Thankful on Thursday

OK, honest, I was just sitting here thinking, what should I do? And then "Oh crap, its thankful on Thursday"!

So I'm blogging my thankful list.......

Thinking hard this week, as Goran has just gone back to work after a week off, and getting back to routines been difficult. Missing him, being so disconnected at the end of the day, the kids missing him, clambering over each other for his attention; all of these things have been hard.

I've taken a few pics that going through made me smile. The smiles on faces, and helpful hands, fresh veggies all cooked up remind me. (I'm thankful for pictures ;)

1. fresh veggies, grilled, baked, and cooked!

tune melts with fresh tomato slices...

tomatoes thrown in a pot, cooked up, some spices, pasta...was it good!!!

2. spilled milk....

.....that has got her feeding herself!!

they grow so so fast...

3. my friends kids,

 that play with, teach and entertain my little ones!

That is all for today. Tomorrow my friends and kids are coming over, and I thankful for that. And my hubby and I are going out for dinner. I am thankful for being able to connect, just him and I over dinner. Tomorrow. 

What are you thankful for this week?

9 Years

Happy Anniversary My Luv!

9 years ago

I feel so blessed,

To call you my husband

For all the we have made together,

All that we are, 

and all that I am because you are part of my life. 

today's surprize

promises from 9 years ago - still standing true today!

I love you Goran.

Monday Memories - August 8 2011

This is a quicky.

Friday was a great day. I joined my mom and 2 nieces for a day at the beach. I regret I never brought the camera out. We spent hours on the beach, children splashing in calm water, cousins building castles together, and my momma and I wading, and talking. I wish I could develop the pictures in my mind!
Just as we were getting ready to head up, my dad and my hunny showed up! We potlucked supper. The men eating and talking around the Coleman stove, mom cutting melon in the trailer, and all  the kids took turns pushing Klara in the stroller (even Bryan). We ended the evening with a walk on a quiet beach, sun setting, children laughing, running and wading, holding up their skirts to keep them dry accept Bryan, who just  walked in :) Once we got back to camp, we sat around the a cheery fire, faces glowing. Children eating smores, cousins sharing laps and baby asleep at the breast. Finally the time came, loading kids into the van, hugs, waves, and a chorus of goodbyes followed us as we drove towards home.

The weekend was a strange one, with misunderstandings, and hard feelings, but all seemed to work out by the end.

Today everyone slipped into the routine of Daddy at work, the extra little girls coming in the door easily. It was peaceful and quiet. They played, swam, rode bikes and everyone was helpful. It was goodness.

Pics I've taken today that reminds me of good things about the weekend.

making hats for my girls - and Bryan needs to get in on the camera action!

She wanted a ruffle to be like Laura Ingalls.

Graces's was a bit different without a ruffle, and one piece sewn up and folded. Super easy, super cute!

Klara's was the same style as Graces. The more I do, the better it comes out, and the faster I get!

I picked out the heart shaped buttons just for her!

camping chairs for the big 3, with luv from Nana and Paka. (Bryan's foot....)

I'm posting this late. My mom is spending the night and we slipped out after the babies were in bed to see Harry Potter (my third time). Making these memories with my mom, being with her, I feel blessed. It was a secret that she was coming. She had promised the kids a sleepover 'sometime', and the looks on their faces when she was at the door! I had just put the baby to bed, and even she hollered at being left out.

Tomorrow Goran and I celebrate 9 years of marriage. 9 years ago I made my vows to him. Some days have been struggles, but I am so so so happy for that day and the promises we made to each other. I am truly blessed to have him as my husband.

Any memories you want to share from the weekend, or blessing in you life you are truly thankful for?

I long for my bed now and the comforts it brings. Sleeping baby breathing softly, and hubby slipping his arm around me in his sleep - blessings.

{this moment}

A Friday ritual. inspired by Soulemama

A single photo  – capturing a moment from the week.

A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Thankful on Thursday

So much to be thankful for this week. Goran has had the week off. I was worried. I didn't know how it would go. But, its gone so so well. We have gone on day trips, and stayed home. We have worked together to make outings fun, and children co-operate and gotten work around the house done.

Goran is outside cooking up burgers for supper. I can here the kids in the back yard calling to each other, and Angelina talking to her Tutu. I am nursing the baby to sleep, and reflecting on the good. The good that we have, that we have made, and that we are. We're not perfect, but we are us, and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Its easy to think of and write a list a mile long today. But for the sake of time, and being together, I'm keeping it short and simple.

We went to the zoo with friends today. It was a great trip. There was lots to see, animals to pet, a show to watch, and  feathers to buy.....But it wasn't the zoo that made the day. It was the kids happiness, watching new friendships evolve, being supported by my husband in so so so many ways, and reconnecting and confirming existing friendships. It was packing lunch, (sandwiches, water, cookies, oh! something healthy...carrots and cucumber...) filling the cooler, and making sure I had diapers and the beloved camera. Eating that lunch under the shade of a tree with those friends, sharing and laughing and helping one another pour drinks, pass the carrots, and sharing homemade cookies.  Driving home at the end of the day, listening to the kids laugh about the bird that said hello, and the goats that ate the paper bag. That is what its all about.

And now, without further ado: 

I'm thankful for

1. him. All he is in my life, all he brings, and all we have together.

2. a trip to the zoo that has allowed new friendship to be planted, and other friendships to bloom....

when we've been together in the past, they are like 2 ships passing through. today it just clicked.

2 amazing women in my life and a photo capturing a moment in time I will cherish forever (thanx Goran)

amazing crew!!

3. for quiet afternoons to get the creative juices flowing.

 

 

 

a sunbonnet in the making

As I sit down to finish this post, supper has been eaten, kids have rode around the block with momma, been tucked into bed, and hubby has cleaned up the dishes. The house is quiet, and breaths of sleep.

One more thing to be thankful for.

What are you thankful for this week?

Monday Memories, August 1, 2011

It was a busy day. Goran is off for the week so we have planned some day trips, and some days at home relaxing. But today was a busy one. We were off to local pioneer village for an ice cream festival. We rushed around like crazy to get out of the house with enough water to keep cool, replace a car seat, buckle up the kids, lock the doors and off we went. We went through the village and it was hot hot hot! (I don't know how those people did it dressed from head to toe in the costumes!) We closed the place with ice cream cones, and settled into the cool van for the ride home.

After a busy day like that kids are tired. Home, super, dishes, bath, and walk/bike ride. Whew. I make sure fans are on, and windows open. I kiss sweaty heads, and lay light sheets on their resting bodies. Eyes flutter, and chests rise and fall in rhythm. I hear little girls giggling....Peeking into darkened bedrooms I see sleeping tiny people, tuckered out, and peaceful.

Memories for the week. Our biggest I think was Grace riding her bike. Its been a big thing. Well over a month ago we took of the training wheels, and practice, practice, practice. Bribing. Yes, I promise her the playmobil pool she was eyeing, if she would just....

Saturday, she is balancing her bike, guiding with her feet.

"I think we should go and buy the pool today," says the little girl.

"All you have to do is put the feet on the peddles and go sweetie," momma says back.

"Ok, are u watching?"

And she goes. Feet on the peddles and biking down the street.

Go Babe' go!!!

My garden gave up a bit more this week :)

'the harvest' my hubby called it

And the kids on the train with Pappa today.

he wants to drive a train some day....

And after visiting the village, Angelina would now like a old fashion sun bonnet. I guess I'll be doing some sewing this week!!

{this moment}

{this moment} 

A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. -Soulemama