A Humorous Fail

It was one of those days. . .

A day where I was still holding on to the last dregs of sickness. The wilds were anxious and bursting with untouched energy, and my love was frantically running around caring for everyone and everything. 

We had a going away bash for friends that evening, where our appearance was mandatory, yet it was becoming increasingly clear- that I would not be attending. Kaleb, strong and brave man that he is, magically managed to get all four kids dressed, out the door and loaded into the car in just the nick of time. A true feat for any one parent.

Thirty minutes passed, and from my sick bed I receive his phone call- he had just arrived to the party, when to his total dismay he realized that he still had on his house slippers!

It still makes me smile:)

---pic is old, but makes me happy. Still, I must get out my camera and get myself back in gear. Happy week, friends!

Anniversary

It's unbelievably hard to wrap my head around, but today, Kaleb and I are celebrating our 10 year wedding anniversary. My, it goes by so quickly- it hardly seems real. 

This man though, he is the absolute love of my life. I love him more then I ever could have dreamed and am beyond thankful to walk this life with him.

Happy Anniversary, love!

Bring on Spring

What seems like just a few days ago, I was deep in the heart of winter. Enjoying the arctic chill of the out of doors set in direct contrast to the backdrop of a warm house- with a fire blazing, it's deep hues of orange and red pushed against the glass panes.

We had fallen into our cold weather routine- and it was lovely. Big Breakfasts, cleaning up as a family to the beating tones of Mumford and Sons- always the boys first pick. From there we would all take to the fireplace room, warm drinks in hand to read or partake in mancala tournaments, all before we would lay our little miss down for a morning nap, while we commenced to schooling. Using her post sleep wails as our closing bell- we would grab a quick lunch before bundling up and heading out for an afternoon spent playing with mother nature.

We had a thing, a rhythm- It was working.

and now it's not.

These wee bugs have become tightly wound balls of highly compressed energy- ready to explode at any moment. They are over the cozy and the methodical. You can see it in their eyes, an almost crazed longing for adventure, warmth and freedom. They want to run wild and build and explore- they are craving the deliverance that only spring can bring them. I can feel it welling up inside me too. A deep longing for sunshine to warm the tops of my shoulders and caress the back of my neck. To dig my hands into the cool, soft earth- planting seeds and bringing forth life.

There is something wholly special in the changings of the seasons. Bringing with it an awakening, a renewal of routines and refreshing metamorphose of drill. I can feel the heartbeat of spring coming forth within us- a feeling of power like we ourselves could call up the tulips, buttercups, violets and vervains.

Change is coming, and we-for one, are ready.

Happiness in a Catch-Up

I cannot tell you how great it feels to be back in this space again. I have missed it, and I have missed all of you!

I want to say a deep heartfelt Thank You, to each one of you who left such sweet comments, and sent kind emails- for your prayers and your kindness- it was a mighty blessing during a very rough week.

And it was a rough one- My Dad stayed with us thru the week, ensuring that he got lots of rest and extra attention. Each day building his confidence and  becoming more and more at peace. Sadly, during his stay- we all got sick. Stomach bugs, viruses, strep- you name it, we had it. It all combined into a very heavy feeling and around Wednesday I found myself crazy sick, in Memphis, crammed in a mass of people, at the theatre to watch the long awaited Lion King- balling my eyes out. I could go no further.

It was just one of those little times in life where you really had to search to find the happy- so I forced myself to sit down and write it out. 

- good books. I just happened to have picked up a copy of Peace Like A River by Leif Enger and had brought it with me to the hospital last weekend. I spent many an hour reading aloud to my Dad and we both were consumed. It is hands down one of the most beautifully written books I've ever come across. Lyrical and profound in it's prose- truly a brilliant read. (T-tom if you're reading this, you will absolutely love this one!)

- Veg Night. Kaleb and I have dubbed Monday nights Veg night. We  put kiddos to bed early, order out food, watch bad tv and just relax all night. It's a whole lotta awesome. This week got away from us, but last night we were able to make up for it.

-My sister-in-law. I am so thankful for her. She is incredibly supportive- texting, calling, checking in on us everyday, bringing meals- She excudes kindness and comfort and I am beyond grateful for her presence in my life.

- hot water. Our hot water heater in no bueno- but this week the heavens parted and gave me the gift of a hot shower- and it was good.

- While still laying around, sleeping off the last dregs of this sickness, my little Eleanor was sitting next to me in bed and she offered me her two most valued treasures. So lovingly she handed me her pacifier and then the corner of her blanket, which she rubbed up and down on my nose, just the way she quiets herself for nap time. I was so honored.

-There's a lot of happiness in the small things too, like non-scented deodorant, twix bars, ginger kambucha, good music, clean sheets. And lots and lots of happy from my people- those four crazy little rascals and Kaleb, always, Kaleb.

Sure, like everyone, there are times when I can get a little down, wallow in some self-pity, but I'm always pulled back up. The truth of it is -and this is a direct quote my Dad has sayed over and over since I was a little girl- 'I live a charmed life.'