Getting Back

I've been away from this space for so long. It's not that I'm worried that my 8 followers missed my posts. Having a blog and posting in it forces a person to do a lot of thinking, reflecting and babbling on about things. And, well, since the name of this blog is "Good Things" I felt like I should remain true to the name and try to just talk about...Good Things.

So, when those little good things start to get buried beneath all those little not-so-good things, sometimes it's easier just to stop thinking about all of it and just get through it. Get it done. Keep moving. Not that I recommend that.

I've been visiting here over the past few days. Just a little at a time. It became a space that I didn't want to peek at, those good times, good days that seemed so far away. I've cried so many tears just looking back and remembering all of them. Wondering where have those happy times gone, look at us...

But, really, I think that was and is the point. That happy times are always here. Sometimes you just have to look a little harder and put on your rosie rosie glasses and maybe squint a little to make them out.

So let's just get back to it then. :)

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!