Morning Snuggles

I can't wait for the lazy days of summer; however, since we still have three weeks of school left, I'll take this morning snuggle and cherish it.

Awards Galore

The year ended the same way it started: Fantastic!  Throughout the year, I have been so happy with how well you kids have done academically.  There was a shift in learning this year with the introduction of common core, but both of you have a solid foundation and I am so happy with your progress.

Bubba received an award for Academic Excellence as he heads off to fourth grade.  Lene Bean received several awards as she is done with her time at our neighborhood school.  Next year she begins middle school!

As proud as I am of their accomplishments this year, no certificate is needed for dad and I to know that you've given your best effort.  That is all we ever ask.  Awards are nice but not necessary. Proud of you both!

My Lene Bean. . . World Changer

Dearest Oldest Daughter,

I have to write this to you today because I just can not reiterate it enough:  God is SO faithful!  He sees you. He knows your heart and He knows you take your job seriously each day you armor up and head out the front door to the public school wielding His love and word as your main weapons.  He speaks to you in the whispers of the words printed in your Jesus Calling Devotional.  He embraces you in prayer as we pray aloud for the intentions of the day and then He uses me to bless your forehead with a simple request as you head out the door--to shine His light.

Once upon a time, I held your little hand in mine as we crossed the street to get you to where you needed to be safely.  Now, I stand at our front door and watch as you carefully look to the left, then to the right and pause before stepping out into the street that separates us for seven hours of our day.  Seven hours!  Bean, talk about a leap of faith and putting all my worries into God's hands!  Sending you to school is a test of my faith... Every. Single. Day.  There is so much that works on your little heart--gossip, meanies, growing up too quickly, talk you might not be ready for. . . and yet still we send you off  BUT with God daily.

Bean, there have been so many more good days than bad days in your six years at our little neighborhood school.  I look forward to our weekly lunch dates and cooking a hot meal and sharing it with you on Thursdays.  I can not believe that in a matter of months this chapter will be closed.  It breaks my heart a little more each day.  But at the same time, God is gifting me this beautiful daughter who I am learning from and growing with!  I do not take this gift lightly, love.

I hope you realize what an incredible honor it was to be chosen as one of the recipients of the Manny Hernandez Kindness Award.  Different times when you've cried because you were passed up for a Good Citizenship award at assemblies--but were kind anyways.  God saw.  When you walked away from the drama and found new girls to play with,  God saw.  When you introduced yourself to the new kid at school, God saw.  When you were polite to teachers and school personnel, God saw.  God SEES everything Bean.  So handle today with love, love, and more love.  I wish I had recorded all that was said about you last night.  My mama heart was so incredibly proud BUT it soared and actually stopped hearing anything else except, the student who wrote, "She has a heart for God and it shows."

Last night's award was more confirmation that God uses normal people to change the world.  You are an ambassador for Christ and He is writing your story.  As Ruth Schwenk said at the Mom Heart Conference a few weeks back, "Our mission and calling as moms is to raise and release children who, like everyone else in God's story are called to glorify the creator."  Who you are in relation to other people is so much more important that what you accomplish.  I would much prefer raising disciples for Christ than having a smart kid who doesn't see the world as his or her mission field.  I am so blessed by your vision for your life--I'm blessed that you desire to shine God's light, be it on a stage, in the classroom, at recess or lunch--wherever you travel.  Your heart is pure.  I love you.

Imprint this award on your heart.  Be kind, even when it's hard.  Love freely, even when you might not want to.  Forgive easily, it's as much a gift for you as the offender.  Be thankful, count your blessings even on the bad days.  Create joy out of any and every circumstance.  You are headed in the right direction, fully armored with Christ's love and scripture.  Be brave in your battle as you continue to be a disciple for the One who loves you most.


From around the universe a million times and back,

Mama

⁶ And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. ⁷ You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. ⁸ You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. ⁹ You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.--Deuteronomy 6:6-9

Time Keeps Getting Away From Me

I'm not sure if it's time that seems to be playing a cruel joke on me or the health status of our kids that is doing it.  The last week of school knocked us down.  While Janessa healed from pneumonia, Jonathan succumbed to strep throat and I to a sinus infection.  Neither diagnosis' were fun when there were so many end of the year things to tie up.  But, as we usually do--we survived if not thrived during the chaos.

Monday we said good-bye to our cousin Devin.

