One Fine Day . . .

We’re finally experiencing a glorious green Spring! A few days ago Owlie and I took a quilt out to the back yard and lay on our backs for an hour soaking up the sun, listening to the birds and taking in the beauty around us. It was one of those moments where I stopped whatever I was doing and just experienced being with my boy.

From my spot on the quilt, lying on my back (and side) I was able to capture all this beauty in my yard. Above, this dogwood branch is poking over the fence from our neighbor’s yard. It makes me happy! And below, the crepe myrtle just budding which I love to see from my bathroom window when it’s in full fuschia bloom.

This tree was directly above our heads. Glorious green against a perfect blue sky.

I always get excited for this next one. It’s a hydrangea, and due to whatever is in the soil in this particular part of our yard, it blooms deep purple. Sweet sigh.

Remember my pink dogwood? It’s getting lots of green now. Soon the blooms will be gone.

But this one, fallen very near where we were resting, struck a perfect pose for my camera. Seriously. I am in love with every thing about this picture.

I am officially declaring my love for the flowering dogwood branch.

After two days of rain, I’m looking out this window this morning and it seems we might have another fine day on our hands. I think a stroll to the park is in order.

Wish you could join me!

Finding Beauty …

One of the main reasons I write this blog is for the selfish purpose of self discovery. More specifically, I write to examine and find the beauty in my own life, which might otherwise be seen as one of mundane stay-at-home-motherhood.

I am constantly inspired by the idea that we can find the good in any situation. That despite our circumstances, we each have the ability to choose to be happy.

I have been giving extra effort to the idea of making happiness, joy, love and service a conscious choice each and every day. I have found that when I wake up with a will to be and do positive things, I cannot help but see beauty in my day.

There are situations, which by there very nature, are not pretty. But even in those situations, I am trying to find the tiniest piece of goodness – the silver lining, if you will.

On Saturday, Big C was mowing the grass outside. He ran in, told me to grab my camera and led me to the fence where a large dragonfly was resting. I have to admit, when I first saw it, I thought,"Ew! I don’t want to take a picture of that thing. It’s hideous.”

But upon closer examination, I saw its intricate and extravagant wings. They were so amazing, so detailed, so lovingly and wonderfully planned by a Creator who does nothing by accident. I couldn’t help but feel His love in the beauty of the dragonfly’s wings.

So I snapped this picture.

I hope no matter what is going on in your life, you know that God’s desire for you is to be happy. And He will put people, things, and experiences into your life to help you see beauty and know His love. Sometimes it may not be apparent. Sometimes you may have to dig deep to find it. But trust me, it is there.

I’m so glad I looked past the ugliness of the dragonfly to see the beauty of his wings.

Tell me, what’s beautiful in your life right now?

Mystery Hair …

Funny story. Lately I’ve been short on time in the mornings with Big C’s many dentist appointments and Owlie’s early school start. I also totally spaced a much needed hair appointment, which means I’ve got dark roots for ages and a style that is desperately in need of shaping and trimming.

This results in me wearing my hair in its natural state much more frequently than I normally would. Its natural state, by the way, is curly. Okay, really, it’s wavy-frizzy-crazy with some really nice curl on the underneath side.

Here’s where the funny comes in.  Every time I wear my hair like this, and I really do mean EVERY SINGLE TIME, my dad will say one of two things to me: 1) What happened to your hair? or 2) I just don’t understand where you got that CRAZY hair from!

It would probably help to give just a little bit of context here. I am the offspring of two parents who both have textured hair. Neither my mom nor my dad has straight hair. I would call my mom’s hair wavy. My dad also has wavy hair. Of course, I think if you asked him, he would say he had straight hair.

In his mind, I have straight hair. And even though I have had curly hair since I permed it in Junior High School almost thirty years ago, he can’t understand where this hair comes from. Every time he sees it, I feel like he’s trying to solve some great mystery.

So today I’m solving the mystery for my dad.

Dad,

I love you. Thank you to you and mom for the DNA that gave me curly hair. It’s a major time saver in the morning.

Love,

Your Crazy Haired Dragonfly.

Beauty Defined …

Last week I was so lucky to capture my friend Ronalin at the height of her pregnancy. To me there is nothing more beautiful than a pregnant woman. That whole thing about there being a glow? It’s real.

The irony is that, from my experience, when women are pregnant, they are their own harshest critics. I never felt beautiful when I was pregnant. I just felt . . . large and uncomfortable.

