Valentines Day Luv

The day is grooving! Things are getting checked off the list, everyone is happy, and the I'm feeling the luv.

Maybe it was the start of it? Valentines surprises for everyone when they got to the table? Maybe the routine and vigor I stirred up? Maybe because my cold is finally losing the battle and my head has stopped bounding, and I can think clearly for the 1st time in a week....

she wanted crackers soooo bad!!

Last year....o, last year.....I was sad. Goran had thought maybe we were to old, or maybe I didn't care. He feels its such a gimmick to get people to buy....so....he did nothing. I was upset and hurt. It brought back those days in high school, the other girls with flowers, and chocolates, and teddy bears...and I was empty handed. I didn't have anyone to share the Valentines traditions with, and it hurt.

So now I do. And last year I was hurt all over again. Yes, yes, I know. Your thinking, "How many boxes of chocolates or roses, that die anyways, does she need?" It's not that. Its not the flowers, its not the roses, or teddy bears, or even the gifts! Its being thought of, and being treated a little bit extra special, because someone luvs me THAT much. To marry me, have babies with me, put up with me, share their life with me and promise to do this till the day I die.

But today, today was different. He thought of me!! Getting up this morning, tired and groggy, stretching into my exercise clothes, I slipped quietly down the stairs so not to wake the baby. I spied the table out of the corner of my eye to make sure the kids surprises were there. I slowed and stopped. A pink envelope was at my spot.

I'm a sap. A complete and udder sap. My eyes pooled with tears, and the biggest grin every spread across my face. I slip into my chair to read my card and just felt the rush of emotions. He thought of me. He took a moment in the last few days to think of me, pick it up, and even left it on the table. That is all it took, and he made my day.

I hope that someone makes you feel special today!

Growth, a Birthday, and Monday Check In

We won a big battle last week. My husband and I. We battle against each other, with each other, for each other, and finally when we came together, spoke words from the heart and the tears poured down our faces, and we won the battle together. The path was clear. It was hard to get there. But on the other side the sun shone waiting for us, people there encouraging us, and we rose hands together, stronger then before.

The battle we fought is not the important part. The important part is that once we came together to fight it, we won it.

And we grew. In ourselves as people, and together as a couple.


O My Luv.

happy birthday Hunny

He had a birthday this weekend. I hope it was memorable for him. I hope he felt special. I hope he knows how much he is luved. By me and each one of our children. I don't know if he realizes, but our world revolves around his comings and goings from our home. He is just simply part of what makes this family what it is.

Growth - as I come out of this illness, cold induced fog, it seems to me they have all grown a ton over the past 2 weeks.

Taking the leader the roll to read a story.

Finding the quiet time she needs to do something she luvs.

A hair cut making him seem so grown up.

he says to me, "Mom I looked in the mirror and I look different"

Oh and this weest one of mine, pointing and answering with her humming, and sighn, and "uh hu" so we know what she means.

o the big girl shoes

My check in today was good. I worked out well last week despite the cold and illness dragging me down. Maybe not as much as I had set out too, but I can feel my body strengthening, and my endurance building. Every day but Saturday, so really I did great working it in to my daily life as mom, and teacher and wife. I ate well sticking to points 'mostly' with the exception of Goran's birthday party Saturday night. I'm upping veggies and continuing homemade baked goods instead of packaged. I made a great granola bar last week!
So I was down (drum roll) 2lb today!! I was happy to see a change in the scale after 2 weeks of a small up and then a small down. Although I was very determined I admit I was a bit discouraged at the slow weight loss over those 2 weeks. But I also know that weight loss tents to work in a cycle, and for most women, in a monthly cycle. So I'm guessing that I will likely continue this process of losing for 2 weeks and maintaining for 2 weeks.  I've been at this for 6 weeks, and down a total of 7.6lb. Which is just over 1lb a week, which is the recommended weight loss to maintain long term weight loss. I'm good with that. I just need to remember that the 2 slow weeks when I want to eat a batch of cookies and a bag of potato chips ;)

I will do this. One pound at a time.

