The Secret Passage

Tessie went over to our neighbors house to play for a while today.  Christian was napping, and I got some cleaning done while there was no one under-foot.  When it was time for her to come home, I walked next door to pick her up.  We said our goodbyes and thank yous, then headed home.  We have a "secret passage" to the neighbors house that Tes like to walk on.  It's just a spot on the side of our property that has been worn down from dogs walking on it, but it is a more direct route to their house, and we get to walk through the trees, so it is a lot of fun for a little kid.  I walked ahead of Tes and turned back to watch her walking through the trees.  She was wearing a princess dress, of course, and her hair framed her face like a golden halo.  As she picked her way carefully down the path, a sweet smile played at the edges of her mouth.  In that moment I knew she was in another land, filled with fairies and wood nymphs.  I felt almost like I was spying on her in a very personal moment.  It was beautiful.

Thriving

I am always amazed when I manage not to kill plants, inside or out.  If they begin to thrive under my care, then I'm really shocked.  Tessie and I walked over to check on our raspberry bushes today, and I was given such a shock.  We were given eleven raspberry roots and stalks from some clients of ours, and we planted them near the river at the back of our property.  Our hope was that at least one would take, and then spread, so we could have our own raspberry patch.  I can't even tell you how many frozen raspberries I buy every month, but the kids love them.  Shortly after we planted them, the leaves all shriveled up on the stalks, and pretty soon they just looked like brown sticks poking out of the ground.  I wasn't very hopeful, but I dutifully watered them, and crossed my fingers.  When Tes and I watered them this afternoon we found a welcome surprise.  Two of the plants had new growth, bright green leaves growing at the bottom of the stalks!  Tes was so excited she let out a "WOO-HOO!" and I echoed her sentiment.  Maybe I'm better at this gardening thing than I thought, wouldn't that be beautiful?

The Sleepover

Tessie had her very first sleepover last night.  One of her dearest friends spent the night, and we decided to see if they could sleep in the same bed.  When we told them the plan, both girls jumped with excitement.  They walked into the bedroom holding hands, and my heart swelled at the sweetness of it.  We tucked them in, kissed them goodnight, and turned out the light.  After a lot of whispering and reminders to go to sleep, it was finally quiet in the kids’ room.  As I went to bed, I expected to be awakened  at some point during the night, to convince the girls to go back to sleep.  They slept all night.  I finally awoke to the sounds of their little morning voices over the baby monitor.  They were talking and telling stories, a couple of happy clams.  Christian woke up and I could hear them getting him toys, and bringing him into their games.  I lay there listening for almost an hour, until I heard two sets of bare feet walking up my stairs.  Both girls came over to say good morning, and crawled up to give me hugs.  I smiled as they walked back downstairs, hand in hand.  The first sleepover couldn’t have gone more beautifully, and I think it’s the beginning of many more to come. 

Sitting at the Picnic

Today was the end of the year picnic at the kids’ school.  They were very excited to go, and it was a perfect day for eating on the lawn.  We walked into the side yard off the day-care, and looked for a spot to sit.  I spread our towel out on the grass, and set Christian down.  Tessie sat down next to him, and I told them both I would go get some food.  Several of Christian’s teachers were sitting next to us, and I asked if they would keep an eye on him while I was in line for food.  I made sure Christian was sitting sturdily, and reminded him to balance.  Then I went and got in line. 

The line for food was long, but I could see the kids the whole time.  Christian was sitting so well.  I watched as he talked to his teachers and friends, not wobbling, and never needing so much as a hand to steady him.  I was so proud.  I looked around at the other parents standing in line while their kids were running around.  I realized this was a very new experience for me, and I couldn’t help but to keep checking on Christian to make sure he was still upright.  He was, and he continued to sit by himself when I brought the food back for him.  If someone who didn’t know us, looked over during that whole time, they wouldn’t even guess that Christian had any extra challenges.  That feeling lit me from within, and I can only describe it as beautiful.