But when I look at my friend, I am amazed at what she’s doing. She’s got style, grace and looks like she stuck a basketball under her shirt! No matter what she says, I hope she knows that I think she is absolutely beautiful.

I think these pictures captured it perfectly. Here you go Nin! Thanks for letting me do this for you.

The Preschool Conundrum …

The Owlie could play Legos for hours. He sneaks into RedDog’s room when I’m not looking. Then the house gets very, very quiet. It’s only when I go looking that I find him in there building (and unbuilding) Legos.

I love this picture I took of him playing with a ship his brother built for him, but that tiny hand doesn’t look so little anymore. He’s growing and changing.

A few weeks ago I had a parent/teacher conference at the preschool. It was Spring Break so every parent had a conference. At Owlie’s conference the teacher had many good things to say about my boy. He cuts well with scissors. He holds his pencil correctly. He loves to participate in imaginary play. He’s kind to all the other boys and girls.

And then she dropped the bomb.

“We don’t think he’s ready to move on to the four year old class next year.”

What?

When I asked why that judgment had been made, the reasons I got were: a) He doesn’t participate when we have singing and dancing during circle time. b) He doesn’t like task oriented activities like coloring. c) He talks more to the adults than the other kids.

Hmmmmm…

I let the teacher know I would discuss it with my husband and get back to her.

After a weekend of discussion and prayer (yes, we even make preschool decisions based on prayer), we both felt it was best for Owlie to move on with his peers.

This is what we know: he loves singing and dancing at our house. Maybe it’s the teachers who make him uncomfortable? He doesn’t like coloring very much. At all. So what. And he is the last child in a house full of big people. He’s used to talking to big people. I’m totally okay with that.

He loves school. He talks about it a lot. He has friends there. He’s doing well (evidenced by the fact that we’ve never heard a word otherwise in the entire time he’s been at the school.)

We decided that we’d rather make a decision about postponing his kindergarten start date next year after the 4’s class. To make that kind of decision now when he’s only 3 would be to try to predict the future.

Tell me, have you held a child back in school? If so, what were your reasons?

Thoughts On Being Full …

{The pink dogwood blooms in my back yard are blowing my mind right now! I’ll be cutting some today and bringing them indoors to brighten up the house.}

Right now I am full.

And I’m not talking about food.

It is a full time in my life. Each one of my kids has great things going on. My Hubby and I are both working with the youth at our church which keeps us very much engaged. Of course, there will always be the requirements of keeping a home and running a family.

I’ve decided it is time to stop using the term “busy” to describe my life. Instead, I’m calling it full. Busy sounds distracting and negative. Full is better to me. It’s how I feel after a delicious meal.

I choose to fill my life with good things. If something is making me too “busy” and taking away from what is important, it’s time for that thing to go. I want to focus on the things that make my life full.

This blog is part of the good, but full, part of my life. I love to write. It is therapeutic and something creative I love to do every day.

I realized yesterday that I was feeling nagged by my blog. It was whispering in my brain, “You are so busy today you didn’t post.” I don’t want that kind of negative feeling to be associated with what I do here.

Please know that I am here. I am writing. I am trying to keep my blog as part of the wonderfully full and blessed life I live. As some days are more full than others and my family requires my time and attention, I may not post. But I am still thinking and writing in my brain. It will all be put down for the record.

And for the record, today I am thankful to be so very full.

Stage Shots From Barnum …

Sometimes when Owlie has school first thing in the morning and I’ve stayed up late watching a little ALIAS on Netflix, my blog suffers.  Sorry, blog. Please forgive me.

Here are some shots from the play.  All of these were taken in the complete dark and are straight out of camera. The lighting situation wasn’t ideal, but it still gives you an idea of some of the staging and costuming.

Here’s out leading man as PT Barnum. He had awesome vests!

This shot shows lots of sparkly “New Circus” costumes and lots of different Middle School bodies! Look at the tiny girl in the blue tutu! Right next to her in the polka dots is my bestie Ronalin’s daughter. She’s got great stage presence!

Here’s my Hannie B in the front row for Black and White. She’s a cutie!

I loved the ringmaster’s coat and jodpurs. He looks perfect for the part.

More “New Circus” costumes while Mr. Bailey convinces Mr. Barnum to join his circus.

I love this last shot because Barnum is singing that he joined the circus like he wanted to when he was a kid. And there’s my kid right behind him! :)

There you have it – a little bit of the show! It was fun. The kids were so great. But I’m really, really glad it is over. The end.

