{ Mama's Little Helper }

Yesterday Oliver and I made cookies together for the first time.  Let me preface this by saying that it came about because his nap routine had gotten disrupted by errand running in the morning. He fell asleep in the car, then we needed to have lunch and by then he was too awake to sleep. I was NOT a happy camper, to be honest. In an attempt to make the most of "my plans" being rearranged, I took a deep breath and dove in.  I wish I could say it was magical from start to finish. In his opinion I think it was, but I have to confess by the end of the project, I was getting frustrated and overwhelmed. But on his face was sheer joy and I wish now I could have just soaked that in and appreciated this time together fully.

It is easy to paint these experiences in their rosiest light. Just show the pictures and tell the parts of the story that evoke Christmas warm and fuzzy feelings, but I am realizing that being real, letting my true mama moments be what they really are here in this spot is better. These memories we made together are precious and I grew from the experience.  I don't want ME to get in the way of US and that is a lesson I am learning every day I'm a mom.  

{ Today }

:: Today I am so thankful for

:: Long naps

:: Major spring cleaning going on around here

:: Anticipating some very sweet company this weekend... praying it all works out for them to come

:: Prints ordered to finish off our living room decor

:: These two:

:: A good read Meet Mr. Mulliner P.G. Wodehouse

:: Tulips growing by inches each day in our raised beds

:: Unmistakably green grass

:: New friends

:: Sweet help in the kitchen lately

:: My husband who is much more patient than I deserve

:: Some sweet prayer time

:: Oliver taking to the nursery finally

:: These darling shoes made by a lady at church

:: Leaning on Jesus to take charge of cares outside of our control

:: Chocolate Cream Pie for my afternoon snack

:: Katy Grace's littleness... savoring these precious baby days.  I love that her little shoes fit in my hand!

 

:: Praying for our worship and fellowship home.  Excited to see where God is leading our family.

:: His sweet "conversations"

{ Life is Good }

I had a request from the west side of the state today for a story of delightfully sunny days here on the east side. I only wish I had one! Alas, it is equally gray, rainy, and windy here. I am told that it is supposed to be in the 70s this weekend. I hope that also means sun. No rain. Blue skies and white clouds sun. I'm also told it snowed here on June 16 only a couple of years ago. I didn't live here then. I hope I never experience that first hand.

Even though the skies are gray, I still have a lot to be grateful for.

I've had some sweet help in the kitchen lately.

{ A little more decoration in the breakfast nook }

I've done lots of planting lately. Thanks to this wonderful lady and her lovely garden. Nothing could be better than this weather for the little plants to establish.

We spent a wonderful weekend with out-of-town friends. We hadn't seen them since our wedding so it was so good to catch up. The weather kept us at the house, but we got so much rest and quality time together... and ate lots of very yummy food. Whenever we get together it is the best food ever! Unfortunately everyone came down with a cold bug either while they were here or on their way home. So far I have avoided it. Another reason for thankfulness.

Yesterday Tim took a sick day. I joined him for a "don't get sick day" and we just took it easy. That meant:
a. We got him for another whole day, all to ourselves. Yeah!b. I had a few hours all to myself to go shopping while Oliver napped and he stayed home. Wonderful!
c. A delicious pot of homemade chicken noodle soup.
d. A fire in the fireplace while the rain poured outside.

Today I caught up on emails, spent a delightful lunch break with my husband, had a sweet story time with Oliver, won the battle over nap time, and cooked up a delicious favorite in the kitchen.


Tomorrow we expect a very special visit. I'm oh so excited to meet this little precious girl. And my mom will be here for the day.

Even though the skies are gray, life is good.