Happy October

It's October, and I'm grateful to have a few early morning moments with my eldest. I was even able to make her the perfect dippy egg for breakfast, to complement her toast with butter and hot cocoa. She's confidently chattering away, telling me the stories and discoveries in her little mind. And I am grateful that I am awake and able to focus on her, without feeling bitter for being up so early.

It's cold today - wonderfully brisk. Perhaps we'll get a walk in to the post office. Who knows what today will bring?

Slowing down.

It's the last day of September. We've worked hard this month with homeschooling, working, entertaining visitors, getting through illnesses, dealing with some unexpected information.

I've found myself feeling a bit lost, overwhelmed, and thoughtful as I process the events of the last month, and I realize that it's time to slow down, relish in awareness, nurture myself and family and create some much needed serenity.

As the chill sets in, I've found myself with a desire to walk outdoors, rake leaves, play in the wind. I want to take the time to cook up the garden harvest of brussel sprouts and acorn squash, to cultivate a delectable fall meal from scratch instead of heating up leftovers. I want to make the most of these darkening evenings with my family.

I'm noticing I "want" a lot of things lately, and that I'm looking for "something" to help me feel better - from decluttering, to new clothes - mostly material things. Thus, it's time to quiet down, and focus on what I have and what I'm grateful for.

And perhaps, dear readers, I'll bring you along for the ride.

Quiet and Grief

So much going on in my mind... and not enough clarity to put it into words. Then again, maybe there's too much going on to write about. I have become aware, that some quiet time might be needed, and that maybe, I need to allow myself some time to grieve. My grief stems not from the death of a person, but from some other things that I have lost or have let go of (or in the process of letting go of).

So while I grieve, I am aware that I need to step back, and be quiet, and focus on a few things. I am blessed that I have a brother who loves me, and who I had an amazing weekend with. I am blessed that I get along so well with my dearest SIL - his wife, and my sweet nephew.

I am grateful that I work from home, enabling me to be with my children. I am grateful that I have a home over my head, and that I can live the life I choose. I am grateful for so many things... and this helps my grief.

So quietly I go into autumn... and like the trees letting go of the leaves, it is again time for me to shed a few leaves of my own.

Welcome Autumn

The trees are donning regal colors as the air chills. Golden flowers and leaves dot the landscape, along with lovely reds. Pook is already planning on playing in the leaf piles.

Welcome, welcome!

Dealing with a life storm

"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain."-Vivian Green.

Yesterday, we took our 1YO to the allergist. She still won't eat baby food. She flat out refuses it. She won't put things into her mouth either. At first, we thought it was a texture thing, or that she wasn't ready for food. Turns out it was something more than that.

She's had weird reactions to 2 foods, so we suspected something. Apparently, when a baby refuses food, it could be because it is an allergy, as was the case with our babe.

Things have been working out for us, in a very synchronistic manner. Due to the implementation of a new computer program, we ended up with a different doctor (the other one we happen to like). Turns out, he has a child with food allergies. We ended up going to the allergist he recommended, and ended up getting in yesterday due to a cancellation.

They did the prick test on her back. Her tiny little back was filled with welts - poor babe was even sensitive to the saline. We've discovered that she's extremely allergic to wheat and egg, following comes coconut, rye, oats, and probably barley.

Knowing she had food allergies was daunting, though not nearly as scary as learning how to use an epi-pen, and finding out each one gives you 15 minutes before it wears off. That's 15 - 30 (you usually are prescribed 2) to get your child to the hospital. That was the scary part.

At first, I felt really overwhlemed. Today, I am feeling better about things. I am deciding to be positive about this and look at it in a creative sense.

I get to figure out new recipes, and maybe even do so with a friend. The amount of support I've recieved has been seriously overwhelming in a good way. We've decided to make a positive dietary change for all of us, and try new things.

There is a chance, and the hope, that she'll grow out of this. Until then, we are choosing to make the most of it. It's a good thing we like to dance - when it's dry and in the rain.

Moments 17

I don't think that words are really needed for this:

It's coming...

There is a hint of autumnal chill in the air this morning, and I am soaking it up. Oh, I enjoy and am helping summer to last as long as possible. This morning though, filled me with the excitement of possibilities. Crisp leaves, long walks (without getting so hot), hot tea, lentil soup...

Just this morning, I celebrated with a bowl of howl oatmeal, a fresh peach, and cinnamon, with a chai latte. I soaked it in.

The kids around here have headed back to school, and our home schooling has begun again. There are new adventures in store for us this season. Many visitors, new friends, and new activities.