{pretty, happy, funny, real} The Back In The Saddle Edition

I feel like I've been playing catch up for the past three months or so, but the truth is it's been more like I've started the race after it's already over.  Does that make any sense? 

Anyway, our Thanksgiving visitors are gone, and I've had a slight lull in activity this week as we prepare for my mom to come visit this weekend.  Tuesday came and I looked around my house (and felt inside my heart) and thought, it's time for the chaos to end!  It's so easy to become discontent when the state of ones home is in disarray. 

And so I've pushed through this week (which is saying alot, considering I'm battling a cold that refuses to relent).  The bedrooms have been cleaned, the bathrooms have been scrubbed, and I've done so much laundry I can't believe my washer is still functioning.  And still this morning I felt that dread.  The dread that comes when I just want to say, "I don't want to!"  Again I dug in my heart and found that what I've been searching for has been here all along.  Contentment.  Peace.  I just needed to open my eyes and look for it.

{pretty}
 

You can't see it yet, but this is Ladybug's quilt I've been working on for, oh, forever.  I wasn't sure at first how it would turn out, but it's actually quite pretty if I do say so myself.  And if you click on the picture you can see that my beginners quilting book tells me that the step I am now on, binding, means, "The End Is Near!"  I can't wait to put this on her bed.

 {happy}

 

There are days where the shear amount of noise in my home makes me second-guess our decision to homeschool.  I tell myself that if I sent my kids to school like everyone else my home would be quiet.  Now the truth is that is partially true, but I'm not sure how much I would like it.  Especially when I glance over during school time and have the grace to see my studious boy quietly doing his math.  Nothing could make this momma happier. 

Also, today I managed to find a moment for a quiet cup of tea...

...and an episode of Pride and Prejudice.  I am very blessed.

 {funny}

 

Ok, so this picture is actually quite cute.  But it's funny that I considered this to be her preschool education for the morning, while her big brother was busy with his work (see above).  She's learning matching, coordination of colors and styles, fine motor development, creativity, and a little bit of science (they are magnetic dress up dolls).  We're a well rounded school.

 {real}

 

This could be in happy too, but I'm putting it in real, just because I have to keep pinching myself to make sure I'm not dreaming.  I have empty laundry baskets!  Hurray!
 

Join Like Mother, Like Daughter for contentment in everyday life!

Happy Birthday Ladybug!

Her birthday was actually on Monday, and we celebrated on Saturday with our family that was in town for Thanksgiving.  I planned on making a chocolate cake, but was burned out with cooking so we just bought an ice cream cake.  I don't think Ladybug cared much.  :)

She is my fairy princess girl.

Make A Joyful Noise

Look who found the musical instruments. 

I Started The Day In A Skirt

...a very pretty skirt with cozy leggings on underneath.  And I wore a black tank with a pretty green sweater over top.  I even fixed my hair.

I was supposed to go to an appointment, and had a babysitter all lined up for the afternoon.  I was looking forward to checking out that eggshell stuff you put on top of a mattress that is not all that soft.  We had school to get to, laundry to catch up on (I feel like I'm ALWAYS catching up on laundry these days), and just a few cleaning tasks to be checked off.  It was going to be a busy day, but I was looking forward to it.  My energy is coming back and I no longer feel like I'm going to throw up constantly.  (Yay for second trimester!)

However, today did not turn out as I expected.  Fritter is recovering from a nasty cold that had us up all Monday night with a colicky bark.  He's doing ok, which is why I was not too concerned about leaving today.  But when I went to pick up Sunflower from the playpen this morning so she could take her nap, my day suddenly turned upside down.  Her breakfast ended up all over the floor (and my skirt and leggings).  We do not have a stitch of carpet in the house, except in the master bedroom, but of course this managed to find it's way all over the area rug.

I suppose it was due for a wash.

Thinking I could still manage to stay on top of things, I cleaned the baby up and made sure she was ok and laid her down.  I cleaned myself up and put on jeans.  I cleaned what I could of the floor up and started yet another load of laundry.  I pulled the rug up and hung it outside where I could spray it down with a hose.

Still feeling like I could somehow do what I wanted to today, I canceled my appointment, canceled the babysitter, and sat down to tackle school with Fritter.  Boy was that painful.  You see, they put him on an oral steroid for his cough.  It works great.  It also makes it harder for him to sit still and focus.  What should have been an hour (or less) of work turned into two and a half.  And we never actually finished everything I wanted to.

Lunch came, I served my two older children PB&J and applesauce, I gave the baby a cracker and some water, and then sent everyone to bed for naps.  Including myself.

The baby woke from her nap earlier than usual with yet another mess.  She got a bath.  I took off my pretty sweater and tied my hair back.

The house is a mess, the school books still are not put away, I have no idea what's for dinner, and there is a giant pile of laundry begging to be folded.  I keep thinking I can somehow salvage the day.  That is only possible if I let go. 

Fritter and Ladybug are playing nicely in the sandbox, and I'm going to beg my husband to move his prayer meeting from our house tonight.  We are ALL going to bed early.

Happy Birthday Fritter!

Do you remember this little guy?

 

No?  Well, how about this guy.  This was around the time I started this little blog here.  (Oh, those cheeks!  That smile!)

Still no?  Ok, how about a more recent picture...

Guess who turns 6 today?  Guess who has become the mother of a big, strapping, six-year-old boy?  Wow.  This boy of mine is smiles, and silliness, and seriousness all rolled into one.  He routinely surprises me with his insight and intellect.  He turns six and I celebrate the beginning of the most challenging and rewarding career I could ever imagine.

Thank you for making me a mama, Fritter!  And happy birthday!

Style According to Ladybug

My almost four year old has a style all her own.  This girl routinely dresses up in plastic jewelry, rose colored sunglasses, straw hats, and purses all varied according to the day.  She can usually be found dancing to her hearts desire to a beat only she can hear (and sometimes she belts it out so we all can hear!)  This is what she wore all morning long while doing chores.  Love!