Tincture of Time

I love pictures.

I can get lost in the photos of the kiddos when they were littler. I remember the day, the smells, the way I felt just that minute the picture was snapped. Usually very different than I feel the day I look at those sweet faces and remember it wasn't that long ago, but boy how they are growing up and slipping just a little bit further out of my grasp.

But in the moment, there are power struggles, impatience and exasperation. It's the tincture of time - one my favorite doctor prescribed me the day I sat in the hospital waiting room desperately trying to nurse baby Katie and not so much enjoying the moment - that replaces all the struggling with the sweet memories and the longing to have that day back again, just for a minute. To squeeze the soft little body and kiss those gigantic cheeks.

So, I will try every day to live in those sweet moments. Even when they are maybe not going the way I wish they would. Because we can't go back, right?

Random Sweetness

Love

What should we do while mom cooks dinner...

Before and After

So I am approaching 40.

Peri menopause has set in...I know from the hot flashes, not from the foul mood. There has been quite a bit of reflecting going on for me lately. Looking back, looking forward, looking at today. What have I done, have I done what I should (not always), do I do what I need to...why am I still going to school, why is this taking me so long. Am I a good mother, friend, wife, sister, daughter? Some days yes, some no. I feel a little muddled up. Where is the time going? Where are the sweet babies that were so little? They grow up so fast. Some days I am so sad and some days I want to celebrate. Is that normal even? Hm.

Here are some pictures that reflect what's been on my mind. If only digital photos went back further, but you know...Before and after...

October is here!

Biology has mama very busy and a little (a lot) stressed. But we still have some time for fun!

Miss Kate had her very first field trip to the apple orchard. We took a wagon hay ride, visited the chickens and horses, and had apples with her friends.

There may have been a little bit of pink hair dye one weekend...(Darker than expected, by the way, but it will wash out someday)

Then there was Halloween decorating. Rach was not as unhappy as she looks in this shot!

Fancy footwork Kate trying on her costume (Abby Cadaby)

And last but not least...Mr. October! Rachel's first snowman of the season last night. Katie says his name is Eddie.

Happy October!

A New Post for Mom

Oh, it's been quite a while. So long that my mom said she was worried that I don't have any good things happening anymore. See, I have so many important, interesting blog posts rattling around in my head and just have not taken the time to get them out. So I just avoid my blog and pop around from favorite blog to favorite blog looking for some inspiration. Kind of in a funk you could say. But! Here are some things making me smile these days...

Fall Soccer Games

First Day of Preschool
Mister Camel

Monkey on a Tire Swing

Sheep Love

Goat Friends

Pretty Giraffes

Upside Down Bird Faces

Climbing on Frogs

Swing so High I Touch the Sky!