A Broken Spell

The snow, it comes, in big fluffy flakes.  The sky gray and gloomy, the clean white snow a contrasting happy.  It pulls me both ways, into happiness and annoyance all at once.

My daughter looks so cute, all ready for spring.  She is happy and sweet and so full of energy.  And it is the energy that I struggle with.

Her quiet time was unsuccessful with coming in to check on me three times and an episode of spitting in our bed.  The time out, the no TV, does not seem to help.  And feels like a punishment for me while she climbs over the chairs, onto the table, and can not settle down.

She sticks her face in front of mine, excitedly asking "Can we go out in the snow?" and I feel myself, the annoyance rising as she asks again and again and again right in my face.  And then... I laugh.

The laughter spills out, surprising me.  And just like that, the spell is broken.

Her big blue eyes, her wide bright smile, are inches from mine and we are laughing together.

I am happy, and so grateful, because truly that could have gone either way, leaving us both crying or both laughing.

I am glad we are laughing.



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Linking up with Just Write

Project 365 Week 8 - Grandparents, Trains, and a New Project

We were at my in-laws this weekend so the girls could get some quality time with their Grammy and Grampy (and I was fortunate enough to squeeze in a haircut).  I just love when Adam has an extra day off work so our weekend is stretched out a little longer.

And the girls are loving the train set Paige got for Christmas.  They had it out every day this week.

On another note, we have been discussing redoing our upstairs.  Which Adam inadvertently started today.  So I'll leave you with a lovely view of our work in progress.

More to come on this, I'm sure.

A Happy Heart

We are on the couch together, tucked under the blanket.  The quiet of the afternoon settles around us.  She smiles at me, pressing her fingers into my cheeks and asks,

You're happy, Mommy?

For a split second my heart breaks at the idea that she might ask me because she thinks I am unhappy most times.

Yes, Hopey.  I am happy.  Are you?

I'm happy too.

You know what I'm happiest about?  You, Paige, and Daddy.

And yourself.  She points to me.  And I am reminded that I have two little ones who need a positive example of a healthy self-esteem.

And myself, too.

I'm happiest about everybody!  She stretches her arms wide.  The whole world.

I squeeze her near me, my heart warming at her words.  I am filled with my love and her joy.

This is my happy.

How to Remove Pen from a Child's Coat

Step 1:  Let four-year-old use a pen unsupervised.

Step 2:  Notice pen scribbled all over the back of four-year-old's coat and have no idea how long it's been there.

Step 3:  Wait a few weeks.

Step 4:  Finally decide to try to remove the pen.

Step 5:  Spray with Shout. Scrub with toothbrush.

Step 6:  Pour on laundry detergent. Scrub with toothbrush.

Step 7:  Let sit for unknown amount of time.

Step 8:  Wash coat in washing machine.

Step 9:  Hope for the best.

Step 10:  Remove coat and rejoice.  Pen is gone!

Step 11:  Do not allow four-year-old to use pen again.  Until you do.

Step 12:  Repeat all steps.



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Linking up with Parenting by Dummies for Wordful Wednesday.

Will Travel for Good Cut

This past weekend we visited my in-laws.  It was, as it always is, a wonderful weekend and they graciously let us -- most notably their two granddaughters -- take over their home.

Once we officially decided what weekend we were going to be there, I called the local salon for a haircut.

My mother-in-law laughs at me that I (from the Big City) go to small-town Minnesota to get my haircut.  It is rather silly, because there are many more options of places and people to do the job here.

I've gone to the salon by my in-laws probably a total of three times, but each cut has left me satisfied, happy even, with the results.  And the price?  Unbeatable.

I've paid as little as $30 to as much as $60 in the Cities.  Some of which have resulted in duds of haircuts.

A place where I've liked my haircuts consistently and the cost is $15?  Really, I can't go wrong.

I'll forgo the big city and travel to get my haircut every time if I have to.

Because it is totally worth it.  And so am I.

Project 365 Week 7

The week started out a bit rough as we got over being sick and my fatigue caught up with me.  But I happily reflected on the reasons I fell in love with my husband and I regrouped midweek to turn my funk around.  Here is our week in photos.

When I'm not drinking coffee,
I'm enjoying one of these.

Finger nails painted for Valentine's Day.

Admiring the fish at school.

Quiet time in Mommy and Daddy's bed.

Peeking out of the couch fort.

Our new (and fresh) dining table center piece.

Playing on the iPhone
with cousin A.

Some Happy Moments

Today I am taking inspiration from Katie, over at Practical Parenting, and her Project Happy.  I am finding the little moments of happiness in my life this week.  (Yes, even though the week is not over.  I don't think a midweek check-in is a bad thing.)

Lest you think think I am having a breakdown (you know, given a couple of my previous posts -- see here and here), I assure you that even with the hard there are moments of pleasure and joy.

Here are some of our happy moments already this week:

Baking bars with both Hope and Paige.  When I walked in the door from getting a few needed ingredients and told them they both could help me, there was cheering and giggling.  They were filled with so much excitement it was contagious.  The moment was a happy one with measuring, pouring, and just enjoying each other and the memory we were making.

Snuggling on the couch with Hope.  It is not unusual for Hope to want to snuggle, but this felt like such a special moment.  After her quiet time was over (but while Paige was still sleeping) she climbed onto the couch with me and we just lay together.  It felt almost like having a newborn on my chest, although obviously her four-year-old body was nestled next to me, in my arm, with only her head on my chest.  We were quiet and closed our eyes, and when I opened mine her head was tilted up and she was peeking at me.  Definitely happy.

Paige's silly dancing.  Last night after dinner, Adam and I were reassured that Paige is feeling back to her normal self.  She started throwing her hand over her eyes and nose and laughing.  We all were laughing with her when it turned into hand over eyes, jumping repeatedly, and huge belly laughs.  The four of us were laughing so hard there were tears in our eyes.  Another happy moment enjoyed by our entire family.

So the rest of this week, my goal is seek out at least one thing per day that makes me happy.  Whether that be a quiet moment with only a good book, a joyful moment shared with the girls, or a tasty moment with a good cup of coffee or maybe one of our homemade bars.

I encourage you to do the same.  Find and enjoy a Happy Moment too.

Taking a break from helping bake to lick pb off fingers.