Content

I often don't have a feeling of contentment when my life is concerned. I'm usually focused on whatever it is that happens to be coming next.

But for some reason this week I have finally felt content.

John and I sometimes get hung up on the fact that we just might have to retire in our 1300 sq ft house because it seems that there will never be enough raises or a big enough turn in the economy to get us out of this one. Soon after we moved into this house my focus was fixing it up in a manner that would promote resale.

But this week I felt content.

I was sitting in church on Sunday and for no apparent reason (my mind was completely wandering, I have no idea what the lesson was about) I had the realization that I really do have so much. I might not have the biggest and the best, but I have all that I need. I have a healthy family, a nice home, I live in a great community near family, and we have made some great friends here.

I felt perfectly content.

And then again today I had a moment where I thought, "Ahh, I made it." I realized that I finally have all that I dreamt of for so many years. I was sitting at the table trying my hand at sewing, (that's another post) the kids were playing happily, the back door was opened and I could hear a neighbor's lawn mower humming, and I could see little green leaves poking out of our garden. For so many years I yearned to be at this point of my life. Settled, raising a family, done with school, in a home with a yard I could do what I wanted with. I can't believe I've been to this point now for 2 1/2 years and this week was the first week that I truly felt content. Maybe I've settled because I realize that I will be here for a while, but no matter the reason...

It sure does feel nice to be content.

Fearless

My fearless little boy has had two terrifying encounters the past two days. One involved (and I quote) a "kitty" and the other involved some baby chicks. My little Owen, who is the most determined and independent child I know, is terrified of all living creatures. He wants nothing to do with puppies, kitties, baby chicks, or any other soft cuddly animal, but doesn't think twice when it comes to knives, scissors, heights, or any other form of danger. No, it's the kitty that brings my son to tears.

Something's Missing...

There is something missing from this couch...

Oh, ya...it's me!
I am definitely on the up swing! I'm still not back to my normal self, but I'm getting there! I'm only slightly nauseous sometimes. It's awesome! We've been able to get so much done.

I got the garden planted.
We dug out a new flower bed in our front yard.
(please ignore the dead plant on the right...that has yet to be dug out and replaced. And lots more flowers are coming soon!)
John and I were even able to go out on a date! Syd planned a sleepover with Ains (which I wish I had pictures of because I hear there was a pillow fight and some cool dancing to total rock songs) and so John and I took advantage of her and made her put Owen to bed before the sleepover began so that we could go out. We went to Tucanos!

(I highly recommend getting on their birthday list because you get a free meal the month of your birthday...then your meal doesn't cost a fortune!)

I love being up and doing things again. I finally have life in me and some energy...I've missed that!

Happy Earth Day

In honor of Earth Day I thought I would share a song with you that Ains learned in preschool yesterday.

Sung to the tune of "If You're Happy and You Know it"

If you see a piece of liquor pick it up,

If you see a piece of liquor pick it up.

It's an easy thing to do,

It's a wise or two.
If you see a piece of liquor pick it up!

Apparently we talk more about liquor than we do litter.

Ain't she cute!

We picked up Ainsley's glasses today....

She's been completely excited. Today while we were picking them up she said she was so excited she wanted to scream. She keeps asking me if she should take them off when she gets to school so that people know who she is.

She is just too funny about it. Moments ago she was pretending and said, in a very sad voice, "Hi Kylie. I got glasses. Sorry I didn't tell you." All the while her head hung looking at the ground. (Maybe it was just funny to me because I saw it and I'm her mother...but now the story is recorded for posterity.)

Changes are coming

I watched part of Oprah today...and I've decided to copy my SIL and make my blog private because I do everything she does (j/k, we just watched the same show:).

This is very unfortunate.

But John always says our family motto is safety first.

So, just to be safe and make sure that there are no creeps following my blog I'll make the annoying change. I've always been careful about naming places and events, but I worry I need to take privacy to the next level.

If I already have your email address, you will be getting an invite. If not, LEAVE ME YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS!!!! I'll make the comments private so noone else will have your info. I know this is inconventient. I'm kind of bummed because I've loved reconnecting with people from the past who have found me randomly through my blog. So if you're one of those people...LEAVE ME YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS!!! I'll wait about a week before I make the change.

I'll let the pictures do the talking

Easter...in no particular order.

Discovery Center...