His service was beautiful, heart felt and inspiring.  So many people had so many great things to say about the life he lived.  Although it may have been too short by our standards, I was so impressed by the young man he had become.  The one we hardly knew, but one whose death made us long to know him better.  It was nice to be around Ernie's extended family and listen to stories of their days past and to laugh.  Laughter was alive and well, like the hope we have that one day we will see Devin again in heaven.  Maybe Devin's death will inspire us to seek ways to get together more often, to love each other for who we are, and to create a stronger knit family for our kids.  Maybe. . .that is my prayer now.

Saturday as part of my mission to stay in touch and forge those connections I went to a Fit Camp that Devin used to run.  His big brother is taking over the assignment.  It's a free, hour long fitness boot camp that kicked my butt.  Two days later and I am still sore.  I think I have muscles I didn't know I had.  I've been doing Insanity at home in the privacy of my bedroom--and truth be told, sometimes I fast forward when the going gets too tough.  In real life, I think I pushed myself harder and I couldn't pause or fast forward through it.  I just had to do it.  Thanks for the motivation and inspiration, Devin! Now let's see if I can Get E to go with me next week. . .

The last week of school meant one last graduation for me to attend with  my dad.  It was fun to watch him and his friends pass out cards to graduating seniors.  I'm not sure it had hit him yet that this was it--his last working graduation.  It hit me though.  My dream was always to fill his shoes and counsel from his office when he was through.  My dream changed.

I would have to say they are worth it!  I'm so glad God's plans for me are so much bigger than I could have ever dreamed!

Finally, Nessa Bessa went through a preschool promotion.  She will be returning for one last year but it was cute to watch her on stage.  She has come a long way from lying on the floor during their Christmas sing along: )

This little girl stretches me.  She pushes me beyond what I think I am capable of.  She is strong-willed and loving.  She is feisty and fierce but happy.  She is demanding but absolutely understanding.  I have enjoyed this year with her immensely.  For the first time I felt like a stay-at-home mom with a little escape once a week to work.  Who would've thought it would turn out as beautiful as this?

 

Life is full of unexpected surprises. . .Sunny Summer days are on our horizon.

October 30, 2012

A while back we got involved in the Tech committee at our children's school.  We wanted our kids to have the likes as far as technology goes as some other schools in the district.  We decided we could sit back and complain about it, or we could get involved.  We chose the latter.  It has been a whirlwind, but this weekend the school hosted our first, "Food Truck for Tech Bucks" event.  It consisted of about eight food trucks, a play yard, bake sale, vendors selling their crafts, small businesses promoting their services, and was rounded out with a fun dose of talent!  For close to three weeks now, kids have been meeting at least twice weekly to prepare to hit the stage for their performances.

This was the first year I was in full support of Lene trying out.  It seems now, I am able to sit back and watch her creativity soar.  When a friend called her up to ask about trying out together--she agreed. It was fun to watch their work come to fruition.

She and a friend both allowed their little brother and little sister to get in on the fun.  What started out as a dance routine, soon morphed into a full on karaoke singing and dancing performance!  They had fun and it showed!  So blessed by family and friends who came out to support them and their school! Also my daughter's  friend's mom was nice enough to do their hair--Lord knows, I can take some lessons in that department!!

 It was a long day from setting up to cleaning up--Ernie didn't come home until after eleven.  Neither of us complained:  we realize this is what we do because we love our kids, we want to support their teachers, and we can!!!!  I hope this event becomes an annual one. . .even if Nessa was worn out and a crying mess towards the later afternoon.  She had fun too--all of us did, together: )
Here it is, the moment you have all been waiting for:  I proudly present: the kids singing and dancing to "Party in the U.S.A."

 From the angle I watched, I didn't get any pictures of him twirling the Hollywood sign: (

 Almost showtime and not a bit nervous.  She and the stage are good friends like that.

Memories in the making. . .and the food was pretty fantastic too!!! Here's a clip from their performance.  I'm no expert on how to do this--it's not downloading the whole song. . Enjoy what you can!

August 25, 2012

"She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed;
 her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”--Proverbs 31:27-29

We are working on a devotional together, first thing in the morning. While it got done, the table wasn't cleared as we had to rush out the door.

It has been a busy week at home, at school, getting the kids back in the rhythm of daily school
life. . .finding my  rhythm.  For five years I have missed out on the daily wake up calls, doing hair, making breakfasts, and walking the kids to school.  This week, as of Wednesday, I was thrust into that role. Finding our rhythm is new for us.

