Reflection

My windows are so clean -- you can see your reflection.
Tongue in cheek.



Is it just me, or does Luca's reflection look just like a certain uncle of his??

Windows

I don't have the cleanest house on the block. I try to keep up, but certain things, I've just let go...like my windows.

I think it's kind of like vision that goes bad slowly...you don't notice that the leaves have become blurry until you get glasses... and suddenly all of the details are so very detailed.

The few times a year that I actually clean my windows, I'm in awe of the clarity...and promise to keep them clean from that point on. haha.

Today I discovered window markers.



Xan was VERY excited about them.

(an ocean scene. stunning, huh?)

We spent time, just the two of us, drawing. Please don't judge my lack of drawing skills. I've made peace with the fact that all of the creative, artistic skills skipped over me in the family line. Xan and I are on the same level.

Sometimes, he'll ask me to draw. The conversation goes like this...

X: can you draw me a shark?
Me: sure, here it is!
X: no, not an AIRPLANE, a SHARK!
Me: this IS a shark, see?
X: OOHH, it IS a shark?

(David added to the masterpiece as well)

So instead of looking out through a bunch of finger prints, mouth prints, and who knows what else, I get to look through this. And a bonus. You have to clean the windows to get it off!! :)

Then and Now

then

now

then

now...

this guy won't pose for anything

not when a face is within reach

my 3 then

my 3 now

then... he was content to lay still and watch

now... he wriggles free every other second to "jump" on the bed

they love each other

so much

my first year of 3 has gone by too fast

too sweet for words

My heart is very, very full.

Gone Fishin'

after months of waiting

the ice on the pond is gone


being (almost) 4 is pretty sweet

Home

I'm home after a few wonderful days in San Antonio, visiting my grandparents.

In my day to day, being wife and mom dominates my world. I wouldn't trade if for anything.

Sometimes, though, I feel like the other parts of me are buried. This past weekend, I had the pleasure of dusting a few off. I got to be sister, granddaughter and niece.

I got to travel as sister (what a treat to have not one, but two sisters who get sick on planes...thankfully they were both able to hold it down...I was ready to disown them--haha). Jonalee and I used to travel somewhat frequently together--so fun to do it again, this time with Katie along. Abbie has to join next time.

We all brought books, but hardly cracked them open. Too much to say. We stayed up late, most every night, talking, talking, talking. We shopped and shopped...no kids to rush home to, or dinners to be made. We ate and ate--so much yummy food--none prepared by us. I will not grace the scale with my presence for a week.

My Grandfather and Grandmother are beautiful people. It was awesome to be in their home again. To smell the familiar smells; eat familiar food. My grandmother laughs more than anyone I know, and we did lots of it together. We were introduced to some of their favorite people and places. We got to worship with them, both in church and in nature. They have a compelling relationship--what a treat to see that their love still sparks after 63 years.

We spent time with our aunt and uncle, some of the warmest, most enjoyable people you could know.

I am home now, kissing my boys (big and little) lots, and feeling very, very blessed. I don't deserve such gifts, but I am grateful.

Mark took amazing care of our boys (with the help of Nona). I walked in to an orderly home, laundry washed and folded-- all to help me ease back into my normal day to day. I'm happy to be wife and mom again, but I am so grateful that I got to give a few other parts of me air.

I left the picture taking to Jonalee, so check in here for more...