Today was a tough day - one unexpected thing after the next, which has a huge impact on us for one reason or another. We both came home feeling rather drained. Sat down to enjoy some one on one time together when we heard a commotion happening outside - our neighbors dog was run over right in front of our house. SO, amidst all this, I'm trying to shake off the day with items that I'm grateful for. So here they are:
1. Amazon Prime. Because this is a necessity when you're a mom. Literally.
2. Amazon Prime. Ok - reason two - fast shipping on the unexpected needs, especially when the Walmart 10 minutes down the road is still too far away.
3. Melrose oil. We have high hopes for this stuff as Declan was diagnosed with moderate eczema after 6 weeks of a horrid rash.
4. I can smell vacation - so close.
5. Extra time with my little buddy as we had the unexpected doctor's appointment mentioned above.
6. A quick and delicious dinner that had us all eating before bedtime routines normally begin. SCORE.
7. . . .a new day tomorrow. Thank you Jesus for your mercies.
1. Amazon Prime. Because this is a necessity when you're a mom. Literally.
2. Amazon Prime. Ok - reason two - fast shipping on the unexpected needs, especially when the Walmart 10 minutes down the road is still too far away.
3. Melrose oil. We have high hopes for this stuff as Declan was diagnosed with moderate eczema after 6 weeks of a horrid rash.
4. I can smell vacation - so close.
5. Extra time with my little buddy as we had the unexpected doctor's appointment mentioned above.
6. A quick and delicious dinner that had us all eating before bedtime routines normally begin. SCORE.
7. . . .a new day tomorrow. Thank you Jesus for your mercies.
Been pondering the length of "one good thing, every day". Should I have an end date in mind, carry on, only post every other day, change it up with a new series…?
I enjoy the challenge, and does it remind you to seek the good in your every day?
How about a practical review on this cold November evening?
Jon and I travel quite a lot. We've found the key to successful travel is your equipment. About 5 years ago we bought 2 LLBean Rolling Adventure Duffle's (large) after going through 3 sets of expensive suitcases in a short 2 years. Why? Because our first cruise we bought "regular" rolling luggage. . .the forklift loading our luggage onto the ship ended our luggage's short life. So we thought we'd outsmart the forklift and we bought hard case luggage for our next cruise. Upon arrival to our stateroom our brand new hard case luggage looked like it had been dropped from about 15 stories. . .So we bought a cheap luggage set next to see if perhaps this would deter abuse. It did not.
LLBean carries a lifetime warranty with their luggage. We've dragged our Adventure Rolling Duffles all over the world and the damage is practically nil. Our last trip to Africa saw abuse to the wheel of my duffle - but LLBean quickly replaced the entire duffle with a new one of my choice. All for free. Since adding two little people to our family we have also added two additional duffle bag. The large duffle is amazing for checked luggage as it literally carries 50lbs to the oz. The limit for checked luggage.
So, spent a little extra up front but save a boat load later. These suitcases are literally life changing. Take my word.
Jon and I travel quite a lot. We've found the key to successful travel is your equipment. About 5 years ago we bought 2 LLBean Rolling Adventure Duffle's (large) after going through 3 sets of expensive suitcases in a short 2 years. Why? Because our first cruise we bought "regular" rolling luggage. . .the forklift loading our luggage onto the ship ended our luggage's short life. So we thought we'd outsmart the forklift and we bought hard case luggage for our next cruise. Upon arrival to our stateroom our brand new hard case luggage looked like it had been dropped from about 15 stories. . .So we bought a cheap luggage set next to see if perhaps this would deter abuse. It did not.
LLBean carries a lifetime warranty with their luggage. We've dragged our Adventure Rolling Duffles all over the world and the damage is practically nil. Our last trip to Africa saw abuse to the wheel of my duffle - but LLBean quickly replaced the entire duffle with a new one of my choice. All for free. Since adding two little people to our family we have also added two additional duffle bag. The large duffle is amazing for checked luggage as it literally carries 50lbs to the oz. The limit for checked luggage.
