What will today bring? I wonder...

I wonder what today will bring. Already plans to go to a pumpkin farm have been scratched. Schooling still needs to be done, and then the game plan is to kidnap Papa from work, and take him to lunch. I love when days seem to civerge from the usual - most of the time. Today is one of those days.

It's rainy and cold - blustery even. The perfect day for hot cocoa as Pook informs me. Squeak, well, she's just happy today. Which, considering she's been off the last few days, I'm enjoying that laughter and smiles that have been missed.

It's an eventful day... a different day.

What will today hold for you? I wonder...

Focusing on Fall

The last two weekends, we've had the opportunity to be together as a family. An apple butter festival, movies with popcorn, cuddle and snuggle time... it's been wonderful. It's also been eye opening. We've made some delicious meals "from scratch". We've been reading Mary Poppins to Pook. This week, we plan on going to a pumpkin patch/kid's day at a farm with the kiddos.

I am enjoying this time with my family. I am enjoying the homecooked meals, taking the time to bake and make them. I'm even enjoying doing laundry and cleaning - being aware and taking my time and being aware of the actions.

There are many thoughts in my head at the moment. How can I apply this to my life? So many other people run around from activity to activity, seemingly exhausted. I've heard the reasons, "I don't want to miss anything." "I want to do as much as I can before I die." "I need to make the most of my time." " I need to make sure that my kid's education is covered in all areas." "I want A, B, C for my kid - they need it." Etc. All of these are valid reasons. And of course, there are those souls with multiple kiddos, and multiple activities, and my hat goes off to you! (You know who you are.)

I haven't gotten to that point yet. One day, that might be me. I do not know what the future knows. What I do know, is that I'm enjoying the slowness right now. I am enjoying taking my time with things. I even want to make time to incorporate healthy eating. And that will mean rearranging things, between Pook's schooling, my work, and watching Squeak.

I'm thinking though, those moments of calm and slowness amidst the day might just be good things. We shall see.

Autumnal Gratitudes

I sit here in the quiet of the morning, listening to the hum of the washing machine in the basement, and the refrigerator. It's chilly, and my children are sleeping. I've been able to enjoy a hot cup of chai uninterrupted, exercise, and work.

It is Friday, and I am always grateful for Fridays, and this one in particular. Pook has worked hard with her schooling this week, so today is light. And, if all goes well, it will open up an afternoon of play - Halloween movies, popcorn, and relaxation.

And yet, I find myself debating... shouldn't I use my time to clean out the closet? Or the kitchen? Or... Not today. Yes, those things need to be done. However, today, I'm choosing to create some special moments with some special kiddos. And that will just have to do.

It's Autumn

It's chilly today... you can feel it in the house. It's been overcast all day... adding to the feeling of autumnal bliss. My youngest is sleeping, and my eldest is entertaining herself. It's been another day that has not gone quite as planned, and it's okay. I'm getting quite adept at going with the flow. I think as a mother (or parent in general), that is your best best.

Both kiddos were up at 5:30am, so I had to tweak my routine. I'm itching to get rid of things again. Hubby says that it's because it's autumn, and I'm always wanting to purge at this time of year. He's right.

I did manage to get some of the house clean today, amidst the schooling and working (that I should be doing now). There are a few things I've found to purge, and I'm wondering just how long I will be able to go before I end up letting myself just go at it.

There are so many things in this house that are unused, or not kept in a convenient place. And, when you have two or more little ones (two-legged or four), everything having a place where the parental units can find things makes life much easier.

It's also brought to light some mental things that are in needing of purging as well.

In any case, once the toddler wakes, Pook and I are planning on snuggling up with some Halloween DVDs... maybe even popcorn. We'll see. It's that kind of day. I'm rather hoping tomorrow is too... Pook doesn't have much school to do... and I've found some neat rainbox yarn that she's asked me to crochet into a scarf. Lovely.

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.