Some children in this house may or may not have insisted on chocolate milk and pancakes every. single. day.  "But that's what grandma would make us, " they insisted.  "Well, I'm not grandma," was my usual reply.  And truth be told--I didn't have the time to bust out with the full course breakfast menu.  One of these days, I will.  But not this week.  And I'm totally okay with that.  There's a lot of things a lot of people do, that for one reason or another, I can't, or I don't.  That's life.  And I am already hard enough on myself, I can't let the thought of living up to the expectations of other great women mar my joy in the present moment.  I just can't.

After completing my Proverbs 31 study  this summer, I feel like I've grown a lot as a wife and mom.  But I still have so much to learn and work on.  It was during this study that I realized what a process becoming a Proverbs 31 women really  is.  She did not do all these labor of loves every single day.  She did grow weary, but she pushed through the weariness and found the joy in serving her husband and children.  That's where I am.  I'm looking at serving with love; Clothing myself in patience, love, joy, and peace so that the daily irritants do not set the tone for the day.  This is a bit of a stretch, as my type-A personality sometimes gets the best of me.  This week alone, someone overslept, someone else forgot to fill out their reading log, another child spilled milk, someone(s) complained about what they had to eat for breakfast, someone(s) specifically asked for certain lunch items, a bed or two was not made, and towels were left on the floor.  All this and the television was never even on.

Yes, we are in for a different kind of season,  This I can be assured.  And as long as I keep my eyes focused on Him, "in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."--Proverbs 3:6
Totally trusting Him on this one.  It's in His hands.  Our rhythm will come. It just takes time.

August 24, 2012

I need this poster in our classroom.  Just another gift from my daily cosmic postcard.  I am tapped out this week: overtired, and not able to string together more than a couple sentences.  Thankful for the weekend--no where we have to be, nothing we have to do.  Just gracious for the opportunity to be. 

August 21, 2012

A new school year is upon us!  We have a fourth grader and a second grader in the house now.  They started school the same day I headed back to work--and I was sad about that.  I've never missed the first day pick up!  God knew the worries of my heart--and Ernie's job was cancelled, which meant he was home for drop off and pick up both days I had to work this week.

The kids woke up eager to head off to their new classes.  They were thrilled with their teachers, as was I!  They became even more thrilled when they saw who their classmates were.  I was thrilled with the mix of kids they are surrounded by.  Most are familiar to me and I know the parents of.  I have a feeling that it is going to be a great year for them!

I was sad not to hear the happenings of the day when they were dismissed--but dad was there. They didn't even call me. . .and I was sad about that. Not gonna lie.  But I'm happy they had daddy to share their excitement with. As usual, the first day homework was more for me than them with a ton of papers to fill out. . .and then I met my new sixth graders today.  It was a minimum day and I am beat and so thankful for this job share opportunity but not used to not being a step ahead of the game as far as my planning is concerned.  Eventually, I will get there, but this transition is rough!!

In other good news, Ernie's job was cancelled again so day three we are off together.  What a treat!  Another treat?  He worked on math homework with the fourth grader today.  Grimace.  We have very different methods. . .but it was nice to come home and not have to do it!! 

I am seriously beat and I need some time to sit down and plan, revamp some lessons, and just relax.  Working one day a week is a blessing but it also means letting go of some of the ownership and being flexible and going with the flow--I'm not the best at that sometimes.  This year will be an adventure; a gift; an opportunity to be more involved in my own kid's schooling; a stretching of my own teaching ability as I work with special ed students who are fully included in the regular ed classroom setting. 

Hoping and praying for a successful school year for all of us.  And feeling blessed by my husband's presence the past two days.  Looking forward to hanging out and relaxing together tomorrow!

June 19, 2012

Someone in the family accomplished something BIG!  We are proud to announce that our "Little" has graduated high school!  We were off to the racetrack to celebrate him and his 949 classmates on Friday night.  Their graduating class was so big that they held the event at a race track!  It was quite the scene, unfortunately the big television was what we had to watch in order to realize his name was being called.  It was such a blur of a moment when I really think about this kid's school life and some of the struggles he has encountered through the years.

He is very much his father's son.  They are hands on, fix anything, build anything--kind of people.  I think his real passion lies in set building and design, which he was the head of during his time in high school. I hope he is able to figure out what is the best road that will help him accomplish his goals...whatever they may entail.