Another Year Older

I turned another year older today.  I wasn't extremely excited about it, thirty one seems like a nothing year.  I didn't feel any different than I did when I turned thirty, and if I'm being completely honest, I would much rather be turning twenty five.  That was a really fun year.  I guess you could say I was having a bit of the birthday blues, not for any good reason, but I'm sure you understand.  Things are just starting to change.  I don't have the same energy I had in my twenties, or the same adventures, and my body has totally rebelled.  Not cool.  So this was the mood I was in as the sun rose on my thirty first birthday.

Luckily, it turned around pretty quickly.  Nick got up with the kids, and I got to snuggle back into my covers for another hour or so.  Then Nick walked upstairs with a cup of coffee, and my rug rats followed close behind.  They all snuggled into bed with me, and I soaked them up like the sun.  Nick and the kids played some games on the Wii while I sipped my coffee, a kid tucked under each arm.  That's when I knew I was being ridiculous for wanting to travel back in time, for even a moment.  My thirties have been far better than my twenties so far, and I'm only one year in.  I snuggled my babies up closer, and thanked my lucky stars that I was in that exact place at that exact time, and yes, even that exact age.  My beautiful babies make it all worth it.

A Day Just For Me

The kids were in school today, and although it is usually my day to work in the shop, Nick got it covered so that he could treat me to a special post-mother's day, pre-birthday day of relaxation.  He offered me several choices, and I picked floating down the river, with a little fishing thrown in.  I left Nick to arrange the details and get our gear together, and took the kids to school.  We needed two cars at the river, so I drove down by myself to meet Nick.  After ten minutes in the car without the kids, I realized I was still humming along with Sesame Street.  I quickly switched it off, shaking my head in disbelief.  I really needed this day.

When I caught up with Nick, we left my car at the take out, and drove up river with the boat.  We got it in the river, and pushed off.  I settled in, ready for some gentle drifting, but we hadn't gone far when Nick told me to get ready to cast.  I don't get to fish much any more, and I was a bit rusty.  But after a few casts, it started to come back to me.  With my husband guiding me, it wasn't long before I landed the first fish of the day, a really nice rainbow trout.  After that I began to loosen up, and unwind.  We continued to head down the river, fishing and talking.  We got into some great small-mouth bass water, and I caught a couple.  I was having a blast.  It was a beautiful day, and I was feeling nostalgic for past fishing trips we had taken together, when life was a little simpler.

Just as I was starting to get really hungry, Nick pulled the boat over to a grassy beach.  He hurriedly unloaded a bunch of stuff off the boat, and before I knew it, he had a beautiful picnic of all my favorite appetizers spread out, complete with a bottle of wine.  We sat under the shade of some willows, and leisurely nibbled on cheese stuffed olives, meats, and cheeses.  I felt thoroughly spoiled, and perfectly happy.  After a long lunch, we headed back down the river, catching more fish as we went.  By the time we pulled the boat out of the water, I was completely decompressed, and exhausted in the best possible way.  When I arrived at school to pick the kids up my pant legs were still wet, and I was still happy.  It was an absolutely perfect day, one that I needed badly.  My husband earned some major points for the beautiful day on the river he planned just for me.

Beautiful Behavior

Today was the dreaded grocery shopping day.  We were out of everything, and I had no choice but to take the kids with me.  My list was way too long, and the store was way too busy.  I knew it was going to be a disaster.  I loaded the kids into one of the giant carts with the car in the front, so they could drive while I shopped.  People jumped out of the way as we came barrelling down the aisles, and I just tried not to run anyone over. 

Much too often, when in this situation, the kids get on each other's nerves, and screaming ensues before we make it to the check out.  Today, by some miracle, they were great.  They were telling each other funny stories, and giggling up a storm.  Almost every time I looked down at them, their heads were pressed together conspiratorially, and they were in their own world.  The good mood lasted all the way out into the parking lot, and they got in the car with happy smiling faces.  I unloaded the car, and to their delight, announced we were going to the video store to rent a movie.  Beautiful behavior deserves a beautiful reward.