Safe at home.

It's Monday and surprisingly it was a really good day. Not everything they say about Mondays is true. Work went well and I'm now sitting on my porch while R paints and E runs around with the neighbor kids.

The day wasn't supposed to be this beautiful. We expected low 60s and here it is high 70s at 7PM. Got to love good old Michigan weather. The temperature feels good. There's a storm rolling in and the clouds are moving our way. But for now, I'll sit here and enjoy the laughter of all these kids we're just getting to know. I love that we have neighbor kids.

Tuesday

Work was...well, work and the rest of the day has left me feeling panicked. I felt the need to rush around the house and gather up socks, a shirt and pants E decided she didn't want to wear anymore. My heart beats faster and my chest hurts as I look around at a messy living room and even messier bedroom. Lately I've been feeling like I can't keep up. I don't know why I feel like a panic attach arising in my chest. Maybe it's because I swear the room I just left was clean I turn around and it's not. Or maybe I just need to let it go.

I didn't find time to add to the website design I wanted to work on so badly. By the time I realized what time it was I didn't crochet, draw or play a game with E either. Where did my evening go?

When the day is long and the evening seems even longer I try to remind myself that the tub toys scattered around the tub and 3 washcloths draped over the edge of it are all a sign your kid enjoyed bath time. She's clean too.

I also remind myself that the hair wax, shaving cream, razor and razor cover are signs your husband took the time to shave and cares that he looks professional at his job. (I smile because the little whisker trimmings are no where to be found.)

As I brush my teeth I stare at the pile of laundry and tell myself, "Who cares. Everyone has clean underwear so let it go tonight." Tell yourself that sometime. It feels good. 

As I climb into bed next to a sleepy toddler I am so tired but so thankful too. I did find time to cuddle with my little girl and watched her and daddy be goofy together. That is enough for me today.

As I count my blessing my chest doesn't hurt so bad. I am lucky to be a Mom to her and a wife to R. At the end of the day our beds are warm and were safe in our home, together. 

Keep loving.

Xoxo 

Peace and quiet.

3:45
After a morning of a rambunctious, loud toddler waddling all over the apartment a couple hours of peace and quiet, well, there's nothing better. I even took a nap on the couch. And little missy is still snoozing; which leaves me time to write.

This morning I managed to clean the kitchen and the bedroom rather quickly. R did a bit of tidying up   too; including sweeping and vacuuming. Thanks hubby! Team effort goes a long way. Oh, the mountain of laundry is now only a small peak. How do we manage to fill 3 laundry baskets and a hamper in 1 week? It's the kid I swear. Then again 3 people and 5 days of clothing. 15 outfits, a couple towels, couple pajama sets....yeah it adds up.

I'm awaiting paperwork from our new in-home daycare provider. E starts Monday! Surprisingly, I am not worried. Okay, maybe slightly. Only for nap time. We are done with the bottle officially on Monday. Because, E has never had a bottle at the new place so we will continue with that. Then, R and I have to bite the bullet and continue through the day with NO bottle. I'm more worried about this than leaving her with someone new. She is such a lover it won't take long for her to warm up to her new sitter. I'm most excited for her to make little friends.

..I hear "uh-oh, uh-oh" coming from the little's bedroom.

5:30
Surprisingly enough it is already 5:30. Time flies on the weekends (and everyday). I think I might try to get a few rows done on my current crochet project. I haven't crocheted all week. Then I'd like to read from my library book for at least 20 minutes. I figure, this will be my treat for accomplishing all of the house work.

I hope everyone is enjoying your weekend.

Keep Loving.

Snowed in Monday.

I cleaned the kitchen twice today, which included loading the dishwasher. I picked up toys scattered all over the living room floor three times today. I researched daycares, in home daycares and nanny's. Plus filled out a mile long application. I didn't make my bed. Nor did I do laundry. I should've cleaned the bathroom, vacuumed and swept but I didn't.

It's Monday. And I was snowed in with my little girl, while R was snowed in at the mechanics with the car. At one point in time today, in the midst of the messy house and mile long application I almost had a break down. I became overwhelmed with emotions of sending E to someone other than close friends or family. I was MAJORLY stressed out. If your a mommy, you know what I mean. If your a college student compare it to every final exam you've ever taken. If your a server compare it to a full dining room and you have to take every table BY YOUR SELF. Get the picture?

Anyways.

The day didn't stay this way. R returned home and came to my rescue when he walked through the door. He got the perfect amount of groceries while he was gone; including a gallon of milk I didn't ask for. A+ babe! And we talked, talked, talked. It could have been a stressful day...