So, spent a little extra up front but save a boat load later. These suitcases are literally life changing. Take my word.
This good from today:
1. An early rise. Normally this would not make the list but today we got up before the kids so we got a head start - and I wasn't even late for anything. Score.
2. I love my job. I love that I can lead by example and show my children what it means to work hard and be proud of what you do. I want my children to do the same - and the best way is for us to show them.
3. Work/Life balance. Vacation Planning.
4. A housekeeper. She keeps my laundry manageable, my floors swept and my kitchen clean.
5. A good relationship with the pediatrician (because we've paid their salaries the past 6 weeks).
6. Fresh flowers.
7. The first prediction of snow.
1. An early rise. Normally this would not make the list but today we got up before the kids so we got a head start - and I wasn't even late for anything. Score.
2. I love my job. I love that I can lead by example and show my children what it means to work hard and be proud of what you do. I want my children to do the same - and the best way is for us to show them.
3. Work/Life balance. Vacation Planning.
4. A housekeeper. She keeps my laundry manageable, my floors swept and my kitchen clean.
5. A good relationship with the pediatrician (because we've paid their salaries the past 6 weeks).
6. Fresh flowers.
7. The first prediction of snow.
The rain is falling hard. The earth quenching its thirst. Today the last bit of warmth was squeezed out of the season. . .one final drop of warmth before the cold temperature creeps in like a hungry beast. Our woodshed is stocked for the winter - in the coming days we will start the wood fire which will burn through the winter, and into the early spring of next year.
Tonight I've opened the windows to hear the rain and feel the last bit of warmth dissipate as the night overtakes. The house is quiet, the lights down low. It's an evening of reflection.
Tonight I've opened the windows to hear the rain and feel the last bit of warmth dissipate as the night overtakes. The house is quiet, the lights down low. It's an evening of reflection.
Calling all the mama's (and dad's too if this is your jam). . .
My older sister found this website when our two youngest babes graduated to puree's. It has been INCREDIBLE and I sing her praises from the mountain top at EVERY opportunity I get. So, if you have a lil babe who is almost ready for puree's or is currently in this stage. . .OR if you have a toddler . . .this website is for you!
Every few weeks I have a babyfoode party. . .tonight was party night!
My older sister found this website when our two youngest babes graduated to puree's. It has been INCREDIBLE and I sing her praises from the mountain top at EVERY opportunity I get. So, if you have a lil babe who is almost ready for puree's or is currently in this stage. . .OR if you have a toddler . . .this website is for you!
Every few weeks I have a babyfoode party. . .tonight was party night!
It's national collection week for Operation Christmas child.
A couple weeks we had no idea this even existed until it was introduced to us through our church. It's such a simple yet incredibly effective way of sharing God through the gift of giving. Yesterday we packed the kids up and headed to the store with a small mission. We spent the next hour filling two shoe boxes for two little boys somewhere in the world. In the coming days the destination for those two boxes will be chosen, and then shipped. And in the coming weeks those two boys will receive not only the gifts we packed into those little cardboard boxes, but will also spent 12 weeks learning about God. It's powerful.
Much thanks to our church, Northstar for introducing us to Operation Christmas child. And if you'd like to put this on your to do list for the coming year - watch THIS for inspiration.
A couple weeks we had no idea this even existed until it was introduced to us through our church. It's such a simple yet incredibly effective way of sharing God through the gift of giving. Yesterday we packed the kids up and headed to the store with a small mission. We spent the next hour filling two shoe boxes for two little boys somewhere in the world. In the coming days the destination for those two boxes will be chosen, and then shipped. And in the coming weeks those two boys will receive not only the gifts we packed into those little cardboard boxes, but will also spent 12 weeks learning about God. It's powerful.
Much thanks to our church, Northstar for introducing us to Operation Christmas child. And if you'd like to put this on your to do list for the coming year - watch THIS for inspiration.
Tonight I flew over the city lights. The moon hung low, almost parallel with us...and portrayed an incredible red hue. Not a cloud in the sky...just us, the city lights, the moon and the stars.