What a proud moment, for his parents--who had him their senior year in high school.  How far they have come in their joint parenting through the years to benefit his success.  I wish I had been there after the two hour ceremony to see him and celebrate in person, but someone wasn't feeling well so sadly,  we headed to the car.  I sent this picture to wish him well and I should have known in today's tech savvy society, the guy had his cell phone in pocket as he sat on the track waiting for the barrage of names to be completed. . .

He called us and we were able to wish him well.  Bubs asked when he was coming to spend the night again--just what all eighteen-year-olds want to do, right? And that was it.  Sadly we missed all the family shots that take place after an event as big as the days. . . and we ended up in Urgent Care in Sunday with said sick, little guy. . .but in that moment--Little's phone call meant the world to both of us, I think.

So, people we have a graduate on our hands.  The future is wide open.  The possibilities are endless.  Adulthood is a constant in his life now and we can only pray he has learned from the lessons his parents, both sets, and other family have taught him. . .it takes a village.  It does.

Dad, Godfather, Little, and Second Dad (who handed him his diploma--cool!)

May blessings abound, Little.  Congratulations on the accomplishments you have made thus far and all those just waiting to be claimed by you!!!

June 14, 2012

The kids have been out of school a week, and I still have two days left. . .but I realized I never wrote about Lene's play, We Are Off to Find Some Character.  This play will be remembered because the message was so appropriate for children these days. . .be a good citizen, thoughtful, and nice. And also because Lene auditioned for the lead--and nailed it (as per her teacher).  Before tryouts, I suggested she go for the narrator since there were seven. . .she looked at me and said, "Geez, mom--have a little faith."  Ouch.  Lesson learned.  She  belongs up there shining His light: )  

She even had a solo!

Loveliness against a lovely backdrop.

This girl has been a close friend since kinder.  I can't believe they are fourth graders now~

The scarecrow she is standing next to. . .known each other since pre-school.  My, how time flies!

Thankful for strong women in her life that support her endeavors and cheer her on from the front row.

Mom and my little performer.

The show was fantastic--I loved how all the kids were so involved in it--the chorus and appropriate songs filled with meaning and truths.  Absolutely adorable.  Then there was my daughter, up on that stage--doing what she loves. . .and only because she has written this verse on her heart. . ."I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."

So thankful she practiced her faith and put herself out there to audition. I know I am the mom and I do what I can to teach her worthwhile lessons that will positively effect her life and those lives she touches, but I learn from her too.  Yes.  I do.

June 1, 2012

As the school year is winding down. . .(four days to be exact), this little guy is inspiring me with his persistence and dedication to all things school related.  He really has amazed me this year with such patience and attention to detail and loving the learning process.  All of it.  I've seen such growth academically and while that thrills me--what matters most is this guy's heart.  He is such a kind friend to others and he really exhibits self-control and good judgement.  I'm beginning to see, that although the summer excites him, he is realizing that this means the end is near and he is my child who doesn't really like change.

Change is hard on his little heart because he gives everything he has to his teacher, his classmates, and his studies.  So as the end of another school year approaches, I see the beginning signs of sadness settling into his eyes as each day we get closer and closer to the last.  And I want him to know that it is okay to miss what we know and love.  Change does not come easy for his mama either.  But it is inevitable and if God places it before us, it's because he is going to get us through it and we are going to be even better for it.

And while my head goes to Ecclesiastics chapter three, I hear the echo of the Byrds from my dad's stereo. And I smile as I take comfort in the words and hope my sweet son feels the same kind of peace about the changes that will come his way. 

 

I'm reminded of his play last year and our power verse: "you can do ALL things through Christ who gives you strength."  Yes, we can.  Any thing at at all.  The countdown is on!

 

April 30, 2012

As I worked on this post about what my days will be like when I only work forty-one days next year, I remembered some things about how my life changed when my dad headed back to school.  He became a full time student when I was around eight or nine, I think.  It was when he went full time as a student that he became more of an "after school care" kind of dad.  Finally the day had come where I no longer needed to be babysat by another class member's mom.  My dad's schedule was such that  I could now wait at the pick up spot after school  and see the large white delivery van turn into the driveway.  It was a white beast of a thing. . .with two steps to get up into it and holes along the floor to hold flower arrangements that he would be delivering.

