{ pretty, happy, funny, real }

Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life.

 

Every Thursday, at Like Mother, Like Daughter.

 

 

{ pretty }

 

 

Kiki has one of the prettiest noses I've ever seen xo

 

 

{ happy }

 

Our six little chicks finally got to spend some time out of doors; pecking, scratching, and soaking up some of that gorgeous sunshine that we had yesterday. It has been a long time coming, that elusive sun. I'm looking forward to many more sunshiny days ahead.....and I bet they are, too!

 

Our little Sprout. She's become such a happy little bugger. Now that her teeth are starting to poke through her days are quite a bit more manageable. The poor lass, she's on the cusp of 11 months and has only 3 teeth. Her siblings each had a full mouth of teeth by now. She's very proud of the ones she's got, that's for sure!

 

Although she isn't beaming with smiles, I know for sure this little heart is as happy as happy could be. This soft, little bundle of love makes my Charlotte so happy. Little Lionheart brings much happiness to our hearts, he doesn't even need to try.

 

This is how Kiki spends her days. Barely awake and she has a chick in her arms and sings to them, rocks them, pets them. I'm not sure Kiki can imagine her life without a baby chick in it! Her days revolve around theirs. Our little chicken whisperer.

 

 

{ funny }

 

Kiki's hair this morning upon waking. I don't think I've ever seen hair so unruly! We were in stitches and she couldn't believe what had happened to her hair overnight.

 

 

{ real }

 

We've begun incubating some of our chickens eggs in an attempt to hatch out a few of our own. We've never experienced this and I'm so eager to have our children experience the miracle of a chick hatching from it's egg. It's such a beautiful process (I've only ever seen through pictures).

 

Our little homestead is growing. Our next introduction will hopefully be some Lincoln sheep. I'm eager to have some sheep that have great wool for fiber processing. The sheep we have currently are not breed for their wool so it tends to be short, wispy, and it breaks when you try to spin it. I'll begin cleaning, skirting, and carding some to see if I can make it work, but.....it would just feel so nice to have wool that is meant to be worked. Dreams!

 

 

{ pretty, happy, funny, real }

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life.

 

Every Thursday, at Like Mother, Like Daughter.

 

 

 

{ pretty }

 

Our new bedroom.
follow the link to learn more :)

 

 

{ happy }

 

This little Sprout has decided she's in the mood to try pulling herself up and try her hand at balancing. While she's not quite crawling (scooting on her belly currently) I'm finding she's at her happiest when she's making my heart jump while attempting to catch her when she tumbles from her various acrobatics......

 

....or when she's got a big sister or two or three to play and laugh with. Seraphina could hear laughter from another room and will bust out laughing. Happiness abounds.

 

 

{ funny }

 

Our local theatre had it's open auditions this past weekend. Bella (our 11 year old) tried out and so Charlotte (our 5 year old) thought she'd toss her name in the ring(both are pictured above, the two girls on the left). She was the youngest one there to try out, which consisted of: singing a song with accompaniment in front of a panel of pretty intimidating faces AND learning a dance routine (not geared for the beginner dancer) in about 10 minutes. By golly, that little lass kept up and followed directions and sang her little heart out. She danced like NO ONE was watching and at times threw in a little improv! It was spectacular and kinda funny!

 

Another bit of funny this week is as we were unearthing what would soon be our new bedroom (link above in {pretty} ) I discovered our old baby names book. I promptly looked up Seraphina as we didn't us a book to find name ideas for her, hers just came to us. I was shocked. Deeply. Her name, in Hebrew, (as you can see) translates to burning. You might recall, if you've read it elsewhere, that Seraphina suffers from monthly fevers of unknown origin. Every month since December (September, really, but those fevers were identified with illness) she has suffered from high fevers, going as high as 105*. We've been in and out of the hospital, appointments with specialists, labs after labs. Thankfully, her body seems to be perfectly healthy. The fact that she has fully embodied her Hebrew name well, I'm OK with that.

 

 

{ real }

 

It's lambing season. So far we have four little lambs with the promise of more on the way.