The perk to business travel? A full nights sleep. My first in almost 9 months. My batteries are on charge.
A Florida sunset. 91 degrees in Fall.
Oh man, how is it so? How is this little guy at this stage already? We've been working on pulling up, but this morning when I dropped him off at school, I looked over and his teacher had him standing up like a big guy! My heart melts when I see this guy :)
Psalm 139:13-16English Standard Version (ESV)
13 For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.[a]
Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me,
when as yet there was none of them.
13 For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.[a]
Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me,
when as yet there was none of them.
you knitted me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.[a]
Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me,
when as yet there was none of them.
We find ourselves in a new chapter this week. We're about to buy our 6th house - another flip, which makes 3 flip houses in 12 months. We've taken some financial risks in the past year, a little more than I would have liked given a newborn being welcomed in the midst of it. But we're looking at the end goal and a minor challenge eventually shows its worth. We seek to make a difference in life. Jon and I don't want to plod through life only leaving nothing but footprints. We want to live a life pleasing to God, to touch and inspire others, raise our children to be God fearing while giving them a strong foundation to spring from. We want to look back when we're 80 and know that we gave our all. At the end of our lives we want to hand it all back to God and say "for you…all of it".
We take the broken and tired and give it new breath. These homes we buy. . . we give new life. We give families the opportunity to start fresh and new in a home that we rebuilt. It's a lot of work, time, money and energy but on the day we plant our For Sale sign, we step back and know we gave the home our ALL. It's a sound and secure home. It's a place of GREATNESS. A home of greatness where greatness will stem.
It's taken Jon and I years to get to the point we are today. Hundreds of hours spent working on weekends, late at night. . .and finally we are seeing our dreams take flight. Oh so slowly gain momentum. We are working towards a dream . . .towards greatness. . .towards God.
Some words from those who have either found the words to describe it better, or who are on the path to greatness at the moment . . .
You were born with potential.
You were born with goodness and trust. You were born with ideal and dreams. You were born with greatness.
You were born were born with wings.
You are not meant for crawling so don't.
You have wings.
Learn to use them and fly.
- Rumi
Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit. We are all the same in this notion: The potential for greatness lives within each one of us.
- Lewis Howes
Greatness means having pride in yourself, being happy with yourself, knowing you've worked for something and couldn't have done anything more. That is greatness itself.
- Shawn Johnson
Greatness is cultivating the charter and habits that not only lead to success but also help you overcome any challenge or adversity. It's about lifting yourself up from the depths of despair and using mindfulness, joy, and love to harness your dreams.
- Lewis Howes
Happy Friday!
My most favorite evening of the week - knowing the morning won't bring a nice little sleep in. . .instead we will wake before the chickens (if we had any). But tomorrow. . .we play, spend time together, catch a family nap if we are super extremely amazingly lucky.
We've had a productive week. Got a lot done on the "to do" list. Declan sprouted his 4th tooth! Chloe's vocabulary saw a few added words like "education". For whatever reason though she is insistent "education" has to do with shopping. I was explaining to her this evening how her daddy and I need to ensure she gets a good education and she nods her head and said "yip, I do need to do some shopping".
Ok then.
Hope you all had a fantastic week. If not, tomorrow is Saturday!
My most favorite evening of the week - knowing the morning won't bring a nice little sleep in. . .instead we will wake before the chickens (if we had any). But tomorrow. . .we play, spend time together, catch a family nap if we are super extremely amazingly lucky.
We've had a productive week. Got a lot done on the "to do" list. Declan sprouted his 4th tooth! Chloe's vocabulary saw a few added words like "education". For whatever reason though she is insistent "education" has to do with shopping. I was explaining to her this evening how her daddy and I need to ensure she gets a good education and she nods her head and said "yip, I do need to do some shopping".
Ok then.
Hope you all had a fantastic week. If not, tomorrow is Saturday!
Friday Eve.
Pulling a sweet smiley baby out of his crib each morning, a big morning hug from my almost 3 year old. Conversations on the way to school, the sound of Declan playing with his toys. Laughter. The ever present company of the pups during my workday. These are all great and keep my "reservoir " full. . .but our evening routine, where it's just Jon and I winding down from the day. . .this is what I need daily.
