Hello out there.

It looks like a tornado or the Clonado may have blown through our house this week.  But really it's just business as usual.  Packing and repacking suitcases, with lots of laundry in between.  We leave tomorrow for Coeur d' Alene, Idaho.  We've never been but from what I hear it is a breathtaking spot surrounded by dozens of lakes.  Lush land, blue water and perfect summer weather.  I'm feeling giddy!  Now, just gotta get those suitcases packed.  

I have a question for you mom's out there.  Being a mama is always what I've envisioned for my life and I love it.  But how do you pour your heart and energy into these little lives everyday and not feel depleted sometimes?  Energetically, that is.  I looking for ways to rework and simplify to feel more vital.  Is there a trick I'm missing?  Oh, I have so many questions I wish I had asked my mom.  But, I'll save those thoughts for another day.  What do you do to fill your cup so you can continue to give as a mother and wife?  And to yourself. 

Today I had moment of reflection (after stepping on the scale, yuck!) I've realized I've got to make some changes.  Not just for vanity but for health.  Step one, vacation- relax away stress.  Step two- get moving.  Step three-pull out my art supplies.  I can't remember the last time I worked on anything of my own.

One more thing, our little bloom is nearly 22 months.  How did that happen?  Everyone tells you, but you don't believe it until it happens.  She is growing so fast.  She is talking a lot and putting short sentences together.  She is really proficient at her color recognition.  I didn't really realize I was teaching her them.  I just try to describe everything to her.  Hue is important to this artsy mama.  She is showing us how strong-willed she is daily and is full of sweet snuggles.  I can tell this little love is gonna keep us on our toes.    

Life here in the desert can feel lonely, thank you for reading and being apart of our lives, even while we are away.  If you have a moment, let me know, how do you make time for yourself?  What fills you up?

Tired mama or not,  just look at her, she is pure magic.

We hit the skies tomorrow.  Have a beautiful week!

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.

Hello there.

I've been a little absent from blogging lately.  I've had little time between travel and caring for my little family.  Life gets so busy.  I'm sure you are familiar with this feeling.  After a little sigh, I think I'm ready to post a little more regularly again.  I hope I keep the inspiration anyway.  Hang with me if I don't.  I am learning more about myself daily through being a mother and as I continue to comfort my heart during this time of loss.  I've experienced deaths in my family before but none that has rocked my whole world like losing my mom.  I can't quite explain what it's like but everything suddenly feels different.  I lose my footing more than usual these days.  But somehow I feel like I've been awakened in a way I wasn't fully before.  I see the preciousness and beauty of each passing day more vividly. 

Sometimes it's painful, to feel the moments I missing with my mom and other times all I can feel is gratitude for the gift of a mother that was so very extraordinary.  If you knew her, I don't even have to explain.  The world was brighter just by her being in it.  What I do know is as I find new places in my heart that ache, I'm digging deeper to fill them with gratitude, love and thankfulness for all the blessings I have in my life.  If anything, these growing pains are cultivating a more thankful, compassionate heart in me.

So hang in there my (nine) readers.  I still love you! 

While I'm pouring out my heart here, sometimes after I post, I feel embarrassed for being so vulnerable publicly.  And I go back online to hit delete, but then I tell myself maybe one of you has felt like this too and feels comfort in hearing my words.  I hope that is the case.  If not, thank you for reading along with me.  Your (virtual) companionship is a comfort to me.  Your kind comments are always appreciated.  Thank you. 

If you have a minute, tell me a little more about yourself.  
Who are you my dear readers?

Awareness.

Since I mostly blog about our family, I rarely share other blogs or schedule what I'm going to write.  I either feel it and write or I don't.  Today, before getting into bed I was inspired by the message in this blog by the talented mother, photographer and writer, Kelle Hampton.  In honor of Down Syndrome Awareness Day,  I wanted to share what she her message from today's post: 3-21, 2012

Her sweet daughter's words may bring a tear to your eye, like they did mine.  It also helps me build knowledge for how to teach my growing daughter about the differences between us.  She'll come to me one day and ask me lots of why's.  When faced with questions about our differences, I can recall the lovely words of 4 year old Lainey, "Some people wear blue shirts. Some people wear green shirts."  Those differences shouldn't divide us.  The similarities in our core are what make us all the same.  It is what It's as simple as that. 

All we really need it Love.

To read more, follow: KelleHampton.com 

I started following her blog recently.  She has book coming out soon, titled Bloom Finding Beauty in the Unexpected-A Memoir  I've read excerpts and it sounds incredibly rich with lessons of the heart.

I have my copy on pre-order.  Why not reach deeper to find more gratitude?  I'm certainly always looking for ways to find more beauty in every moment.