Gratitude Edition:June 2014

Flexible days. Finishing up work. Leaving the office. Summer vacation begins.

Emails to friends. Time to be. Beld family. Colleen. Lisa. Table heart to hearts. Families joining together. Garage moment with M and B. Conversations with Tami. Encouragement when we least expect it. Time together. Books on tape. Playgrounds near hotels. Being with G on his birthday. Celebrating as a family. Headphones. Coffee. Packing up. Smoothies. Books on tape. Tired kids. Lying on the deck reading. Cassandra. Vander. 12 years with Micah. Rain. A nap. Park visits. Lots of time outside. A garden that is growing. M and G at the splash pad for the first time. Car naps. Park visits. Air conditioning. Nice hotel rooms. Slam poetry. A large bed. Adoption camp. Taking a break. Donuts. Coming home.

Adoption Camp

We've spent the past few days at adoption camp and I think it is safe to say the kids had a blast.

12 Years

Twelve years ago today I married my best friend. On that day, I never would've imagined that our lives would encompass all that they do now. The past year has been difficult and has stretched us to our limits, has brought us to our knees, has made us question our strength to make it through another day. Although I do not necessarily want to walk this difficult road again, I am so thankful that through it all I have been reminded over and over how fortunate I am to be married to Micah. He has seen me at my worst and carried me through some of my darkest days and for that I will be forever grateful. 

Celebrating the best way we know how given the circumstances, Moscow Mules, Toaster Strudels and a movie. Here's to another 12 years!

Lander Adventures

 I had to travel to Lander for work this week and I couldn't bear the thought of leaving my family behind - especially since it was the week of G's birthday. Thankfully they were willing to tag along and occupy themselves with some hiking while I spent the day working. 

Happy Birthday G!

One year ago, we lit a candle honoring G on his birthday and spent the day missing him terribly. This year we lit three candles, covered him in kisses and spent the day celebrating the life of our youngest babe. Love you G and am so grateful to be your mama.

Investing in Their Health

With the weather warming up more each day, we are spending more and more time outside. The kids have enjoyed a few hikes already this summer, but they continue to amaze me with the joy that bubbles up within them each time we leave the pavement behind and plant our feet on the soil.

“Time in nature is not leisure time; it's an essential investment in our children's health (and also, by the way, in our own).” 
― Richard Louv, Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder

Hands-On Learning

Micah went fishing yesterday and today the kids took part in a little science lesson. There were lots of squeals and scrunched up noses from the littles. 

Home

We took a drive today and headed up into the mountains for a hike. It was a beautiful way to spend our afternoon: spending time outside, seeing my kids breathe deeply again as they take off running to explore, gaining a few moments of silence, catching a few glimpses of my husband as he wanders through the trees. These moments bring me a strong sense of peace and an enormous amount of gratitude. 

As we were heading back into town the song "Home" was playing on the radio. Maybe it was the magic of the afternoon. Maybe it was the two semesters of studying music therapy kicking in, but I suddenly found myself weeping as I listened to the lyrics and realized that this song was actually offering words to my unspoken prayers over the past five months as we navigate life with the three babes. We have been attempting to navigate our way through this uncharted territory that has been full of moments when each one of us is paralyzed with fear from some "demon" that is rising up within us. Those moments rarely come with a clear direction as to what we should be doing next, so more often then not we hunker down and try to wrap our arms around each other, as walls are torn down and trust in family hopefully becomes a little easier to hold onto. 

"Home" Phillip Phillips

Hold on, to me as we go
As we roll down this unfamiliar road
And although this wave (wave) is stringing us along
Just know you're not alone
Cause I'm gonna make this place your home

Settle down, it'll all be clear
Don't pay no mind to the demons
They fill you with fear
The trouble it might drag you down
You get lost, you can always be found

Just know you're not alone
Cause I'm gonna make this place your home

Ooo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo. Oo-oo-oo-oo [x2]
Aaa-aa-aa-aa-aa-aa-aa. Aa-aa-aa-aaaaaa [x4]

Settle down, it'll all be clear
Don't pay no mind to the demons
They fill you with fear
The trouble it might drag you down
If you get lost, you can always be found

Just know you're not alone
Cause I'm gonna make this place your home

Ooo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo. Ao-oo-oo-oo [x4]
Aaa-aa-aa-aa-aa-aa-aa. Aa-aa-aa-aaaaaa [x4]