Costuming a Circus …

Wow. I feel like a new woman now that the play is over! What an enormous amount of work!

The musical “Barnum” is the story of PT Barnum and how he came to be a part of the Barnum and Bailey Circus. We had a cast of eighty to dress with THREE costume changes per student (not including the leads, who each had four or five changes). That amounted to about three hundred costumes.

It should be said that fitting teenage girls to three costumes a piece is a work of torture for many reasons, most of which have to do with hormones.

Here are Hannie B’s three costume changes. I wanted to share some of my other favorites, but didn’t want to have to ask permission from parents to put their kids pictures on my blog.

This first costume is for a number called Black and White. The entire cast is in black and white. There isn’t a stitch of color on the stage during the number. The dancing and song in this number are my favorite! Plus Hannie B. is right up front for the number.

I picked out this bodice from an old prom dress for Hannie B. She fell in love with the ruffles. We attached it to a black tank and used some of her leggings from home to bring in the white and put this outfit over the top.

Next up is Hannie B’s “New Circus” costume. The costumes for this number needed to sparkle, shine and have lots of wacky color. This magenta tutu with black trim was a great fit. We made a hair bow to match it and then added wacky socks and bright shoes from Target.

The entire cast had amazing costumes for this number. We picked them from a collection the director had. The stage just lit up with sequins, color and smiles. It made me feel great to see the kids feel so good about their costumes.

Hannie B’s last costume was for the “Old Circus”. This number could have color, but no sparkle. We outfitted the entire cast AND THEN my girl came up all dismayed because I had skipped over her and she had no costume.  We searched through the bins of costumes and found this darling polka dot jumper. 

It needed straps, so I took it home, added some gross grain ribbon in red and included a fun belt in the same blue but with contrast trim in a bandana pattern. Hannie B picked out the red and white socks and polka dot bow herself.  Even though all of the patterns are different, they work together and definitely scream CIRCUS!

This was Hannie B’s favorite costume. You can’t tell though, can you?

So, there it is. The past three months of my life in six photos.  A lot of hard work. But really, and I’m not being biased, the show was UNBELIEVEABLE. Like not Middle School level. One mom even told me it was better than West Side Story which was just down the street at a local high school. Yay!

A few quick observations:

• Yes, my daughter has a Jersey Shore face tan line. Short of covering her entire arms, shoulders, neck and décolletage with foundation, it couldn’t be avoided. She is just SO WHITE.
• False eyelashes are the bomb diggety. I want some.
• My daughter is beautiful.
• Every girl had to wear a nude leotard under all her costumes – you know – to keep things modest!

Friday Randomness …

Getting a late start this morning as I’ve been in bed snuggling a feverish Owlie boy.  Thoughts are rolling about in my brain so I figure I’d better share:

• This picture I took in Old Town Alexandria a few weeks ago is making my day. So many things to love – crumbly brick, old windows, green ivy climbing higher and higher.
• I have run out of “soft food ideas” for my jaw-injured boy. We’ve got two more weeks of soft/liquid diet and the kid won’t eat soup or anything else remotely normal. Help?
• I’ve started rewatching ALIAS on Netflix while I iron. I love that show so much. Suddenly ironing has become a priority again.
• Photos from Hannie B’s play coming next week! I’ll take my camera tonight or tomorrow to get some great costume shots.
• My Hubby and I went out on a spur-of-the-moment date last night at 9:45. We walked into the new FIVE GUYS in our town three minutes before they closed. Rude? Maybe. But that burger was delicious!
• My allergies are at an all time high this year. I wake up every morning having practically gouged my eyes out in the middle of the night without being aware. It is a little disturbing.
• Got to do a maternity photo shoot yesterday. The subject? My bestie Ronalin! Did I forget to mention she’s going to have a baby in like FOUR WEEKS!
• Who wants a new recipe? Which would you like first? A delicious orzo salad or a very delicious take on the traditional lemon bar? Weigh in with a comment.
• My Hannie B can finally wear an XS in the Junior’s department. I feel like her world has been blown wide open. Now, if only I can find something modest for her to wear. I want to kill the inventor of “butt shorts”. So, where do you shop for your tiny teens?
• RedDog and Owlie have taken to watching My Little Pony. Should I be concerned?
• I love folding laundry. I’m really good at it. Unfortunately, I’m equally horrible at putting it away.
• Do you ever worry you’ve totally messed your kids up? Please tell me I’m not the only one.

I think that’s what I’ve got today. Randomness for reals. Have a great weekend!