He had found a part time job at a flower shop.  His boss, Taylor became one of our favorite people because he allowed us to come to the shop and play do our homework every day after school.  We became glitter designers on large bolts of ribbon.  We colored, played flower shop, ran up and down stairs, and had a blast!  The shop became our after school day care with the best team of babysitters:  Taylor, Aurelia, Cristina, Ann, Annette, and even my Uncle Ted .  It felt wonderful to have a dad who picked us up and a shop full of aunts, uncles, and grandmas waiting for us every day!

 Besides the flower shop, I remember some neat car rides with my dad and brother.  We made up some fun songs that echo through my mind at times like this, when I let myself recall them.  There were several:  If I Only Had a Pony and You make me sick are the two that spring to the the forefront of my mind.  I'll spare you the lyrics but I'm going to have to teach them to my own kids--this is what would best be known as oral tradition, right?  There is also the memory of running around some hill that overlooked the 210 freeway, frolicking in the long grass and picking flowers and making daisy chains. 

I also recall having some car trouble from time to time. I remember sitting in the back seat of a VW after my dad had confiscated all our shoelaces and tied them together.  He used the laces to act as some sort of cable attached to the engine that he held with his left hand out the window. . .on the freeway!! This same VW might be the one where I was getting out at my Nana and Papa's house when my foot got caught in the seatbelt laying on the floor and I went down.  I bruised my tailbone.  It hurt bad!  This accu pressure guy I go to from time to time says all my back trouble stems from that trauma to the tailbone. . .maybe he's right, who knows?  I do believe this might be the same bug THAT CAUGHT ON FIRE on Halloween!!  And a vehicle to the left of us was frantically signaling to my mom that something was wrong.  We all escaped unharmed, but I still remember standing in my costume on the street as the Firemen put out the fire.  I remember there was a dalmation too.  I swear. True story.

It's funny how sometimes life lets us remember the stuff that was hard easily.  It actually takes more work (at least for me) to remember those good times and there were many. . .I guess I just don't go down memory lane enough.  But I need to.  My kids need to know what growing up was like for me--how we would sit in the back of a truck on lawn chairs to watch the Golden Days Parade every year for what seems like forever.  That memory was so intense, such good times that for my thirtieth birthday all I wanted was to sit on my Aunt and Uncle's corner and watch the parade with my own kids--who were six months and two at the time.

I used to keep a journal.  Those days ended quite abruptly unfortunately. . .but I don't know where my writing went.  I know there are records of my childhood, and of all the fun I had with our Durango Dudes.  I need to keep looking.  If I can't find them on paper, they are in me somewhere.  And they are too good not to share!  The search is on. . .maybe I will have my own series:  Memory Mondays.  Why not? Thanks Dad, great idea!

April 2, 2012

This weekend turned into one of staying home, snuggled up on the couch surrounded by books and snuggles from kids (once returned from a cousin's baseball game). Bones aching, throat sore, and with no television to escape to, I filled the valuable quiet  time with reading.
I was able to finish this one, which I mentioned last week.

The author Katrina Kenison writes with such insight about this life I am entrenched in. She empathizes with the mother who feels like life is moving too quickly.  She writes a chapter dealing with simplicity, "So often it seems, we are the ones who make our lives more complicated than they need to be.  We set the bar too high, take on too much, turn small doings into big ones.  In part the culture is to blame. . .There is more to see, more to buy than ever before.  And how easy it is to fall into thinking that living well means partaking of all that's offered.  With so many options and opportunities  to choose from, it can be a challenge just figuring out where to draw the line."  (35)


Towards the end of the book, she quoted Thomas Moore, family,  he wrote, "is the nest in which the soul is born, nurtured, and released into life." (218)  The timing of this particular quote is symbolic because just last week, I noticed our bird friend is back in a plusher nest above our patio speaker.  I like to watch her, listen to her chirp, and think about whether or not we will see the eggs she probably sits upon.  Last year, I hardly noticed when she left. . .and I definitely never noticed the babies. I don't want to miss out on the life that is occurring here in this place--each day it happens, some days more daunting than others but I know in a flash it will be gone and I don't want to miss it by being over scheduled, over burdened, or by comparing what my kids do to those around me.  I just don't want to live like that and this book spoke to my heart.