{ pretty, happy, funny, real }

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life ~

Every Thursday, at Like Mother, Like Daughter

{ pretty }
 

 

Even though we'll miss the cherry blossoms (ironically, we're usually too late!!) the magnolias are sure putting on a show for us! They are breathtaking.

 

I was treated to a tour of the monuments at nighttime. The scene is totally different. Yes, there are fewer people but the reverence, the quiet, the energy. It's all different. The quiet lends itself to more thought provoking images. The shadows stir up mystery and your mind wanders through the history and experience of it all.  This photo was taken while standing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. A friend of mine had shared with me that this spot is one of her favorite man made spots to see at night, and now I know why.

 

 

 

We experienced so many beautiful sights, one of my all time favorites is the ones that show love shared. If I know one thing for sure, our vessels have been overflowing with love and gratitude for the family we are visiting here in DC. It's beautiful, selfless, enduring, and strong.

 

{ happy }

 

 

 

 

Kiki has been experiencing many facets of joy this past week. She has especially enjoyed being carried around, for miles, all over Washington, DC. Whether in the arms of Aunt Claire or in the Ergo on my back, this little lover, her arms and snuggles warmed me up even when the coldest winds were whipping around us.

 

This is Kiki's "neighborhooding" look. She had places to be and people to see.

 

Charlotte was chosen to be a contestant in a "game show" at the White House Easter Egg Roll. She won this adorable puppet and couldn't have been happier.

 

Happiness has come to us in many forms this week. Simply goofing off in the backseat of the car with my big kids proved to be a hilarious moment. Connecting with them is getting more and more challenging as their needs change, I'm always so grateful when a moment organically brings itself to us and we can just exist together, in joy and happiness and have fun!

 

{ funny }

 

 

This is a photo of my brother in law, Cameron, and my husband, Lee. The creation of this photo had the dining room roaring in laughter. Their faces matching perfectly, their hair lines, the eyebrows, the shape of their mouths. Genetics are truly amazing!

 

 

Charlotte thought putting Seri in the box would be funny, and she was right!

 

{ real }

 

The one thing that is truly real this week are the connections made and the bonds built between us all. The love is palpable. We are all so truly blessed.

 

 

Uncle Cam teaching Bella how to play Heart and Soul

 

Grandma Sally helping Bella and Charlotte prepare for the Easter Egg Roll

 

Aunt Claire, she is a Saint and can do no wrong in the eyes of the children.....and me.

 

Our second night in DC, when the rest of the family arrived, turned into an all out family jam session, complete with music, dancing, drumming, singing, and laughing. I was below the joy, holding our baby while she fell asleep but I experienced every bit of the happiness. It was truly a wonderful moment.

 

Another thing I know for sure is there is nothing more real than family.

{ pretty, happy, funny, real }

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life ~

Every Thursday, at Like Mother, Like Daughter

{pretty}

 

The first of our spring time flowers have begun to peek there pretty little blossoms this week. I've been desperate for some joy as it has been a sad time in our home (more about that below).As I was driving around aimlessly the other day I saw these lovely gifts off the side of the road. I just had to stop and take in their beauty and express my gratitude for their existence and snap this picture. The crocus, the flower of St. Valentine, is also associated with joy and merriment, devotion, and love. All of which are entirely appropriate for this season of my life.

 

{ happy }

 

We're on vacation this week. We get away every couple of years or so and by the time things fall into place well enough for us to actually pull off an excursion, our vessels are in desperate need of refilling/refreshing. It's always a rocky start, this time in particular (again, you'll find out why below). Emotions ran high, we were all fragile and raw. By the time we left, it was past dinner time and we had 6 hours to go before we reached the half way point of our trip. Needless to say, the joy and merriment :) that we each felt to have simply left our sadness behind was well worth the immense amount of frantic preparations and scurrying about to simply make it out the door at all. We're happy to be in the midst of dear ones who we love and who bring so much joy to our hearts. Healing will be well underway in their company.

