinking there's a solution, but I'm not sure what it is or that I should take the time to try figure it out. Any advice? Anybody even checking in anymore? I'd be kind of sad to quit documenting to simple joys of this life, but maybe it's just time...