But, R has bread baking in the oven.

I found time to paint (and have a glass of wine).

I have a potential in-home daycare provider to meet this week.

And, I cuddled with this girl today.

Life is good.

Keep loving. 

Bittersweet good byes

I have no better word to describe today than bittersweet. I can't really say I like the word but rather that there is such a word to perfectly describe a feeling, event or situation like today.

I had to say goodbye to my co-workers or, better yet, friends I've worked with for the last 9 months. They've really been great to me. I have a special place in my heart for one person in particular. We laughed, talked, listened and confided in each other with everything. She really understood me. I'll miss her laughter, advice and sweet personality the most.

It's just bittersweet. They understand I'm moving on and that it is just something I have to do. And I'm thankful they understand. But, its not easy saying good bye. Luckily, I know where to find them and can always go visit.

So, next week is the official start of 8:30-5:00, 5 days a week. I'm looking forward to a schedule as I know it will be good for all of us, as well as weekends off. I've always considered myself a morning person, thankfully; the alarm sounding at 6:45 would be much harder to wake up to if I weren't.

I'm looking forward to learning a lot, which is also a good thing because I know I have A LOT to learn. Meeting an entirely different group of people will be interesting as well. I'll have to somehow figure out how to juggle the house work and every day chores, as well as writing my blog and setting aside time for family and me time. This could get challenging!

I'm up to the challenge. I have confidence in myself and my family for the journey ahead. We are endouring many changes but we know its for the best and will bring us that much closer to our goals.

Keep loving.

What are the small things in your life?

Hot coffee with two small pours of flavored cream; this morning it is mocha flavor, in one of my favorite mugs. My idea of a perfect cup of Joe. A perfect way to start a Wednesday with my little lady. As she wobbles around on her little feet, carrying around the case to my tablet; she is highly interested in anything that wasn't meant to be a toy, I sip my chocolate coffee and marvel my blessings.

All though, I woke up with a weird pounding in my head this morning at 7 AM, much earlier than I hoped to be awake, the headache didn't last long and I was able to slip back under the covers with R and E just a little bit longer. Finding the warm spot next to them and nuzzling in a little closer is a feelings I'm fondest of. Nothing beats pulling those covers up to my chin and taking one more peek at my family dreaming away before I nod off.

A week flies by and there are days I feel we spend more time apart than together. Today, is one of the days of the week when we will have an evening together. It's these evenings I say, no chores, no obligations, let's just play and enjoy ourselves. I am looking forward to it. After tonight it is 3 days of even less time together as I have to work in the evening. Until Sunday. And I'm looking forward to that too.

When I step back and take a look at the big picture, at what is most important, it is then I come to realize the small things are what really matters. It's the small things, some of which we take for granted, that make up the big picture.

What are the small things in your life?

Keep loving.

Crazy, Busy, drive all over God's green Earth day.

Whatever Wacky Wednesday seems to fit perfectly for today. It's usually my crazy, busy, drive all over God's green Earth day but this week Ryan is taking vacation time so their wasn't as much running for me. However, the crazy and busy part still seems to apply. 

As I've said before I love my schedule and my routine. Well, this week is NOT a routine week at all. We started off the week by camping (I'll be sure to write about our fun filled 2 day camp trip) and the rest is history. Maybe we are all stuck in vacation mode, even though not everyone in the house has the week off. 

I can't seem to catch up and get back on track. I'm loving a change of pace but I can't seem to find a spare minute in my day to relax, write or even pee. I've been doing dishes, chasing after Edee, folding the endless truck loads of laundry and, and, and....

Can I pretty please just...sleep?....

On a more positive note:

Maddi is staying with us all week. It has been great so far. She always wants to know: What are we doing today? What is the weather going to be like? What should I wear? She makes her bed every morning and didn't complain once about taking a shower tonight. I'm proud of her good habits and positive attitude. Today we even made a chore list; followed by a wish list. She is saving her money earned for a sewing machine first. I love that she likes to go go go; like her Dad. They both (and Edee) keep me going.

Speaking of go, go, go: Edee is almost walking. She now stands up from a sitting position and then claps. She knows she is doing something good, especially when we all get very excited and clap too. She will also take 2-3 steps before she leans in any random direction. I give her a couple days and watch out world!

This weekend will prove to be another busy couple days. One of Ryan's close friends is getting married and Ryan is a part of the wedding party. Rehearsal dinner, wedding and reception all take place Friday and Saturday. It should be a beautiful occasion. I'm looking forward to seeing Adam marry his sweet fiancé Erica.


Keep your eyes open for camping trip details and photos.
And keep loving.