The best part of today. . .my mom flew home to us! She's spent the last 3 weeks with my gramps and family, but to have her back is wonderful! Truly truly wonderful. There is such a comfort in knowing my mom is around the corner instead of across the world :)
Today it rained. A lot. But we got the prettiest sunset out of it. As we pulled into the garage this evening the whole world was illuminated in a hazy orange.
A beautiful sunset. It was one of my good things from today.
Here's another good - a few pictures from this past weekend that I've been enjoying today.
Standing at the doorway to a new week. . .
Today we went on our first family hike. We chose the "easiest" and "shortest" hike marked. Pssht. Don't let the picture fool you. The hike involved walking along cliffs with no railing, up and down wooden staircases precariously attached to rock cliffs, and I'm pretty sure we had a bear following us.
And the bear comment is a for real peeps coz Jon's eyes went the size of saucers and he stopped mid stride and said "did you just hear that?"…"that sounded like a bear".
After climbing about 300 stairs attached to a cliff, I was happy as heckles to arrive with all members accounted for :) Praise Jesus!
Now where is that ranger who marked this hike as easy to moderate, coz I need to have a word with him. . .
Now where is that ranger who marked this hike as easy to moderate, coz I need to have a word with him. . .
Tonight we went trekking through the woods in search of firewood. We built a fire and warmed ourselves as the sun silently set in the far far west. We watched the day end from a different location than normal. Same sun, different view. And so far, exactly what we needed.
If my age and energy would allow I would dive bomb my bed, scramble under the covers and snuggle in for a good solid nights' sleep. . . Alas, no matter the method, my warm bed awaits.
Our little guy is 8 months old today. I'm amazed at two things: how quickly a tiny little human goes from being this incredibly tiny tiny person to one who can almost crawl in such a short time frame. I am also amazed at how the human body can bounce back after having a baby. Lets get real, pregnancy and delivery takes your body to the absolute MAX, then tests the limits of MAX just a little bit more. But, God is good. Can I get an Amen?
It's my Gran's birthday today! Been thinking of her all day long. My heart longs for the extra years we never got. I wish Jon, and my kids has known the gentle soul she was. She led a life of meaning...lived her life God-breathed. In her presence you were touched by a small part of heaven.
Tonight the shooting stars represent the celebration of life. Happy Birthday Gran!
Tonight the shooting stars represent the celebration of life. Happy Birthday Gran!
Fall 2015 was at its peak today. Or so it felt. It was 70 degrees and yellow, orange and red leaves lay thick on the still green grass. The cloudy skies put a full stop at the end of the word Autumn.
Most of the day we cozied up at home. After the kids' naps we ventured out for a nice dinner at Jon's sister's house.
We took the kids for a walk this afternoon because Declan was fussy (double ear infection) and needed a distraction, and Chloe was needing to burn off some energy. Breathing some fresh air is what you need on days like today.
I believe the season calls for an apple cider recipe. Pumpkins are sprinkling the neighborhoods, dense fog clings to the morning hours, and the nip in the air is enough to remind us to double cheek the winter wood pile.
Ingredients
1 gallon apple cider
1 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon whole cloves
4 cinnamon sticks
1 orange sliced
Instructions
1. Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker. Stir until brown sugar is incorporated.
2. Turn slow cooker on low and let it steep until hot enough to drink (about 1.5 - 2 hours)
3. Remove cloves and cinnamon sticks before serving.
1 gallon apple cider
1 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon whole cloves
4 cinnamon sticks
1 orange sliced
Instructions
1. Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker. Stir until brown sugar is incorporated.