A Visit To Mt. Vernon …

On a beautiful day during Jennie Doezie’s visit a few weeks ago, we went to visit this man’s home.  Do you know who it is?

The home (pictured below) belongs to none other than the father of our country, George Washington. I’m embarrassed to admit that I’ve lived here for ten years and have never visited Mt. Vernon.

Upon first laying eyes on the house, I’m pretty sure I declared, “It is the perfect East Coast home." What do you think? Of course, this is what it looks like after two additions were made to a very modest original home. Good job, George! I love it!

Of course, there were men and women working on the property in authentic period costume. This man looked important, but very sweaty because it had jumped from 47 degrees to 80 degrees in two days!

The house was not as fancy as I expected. It was considered a very fine home for the time, but when I think of the palaces of leaders I’ve visited in Europe {hello, Versailles} it seemed modest. The view, however, was SPECTACULAR! Here you can see the Potomac River through a walkway of arches.

I may have to have a weather vane someday. This one, attached to the charming scallop shingled red roof, made me swoon.

And I’ll admit, even though our visit was short – maybe even a little rushed – I felt goose bumps raise on my arms as I walked up the stairs, touching the very bannister that George Washington touched hundreds of years ago.

I love living in an area rich with our country’s history. I have a great idea! Why don’t you (yes, YOU) come visit our nation’s capital. I’ll take you to Mt. Vernon for the day. What do you say?

Comprehending the Magnitude of the Suckage …

This is the Meck Family. Our Meck Family.

Seven years ago they walked into our church on a sunny Sunday in May. I knew the minute I saw them that we would be best friends. God whispered it to my heart.

You see, I had been praying for a friend. For myself, for my Hannie B, for my RedDog. A true friend. And there they were. God placed them right down into our neighborhood and into our lives.

I even had the audacity to tell Ronalin, whom I’d only met two minutes earlier, “I’m going to be your new best friend.” Creepy? Maybe. But I knew it from the start.

We’ve been inseparable ever since.

And now they are moving far away. The sadness that will occur in our home when they leave cannot be measured. They are a part of our daily lives.

Ronalin and I are kindred spirits. She is one of the truly good people in this world. And she makes me laugh the gut and side splitting laugh of true friendship. We’ve been through a lot together. A whole, whole lot.

RedDog and Chris Meck have been best friends since they were three. Two sweet boys who want to do what is right and can rely on each other when other boys are being stupid and mean.

Hannie B. and Abby (or Abbykedabby, as I like to call her) are two of the cutest, sassiest girls in town. They love being goofy together and I love that they can be themselves around each other.

And then there are Lucy and Owlie. You’ve seen them. They are our miracle babies – both conceived after trials with infertility. They love each other fiercely. Owlie can’t imagine a life without Lucy, so when I tell him she’s moving, he can’t wrap his brain around it.

When they leave, we will be empty.

Today is Ronalin’s birthday. Happy Birthday, Nin. I’m so glad I get to have one last birthday where we’re together! You are an amazing friend, mom, wife, and sister. I really lucked out when I prayed and got you for a friend. You really are the best!

What A Weekend (Part Two) …

Despite the traumatic injury to his jaw, Big C received his Eagle Scout Award at a Court of Honor on Sunday night.

It was a wonderful night filled with people our family loves. My sister surprised us by driving all the way from Ohio to be there!  Almost all of Chris’ former scout leaders were in attendance. Many of them participated in the actual ceremony. He was awarded his Eagle by a dear family friend (and mentor) Melaney Tagg.

But his dad got to put his new neckerchief on.

Then my son gave me a pin, a hug and a thank you for supporting and encouraging (prodding) him towards his Eagle. (This is my trying really hard not to cry face.)

It was great to hear so many people pay tribute to the boy we have raised. He’s a good egg. We are all very proud of Big C.  My dad was especially proud! You can’t tell in this picture though.

And then there’s this picture. I don’t really have much to say about it. Except that honestly, for as exceptional a boy as mine is, each of these girls is just as amazing. Really, it’s true! And they adore my kid.

Way to go Big C! Way to smile your way through the pain of an injury for a night where everyone honored you. You worked hard. You earned it! Love you, boy.

PS. Please remind me to stand up straight!

What A Weekend!

The phone call went something like this: “Mom, you probably should come get me.”

“Why?”

“Because I’m holding one of my teeth in my hand and I’m bleeding.”

No mom wants to get that phone call. Ever.