No pic of me this week, but next week I will make sure!!

Hope you weekend was wonderful, and your week is better!

Thankful

1. For Peek-a-boo

2. Funny faces, because they don't like Halls

3. Wet pants that mean someone is peeing enough

4. Crayon hearts

5. Tears that bring us closer

6. Snowmen

7. Hugs from the oldest wee one after a long week of battling this stupid cold that will not let up

8. Quiet times

9. The Bible's words of comfort,

Romans 8:28:  And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

{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.

 inspired by SouleMama

 

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

And They Craft

Its a favorite winter past time. Glue, markers, crayons, fun foam, tissue paper, scissors...the list goes on and on. The sit for hours, filling coloring books, making cards, and drawing pictures.

Sometimes for themselves, for each other, for extended family, and for friends. We go threw paper faster then food!

I watch and listen. They share, and help, and co-operate together.

"Can you please pass the glue?"

"Can I have the scissors when you are done?"

"Like this Klara, watch me."

"I can help you, Bryan."

Accepting. Right now, today, in this moment, the simpleness of what they have together. The friendships and bonds that will last a life time. The memories of time around the table.

I am reminding myself that this is what is important.

Accepting that right now is all we have, and right now they are great children. They make me smile, and make me proud. They make me question, make me cry, make me try harder and make me do better.

Craft away my wee ones. Help, and teach, and work together, to remind me that where we are is a good place. And the accepting that is the best I can do for us.

Happy Wednesday!

Monday Monday

O, the sun shines, the kitchen is well on its way, we are all healthy (do sniffles count?) and a great visit is planned for today. Its beautiful and wonderful. The raw, pureness of joy. Its here. My soul sings, the kids smile and laugh. 

As the morning tics on and I have only a few minutes here and there to quickly jot down my thoughts.

Last week was long as Klara continued to struggle with aftermath effects of the flu. Although the kids and I recovered in a day, Goran was the last to get it, and it took him longer to recover. Because Klara's small body is having such a hard time we got some milk from a friend, and I started fenugreek to build my own supply again. We were definitely on the way to weening, but being up during the night crying, and the low pees, I knew she needed me to do something. She in on the mend again, playing, peeing and sleeping mostly threw the night again. The healing power of mothers milk!

The weekend was a whirlwind! The kitchen made great progress as my mom and dad came for the day.

While the men worked, my mom and a I entertained the kids. A trip to the mall, a walk in the fantastic weather , and a snuggle up with popcorn and a movie to end the afternoon.

Sunday was more quiet, but Goran continued with the kitchen, and the kids and I took advantage of the weather again with long trips/walks outside in the sunshine.

green grass in February

The day has passed, and the the sun has dipped away. Street lights lightemed my way home, with 2 sleeping quietly, and 2 anticipating getting home, where Daddy and warm beds waits.

We went off to visit one of my besties today. Helping. Watching children, wiping tears, giving hugs, sharing my thoughts, listening, drying dishes, and rounding up kids for one last hug. I luv it. I luv the smiles, the giving, and easy sharing. I believe relationships is one of the most meaningful things in this life. Today rang true to that.

Mondays Check In

 I feel great! I put on a pair of pants, and wore them with easy. Jeans I couldn't wear a month ago. My weight went done .4lb. I was hoping for more, but am expecting things to go quickly in the next week or 2 as I continue to work out, and choose healthy things to eat. The working out feels great. Adding an afternoon once or twice a week is great too! The walking with the kids over the weekend felt amazing too! My energy is up and my body feels stronger and more limber then it has in years.

I was going to say 

'self portrait taken with iphone '

but that is quit obvious!

Happy Monday! Hope your day has been fantastic! Stay tuned for the next post in the next few days!

{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.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

inspired by SouleMama