Braces and a haircut

Monday was a busy morning.  Lena got her braces put on and Nathaniel got his first haircut.

Both are monumental moments for a mom, and for a preteen, and baby for that matter.  I made her a promise that I'd share with her a picture from when I had braces.  Its pretty cool to see that cycle reoccur within our own family.  All of our kids are growing up.  It's exciting and scary all at the same time. 

We have two in braces now, and probably three to go, its funny how in some things we're not even halfway through yet in some respects, like paying for braces.  One day at a time, that's my mantra. 

I am here to enjoy today.  Kinda like this little guy!

Mending

Today was finally the day that I picked up that heavy torn bed skirt off my bedroom floor that had been lying there for months looking at me every time I came into the room.  It belongs on my oldest daughter's bed, and became torn after many climbs onto the bed by our sweet Rosemary who loves to play on her sister's bed.   Mending is not my favorite way to spend my creative time.  I'll put off sewing a button for months until I can't stand it anymore, or either I'm nagged to death about it - which is the more likely scenario.  I wish I was better at the quick jobs and the long jobs as this one is turning out to be.





Mending doesn't give me as much satisfaction, but it's a functional job isn't it?  So I spend this morning mending and appreciating my decision to get just one more lingering job done around the house today and knowing how much better I'll feel as Lena's bed looks more tidy and my room . . . has one less thing cluttering it up.

There are some jobs that require baby steps . . .

Our halloween

Hello all!  We had a wonderful Halloween this year!  We had friends over and celebrated Daniel's 40th birthday.  We had a much needed relaxing - family - fun - and friendship, no stress kind of day and evening.  Yes, much needed indeed.














Hope yours was wonderful too!  Have a exciting, adventuresome, creative weekend!

First day of school - 2013

Today was officially our first day back at school.  Or should I say school(s)!  We're in three different schools this year and four buses.  Yep, this is a family that loves challenges I say!  After the last bus came and went and once back inside and dishes and kitchen were cleaned, I found Nathaniel busy with his block activity, he loves putting things into containers.





Seeing him play like that made me think of this moment from 7 years ago when I got back home from taking my now 6th grade middle schooler to Junior Kindergarten for the first time.

First day of school - 2006




I remember there was this strange quietness in the air as the siblings who are left behind got lost in play.  I can now feel my heart sink a little lower in my chest.  Its not often that we stop long enough to sit in these moments, there is so much hustle and bustle going on in our homes that sometimes its hard to feel the tenderness.  These little ones are growing up so fast.  Hopefully the butterflies went away quickly for everyone who was a little more worried than usual this morning.  Its all so normal.  I'll sit and anxiously await each of their arrivals this afternoon.  I'll hear their stories, laugh with them about their day, share a snack and enjoy our reunion for the evening.  The first day back to school . . . its glorious I say! 

First day of school - 2006



First day of school - 2013 - today!

this moment ::

Inspired by Soulemama's {This Moment}

{this moment} - a single photo - no words - capturing a moment from my week.  I want to pause and savor this moment. 

this moment ::

Inspired by Soulemama's {This Moment}

{this moment} - a single photo - no words - capturing a moment from my week.  I want to pause and savor this moment. 

this moment ::

Inspired by Soulemama's {This Moment}

{this moment} - a single photo - no words - capturing a moment from my week.  I want to pause and savor this moment.