This is what a kid looks like when he’s been hit full speed by a line drive in the face. This is what two years of orthodontic work looks like after it’s been ruined. A tooth missing, two more knocked back and crooked and a possible broken jaw (we’ll find out more about that today.)

For these things we are thankful: a dentist who was willing to come in on a Saturday to perform emergency oral surgery, a teammate who thought to take his cell phone to practice, a ball that didn’t move three to four inches higher, an orthodontist who goes to our church, family and friends who immediately began praying for Big C (which I believe made all the difference) and a ball that was going so fast and hard it actually left a scar of seam stitching on our boy’s face.

Because that, dear readers, is what will make it a great story for him to tell today at school.

Up tomorrow:  What a Weekend, Part Two! (Yes, there actually is MORE.)

Save The Date …

Because mark my words – these two are totally getting married!

Has there ever been a more perfect couple in all of coupledom? His freckles and blue eyes. Her rosy cheeks and beautiful hair.

I’m telling you, I can just feel it. Someday when they fall in love all over again, they are going to give me beautiful grandchildren.

Does that creep you out? I hope not. Because I’m banking on it for several reasons.

Number one, I need to be able to hear Owlie call her Sucy (pronounced SooSee) when she’s 21. He knows her name is Lucy. He tells me all the time that her name starts with L. He even draws L and tells me it’s for her name. But he doesn’t care. Sucy is a term of endearment and she totally responds to it. Because she loves him.

Number B, I am bound and determined to be related, even if it is only as a distant in-law, to my best friend Ronalin. We talk about it all the time. And short of pairing up her seven year old daughter with Big C, this is my only hope.

And finally, they have snuggled together many times, often while playing pretend house. She is the mommy and he is the daddy and they have baby puppies who go to the bathroom in diapers. It is so awesome. I could sit and watch it for hours.

In fact, I do. Here’s the proof:

So there you have it. A wedding is in the works! Save the date. In seventeen years, these two will be the “it couple”! Owlie and Sucy foreva.

Skipping Spring?

Only four days ago it was thirty-two degrees outside, we had our flannel sheets on the bed, and I was still wearing my fuzzy socks to bed at night.

Today, it was in the mid-eighties and tomorrow it is supposed to be eighty-nine degrees outside.

We skipped Spring here in Virginia and I’ve got a problem with it.

I am a four seasons kind of girl. I need each season for specific reasons. Fall brings crisp evenings, crunchy leaves and Halloween night just chilly enough for some warm spiced cider. Winter, well, on a good year it brings snow, rosy cheeked children and me curled up with a good book by the fire or in a hot bath. Summer is time for the pool, A/C and popsicles – anything to beat the heat!

And then there’s Spring. The season of rebirth and renewal. The most beautiful time of year as everything greens up, flowers bloom, the temperatures are mild and the birds are singing happily in the trees. It is the time when my children shed their winter selves and get back outside to nature. It is just a happy, happy time.

Bummer. I love Spring. Hate it for my allergies, but love it for just about every other reason.

These two days of intense heat will send all the trees and flowers into overdrive and instead of getting to enjoy their beauty for any extended period of time, I will suffer the worst allergies I’ve had in years.

How about you? Is it Spring around your parts? I heard it snowed in Denver yesterday.

How My Blog Writes Itself …

Mr. Owlie had a rough day last week. He was grumpy from the minute he got up and boldly declared, “Momma, today I not happy.” True to his word he was crabby, whiny, crying and testy the entire day.

At about 4:00 I couldn’t take another minute of Grumpy Owlie. He had to go into a time out because he couldn’t be around people. Unfortunately, I couldn’t put him in is room because Jennie Doezie was staying there. 

Instead, I had to put him in my room. I told him to lay on my bed until he could calm down and try to be nice to his family. I shut the door (locked it too) and left him. He commenced kicking the door and screaming at the top of his lungs. I walked away from that . . . fast.

I went downstairs to visit with Jennie and my other kids for a while. I don’t know when it stopped, but at some point Owlie had gone silent. That usually means one of two things: a) he’s doing something really bad or b) he’s conked out.

When I tried to open the door, I could not. But in the crack I did manage to make, I could see this:

When you’re a blogger and you see that, you immediately think, “Where’s my camera?”.

After I figured out how to get the door open enough to get around my boy, I had a clear shot of him, sitting straight up, leaning his little head on a pile of vintage suitcases as a pillow, doing this:

And that, dear readers, is how my blog writes itself. I can’t make things like this up. They just happen. And when they do, I am so, so glad that I have chosen to document my life.