2. Turn slow cooker on low and let it steep until hot enough to drink (about 1.5 - 2 hours)
3. Remove cloves and cinnamon sticks before serving.
You know when you start to see a glimmer of normalcy when your newborn babe starts to get a little older? In the beginning the nights and days are so enmeshed they appear as one big mushy puddle. Baby feedings, newborn cries, recovery and hormone changes are ever consuming. Then the feedings start to see longer minutes in-between and the sweet babe starts to slowly recognize their surroundings. Grins turn in giggles, which eventually see baby rolls, baby puree and baby gates. As a mom you start to flourish further in your new layer of mommy hood. You gain confidence, insight and sleep. You are proud. You are raising the next generation. At this point you're only late for 1/2 your scheduled outings and appointments. You've gained the ability to juggle kids, lunches, bags and the breast pump - which you have a love hate relationship with. Life is getting easier. The kids less demanding, and mealtimes more enjoyable.
This was my good today: only one visit to the nursery last night. Happy babies when the sun rose. A garage to keep my car frost free. A cup of coffee waiting for me when I woke up. Sunshine on the early morning drive. A long chat with family on the other side of the world. Two little people coming home with smiles and hugs and love to last me all night long. Easy bedtime routines. The unexpected sound of the song played at our wedding. Quiet time.
Today was a good good day.
Today was oxygen to my soul. I went out on a limb a couple weeks ago and volunteered my career services on a huge project at work. Initially I'd decided against doing it for two reasons - I'm drowning in work obligations and also, there was a process of being accepted onto the program. But I did it - and was accepted. This afternoon I stepped back into the corporate world, away from my remote hideaway where I spend hours each day quietly churning ideas, thoughts and processes with only the quiet walls to bounce ideas off of. I love working remote - but it felt so so good to put on heels, a full face of makeup, grab my purse & keys and drive to the office.
In the meeting I was surrounded by suites, powerpoint, corporate lingo - and I thought … I'm back…this is my jam.
In the meeting I was surrounded by suites, powerpoint, corporate lingo - and I thought … I'm back…this is my jam.
A new week ahead of us. Possibilities are endless. . .
Let's go!
Saturday Report
1. Declan and I slept til 9am. Unheard of. The last 3 nights with a sleep consultant have taught me so much. And I haven't slept this good in almost 8 months. It's amazing.
2. We bought our first 2 pumpkins of the season today. Chloe was so funny coz she made a bee line straight to the 20+ lb pumpkins and was trying with ALL.HER.MIGHT to lift them up. She is a determined lil girl.
3. We sipped apple cider while we painted our pumpkins (faster than carving them!). First 1/2 gallon of apple cider - gone.
4. We had our first frost last night.
5. Tonight is our first fire in our new wood burning fireplace. The house has taken on a cozy winter feel.
6. We're seeing our final house projects wrap up. Feels so good!
7. Today I pulled out my UGG's.
8. This guy - he's too sweet for words. He melts our hearts.
was that time.
1. Declan and I slept til 9am. Unheard of. The last 3 nights with a sleep consultant have taught me so much. And I haven't slept this good in almost 8 months. It's amazing.
2. We bought our first 2 pumpkins of the season today. Chloe was so funny coz she made a bee line straight to the 20+ lb pumpkins and was trying with ALL.HER.MIGHT to lift them up. She is a determined lil girl.
3. We sipped apple cider while we painted our pumpkins (faster than carving them!). First 1/2 gallon of apple cider - gone.
4. We had our first frost last night.
5. Tonight is our first fire in our new wood burning fireplace. The house has taken on a cozy winter feel.
6. We're seeing our final house projects wrap up. Feels so good!
7. Today I pulled out my UGG's.
8. This guy - he's too sweet for words. He melts our hearts.
Before babies you kick back, enjoy a good book on a stormy afternoon, sip a nice frothy latte as you enjoy the gentle pitter patter of rain drops bouncing off the glass windows. Kids make their welcomed entrance and 3 years later you can count the number of books you've finished on…oh, say one finger. But you know what? I'm reading a book. Yes mommies, I know you can appreciate this GINORMOUS statement :) Saving Grace by Pamela Fagan Hutchins - comes highly recommended on iBooks. 100 pages in and I think I might even add it to "the recommend" list.
Who else is making history and reading books while changing diapers and dodging flying baby puree?
