Spring Break and other wonderful things (including turning 40)!

The sun is shining, we all slept well last night and Monday didn't seem so bad after all.  It's hard to return to "normal" after not being normal for awhile, even when normal is pretty great!

Spring Break "16 was a success.  

 We flew out of St. Louis early on St. Patrick's Day and spent a great day with Aunt Mary Ann and Dave.  

The next day was my 40th birthday!  I felt well celebrated the whole day through!  I am really blessed by wonderful family and friends who know exactly how to show me I am loved.  

And part of making me feel loved meant eating pizza for dinner. IN THE MOUNTAINS!  Hernando's  in Winter Park is a winner!

We spent the rest of the week doing awesome things like skiing, ice skating, having snow ball fights, playing Clue, reading, tubing and  being together.  

 There was a blizzard (literally) on our next to last day in Colorado.  It made for an exciting last day.   I was so proud of our girls and what outstanding travelers they were.  It also made me really grateful for Kevin and my dad and Kyra.  We make a really awesome team!!  We had a pretty nerve wracking (but BEAUTIFUl! ) drive to the Denver airport, and had to "sleep" in the Enterprise Car Rental office but we made or 5:30AM flight.  What a great trip!

Voting

We are so lucky to live in a country in which we are able to vote.  I've never understood why people who have this privilege don't.  This morning, after Lucy and I walked Eleanor to school, I cast my vote in the primary election.  It was a perfect, sunny morning and our neighborhood seemed particularly beautiful and friendly.

I voted for Bernie.  Not because I thought he'd win but because that was my conscience. I'm a fan of Bernie, not so much of Hilary but I'll certainly support her for President.  But today, that wasn't my choice.  Today I felt the Bern!

Right here

Nearly a month and nary a post.  I've some catching up to do.  A lot of great tales to tell and memories to keep.  But for now I'll just post this

#faithful

Lucy and I played on the kindergarten playground yesterday while Eleanor did a practice presentation run for the science fair.  This was our first visit to the playground in forever.   I haven't signed Lucy up yet for kindergarten (registration began February 1) and I generally avoid talking about it.  We still have a solid 5 months and I'm not going to rush things.  Sure, I need to register her.  Yes, there will be pre-kindergarten get togethers and lots of excitement as the day grows nearer and nearer.  And I will be joy filled and just as excited as anyone else.  But not quiet yet.  Right now, I'll just enjoy these lingering days when she's all ours and trust that when the day comes my heart will be ready.  I am faithful in my belief that when we give ourselves the time we need, we're ready for our next big steps.

#llook

Daddy Daughter Dance 2012...Lucy was not invited

Tonight Lucy and Kevin are off to the Daddy Daughter Dance.  

#look

I can't wait to hear about all the fun!  When I look at those two my heart just swells. 

 Lucy is just beyond excited about the weekend.  Today we saw Kung Fu Panda 3, tomorrow and Sunday she has birthday parties to attend and Valentine's Day!  5 year old perfection!  

#voice

  I'd forgotten how powerful it can be to have one seemingly insignificant word rolling around in your head all day.  

Voice

Today I 

  wondered about what we think we when see the school bus labeled "School District of Clayton" and the school bus labeled "Normandy School District".  

Voice

 felt inspired by D. who even though I'd brought cupcakes and a craft, said, "won't you first read MY book".  For Christmas I gave him a book.  He brings it every time we meet and asks me to read it.  He's beginning to be able to read it on his own.  Today we made a label on the inside cover that read 

Property of: D.

Voice

listened to Emma explain why she chose one particular cause at her school over two other important causes.  The students are voting to give support to one agency.  She had strong, carefully thought out ideas.

Voice

was really touched by a story Eleanor  recounted about two boys in her class who made sure she was ok when a friend hurt her feelings.

Voice

chuckled when Lucy explained that she attended a pep rally at the high school and it was really loud.  I asked, what was the pep rally for and she responded "Love and Valentines, I guess".

Voice

#voice

Playing cards with your sister on a cold winter afternoon.   Building our voices one day at a time! 

Ash Wednesday

Today marks the beginning of the season of Lent.  I love Lent and have been looking forward to this time of reflection and quiet.  Like last year, I'm going to try to do photo a day  challenge.

#gather

It's snowing this afternoon.  Big, heavy, beautiful snowflakes!   

Lucy has been gathering them up and singing as she goes.  

No complaining about the cold.  No frustration about the white stuff.  

She's happy with exactly what the weather is giving her.    

When the sun shines she laughs at her shadow and is amazed at the sun's power to melt things!   When it rains she sticks out her tongue to catch a drink then jumps in puddles, hoping for a big splash. 

 Wind makes her hair fly and her belly giggle.  

Lucy understands joy.  

She never wastes time waiting for the weather to change.  

40

Look who's 40!

  On Friday night the two of us went to Brasserie for a fantastic dinner to celebrate Kevin's 40th birthday!   We had such a wonderful time talking and laughing and feeling all around thankful for our lives.  Neither of us have any hang ups about turning 40.  Though I still have a couple of months, I feel 40 and that isn't a bad thing.  I'd be in pretty sad shape if I still felt 20.  It would mean I had a real disconnect between my reality and my desire.  

Isn't this the best quote?

"Life's most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?"

Martin Luther King Jr. 

 It reminds me of the power in each of us to make a difference and to serve others.

Happy Marin Luther King, Jr. Day!