10-on-10: April

Baby got back...the other night, Ella woke up crying. She hopped out of bed, walked to the living room, retrieved the ergo and returned, shouting 'back! back!' This was at 2:00 in the morning. She hadn't been sleeping good due to a nasty chest cold, & I wasn't sure if I should laugh or cry; regardless, I put her on my back and sat there in bed, eyes closed, rocking her back and forth. At two, the boys were never this content being carried- they wanted to run (fast and far away from me, if we were in a store), but not this one...&  I kind of love it. 

Now continue through the circle, by way of the wonderful Elise, at Finn Photography.

Wish You Were Here 13/52

Wish You Were Here ...virtual postcards from around the world Dear Friends, We dyed our first batch of Easter Eggs last weekend- the top row is duck & the bottom row is chicken (a mixture of green and brown eggs). They turned out so vibrant, we've been squealing with excitement over it. Spring continues to fill the air- my car said 54 degrees today. That may be a stretch from reality, but it sure did feel good. Our short break from sports came to end tonight, with the start of soccer season. Another sign of spring. Life is good. xo

First Eggs of Spring

'And above all,watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in magic will never find it.' -Roald Dahl

Each morning, my oldest checks for eggs. His eyes light up, his excitement is unmatched; the number of eggs doesn't influence the reaction, simply finding eggs is pure satisfaction. 'It's like Christmas, mom, like they're giving us presents!' he once told me. It's magic; pure magic, watching his joy from this simple action.

A few days ago, we dyed our first batch of eggs. I kept telling him, after this, after that, let's wait until tomorrow, it's getting late. We we're tired, my other two kids were fighting deep chest colds. But then I realized those were just excuses- it was an easy process to set-up, it was Saturday night, with no obligations on Sunday. So instead, I dumped too much vinegar in the egg shaped containers and he started dying. His eyes lit up, all of ours did. The duck eggs, particularly, were so vibrant. Perhaps it was the vinegar, or the egg itself, or maybe a touch of magic. It was a good first batch.

Wish You Were Here 12/52

Wish You Were Here ...virtual postcards from around the world Dear Friends, We celebrated our niece/cousin's first birthday on Sunday; what a beautiful day it was! We took the kids to the park for an afternoon break, while Evie napped. In a short 10 days we'll be celebrating Ella's 2nd birthday. Life is good. xo

Kids Were Here

'If you must look back,do so forgivingly. If you must look forward, do so prayerfully. However, the wisest thing you can do is be present in the present... gratefully.' -Maya Angelou

Remember all the bananas you ate, Ella; you'd shout 'nana! nana!', then always follow-up with the sweetest sounding thank you.

Remember that day we went to Holiday Beach, where we got pussywillows to keep on the table. Always a first sign of Spring.

Remember that day all you kids played dress-up with your friends; you, Ella, were particularly fond of this coonskin hat for two days.

Remember when you, Rylee, decided this was your ninja symbol that needed to grace our table; it looks more like a ying-yang symbol to me, but not sure you know what that is just yet.

Remember all the dreamcatchers we collected, Covey, to help keep your bad dreams away. Sometimes they worked. 

Remember daylight savings time; when we gained that hour of daylight in the evening, when your room glows like this. When you boys argue it's not nightime because it's still light. You have a good case, you two, but you (usually) don't win.

Remember that winter, Covey, you always refused to wear coats, except this one. The blue fleece that was more of a thick long sleeve shirt, and completely inadequate for our winter days.

Remember that day, Ella, you spilt 2,700 beads on the floor; I think we may have accounted for 2,695 beads (let's pretend there aren't any hiding anywhere...)

Remember that day I was picking 2,700 beads off the floor and found this, as well; apparently, we were not winning with crafts today.

March, Our Everday