Water bottle season

It's Friday evening, 7:45. As our routine usually goes this is about the time E brushes her teeth, picks up her blankie and goes to bed. But I look outside and it's still light out. How in the world will E go to sleep when she doesn't think it's na-night time? The days are getting longer. Spring is finally here.

Luckily E's room has shades and curtains. Her body is definitely ready for bed. I see all the signs for sleep; including a big yawn. So it's a battle with the tooth brush, a frantic search for her blankie and off to bed. She's out like a light by 8:05.


7:45 AM

The first thing I hear before I even realize I am awake is small chitter chatter coming from E's room. I force open my tired eyes, all though this is technically sleeping in for me, and go to get E out of her crib. She's laying out her belly with her arms propping up her head. She's talking to Elmo and Pooh Bear who are sitting across the room. When did she get so big?

I grab her a morning snack and get to work on the kitchen. E is watching The Magic School Bus. R and M are still fast asleep. As I am standing at the sink washing the dishes that wouldn't fit in the dishwasher I realize there are FOUR water bottles sitting on the counters and in the sink. I almost forgot about all these colorful things. Spring is finally here. The days of filling water bottles for soccer games, trips to the park and hours of fun outdoors is here. Cheers to water bottle season.

Smoothies and Soccer!

Try: To take time for myself. Make: Something healthy. Do: Something as a family.

I decided I'd like to leave Tuesday's writings a bit more broad than I originally planned. One of my intentions for dedicating a category to each day is to organize my writings. However, there are so many things I want to share. So I will keep Tuesday: Try. Make. Do. But apply it to my week and the current happenings in The Miller's lives because The Plain Side is about us.

TRY:

Today is the first official day of taking time for myself. I finally asked for a couple hours for "me time," every Tuesday. My first idea was to escape downtown to a coffee shop, grab a mocha, cozy up in a comfortable spot and write, crochet or read. But, today I just couldn't leave my family. Obviously finally bring you a new blog entry shows I have somewhat escaped for some time for me. Ryan and Edee are folding laundry, playing with a choo choo train and listening to Sesame Street sing with celebrities. Even though my living room is now a beautiful disaster of toys and half folded clothes this is just right for me. Thank you Ryan, for allowing time for the other things that are important to me and letting me take time for myself.

Action shot!

MAKE:

On Sunday my mother-in-law brought us a bunch of frozen blueberries so Ryan decided to throw them in the blender with bananas, orange juice and vanilla yogurt. Smoothies are one thing our whole family really likes: even Edee. I have yet to try green smoothies with spinach or kale, etc. I like the idea of getting all of my vegetables in one glass but have yet to get over the idea of drinking it. Smoothies are perfect when making something healthy.

Half crawl, half walk.

Future Ball Player

DO:

While Maddi was with us all last week, by the way it was great, we ventured to the Imagination Station and The Y to get some fresh air. Dad and Big Sis were treated with new tennis shoes a few days before and were dying to give them a go on the soccer field. Ryan has also been wanting to jump start Maddi's soccer season this year. While he coached Maddi on kicking and throwing Edee and I played in the grass. She was particularly content with watching the soccer secrets being told, which couldn't have made me happier. She is no longer leery of pokey grass so we practiced taking steps too.
The weather was just perfect for doing something as a family.

Keep Loving.

Sunshine and Soccer

When we first moved to our new place on Clovernook, even though it was only a couple blocks down the street from our old apartment, I couldn't remember where the street was. Then I noticed a bright yellow street sign with a picture of two kids on a teeter totter and I really liked it. It is now my sign to turn home. And I love it. It almost resembles our life now. Our life with children; fun, playful, bright. 

Our new place is also yellow, with a little white fence lining the front (tiny) porch. It reminds me of the country. That "picture perfect" house you drive passed and gaze at longingly, thinking how charming. It reminds me that life is what you want it to be, that all though there is clutter on the counters, baby toys scattered on the floor, it's imperfect. But just right for us. I remind myself these too are signs. Signs that we enjoyed breakfast together before a day apart and that we like to play and have fun. 

Yesterday, Edee and I sat in the green grass at Maddi's soccer practice. Edee had just woken up from a nap and her sleepy, angelic eyes peered out from under her white hat at all the kids learning more about the sport. She is the epitome of innocence, amazed at touching the pokey grass and hiding from the dazzling sunshine. Edee is so gentle, loving and sweet. Her innocence reminds me to relax, take a deep breathe. Because even though allergies are upon us, we are still healthy and lucky to have these warm moments together. 

I don't want to miss a single moment to cherish life. 

Keep Loving.