 

{ funny }

 

 

This photo speaks for itself :)

 

{ real }

 

This is a photo of me and my pup of 11 years. Rosco passed away on Tuesday. Sadly, we had to intervene. I never imagined that would have been something I would ever have to do, but, it was. It was an amazingly powerful day. I could get into all the details of the whys and hows and what brought us to the point of no return, but really, there's no point. The only thing that matters is that his passing was truly beautiful. He came to me at a mere 4 months old via a pit bull rescue group. He needed a lot of immediate care and I was more than willing to give it to him. In return, he was the man of my house for many years. He was the guardian and protector of my children and me. He would stay awake at night and keep guard and then sleep most days to be ready for the children in the afternoon. He loved walks in the woods and mountains. He didn't fancy water much but would tolerate our insatiable need for the river and creeks around our home. He traveled to Block Island and Kentucky many times and  to NYC  on a weekly/bi-weekly basis for many years. Rosco won over the hearts of my parents. my father in particular. He called him Waldo because we were always asking "Where's Rosco?" because at my folks he could go and go between creeks and meadows and wander to his heart's content. His life meant so much to our little pack. Even as he aged and withdrew more and more, his sheer existence meant we were whole. Over the last few years he didn't travel anymore, he didn't spend his days wandering. He spent them in loving devotion to simply being present, for us. He chose to continue his life based on love alone. I have so many beautiful images of him now; his fur is clean and shiny and full, his smile is big and his eyes are bright.

 

This song came to me out of nowhere this last week. I was immediately drawn to it without really knowing the words. My 5 year old wanted to hear it over and over, and so we listened. When Rosco passed, all of a sudden, the words clicked. I highlighted the parts that really resonated with me quite deeply. Part of the images I have are of him sitting in a meadow, looking my way, waiting. Just waiting, for me. And I believe he will be.......

 

 

Well, I came home
Like a stone
And I fell heavy into your armsThese days of darkness
Which we've known
Will blow away with this new sun
But I'll kneel down,
Wait for now
And I'll kneel down,
Know my ground

And I will wait, I will wait for you
And I will wait, I will wait for you

So break my step
And relent
Well, you forgave and I won't forgetKnow what we've seen
And him with less
Now in some way shake the excess
'Cause I will wait, I will wait for you
And I will wait, I will wait for you
And I will wait, I will wait for you
And I will wait, I will wait for you

Now I'll be bold
As well as strong
And use my head alongside my heart
So tame my flesh
And fix my eyes
A tethered mind freed from the lies

And I'll kneel down,
Wait for now
I'll kneel down,
Know my ground

Raise my hands
Paint my spirit gold
And bow my head
Keep my heart slow
'Cause I will wait, I will wait for you
And I will wait, I will wait for you
And I will wait, I will wait for you
And I will wait, I will wait for you  

{ pretty, happy, funny, real }

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life ~

Every Thursday, at Like Mother, Like Daughter

 

{ pretty}

 

 

Pysanky eggs. They are so pretty. For the past few years we've really delved deep into creating pysanky eggs. Kiki and Seri are still too young(they participate along side us in other ways) but Charlotte and the big kids love it. It's very meditative and when we're all sitting at the table, candles burning and the aroma of hot beeswax fills the air one can't help but fall into the reverence.....the quiet prayerful state. With each stroke of the kistka, with each design created, there is meaning beyond our knowing.

 

{ happy }

 

This little bean....her little love lights up our lives in so many ways. It's her smile that strikes deep, and those piercing blue eyes. She's got a direct shot to our heartstrings. Seraphina's new favorite spot is in the backpack. I was unsure of how she'd do looking forward from behind as opposed to snuggled in front by our hearts but, so long as she's bundled and slathered in peet and lavender oil, she seems to do fine. She is our HSP (highly sensitive person) so a lot goes into making sure she is protected on every level imaginable, even for something as simple as going to the grocery. All of that aside, this little lass is one happy little bugger.

 

{ funny }

 

Charlotte has been big into babywearing lately. I was calling and calling her for breakfast one morning and finally, after like the fourth time, I wandered in and discovered what she was up to! As I snapped the picture she was calling back "Hold on, Mama! I'm trying to tie my Moby!"

 

{ real }

 

It's really Spring. We've been having an assortment of visitors to our bird feeders over the past week or so. This is our first visit from the Titmouse. Aren't they sweet?! I could stand at that window all day and watch the busyness of it all.