In her next book,

 her boys are now grown--one will soon be leaving the nest and is heading off to college.  Her spirit is restless as she tries to cope with losing a job she loved and boys who don't need her in the same ways.  You must watch this clip of her reading from this book. It's beautiful as the book was.

My weekend reading left me lifted up and encouraged.  I found peace and comfort in the calmness of the world that she created for her sons.  My Everyday Extraordinary is simply the Gift of Ordinary Days. . .blessed immensely and ever grateful.

September 7, 2011

This post is just for me.

And anyone else who sees a series of instructions or pictures on-line and thinks, 

"Wow, I could never do that (craft) or make that (recipe)."

I've thought that to myself plenty of times and so I just decided to dive in and try a new recipe.

Of course, I got in this mood on a day when I didn't really have all the ingredients that were needed.

But, since this is my real world, and I've learned a lot from watching my mom improvise I decided to make them anyway.

What you ask?

Egg McMuffins seen in all their prettiness here.

Be forewarned--mine look NOTHING like hers!!!

But I improvised here, remember? And so can you!!

First I mixed my eggs (3), water and salt and pepper.

I poured it into my hot pan.

Then because I didn't have slices of cheese. . .I used shredded.

I placed whole wheat English muffins in my toaster oven for a few minutes.

While those were toasting, I flipped my eggs--

I've never made an omelet before but I think that is pretty much what I almost could have made had I stopped at this step.

I didn't have the cute metal biscuit cutter or whatever. . .

but I had some cookie cutters that I keep in the playdo bin!--washed of course!

Buttered the other side of the biscuit--AND

Voila!

 So easy and delicious--I made another batch to freeze: )

These might be an additional monthly freezer meal to add to the rotation.

Improvisation at its finest!!

If I can do it with what I had on hand--so can you!!

September 6, 2011

I have the type of friends who I may not see all the time, but we are always close at heart.

Many moons ago--fifteen to be exact I began my teaching career as a kindergarten teacher where I had the privilege of meeting and working with two of my dearest friends.

Ten years ago they stood beside me on my wedding day in support and encouragement of the greatest commitment I have ever made.

They have been by my side ever since.

Through the ups and downs of pregnancy, loss, work headaches, and everything else--big and small that life has thrown our way.

We've laughed together, cried together and thrown up our hands in total exasperation and shouted, "What NEXT!?" together.

I brought out the big camera today folks--the joy of my big purse/diaper bag with my toddler.

The girls didn't hesitate for a second.  

They know our truth--pulled together: ALL together doesn't happen often enough!

Besides one scrapbooks the old fashioned way, and loves me despite my digital ways,

and the other is a scrapper at heart.

Our third children who have allowed us to spread our wings and grow in even more ways than we ever imagined.

As is usual in ALL our circles:  a little boy stepped in to interrupt, pizza in hand.

As usual, we ALL are used to it and carried on with joyful hearts.

Great way to spend some time.

I'm still waiting to put our next girl's night out on the calendar.

I think we should go see Sarah Jessica's new flick. . .

I Don't Know How She Does It

Hint, Hint--

September 16th is right around the corner!!

August 30, 2011

Remember these?

 

 

 

 

My prayer is that she is a friend to many; a light to all those she meets.

I'm praying dilligently that her circle is always expanding with good, God loving peiople.

August 27, 2011

I've got nothin.

Literally...nothin.

I'm slacking on the picture taking.  BIG time.

Thanks Bee for taking these pictures at a park trip this summer.

I don't think I gave you credit the last time I posted a few of my favorite.

Here are some more:

First week for the kiddos complete.

My classroom is ready--check.

Meal planning--check.

Grocery shopping--check.

Lesson planning--check.

Missing the lazy days of summer already--double check!

August 26, 2011

I've thoroughly enjoyed my alone time with Ness this week. 

We walked, played, cuddled, shopped, and napped on our five days alone.
The living room gets a bit out of sorts with her rearranging pillows and taking out her basket of toys.
But I tried to enjoy the moments.
I watched her as closely as she usually watches me.
I laughed louder and played with her when she let me.
I closed my book or computer when she would climb up on the couch to cuddle.
I tried to remember that not too far away in the distant future she will be in school too.
"The days are long but the years are short"--Gretchen Rubin
I think I'll carry that quote with me always--If I took one thing especially to heart in The Happiness Project  it is this.

I will really miss this little firecracker when I go back to my part time gig on Monday.

With the BIG kids away. . .

this LITTLE one does play!