We hired a sleep consultant yesterday. Never thought I'd say that. In recent months it seems we need an army to keep us in motion. Declan has been killing us one night at a time. I have a job that requires me to be on point, accurate and engaged - and Jon is highly active while also running up and down 40 foot ladders on a hour by hour basis. With no sleep we felt we were falling apart of the seams. Enter Violet. I met her yesterday morning at 10am. At 10pm I reckon she was my best friend…probably one sided, but I'm claiming her :)
She took our current bedtime routine - shook it up and presented it back to us. We tried it out, made an extra tweak or two and do you know what? Declan only woke up ONE time for a brief feed ALL NIGHT LONG. Perhaps beginners luck, but thank you to the good Lord Jesus for the longest night we have had in 8 months!
Tonight we used her method, and you know what? Declan put HIMSELF to sleep in 7 minutes! One of Violet's recommendations is for Declan to sleep with a lovey (something small that he can cuddle with). So we added that to his bedtime routine. I went in there to check on him about 30 minutes after he'd fallen asleep and he had his arm wrapped tightly around his lovey! Ahh man, melt my heart!
We have 10 more hours left of this night. Wish us luck for night #2!
PS. If you are looking for a little sleep - don't hesitate. Just visit Violet HERE. Seriously. SERIOUSLY.
This is today's reality.
For this reason this is what I promise: “If I cannot give my
children a perfect mother I can at least give them more of the one they’ve
got–and make that one more loving. I
will be AVAILABLE. I will take time to
LISTEN, time to PLAY, time to be home when they arrive from school, time to
COUNSEL and ENCOURAGE.” ~ Ruth Bell Graham
Who's with me?
This arrived in the mail today! I ordered it months before the release date and have been patiently awaiting its shipment date. This is a 5 year record of captured moments, treasured events and little snippets. We start today and end October 13th, 2020.
In the sermon today the paster was reading 2 Timothy 3:16-17 where the bible said: 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
And the word God-breathed grabbed me. We are of Christ and should therefore live each day as God-breathed. Be God-breathed. How powerful!
Some days are just hard - who's with me? Declan has an ear infection. His minute naps accounted for nil at the end of the day. Chloe was desperate to swing on her swing set despite the rain drops falling from the sky. Jon and I attempted to maintain full composure despite a night of constant up and down thanks Declan's rough night. And the morning started waaaaaay to early. Like waaaay too early. Before the sun was up kinda early.
Tonight it took us 2 hours to get Declan calm enough for bed, an added hour after that to exhaust Chloe enough for bed. But we made it. The house is calm. . .our little people fast asleep. Thank you Jesus.
The sound of rolling thunder amid heavy raindrops. The relaxed breathing of an infant as he sleeps. A spontaneous lunch date with my guy. The last day of autumn warmth before another cold front. A word of encouragement from a source least expected. A hot shower. Two pups fresh from the hairdresser. A clean garage. Impromptu visits. These are the good from today.
One escape artist in her attempt to dash from the camera - captured in all her blur.
One little dude who found exhibit A, off to the far right, quite amusing.
It's a true capture.
To say I was a skeptic is probably the understatement of the year. Seriously. And by seriously I mean S.E.R.I.O.U.S.L.Y. But I'm linked with a group of incredible moms who are all firm believers in essential oils. For months and months they've all shared their incredible love for the product and I've just skipped over their success stories coz really, I was that skeptic. Then in passing one day I was reading a post from one of the moms and she was talking about how much the young living essential oils had helped her son with carsickness. And I was like "hmmm". So I read a little bit on it, and it piqued my interest. So I read a little more and more…and then I invested in the premium kit. I've had my kit for 2 weeks now. . .and I LOVE IT! The kids have lavender diffusing in their rooms as we speak and I have my own little blend of thieves and citrus permeating the air.
Chloe got a stomach bug last Friday - and she was down for the count. I rubbed a little carrier oil with one drop of DiGize on her belly and within minutes she stopped throwing up. After a little more TLC and a warm bath with another drop of DiGize, she was 100% in less than 24 hours. It was amazing.