 

"Spring has returned. The Earth is like a child that knows poems." ~ Rainer Maria Rilke

 

{ pretty, happy, funny, real }

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life ~

Every Thursday, at Like Mother, Like Daughter

 

 

{ pretty }

 

The other day we took our three youngest on a journey in the car. It turned out to be a lot longer than we had anticipated and  the results were not what we had hoped. Everyone got a bit cranky here and there, my husband was bummed and wished that he'd prepared a bit better  before we'd left (we went on a 1 1/2 hour journey to check out a new car that was sold when we got there and didn't call ahead. Oops. He never imagined that the place we were going to was as big and as busy as it turned out to be, turning over 500 cars a month!!! Country Bumpkins out to car shop is a quite a comical event!) Nonetheless, it made for a very long day. As we returned back to our neck of the woods and while playing a game of "I'm thinking of an animal...." Kiki exclaims with much glee "LOOK! A RAINBOW!!" We look out her side of the car and lo' and behold.....the most beautiful rainbow I had ever seen in my life, ever! This is no exaggeration. Each and every color was so vivid and vibrant. It made a perfect semi-circle across the horizon, so  big I couldn't even try to fit it in a picture.

 

 

We just had to let the littles out to take a closer look. If only I could have bottled up their squeals and smiles. It was the perfect ending to a very long day.

 

Of course we had to let them play in the puddles, too!

 

{happy}

 

Oh, this baby. Little Seraphina is giving us a run for our money. She may be the cutest little thing but boy does she have a temper.....goes with her fiery, feverish personality I suppose. With that mind, she very much dislikes taking baths or getting wet. She'll begin to cry even if I come near her with a wet wash cloth. Well, I have to clean her somehow, so every couple of days, after I've built up the fortitude, I'll pop her in the tubby with the littles. Charlotte is really great about trying to distract her and keep her from crying. Usually to no avail but not this time. I plopped her in Charlotte's lap and she started to fuss but then......she stopped! She started to grab toys and splash and smile, even! It was the strangest, most beautiful moment. We'll see how it goes next time :)

 

{ funny }

 

This picture was taken on the same day as the rainbow photos.  After the rainbow began to vanish we all felt like celebrating. We thought it was a grand idea to splurge on an ice cream cake. Kiki saw this bunny shaped one and just had to have it and made the announcement that it was her birthday. We all giggled and promised we would go home and put some rainbow candles on the cake and sing "Happy Birthday" and celebrate. We celebrated how life can shift in just a matter of moments and we honored the fact that everyday is a birthday, full of newness and grace.

 

{ real }

 

 

It doesn't get any more real! I am a Mama to all 5 of this amazing souls. They each came through me with a unique and special gift. They are my greatest teachers, the wisest of wise, and honest. Gosh, are they honest and they call me on every little thing.  I am so grateful for this realness in my life because sometimes the moments shared with them are the only real moments I have in a day.  

{ pretty, happy, funny, real }

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life ~

 

Every Thursday, on Like Mother, Like Daughter

 

{pretty}

 

 

My husband and I are coming up on 10 years together. We're going through a specific season of less compatibility so when our local flower shop's delivery truck pulled up to our house on Valentine's Day, my heart skipped a beat. I was sure it was a mistake because in all our years together he has never sent me flowers on Valentine's Day; and I'm so glad. When I saw these flowers, they took my breath away. My hands shook and my children couldn't understand that if I was so happy, why would I be crying?! I'm sure you all understand......these moments happen so rarely anymore. I've been focusing on the "seasons of life" a LOT lately, trying to justify how and a marriage that once was so peaceful, beautiful, fun, and admirable had become so worn and daunting and at such a quick pace. We love each other, this much we know. Right now, well, we just don't like each other. It's hard to be OK with that but alas......at the end of the day, if we can't speak to nicely to each other, at least we can say "I love you".

 

{happy}

 

 

 

This past weekend was magical. We had family in from DC and boy, they sure know how to inject happiness and joy in a home that has been struggling to create their own. This table saw hours and hours of D&D prep, arts and crafts, games, long chats, lots of food, laughter, and happiness. It couldn't have been more perfect. Those few days pulled me out of my inner slump and helped direct my inner focus for Lent. As always, it's a work in progress.....

