Ella is so observant that she found this tiny wild strawberry in our backyard.
Last minute sitters so Aaron and I can go out to eat dinner at the waterfront.
Family quiet time.
My smart children. They choose fresh berries over cinnamon rolls every time.
Even the tart ones. 🙂
Miles saw Ella climbing the slide from all the way across the yard. Before I could blink, he was over there and copying big sister on a slide just his size.
I wonder what sort of shenanigans they’ll be getting into together a few short years from now…
Some days seem they will never, ever end. Days like yesterday.
And then I realize that a day is just a day. A 24 hour period that will pass. They always do. It’s the years that fly by and bright moments need to be found in every day. Regret is not something I want to live with after the years have flown.
Ella woke up to the surprise of a castle appearing in her backyard this morning. Her jaw literally dropped and her lips formed a perfect “o”. With a gasp of delight, she raced across the grass in her pajamas and scampered up into the tower.
I heard all sorts of things coming from behind the castle walls this morning. Giggles, full blown laughter, and stories. At one point I heard her say, “It’s not a scary dragon! It’s just a poor lonely lizard. Let’s be friends!”
Dreams start early. Imaginary play has become her best friend. I love listening to her talk to the friends I can’t see. I hope her childhood memories are filled with poor lonely lizards, castles, fairies, and adventures. It’s those sorts of things that inspire your future endeavors.
I hope you all will forgive me while I brag on my husband for a moment. Today is his birthday and I thought I’d take a moment to share different things I love about him.
I couldn’t have asked for a better man to be my husband or daddy for my babies. The look of happiness and joy on his face while he interacted with our daughter confirms that for me.
Even though he hates mornings, he cooks me breakfast without fail every day he doesn’t work.
He’s strong enough to carry both kids.
And strong enough to hold a hand.
He genuinely likes spending time with my family
And is an amazing support when we add to our’s.
He drives me everywhere just because I hate driving.
His multi tasking skills are legendary.
As are his date night planning skills.
He LOVES to clean and tidy up and does it with style, too.
Even after working hard all day, he still has the energy to get down on the floor and play.
And will take time out of his day to snuggle.
Nighttime parenting is a skill he has mastered.
And he has the magic touch with babies during church services.
Really, I could go on and on. He’s a pretty awesome guy and I am truly fortunate that he wants to spend the rest of his life with me.
Happy birthday, dear. I hope this year is even better than the last.
xoxo
Yesterday, the kids and I hit up a HUGE local consignment sale. Not only did I score some great deals for Miles’ summer clothing needs, but I found something spectacular.
The entire box set of The Chronicles of Narnia. But not just any box set. It was the twin to the box set I grew up with, minus the wear and tear of a family of avid readers. The old covers from the 70s and the paper yellowed around the corners were exactly how I remembered.
The only thing that varied from my memories was that the pages weren’t falling out and all the books still all fit in the box case. Which means that the books were never taken out of the box case, to be enjoyed, read, thumbed through, and dreamed about. I can’t imagine having these books in my house and not reading them! I spent hours reading them and then reenacting favorite scenes during my imaginary games.
I don’t have a favorite book in the series. Each title holds its own and has a special place in my memory. However, The Last Battle was the least read in my childhood because I wanted to live in denial that the land of Narnia ever came to an end.
I can’t wait until I can share my love of all things Narnia with my children. I’m looking forward to the day that I croak out, “I’ve read aloud enough. My throat is sore and my mouth is dry.” and the kids quickly offer me a glass of water to keep on through at least the next chapter.
My mom was such a trooper to do that for us.
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