Each morning I start work with the smell of citrus diffusing. Gives me a little extra boost (that and my GREENS!!) Coz the good Lord knows I need some energy :)
I'm not gonna push essential oils in case you feel the same way I did - but I did want to share my very good thing from today. Wink wink! But if you want some, you know where to find me.
"Love you Mommy. You have a good night." ~ Chloe
The big rain drops, blowing wind and cold temps blew away today. The sunshine and autumn warmth took its place. I bought apple cider and a big bouquet of sunflowers to celebrate the change of season and the change of weather. So far Autumn has been good.
that new vehicle smell.
5 hours with granny while mommy + daddy go pick up the above.
Rain. Rain. Rain. Still loving the 2 days straight of continuous torrential downpour.
Thieves + peppermint diffusing through our candlelit home.
Warm baths on a Saturday morning.
A good cup of coffee.
These are the really good things from today.
5 hours with granny while mommy + daddy go pick up the above.
Rain. Rain. Rain. Still loving the 2 days straight of continuous torrential downpour.
Thieves + peppermint diffusing through our candlelit home.
Warm baths on a Saturday morning.
A good cup of coffee.
These are the really good things from today.
Today I didn't brush my hair. I didn't even try cover up the dark circles under my eyes, and I fed my little family ice-cream before dinner just so I could enjoy 10 minutes of non chaos. Some days it's survival.
Chloe drew up my arm in black ball point pen. Declan wiped snot all over my shirt. I fought with the carseat and finally, after 30 minutes of fighting it into its secure place in the car, I loaded the kids only to realize I had put Chloe's carseat together wrong after washing it last night. It was raining, it was cold, Declan was protesting - Chloe insistent on feeding me 12 pieces of spearmint gum. Finally, everyone loaded, I turn the car key only to hear silence. . .dead car.
Chloe napped, Declan protested naps all day. Chloe bounced off the walls and threw half of Declan's bedroom down the stairs, laughing hysterically as items bounced off the landing. Picking my battles, and saving my energy, in the middle of a 15 minute 2 year old tantrum I asked Chloe to go pack her bags and pick some books coz we were going to Mexico. Instant silence and immediate action. I won and didn't even have to explain myself when we didn't even end up leaving for the airport.
The good from today you ask? Ice-cream. It was pretty delicious.
Chloe drew up my arm in black ball point pen. Declan wiped snot all over my shirt. I fought with the carseat and finally, after 30 minutes of fighting it into its secure place in the car, I loaded the kids only to realize I had put Chloe's carseat together wrong after washing it last night. It was raining, it was cold, Declan was protesting - Chloe insistent on feeding me 12 pieces of spearmint gum. Finally, everyone loaded, I turn the car key only to hear silence. . .dead car.
Chloe napped, Declan protested naps all day. Chloe bounced off the walls and threw half of Declan's bedroom down the stairs, laughing hysterically as items bounced off the landing. Picking my battles, and saving my energy, in the middle of a 15 minute 2 year old tantrum I asked Chloe to go pack her bags and pick some books coz we were going to Mexico. Instant silence and immediate action. I won and didn't even have to explain myself when we didn't even end up leaving for the airport.
The good from today you ask? Ice-cream. It was pretty delicious.
The closing of another month. Already. I think we saw a closing to 80 degree temperatures also. Cooler temperatures were pushed in by big, dark, rolling clouds this evening. In like a lion, out like a lamb. . .thats what they say. The kids are wrapped up warm for the night. Tomorrow's clothes laid out. . .we'll be dressed just a little bit warmer as we welcome in October.
She's mastered sweeping the floors, using the dust pan, setting the table and cleaning the counters. She loves stories of monkeys, and elephants and has a very tender spot for kitties. She was very nearly an only child, and has flourished as a big sister. She wraps her little arms around my legs and squeezes with all her might. She understands what "I love you" means and whispers it to us regularly.
She is incredible.
I want to live with purpose. Do those important items on my bucket list. Focus my attention on the things that matter.
