Wombats

 This little one cannot get enough of Little Wombats.  I cannot get enough of watching her fall in love with books. <3

"Old-Fashioned"

The girls spent much of their day today playing 'Old-Fashioned". Only I suppose you could call them "Modern Old-Fashioned" girls, as they have non-working remote controls in their pockets for play cell phones. Always an adventure...

Pick your battles

The kids needed a wiggle break, so I told them to take Anna-Kate with them, run to the apple tree and back. The apple tree is about the half way point of our 30 acre backyard. I told them by the time they got back, lunch would be on the table.  This was a day that the sun was shining, but it was NOT warm enough for the snow to melt.

Audra left dressed in a coat, mittens, hat and bog boots. Apparently she stripped all her winter gear at the apple tree, piled it on Anna-Kate and in her words, she 'ran like the wind' back, tugging Anna-Kate behind her.  She claims that as long as she was running fast enough, the snow wasn't 'that cold'.

There are some battles not worth fighting.  And sometimes I just have no words.

Handmade Advent Calendar

 I took down the Christmas decorations the day after Christmas, but just put away our new advent calendar.  Do you see those tiny little cross stitched ornaments. They were stitched just for me. I've been saying for years that I wanted to make a hand stitched advent calendar.  Now I don't have to. I love this one so.  Thank you. <3

Thrifted

 Books, paper weaving kit, stars, potholder thingy, a whole pile of farm embroidery. $4.00

Craft kits. Soccer ball. LL Bean bag, a wooden ladle, woodland fabric.  $4.00.

Another Year

Easier to read version: "To Jackie, From Audra. I love you. I do not know how you do it all. I love how you are so kind and giving. I love you. Your loving daughter, Audra. PS. You are the best mom. I hope you have the best birthday ever."

So it happened, I celebrated my 39th.  It started with a morning walk before sunup, pancakes for the littles, notes of appreciation, books, and more books. Midmorning I realized I forgot to drink the coffee I brewed.  Coffee with lunch, then a trip to the library, a dip in the pool, a spin through the local thrift shop. Home to find fun birthday mail (thank you!) and make some seafood as a birthday treat. My dear husband called and said he was close to Walmart and I could have whatever I wanted from there for my birthday if I told him what I wanted quickly. I pleaded him to leave the crisco cake there and we'd make a good one the next day. He listened and brought me some yummy dark chocolate home instead, plus guinea pig food. Next, dinner as a family and books before bed. 

Mostly ordinary, yes, but I find such comfort, beauty and love in our ordinary.

Our ordinary wouldn't be complete without wide eyes and a chuckle. Paired with the lovely note above, I received an additional wrapped gift from Audra. The gift contained the exact item she handmade and gave my husband for Christmas.  He unwrapped it just a couple weeks ago, expressed his appreciation for it.  It was unknowingly whisked away from him and regifted to me.  So bad, so sad, dear husband of mine. The homemade potholder is mine now! 

Living the good life, that's for sure.  Thankful for my 39 years.

Llama Llama

 This little one thinks everyday is a good day for Llama Llama.  I love watching her 'read'.