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!  

Hiking

Yesterday in the late afternoon we went on our New Year hike.  When we returned home everyone was happy and refreshed and a hot pot of taco soup was waiting for us, which made us even happier.  I wish we would remember to make space for hiking more often.

This morning I got out of bed at 7:22 for a 7:30 run.  We've been staying up late, late, late, which means getting up late, late, late.   Tomorrow is going to hurt. But we can do hard things, and tomorrow and probably Tuesday and maybe even Wednesday--they're gonna be hard!

We went to the 10:45 service, which is always busy, but this morning (Resolutions!) it was even more packed than usual, which means we ended up in the balcony.  I have trouble paying attention when we sit up there, my mind keeps drifting to the balcony collapsing under all that weight.  I have a new notebook and pen though and Matt suggested list makers would love this sermon (hey, that's me!) so I took notes and wasn't distracted (much) by my fear of falling through the ceiling.  After communion I went to the bathroom and barged in on some poor lady.  I apologized and then hid in the stall next to her until I was sure she was gone, not wanting to face her again.  Upon returning to my seat, there she was, turns out she was sitting in front of me, that was awkward!  I sure hope she wasn't visiting for the first time--first the balcony, then the bathroom!

Even though tomorrow will be bumpy, with having to wake up and get dressed, I'm ready for a great first week of January!

Eleanor is 10!

10 years ago sweet girl joined our family!  What a delight she is.

 10 things about Eleanor-

1.) She is kind and thoughtful and is always thinking about other people and their feelings.

2.) She loves to laugh.

3.) She is brilliant and especially loves logic and writing.

4.) She is honest and true to herself and has an amazing sense of what is truly good.

5.) She is loving and makes sure that her friends and family feel special.

6.) She enjoys cooking and looking for great recipes.  And really loves Pinterest!

7.) She is happy with being a quiet soul even in a very loud world.   

8.) She works to see the best in every situation and in every person.

9.) She is a planner and loves a list.

10.) She wants to be an interior designer some day, she enjoys design and fashion so I'm sure she'd be great!  I think she would make the most incredible teacher :) but I know whatever she does she will do it amazingly well and with grace and a heart that will make the world a better place to live.  That's just the kind of person she is, always leaving things a little better than she found them.

Happy Birthday, Eleanor! We love you like crazy! You are such a gift!