highs and lows

This week has been full of some beautiful messes, incredible weather and a lots of laughter, but like any week- it's also had a few minor hiccups and it's fair share of challenges.

Let me fill you in. . . 

High- After years of being handed drawing after drawing from my wee bits, and me not really knowing what to do with it and eventually throwing it out, only for them to find it and then me looking like a heartless.. well, anyway. I finally built them a beautiful barn wood display that I found on pinterest here. Now they can proudly show off their artistic talent and be in charge of what stays and what goes. Why I never thought of it sooner, I have no idea.

Low- I had one day where I was so unbelievably weary, dragging from the moment I awoke, truly exhausted. It was a long day only made worse by falling asleep for a bit of a nap on some misplaced chocolate chips and waking ten minutes later to the melted, messy aftermath that was matted in my hair and smeared down my arm. Thanks you baby bugs, thank you.

High- The big kids have been unbelievably happy this week. So content and self-entertained- building forts, playing football on a make-shift field their daddy made them. Erecting large wooden teepees with wood scraps, and swinging for hours on end. They have been outdoors from the minute we finish school til night is closing in and it makes my heart soar to see them so free.

Low- My baby bit is getting some fresh molars and she is a little ball of rashy, clingy, fussiness. In all the cutest ways possible of course.

High- Kaleb and I were craving some good quality time at the end of the day. We're both pretty worn out and it's easy to just want to sit. So we challenged ourselves to spend our evenings doing something fun, active. It's been so refreshing- we've finally broken open that game cabinet, and spent time creating together- either in the kitchen or outdoors. We've talked and laughed so much more and I love this new time.

Low- My Zain-o is having a difficult time remembering the numbers 11 and 12. I've tried everything- making it a game, using exercises and legos, maps and buttons. So far nothing is working and I am trying to decide if this is some kind of test he has  devised to find my breaking point or if he is being serious.  Either way, we've had some tricky school days.

I like to end on a high, It's always best to see the good, in my opinion. Kaleb was gone one night and we were fresh out of food, hardly a nibble to be found. After some serious searching, I was able to rustle up some pasta and drench it in butter and salt. I set the big table, lit all the candles I could find, poured some water in wineglasses and blared some italian music. We decided to make it a celebration with toasts to happiness and family and beautiful blessings. It's amazing how a few simple tweaks can elevate life, turn it into something beautiful.

Finally, the weekend is upon us again, a much needed break from chores and routine. We have lots of upcoming excitement and big to-do lists that we will hopefully be checking off next week with family coming into town to help. Plus, I'm so hoping to get halloween costumes made, pumpkins carved, and mums planted.

How was your week- any highs or lows?