Friday Reflections

I love rainy days. We went to story and rhyme time at the library. Dropped off the very excited big kids at Betty's to play with their friends. I read and had coffee in a quiet house this morning. And this afternoon I've been getting stuff done!

I learned if we stay out till midnight, the kids will sleep in. I also learned, its hard to get out of the 'late to bed, late to rise' routine. Crokinole at Sheena's was worth it though.

I hope we will soon get some dry weather so I can finish planting my garden.

I am looking forward to a special baby shower tomorrow. Just finished sewing on buttons of the sweater for the special boy.

I enjoyed many moments this week - especially adventuring up the hill to the flagpole for lunch with the Cochranes.

I will always love this special picture from this week.

Happiness

Happiness is a big round satisfied baby tummy... ...and a super sweet girl...

...with big beautiful eyes.

Tender tears

I sit here with tender tears tonight. Listening to LullabiesforGetty and thinking about my blessings and remembering that some parents are in situations that leave them brokenhearted. I complained today for the busyness in my house - I got interrupted when I was on the phone, while I tried to clean up the meal, while I tried to feed the baby, when I just wanted to check facebook, when I was in the shower... I just wished I didn't have to help anyone and that no one was talking to me for a moment. I wanted to have time for some things that I enjoy. Now I feel ashamed that I would complain. I am embarrassed that there are many who would wish to be in my position. I wonder how I could think that having time to myself would make me more joyful than being in the moments I was in.

My kids were so thankful I made them their favorite breakfast. We got busy in the garden. Kellen was so thrilled that he has his own designated box to plant and take care of. When they weren't helping me, there was happy chatter in the sandbox and from the swings.When it was time to water the newly planted seeds and they requested swimsuits for a waterfight, the "yes" answer brought on incredibly excited, happy squeals and a flurry of activity. I washed my dirty hands and picked up my camera. I had a hard time capturing pictures of my active and healthy children while they played with gusto.We trekked to the library with Kellen on his new big bike, Lanelle pedalling her trike (a brand new skill for her), and a completely happy and alert Neve in the stroller. They were over the moon about making the "super best banana boat" snack.

Looking back at the moments of the day, I realize I took them for granted. Sure, I enjoyed them. I was happy to be in the garden. I laughed lots with the kids during the water fight. But tonight while I think of what others are facing, I realize how very extraordinary it is to be so blessed. I want to feel more than just thankfulness for their kisses and hugs, for their healthy bodies and minds, and for being their mom. I want it to be enough. I don't want to find myself grouchy about folding another load of laundry. I don't want to daydream about having a day by myself. I don't want to think about what I will do when they are grown up. I want to remember that having a day with them - even with all the interruptions, messes, and frustrations - is the perfect place and the only place I would want to be.

Friendship

So many moments and events that I have meant to share/document here. And, like usual time slips away on me and I get overwhelmed. Sometimes I get overwhelmed by the volume of what I might share. Sometimes I shut down when I think about what might be appropriate to share in this fairly open public space and how it might me perceived. But, I'm going to try forget those thoughts and just share what might be in my thoughts today. If you stop by here, you'll probably run into some randomness as I just take the time to remember the good things in life. I need to do that, because it make me better. So, a good place to start is here. I got to catch up with my friend, Julia. I got to see her farm, chickens, and pigs. I watched her get married. I saw how happy she was. I saw how good she is loving husband and her son. I watched her make the most of her moments and be totally joyful. She is amazingly talented. Being with her inspired me because of all that she is and how she is choosing to live. I am so thankful for friendship that helps me live my life better. I am thankful for how God orchestrates things. I don't believe it is chance that I have met certain people and developed friendships that have influenced who I am. I know that He has given me friends that i need to help stretch, grow, and inspire me. Its not really something that I tell my friends - how they have helped to shape me. But, I know it is true. I am thankful for my friendships. Thank ~you~ for your friendship.