It's a Strange and Lovely Ride

Friday, September 28, 2012

Project 52:39 {imitation}

thankful for...
imitation

They say imitation is the highest compliment, right? Or something like that...

I stepped out of the room this morning to use the restroom and when I returned, this is the scene I came upon. My daughter, sitting at my usual perch at the kitchen island in front of my work laptop, taking her liberties with my slim fast.

It was hard not to laugh and I'm so glad I had my camera within reach. This girl. She kills me.

This is a great reminder to me that I have such a precious gift in my care. That she's always watching me, taking in what I do and say, how I react and what tone I use. I want to be an example of love and grace and playfulness and kindness to her. She's nearly always with me, so that's quite a responsibility and I don't take it lightly. I pray that I am the best example I can be for her to imitate.

Stinker. :)

*I'm hoping to get caught up on the Project 52 weeks I've missed over the weekend! I'll likely postdate them to keep things in order.

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Thursday, September 20, 2012

Project 52:38 {friends}

thankful for...

friends

It's so much fun watching your little one bond and play with your friends' little ones. I love that she is already forming friendships and gets excited to play with each of them.

When we do prayers at bedtime, I'll often say "Thank you for mommy, thank you for daddy.." etc. And she will always chime in with a few of her friends' names. And sometimes their moms. :)

I'm so thankful for these sweet moments between little people. The interaction, the conversation and facial expressions. I want to bottle it all up.

As an adult, I realize more and more how important our friendships become. I pray she makes good friends- with people who encourage her, lift her up and support her, pray for her and make her laugh. And I pray that she is always a good friend to those around her.

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Wednesday, September 19, 2012

life is good.

Isn't it?

Our family has experienced some rough stuff this year.. I have contemplated sharing some of it, and maybe I still will.. but today? Right now? It doesn't seem so important to dwell on. Those circumstances don't define me or my family or our everyday. And despite them, life is still so good.

I am just feeling thankful. And content. And blessed.

We are so blessed in this life, aren't we? We don't deserve all of the beauty around us, all of the joy, the grace.. all of the wonderful things we take for granted day after day. But here we are.

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It has been a beautiful fall morning. My laptop died on me a few days ago, which has changed the course of my days just a bit. Typically I have it out on the kitchen island most of the day, checking in with work, blogs, email, etc throughout the day when I have a spare moment. And without it, I'm forced to come into our bedroom to sit at the desktop computer (which I'm thankful to have).. which isn't as convenient. But it has definitely made me realize how often I'm on the computer. And while I miss some of the convenience of being able to get a few things done online while Evie is sitting in her chair coloring or reading books on her own, I don't want her earliest memories to be of mom on the computer.

So enjoying these past few days, being more intentional about getting work done when she's sleeping, has been good for me. Our mornings together are a bit more precious, honestly. One less thing to distract me means I focus more on her, stop more often to play, say yes more frequently to requests to go outside. It's been good. She is such a delight to me. I don't want to miss one moment.

Life is good.

Thursday, September 13, 2012

today I ...

... woke up from a dream that I ran into Jessica Simpson in the produce section of Walmart. She was there as publicity for her whole losing the baby weight campaign. I was there for bananas.

... ran for the first time in three months. It felt great.

... hit up my second estate sale this week. I found some awesome stuff and it makes me more and more excited for the next Vintage Market Days event.

... got super excited about the thunderstorm that rolled through this afternoon. I lit a vanilla spice candle to celebrate the occasion.

... started thinking about the upcoming holiday season and all things fall. I just love this time of year!

... noted that my nails need to be cut no less than 13 times. They have yet to be clipped.

... discovered two packages were delivered to our house. Neither one was for me. The nerve.

... spent way too much time on Pinterest. Luckily it was for work, so all that pinning will pay off.

... started and then abandoned a photo book of my bumpdates. Too much pressure.

... snuck some spinach into our meatballs. I swear they tasted better than they ever have.

... got the worst stomachache of my life- about 10 minutes after dinner. Don't try to tell me it was the hidden spinach. I'm giving the side eye to the broccoli for this one.

... think I finally decided on a Halloween costume for my girl.

... have a stack of magazines that I've been saving for a perfect night of lounging and inspiration. Tonight is looking good!

What have you been up to today?

Project 52:37 {date night}

thankful for...

date night

The best self-portrait we could get.

Date nights have become extremely important to us since Evie was born. It may not be anything super fancy, but the chance to get done up and out of the house for adults-only conversation is always welcomed.

And it certainly doesn't hurt to have a hot date! :)

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