pictures from the patch

Saturday November 16, 2013.

Big Deal  -

We were trying to look as cool as the other families and act as if visiting the college that she wants to attend was no big deal.  As much as I wanted to, I didn't succeed.  I snapped this picture from my phone; I wanted to document this day, just as I have documented other firsts in her life.  Because the truth is - cool or not, getting ready to send our first born out into the world is a big deal.  

78/365

Sunday November 17, 2013.
Almost Done -

"There is a light at the end of the tunnel, but the way out is through"

79/365

Monday November 18, 2013.
Ordinary Gratitude -
I'm taking Brene Brown's e course based on her book "The Gifts of Imperfection."  This week I was reminded of something that I know very well: those who are truly joyful practice gratitude.
This truth of the universe isn't the reason that I started the blog, but it is the reason I continue it. Documenting and musing on the very ordinary, sometimes messy, moments of my life brings not just external happiness to me but a surge of warmth to my soul.

With that in mind, this week I've posted a slew of pictures.  Ordinary moments of gratitude and joy.

For a long time I wanted to be a teacher.  I'm pretty sure this dream was mostly because of the colored chalk.  Each day when I fill out our family command center I feel very teacher-like.

I sent the Granny Smith apple back and forth for a week.  It was obvious that he wasn't going to eat it even though it was his special request.

Let me introduce you to The Mayor.  He is the balloon unicorn that Josh and Kenzie ordered online for Charlie's birthday.  The Mayor is huge, and you never know where he will show up.

Josh was pretty happy that his laptop finally came in.  We were pretty happy how he advocated for himself.

Charlie proudly reading us his rock star report card.  Way to go Little Man.

Tuesday November 19, 2013.
More Random Bits of Joy -
This is the kind of picture that I love.  This is my ordinary.  Kenzie coached Charlie on the art of omelet making.

Wednesday November 20, 2013.
MORE Small Things That Make Me Smile -
The heater element in our dryer broke this week, so I had to get creative.

Family Dinners are always an event; this one was especially sweet because it was the first Wednesday that Kenzie has had off since she started working at the pharmacy.

Thursday November 21, 2013.
Headbutt -
Sam wasn't too pleased that Charlie left him to watch videos with his Dad.  

Friday November 22, 2013.

Take it Easy Boys -

PD days are lazy days.  Enjoy.