Slow moving.

We're back from a beautiful week in northern Idaho.  The view from our room couldn't have been prettier and we had some great company with us.  I've got more photos to download and edit to a viewable amount.  I take so many photos.  I guess it's these little snapshots that remind me how beautiful the moments of these fleeting days are.  When I recall the day in these snapshots my heart feels so grateful.

Kevin and I came back from our travels under the weather.  So since then we've been slow moving this week.  We've been eating simple, low-prep meals, napping, enjoying monsoon rains and playing indoors.  And of course watching the Olympics online (we don't have television...gasp).  We can't get enough of the swimming.  I've always wondered what it felt like to be so dedicated to a goal like being an Olympian.  Or what it would feel like to have that kind of muscle definition, for that matter.  I am totally a crier when they present medals.  What a thrill and honor. 

So mellow and all here's a little glimpse of our week.
Hope you are having a good one.

And a huge thank you, for all the sweet uplifting comments and suggestions on my last post.  I'm looking for ways to recharge and refresh.  Thankfully my wonderful husband is providing me lots of down time lately.  This new chapter of my life takes some navigating.  It's like learning tightrope walking without a manual.  The emotions that come with loss catch me of guard at times.  Your kind words, encouragement are such a blessing.  I'm feelin' the love.   

Wise words.

I just got off the phone with this lovely lady.  My dear, very sassy eighty year old grandmother.  She goes by Mana.  I named her that when I was a babe.  Now even her hairdresser calls her Mana.  I was telling her,  I don't know how she did it, raising five children during a time when women did all the house work, entertaining and most if not all of the child-rearing.  I'm blessed to have a husband who in a pinch will throw together a delicious "breakfast for dinner" meal and is always willing to help out with bath/bedtime for our little lady.  I know I'm bragging, but he's amazing like that.  Tonight, I pulled off the dinner part.  Actually quite well, other than a oil burn to my thumb I cooked up my first ever pork chops; they turned out great.  And a side of sauteed mushrooms and kale.  Both staples in our home.  Oh and don't forget the applesauce.  I digress.  Mana reminded me that the one thing she regrets while raising her children was keeping a very clean house.  Those words first struck me as odd.  I take after her in my need to keep things tidy and organized.  She said, "Time spent with your children is never wasted." Time spent cleaning house, well eighty years later feels so insignificant.  She, I can tell you kept a much tidier home than I could ever.  The woman ironed sheets, underwear, socks...how, she kept up, I'll never know.  But it's refreshing to hear those words as she looks back on life and offers to me some sound advice.  Do your best, don't try to do it all. 

I'm just trying to turn off that need to "get back to work" all day.  A girlfriend recently told me, "Cleaning your house while your kids are awake is like brushing your teeth while eating Oreos."  I laughed out loud.  I'm sure one day I'll find a happy medium.  And for goodness sakes Lisa, lighten up!  Thanks Mana.

Lay Baby Lay -printable. Available in blue too.

Ice.

The weather this weekend was such a surprise.  Last week was 92 degrees and yesterday we had rain, hail and plummeting degrees (well for the desert anyway).   Our little bloom is obsessed with ice.  She points at the freezer several times a day for us to fetch ice cubes for her.  She says it with the long drawn out, "Iccccee", I've gotta get it on video adorable way.  We've even resorted to freezing fruit for her to snack on for added nutritional value.   My aunt Lori gave me a tip about serving up frozen peas, guess what?  She loves them.  Fine by me. 

So you can only imagine her delight when Kevin brought in this snow ball of hail on Sunday.  She wanted to go out and see what it was all about.  It was a nice little venture outside after being indoors watching the weather gust at our windows.  It was a total lazy day.  We stayed home from church in our jammies and played.  I think the tree-toppling wind kept most Phoenix residents indoors.  But it was a fun novelty knowing that the summer's heat is right around the corner.  Every loves to warn us about just how hot it is going to be.  I'm a little nervous to be honest.

Thank goodness for this cozy jacket and boots our friends the Arciagas gave us.  Chloe wouldn't take it off even once we came indoors.  She twirled in front of the mirror and even colored while wearing it.  Too much fun.

Our Thursday.

Just a simple day at home, with my teething, runny-nosed girl.  We didn't sleep much on Wednesday night, lots of crying, sore gums and one just plain restless little lady.  Chloe and I ended up sleeping on the living room floor to give Kevin at least a few hours rest before work.  So the next day we skipped music class and stayed in jammies, then upgraded to sweats in the afternoon for water painting outside on the chalkboard.  Which turned into bath time. 

There was lots of beauitful sunshine, which I can't get enough of.  Chloe's excitement of the day was trying out her new straw thermos cup and a drive with Dad when he got home from work.  And they practiced playing the harmonica.  She is learning how to make all kinds of sounds and is so excited by it. 

That was our Thursday.  (Like I said, we are regular party animals.)  How sweet are these photos of Kevin and our bloom.  I can't put the camera down when they are together.  They have my whole heart.

blowing kisses.

"Mom, my nose, catch it!"

That look is all mischief. 

I've gotta frame this one.