Birthday Pie

Strawberry Rhubarb Birthday Pie for Uncle Jon

Gratitude Edition:May 2014

Coffee. Impromptu meet up with Shelly. A walk to calm down. Heart to heart with Micah. Help in the morning. Date with Micah. Walk. Crowbar for lunch. Warm weather. Book wisdom. Learning from those that have gone before. Reminder to just carry my own load. Day with Bruce and Lavon. Coffee with Lavon. Jon. Tigist. Mula. People to play with kids. Snow day. Books to get lost in. A whole week off! Relaxing. Playing with the kids. Not worrying about work. Colleen. Conference with Micah (and Mark). Reminders that it is okay to parent differently. Love. Hugs. Colleen - how did we get so lucky? Nap time to work. Park time. Shelly. Cloud 9 work meetings. Resolution. Crib building with Beth. More knowledge. Laughter. Park time. Micah here in the morning. Perogies. Sleeping in. Hike with Becky. Outside time. Park time. Lisa. Late night visits. Good music. Sunny weather. Breakfast with the gals. Mimosas. Bike ride. Park time. Laura and Emmy. Jamilla. Dinner to go. Music to dance to. Sunflowers from Micah. Park snacks. Dinner on the grill. Corn on the cob. Notes from Jr. High students. Last day of school. Celebrating M - how is my baby a 2nd grader? Jon. Dinner with the 'uncles' Strawberry rhubarb pie. Reclaiming summer.

Warm Weather....Finally

Reflecting

A little over a year ago these two had wedged their way into my heart and changed the course of life as I knew it. So much has changed as a result of them entering into our lives - and I know that had they not made their way to me, I would still be living in those same deep ruts of comfort in routine and convenience (and let's be honest - selfishness). My children are teaching me so much about myself and challenging me to face those ugly sides that have hung around all these years in the back of my closet. 

Pondering

I wish we could all stop looking to the horizon for beauty and find it near us, all around us, profoundly close to us in the hearts and faces we meet each day.

I wish my heart would never stop softening, never tire of breaking, never quit believing for one second that every human matters.

All we need is more love.

The good news? We grow it the same way we grow peas and peppers.
We grow it by planting it.

~Flower Patch Farmgirl

Reading Graduation

I can't believe that we are nearing the end of school - even more than that, I can't believe how grown up my first babe is becoming! 

Mother's Day Storm

1. What is something Ena always says to you?

I love you.

2. What makes Ena happy?

Cuddling with me and respectful people

3. What makes Ena sad?

When no one cuddles with her and people are disrespectful.

4. What makes Ena laugh?

When G and I are silly.

5. What was Ena like when she was little?

Probably loved icecream. 

6. How old is Ena?

33

7. How tall is Ena?

5 feet

8. What is Ena's favorite thing to do?

Cuddling with me. 

9. What does Ena do when you are not around?

She cries because she misses me. 

10. What is Ena really good at?

Tennis

11. What is Ena not very good at?

Football

12. What does Ena do for her job?

ELL and some notebook thing

13. What is Ena's favorite food?

Pizza

14. What makes you proud of Ena?

When she finally does good in football

15. If Ena was a cartoon character, who would she be?

Hmm, maybe the mom from Sid the Science Kid

16. Where is Ena's favorite place to go?

Papa Johns

17. What do you and Ena do together?

Cuddle. 

18. How are you and Ena the same?

We both like cuddling

19. How are you and Ena different?

We are from different places

20. How do you know Ena loves you?

She came to Ethiopia to get me - her son

A First - Smores