Photography by K.Addington ℅ Shutter Candy
Here is a small sample of my list:
1. Continue building a relationship with my Jesus.
2. Dedicate time each day to totally focus on Jon - we're doing life together so we need at least a few minutes each day to just be us.
3. Build memories with my children. Childhood is sacred. These are the days my children will look back on when they are adults. I want to laugh, play and enjoy these days without being weighed down by items that don't matter.
4. Spend 14 days in Tahiti.
5. I want to live simply. Cut out excess.
6. I want to wake up to the sound of the gentle waves lapping my beach. Every single morning.
7. Effectively promote the love of Jesus.
So, I'm going to go do them.
Here is a small sample of my list:
1. Continue building a relationship with my Jesus.
2. Dedicate time each day to totally focus on Jon - we're doing life together so we need at least a few minutes each day to just be us.
3. Build memories with my children. Childhood is sacred. These are the days my children will look back on when they are adults. I want to laugh, play and enjoy these days without being weighed down by items that don't matter.
4. Spend 14 days in Tahiti.
5. I want to live simply. Cut out excess.
6. I want to wake up to the sound of the gentle waves lapping my beach. Every single morning.
7. Effectively promote the love of Jesus.
So, I'm going to go do them.
We went to sleep to the sound of rain…and woke to the sound of it too. Our plants drank the raindrops, while our feet splashed through puddles. The clouds hung dark and heavy all day long and it was a welcomed change.
The evening sky was ON FIRE tonight! In a matter of minutes it went from yellow to orange then pink and purple before settling into the darkness. We took Chloe outside to watch the setting sun and she exclaimed loudly "OHHH the sky is pink and purple!! Jesus made it pink and purple JUST FOR ME!!!!"
My sister always said you needed a sense of humor as a parent. I see that.
Tonight:
1. Mommy! Come look! I pooped on your bathroom floor. (For life's bleachable moments)
2. Chloe, where is the ($30!!) bottle of lavender oil? Mommy, I was tired of looking at it so I dumped it out.
3. Mommy, here eat your dinner with Declan's spoon so I can eat my dinner with your fork.
4. And finally . . . a swift, hard kick to the nose to check mommy's reflexes (which apparently are operating on delay…ask Declan why).
But soon my babies will be college applicants, career seekers and looking for their first apartment. Give me a kick in the nose instead, thanks.
Tonight:
1. Mommy! Come look! I pooped on your bathroom floor. (For life's bleachable moments)
2. Chloe, where is the ($30!!) bottle of lavender oil? Mommy, I was tired of looking at it so I dumped it out.
3. Mommy, here eat your dinner with Declan's spoon so I can eat my dinner with your fork.
4. And finally . . . a swift, hard kick to the nose to check mommy's reflexes (which apparently are operating on delay…ask Declan why).
But soon my babies will be college applicants, career seekers and looking for their first apartment. Give me a kick in the nose instead, thanks.
Tonight the setting of the sun not only marked the end of September 22nd…it marked the end of Summer too. No more lightening bugs, hot summer nights, hotter summer days…humidity that clings to your every pore. No more summer thunderstorms. . .heat lightening. No more tank tops, shorts and sandals, no more beach trips, sunburn and suntan lotion. No more summer garden, blooming daisies and wilted ferns. The leather seats in my car will no longer burn the back of my legs when I climb in . . .the air conditioning bill will no longer reflect constant usage, nor will the neighborhood experience the constant hum of the air units. We'll open our windows to smell Fall. We'll let the cool breeze blow through the house. . .through our hair, and through our car's sunroof. We'll replace the summer's exhausted flowers with mums and pumpkins. Warm up some apple cider and enjoy cool evenings by the fire. All because tomorrow is Fall!
Tonight we are enjoying the raw basics of life. . .
Early to bed. Almost as good as winning the lottery...the only thing better would be a night of solid sleep. But I'm a realist.
This was our evening tonight. Fair rides. Fresh lemonade. Zoo animals. The smell of deep fried everything mixed with cotton candy. Carmel apples. Two tired babies.