 

Homemade pretzels are always happy. We make them every Lent and it just worked out that it was the perfect time to share the experience with our family from out of town.

 

{funny}

 

This isn't the best picture in the world but I was desperately trying to capture this moment before being beckoned to the nursery where the baby kept waking from all the laughter. Our home is rather small (approx. 1000 sq. ft.). Our living room space is about 8'x15' and we somehow fit 9 adults and 6 kids in for a seriously hysterical game of, well.....I don't remember. It was a made up game but all I know is that there was SO MUCH LAUGHTER!!! I spent a majority of the time listening from afar as I worked on keeping our baby to sleep......the laughter that echoed down the hall was so purifying. It warmed my heart so deeply......

 

{real}

 

What is very real this week is that our eldest has turned 13. We have officially entered the teenage years. For a long time it was just me and him. We were buddies, I was young, we went everywhere together. I very rarely left him with anyone, unless I had to work. My son, my first true love......he never ceases to amaze me with his grace and nobility. He is so stinkin' smart!! He pushes me when I don't dare be pushed but in the end, I've always learned something. He is my greatest teacher. He reminds me of my better self and who I am really meant to be. He is my snuggler, my personal comedian, my taster in the kitchen. I've thanked my God above every night since he was born for having him come to me because in all honesty, his life saved mine.

{ pretty, happy, funny, real }

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life ~

Every Thursday at Like Mother, Like Daughter

 

{pretty}

 

 

My sweet husband came home early from work the other day on account of rain so he was able to join in on the Valentine making frenzy. The littles and I were haphazardly water coloring our little pieces of paper, he tried that for a bit but couldn't contain the wellspring of inspiration. Any bit of artistic expression opens the flood gates within him and allows him to address his inner peace that feels oppressed from the outside. He's calm, quiet, reverent.  He has this unabashed love and ease of painting; grace, beauty, freedom, dreams, they all come through all of his paintings. He will chuckle when he sees this and say it's not his best work nor did he truly put in any effort......but what I see is his dream of peace and balance.....I see his inner beauty. 

 

{happy}

 

 

This piano is one of the great loves of my life. It was a find on Freecycle and I couldn't have been more shocked when it was offered to me! I've played the piano since I was 5 years old, albeit not as well or as much as you might think. It takes me forever to learn a new piece and when I'm allowed a moment to play (like the one in the photo, which was the first time I sat down to play in over 2 years!) I'll play the same song from my memory. It's soothing, it's contentment, it's pure joy. When I sit down to play I silently thank my Mother for pushing me to play all those years I wanted to give it up.

 

{funny}

 

 

KiKi is funny. There are no two bones about it. She cracks us up at every turn with her goofy smiles, silly antics, and her ability to just be amazingly joyful, gleeful....with much zeal. Since she was a baby the snow NOT something that brought her any joy, to say the very least. She absolutely detested walking in it, feeling it, and sledding in it. She did get rather excited to see it from the inside of the house, however, and watching it falling from a window inside is a bit more romantic, no? Well, this past week we  got a little over a foot of snow and she was bound and determined to get out there and play in it, like she is every year until she realizes how much she dislikes it. Well, to our surprise, as I stood closely by waiting for her to run back into my arms to carry her inside, she instead began laughing and shrieking and whooping and cheering for all the snow and how much FUN the snow was. She jumped right in and planted her face in a big pile of snow and ate it up and rolled in it and buried herself in it. Her daddy and I laughed and laughed.....our little bird. She's just so darn funny!!

 

{real}

 

I think this quote about says it all. It is very real and I'm working hard everyday to follow suit. I've had a bit of a sharp tongue lately.......I worry that my children will remember this time and only see how grumpy Mom had been. I know that's not usually the case, but I worry nonetheless. I'd much rather have more beautiful silence than all the arguing and sleep deprivation induced snarkiness.....this is the mantra I hold close to my heart right now.  This powerful little reminder brings me much contentment right now, as well as those around me :)