Friday, May 13, 2011

Up he goes!

What is a mama to do. He is scrambling!

This Moment - A Friday Ritual - Blooming

I'm following along with SouleMama - in her words:

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Playing together!

We have reached the moment - the kids playing together - really playing together and coming up with imaginary games and rules and roles - that I have been waiting for. I'm hoping it will continue for a while and not be a fleeting moment of bliss. They have been playing "shop" under the barstools. One sells to the other for "cash and money" and then they switch. Their store sells clothes, treats, food, and all kinds of other stuff.

They have also been doing lots of play with their baby dolls. This afternoon they had them out playing chalk and learning to walk in the front yard. The other day they were teaching them to use the potty.

It's really amusing when Peanut tells a story about what her girl likes or doesn't and then ends with "ah, I didn't know that about her!" as though her girl is unfolding her personality the way my little ones seem to be.

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Every Day

I really dislike the idea of setting aside a day to celebrate moms. Really, I am not of fan of most of these kinds of holidays - they imply that we need a reminder to appreciate what we ought to be celebrating every day. Of course, we are also supposed to buy cards and flowers and go out to a pricey overrated brunch. So is Mother's Day actually for me? I think not. It does make me think about mommy hood though, and about my beautiful children, without whom I'd just be dreaming of some day being a mom. As much as I love children in general, I had no idea how much my heart could hold. Love you babies.

Victorious!

My strategy has worked. I have tried growing broccoli several times now, and never been successful. The plants I have now are the most advanced version of cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower I have ever managed, and by golly I'd like to keep them going! We picked several cabbage worms off the broccoli and cabbages this week, so I began a daily inspection. I started putting the worms in a little bowl on the side of the garden bed to entice the birds to do their part. I just caught a cardinal and his mate having a fabulous mother's day buffet in the brassicas!

Friday, May 6, 2011

This Moment - A Friday Ritual - Cabbage Worm

I'm following along with SouleMama - in her words:

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Thank You

I haven't written about gratitude in a long time. It seems that I ought to, as it is something I am working towards incorporating into my daily life. I do understand why I haven't written too much as it's been hard for me to express gratitude. Like everything, I continue to learn and grow. So here we are.

It's relatively easy being grateful for the wonderful things in life. Husband, children, lovely home, the ability to choose work...the list goes on and on. I am blessed for sure. You just smile, say thank you, and go on about your day. It's harder I have found to be grateful for things that on the surface seem like they are hurting your life. But really, that is what it's all about - learning from failures, mistakes, crummy relationships,your kids temper tantrums, overbearing (or incompetent) bosses...it's all for good. All of the valleys, if you use them to your advantage and really take a minute to reflect upon them, are there to help you grow.

So thank you for providing an opportunity for me to become a better me. Thank you for the chance to reflect upon the words that come out of my mouth and consider how they will be received. Thank you for the lump in my throat, the tear in my eye, the clench of my jaw that alerts me to my inner issues that need to be examined. Thank you for each and every part of my life that has brought me to this place today. I am grateful.